26 February 2021 Roscommon People

EE

FR

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

www.roscommonpeople.ie ABBEY STREET, ROSCOMMON Tel. (090) 66 34633

advertising@roscommonpeople.ie news@roscommonpeople.ie sport@roscommonpeople.ie 26 February 2021

The Local Paper

VOLUME: 721

TOMMIE KELLY ELECTRICAL

iles and athrooms

Athleague, Roscommon – 090 6663385 ROSCOMMON TOWN – 090 6634465

Golf Links Road, Roscommon (090) 66 37620

WE ARE OPEN

SPRING SALE NOW ON

Call

YOU LEAD, WE’LL FOLLOW! Nicole and Stacey Hayden pictured out for a walk in Castlerea.

Photograph: Mick McCormack.

Frances’

Tel.: 090 6626270 or 087 6500931

Sulphate Of Iron 20kg Covers 650 M.sq.

Roscommon-Galway Constituency

GET A NEW LOOK FOR SPRING 087 6500931 The Square, Roscommon Email: francesfinishingtouches@gmail.com

www.tommiekelly.ie

€13.95

Finishing Touches

Contact Frances on

090 6634465

Vótáil

Wards

Eugene

Murphy

Circular Road, Roscommon town Tel. 090 6626172

Real Solutions for Rural Ireland “I am committed to helping to improve the quality of life for people in rural Ireland which has largely been left behind- we need to build a future where people can live, work and enjoy the many benefits of rural living”

Eugene Murphy No 2: Orla Leyden

Senator

Eugene Murphy

An Ireland Your vaccine is on the wayfor all

ATHLONE Ι MOATE

Constituency Offices:

Elphin Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

Market Square, Roscommon Town Co. Roscommon

LANESBOROUGH Ι GALWAY

Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

Call me  087 435 3834  090 662 5722 anytime ...

MOBILE: Working with your local Fianna Fáil team: Cllr Michael Connolly, Cllr John Cummins, Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice, Cllr John Keogh, 087 1668775 Cllr Orla Leyden, Cllr Marty McDermott, Cllr Joe Murphy

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

 071 963 3000

 eugene.murphy@oireachtas.ie

Finn Electrical Goff Street, Roscommon Tel. 090 66 25573

WE ARE OPEN For essential technology and home appliances call

090 6625573 For Delivery

Learn to drive with

ROSCOMMON DRIVING SCHOOL TELEPHONE: 087 2295551

090 647 8433

www.bccsolicitors.ie

SALIN PLUS SPECIAL OFFER €135 Effective in the relief of: l

Asthma l Bronchitis Allergies l Snoring l Sleep Apnea

Pharmacy

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

Contact our dedicated Medical Negligence Department in

Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors

CASEY’S

Christy Connolly Recovery

ROSCOMMON

CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON

l

McGUINNESS

MEDICAL ACCIDENTS

Kerosene 56.9c per litre Marked Gas Oil 68.9c per litre

NEW Daisy Intense

by Marc Jacob NOW IN STOCK

TEL. 094 9620793 MOB. 086 2505325 / 087 2505325 E: connollychristy@eircom.net

• Approved recyclers of end of life vehicles • Destruction certs issued • 24/7 recovery service available nationwide

Hynes Pharmacy Castle Street, Roscommon.

Tel. (090) 66 34147

02

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

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

Aengus Oates Financial Services Plan your future today

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

info@oates.ie • www.oatesfinancialservices.ie

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

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

090 647 8433

www.bccsolicitors.ie PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

Byrne Carolan Cunningham LLP Solicitors are proud of our significant experience in all aspects of conveyancing transactions. We acknowledge that buying and selling property can be a very stressful time and we aim to guide our clients through the process in a timely manner with competence and ease.

Whether you are an experienced buyer or seller or a first time buyer we can offer you the best advice and expertise regarding your rights and obligations.

Property transactions are inherently complex and we are committed to dedicating the appropriate time and attention which your property transaction deserves. Furthermore, we are equally committed to providing a value for money service and are proud to offer our expert and efficient service at a competitive rate. At the outset of any conveyancing transaction we set out our fee structure in detail ensuring a transparent service thereby allowing clients to budget all legal costs and outlays.

In simple terms conveyancing is the legal process involved in buying, selling, leasing, transferring, mortgaging or re-mortgaging a property. It involves a thorough investigation of the title to a property, preparation of deeds and documents and importantly ensuring that good title passes to the purchaser. Additional formalities must also be attended to including liaising with Revenue Commissioners and Property Registration Authority regarding payment of stamp duty and registration of title.

Byrne Carolan Cunningham LLP Solicitors offer a comprehensive conveyancing service to include: • Purchase of residential property • Sale of residential property • Residential Letting Agreements • Landlord and Tenant matters • Site and Fram Transfers of property • Property related disputes • Advice in relation to the taxation implications of your property transaction

e l p o e WATCHING P With WithPAUL PAULHEALY HEALY

‘I looked in the mirror, and I didn’t like what I saw’ ...

Oh dear…

What’s up, my friend?

Last Thursday, it was such a shock…

Tell me…

Well, I looked in the mirror, and I didn’t like what I saw…

I can imagine…

It was just, I dunno…unpleasant, upsetting…

CYCLING ACCIDENT Oh come on, I was joking! Granted, you’re not a spring chicken any more, but you’re a finewere looking man!

If you involved in a cycling Wha’? accident contact YouByrne don’t Carolan need to be concerned about what you see when Solicitors you look in the mirror…

Cunningham No, not that type of mirror! The Irish Mirror! The newspaper! Micheál gave them an interview! LOCKDOWN ‘TIL MAY, HE SAID! Oh…THAT? Sorry!

(They pause to visualise life before Covid, and an air of melancholy briefly inhabits their normally relatively positive outlook) So, what do you think of it?

Ah, sure those tabloids, they’re all much the same…horses, football, celebrity gossip…

No, not…what do you think of the Irish Mirror! What do you think of what Micheál said! Another TEN WEEKS of lockdown!

I’m not sure if he actually said it! I dunno what to believe these days…it can be very confusing.

Yeah, it’s Leo one day and Micheál the next…and Stephen the next…

And poor Eamon only gets to talk to the media once a fortnight!

(They pause to count how many people are walking past their respective houses, adding on the number of dogs being walked, before

Endangered Species The barstool boyos

(They pause to check what day it is in this world of same day-ness) agreeing that a total of 64 (humans and animals combined) walked past in less than two minutes) Life’s boring!

Why are you specifically saying that NOW? Well, we’ve just paused to count our neighbours and their pets!

Oh yeah…but at least the last pause was better than the first one…it had an air of melancholy!

True…but melancholy’s a part of life too. These are tough times…it’s hard for people…whether it’s eight weeks, nine weeks, ten weeks…

Do you believe the conspiracy theories?

Televised elite sport continues to be a welcome distraction from the pandemic. What a story in snooker at the weekend, as Northern Ireland’s Jordan Brown – ranked 81st in the world and a 750 to 1 outsider in the tournament – defeated the great Ronnie O’Sullivan to win the final of the Welsh Open.

What we didn’t like…

While we appreciate that they are facing an unprecedented challenge in trying to deal with Covid-19, the Government has consistently messed up on the communications front. It has added to the public’s frustration levels.

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

What PEOPLE are talking about…

Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS

info@bccsolicitors.ie www.bccsolicitors.ie

We’ll be okay, won’t we?

Huh? We’ll get through this?

Yep. It’s tough for all of us, and some families have suffered more than others. They are in our thoughts and prayers.

We’ll come through it…

Yes, we will! We need to be vigilant. But our loved ones are there for us. We in turn should continue to look out for others. Make that call…

Yeah…and, in the future, we can look in the mirror and know that we did our bit!

Ah, the mirror! I see what you did there…

Reflects well on me?

Don’t start…

Both: Stay positive, folks…follow the guidelines…stay safe.

What we liked…

This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor.

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

Telephone Central Line 090 6478433

The one about aliens taking over the world and Bigfoot being real and Elvis still being alive and JFK faking his death? I’m not really into conspiracy theories…

It seems like you might be!

Like I said, life is boring…I may be spending a bit too long online!

I actually meant the conspiracy theories about Covid…

Oh, THOSE? Yeah, like the one that suggests it was concocted in a lab in a faraway land run by ruthless, scheming…

Kerry? Is it Kerry? I hadn’t heard! Are we back to the Healy-Raes again this week?

No, China…

I don’t believe any of those conspiracy theories…

Neither do I…I don’t think!

PIC OF THE WEEK: Jimmy, Daniel and Aine Doherty pictured outside Doherty’s Garage in Castlerea.

Photograph: Mick McCormack.

Mixed messages from Government over Covid; the revised ‘Living with Covid’ plan; Stormy weather; mooted pay rises for TDs and Senators…

03

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

NewsPeople

Zero new cases of Covid in Roscommon! < DAN DOONER

Roscommon recorded no new cases of Covid-19 for the second time in five days yesterday (Wednesday) after it was confirmed on Tuesday night that the country would remain under Level 5 restrictions until April 5th at the earliest.

It was also confirmed this week that Leaving Certificate students as well as students in junior infants to second class would return to school on Monday (March 1st) as part of a revised ‘Living with Covid’ plan.

2EV78. . Roscommon F4 Lanesborough St

Yesterday’s case numbers mean Roscommon’s 14-day incidence is now 119.3, the sixth lowest in the country after ten new cases were confirmed on Tuesday and seven on Monday.

There were no cases confirmed on Sunday.

Nationally, there were 56 additional deaths and 574 new cases as of midnight Tuesday, while 353,971 people have now received doses of Covid-19 vaccine.

Meanwhile, Gardaí this week confirmed that, as of close of business on Thursday last (18th), 170 Covid-related fines had been issued in the Roscommon Longford Division.

WEB: www.akmotors.ie GARAGE: 087 7178951 CAR SALES: 087 4479945 Email: contact@akmotors.ie Gayle, Hollie, Jamie, Rhys and Iarlaith Tarmey, pictured recently in Williamstown. Photograph: Mick McCormack.

Timothy’s DELI

Finest Fresh Food Open 7 Days

ADE M Y L H FRES NERS DIN

Rib Steak Burger

Soup & Sandwich

Buy 5 Get 6th

12PM - 3PM

FREE

Mon – Wed : 10am to Chicken 4pm. | Thursday : 10am to 5pm | Friday : 10am to 6.30pm Oriental Desserts OPEN THROUGH LUNCH | Phone: 094 - 962 0910 Wrap

70477 Timothys Londis Press Ad 260 x 155 V4.indd 1

24/02/2021 14:22

04

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

NewsPeople

Tánaiste announces Local Enterprise Week events for Roscommon businesses

‘Making It Happen’ is the theme of Local Enterprise Week, organised by Local Enterprise Office Roscommon from March 1st to 5th.

An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, has launched the full programme of events for Local Enterprise Week, which is taking place online from Monday, March 1st to Friday, March 5th.

More than 200 virtual events are planned by the Local Enterprise Offices around the country, including Local Enterprise Office Roscommon, and these include training workshops, information webinars and masterclasses with entrepreneurs and experts, designed to help Ireland’s small businesses and those looking to start a new business in 2021.

Organised by Local Enterprise Office Roscommon and supported by Enterprise Ireland and Roscommon County Council, this year’s theme is ‘Making It Happen’. Common

topics across the week include starting a new business, resilience and recovery, the green economy, becoming ‘leaner’, exploring new markets, doing business online and the new trading relationship with the UK. For the first time, Local Enterprise Week also includes ten ‘Spotlight’ events and these are open to every business across the country.

Highlights organised by Local Enterprise Office Roscommon include Introduction to Revenue Online (ROS), Risk Management, Resilience and Business Continuity Seminar, Retail Mentor Advice Clinic, Obligations when Selling Online, An Introduction to Innovation and Creative Thinking, Networking and Communication Skills Training, and a Website and Online Marketing Clinic.

An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD is officially opening Local Enterprise Week at the first Spotlight

event, the Green for Micro launch on March 1st. He said: “Local Enterprise Week will be entirely online this year, with over 200 events taking place.

We’ve all had to do things a little differently because of the pandemic and I’ve no doubt that those participating will find this year’s week just as useful and interesting.

“I know many businesses have really relied on their Local Enterprise Office for advice, training and financial help during these difficult few months.

Local Enterprise Offices are the point of contact for many of the Government’s grants and training schemes, such as the new Green for Micro initiative, the Trading Online Voucher Scheme and the Lean programme. Local Enterprise Week is the perfect opportunity to have a look at what help is available and find what works best for your business”.

Louise Ward, Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office Roscommon said: “Small

businesses throughout County Roscommon are being severely impacted by Covid-19 restrictions, and many haven’t been able to trade fully since last year. That’s why initiatives like Local Enterprise Week are more important than ever as they showcase all the supports that are available to small businesses and start-ups now.

As well as the ten ‘Spotlight’ events, we are offering a full programme of events over the five days of Local Enterprise Week. Our advice to all local businesses and to those with a business idea, is to have a look at the events taking place by visiting LocalEnterprise.ie/Roscommon and to book early”.

Details for events taking place for Local Enterprise Week, from March 1st to 5th, are available at LocalEnterprise.ie/ Roscommon. Local Enterprise Week is an annual initiative from the Local Enterprise Offices and supported by Enterprise Ireland, local authorities and the Government of Ireland.

St. Bride’s National School Ballintubber An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD.

Enrolment 2021 St. Bride’s National School Ballintubber

Enrolment 2021

Now accepting enrolments for September 2021

Now accepting enrolments for September 2021 Enrolment forms available by emailing the school at stbridesns@gmail.com

Or by phone to leave contact details on 094 9655276

Enrolment forms available by emailing th

ADVERTISING

ROSCOMMON HERALD TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2021

7

05

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

#MAKINGITHAPPEN: LOCAL ENTERPRISE WEEK GOES VIRTUAL FOR 2021 Local Enterprise Week is organised every year by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices across the country and all events are taking place virtually from Monday, March 1st to Friday, March 5th. This year’s schedule includes ten ‘Spotlight’ events which are organised by individual Local Enterprise Offices and open to every business – wherever you’re based.

So, find out what supports and programmes are the best fit for your business to help face the challenges ahead and book your place today at LocalEnterprise.ie/Week Date

Time

Event Title

Description

Cost & More Info

Monday, March 1st

10am – 1pm

Introduction to Revenue Online (ROS) For Roscommon based businesses only.

The aim of this training is provide participants with knowledge to allow them become a ROS customer and use ROS to its full potential. The training will demonstrate to participants the 3 steps to becoming a ROS customer and also demonstrate how to file a return online, upload a file created offline, make payments and use the inbox facility.

FREE www.localenterprise.ie/ roscommon

Monday, March 1st

2pm – 3pm

Risk Management, Resilience & Business Continuity Seminar For Roscommon based businesses only.

Covid-19 has focused the attention of every business owner on the issue of risk management to ensure that they are resilient in their responses to the pandemic. Business continuity planning was traditionally viewed as something for large organisations to worry about. That concept and thinking no longer applies. This Seminar provides an opportunity to look at the concept of risk, risk mitigation, contingencies, etc.

FREE www.localenterprise.ie/ roscommon

Monday, March 1st

9.30am – 10.45am

Benefits of Green for your Business – Launching Green for Micro (Open to all. Organised by LEO Dublin City}

This practical ‘how to’ event will help you to ‘Green’ your business and benefit from practical guidance on how to make your business more sustainable.

Discover the benefits of doing so and listen to case studies from those who have already done it. You will learn how to market your green business credentials as a unique selling point. Attendees will also learn how to access ‘Green for Micro’ supports from their Local Enterprise Office.

FREE www.localenterprise.ie/week

Monday March 1st

11am – 1pm

Spring Back & Step Forward: Building Leadership & Resilience (Open to all. Organised by LEO Donegal)

A highly motivational online event, focusing on developing leadership and resilience to adapt to the challenges and opportunities facing businesses today. The line-up of speakers includes Emma Jones of Enterprise Nation and explorer and inventor Mark Pollock.

FREE www.localenterprise.ie/week

Tuesday, March 2nd

10am – 5pm

Retail Mentor Advice Clinic For Roscommon based businesses only.

During this 1-hour one-to-one Mentor Clinic you are offered the opportunity to discuss your current retail situation. The mentor will provide specific expert advice, identify some quick wins and come up with an action plan to help drive your business forward.

FREE www.localenterprise.ie/ roscommon

Tuesday March 2nd

10am 1pm

Building The New (Open to all. Organised by LEO Galway)

A dynamic morning session focusing on innovation and opportunity. This event features a selection of new businesses, including those which began as a result of Covid-19 and those which have had to innovate. Speakers include Damian Young of the National Design Innovation Hub, Gourmet Tart Company and Dough Bros.

FREE www.localenterprise.ie/week

Tuesday March 2nd

2pm – 4pm

Growing Lean: One Small Step or One Giant Leap, Getting Started with Lean (Open to all. Organised by LEO Kildare)

The biggest challenge which many business- owners face, is how to get started with LEAN. The event will set out the many supports available as well as an introduction to Lean Thinking – which will cover the basics, and how it is applied. It will also feature a selection of businesspeople who will share their experience of introducing LEAN into their businesses.

FREE www.localenterprise.ie/week

Wednesday, March 3rd

5pm – 8pm

Obligations when Selling Online to Customers For Roscommon based businesses only.

A must for owners/managers who are selling online to consumers (general public). It will assist businesses to be Compliant with their Consumer Law and Data Protection Obligations when Selling Online.

FREE www.localenterprise.ie/ roscommon

Wednesday March 3rd

9.30am – 1pm

AgriTech Revolution in Farming & Food (Open to all. Organised by LEO South Cork)

This fast-paced interactive conference will examine how AgriTech has transformed farming and continues to help the sector thrive. Speakers will explore how using technology can put Ireland at the forefront of sustainable agriculture and where the export opportunities are.

FREE www.localenterprise.ie/week

Wednesday March 3rd

2pm – 4:30pm

Creative Connections: Enabling your B-2-B Online Opportunities (Open to all. Organised by LEO Carlow)

Aimed at entrepreneurs in creative sectors, this event is designed to showcase opportunities through developing online tools for selling to the Trade. It will provide a forum for best practice sharing with expert speakers and peer learning by listening to entrepreneurs who have travelled the road of developing B2B online selling tools.

FREE www.localenterprise.ie/week

Thursday, March 4th

10am 11.30am

An Introduction to Innovation & Creative Thinking For Roscommon based businesses only.

Innovation and creative thinking are key tools for businesses to react and respond to market changes and trends and changes to customer behaviour and preferences. In addition, regulatory/legal/custom changes related to Brexit can adversely impact an entity’s business model. The goal of this Introductory session is to introduce owner/managers to tools and techniques to approach problems and challenges.

FREE www.localenterprise.ie/ roscommon

Thursday March 4th

10am -11.30am

Engage for Growth with David Meade (Open to all. Organised by LEO Dún LaoghaireRathdown)

A highly energetic and interactive session introducing the psychology of leadership and providing a practical toolkit for effective business management. David Meade, internationally renowned speaker, BBC TV presenter, and expert on what makes humans ‘tick’, will deliver deep insights, new techniques, and vital takeaways to help you succeed in businesss.

FREE www.localenterprise.ie/week

Thursday March 4th

4pm – 5.30pm

S.M.A.R.Tech for StartUps (Open to all. Organised by LEO Clare)

This dynamic event is aimed at technology start-ups who want to learn more about supports for their business growth. Speakers from both private and public sector will discuss new digital transformation technologies such as IoT, Industry 4.0, Automation, Robotics and Data Analysis. The event includes a virtual tour of the Dell Customer Solution Centre and the new campus in Limerick of the Confirm Centre for Smart Manufacturing.

FREE www.localenterprise.ie/week

Thursday March 4th

7pm – 8.15pm

Masterclass: Health checking your business for its forward journey.

(Open to all. Organised by LEO Wexford)

Blaise Brosnan, Management Resource Institute author and business guru, will deliver a masterclass assessing the financial health of your business. He will examine working capital, cashflow management and financial challenges and will tease out the issues while offering a range of practical solutions which you can both understand and use.

FREE www.localenterprise.ie/week

Friday, March 5th

2pm – 5pm

Networking & Communication Skills For Roscommon based businesses only.

Networking is the single most powerful marketing tactic to accelerate and sustain success for any individual or organisation. Given the implications of the Covid-19 pandemic, understanding how to network in a virtual world has become imperative for business owners. You are being given the opportunity to learn how to network more effectively and with more confidence in informal and formal business/community gatherings and online, etc.

FREE www.localenterprise.ie/ roscommon

Friday, March 5th

10am – 5pm

Website & Online Marketing Clinic For Roscommon based businesses only.

During this 1-hour Clinic, you are offered the opportunity to review your existing website and online marketing plan. The mentor will provide specific expert advice, including identifying any low-hanging fruit that can give you quick wins, as well as creating an action plan for the medium-longer term.

FREE www.localenterprise.ie/ roscommon

Friday, March 5th

9.30am – 12.30pm

Trading Online Voucher Information Webinar (Open to all. Organised by LEO Fingal)

This innovative scheme helps small businesses to develop their online presence by offering vouchers, valued at up to €2,500, towards website development or digital marketing strategy.

This interactive online information session will cover various topics, including developing a website, digital marketing, social media for business and search engine optimisation. The information provided is impartial and will help you decide what trading online options are right for your business.

FREE www.localenterprise.ie/week

06

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor Wednesday/ Thursday Social media goes into overdrive when the Irish Daily Mirror promotes an interview with Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

There is little time for nuance (by the paper or the social media brigade). Martin merely said what he had been hinting for some time, e.g. that pretty severe restrictions would be continuing until the end of April at least.

The Twitter Army didn’t need a second invite to express fury.

Just now, the politicians can’t really win. Everyone’s calling for some elusive ‘plan’. It’s not clear that the Government can plan with any degree of confidence just now, such is the complexity of the challenges posed by Covid (not least the emergence of new variants).

By Thursday morning, Micheál (and Leo) sought to clarify that there wasn’t much new in what the Taoiseach had said to the Irish Mirror. But it was too late to stop the tide of frustration and anger. More and more people are having a go at the Government and/or NPHET. Some of the criticism is absolutely valid; some of it is over the top. On Twitter, people blast the politicians and health gurus. Insults fly through cyberspace.

Two points: it is undoubtedly the case that the Government has messed up on the communications front at times.

Secondly, people are on edge.

Most of us are at the very least frustrated. Many are angry, some at their wit’s end. We’re all hurting. That’s why frustrastions are boiling over.

One area where the Government’s ‘performance’ has certainly left a lot to be desired is in relation to travel in and out of the country. We have, it seems to me, been far too complacent about our borders. Thousands of people are still coming in and out of the country. Some of this travel may be necessary, but most of it certainly isn’t. Nobody believes that all involved are going into quarantine. This travel saga must be addressed.

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Friday

Monday

Like the coronavirus, hypocrisy doesn’t recognise international borders. The spirit of Golf-gate in Clifden, and Cummings-gate in the UK, is alive and well in America.

To varying degrees, some amongst the political elite continue to struggle with the ‘We’re all in this together’ concept.

In Texas, it’s been a traumatic week for millions of people.

Merciless storms and snow caused a devastating power outage, leaving distraught families without heat, light and water…in freezing temperatures. Homes have been destroyed, and many people have died.

A time for political leadership, clearly. Not from arrogant Senator Ted Cruz, who, as his constitutents suffered, flew to a holiday resort in Mexico for a family break.

After it inevitably came to light, his first defence was to say he was only dropping his daughter off and would be returning himself the next day. When it emerged that the family had actually planned to stay for several days, Cruz told the media that he knew it was the wrong decision from the moment he sat on the airplane seat (isn’t there a cord you can pull?). Finally, having earlier claimed that his daughter just wanted to get away (‘cos it was so cold in Texas) our hero paused for dramatic effect and said ‘I was trying to be a dad’.

Not even that other ‘Father Ted’ would be silly/selfish enough to behave like this.

No matter how busy he is, no matter how fast the meetings are coming, you can be certain that Health Minister Stephen Donnelly was briefed/warned about what to say and what not to say when he appeared on Claire Byrne Live tonight.

You can imagine handlers and advisors, perhaps including Micheál and Leo, pleading with Stephen to be careful with his words. Unfortunately, the interview reinforced the sense that this under-pressure Coalition is struggling badly on the communications front.

Earlier in the day, Minister Josepha Madigan had said schools will reopen (for some pupils) on March 1st. To Claire Byrne’s astonishment, Donnelly cast some doubt on this (while implicating the teachers’ unions). I agree with those on Twitter who said the Health Minister shouldn’t have done a TV interview ahead of Tuesday’s formal announcement by the Government (on the Living With Covid plan).

Donnelly later clarified his remarks. Next time Josepha and Stephen meet, nobody need have the slightest concern on the social distancing front.

Tuesday

Saturday Cheekiest ad of the week? The prize goes to the Ulster Bank. One day on from confirming they will be withdrawing all of their business from the Republic of Ireland – with branch closures, and as yet undetermined implications for staff and customers – the bank took out full-page ads in weekend newspapers. It’s fair enough that the bank took the opportunity to inform the public of its exit plans (a phased withdrawal over coming years). I accept too that that there probably isn’t cause for concern for existing customers. But it was a bit cheeky/insensitive for the ad to invite (as it did) new business!

Jane Levingston pictured out for a walk with her pet dog. Pic: Mick McCormack

Saturday Headline of the week: ‘More than half of doctors put on pyjamas for meetings, study finds’ (Irish Independent). A two-part question: Who put this question into this study, and why?

Saturday Pity Tommy Tiernan, currently held hostage in a typical big Irish compliment, our hero knowing full well that a certain amount of people/

begrudgers in the country are now saying (every weekend): ‘I love him as a chat show host, but never liked him as a comedian!’

Sunday This afternoon, I saw a teenager going past the library in Roscommon on a scooter…while wearing a traditional clown’s mask. I say fair play to him (as long as he can see where he’s going).

It’s a lot better than some of the clowns who continue to wear face coverings incorrectly!

The updated ‘Living with Covid’ plan/roadmap was unveiled by the Taoiseach in an address to the nation. Basically, lockdown will continue for several more weeks. It was sombre stuff. At least the schools are reopening. For most businesses, the nightmare continues. We need the thus far desperately slow vaccination rollout to move to a new level, and fast. Until then, we’re stuck with this morale-sapping lockdown. We’ll return to this subject over the coming weeks.

In the meantime, check out the Roscommon People’s uplifting video ‘A Shared Journey’ via Twitter, our Facebook page and on Roscommon People YouTube channel.

– Stay safe.

NewsPeople

Roscommon hit by Ulster Bank withdrawal

Murphy: ‘I’ll pass on pay rise!’

A local charity can look forward to benRoscommon town has been efitting to the tune of about €660 after dealt a significant blow followSenator Eugene Murphy pledged to reing confirmation that Ulster fuse a planned pay rise for politicians.

Bank is set to withdraw from TDs and Senators, in keeping with the Irish market and the knockagreed pay rises for higher earning pubon impact the decision is exlic servants, are due to receive a salary pected to have on local staff. increase in July. This has been the subLast week, the bank’s parent ject of considerable criticism in recent company NatWest confirmed days.

Senator Murphy says he won’t be accepting the pay rise but will instead pass it on to a local charity. He says he’ll pass the rise – about €660 – on to The Moloney a charity in his region. He has promfamily ised to name the chosen charity “in due pictured out course”. for a walk with Maisie in Senators are currently paid an annuBallinlough. al salary of €69,474, and this is set to Photograph: rise to €70,134.Customer TDs are currently paid Name: Mick €98,113 annually and this is set to rise McCormack. to €100,191.

S DOYLE & SONS Senator Murphy – who says it is time for politicians to “show leadership” – said he will not be accepting the pay rise as he believes it is not appropriate No: at a time when Customer the country is struggling and people are out of work.

the news which has caused much apprehension among Irish customers.

This week, the Chief Executive of Ulster Bank, Jane Howard, assured the Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform that there would be no immediate

Roscommon Herald

changes for staff and no branches would be closed this year.

Ms. Howard added that customers will also be unaffected in the short-term and the bank will continue to offer a full banking service for the foreseeable future, most likely until 2022 at the earliest.

Customer Correction Proof

2060848

Rep Contact Details: Alan beirne

02/02/2021

23/02/2021 4

Have you affected Havebeen you been affectedby by the ULSTER BANK closure? the ULSTER BANK closure?

Contact us for Contact us for

Mortgage Switching Mortgage Switching

* LIFE POLICIES * LIFE POLICIES * PENSION * PENSION * SAVINGS * SAVINGS * INVESTMENTS * INVESTMENTS

Tel :

Email:

071 91 49997 071 Tel 91 : 49997 01 4376896 01 4376896 Email: info@hazelfort.com info@hazelfort.com PRSA #003539

AidanMoffi� Moffi� Aidan

QFALIB SIA LIB MIPAVCV CV TRV TRV QFA SIA MIPAV

Aidan Moffitt t/a Hazelfort Financial Services is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Aidan Moffitt t/a Hazelfort Financial Services is tied to Irish Life Assurance plc for life and pensions business. Irish Life Assurance plc. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

Castlerea

St. Paul’s N.S. is now enrolling for September 2021.

Enrolment forms are available on request by emailing: boysnscastlerea.ias@gmail.com or Telephone: 094 9620566 St. Paul’s School works with boys from second to sixth class.

Highly qualified and experienced staff.

Situated in the town of Castlerea with access to local facilities such as the Demesne, Castlerea Library, playground.

Low teacher-pupil ratio allowing for spacious classrooms.

Sports leagues, Green School, Active Flag, Digital School of Excellence, visiting artists, quiz teams, Discovery Science Awards, Tidy School winners and much more.

Order No.: 836743 Copyline: business Date: 30/11/2020 | M

alan.beirne@roscommonherald.com

Hazelfort Start Date: Properties outline the End Date: benefits of living in the northwest No. of Inserts:

As mortgage brokers and online meeting portal for auctioneers, we have been Irish ex-Pats abroad, seekmeeting people in Dublin ing to secure their finances and the surrounding areas and return to Ireland. on a weekly basis for the The one similarity in the past five years. What we mind-set of these groups, have seen is a lotEdition: of peo- was the perceived need to ple forced to live on the live close to Dublin. The eastern seaboard Roscommon for work problem for those parties Herald reasons, at the expense of is that the average family their work/life balance. home in the commuter belt We have also provided an is over €400k. On the other

St. Paul’s N.S.

090- 6627377

ADVERTORIAL

HAZELFORT HAZELFORT ____________________________ ____________________________ MortgagesMortgages Financial Planning Financial PlanningAuctioneers Auctioneers ____________________________ ____________________________

39

07

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

hand, the average family broadband and technolog- need for housing that has home on the western sea- ical advances in the way become more of an issue board would come in at people can work. for these people. As each €200k. This means €1000 There is a perception that day goes by, our list of less per month for mort- people will work from mortgage-approved buygage repayment. home offices or garden ers gets longer and longer, The huge benefits in chalets,Class: but speaking to and we urgently require lifestyle, commute times, people, they would ide- properties in all areas for space and recreation op- Home,Interiors,DIY ally desire to be part of a our clients. portunities obviously co-working hub. With the Whether you are buying make the west, and in vast range of these hubs or selling, get in touch to particular the northwest, now in the northwest, we see how we can help. To most appealing. The op- are able to help people contact Hazelfort, phone portunity to live and work achieve their dream of a 071 9149997 or email in the west is now a real- perfect work/life balance. info@hazelfort.com (see istic aspiration, owing to Indeed, now it is the advertisement).

RUNNAMOAT NATIONAL SCHOOL Ballinaheglish

NOW ENROLLING FOR SEPTEMBER 2021 FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE EMAIL

naomhceitheach@gmail.com

Colour: 4C (CMYK)

08

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

Gaillimh go Baile Átha Luain

gaillimh go baile átha luain

RothaRBheaLach

an scéim náisiúnta rotharbhealaigh

ComhairliúChán Poiblí Uimh. 2

Roghanna ConaiR Bhealaigh Meabhrúchán!

Tá am agat fós féachaint ar na Roghanna Conair Bhealaigh agus Do Chuid Tuairimí a Thabhairt Dúinn chun eolas a dhéanamh d'fhorbairt an Rotharbhealaigh nua ó Ghaillimh go Baile Átha Luain AN CREAGÁN BÉAL ÁTHA FEORAINNE BAILE ÁTHA LUAIN

ÁTH EASCRACH MUINE MHEÁ

BÉAL ÁTHA NA SLUAIGHE BAILE ÁTHA AN RÍ GAILLIMH

DROICHEAD NA SIONAINNE ÓRÁN MÓR

DROICHEAD AN CHLÁIRÍN DÚN AN UCHTA

CINN MHARA EOCHAIR EOLAIS: CONAIR UIMH. 1 CONAIR UIMH. 2

PORT OMNA

CONAIR UIMH. 3 CONAIR UIMH. 4

AN GORT

CONAIR UIMH. 5

AN GHRÁIG Client

General Notes (i)

This drawing is the property of RPS Consulting Engineers, it is a confidential document and must not be copied, used, or its content divulged without prior written consent.

Drawn (iv) Hard copies, dwf and pdf will form a controlled issue of the drawing. All other formats (dwg etc) are deemed to be an uncontrolled issue and any work carried out based on these files is at the recipients own risk. RPS will not accept any responsibility for any errors from the use of these files, either by human error by the recipient, listing of the un-dimensioned I01 11.01.21 measurements, compatibility with the recipients software, and any errors arising when these files are used to aid the No. Date recipients drawing production, or setting out on site.

Checked Approved Date

MC

Project

SM CMcG 11.01.21

Title

GALWAY TO ATHLONE CASTLE NATIONAL CYCLEWAY

PUBLIC CONSULTATION ROUTE CORRIDORS

All Levels refer to Ordnance Survey Datum, Malin Head.

(iii) DO NOT SCALE, use figured dimensions only, if in doubt ask.

C

M

SM

For Information

Amendment / Issue

CM

Déan d'aighneacht faoin 1 Márta 2021 tríd an láithreán gréasáin do chomhairliúcháin ar líne, trí ríomhphost, ar an bpost nó ar an nguthán.

Tá Ceisteanna a Chuirtear go Minic nua le fáil anois ar www.galwaytoathlonecycleway.com Tá an fhoireann tionscadail ar fáil freisin chun bhur gcuid ceisteanna a fhreagairt. ar an nguthán (091) 509267, nó i gCruinniú Fíorúil nó ar Ríomhphost info@galwaytoathlonecycleway.com Tá comhairliúchán ar líne ar fáil ar an láithreán gréasáin www.galwaytoathlonecycleway.com (ii)

D Ch rn. k.

T:\MGT0525X - Galway Athlone Cycleway\8.0 Drawings\RO\MGT0525-RPS-00-XX-DR-Z-RO0000 - Route Corridor Options.dwg

BAILE LOCHA RIACH

Téigh chuig an seomra comhairliúcháin phoiblí fíorúil chun féachaint ar an bhfíseán maidir leis an tionscadal, chun mapaí a fheiceáil agus léamh faoi na tograí

App

Scale 1:200,000 @ A3

Job No.

MGT0525

File Ref.

MGT0525RO0000

Drg. No.

RO0000- 02

Rev.

D01

Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence No. EN0005020 © Ordnance Survey Ireland/Government of Ireland

Roscommon Herald 32x7 (265) Full Page

an Muileann gCearr Cathair na gaillimhe

Baile Átha luain

Maigh nua

Cathair Bhaile Átha Cliath

Bealach le taobh na Canálach Ríoga Bealach ar bhóthar iarainn nach bhfuil in úsáid limistéar Staidéir

CM

09

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

galway to athlone

Public consultation no. 2

Route Corridor Options Reminder!

You still have time to view the Route Option Corridors and Tell Us Your Views to inform development of the new Galway to Athlone Cycleway.

MOUNTBELLEW

BALLYFORAN

ATHLONE AHASCRAGH MONIVEA

BALLINASLOE ATHENRY GALWAY

SHANNONBRIDGE ORANMORE

Visit the virtual public consultation room to watch the project video, view maps and read about the proposals.

CLARINBRIDGE EYRECOURT

KINVARA LEGEND: CORRIDOR NO. 1 CORRIDOR NO. 2

PORTUMNA

CORRIDOR NO. 3 CORRIDOR NO. 4

GORT

CORRIDOR NO. 5

WOODFORD Client

General Notes

Drawn (iv) Hard copies, dwf and pdf will form a controlled issue of the drawing. All other formats (dwg etc) are deemed to be an uncontrolled issue and any work carried out based on these files is at the recipients own risk. RPS will not accept any responsibility for any errors from the use of these files, either by human error by the recipient, listing of the un-dimensioned I01 11.01.21 measurements, compatibility with the recipients software, and any errors arising when these files are used to aid the No. Date recipients drawing production, or setting out on site.

(i)

This drawing is the property of RPS Consulting Engineers, it is a confidential document and must not be copied, used, or its content divulged without prior written consent.

(ii)

All Levels refer to Ordnance Survey Datum, Malin Head.

Checked Approved Date

MC

Project

SM CMcG 11.01.21

Title

Scale 1:200,000 @ A3

GALWAY TO ATHLONE CASTLE NATIONAL CYCLEWAY

PUBLIC CONSULTATION ROUTE CORRIDORS

SM

For Information

Amendment / Issue

CM

Make your submission by 1st March 2021 through the online consultation website, by email, post or telephone (iii) DO NOT SCALE, use figured dimensions only, if in doubt ask.

C

M

D Ch rn. k.

T:\MGT0525X - Galway Athlone Cycleway\8.0 Drawings\RO\MGT0525-RPS-00-XX-DR-Z-RO0000 - Route Corridor Options.dwg

LOUGHREA

App

Job No.

MGT0525

File Ref.

MGT0525RO0000

Drg. No.

RO0000- 01

Rev.

D01

Ordnance Survey Ireland Licence No. EN0005020 © Ordnance Survey Ireland/Government of Ireland

New Frequently Asked Questions now available at www.galwaytoathlonecycleway.com The project team is also available to answer your questions on the Telephone (091) 509267 or in a Virtual Meeting or

by Email info@galwaytoathlonecycleway.com Online consultation is on the website www.galwaytoathlonecycleway.com

Roscommon Herald 32x7 (265) Full Page

CM

10

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

The

G

D News page

Todor gains international acclaim for photography < DAN DOONER

(Above) Athlone photographer Todor Tilev pictured with his wife Narin and daughter Thea.

(Left) The photograph ‘Lost Into The Forest’ which won Todor a Gold Medal and three honourable mentions at the Tokyo International Photography Awards recently.

Athlone resident, Todor Tilev, has gained international recognition this past year for his photography, which features landscapes and scenes from nature as well as architecture.

Todor is originally from Bulgaria but has been living in Athlone since 2007 and has been employed as a gym and swimming instructor with the Hodson Bay Hotel for the past number of years. He is married to Narin and the couple have one daughter, Thea.

Recently, Todor has been recognised at the Tokyo International Photography Awards, where he won a gold medal as well as three honourable mentions for his photograph

‘Lost Into The Forest’, which was taken at Mullaghmeen Forest in Co. Westmeath.

He told the Roscommon People that he had always been interested in photography but started to take it more seriously in recent years.

“I was always taking photos with my camera but I started to take it more seriously about three years ago. At the moment it’s still a hobby,” he said.

“The International Photography Awards (IFA) is one of the biggest competitions so that is my biggest achievement so far”.

Todor also won third place at the International Photography Awards in the sub-category ‘Sunset’ for his photo ‘Sunset at

Dunmore’. This places Todor in the IFA’s list of ‘100 Best Amateur Photographers in the World’ and saw him invited to an awards ceremony in Carnegie Hall in New York in October.

His other achievements include bronze medals at the Paris International Photography Awards for his photograph ‘Book of Kells’ and the Moscow International Photography Awards for ‘Devil’s Bridge’, which was taken in Todor’s native Bulgaria.

He was also recognised as being among the ten best historic photographers of 2020 for his photograph ‘Sunset at Poulnabrone Dolmen in Co. Clare.

Todor says patience is

definitely a virtue when it comes to getting the perfect shot and that Covid-19 restrictions have had an impact on his photography.

“For the Book of Kells photograph, I had to wait there for a few hours until all the visitors had left. I also had to time it right just before the Long Room at Trinity College closed,” he said.

“In normal times, I usually spend a day each week taking photos. I haven’t done that in a few weeks because of the 5km limit.

Normally I like to drive further away and spend the day doing it,” he said.

Details of Todor’s awards and samples of some of his work can be found at www.todortilev. com.

Arts Centre to celebrate St Patricks Day with ‘Mummers Parade’

Joan and John Gallagher met on Lough Key in June 1983 and now live together in Catalonia.

The Guardian’s Roscommon love story!

British newspaper, The Guardian, on its website this week, featured a Roscommon love story which began all the way back in 1983!

According to reporter Lizzie Cernik, Joan Tuohy got into trouble while windsurfing on Lough Key in June of that year and had to be rescued by one of her friends who had a speedboat. With her friend on the boat that day was a man called John Gallagher, whom she had never met before.

Joan was soon smitten though as John helped her from the water.

“He had a Mars bar in his pocked and when I got in the boat he took it out and asked if I was hungry,” Joan said, laughing. “I thought he looked very handsome,” she added.

They started seeing each shortly after John’s daring rescue and were married just two years later at Ballintubber Abbey in Castlebar.

Joan (62) and John (64) are now living together in Catalonia, Spain and they have four sons, two grandchildren, a dog, and a cat!

As part of their St. Patrick’s Day online programme of events, Roscommon Arts Centre present ‘The Mummers Parade’, with dancer Edwina Guckian.

Throughout the lockdowns of 2020, Edwina Guckian and a group of musicians from Leitrim dressed up as mummers and called from house to house across the county, bringing a song, step, tune and a chat to the doorstep of the older generation.

Together with Roscommon Arts Centre, Edwina is now calling for musicians, dancers and singers, young and old and the Irish diaspora across the world to dress up as mummers and call to people in their community that might welcome a doorstep visit on St. Patrick’s Day. The mummers tradition is all about dressing up in disguise, knocking on your neighbour’s door, entertaining with a tune, song, step or a story, and bringing lots of fun and devilment with you. Nor-

mally associated with Christmas, this year the arts centre is transporting the tradition to St. Patrick’s Day – anyone can be a mummer!

On St. Patrick’s Day, Edwina and her own band of mummers (Fionnuala Maxwell and Brian Mostyn) will be out and about in Roscommon on behalf of Roscommon Arts Centre and they hope that you and your flock of SPD mummers will join the Mummers Parade by doing likewise in their own areas as they mark our national day with this

old Irish tradition. Edwina and her mummers will also be visiting Nursing Homes in Roscommon on the day for a series of outdoor performances and window visits to those less mobile as they mark our national day with this uniquely Irish tradition.

In the lead-up to March 17th, Edwina will host two information sessions on Wednesday, March 3rd, for all those interested in taking part in our Mummers’ Parade. They will be held at 10 am and 8 pm GMT to accommodate people attending in differ-

ent time zones. To register for a session, go to edwinaguckian.com.

Join in and dress up! Send your photos and videos to info@edwinaguckian. com or +35386 1649989 on WhatsApp, and use the hashtags #RTEvirtualparade #RoscommonArtsCentre when sharing on social media.

The Mummers Parade is supported by Roscommon County Council and The Arts Council of Ireland.

For more information on The Mummers Parade go to roscommonartscentre. ie.

11

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

NewsPeople

The Ballygar GP Surgery was significantly damaged by fire on Tuesday morning. Pics: Ken Nolan

Vaccine rollout unaffected

by Ballygar Health Centre fire < DAN DOONER

Local GP Dr. Martin Daly has moved to reassure patients that the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine will not be affected despite

a major fire at the Ballygar Health Centre earlier this week.

Smoke was spotted billowing from the health centre shortly after 7.30 am on Tuesday morning and Fire Service units from

Mountbellew and Roscommon were quickly on the scene. The blaze was brought under control but the building suffered extensive damage while an adjacent building has suffered smoke

Tisrara National School

and water damage. Thankfully, no-one was hurt in the fire and all patient records are secure.

Well-known local GP, Dr. Daly and his team work from the centre and Dr. Daly has

since confirmed that all services would now be provided from an unused nursing home nearby.

He thanked the local Naughton family for making the vacant building available to his staff.

He has also reiterated that the Covid-19 vaccine rollout in the Ballygar area would not be affected by the fire, and that there are plans to administer vaccines at the new site from Saturday.

Tarmon N.S. Castlerea

Four Roads, Roscommon

Tisrara NS is currently accepting enrolments for 2021/22 Unfortunately, we are not in a position to host our annual Open Evening this year, due to Covid-19 restrictions.

For further information, telephone:

The Principal, Larry Tiernan 090 66 23367 Email: tisrara.primaryschool@gmail.com

Tarmon N.S. Enrolment for September 2021 Please email or phone the school at: office@tarmonns.ie 094 9621143 For an Enrolment Form Morning and Afternoon Service provided by Happy Feet Childcare Tel: (094) 9621143 Email: office@tarmonns.ie Website: www.tarmonns.ie

12

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

NewsPeople

FRANK

FRANK BRANDON’S

BRANDON

unique take on life ...

If only we could know that life will be normal at some stage soon I would be happy Our man in Creggs on lockdown woes; cost of motoring blues; Kim and Kanye’s £40 million London house…and why you should never steal a camel…

It’s one of those Monday mornings that would, or should, make a person glad to be alive.

We have had a slight touch of frost, the sun is shining, the birds are waking up from their winter slumber, the daffodils and primroses are beginning to appear, and we are starting to see

new-born lambs playing in the still-saturated fields.

Already this morning I have indulged in my new pastime of hitting a few hurling balls with the dogs (they are better hurlers than I am) that I’m presently ‘babysitting’. And I am fully aware that at my stage of life I should be thankful that I have so far escaped the terrible scourge of Covid-19, and appreciate that I should eventually get myself on to the vaccination list.

And yet I feel a little bit discouraged this morning, and find myself in agreement with those in the hospitality sector who are crying out for some clarity regarding the immediate future of the country.

I suppose the thing that is missing the most in all the bulletins from the Government is hope.

Everything is so negative…new variants of the virus appearing all the time – some of which may interfere with the effectiveness of the vaccines – no chance of a pint ‘till God knows when, still no sign of golf courses getting the green light to reopen, no sign of club games coming back in either Gaelic or rugby, and not a hope of getting to any sunshine destination until next year.

At this stage I have nearly all my interior painting done – although I suppose I can soon do a bit outside – I have the soles of my runners worn off from all the walking that I’m doing, I’m still baking my wonderful choc chip buns,

and I’m so thankful for living in the country with quiet, rural roads to walk on and a garden to play my hurling in and lovely fresh air to breathe in.

And yet what would I not give to be able to go up to Joe Dolan’s or Mikeen’s, sit at the counter having a nice quiet pint of the black stuff, chat about the latest football match, meet and greet all my neighbours and friends, and do all the things we used to take for granted.

If only we could know that life will be normal at some stage soon I would be happy. It’s the uncertainty and the ever-changing goalposts that is causing my concern on this Monday morning, and after almost a year of this it’s beginning to get under my skin.

Why aren’t these price rises fuelling disquiet?

Some weeks ago I listed off a number of household bills that nowadays we accept as normal. Although I included waste, water, phone, electricity, heat, property tax, and home/car/life insurance among others, remarkably I never mentioned the cost of running the family car.

This week was NCT week in our house, and I have had the pleasure of putting two family cars through the test. One of them passed (with only a new tyre required), while the other one didn’t get through and needs a couple of (hopefully) minor adjustments. Between the two of them, I estimate it will cost somewhere around €600, which I am well aware is not too bad, as you can hear all kinds of horrendous figures being bandied about. Nonetheless it’s quite a lot of money, which I could well do with for myself.

The reason I am mentioning it this week at all is due to the fact that a regular reader contacted me to enquire about the recent increases in the cost of petrol and diesel. He wondered why there seems to be no mention about it anywhere; perhaps because there are fewer cars on the road and therefore fewer motorists? Whatever the reason for the silence from our politicians and AA Roadwatch, it doesn’t hide the fact that prices have gone up by nearly 20% since November. Even the hauliers, who are also facing huge problems over Covid and Brexit, don’t seem to be up in arms.

The facts show that on November 4th the average price for a litre of diesel was €1.07c, and last Friday it was €1.27 – an increase of 20 cent.

Between those two dates, there have been five different increases across the board, so why the motorists of this country are willing to pay so much for the dubious pleasure of driving on our roads (especially the potholed rural ones) beats me. My reader is definitely correct in his assessment, and all he wants to know (as do I) is why no one seems to care? If such a large increase took place in any other area there would be a massive outcry, but when it comes to diesel, not a peep. I can’t understand it.

And finally…

Kim and Kanye West ... probably not worried about the price of diesel!

Me and Kim and Kanye…

A few weeks ago I happened to take a peek at one of the many programmes on telly that showcase ‘top end’ houses. This one showed a house outside London on the market at £40 million pounds, a house that the likes of me would only ever expect to see in a James Bond film. The level of luxury and elegance was simply breathtaking – it took all my notorious selfdiscipline to stop myself putting in a bid for it.

However, it was when I was reading about the upcoming divorce of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West that I realised that some people live in a world the rest of us can’t even imagine. For

them to buy this house in London, they would only have to break open the housekeeping money box, and still have almost two billion left over to divide between them.

It seems they have a pre-nuptial agreement in place that guarantees an even split of the billions, which, in their circumstances, was obviously a good idea, but you would still be sorry to see them split after seven years of marriage. However, I’d say they will still be pretty okay for the future.

All I can say is this: if they read the Roscommon People, leave the money box to me – I might still end up in the big house in London.

Lockdown has made lads do strange things to impress their girlfriends.

Over in Dubai, one fellow went to great lengths to give his girlfriend a special birthday present – he stole a baby camel for her.

Sadly for him, he was caught and is now facing charges of theft and making a false statement to police. He actually meant to steal a full-sized animal, but when he failed to get an adult one, he made off with a baby. A few days later, he got worried he’d be caught, so he told the police that the camel had wandered onto his land.

However, upon interrogation, his story fell apart and he confessed to stealing the valuable young camel. He now faces a long jail sentence.

The moral of the story is if you want to impress the girlfriend, then stick to jewellery, flowers, or even chocolates, but do not steal a calf, a foal, or a young bonham – one of them could bite you in the posterior.

‘Till next week, bye for now

NewsPeople

n

newsbriefs

Who’s saying what on Tweet Street ...

Paul Healy’s take on top tweets!

My son just called me overdramatic.

I’m turning off the wifi. We’ll see who’s overdamatic in a few minutes...

– Like it!

– An interesting perspective

Vanessa Noone @VanessaNoone Actress Helen Behan on the Tommy Tiernan Show.

NewsPeople NewsPeople – Sabrina’s had enough of NPHET Michael O’Regan @Michael_O_Regan

Mount Allen Residents in north Roscommon have been awarded €10,000 in funding under the community peatland initiatives to complete a peatland restoration plan and to undertake drain blocking works. The Minister for Heritage, Malcolm Noonan announced this funding as part of a €230,000 grant to 25 community groups across the country.

The funding has been welcomed by local TD and Minister for State, Frank Feighan: “It is evident that Roscommon Pe there is enthusiasm across the country for local people to work together to protect, explore and enjoy these precious habitats – none more so than at Mount Allen, where Tommy Earley’s work on his organic farm has drawn academics and students from all over the world.

“I am delighted to see local residents taking advantage of this scheme, and I wish them well in their project”.

michael cummings @dickymicky67

I often feel that true leadership emerges in challenging times of stress, financial hardship etc. If @ MichealMartinTD was on the PUP of €350 per week and unable to support his family, the country would be closed to foreign travel weeks ago.

Sabrina @Sabdublindr

€10,000 for Mount Allen peatland initiative

– A brilliant tweet, in response to a headline which read ‘Cork-based nuns breach Covid guidelines to attend exorcism of the Dáil’

Flannerys Bar Limerick @FlannerysBar

NPHET have got to go. They will keep us under lockdown restrictions for years. Now they want restrictions in place until the 850,000 backlog on February 2021 hospital waiting lists falls. They are destroying our lives.

d.

13

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021 Lyric FM, a good book, Sunday starting to meet again in each papers. Escaping Covid chaos is other’s houses, I see no way short of the priority! Windows open. I sense martial law of us achieving zeroRoscommon spring in the air.

Covid.People Friday 26 February 2021

11

– Calming words from Michael…

David Quinn @DavQuinn

– David feels it’s time for extreme action

18 cm Blake x 2Creedon col @BlakeCreedon

I want to go on the beer with Helen Behan she seems like serious craic #tommytiernanshow

11

NewsPeople

– Vanessa and Helen will be hitting the town

11

Sinéad Hussey @SineadHus

18 cm x 2

God I’d love a night out with @ helenbehan – she’s great craic! #tommytiernanshow

Watching the very large numbers 16.5 cm x 2 col 16.5 cm x 2 col out and about and hearing Sorry sisters, but you’re only allowed An evening for old movies, perhaps – Hold it! Sinéad’s going too!

PUBLIC NOTICE anecdotal evidence of people exorcise 5km from home.

18 cm x 2 col €110 + vat €180 + vat €165 + vat €165 16.5 xcols 2 col 11cm xx22cols 18 x 2 cols x 2 cols 16.5 PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC16.5 NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF TEMPORARY CLOSINGOF OFROADS ROADS TEMPORARY CLOSING ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS ROADSACT ACT1993, 1993,SECTION SECTION75 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS 12 TEMPORARY CLOSING ROADS ARTICLE 12 OF ARTICLE 12 ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 Roscommon County Council hereby gives notice of ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, Roscommon County Council hereby gives notice its intention to close the road referred to hereunder Roscommon County Council has decided to closeof ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE its decision to and close the road referred hereunder12 for period the specifi ed.to ARTICLE 12hereunder thethe road set out in thereason schedule for the

for thetoperiod and the specified.

Road be closed: Thereason L-6020-68 periods and the reason specified. at Castleland Roscommon notice of will be closed County for 700Council metres hereby between its junction Road to be closed: The L-1801-14 atgives Cloverhill Roscommon County Council hereby gives notice of its intention to close the road at referred to hereunder with the N61 and the L-6028-0 atGoff Derryquirk.

Road to be closed: R366 Street, will be closed for 1900 metres between its junction its toatand close thereason roadwill referred fordecision the period the specifi ed.to hereunder Roscommon The L-6028-0 Ardkeenagh be closed for with theperiod N60 atand Cloverhill and its junction with the for the the Road to be closed: Thereason L-6020-68 at Castleland 800 metres at its junction with specified. the L-6020-68 at L-18014-0 Tonlegee.

Period ofat Closure: Monday 8th March until will be closed for 700 metres between its junction Derryquirk and the N5.

Road to be closed: TheFriday L-1801-14 at Cloverhill 16th April 2021 with the N61 and theTraffi L-6028-0 atbe Derryquirk.

Alternative Routes: Traffic will diverted via N60 Alternative Routes: c will be diverted will be closed for 1900 metres between itsviajunction inclusive. eastwards at Cloverhill on to the N61 Boylewith Roadthe and The L-6028-0 at Ardkeenagh will be closed for L-1412-62 at Simpsons Cross on the N5. with the N60 at Cloverhill and its junction left onto the L-7002-0 and leftN63, onto the L-18014-0 800 metres its junction with theL7035/L7040/ L-6020-68 at L-18014-0 atat Tonlegee.

Alternative Routes: N61, Period of Closure: The 8th of March 2021 until the Derryquirk and the N5. and vice versa.

16th of April 2021.

L7041/L7043/L7045/L7046 Alternative Routes:Traffi Traffic will diverted via N60 Alternative Routes: cLaying will bebe diverted Period Closure: TheRoscommon 8th March 2021via until the Reason for Road Closure: of water Reasonof for Closures: Town Centre & eastwards at Cloverhill on toof the N61 L-1412-62 at Simpsons Cross on the N5.Boyle Road and mains along the public road in the Townlands 30th of April 2021.

Public Realm Enhancement Project left onto the L-7002-0 and left onto the L-18014-0 Period of Closure: The 8th of March 2021 until the of Ardkeenagh, Carrownageelaun, Castleland, and versa.

Reason for Closure: 16thvice of April 2021.as Deryquirk & Road Steill part of the Mid-Roscommon Shane Tiernan Group Water Scheme pipe laying Contract.

Period Closure: The 8th of 2021 the Reason for Road Closure: Laying of water Laying ofof water mains along theMarch public roaduntil in the Director of Services mains along the public road in the Townlands 30th of April 2021.

All necessary approach signage and diversion Townland of Lisagallon as part of the Roscommon of Ardkeenagh, Carrownageelaun, Castleland, signage will be pipe used at the required locations as Water Scheme laying Contract.

Reason Closure: Deryquirk & Road Steill as part of the Mid-Roscommon per Traffifor c Management Plan.

Group Water Scheme pipe laying Contract.

All necessary signage and diversion Residents willapproach bemains contacted and notifi ed directly Laying of water along the public road in by the signage will be used at the required locations as per All necessary approach signage and diversion the Contractor in advance of the closure.

Closures Townland of Lisagallon as part of the Roscommon Traffic Management Plan. signage will be used at the required locations as will be phased to ensure minimum disruption to Water Scheme pipe laying Contract. per Traffi c Management Plan. closure/diversions locals.

Maps showing proposed Residents willon be contacted and and notified directly by are available www.roscommoncoco.ie.

All necessary signage diversion Residents willapproach be contacted and notifi ed directly by the Contractor advance ofrequired the closure.

Closures signage willmay bein used at the as per the Contractor in advance the closure.

Objections be made inof writing to locations the Closures will be phased to ensure minimum disruption to Traffic Management Plan. will be phased to ensure minimum disruption to undersigned in respect of the proposed temporary locals.

Maps proposed closure/diversions locals.

Mapsshowing showing proposed closure/diversions road closure to arrive not later than 4.00 p.m. on Residents will contacted and notified directly by are on www.roscommoncoco.ie areavailable available onbe www.roscommoncoco.ie.

Wednesday 24th February 2021. the Contractor in advance of the closure. Closures Objections may be made in writing to the will beServices phased to ensure minimum disruption to Water Section, undersigned in respect of the proposed temporary Water Services Section locals.

Maps showing proposed closure/diversions Roscommon County Council, road closure to arrive not later than 4.00 p.m. on Roscommon County Council Aras an Chontae, are available on www.roscommoncoco.ie Wednesday 24th February 2021.

Aras an Chontae Roscommon, F42 VR98.

Roscommon Water Services Section, Water Services Section F42 VR98 Roscommon County Council, Roscommon County Council Aras an Chontae, Aras an Chontae Roscommon, F42 VR98.

Roscommon Locally owned ... in the F42 VR98

heart of the community

TEMPORARYCLOSING CLOSING OF TEMPORARY OFROADS ROADS ROADS 75 ROADSACT ACT 1993, 1993, SECTION SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS TEMPORARY CLOSING ARTICLE 12 OF ROADS ROADS 1993, SECTION 75 ARTICLE ROADSACT ACT 1993,12 SECTION 75 Roscommon County Council hereby gives notice of ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, its intention to close the road referred 1994, to hereunder ROADS REGULATIONS for the periodCounty andARTICLE theCouncil reason specifi 12 ed.

Roscommon hereby gives notice

Road to be closed: Thethe L-6020-68 at Castleland of its decision to close road12 referred to ARTICLE Roscommon Council gives notice of will be closed for metres between its junction hereunder forCounty the700 period andhereby the reason specified. its intention to close the road referred to hereunder with the N61 and the L-6028-0 at Derryquirk.

Road toperiod be closed: The L-6020-68 ated.

Castleland for the and the reason specifi Roscommon County Council hereby gives notice The L-6028-0 at Ardkeenagh will be closed for will be closed for metres between itsto junction Road to be at closed: The L-6020-68 at Castleland of its decision to 700 close the road referred 800 metres its junction with the L-6020-68 at with the N61 and the L-6028-0 at Derryquirk. will be closed its junction Derryquirk and the700 N5. metres hereunder for for the period andbetween the reason specified. with the N61 and theTraffi L-6028-0 at diverted Derryquirk.

Alternative Routes: c willwill be via The L-6028-0 at Ardkeenagh be closed for Road to be closed: The L-6020-68 at Castleland Themetres L-6028-0 at junction Ardkeenagh closed forat L-1412-62 atat Simpsons Cross onwill thebe N5.

800 its with the L-6020-68 will be closed for 700 metres between its junction 800 metres at its the L-6020-68 at Derryquirk and thejunction N5.L-6028-0 Period ofN61 Closure: The 8th with of March 2021 until the with the and at Derryquirk.

Derryquirk thethe N5.

16th of Apriland 2021.

Alternative Routes: Traffic will be diverted via Alternative Routes: Traffi cLaying will be diverted The L-6028-0 at Ardkeenagh will be closedvia for Reason foratRoad Closure: of water L-1412-62 Simpsons Cross onthe the N5.

L-1412-62 at Simpsons Cross on the N5.

800 metres at its junction with L-6020-68 mains along the public road in the Townlands at Derryquirk andCarrownageelaun, theThe N5.8th Period ofClosure: Closure: 2021 until the of Ardkeenagh, Castleland, Period of The 8thofofMarch March 2021 until 16th of April 2021.

Deryquirk Steill as part of the Mid-Roscommon the 16th of&April 2021.

Alternative Routes: Traffic will be diverted via Group Water Scheme pipe laying Contract.

Reason for Road Closure: Laying of water L-1412-62 Simpsons Cross on the N5.

Reason foratRoad Closure: mains along the public road in the All necessary approach signage andTownlands diversion of Ardkeenagh, Carrownageelaun, Castleland, signage will be used at the required locations as Period Closure: The 8th of 2021 Laying ofof water mains along theMarch public roaduntil in Deryquirk &April Steill2021. as part of the Mid-Roscommon per Traffi Plan. the 16thcofManagement the Townlands of Ardkeenagh, Carrownageelaun, Group Water Scheme pipe laying Contract.

Residents will be contacted and directly Castleland, & Steill as notifi part ed of the Mid-by Reason forDeryquirk Road Closure: All Contractor necessary approach signage diversion the in advance of the and closure.

Closures Roscommon Group Water Scheme pipe laying signage betoused at along the required locations will be phased ensure minimum disruption Laying ofwill water mains the public roadtoas in Contract. per Traffi c Management Plan. closure/diversions locals.

Maps showing proposed the Townlands of Ardkeenagh, Carrownageelaun, are available on www.roscommoncoco.ie.

All necessary approach signage and diversion Residents will be contacted and directly Castleland, Deryquirk & Steill as notifi part ed of the Mid-by signage willmay beGroup used at the required locations the Contractor in the closure.

Objections beadvance made inof writing topipe the Closures Roscommon Water Scheme layingas per Management willTraffic be phased to ensure minimum disruption to undersigned in respect ofPlan. the proposed temporary Contract. locals.

Maps to showing proposed closure/diversions road closure arrive not later than 4.00 p.m. on Residents will24th bewww.roscommoncoco.ie. contacted and notified directly arenecessary available on All approach signage and diversion Wednesday February 2021. by the Contractor in advance of the closure. as signage willmay be used at the Objections be made in required writing tolocations the Closures will be phased tothe ensure minimum Water Services Section, per Traffic Management undersigned in respect ofPlan. proposed temporary disruption to County locals. Maps showing proposed Roscommon Council, road closure to arrive not later than 4.00 p.m. on Aras an Chontae, Residents will24th be contacted andon notified closure/diversions are available www. directly Wednesday February 2021.

Roscommon, F42 VR98. by the Contractor in advance of the closure. roscommoncoco.ie Closures will be Section, phased to ensure minimum Water Services Water Services Section disruption to County locals.

Maps showing proposed Roscommon Council, Roscommon County Aras an Chontae, closure/diversions areCouncil available on www.

Aras an Chontae Roscommon, F42 VR98. roscommoncoco.ie Roscommon Water Services Section F42 VR98 Roscommon County Council Aras an Chontae Roscommon F42 VR98

TEMPORARYCLOSING CLOSING TEMPORARY ROADS ROADSACT ACT 1993, 1993, SE SE LETTING OF LANDS ROADS REGULATIO ROADS REGULATION TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS TEMPORARY OF Tenders are invitedCLOSING for letting of lands, as detailed in the schedule below, ARTICLE 12 for grazing for the EIGHT month period commencing 1st April 2021. The highest ARTICLE 12 ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 The persons whose or any offer shall not necessarily be accepted. offers are Roscommon County Council hereb accepted will be required to enter into an agreement with Roscommon County ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, its intention to close the road refe Council, and such persons shall be responsible for12 fencing work that may be ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE for the period and theCouncil reason spec ARTICLE 12 Roscommon County here required during the letting period. Horses/ponies/donkeys will not be permitted

Road to be closed: The L-6020-68 its decision on Council lands. If required, the Council may terminate anyofletting on oneto close the road re will be closed for metres Roscommon County Council hereby gives notice of must be hereunder the700 period andbetw the week’s notice with adjustment of rent.

The Tender enclosed in for a sealed Roscommon County Council hereby gives notice of with the N61 and the L-6028-0 at itsenvelope intentionmarked to close“Letting the roadofreferred to hereunder Lands” and delivered by post to Liam Bergin, Road to be closed: The L-6020-6 its decision closethe thereason road hereunder F42 VR98 forDirector the period and specifi ed.toRoscommon The at Ardkeenagh will oftoServices, Áras anreferred Chontae, noL-6028-0 later than will be closed for metres for thetoperiod the reason specified. metres its 700 junction withbetw the 4.00 p.m. onand Friday March 2021.

Certificates regarding800 disease freeatherd Road be closed: The12th L-6020-68 at Castleland with the N61 and Derryquirk and thethe N5.L-6028-0 at must be enclosed with the Tender. will be closed for 700 metres between its junction Road to be closed: The L-1801-14 at Cloverhill with the N61 and the L-6028-0 at Derryquirk.

Alternative Traffic willwill be The L-6028-0Routes: at Ardkeenagh will be closedoffor 1900 metres between its junction Lands L-1412-62 atat Simpsons Cross on th th TheSchedule L-6028-0 Ardkeenagh closed with for the 800 metres its junction with with the N60 atatCloverhill andwill its be junction 800 metres its junction with the L-6020-68 at Derryquirk and theThe N5.8th of Marc Period of Closure: Location of Land Approximate Acreage L-18014-0 atat Tonlegee.

Derryquirk and the N5.

16th of April 2021.

Alternative Routes: Traffic will b BallyforanRoutes: Traffic will be diverted via N6012.5 Alternative Alternative Routes: Traffic will be diverted via Reason foratRoad Closure: Laying L-1412-62 Simpsons Cross on t eastwards atSimpsons Cloverhill on toon the N61 L-1412-62 at Cross the N5.Boyle Road and Ballyboughan, Roscommon 3 mains along the public road in the left onto the L-7002-0 and left onto the L-18014-0 of Ardkeenagh, Carrownageelaun, Period of Closure: The 8th of March 2021 until the Period of Closure: The 8th of Ma Ballyboughan/Carrownabrickna 9 and versa.

Deryquirk Steill2021. as part of the M 16thvice of April 2021. the 16th of&April Group Water Scheme pipe laying Portrunny Period of The 8th of March 2021 until the4 Reason forClosure: Road Closure: Laying of water Reason for Road Closure: All necessary approach signage an mains along the public road in the Townlands 30th of April 2021.

Carrowmore,Roscommon 4 signage will be used at along the require of Ardkeenagh, Carrownageelaun, Castleland, Laying of water mains the Reason for& Road Closure: per Traffic Management Plan.

Lisnamult, Roscommon 4.9 Deryquirk Steill as part of the Mid-Roscommon the Townlands of Ardkeenagh, Ca Group Water Scheme pipe laying Contract.

Residents will be contacted and Castleland, Deryquirk & Steill as np Laying of water mains along the public road in the 2.4 Lisnamult, Roscommon the Contractor in advance the c All necessary approach signage and diversion Roscommon Group Waterof Schem Townland of Lisagallon as part of the Roscommon Ballyfinnegan, Ballintubber 6.5 will be phased to ensure minimum signage will be pipe used at the required Contract.

Water Scheme laying Contract.locations as locals. Maps showing proposed clo per Traffic Management Plan.

Falledeen, Ballinlough 3.7 arenecessary available on www.roscommonc All approach signage a All necessary signage and diversion Residents willapproach be contacted and notifi ed directly by signage willmay be used at the East, Castleplunkett signage will be in used at theofrequired locations as per2 Objections be made in requir writin theDrishaghaun Contractor advance the closure.

Closures per Traffic Management undersigned in respect ofPlan. the prop Traffic Plan. willClooninisclin, beManagement phased toBallinlough ensure minimum disruption to 3.6 road closure to arrive not later tha locals. Maps showing proposed closure/diversions Residents will24th be contacted and n Residents willon be contacted and notified directly by3.5 Wednesday February 2021. areKilcolman, available www.roscommoncoco.ie.

Ballaghaderreen

the Contractor in advance of the closure. Closures Objections may made in writing to the Kilcolman, Ballaghaderreen will be phased tobeensure minimum disruption to 4 undersigned in respect of the proposed temporary locals.

Maps showing proposed closure/diversions 0.7 Carrowiskeehan, Kilglass road closure to arrive not later than 4.00 p.m. on are available24th on www.roscommoncoco.ie Wednesday February 2021.

by the Contractor in advance of t Closures will be Section, phased to ensure Water Services disruption to County locals. Maps showin Roscommon Council, Aras an Chontae, are available o closure/diversions Roscommon, F42 VR98. roscommoncoco.ie

Water ServicesCarrick-on-Shannon Section, Cloonmaan, Water Services Section Roscommon County Council, Roscommon County Council Lugnamuddagh, Boyle Aras an Chontae, Aras an Chontae Roscommon, F42 VR98.

Derreenavoggy, Arigna Roscommon

Water Services Section Roscommon County Council Aras an Chontae Roscommon F42 VR98

Clegna, Cootehall

F42 VR98

Liam Bergin, Director of Services Roscommon County Council Áras an Chontae, Roscommon F42 VR98

4.4 3 40 1

14

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

NewsPeople

Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Lockdown is placing relationships in peril!

The country is currently in the grip of a divorce boom. Well, it is if you believe an article in the Irish Independent, which worryingly proclaimed that ‘divorce is off the Richter scale,’ quoting one of ‘Ireland’s leading divorce lawyers’ as saying ‘I took on 10 new clients in January alone’.

Ooops, it appears that not everyone’s feeling the luuurrve during the lockdown. Covid’s not just exposing us to a potentially deadly virus – it’s also exposing us to living life 24/7 in each other’s pockets with some couples fighting over issues they’d normally deem as being petty.

While I find this situation terribly sad, I can also understand how such circumstances can occur. Apart from the stress this pandemic has caused to our emotional, physical and financial situations, there’s also the upheaval of turning our homes – our sanctuaries – into an office and a classroom, lead-

ing some couples I know to leg it to a shed to find a bit of peace. Now while at first the whole locked-down-withthe-one-you-love venture may have seemed like a fairytale come true, the fact that it has been going on and on and on for so long has clearly, and sadly, lifted the veil on the truth about many relationships. In short, they’ve been revealed for the challenge they can be. Oh yes folks, lockdown has proved to be a real eye-opener, exposing us to each other’s irritating, infuriating, nasty little habits.

In addition, the second the schools/ childcare facilities closed down, it became clear (in some households of my acquaintance) that the work of the women/mammies increased significantly with the men/daddies – well, they’re kinda sitting around like warm-blooded pot plants waiting to be fed and watered! Ouch! Not in our house, hubby’s actually hoovering as

Stop testing our endurance Micheál – and give us hope!

By the time you read this, our leaders will probably have launched their updated ‘Living with Covid’ blueprint, or as I call it, their de facto system of keeping us in solitary confinement. However, in a week of miscommunications delivered by the Government, it’s my opinion they have absolutely no strategy whatsoever, and are simply making things up as they plod along.

This country has gone through a year soaked in a gloom of hopelessness; in short, we’re like a human fuse burning towards a bomb. It’s high time our over-paid egocentric government devised a clear and coherent approach to guiding us through this crisis and stopped testing our endurance by continuously bashing us against the bars of lockdown. If I were being paid a ridiculous sum to advise Micheál, I’d be telling him to stop pushing the people further into the abyss and instead, change the flippin’ record to one that both promotes and helps us to visualise a Covid-free Ireland!

I write, so credit where it’s due.

Now I’m not here to man-bash! I always try to be fair, and I do know that plenty of you lads are happy to half-heartedly, and with no threat to your own sense of masculinity, run a damp cloth over the dining table, and fair play to you. But seriously, do you have to ruin your good domestic deed by punching the air with the thrilled sense of achievement of a bungee jumper when you’ve finished? Just joking…or have I hit a nerve?

You see lads, we women just cannot seem to get a break! I mean, now that we’re ‘imprisoned’ and working from home, we’re not just contending with the glass ceiling, we’re also dealing with the sticky floor, the dirty loo and the screaming kids! Let’s face it ladies, we can hardly stash those ankle-biters under the sink with the antibacterial spray and the other lethal household items while we go

free-range and roam from home for half an hour’s peace… now can we?

Is it any wonder divorce is on the rise? Then again ladies, perhaps it’s us who are the ones causing the problem? Now before you go ballistic, let me give you an example.

Last week, when a friend cried to me, saying that her husband ‘doesn’t raise a finger to help out’, I asked her if it was because he was a self-entitled chauvinist, or if it was down to the fact that every time he does do something she rips his efforts apart? I thought this was a fair question.

This woman is, like me, harbouring a dirty little secret… she’s a control freak. Therefore, knowing both herself and himself as I do (and have done for 30 years), I believe their declining situation is not down to him being a sexist prat whose only role is to keep their sofa from rising off the

floor by lying on it guzzling beer. No, it’s because she’s the type who views a ‘laboratory clean’ home as a sign of her own self-worth… hence he’s decided not to bother helping out anymore. Honestly, I’m wasted here folks… I should have been a relationship counsellor.

I’ve come to the conclusion that men are not really lazy, bless them; they just don’t care about having pristine kids and a clean and tidy home in the same way as we do. However lads, my final word goes to you, and it’s this: if you gorgeous Gods want to get back on your long-suffering Goddess’s spring menu, my suggestion for avoiding the divorce court is to start making plans for a gigantic Mother’s Day treat – even if you don’t have kids! Why? Firstly, this Princess has been mothering you all your married life, and secondly, you can’t afford a divorce!

Make self-care part of your Lenten routine We’re well into Lent, however people are still asking me what I’ve given up, and they’re quite surprised when I say nothing, nada, not a single thing. In fact, I’ve decided to add to my life by being kinder to myself!

I’ve come to the realisation that as this year’s Lenten season is likely to be the lengthiest (or Lent-iest) one ever (given the lockdown), it’s my opinion that, like everyone else, I’ve already given up quite enough. We’ve had a year of isolation and socially distancing from

loved ones. We’ve added matching masks to our wardrobes. In my case, I’ve also added a ‘mask-rash’ – a condition that makes me look like an extra from the cast of Lord of the Rings. Add to that my now out-of-control lockdown locks, and I could easily be mistaken for a Motown backing singer. My hands have become so dry and cracked from over-washing/sanitising, my once soft skin resembles fish scales.

However, when I compare my woes with

those who’ve sadly experienced grief due to the loss of family members and friends, as well as livelihoods, I have to admit that my own problems certainly do seem to be extremely petty. I cannot imagine the trauma these people are going through and will likely continue to go through until we can get rid of Covid and they can get some sort of closure. My heart goes out to each and every single one of you. Please do try to take care of yourselves.

15

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

NewsPeople

‘Dedicated to education, Bernice left a lasting positive mark’ Tributes paid to much-loved mother of three < DAN DOONER

Warm tributes have been paid this week to the much-loved principal of Lanesboro Community College, Ms. Bernice Martin (Treacy), who passed away last Thursday following a long illness.

The mother of three, who was a hard-working and highly respected member of the local community, was laid to rest in Scramogue Cemetery on Sunday afternoon last.

Acting principal of Lanesboro Community College, Michael Lyons, said the entire school community was heartbroken.

“Throughout our time working together, Bernice always had energy and vision but she also had time to speak with everyone.

She had a sparkling sense of humour, always had

a smile on her face and a wonderful laugh. I never saw her in bad form,” he said.

“She had this wonderful ability to make you feel relaxed and motivated all at the same time! She was also the consummate professional and always said it as it was. She was honest and straight and yet had this way of putting you at ease too.

“We are all heartbroken for her husband Eric and their three children. We did what Bernice would have wanted on Monday and returned to our studies, but this week we will take the time to remember her and we will be asking students and staff to share their memories of Bernice,” he said.

Local Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy also offered his sympathies

to Bernice’s family and friends this week.

Describing Bernice as a lovely neighbour and friend, Senator Murphy said the whole community was deeply shocked and very saddened by her passing.

“She had an amazing dedication to education and in her short life she has left an everlasting positive mark.

“Bernice had a lovely, caring attitude to her students in Lanesboro and I understand she left a similar impression during her time in Columba College, Killucan. Her contribution to education has been highly significant and her passion for her profession was unquestionable,” he said.

Extending his sympathies to her family, Senator Murphy said: “I can only describe her as a lovely

newsbriefs Search stood down for NewsPeople missing man The search for missing Taughmaconnell man, Sean Spellman, was stood down on Saturday evening last following the discovery of a body.

In a brief statement, the Gardaí thanked the media and public for their assistance following the search.

The 54-year-old had been missing since January 16th, when he was last sighted near Luan Gallery in Athlone.

€110 + vat

16.5 x 2 col 11cm x 2 cols

PUBLIC NOTICE

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, TEMPORARY CLOSINGOF OF ROADS TEMPORARY CLOSING ROADS ARTICLE 12 ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, Roscommon County Council has decided to close12 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE ARTICLE 12hereunder the road set out in the schedule for the

Warm tributes have been paid this week to the much-loved principal of Lanesboro Community College, Ms. Bernice Martin (Treacy), R.I.P.

person, always smiling and always dedicated to her family and school pupils”.

Bernice is sadly missed by her loving husband Eric, children Ella, Ava

and Conor, parents Hugh and Bridget, sisters Gloria and Edel and brother Hughie, Eric’s parents John and Ann, siblings Ian and Aislinn, extended family, neighbours and friends.

periods and the reason specified.

Roscommon County Council hereby gives notice of Roscommon County Council hereby gives notice of its intention to close the road at referred to hereunder Road to be closed: R366 Goff Street, its to and closethe thereason road referred fordecision the period specified.to hereunder Roscommon for thetoperiod and the specified.

Road be closed: Thereason L-6020-68 at Castleland Period of Closure: Monday 8th March until will be closed for 700 metres between its junction Road to be closed: TheFriday L-1801-14 at Cloverhill April 2021 with the N61 and the L-6028-0 16th at Derryquirk. will be closed for 1900 metres between its junction inclusive.

The L-6028-0 Ardkeenagh closed with for the with the N60 atatCloverhill andwill its be junction 800 metres its junction with theL7035/L7040/ L-6020-68 at L-18014-0 atat Tonlegee.

Alternative Routes: N61, N63, Derryquirk and the N5.

L7041/L7043/L7045/L7046 Alternative Routes:Traffi Traffic will diverted via N60 Alternative Routes: c will bebe diverted Reason foratClosures: Roscommon Town via Centre & eastwards CloverhillCross on toon the N61 L-1412-62 at Simpsons the N5.Boyle Road and Public Realm Enhancement Project left onto the L-7002-0 and left onto the L-18014-0 Period of Closure: The 8th of March 2021 until the and versa.

16thvice of April 2021.

Shane Tiernan Period The 8th of March 2021 until the Reasonof forClosure: Road Closure: Laying of water Director of Services mains the public road in the Townlands 30th ofalong April 2021.

€225 + vat 15 x 3 cols

Abbey Street, Roscommon Town.

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

After my final painless injection against Covid-19 infection, I think credit should be given to scientists and chemists for discovering the drug. Delivery of the fragile drug to all Irish medical facilities was fraught with ongoing difficulties. Patients anxiously waiting for a safe injection against the Covid-19 virus and its mutations worldwide were filled with hope.

During 2020, worried, overworked medical staff and many others had worked tirelessly, without an antidote to Covid-19.

At the spacious Kelly Henry Medical Centre in Castlerea, hygienically and efficiently run by the doctors and staff, I waited – two metres apart from other patients also waiting for their injection. The injection was given within minutes, and all the rules were observed stringently.

A plaque on the wall in the reception area, where I sat for my injection, overlooked a gathering of busy doctors, nurses and patients. It showed a mythological Roman serpent, twisting round the staff of Asclepius, a Roman God. This is the medical profession’s symbol of healing and it was appropriate for driving the Covid-19 virus, and its mutations, into oblivion.

We were offered chocolates by staff. Dr. Michael Kelly and staff were photographed with happy, smiling patients, relieved to have received their first dose of the vaccine.

There was an air of hope and joy amongst elderly patients, who relaxed before leaving the busy clinic.

At last, the medical profession could provide help willingly and effectively to a distressed population in the Castlerea area.

Thank you to everyone at the clinic, from me and, I’m sure, all the patients who have received the vaccine, not forgetting a busy photographer who took photographs of masked patients, doctors and nurses.

Kind regards, Margaret Ann Millett

Alt The L-1 800 De Pe

16t

Alt Re L-1

ma

of Per De the

Gr

Re All

are All sig Ob per un

Residents willonbe contacted and notified directly by COVID-19 WAIVER COMMERCIAL RATES 2021 areOF available www.roscommoncoco.ie.

Objections may be made in writing to the The Department of Housing, Local Government Heritage has released will be phased toand ensure minimum disruption to undersigned in respect of due the proposed temporary information in relation to the waiver of commercial rates to closure/diversions COVID-19 locals.

Maps showing proposed road closure towaiver arrive not later than 4.00 p.m. on restrictions for Quarter 1 2021. are A three-month will apply to eligible available on www.roscommoncoco.ie Wednesday February businesses and will take the form of a credit24th in lieu of rates.2021.

Res We by Clo Wa dis Ro Ar clo Ro ros

The value of the waiver is the equivalent value Section, of 25% of the annual rate bill Water Services Water Services Section for 2021.

Roscommon County Council, Roscommon County Council Aras an Chontae, Aras an Chontae F42 VR98.

There is no application process Roscommon, for the rates waiver as Roscommon County Council Roscommon will automatically apply the waiver to eligible rate accounts. The three-month waiver F42closed VR98 or badly impacted by Level 5 restrictions. will apply to all eligible businesses

Wa Ro Ara Ro F42

the Contractor in advance of the closure. Closures

Send your letters to:

wi

Ro Th wil 80 wit De

All necessary signage and diversion Residents willapproach be contacted and notifi ed directly by signage will be in used at theofrequired locations as per the Contractor advance the closure.

Closures Traffic Plan. will beManagement phased to ensure minimum disruption to locals. Maps showing proposed closure/diversions

Letters to the Editor Reader’s praise after Covid vaccination in Castlerea

Roi of wi her

Laying of water mains along the public road in the All necessary approach signage and diversion Townland of Lisagallon as part of the Roscommon signage will be pipe used laying at the required Water Scheme Contract.locations as per Traffic Management Plan.

Walkers pictured out and about recently in Loughnaneane Park, Roscommon Town.

Ro its for Ros

sig Lay pe the Re Cas the Ros wi Co

of Ardkeenagh, Carrownageelaun, Castleland, Group Water Scheme pipe laying Contract.

Dear Editor,

T

ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75

Reason for& Road Closure: Deryquirk Steill as part of the Mid-Roscommon

Ballinlough, Castlerea, Co Roscommon

PU

Excluded Categories: It is important to note that there are some categories of businesses which were included in the 2020 Waiver Scheme but are now excluded in the new scheme.

As with the previous Waiver Scheme the rationale for the exclusion of these ratepayers is that their operations were not as severely impacted by the pandemic, coupled with the need to direct resources appropriately.

Further details and the categories of business eligible and non-eligible for the waiver are available on our website www.roscommoncoco.ie Appeal Process: In recognition of the fact that there may be ratepayers excluded from the waiver that were severely impacted by the pandemic, an online appeal process is available. Go to www.roscommoncoco.ie and click on ‘My Online Services’ to complete the online appeal form.

Closing date for appeals is 5.00pm on Friday 26th March 2021, 2021.

Should you have any queries in relation to the Rates Waiver 2021 please contact the Rates Team on 090 66 32555 or e-mail: ratesenquiries@roscommoncoco.ie Signed:

Martin Lydon, Director of Services

My Online

Services

Roscommon People 15x3 (109) Roscommon Herald 15x3 (112)

NK

loc

roa

16

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

NewsPeople

No mention of Roscommon in IDA strategy for next four years Loving Galway!

–––––– From the report ––––––

‘There are 120 IDA client companies in the West region, employing 27,695 people. The FDI performance in the region has been strong over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 35%.

‘There is a significant ecosystem of well established Life Sciences companies, which has helped drive strong cluster development. The number of people employed in software engineering, technical support, global business services and R&D in the Region has also grown considerably in recent years.

‘The city of Galway is a crucial part of the West’s attractiveness to FDI. The presence of third level institutes, the National University of Ireland Galway and the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology in Castlebar and Galway, are key to nurturing and producing the talented graduates required to help maintain and attract FDI’.

< PAUL HEALY

A recently-published IDA strategy for driving recovery and growth over the coming four years does nothing to counter a persistent view that County Roscommon is being consistently left behind by the State agency.

In the document, the IDA pledges to deliver progress in Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo and Galway – but there’s no mention of Roscommon, making it the only Connacht county not referenced.

Details of ‘IDA Strategy – Driving Recovery & Sustainable Growth 2021-2024’ were made public last month. The document is quite detailed – but it makes for grim reading from a Roscommon perspective.

Noting the challenges posed by Covid-19 and Brexit, the IDA states that this new strategy has been developed in line with the Government’s National Economic Plan and that it “positions IDA to respond to the emerging trends that are accelerating as a result of the Covid-19 global pandemic”.

The strategy pledges to prioritise growing the regional enterprise base, while “driving productivity, building a sustainable enterprise base and increasing the spill-over effects from FDI to SMEs”.

The IDA says it will “maintain” its focus on attracting leading multinational companies to locate in Ireland, further driving sustainable growth and “maximising the impact of Foreign Direct Invest-

ment (FDI)”. The agency is aiming to attract 800 investments between now and 2024, with the aim of half of those going to regions (i.e. outside Dublin). The IDA document contains a pledge to support ‘client job creation’ to the tune of 50,000 jobs.

While the IDA says that regional development is a “core pillar” of this new blueprint, when the document focuses in on specific projects in the regions, there’s an alarming absence of a single reference to County Roscommon. This omission will do nothing to placate critics of the IDA’s record in

IDA response

Companies ‘not taking decisions based on county boundaries’ Responding to queries from the Roscommon People this week, the IDA said that regional development remains a core pillar of its new strategy.

Asked about its commitment to Roscommon, the IDA said it will continue to market County Roscommon and “the wider West Region” as a location for Foreign Direct Investment.

The IDA pointed out that 27,695 people are employed in 120 client companies in the West Region.

The statement continues: “However, it’s important to note that Ireland is a small country competing globally for investment. As countries seek investment to drive their recoveries, it has further intensified what was already fierce competition to win FDI investment. Companies that are investing into our regions are interested in talent, track record, infrastructure, access and connectivity, proximity to third-level educational institutes – they are not taking decisions based on county boundaries”.

The IDA says there are currently 10 IDA Ireland supported client companies

in Co. Roscommon, employing about 1,300 people between them. It says IDA continues to work closely with its existing client base and reminds our readers that in December 2020, Harmac Medical Products announced a major investment in its Castlerea facility, as it accelerates the manufacturing of surgical masks and non-invasive ventilation products. The IDA said that this resulted in the creation of 60 new roles and that the project was and is supported by IDA Ireland.

The IDA statement continued: “Many people residing in Co. Roscommon are employed by multinational companies in Roscommon, Athlone, Galway, Mayo, Sligo and further afield. This talent pool is marketed to potential new investors as part of IDA Ireland’s efforts to attract further investment into Co. Roscommon”.

The IDA added: “In partnership with Roscommon County Council and Grow Remote, IDA Ireland hosted a Remote Working event in Roscommon town in March 2020 (pre-Covid-19 restrictions). The event highlighted the remote working opportunities available in Roscommon and included

speakers from IDA Ireland and one of IDA’s client companies, Shopify, who have a fully remote team in Ireland with a number of employees in Roscommon”.

Seven site visits in three years

Responding to the Roscommon People, the IDA addressed the issue of site visits (by prospective investors) to Roscommon, as organised by the State agency.

In 2020, IDA Ireland coordinated one E-site visit to Roscommon. In 2019 IDA Ireland coordinated three visits to Roscommon, and in 2018 IDA Ireland coordinated three visits to the county.

The IDA added: “IDA Ireland continues to collaborate with key stakeholders in Roscommon and the West to ensure that the region is marketing effectively from a place-making perspective in the current virtual environment. All local stakeholders have an important role to play in making Roscommon and the West Region as attractive as possible”.

Roscommon, following as it does years of criticism of the extremely low number of site visits to this county by the agency, not to mention the lack of actual job creation.

Plans for Dublin and for the South-East, SouthWest, Mid-East and Mid-West regions are all detailed. Under ‘Midlands’, there’s a commitment to deliver ‘Advanced Building Solutions’ in Athlone, Longford and Mullingar over the 2021-2024 period.

When it comes to Connacht counties (Galway, Mayo and Roscommon are in the West Region, and Sligo and Leitrim in the Border Region), Roscommon is a notable omission.

There is a commitment to provide an Advanced Technology Building in Carrick-on-Shannon, in partnership with Leitrim County Council. The report says the IDA will “deliver” Advanced Building Solutions in Mayo and Galway. It says the IDA is currently engaged with Mayo County Council to progress a partnership to develop additional business parks and strategic lands for future development.

It commits to further investment for IDA Parks in the West region, but does not specify where. Meanwhile, “IDA Property Division plans to work in partnership with Mayo County Council to develop access infrastructure to lands in Ballina”.

The IDA’s goal is to deliver 76 investments for the West region in the period 2021 to 2024.

Call for IDA and Cummins to urgently meet < PAUL HEALY

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy wants a meeting to take place between the IDA and Roscommon County Council CE Eugene Cummins in order put in place a job creation strategy for this county.

Senator Murphy says he has already been “in negotiations” with the IDA about putting such an emergency process in place.

Speaking to the Roscommon People, Senator Murphy said that while he is very critical of the IDA’s record in this county over the past decade, it is now time for a more positive approach.

“For the last ten years, we have seen very little from the IDA in relation to County Roscommon. The statistics and the record speak for themselves. We have had an abysmal record of IDA site visits, and no major job announcements for the county.

“I am currently in negotiations with the IDA with a view to setting up a meeting/forum with the CE of Roscommon County Council so as to put a plan or strategy for County Roscommon together to ensure the county develops and gets a fair crack of the whip from the State agency”.

Asked about the lack of a specific reference to County Roscommon in the IDA Strategy document published last month (see our exclusive story alongside), Senator Murphy said that this “confirms a pattern of neglect and lack of investment” by the State agency towards County Roscommon.

“We have a four-year plan published by the IDA that simply continues this pattern of neglect towards County Roscommon.

If you look through the plan, Leitrim, Galway, Mayo, so many counties are mentioned, but once again, County Roscommon hardly features”.

Senator Murphy paid tribute to SMEs in Roscommon, stating that this county would be an employment blackspot were it not for their collective “bravery, enthusiasm and innovation”.

He added: “County Roscommon is a fantastic place, but nothing would have happened here jobs-wise over the past ten years without the drive and initiative of our wonderful small business owners.

“However, the real icing on the cake would be to have a proper focus on County Roscommon from the IDA in order to allow the county to develop further.

“We need that recognition and assistance from the State agency,” concluded Senator Murphy.

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

NewsPeople

Naughton’s Kitchens and Appliances – providing a valuable service Naughton’s Kitchens and Appliances, based in Athleague, Co. Roscommon, is a family-run business that has trading for more than forty years, and one which continues to provide an excellent service in the west of Ireland.

Naughton’s caters for all styles and budgets, and have recently rebranded and added appliances, meaning customers have a significant range to choose from. Ovens, hobs, fridges, freezers, coffee machines, and dishwashers are all available to purchase, with high quality help and service supplied.

The company also offers a full stockist of exclusive, studio-line products from Siemens, fully Wifi enabled to allow people to control appliances from any connected device, including Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home.

Naughton’s Kitchens and Appliances sell a wide range of appliances on their website, naughtonskitchens.com, and the user-friendly online shop is proving to be very successful with customers.

Throughout the decades, Naughton’s have placed

real pride and emphasis on the ability to offer a topquality product and service.

Naughton’s Kitchens have achieved master partner status with Neff, and their showroom is considered a connected hub – one of only four in Ireland.

With a bespoke manufacturing plant in Athleague, Naughton’s experienced design team remain willing to assist on existing and new projects. Additionally, Naughton’s sales team have extensive experience in creating kitchen designs and optimising space to reflect the needs of your lifestyle.

Guidance can also be offered

by Naughton’s staff on other aspects relating to kitchens, including appliances, and how to choose suitable worktop material.

At Naughton’s Kitchens and Appliances, an expert will take your ideas, add them to their knowledge, and together with transform them into a real-life kitchen.

Your heart, your home, your kitchen.

Visit naughtonskitchens. com for more.

NAUGHTONMon KITCHENS ATHLEAGUE, ROSCOMMON, F42 to AX71 – Wed : LTD, 10amCLOONEYOURISH, to 4pm. | Thursday : 10am to 5pm | Friday : 10am 6.30pm Tel: (0906) 663555 Email: snaughtonkitchens@gmail.com OPEN THROUGH LUNCH | Phone:Web: 094 -naughtonkitchens.com 962 0910

17

18

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

NewsPeople reserva são essenciais. Hotéis e B & B, se abertos para o verão, estarão operando com capacidade reduzida. Assim como os locais de acampamento e caravana. As casas de férias privadas terão uma grande procura.

Pensamos em reservar mais uma semana em nosso refúgio em West Cork, mas assim que o governo descartou feriados no exterior, quase todas as propriedades costeiras no site da agência estavam completamente reservadas para todo o verão! É um grande impulso para a indústria do turismo, que sofreu muito desde o início da pandemia.

Good times ahead….

On Sunday afternoon, the sun was shining and the breeze was mild. We decided to venture down to the newly-laid walkway in a local bog.

It’s a wonderful 4km trail in open space, providing an easy walk for any age or fitness level. The dog loves it and we can bring the bikes if the girls fancy a faster pace. The fresh air is lovely, with no traffic and other walkers always a distance away.

On the return walk, my eldest daughter and I were chatting away. It’s a great time for the chat, as the screens are put away for the hour.

As the conversation flowed, she began to talk about all the places in Ireland she wants to visit when restrictions are lifted.

She was obviously doing her research, as she reeled off the names of beaches and parks that I have never heard of! She mentioned Dog’s Bay in Connemara, which, when I googled it upon my return home, reminded me of some of the beaches back home in Brazil! It looks absolutely stunning, so it’s high up on the ‘to do’ list.

She also talked about a day out, rambling around Dublin city centre and a trip to Belfast. I began to realise that even though our girls have been in good form throughout lockdown, they really are missing the sense of adventure they get from going places with family or friends. It’s so hard on them, but they don’t complain so we tend to think they’re fine.

Bella is in TY, which thankfully is not in an exam year, but this is the very year in school she was looking forward to! So many experiences, tours, day trips, work experience, etc., were promised, and so much has been missed out on. I feel so sorry for her. She was looking forward to her exchange student trip to Germany and the TY visit to Italy. The teachers have been brilliant in keeping them engaged, but they can never get these days back, and are missing out on experiences that would help shape the rest of their lives.

The younger one is easier to entertain – lots of board games or hiding of things around the house seem to attract her interest quickly!

They have given up so much over the past year that they didn’t want to hear about giving up something for Lent!

So when restrictions are lifted and the weather (hopefully) improves, we’ll have to make a great effort to make up for lost time.

The holiday home in West Cork was booked in October 2019 for last July. Of course that didn’t happen, and it was deferred to July this year. But we will also be enjoying as many day trips to as many beautiful places as we can manage. With foreign holidays out of the question, Ireland’s beauty spots are set to be very busy again this year.

Planning and booking is essential. Hotels and B&Bs, if open at all for the summer, will be operating at reduced capacity, as will camping and caravan sites, and private holiday homes will be in huge demand. We considered booking another week in our West Cork getaway, but as soon as the government ruled out foreign holidays, just about every coastal property on the agency’s website was

Cuidado!

Dog’s Bay in Connemara

completely booked out for the entire summer!

It’s a great boost for the tourism industry, which has suffered so much since the pandemic began.

Be careful!

Recently, while browsing on a social media page that provides a selling platform for users to sell just about anything, I noticed a number of ads from people looking to buy certain types of mobile phones. I thought that’s a great service for anyone who has a phone to sell – there is a ready-made market just a few clicks away.

Then I heard a story about a teenage girl in Limerick who answered an ad from someone looking to purchase the type of phone she had for sale. She arranged to meet the buyer on a busy city centre street in broad daylight to do a deal. A young man, not much older than herself, showed up and asked to inspect the phone.

When she handed it to him, he simply ran away with it! She was afraid to give chase. He wore a mask and a baseball cap, so CCTV was useless in trying to identify him.

So if you’re buying or selling on any SM page or classified ads site, from/to a private individual, always bring someone with you and, if possible, avoid carrying large sums of cash. With pubs, restaurants, etc., closed at the moment, unscrupulous characters know they can organise to meet in outdoor public spaces.

This makes it easier for them to take advantage of unsuspecting members of the public. Don’t become a victim. If they won’t engage on your terms, err on the side of caution and look elsewhere!

Bom tempos pela frente ....

Na tarde de domingo, o sol estava forte e uma leve brisa . Decidimos nos aventurar até a nova passarela construída em um pântano local (Bog). É uma trilha maravilhosa de 4 km em espaço aberto, proporcionando uma caminhada fácil para qualquer idade ou nível de condicionamento físico. Meu cachorro adora e se as meninas quiserem podemos levar as bicicletas para elas darem uma pedalada mais rápida. O ar fresco é maravilhoso, sem tráfego e sempre com muitas distancia de outros que

estao caminhando. No passeio de volta, minha filha mais velha e eu estávamos conversando. É um ótimo momento para o bate-papo, pois o celular e colocado de lado por uma hora.

Conforme a conversa fluía, ela começou a falar sobre todos os lugares na Irlanda que ela gostaria de visitar quando as restrições fossem suspensas.

Ela obviamente estava fazendo sua pesquisa enquanto falava nomes de praias e parques dos quais eu nunca tinha ouvido falar! Ela mencionou Dog’s Bay em Connemara que, quando eu pesquisei no Google depois da volta para casa, me lembrou de algumas das praias em casa no Brasil! Parece absolutamente deslumbrante, por isso está no topo da lista de “coisas a fazer”. Ela também falou sobre um dia passeando pelo centro de Dublin e uma viagem para Belfast.

Comecei a perceber que, embora nossas filhas estivessem em boa forma durante todo o confinamento, elas realmente sentem falta do senso de aventura que obtêm ao ir a lugares com a família ou amigos. É tão difícil para elas, mas elas não reclamam que tendemos a pensar que estão bem. Bella está no TY, felizmente não em um ano de exames.

Mas este é o mesmo ano na escola que ela estava ansiosa! Tantas experiências, passeios, viagens de um dia, experiência de trabalho, etc., foram prometidos, e muito se perdeu.

Eu sinto muito por ela. Ela estava ansiosa para sua viagem de estudante de intercâmbio à Alemanha e a visita da TY à Itália. Os professores têm sido brilhantes, mantendoos engajados, mas eles nunca podem voltar esses dias e estão perdendo experiências que ajudariam a moldar o resto de suas vidas.

A mais nova é mais fácil de entreter - muitos jogos de mesa ou esconder coisas pela casa parecem atrair seu interesse rapidamente!

Elas desistiram de tantas coisas no ano passado, eles não quiseram ouvir falar sobre desistir de algo para a Quaresma!

Então, quando as restrições forem suspensas e o clima (com sorte) melhorar, teremos que fazer um grande esforço para compensar o tempo perdido. A casa de férias em West Cork foi reservada em outubro de 2019 para o último mês de julho. Claro, isso não aconteceu e foi adiado para julho deste ano. Mas quantas viagens de um dia para tantos lugares bonitos quanto pudermos, também serão apreciadas. Com as férias no exterior fora de questão, os belos locais da Irlanda devem estar com muito demanda novamente este ano. O planejamento e a

Recentemente, enquanto navegava em uma página de social mídia, que fornece uma plataforma de venda para os usuários venderem praticamente qualquer coisa, notei uma série de anúncios de pessoas que queriam comprar certos tipos de telefones celulares. Achei que é um ótimo serviço para quem tem um telefone para vender, há um mercado pronto a apenas alguns cliques de distância.

Então ouvi a história de uma adolescente em Limerick, que respondeu a um anúncio de alguém que queria comprar o tipo de telefone que ela tinha à venda. Ela combinou de se encontrar com o comprador em uma rua movimentada do centro da cidade, em plena luz do dia, para fazer o negócio.

Um jovem, não muito mais velho que ela, apareceu e pediu para inspecionar o telefone.

Quando ela entregou a ele, ele simplesmente fugiu com ele !! Ela estava com medo de persegui-lo. Ele usava máscara e um boné de beisebol, então o CCTV foi inútil para tentar identificá-lo.

Portanto, se você estiver comprando ou vendendo em qualquer página da SM ou site de anúncios classificados, de / para um indivíduo particular, sempre leve alguém com você e, se possível, evite carregar grandes quantidades de dinheiro. Com pubs, restaurantes etc., fechados no momento, personagens inescrupulosos sabem que podem se organizar para se encontrar em espaços públicos ao ar livre. Isso torna mais fácil para eles tirar vantagem de membros desavisados do público. Não se torne uma vítima. Se eles não se interagir com os seus termos, opte por ser cauteloso e procure outro lugar!

Watch this....

Every Tuesday at 3 pm Online games group For young people in 3rd and 4th Class- Chat to other kids in Co. Roscommon while playing a variety of games each week in safe online environment.

Contact Martina on 086 1711394 or Felicia on 892378241.

Grupo de jogos online

Todas as terças-feiras às 15:00 Para jovens da 3ª e 4ª classes – Converse com outras crianças em Co. Roscommon enquanto joga uma variedade de jogos a cada semana em um ambiente online seguro.

Entre em contato com Martina em 086 1711394 ou Felicia em 892378241.

Brazilian woman’s group online zoom meeting

Every Thursday 1 pm-2 pm Join us for a coffee and an opportunity to practises your conversational English.

Contact Catia on 0858892575 or Felicia on 892378241.

Reunião via zoom online Grupo de Mulheres Brasileiras

Todas as quintas-feiras das 13h às 14h Junte-se a nós para um café e uma oportunidade de praticar seu inglês de conversação.

Contate Catia em 0858892575 ou Felicia em 892378241.

19

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

NewsPeople

A horse pictured helping himself to some hay in a field near Castlerea. Picture: Mick McCormack

Three lambs pictured in a field in Cloonbard, Castlerea. Picture: Mick McCormack

Rossies on the big screen (and stage) Our recent feature on the great Peter O’Toole’s close friendship with a Roscommon family reminds us here in ‘Take A Break’ land of our county’s far from modest links to Hollywood/movie world stardom!

Here’s a quick summary (mostly, we suspect, for our younger readers)…

So…the great Maureen O’Sullivan (best known for playing Jane opposite Johnny Weissmuller in the wonderful Tarzan films in the 1930s) was a native of Boyle, Co. Roscommon (there’s a plaque to that effect on the house she grew up in). Her daughter Mia Farrow (who was once married to Frank Sinatra) has been a leading actress for many decades.

Then there’s Mischa Barton, a British-American film, television, and stage actress (Notting Hill, The Sixth Sense, etc.). She’s spoken of her love of visiting her uncle’s farm in Co. Roscommon and how much she enjoyed…cutting turf on the bog.

Stage and screen star Gabriel Byrne (Miller’s Crossing, Into the West, etc.) has strong Roscommon connections – his late mother Eileen (nee

Gannon) was native of Elphin.

He didn’t perhaps make it in Hollywood, but we fondly recall the late Tony Doyle, the Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon native who excelled on stage and screen in Ireland and the UK (Amongst Women, Ballykissangel, etc.).

My friends in Kilteevan won’t forgive me if I don’t mention the Kilteevan, Roscommon connection with a legend of recent decades… yep, it’s Tom Cruise…the superstar’s ancestral links to the Maypothers family of Kilteevan have been documented.

There are other top actors and actresses in Ireland, UK, America and elsewhere with Roscommon connections.

As for Hollywood…we started this little trip down memory lane with a reference to Maureen O’Sullivan.

Just now, most or all Roscommon flag-waving in Hollywood is the unofficial responsibility of another Boyle-born star…Chris O’Dowd (no introduction needed?).

– PH

TAKE A BREAK The column that smiles through lockdown!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO… Famous birthdays today (February 25 2021)

“

The things people say…

When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us” – Helen Keller

George Harrison (musician, 1943-2001) Rashida Jones (actress, 45)

Jameela Jamil (actress, 35)

Lee Evans (comedian, 57)

WANTED: Busy car parks on Saturdays (Reported missing last March) This scene caught my attention – and stopped me in my tracks – last weekend. It shows the remarkable, stark scene at Roscommon Town’s popular prime car park (which adjoins Main Street) at precisely 4 pm on Saturday last. While four or five vehicles were parked elsewhere ‘on the fringes’, out of photo),

there wasn’t a single car parked in the main part of the car park. Our photograph reflects the extent to which footfall in our towns has been decimated, due to businesses being closed and the various restrictions under which we are all living. Hopefully by midsummer or a little later in the year such car parks will be bustling with activity again!

– PH

#RoscommonPeopleTogether

‘A SHARED JOURNEY’ Check out our latest video on Roscommon People YouTube channel

20

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

FARMING & RURAL LIVING Gannon Agri Contractors Creggs, Co. Galway Tel: 086 2538169

Crean & Co

Accountants & Tax Consultants

Lanesboro Street, Roscommon.

Tel. (090) 6626680 Email: info@creanaccountants.ie

MICHAEL CUDDY & CO

Chartered Accountants & Statutory Audit Firm 1 Fry Place, Athlone, Co. Westmeath Telephone:

090 64 94311

Email: info@mcuddy.com Web: www.mcuddy.com Our reputation has been built on client satisfaction

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

Frank Nally

Phone: 087 2348206 WARD BROS QUARRY SUPPLIERS OF ALL TYPES OF: • Stone • Sand & Gravel • Topsoil • Readymix • Plant Hire

FOR KEENEST QUOTES CALL

071 96 33222

E: wardbrosltd@gmail.com

AIT scientists working to boost Irish seafood Ireland is aging behind when it comes to the collection of data regarding the country’s €1.25 billion seafood sector, according to researchers heading up a new seafood sustainability initiative.

Dr. Sinead Mellett and her colleagues at the Bioscience Research Institute at AIT are leading the Irish component of Neptunus, a €2.3 million Interreg Atlantic Area project aimed at improving sustainability and resource efficiency in the seafood sector.

The seafood sector is of vital importance to the Irish economy, particularly in rural, coastal communities, and accounts for 16,000 jobs, either directly or indirectly. Despite this, it faces serious challenges and threats, including climate change and rising fears of marine debris.

Previous research has shown that two of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions from wild fish is fuel consumption, while feed is the biggest culprit for farmed fish due a significant quantity of it being imported.

Dr. Mellett and her team are looking to tackle this inefficiency – from ocean

to plate: “We are looking at the different inputs, outputs and impacts associated with seafood production all along the value chain, and this helps with process efficiency, energy efficiency and decision support systems,” she said.

Smoked salmon is one of Ireland’s largest seafood exports and the team is

carrying out a lifecycle assessment of smoked salmon production to see how it can be improved.

“We’re undertaking scenarios to show whether it is more sustainable to smoke the salmon in Ireland or whether it would be more economical or sustainable to do in the country where it’s actually going to be consumed”.

Neptunus draws on the expertise, knowledge and experience of eleven academic partners across five countries, all based along the Atlantic coast.

Several Irish companies are also involved with the project.

The researchers hope that by modelling the environmental impact of recycling versus putting

product into landfill, they can demonstrate to companies what their resource usage is from a water and energy perspective.

Funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the project will run for three years and result in increased sustainability and economic benefit in seafood production in the Atlantic region.

Macra retains third place on Lobby Register Macra na Feirme has retained its position as the third highest organisation, behind IBEC and the Irish Farmers’ Association, on the Lobby Register following the close of the most recent lobby period.

Macra engaged in a nationwide campaign involving young farmers and young rural workers with numerous Ministers, MEPs, TDs and Senators

and lobbied on supports needed for young farmers and rural young people in Ireland. The most recent lobbying activities registered by Macra na Feirme included the importance of digitalization of Rural Ireland and the important role in which young farmers will play in future EU environmental policies.

“This is a significant achievement for Macra na Feirme and

something we pride ourselves on. Both members and staff worked hard to maintain this position,” said Macra na Feirme National President Thomas Duffy.

“The skilled use of online meeting platforms in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic has allowed more members than before to connect with their local politicians and commu-

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

Sales • Service • Parts

Main Kuhn, Sip, Sulky, Kverneland, NC & Major Main Dealer DAFM Approved Sprayer Testing

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

nicate their concerns for the future. Young people deserve to have their issues heard and Covid-19 has provided the catalyst for them to get more involved”.

The Lobby Register is a key record that shows the breadth of issues affecting young people in rural Ireland, and Macra na Feirme will continue to strive for betterment for its members.

Cllr. Laurence Fallon

CATHAOIRLEACH, ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Supporting far mers in these difficult times.

Ballagh, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon.

Tel. 090 6488232 M: 086 8575512 cllrlfallon@roscommoncoco.ie

Shop local, support local, stay local, stay safe!

KEEP YOUR FARM SAFE

21

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

FARMING & RURAL LIVING

BNM commit to engage with farm organisations – Fitzmaurice

Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice.

A commitment has been given by Bórd na Mona to engage with farm organisations to address the fears and concerns held by farmers when it comes to the rehabilitation project.

Following the meeting, Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice said: “Bord na Móna are committed to maintaining their land bank and boundary drains, and will continue to monitor the bogs even after the rehabilitation works have been completed.

“They noted that they are liaising with various farm organisations and community groups to allay any fears out there in relation to the rehabilitation project. With a designated community liaison officer, BNM are willing to openly engage with anyone who wishes to raise a question or concern.

“I am urging all of the farm organisation to come together and reach a written agreement with Bord na Móna that resolves the concerns of farmers neighbouring bogs which BNM intent to rehabilitate.

“While BNM openly admit that they will responsibly manage their land and drains

moving forward, and after the rehabilitation works have been completed, I feel it would be prudent to have a written agreement in place, for both sides. Even though a problem may not arise immediately, what is to say it could not come to the fore in 10, 15 or 20 years’ time,” he said.

“The point was also made that the rehabilitation works on bogs where milled peat was harvested would be focused primarily on the drains within the production fields, and that a buffer zone would be left to ensure no water escapes the bog.

“The width of this buffer zone would be dependent on a number of factors, specific to each bog. A commitment was also given that water pumps in place on BNM bogs would not be turned off it they are going to have a negative impact on adjoining lands.

“Due to the impact of Covid-19, BNM’s consultation process has been significantly impacted. However, they have a dedicated liaison officer and team that is open to addressing any concerns,” he concluded.

Market conditions for beef remain strong - IFA IFA Livestock Chairman Brendan Golden said market conditions for beef remains strong, noting that the Export Benchmark Price of €3.77/ kg continues to edge upwards, reflecting beef prices in our key export markets.

The IFA Livestock Chairman said the latest published supermarket sales of beef in the UK, to the end of January, show continued growth for beef

sales both in terms of volume and price.

The spend on beef in supermarkets for the 12-week period to the 24th of January, year-onyear, increased by 15.8%, and volume increased by 13%, combined with sterling strengthening, creates favourable market conditions for beef.

Mr. Golden said: “Prices of suitable cattle are tight.

When last week’s kill is corrected for finished

cattle, the kill was 29,780, which is over 7,000 fewer than the corresponding week in 2020. The corrected kill to-date is almost 19,000 below the same period last year”.

Tight supplies of cattle are predicted for the year.

Irish throughput is projected to be back by up to 80,000 head for the year, and UK finished cattle numbers are expected to reduce by 5% compared to last year.

Mr. Golden added: “Attempts by factories to undermine the trade with lower quotes are unjustified and are meeting very strong resistance from farmers selling cattle. In general, prices are continuing at €3.75 to €3.80/kg for bullocks and heifers despite some factories quoting lower prices. Some farmers are securing prices above these levels as factories compete for the limited

Martin Connolly

Milltown Castleplunkett Co. Roscommon

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

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

Michael

Fitzmaurice TD Mobile:

086 1914565

Michael.Fitzmaurice@Oireachtas.ie

supplies of suitable cattle that are available.

“In our meeting with Meat Industry Ireland last week, we left them in no doubt that the attempts by factories to undermine the market conditions is unjustified and unacceptable.

Winter finishers have the highest cost of production sector in beef farming and are experiencing continual input cost increases and beef prices must reflect these facts”.

McGOWAN ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES Catering for: • Individuals • Sole Traders, Partnerships & Companies • VAT, RCT, PAYE/PRSI, Financial Control, Completion of annual tax returns First consultation FREE, can meet clients outside office hours Provides training & mentoring for start your own business and basic computers and accounting. Also training in Thesaurus accounting products

‘YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR BUSINESS’ Contact Nuala 090 66 25818 or (086) 0352849 Email: mcgacco@gmail.com Web: www.mcgowanaccounting.com

For anything from a Tractor to a Shed and everything in between we have a loan for you!

Dead & Worn -Out Animals Contact

TOM ROGERS

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

Your LOCAL Collector Guaranteed lowest price

22

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

FARMING & RURAL LIVING Farming must be supported, not undermined

Cllr. Anthony Waldron

Running a small business in a rural town makes one aware of the importance of farming and farm families to the local economy.

Telephone: 086 786 6774 Email: anthonywaldron@mail.com

Ni neart go chur le cheile!

Draw for Ride-on Mower in aid of Ballintubber Development Association

Tickets

€20

3 for €50 7 for €100

Draw on the 4th April 2021 - Easter Sunday

DRUMSHANBO MART PLC CATTLE SALES Friday, 26th February, 7.00 pm RING 1: Dry Cows, Sucklers and Bullocks RING 2: Dry Heifers and Weanling Heifers RING 3: Weanling Bulls

Changes needed to vet medicines regulation IFA Animal Health Chairman Pat Farrell said farmers would be the biggest losers in the proposed changes to the sale and supply of anti-parasitic products, if the issue is not addressed by the Department of Agriculture.

The IFA has highlighted this issue to MEPs, the Ministers for Agriculture and senior Department of Agriculture officials throughout the legislative process of this new EU Veterinary Medicines Regulation.

Mr. Farrell said: “If we do not align with the provision to allow Suitably Qualified Persons prescribe these products

in Licensed Merchant stores similar to Northern Ireland, a two-tier supply system will come into effect on the island.

“This will challenge the economic viability of licensed merchant stores, reduce competition in the supply of these products for farmers, and inevitably result in farmers having to pay more for the product in addition to possible prescription charges from vets.

“There is also a real risk of creating an incentive for an illegal trade in these products across the border, as a result of the divergence in approaches between both jurisdictions. This would seri-

ously undermine national efforts at developing a national co-ordinated strategy on parasite control on farms”.

Mr. Farrell added: “The Department of Agriculture has been acutely aware of these issues and the need to have them addressed at the drafting stage of the Regulation, but refused to do so.

“The situation can still be resolved, if there is a willingness to so, by providing for Suitably Qualified Persons to prescribe these products in licensed merchant stores and veterinary pharmacies similar to what applies in Northern Ireland under this same Regulation”.

SHEEP SALE Thursday, 25th February, 7.00 pm SHOWS & SALES WEANLING HEIFERS – Tuesday, 2nd March, 12 noon BULLOCKS – Tuesday, 9 March, 12.00 noon WEANLING BULLS – Tuesday, 16th March, 12 noon Drumshanbo Mart PLC, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim PSRA Licence No: 3868 Phone: 071 9641116/7, Fax: 071 9641118 Email: drumshanbomart@gmail.com Web: www.drumshanbomart.ie

Increased pet ownership a boost for vets ALL CREATURES VETERINARY

LANESBORO STREET, ROSCOMMON Tel: 090 662 6898 AFTER HOURS/24 HOUR EMERGENCY

087 2596055

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING DURING THESE DIFFICULT WEEKS YOU MUST CALL IN ADVANCE TO ORDER REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS Ring us from your car when you arrive for collection of your order/appointment.

We ask that all payments be made by card if possible and encourage payment over the phone when ordering medication/food.

While on the premises we ask all customers to observe the 2m rule at all times.

The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in higher turnover for almost half of Irish veterinary practices last year, with an increase in pet ownership levels contributing to greater demand for services, according to a new report by accountants HLB Sheehan Quinn.

With increased growth in the veterinary sector, there is a strong trend with over a third of veterinary practice owner respondents (34%) planning to sell their practice within the next three years.

The report also found that almost half (47%) of survey respondents said their turnover increased in 2020, partly due to an influx of new pet owners and people working from home having more time to interact with their pets during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.

Achieving better work/life balance is the top aspiration of 60% of veterinary practice owners and 85% of employees, with many of our survey respondents reporting that their workload increased due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

43% of those surveyed work more than 50 hours a week and almost 1 in 4 (23%) are putting in more than 60 hours a week. Those working the long-

est hours tend to be practice owners.

Staffing issues are the top challenge facing veterinary practices, and most respondents (63%) plan to recruit additional vets or veterinary nurses in the next 12 months The number of incorporated practices is up by 12% when compared to last year. While the majority of practices remain unincorporated, 60% of those surveyed indicate that they would consider incorporating their business.

Commenting on the findings, HLB Managing Partner, Mark Butler, said: “Like many businesses across Ireland, veterinary practices had to find new ways of working in 2020 to cope with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Those who fared best adapted their working practices, finding ways to overcome difficulties and take advantage of emerging opportunities like the influx of new pet owners.

“Our research also shows that more than a third of veterinary practice owner respondents plan to sell their business within the next three years.

As part of their due diligence, potential buyers will examine a practice’s financial track record”.

Quality Used Tractors & Equipment

The all New Massey Ferguson 5711M 110hp stockman’s tractor now in stock.

New and Ex Demo MF round balers in stock.

Ex Demo 17 knife c/w auto greaser 900 bales €38,000 inc VAT @ 23%. Beat the price increase, pre order your New MF round baler today and avail of a better price.

Ex Demo Equipment MF 7720 200hp - 220hp Front Linkage & PTO 300hrs.

MF Protec Combi Baler 500 bales Full Spec.

MF Xtra Cut 17 and greaser 900 bales €37500 Inc vat.

MF 20ft Rake €16500 Inc vat 0% Finance available on all Ex Demo Equipment Used Equipment 2020 Marshall 10T Rear Discharge Spreader Abbey Rapid Galv Agitator €2,400 Inc vat.

2014 Conor 6000 Galv Agitator €3,400 No vat.

2019 Teagle 4040 as new €8,000 No vat.

Kverneland 3f Rev Plough c/w Discs €2950 No vat.

2016 Lely Profi Baler 36000 bales €23,500 Inc vat.

Used Cattle Crushes in stock choice €600 - €900 Lely Lotus 770 6 Rotor Tedder vgc Quality Used Tractors 2015 MF 7618 4000hrs c/w Front Linkage 2016 MF 6615 1400hrs.c/w Loader 650s & 540s 2016 MF 6615 100ltr pump. 7000 hrs.

2013 MF 7620 5000 hrs 09 6475 8000hrs Front Linkage & PTO 08 6480 10000hrs Front Linkage 06 5455 Dyna 4 3000 hrs 06 6465 Dyna 6 c/w Loader 10000hrs 06 John Deere 5820 c/w Loader 1999 Styer 9105 (Case CS110) €16,500 Inc vat.

1997 Same Silver 100.4 €14,500 Bargain Corner Case 885XL ..................................................................... €4,950 Abbey 750gl Tanker ........................................................ €900 Johnston Shear Grab ..................................................... €400

Johnston Farm Equipment Ltd, Athlone Road, Longford Phone: 043 33 41951 l www.johnston.ie

Pictured is Abby Auchmuty, who delivered her first two lambs all by herself last weekend near Lecarrow. Well done Abby!

KEEP YOUR FARM SAFE

23

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

FARMING & RURAL LIVING

Funding for local peatland projects welcomed < DAN DOONER

The recent announcement of just over €100,000 in funding for nine community groups and organisations for a variety of peatland-related projects in Roscommon and Galway has been welcomed locally.

The funding was announced by Minister of State for Heritage, Malcolm Noonan as part of national grant funding of just under €230,000 to twenty-five groups.

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy said: “Over €50,000 has been allocated to five projects in Roscommon and four projects in Galway will benefit from funding of €58,000 under the Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme. There is great enthusiasm throughout local communities to develop and protect local peatlands, the high level of quality applications is

testament to the strength of these kind of bottom-up initiatives”.

Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan said community groups were working together to protect boglands, biodiversity and wildlife.

“We see how important walking areas and amenities are for the community in our local areas especially during lockdown,” she said.

The projects to benefit in County Roscommon included: €13,831 for the Cloonsellan Abbey Conservation Group to carry out maintenance work to existing bog road at Clooncraff Bog Loop Walk and the installation of seating and a wicker sculpture; €10,000 for the Mount Allen Residents to complete a peatland restoration plan and drain blocking works; €3,500 for Kilteevan Tidy Towns to publish the Cloonlarge Loop Walk Biodiversity Calendar 2022, the

Chairperson Rose Mary McDonagh welcomed NatWest’s intention to facilitate existing customers to move to another full-service lender: “NatWest/Ulster Bank must support its customers in moving to one of the other pillar banks in the

Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

Covid 19 Level 5 – Mart Restrictions All sales shall be ONLINE ONLY on our LSL App Buyers must register to view stock prior to sale. Sellers must drop off their livestock and leave. Animals will be sold subject and Sellers will be informed of their prices by telephone.

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

Friday, February 26th at 11 a.m.

Extra Special Spring Sale of Bullocks purchase and installation of fencing and gate and to install a living willow feature; €10,000 for the Portrun Development Association CLG to carry out maintenance work, to purchase and install trail head signage with Q.R codes and to produce a brochure; and €3,000 for Ballydangan Bog Red Grouse Project for improvement works at the vehicle/parking access area for visitors and improvement of walk-

ing path and the revision of its existing conservation plan.

This week, Pat Feehily from Moore Community Council highlighted some of the progress at Ballydangan Bog: “We have great community support and volunteers who help us under the Community Employment Scheme. I would also like to thank Dr. David Scanlon and David Fallon who helped our team put this applica-

tion together.

“Over the past ten years we have seen the return of grouse and the increase of curlews in Ballydangan bog. We have participated in Teagasc studies of the area as well as surveys with Birdwatch Ireland.

This funding will allow us to further develop the parking and path to allow more people to appreciate our local wildlife and rich biodiversity while walking in the bog”.

NatWest has a moral responsibility to borrowers - IFA Following the announcement that NatWest will wind down Ulster Bank following a phased withdrawal, IFA President Tim Cullinan said the banking company must make a commitment that it will not sell any of its loan book to so-called vulture funds, but to banks that can offer a full service to customers.

It is estimated that there are 10,000 farmers with borrowings from Ulster Bank, and a further 10,000 availing of current account facilities.

“This withdrawal has significant consequences for competition in the sector, but the first priority must be to ensure that the loan book ends up with a bank that provides a full banking service and not a faceless fund. Nat West has a moral responsibility to their customers to ensure this does not happen,” he said.

“It is positive to learn of the engagement Nat West are having with AIB and PTSB. It’s vital that Nat West respect their long-standing and loyal customers in any sale decision they make”.

IFA Farm Business

(Proudly serving farmers for over 61 years)

State. IFA has repeatedly highlighted that it’s neither appropriate, nor suitable, to transfer loans to faceless funds.

“Ulster Bank’s departure would be another crippling blow to competition in the sector. The lack of choice for borrowers will

FINBAR O’REILLY & CO. LTD. Chartered Accountants

Abbey Street, Roscommon

Tel: 090 6630760

further drive up the cost of borrowing in Ireland.

“The bank plays a critical role in agri-lending, accounting for approximately 16% of the market share in agri-customers.

The bank’s exit will see the loss of 88 branches and over 100 ATMs

M

around the country.

“Furthermore, Ulster Bank is an active participant in any SBCI schemes that came on the market, and its departure will be a devastating loss to its customers and farmers alike,” she said.

ulhern Bro Agri Contractors Ltd.

S

Kilmore, Athleague, Co. Roscommon l Hedgecutting l Saw/Flail l Fertilizer l Lime Spreading l Fencing Telephone:

Tommie: (087) 9009067 or Michael: (087) 1422312

Seamus Feeney Agri Consultant

Strokestown, Co Roscommon Speci al i st s i n t he f ab ri c a t i o n a n d er ect i on of i ndust r i al an d f a rm b u i l d i n g s CE Cer tification to EN1090- 1 F PC - EX.C .2

Phone: 071 9633119 Fa x : 0 7 1 9 6 3 3 9 0 0 w w w. r eganst r uct ur a l s t e e l . c o m Em ai l : i nf o@r eganst r uc t u ra l s t e e l . c o m

Rooskey Co.Roscommon

• General Agricultural Advice • Farm Accounts • Preparation of Carbon Navigator Plans

FOR APPOINTMENT

Office: 071 96 58931 Mobile: 086 807 17 57

36 pens on offer Also Heifers & Dry Cows ----------------------

Friday, March 5th at 11 a.m.

Springtime Special Sale of Heifers Also Bullocks & Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Monday, March 1st ----------------------

Friday, March 12th at 11 a.m.

Springtime Special Sale of Bullocks Also Heifers & Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Monday, March 8th ----------------------

Springtime Show & Sale of Weanlings Tuesday, March 2nd at 4 p.m.

Class 1: Best Male born in 2020 in exhibitors own Herd Class 2: Best Female born in 2020 - in exhibitors own Herd Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 25th

Also Suckler Cows ----------------------

Lambs, Cast Ewes, In Lamb Ewes & Ewes with Lambs at foot - Each Wednesday at 11 a.m.

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

Wednesday, March 3rd at 11 a.m.

Special Entry of 40 Breeding Ewes – 2nd & 3rd Crop Scanned in lamb to Char/Texel Rams - due 17th March onwards ----------------------

Saturday, March 6th at 12 Noon

Organic Sale – Cattle & Sheep Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Monday, March 1st

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

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

Find us on facebook

24

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

FARMING & RURAL LIVING

SLYMAN Lough Funshinagh solution could take 2 years!

Roscommon-Galway Constituency

Vótáil

Plant Hire & Eugene

Groundworks Murphy

Conor: 087 7726301 Michael: 087 2490146

eal Solutions for Rural Ireland

am committed to helping to prove the quality of life for ople in rural Ireland which has gely been left behind- we need build a future where people n live, work and enjoy the many nefits of rural living”

ugene Murphy 2: Orla Leyden

Senator AnMurphy Ireland Eugene for all As your government representative I am delighted to Constituency Offices:

Elphin Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon  071 963 3000

in er for farmers to delivTown be ableRoscommon Co. Galway Co. Roscommon ay  087 435 3834 Galw and on omm Rosc  090 662 5722 Market Square,

Ballinasloe,

Call me anytime M: 087 1668775

 eugene.murphy@oireachtas.ie

Working with your local Fianna Fáil team: r Michael Connolly, Cllr John Cummins, Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice, Cllr John Keogh, Cllr Orla Leyden, Cllr Marty McDermott, Cllr Joe Murphy

Noel Carr + Co.

Chartered Accountants Castle Street, Roscommon

Phone: (090) 66 26073 Fax: (090) 66 25023 Email: noelcarr@noelcarr.ie

< DAN DOONER

Members at Monday’s meeting of Roscommon County Council were told that it could take up to two years for a long-term solution to flooding at Lough Funshinagh.

The local authority’s chief executive, Eugene Cummins, said there was no other way to solve the issue other than through the planning process.

At the meeting, members also heard details of works to progress an engineered solution to the flooding. A series of man-made pipes are to be developed in order to draw water away from the flooded turlough, which is now over 21 inches higher than it was in 2016.

An overflow pipe, which is estimated to cost in the region of €1.5 million, had been described as the only viable solution by Cathao-

irleach of Roscommon Council, Cllr. Laurence Fallon, who this week raised serious concerns over Ballagh village.

“Effectively, we have been told that this work could take two years. The flooding at Lough Funshinagh is not going to rectify itself and so all parties are working towards this solution.

“Our biggest problem at the moment is that our village of Ballagh might be destroyed by then,” he said.

Cllr. Fallon added that due to the lough’s Special Area of Conservation status as well as its status as a National Heritage Area, final approval for Part 10 works would have to be issued by An Bord Pleanála.

“Due to the state of the lake now, it’s extremely urgent that every corner is cut to get this done as soon as possible,” he said.

Monday’s update was met with dismay by local residents as they continued to battle against rising flood waters this week.

Local farmer, Padraig Beattie, said the county council’s pumps are now working through the night.

“The wind was hitting the front of the house and raising the level of the water further. It’s now two foot higher than it was last year and any farmer will tell you that this is an average winter for rainfall.

“I knew last September that we were going to be in trouble this year. I woke up at 3.30 am on Tuesday morning just to make sure the pump was ticking over. If it was switched off for even two or three hours the water would be hitting the walls of the house,” he said.

Meanwhile, Independent Cllr.

Anthony Waldron has said that local farmers, who have had to move their stock to another farm due to the flooding, should not have their Area Aid payments affected.

“There have been many farmers who have been severely affected by this disastrous situation and the last thing they need is to have any threat to their grant payments,” he said.

“In fact, I would be proposing that all farmers in the county who are affected by flooding and who have to move their stock as a result should not be affected. The Department and the EU should show flexibility in this situation.

“I also proposed that the council write to the Minister for Agriculture as a matter of urgency and that proposal was seconded by Cllr. Laurence Fallon,” concluded Cllr. Waldron.

‘Minister must act on ‘wooly’ low prices!’ < DAN DOONER

Wool prices are at an alltime low for sheep farmers and Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue must act in order to support the sector, according to Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane.

Deputy Kerrane called on

the Minister to take action this week after she was contacted by farmers in Roscommon and east Galway, who said the price of wool – at 5c/kg – was now practically worthless.

Describing the current situation as “a collapse in wool prices”, Deputy

AC C OU N TA NCY | P L A N N I NG | A DV IC E

Don’t lose a slice of your farm.

Call us today to create your Succession Plan.

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

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

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

Kerrane said: “In the North of Ireland, consideration is being given to introducing a subsidy to cover shearing costs for sheep farmers, which at the very least would go some way in supporting them.

“The Minister here needs to look at the Sheep Welfare

Scheme, which makes specific reference to flystrike control as one of the two welfare measures that must be met in order to qualify for the scheme. The Minister must consider an increase per head to this scheme”.

The Sinn Féin TD added that Covid-19 has hit the

wool industry hard in recent months.

“Covid has hit it hard and we need to ensure that sheep farmers are supported urgently. I will await to hear from Minister McConalogue on what action he intends to take,” she concluded.

REP-type scheme is designed to fail – ICMSA Following consultations with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the President of ICMSA has stated that if the ‘REPS-type’ scheme proceeds as proposed by the Department, the Government will have failed in its promise to deliver a usable and effective agri-environmental scheme similar to the REPS standard.

Pat McCormack said that the proposed scheme is no way related or comparable to the previous REPS scheme, in which 66,000 farmers participated, and the real concern is that participating farmers will be faced with a scheme involving high administration costs for little or no returns.

“The reality is that farmers were sold a promise of the REPS type scheme that operated from 1994 to 2009, and there was an enthusiastic response from farmers in the expectation of a practical agri-environmental scheme that worked for both the environment and for the farmers”, said Mr. McCormack.

“What is now proposed is a hugely disappointing scheme that is likely to be ‘admin-heavy’, with the resultant costs placed on farmers, and actual returns for farmers well below expectations. It’s not what was promised and it just won’t work”.

Mr. McCormack said that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine should immediately intervene and ensure that a really engaged scheme based on the previous REPS model is put in place.

“That scheme should be administratively simple and provide options that will deliver environmental improvements to all categories of farmers.

“Fundamentally, it has to recognise the contributions of farmers to environmental improve-

ment with a level of payment that makes the scheme a viable option for those farmers. The model proposed now does not do that and is therefore set-up to fail. That can’t do and we need the Minister to direct the changes that will make the scheme effective and attractive and so meet the need for a viable and dynamic agri-environmental scheme,” concluded Mr. McCormack.

Pictured is ICMSA President, Pat McCormack.

25

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

FARMING & RURAL LIVING

The TopFlock supplementation plan for the pregnant ewe 1 FERTILITY

2 PREGNANCY

PRE TUP Fertility supplement for ewes

3 PRE LAMBING

FORAGE BOOSTER ENERGISER

SUPER TOPFLOCK ENERGISER

Maximises performance and health on forage throughout gestation

Quality protein feed supplement for pre lambing

P Coffey & Sons Ltd Lecarrow

John Murray Ltd Ballinasloe

MCL Agri Lanesboro

J Grennan & Sons All Stores

To find out more call 01 437 6894 or visit our website www.betterforareason.com

Webinar on the role of legumes in reducing fertilizer usage The Farm to Fork Strategy in the EU Green Deal aims to lower fertilizer Nitrogen (N) use. Legumes can replace fertilizer N on farms, lowering greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions and improving water quality.

The third Legume Innovation and Networking Workshop will take place online on Wednesday, 3rd March, at 9.30 am as an interactive webinar.

Speaking in advance of the webinar, James Humphreys (Teagasc researcher and organiser of the webinar) said: “White and red clover, beans and other legumes will have an increasingly important role in the future of Irish agriculture. The ability of legumes to fix nitrogen and make it available for growing crops is key

to sustainable agricultural systems in the years ahead. It will reduce our dependence on artificial fertilizer and reduce the emissions from the sector”.

Professor Bob Rees (SRUC) will discuss

the UK’s ambition to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions and will consider the role of legumes and how they can be most effectively incorporated into farming systems to achieve net zero policy targets.

The other speakers are Elaine Leavy, Teagasc Organic Specialist, Michael Hennessy, Head of Teagasc Crops Knowledge Transfer Department and Dave Barry, General Manager with Goldcrop responsible

for grass and forage crop seeds. They will discuss prospects for greater legume use on grassland, arable and organic farms.

For more information, and to register for the webinar on March 3rd, visit www.teagasc.ie.

Roscommon MART WATCH There were good numbers on offer at this week’s cattle sale with a firm trade for quality lots. Bullocks averaged from €2.11 per kilo up to €2.50 per kilo, heifers fetched from an average of €2.36 per kilo up to €2.90 per kilo, and dry cows made from an average of €1.69 per kilo up to €2.16 per kilo.

Our next sale takes place this Friday (26th) with a special sale of bullocks and general sale of heifers and dry cows. On Friday, March 5th, we will have a special sale of heifers, with bookings accepted up until 5 pm on Monday, March 1st. Please note that all customers must wear a facemask or a face covering.

There was a good entry of stock on offer at our weanling and suckler cow sale held on Tuesday, February 23rd. Trade was brisk, with only four lots unsold at the end of the sale. Heifer weanlings averaged from €2.60 per kilo up to €3.31 per kilo, weanling bulls averaged from €2.49 per kilo up

to €3.28 per kilo, and springers fetched from €620 up to €1610.

Our next Show and Sale of Weanlings and suckler cows takes place on Tuesday, March 2nd. Bookings will be accepted up until 5 pm on Thursday, February 25th.

There was a similar entry of sheep on offer at today’s sale on Wednesday, February 24th, with an improvement in trade for hoggets and cast ewes. Finished hoggets made up to €162 for 71kgs, and stag ewes made up to €138.

There was also a large entry of inlamb ewes, and ewes with lambs at foot.

Cast ewes made from €52 to €138 per lot, in-lamb ewes made up to €205, ewes with two lambs at foot made up to €285, and ewes with one lamb at foot made up to €220.

Our next Online Sheep Sale for lambs and cast ewes takes place at 11 am on Wednesday, March 3rd. The yard opens at 8 am, and all stock must be penned by 10 am. Please note all sheep must be

tagged with a full yellow EID tag set. The sale can be viewed live on livestock-live.com.

Dry cows: Lim X 845kgs €1670, Char 825kgs €1630, Char X 740kgs €1600, Lim X 695kgs €1420, AAX 785kgs €1400, Char X 725kgs €1390, Lim X 755kgs €1370, AA 730kgs €1320, HEX 655kgs €1030, AAX 650kgs €1040, Simm X 720kgs €1100, AAX 725kgs 1290.

Heifers: Lim X 685kgs €1630, Char X 715kgs €1560, Lim X 535kgs €1550, Lim X 510kgs €1480, Char X 595kgs €1420, Lim X 580kgs €1380, Char X 520kgs €1330, Lim X 470kgs €1310, Char X 450kgs €1170, Char X 445kgs €1160, 2 BAX 430kgs €1030, AAX 440kgs €1000.

Bullocks: Char X 620kgs €1390, Lim X 500kgs €1250, BBX 570kgs €1200, SHX 585kgs €1150, 3 HEX 536kgs €1040, SAX 430kgs €1035.

Weanling heifers: 2 Char X 395kgs €1270 - €3.21 per kilo,

Char X 410kgs €1190 - €2.90 per kilo, Lim X 405kgs €1140 - €2.81 per kilo, Char X 345kgs €1070 - €3.10 per kilo, Char X 335kgs €1030 - €3.07 per kilo, 2 Char X 332kgs €910 - €2.73 per kilo, Lim X 300kgs €880 - €2.93 per kilo, Lim X 295kgs €860kgs €2.93 per kilo, Lim X 260kgs 850 - €3.26 per kilo, Char X 265kgs €780 - €2.94 per kilo.

Weanling bulls: Char X 435kgs €1290 - €2.96 per kilo, 3 Char X 458kgs €1260 - €2.74 per kilo, Char X 375kgs €1230 - €3.28 per kilo, BBX 440kgs €1190 - €2.70 per kilo, Lim X 380kgs €1110 - €2.92 per kilo, Lim X 365kgs €1000 - €2.73 per kilo, Char X 295kgs €840 - €2.84 per kilo, 4 HEX 328kgs €900 - €2.73 per kilo, AAX 325kgs €790 - €2.43 per kilo, AAX 225kgs €600 €2.66 per kilo.

Finished hoggets: 71kgs €162, 59.7kgs €160, 56kgs €160, 56kgs €158, 52.2kgs €158, 52.7kgs €157, 56.7kgs €155, 52.3kgs €154, 47kgs €150.

Castlerea MART WATCH There were larger numbers of stock presented for sale this week with a good all round trade and clearance reported.

The bullock and heifer rings were aided by a strong Northern demand, and farmer activity noticed some fancy prices given for the quality lots.

In the weanling rings, prices are continuing to rise, especially for the weanling heifers, as the number of customers seeking stock continues to grow. Larger numbers of suck calves are on offer this week, with quality determining the price paid, while the dry cows continue to be a good trade. Breeding stock is also in demand, with springers peaking at €2,080.

Cows with calf at foot made €1,090, springers made from €890 to €2,080 per head, FRX dairy calves made from €35 to €110 per head, and runners made from €430 to €810 for the continental lots.

Sales continue at Castlerea mart today (Thursday 25th), with our usual sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings. All Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions will be in place.

Sample prices for bullocks: Lmx 480kgs €1230, Ch 470kgs €1170, Lm 445kgs €1160, Ch 530kgs €1340, Lm 520kgs €1340, Lm 500kgs €1270, Sim 570kgs €1390, Lm 550kgs €1290, Ch 600kgs €1440, Ch 635kgs €1470.

Heifers: Lmx 415kgs €1260, SA 400kgs €1140, Ch 400kgs €1030, Lm 490kgs €1370, Shx 465kgs €1360, Ch 470kgs €1180, AAx 495kgs €1150, Lm 695kgs €1570, Lm 525kgs €1425, Lm 505kgs €1330, Six 515kgs €1330.

Dry cows: Lmx 835kgs €1590, Lm 800kgs €1580, Lm 840kgs €1570, Sh 820kgs €1540, Lm 755kgs €1360, Fr 690kgs €850.

Weanling bulls: Ch 280kgs €830, Ch 290kgs €810, Ch 360kgs €1080, Lm 405kgs €1100, Ch 345kgs €950, Lm 405kgs €1100, Lm 355kgs €840.

Weanling heifers: Ch 280kgs €870, Lm 255kgs €780, Lm 230kgs €770, Ch 265kgs €770, Lm 360kgs €990, BBx 325kgs €980, Ch 325kgs €940.

Property Services Providers Licence No. 002249

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

SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS. ALL SALES COMMENCE AT 11 A.M. 3 RINGS IN OPERATION INTAKE COMMENCES AT 8 A.M. ALL STOCK PRE-BOOKED. COVID - 19 LEVEL 5 RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE. ORDER OF SALE AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE.

For Enquiries Please Contact Mart Office Or Visit Our Website For Details.

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

26

Business

Business responds to Government’s Living with Covid-19 plan In response to the Government’s updated Living with Covid Plan, Ibec has called for substantial scaling of business liquidity and cash flow supports for severely impacted sectors, particularly those operating in the experience economy. Such supports are vital to address the fixed costs for mid-sized and larger employers in particular, as current fixed-amount grants are lower proportionately for them.

Aligned with the immediate introduction of greater supports, Government must also significantly enhance its investment in the ongoing management of Covid, with regards to antigen testing, track and trace systems, and strategies for local containment measures if needed in the future.

Societal and economic post-Covid success will emanate from ambitious investment and a well

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin

managed Covid response system. This, along with vaccine rollout, will also require a review by Government of safe reopening opportunities for different sectors of business should take place.

A risk-based approach to the roadmap is needed, whereby Government continuously reviews safe reopening opportunities for different elements of business, dependent on progress of vaccine rollout and management of virus.

Feighan calls on Minister – and public – to support local newspapers

“Our local newspapers face huge challenges and requires government supports”, says Minister of State, Frank Feighan.

Minister Feighan says he has written to Minister with responsibility for Media, Catherine Martin TD, seeking public service funding supports for local and regional newspapers.

“Over many years, local newspapers were the main source for local news and sport results – newsagents sold hundreds of papers. Then came along local radio in the late 1980s, which became a source of competition. Now, the arrival of the Internet and social media has had a dramatic effect on the demand for the local paper, leading to dramatic drops in sales and advertising revenue. This has put many of these titles under financial pressure and facing possible closure. To date they have haemorrhaged staff and the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated their position”.

Minister Feighan went on to link so-called ‘fake news’ with social media. “It has been proven that some news sources publish ‘fake news’ on the Internet and social media…leading to misinformation, and presenting a real danger to our society.

One only has to observe the recent election in the USA, where many people are convinced that this election was stolen from the outgoing President”.

Minister Feighan urged people – “especially our younger generation” – to continue to

consume local newspapers.

“Like many things in life, if you don’t use it, you will lose it; since 2010, sixteen local papers have closed”.

He is now calling on Minister Martin to ensure that funding is provided for local newspapers as per the €5 million recently allocated to local radio.

“Local newspapers have had no such support from Government to date, yet they provide an essential public service to us as readers in the same mar-

ket. I would like to see more advertising from Government and national agencies going to local papers, especially as many of our older people rely on local newspapers for their information”.

Concluding, he pledged to do all he can to help ensure that local newspapers are sustained.

“I urge my constituents to be aware of the imminent threat there is to this information resource that they and our forefathers relied on for many years”. Minister of State, Frank Feighan

A continued model of support after reopening is finally achieved will be required also to assist firms back to full operation.

Danny McCoy (Ibec CEO) commented, saying: “While the public health measures remain the absolute imperative, Government must prioritise the reopening of schools and look to social and capital investment requirements to mitigate scarring and societal inequality from the crisis”.

Roscommon Bar Association and the Law Society call for client account exemption from new bank charge

The Roscommon Bar Association and the Law Society of Ireland are calling for solicitor client accounts to be exempt from proposed new charges, so-called negative interest, from two of the country’s leading national banks.

The call comes as solicitors in Roscommon who are customers of AIB or Bank of Ireland were notified of the banks’ intention to introduce a charge on all monies, including home mortgage loans, held in solicitor client accounts.

The President of Roscommon Bar Association, Alan Gannon, and the President of the Law Society of Ireland, James Cahill, said: “We are deeply disappointed at this latest attempt from the banks to increase profits by penalising consumers, particularly future homeowners who already face significant financial challenges. The proposed new charges, so-called negative interest, on monies held in solicitor client accounts are unjust, over-charging and contrary to public policy and consumer protection.

“The banks have wrongly included solicitor client accounts in their general application of negative interest rates, which they maintain apply to savings accounts. Solicitor client accounts are not savings accounts; they are a necessary part of commercial and conveyancing transactions. Put simply, when a person is paying their borrowed money out to complete the property purchase they will have less money than when they received the loan. A similar situation will exist for those who are selling and paying off a mortgage. As a direct result of this charge, they will need to have additional money to make up the difference,” explained Mr. Cahill.

“While the banks continue to claim that the new charges will not impact ordinary consumers, unfortunately, as is so often the case, it is the consumer that will quite literally pay the price. The Law Society on behalf of consumers, clients and our members will continue to engage with the banks to address this urgent matter.

“We are calling on AIB and Bank of Ireland to exempt solicitor client accounts from these new charges to reduce unnecessary financial pressures on consumers. If the banks decide to proceed as planned, every day consumers will lose out”.

27

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

NewsPeople

Galway to Athlone Cycleway ‘opportunity of our generation’ – Naughten Independent TD Denis Naughten is urging communities and landowners to make their views known on the Galway to Athlone Cycleway ahead of the March 1st deadline, describing it as “the opportunity of a lifetime to transform south Roscommon and east Galway”.

He said: “While much of the focus is on the tourism potential that will come with the development of this cycleway - and that

is to be welcomed – this project is far more important and has the potential to transform the way we live and who will actually live in our communities into the future.

“There is hardly a single family across south Roscommon or east Galway that does not have family members living away, and this investment in the cycleway will make the communities along the route far more attractive places to live, especially as broadband is

rolled out to every home across our area”.

Deputy Naughten said he believed additional spurs would be constructed as the cycleway is developed, linking many other communities along the main route.

“This will allow children to cycle safely to school and, for example, I have been engaging with the student council at Coláiste Chiaráin on such a submission

to the consultants designing the new cycleway,” he said.

The current round of public consultation runs until March 1st. Written feedback may be made through the online questionnaire at galwaytoathlonecycleway.com, by email to info@ galwaytoathlonecycleway.com or by post to Galway to Athlone Cycleway Project Office, Society Street, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, H53 T320, FREEPOST.

Students urged to attend SUSI grant meeting with Harris Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan will co-host a public consultation meeting with Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, at 7 pm this evening in order to get feedback from Roscommon students and their parents on the Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) programme.

This is the main financial support scheme for students studying in Ireland and abroad. Minister

Harris is commencing a review of the scheme with a view to considering the current challenges facing students and finding out what we can do better.

The virtual SUSI Consultation will take place at 7 pm this evening (Thursday 25th). Log into zoom.us and enter Meeting ID 835 4608 3452, or dial Freephone 01 240 8941 and enter ID 835 4608 3452.

Otherwise, use the link for the Zoom meeting: us02web.zoom. us/j/83546083452.

SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION Sunday 28 February 2021 The Lenten season continues with another story of testing. Last Sunday, we heard the trial of Jesus in the desert. In this week’s First Reading, we hear of how Abraham was put to the test.

The Church has always read this story as a sign of God’s love for the world in giving His only-begotten son.

In today’s Epistle, Paul uses exact words drawn from this story to describe how God, like Abraham, did not withhold His only Son, but handed Him over for us on the Cross (see Romans 8:32; Genesis 22:12,16).

In the Gospel today, too, we hear another echo. Jesus is called God’s “beloved Son” – as Isaac is described as Abraham’s beloved son.

These readings are given to us in Lent to reveal Christ’s identity and to strengthen us in the face of our afflictions.

Jesus is shown to be the true son that Abraham rejoiced to see (see Matthew 1:1; John 8:56). In His transfiguration, He is revealed to be the “prophet like Moses” foretold by God – raised from among their own kinsmen, speaking with God’s own authority (see Deuteronomy 18:15, 19).

Like Moses, He climbs the mountain with three named friends and beholds God’s glory in a cloud (see Exodus 24:1, 9, 15). He is the one prophesied to come after Elijah’s return (see Sirach 48:9–10; Malachi 3:1, 23–24).

And, as He discloses to the Apostles, He is the Son of Man sent to suffer and die for our sins (see Isaiah 53:3).

As we sing in today’s Psalm, Jesus believed in the face of His afflictions, and God loosed Him from the bonds of death (see Psalm 116:3).

His rising should give us the courage to face our trials, to offer ourselves totally to the Father – as He did, as Abraham and Isaac did.

Freed from death by His death, we come to this Mass to offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and to renew our vows – as His servants and faithful ones.

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

Pictured is Chloe Kelly (Kilglass, Co. Roscommon), daughter of Joe Kelly and Nichola Diffley, who recently graduated as a dental nurse from Letterkenny IT.

newsbriefs New outpatient department at Portiuncula Senator Aisling Dolan pictured with Minister Simon Harris.

Minister of State Noonan to open REN workshop Roscommon Environmental Network (REN) are pleased to announce our Water Conservation Workshop, to be opened by the Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan this Saturday (27th).

There are two objectives for the workshop: to look at the current state of our waters in County Roscommon, and secondly, to look at how we can come together as a community to protect these precious natural resources, taking into account the needs of all who live, work or play in the area.

Chairperson of REN, Michael Ewing, said: “It is clear that across the country, our waters, overall, are in a sorry environmental state, and getting worse year on year. Just over half

of Irish surface waters are in a satisfactory condition, with trends going in the wrong direction, according to the EPA. “It’s time for all of us to be leaders in reversing the sad decline in our surface waters. Through this workshop and its follow on events, we in the REN are trying to encourage a new respect and desire to protect these precious resources”.

Welcoming the series of water conservation events organised by the REN, Minister Noonan said: “There are so many beautiful lakes, rivers and streams across the country.

These were the lifeblood of our ancestors, and remain our lifeblood today.

However, with a couple of exceptions, we have seen a steady decline in their en-

vironmental status over the last 60 years.

“Human activity is responsible for these declines, and human activity must drive the restoration of high status waters across the Island.

“To this end, I really welcome the initiative of the Roscommon Environmental Network in organising these water conservation events and the upcoming training they are providing for community groups across County Roscommon.

“We need leaders like these from all sides of our communities if we are to reverse the rapid decline in biodiversity and the disastrous impacts of climate change that so many of our brothers and sisters are already suffering across the planet,” he concluded.

The new outpatient department at Portiuncula Hospital will open on March 12th and the tender for the construction of a new 50-bed ward block at the hospital will commence this summer.

Independent TD Denis Naughten raised the issue in the Dáil on Thursday last, where it was confirmed that the works would begin this summer, subject to funding.

Answering the issues raised by Denis Naughten, Minister of State Frank Feighan said a modular building would provide temporary accommodation for Emergency Department minor injuries, treatment and assessment rooms.

He added: “The unit will have a residual value for the displacement of out-patient accommodation after the Covid-19 emergency. Construction works to the modular building at Portiuncula will be complete by the end of the first week of March and the hospital will commission the building for the occupation of the out-patient department the week ending March 12th”.

Council receives €345k retrofit funding Roscommon County Council is set to receive €345,200 to retrofit thirteen local authority housing units under the Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme for Social Housing announced this week by Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien.

The funding was welcomed by Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy, who said: “This is significant funding and is helping provide an economic stimulus to the regions most affected by Bord na Móna and ESB closures in areas such as Counties Longford and Westmeath following the closure of Lough Ree and Shannonbridge power stations.

“Retrofitting homes can help create high-quality, sustainable jobs in local communities throughout the country, and can help play an important role in our economic recovery”.

Minister of State, Frank Feighan said the revised programme would se significant upscaling from “a ‘shallow’ to a ‘deeper retrofit’ and will target 2,400 social homes this year.

28

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

NewsPeople OBITUARY

Maureen, leading light in Roscommon Association in Manchester, had ‘a great nature and a heart of gold’ On Thursday, February 4th, after a short illness at a Manchester Hospital, the death occurred peacefully of Maureen Fox (nee Swanick), 1, Houghton Avenue, Hollins, Oldham D483TW, and formerly Cloonlish, Ballinlough, Castlerea. She was predeceased by her husband Frank five years ago.

Maureen left Ireland for the UK over eighty years ago as a young girl, but she never forgot her roots. She was a regular visitor each year with her late husband Frank and their family to her native Cloonlish, Ballinlough and Castlerea. She always came home for the Castlerea Rose Festival, and for over thirty years she donated sponsorship for the event. She was very proud to perform the official opening of the Festival in 2019. She was also very proud when the Roscommon Manchester

Rose won the Queen of Roscommon at the International Rose Festival in Castlerea in 1998.

In those years, Roses from the USA, UK and Ireland took part in the Queen of Roscommon competition.

She had a great devotion to Our Lady of Knock, and for many years she would come home with her great friend Mary Butler and walk to Knock from Castlerea on the Eve of Lady Day (August 14th) with Peggy Curran, Linda Kearney, Geraldine Daly (Curran), and Danny Burke. She was a true Roscommon person, and was delighted when the Roscommon Manchester Association was formed in 1985 by another Ballinlough person, the late Michael Butler (whose wife Mary is still a staunch member of the association).

Over the years, Maureen did Trojan work for the association, and held the position of Vice-President and President over all those years, right up to her passing. She was very generous and would always bring buns and cakes so that they could have them with a cup of tea after their committee meetings.

Each year she loved to look forward to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Manchester. She always played a major role in getting the Roscommon float ready, and she would sit up on the float, dressed in her Roscommon colours, and wave to everyone.

She was also very proud when the Castlerea Brass & Reed Band performed at the parade on three occasions over the years. She was also a member of the Roscommon Sunshine Variety Club in Manchester, who purchased a bus for

Ivy House, Special School in Castlerea in the 1970s.

The Annual Dinner Dance each November was her pride and joy.

She loved to see her many friends from County Roscommon travel over for the occasion, such as the late Bishop Christopher Jones, members of Roscommon County Council, Frank Feighan TD, Hillary Cooper, Bernie Sharkey, Katie Ryan (Curran), Geraldine Daly (Curran), Geraldine Corcoran (Downes), Christy Glynn, Danny Burke, her good friend Dr. Greg Kelly and his wife Claire, her great friend Mildred Beirne from Loughglynn, Brian Cunniffe and Christina McHugh of the Roscommon Herald, who used to travel over to cover the event.

She celebrated her 100th birthday on September 8th, 2020. It was her life’s

ambition that it would be celebrated in Castlerea, but Covid put a stop to this happening. However, she was still looking forward to celebrating it this year in Castlerea, whenever Covid restrictions would allow.

Only two weeks before her passing, she contacted her good friend Danny Burke, whom she always kept in contact with, and stated that she was looking forward with her family to meeting all her friends later this year for the party, and that it would be one of the best parties ever held in Castlerea. Unfortunately, it was not to be.

Over the years, Maureen loved to visit Ballinlough and Castlerea with her husband Frank and family.

She was a loyal member of the Roscommon Manchester Association for thirty-six years. She had a great nature and a heart of gold. She was very

The late Maureen Fox, R.I.P.

kind and generous, and she will be sadly missed by her daughters Maureen and Patricia, son-in-law, grandchildren, the extended Fox and Swanick families, and a wide circle of friends in Ballinlough, Castlerea, Manchester,

and in the Roscommon Manchester Association – especially her great friend for over fifty years, Mary Butler.

Her burial took place in Manchester of Tuesday, February 23rd. May her gentle soul rest in peace.

PropertyPeople

Attractive bungalow at Moher, Strokestown

David Diffley’s ‘Sale of the Week’ This week, David Diffley of Property Partners Earley is pleased to advise that he has closed the sale of a quality, four-bedroomed, two-storey detached residence of approximately 1,965 square feet, located at Clooncashel Beg, Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon, for a very satisfactory price.

David says: “We have

experienced a very busy selling period, with quality properties attracting strong interest in all areas. Due to demand, we are now seeking properties in all areas for disappointed underbidders and cash buyers” For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact David Diffley (MIPAV, TRV) at Property Partners Ear-

ley, Roscommon on 0906626579, email ddiffley@

propertypartners.ie or log on to propertypartners.ie.

John Earley’s ‘Sale of the Week’ at Oldwood This week, John Earley of Property Partners Earley is pleased to advise that he has closed the sale of the former show house, three-bedroomed bungalow residence, located at 82 Oldwood, Athlone Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon for a very satisfactory price.

Looking to sell?

We have buyers!

• • •

•

Our services include: Sales – Sell your home!

Lettings & Rentals Property Management – We will manage all aspects of your rental property Valuations – FREE pre-sale valuation No Sale – No Charge

Web: www.kleavyauctioneer.com Tel. 071 96 34737

Prime Tulsk lands available at Earley’s This week, John Earley of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon is offering, new to the market, prime lands containing approximately 24 acres, located at Shrove, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon. Price guide: €120,000.

To arrange maps or for further details, contact John Earley (FIPAV), Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090-6626579/086-2551380, email jearley@propertypartners.ie or log onto propertypartners.ie.

For sale, due to cancellation, is this attractive three-bedroomed bungalow, on the market with Connaughton Auctioneers, and in excellent condition, standing on approximately 0.56 acres and boasting unrivalled views of the surrounding countryside.

Located in a rural setting approximately 4.5 miles from the town of Strokestown, Moher has recently had insulation and heating upgrades.

Accommodation includes a porch towards the front, a reception hallway, a sitting room with open fireplace,

a kitchen/dining room, three double bedrooms and a main bathroom.

For further details, contact

the office on 090-6663700, email info@connaughtonauctioneers, or call Deirdre on 086-1713417.

Three-bedroomed country house in Glinsk Connaughton Auctioneers are delighted to bring to the market this imposing, two-storey country residence, situated on a mature site on the outskirts of the village of Glinsk, Co. Galway.

With commanding views of surrounding countryside, and requiring completion of renovation works, this building has much to offer in terms of size, location and originality, and represents an ideal

opportunity for someone interested in bringing such a fine house back to its original glory.

Glinsk is a good community with a local school, church, shop, pub and childcare centre. It is located approximately 8km from the town of Ballymoe, 17km from Castlerea and 23km from Roscommon and all its amenities.

Ground floor accommodation includes the entrance hallway, living

room, kitchen and sitting room. First floor comprises three large bedrooms and a main bathroom.

There is oil-fired central heating, a septic tank and a shed to the rear of this residence. Also included in this sale is approximately 1.43 acres of bog lands at Glinsk.

For further details, contact the office on 090-6663700, email info@connaughtonauctioneers, or call Deirdre on 086-1713417.

29

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

Classifieds

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

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

PODIATRIST Podiatrist/Chiropodist

PODIATRIST

Sarah Fleming

PODIATRIST/ CHIROPODIST

Tullys

Mark Kilgallon B.Sc Podiatry (Hons) M.Ch.S.I.

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI at

Department of Health Approved

EVERY FRIDAY St. Joseph’s Resource Centre, Boyle For appointment

HSE Trained and Approved l Home visits available l

For any of your foot issues call:

094 9620009

085 1503353 086 8538404

Email: m.kilgallon23@gmail.com

• House Visits • Insoles and Orthotics Prescribed • Chiropody Services

Clinics also in Ballaghaderreen and Castlebar

PODIATRIST

For all foot ailments Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I.

Department of Health Approved

The Galway Podiatrist FOOT AND ANKLE CLINIC

Aoife Reilly BSc Pod, MChSI, SCPI (registered with VHI, AVIVA, LAYA & GloHealth)

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic Movement Matters 20 years experience treating babies to adults.

Everyday aches & pains to sports injuries.

Physical Therapy CranioSacral Therapy Medical Dry Needling Prescription Orthotics Pilates – Small Classes

Complete Chimney Services

Chimney Cleaning

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

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

Telephone:

• Open fire, stove, ranges • All flues and chimneys • Power brushed & vaccumed • No mess, no fuss • CCTV camera inspections • Detailed report and CCTV recording provided for insurance claims • Fully insured Also available for powerwashing and gutter cleaning

For Bookings Contact:

College Road, For Bookings Contact: Mountbellew,

(087) 707 5803

(087) 707 5803 (Saturday & evening appointments available)

Co Galway H53 D7W8

(Saturday & evening appointments available) Treanrevagh, Mountbellew, Co. Galway H53 D7W8 Open under Goverment + HSE Guidelines

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

Orthotics prescribed

By Appointment Only –

087 2982214

Tel: Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

CONNAUGHT CHIMNEY CLEANING Chimneys Power Sweep ( no mess) - Openfire - Stoves - Ranges Chimney CCTV Inspection OIL BOILERS SERVICED Burners Repaired CARPETS CLEANING Satellite and Digital TV Installation All areas covered Mob: 086 2495851 www.connaughtchimney cleaning.com

CHIROPRACTOR ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@rosommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633

Telephone: 086 8433433

Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon.

David Connor

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

VHI and Laya Covered

COUNSELLING

COUNSELLING Are you experiencing difficulties in your life?

Such as depression, anxiety, life or spiritural crisis.

Are you having difficulties in relationships at work? Have you experienced sexual abuse or abuse and need counselling to help you?

fergalkelly@live.com

Please call Glynis on

Fergal 086 1016899

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

085 2514394

https://www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

FENCING/GATES

CONSTRUCTION Stephen Casey

Construction l General Building Extensions & Roofing l Groundworks l Renovations

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

COMPUTERS DC Computer Services

Over 20 years in business All types of fencing supplied and erected Including: • Cresoted Posts • Agricultural Fencing • Site Fencing • Security Fencing • Post & Rail Fencing • Concrete Fencing • Grant Approved Fencing No job too big or too small Just give us a call on

l

For all your fencing needs.

GLAS Fencing Grant Fencing Post Rail l

Tel: 087 2172281 FARMING

PC Maintenance – Upgrades, Repairs, Virus & Spyware removal.

Network Solutions – Cabling, Hardware & Software Installation & Maintenance.

Contact David Conboy Tel: 087 7496459

< ABATTOIR SERVICE AVAILABLE: Cattle, lambs and pigs. Ready for freezing. Home Cured and Honey Dry cured traditional bacon (not pumped with water) now available. Tel: Webb’s Butcher’s, 094 96 20005 or 086 4094715

ROSCOMMON FARM SHOP

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

COUNSELLING

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

DRIVING LESSONS

Paul McStay

DSA/ADI (UK) RSA MIAM ROSPA Approved Driving Instructor Former BSM Driving Instructor and UK advanced Met. Police Driver.

GIFT VOUCHER CARDS AVAILABLE Castlerea & Roscommon

EDT Lessons Available Telephone:

094 96 20099 Mobile:

086 8936012

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

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

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD

< FOR SALE: Square bales of hay for sale. Tel: 087 2392729

Email: info@dccomputerservices.ie Web: www.dccomputerservices.ie

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

087 2346364

Providing IT services for Homes, Businesses & Schools. Home Callouts.

NO FIX NO FEE

GARDENING

Des Kelly Fencing

l

l

Can we help you?

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

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

CHIMNEY SWEEP

087 2798704

Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea

For appointment: (094) 96 21647 / (089) 4142233 • Home visits • 20 years experience

CHIMNEY CLEANING

The square downtown, Roscommon Freerange and Organic Eggs/Chickens/Potatoes/ Vegetables/Organic Honey/Kale/Spinach 10 kgs Washed Roosters €3.99 4x7 ozs Irish Chicken Fillets €5.00 30 eggs €2.00 per tray McCains Gluton Free Oven Chips €1.99 per pack

Thank you for keeping us open and keep safe everybody.

www.parklawntreeservices.

CORBETT

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

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

l

087 6558597

www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com

JOE HEALY

Tree Services

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

Phone:

087 2721193 GARDENING SERVICES Including: • Hedge Cutting • Hedge Planting • Grass Cutting • Spraying • Strimming • Weeding • Garden Tidy-ups • Planting • Gutter Cleaning, etc.

Chainsaw work also available

Phone John on

087 2860428 GATELY GARDENING

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

30

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

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

< TO RENT: Units to rent adjacent to Roscommon town, secure location, electronic gates, CCTV, different sizes available, 3 phase supply in certain units.

Tel: 087 4634888

PLANNINGS

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

086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, The Board of Management of Tarmon National School intend to apply for permission for the erection of floodlights to our existing astro-turf pitch and lighting to illuminate our existing running track, walkway and car-park, together with all associated site works. At Tarmon National School, Ballinphuill Td. and Termon Beg Td., Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed: Collins Boyd Engineering Ltd. Engineers & Architects Galway Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon.

Ph (090) 6634421 Fax: (090)6634423 Email: info@collinsboydeng.com

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Galeybeg, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon We hereby apply to Roscommon County Council on behalf of the Roscommon and District Soccer League for planning permission to construct a ticket office/meeting room, referees room, public toilets with wastewater treatment plant, 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 to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee, €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Noel O’ Brien and Associates Mountbellew, Co. Galway Phone/Fax No: (090) 9679506

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying to Roscommon County Council on behalf of John Kennedy for planning permission for the construction of a 233m2 retail store, a paved access road/parking bays and all necessary site services/ancillary siteworks at Monksland, Old Galway Road, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Seamus Dowd & Associates Ltd, Registered Surveyors, Chartered Construction Managers, Building Consultants.

Tel: (090) 6623417 Mob: 086 8546035 The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@rosommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We Rathcroghan Designs intend applying for Planning Permission on behalf of Brian Bruen to retain revised site boundary together with assoiated site works from that granted under Planning Reference Number PD/04/1976 and to construct new domestic garage together with all associated site works at Emlagh, T.d., Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within a period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission Signed: Martin Dowd Rathcroghan Design, Ballyconboy, Ballinagare, Co. Roscommon Mobile: 086 2328484

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Ballaghaderreen GAA Club, intend to apply for planning permission for development at Knockanaconny Townland, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon.

The development will consist of the decommissioning and removal of existing floodlights and the installation of new floodlights as follows: • Main Pitch – Installation and commissioning of LED floodlighting, to provide maximum 500LUX, erected on 6 no. 20m maximum height columns.

• Training Pitch - Installation and commissioning of LED floodlighting, to provide maximum 350LUX, erected on 6 no. 20m maximum height columns.

The development will also include all ancillary site works, upgrades and connection to necessary services.

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

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

Signed: Ballaghaderreen GAA Club.

USEFUL SERVICES

TUITION

EXPERT IRISH TUITION

Have you trained as a Primary School Teacher outside of Ireland and are anxious to fulfill your SCG/OCG Requirements? Courses and private classes arranged to facilitate same.

Are you sitting Junior Level or Higher Level Irish in the Leaving Cert with a view to obtaining at least a grade C with the intention of training as a Primary School Teacher?

Are you studying at 3rd Level and require help with assignments as Gaeilge?

Preparation for Interviews in English and Irish a speciality. Discuss your options with an experienced Irish lecturer.

Gaeltacht courses available for all levels at Coláiste Gharumna, Tír an Fhia, Co. na Gaillimhe.

All classes are held on skype.

Call 086 0815635 Tomás Ó Móráin OS., BA., M.Ed., A.T.O., A.T.G.

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Jolene Gacquin intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct conservatory to side of existing dwelling previously granted planning permission under p&d ref 04/1517 and p&d ref 09/91 at Lisaneaville, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Gaynor Architectural + Design Services Ltd. Architects Fallon Avenue, Roscommon.

Phone: 090 6626974 Mobile: 086 8115449 The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Eoin Kelly intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the construction of a dwelling house, domestic garage/fuel store, proprietary treatment system, percolation area and associated works at Carrow -reagh, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon.

This planning application may be inspected or purchased at the offices of the planning authority during its opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application by the planning authority.

Signed: Stephen Blake, M.R.I.A.I., Registered Architect Trihill, Ballinamore Bridge, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway T: 090 6624681 M: 087 635 8949 E: sblake2006@gmail.com

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We Rathcroghan Designs intend applying for planning permission on behalf of Pascal and Colm Finnerty for change of use from Public House with first floor accommodation to Cafe to with first floor apartment accommodation and to reconnect to public services together with all associated site works at, Elphin T.d.

Main Street Elphin, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within a period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission Signed: Martin Dowd Rathcroghan Design, Ballyconboy, Ballinagare, Co. Roscommon Mobile: 086 2328484

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

USEFUL SERVICES

DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED

Evo Roofing & Guttering Experts

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

Call on 091 734122 or 085 2427727

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS: WASHING MACHINE, REPAIRS, DISHWASHER REPAIRS, OVEN AND TUMBLE DRYER REPAIRS Contact Paul on 086 0538977 087 4046478 071 9664207 www.appliance-repairs.ie

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

CONNAUGHT AREA

evoroofingandguttering.com

• All types of roof repairs • Gutter cleaning from €49 • PVC fitted • Roof moss removal • Chimney repairs • Power washing • Ridge Piping • Lead valley repair • New tiles • Quality work, guaranteed

No job too big or too small

Electrician Available Safe Electric Registered.

Domestic and Industrial, All work considered.

No Job too small.

Phone Paul 086 2553153 or 090 666 3053 or Email p0862553153@ gmail.com.

PAINTING & DECORATING

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR

Contact Luke on

For all your decorating needs

085 7359120

CONTACT JOHN

Working throughout current restrictions with full PPE equipment.

086 4679798 PAINTER & DECORATOR Private & Commercial Power washing 25 years experience Free Estimates Given

Phone Alan on:

090 6661635 or Mobile:

087 2683079

Family Notices • Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance

Call into our office on Abbey Street, Roscommon

Phone: (090) 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

31

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

Classifieds TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

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

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

APPOINTMENTS

QUALIFIED ACCOUNTANT

TURF AVAILABLE Tel: Donal < TURF FOR SALE: In tonne bags, delivery to Roscommon town and surrounding areas. Price €50. Bag and delivery also included in price. Tel: 086 8534011

< THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Bags of seasoned firewood only €2 per bag• Bags of turf only €2.50 per bag, buy 20 get 2 free • Tonne bags firewood/turf €35 per bay, or buy tonne firewood + tonne turf + 2 bags coal 20kg all for €80 delivered. • Stove coal 40kg bags only €14, buy 10 bags get 1 20kg bag coal free.

• 8x4 trailer load firewood only €90. All includes free delivery. Contact Tom: 086 2628439

SITUATIONS VACANT < CHILDMINDER REQUIRED: 1 day a week to mind 2 girls aged 6 and 4, also requires school runs in the Athleague area. Contact 087 7452038

086 2721812 (All areas)

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

086 2437376

< TOP QUALITY TURF: 10x6 Loads of Turf, saved in good weather and stored in dry shed, will deliver. Phone: 083 0684011

SITUATIONS WANTED < HANDYMAN AVAILABLE: Power washing, painting, hedge cutting and general maintenance. Tel: Daragh 086 0792787

< CHILDCARE PRACTIONER REQUIRED: For full time hours in busy Creche in Carrickon-Shannon area. Must have FETAC Level 5 and updated FAR Course, experience desirable but not essential. Telephone Breda: 086 8577481

Accountancy practice in Roscommon looking to recruit either a full or part qualified accountant to join the team.

Require a

SALES EXECUTIVE/ STORE MANAGER • Full Time Position • Experience desirable but not essential as training will be provided • Excellent Working Conditions Send CV to: info@lynchflooring.ie or by post to: Lynch Flooring, Golf Links Road, Roscommon

BUTCHERS ASSISTANT

Required for an established food business in Roscommon town.

Person must be responsible and willing to learn.

Experience desirable but is not essential.

Must have a keen interest in food.

Training will be provided.

Please apply to: shop@castleminefarm.ie

Part-time work available in

PROPERTY SALES

We have a reputation for excellent customer service. We believe that building strong relationships with our clients is the key to delivering a prompt, efficient and personal service. We have invested heavily in IT, much of which is cloud based. This improves efficiencies, and facilitates collaboration with our clients. Data is sent to the cloud, where it is processed and returned to the user.

Our reputation is built on our staff; they are bright and enthusiastic, dedicated to hard work and take pride in every accomplishment.

The ideal candidate will be involved in the preparation of financial statements, corporation tax and income tax returns. The candidate must have strong interpersonal skills and possess a strong business acumen.

The job: • Managing a portfolio of compliance clients in the SME sector • Preparation of financial statements for Limited companies and sole traders • Processing Corporation and Personal tax returns • Preparation of monthly and quarterly management accounts for clients • You will liaise directly with clients and so you will need to have excellent written and spoken communication skills • Handling of compliance taxes across all tax heads including income tax, corporation tax, RCT, VAT and payroll taxes You should be: • Client-focused, with excellent organisational and communication skills • A team player, always willing to help your colleagues when you can • Newly qualified or part qualified accountant with at least three years experience in a fast-paced practice environment is essential Email a cover letter and Curriculum Vitae to the following address:

recruit.ros@gmail.com

(Roscommon)

Suitable for student studying marketing and/or business or for anyone looking for experience in property sales Flexible hours to suit both parties Apply to:

PO Box No 2050 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON! The local paper!

LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB?

Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@rosommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

The local paper!

TELEPHONE:

090 66 34633

EMAIL:

advertising@roscommonpeople.ie OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time

32

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES DOWLING Late of Carnagh, Kiltoom, Athlone.

Treasured memories of our parents and sister.

Frank who died 25th January 1991

Teresa (nee Dowd) who died 9th October 2016

McMANUS Evelyn

HEGARTY Johnnie

Athlone Road, Roscommon Town Who died 1st March 2014

Glinsk, Castlerea, Co. Galway (5th Anniversary) In loving memory of Johnnie who died on the 1st March 2016 R.I.P.

Lovingly remembered by all your family.

Anniversary Mass in St. John’s Church on Friday, 26th March at 7pm.

McMANUS John and Nancy Late of Elphin Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon (22nd and 6th Anniversaries)

Always remembered and sadly missed by their loving family.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday, February 28th at 11am. www.facebook.com/castlerea.ie or castlerea.ie

NOVENA TO ST. MARTHA Saint Martha, I resort to thee and to thy petition and faith.

I offer up to thee this light which I shall burn every Tuesday for nine Tuesdays.

Comfort me in all my difficulties through the great favour thou didst enjoy when Our Saviour lodged in thy house.

I beseech thee to have definite pity in regards to the favour I ask (Mention favour).

Interceed for my family that we may always be provided for in all our necessities. I ask thee St. Martha to overcome the dragon, which thou didst cast at thy feet. Say one Our Father and Three Hail Mary’s, and a Glory Be Amen and a lighted candle every Tuesday and the above prayer made known with the intention of spreading devotion to St. Martha. This miraculous Saint grants everything before the Tuesdays are ended, no matter how difficult. L.M.S. THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. L.F.

FEATHERSTON Tom and Margaret Ballinapark, Donamon (29th & 14th Anniversary) Who died on 19th April 1992 and 28th February 2007

Just as you were, you will be, special people in our memory.

Always loved and remembered by their family.

Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick ‘s Church Clooneycolgan on Sunday, 28th February at 10am.

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

The most read newspaper in county roscommon!

The local paper!

• Superior Quality Headstones • Restoration work carried out • New Inscriptions added

CONTACT HAZEL

087 6758874

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

“I light a candle for you today, as you did when the need was mine.

There for your needs it brightly burns, true symbol bright of God divine.”

Fond memories, always treasured with love, by her husband, Noel, daughters Deirdre, Rebecca and Judith.

CONNAUGHTON Thomas

THANKSGIVINGS

Highgate Road, London.

(Formerly of Correal, Athleague) Who passed away on the 27th February, 2020.

And our sister Teresa who died 23rd February 1984

Loving memories never die, as years roll on and days pass by, in our hearts a memory is kept of ones we loved and will never forget.

BRIAN MURRAY MEMORIALS

HAUGHEY Sr. Maria Margaret

Sandfield, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon (6th Anniversary) In loving memory of Thomas who died on 13th February 2015

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

Forever in our hearts, sadly missed by his brothers, sisters, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives and friends.

Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Friday, 26th February.

Mass is private.

KENNY Máire Culleen, Knockcroghery (3rd Anniversary) Whose third anniversary occurs 0n the 26th February.

I ndíl chuimhne

Sadly missed and always remembered by your loving family Michael John, Allan, Éanna and Lucia.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h anam dilís.

The hands of time keep turning as the years they pass away, but in my heart and memory you are with me everyday.

Loved, remembered and sadly missed by your wife Kathleen.

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

Lovingly remembered by all your family.

Anniversary Mass in St. Michael’s Church, Glinsk on Sunday, 28th February at 10am. Broadcast on the parish radio.

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 Sister and thanks for all you’ve done.

We pray that God has given you the crown you’ve truly won.

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her family.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 27th February at 7pm in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

Mass can be viewed on: www.churchtv.ie/ roscommon

KELLY Con Marian Crescent, Lisnamult (Formerly Tonlagee) (14th Anniversary) Who died on 6th February 2007

GIBBONS Tony Caggle, Strokestown Who passed away on 28th February (15th Anniversary)

Your destiny was not ours to change always there for others, yet touching the edge.

Your own purpose unresolved, you gave so much then you were gone.

Always missed and much loved Mam, Dad, Alan, David and family.

BEIRNE Kathleen (13th Anniversary)

KEEGAN Bridie

CONNAUGHTON Patrick (Paddy) (23rd Anniversary)

Your name is often mentioned our thoughts are with you still.

You have never been forgotten and by us you never will.

Lovingly remembered by sons Michael, Eamon, Patrick and Tommy, daughters-in-law Maureen, Evelyn, Geraldine and Corina and grandchildren.

BRENNAN John

R.I.P. Fairfield, Creggs, Co. Galway (7th Anniversary) Who died 23rd February 2014

Muff, Castlecoote, Roscommon (23rd Anniversary)

In loving memory of a wonderful father

In loving memory of our dear Aunt Bridie who died on 6th March 1998 Our hearts are full of memories, with pride we speak your name.

Although life goes on without you, it will never be the same.

Those special days will not return, when we were ali together, but with love and memories in our hearts, you will walk with us forever.

Sadly missed by her nephews Canon Joe, Kevin, niece Moria, niece-in-law Bernie, nephew-in-law Christy and grandnieces and nephews.

Masses offered.

DAD If we could have a lifetime wish, and one dream come true.

We would pray to God with all our hearts, just to see and talk to you.

A thousand words won’t bring you back, We know because we’ve tried.

And neither will a thousand tears, we know because we’ve cried.

You left behind our broken hearts and precious memories too.

But we never wanted memories, we only wanted you.

Forever loved, sadly missed and always remembered by your son Tommy, daughter-in-law Nikita, granddaughters Lacey and Lucia xxxx

In loving memory of our sister Kathleen, late of Cloonbrackna Court and Ballymacurley, Roscommon, who died on February 27th 2008 R.I.P. As a heart remembers, as long as hearts still care, we do not part from those we love, they are with us everywhere.

In loving memory of my dear husband, John Your life touched so many others, and will be remembered forever more.

To leave the world a better place than it had been before.

Sadly missed and always remembered by his wife Mae, family and friends.

Masses offered.

Always remembered by Patsy and Maureen.

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

The most read newspaper in county roscommon!

The local paper!

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

23rd February 1989 In loving memory of a great mother and grandmother Never to be forgotten Always remembered with love and affection by her family.

Masses offered.

33

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

Classifieds

AtYourService

FAMILYNOTICES ....

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

THANKSGIVINGS THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. R.M.

Rogers Funeral Directors Rooskey

(Covering Rooskey and surrounding areas)

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

Chimney Problems

SHOWROOM:

Racecourse Road, Roscommon

Dooley Chimney Repairs • Lining

We SUPPLY & FIT Double & Treble Glazed Windows & Doors, Patio Doors, French Doors, Porches and Conservatories WIDE RANGE OF COMPOSITE DOORS

uPVC Window and Door Locksmith We are the only Licensed Window and Door Locksmith in Roscommon

• Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection

Cathal Dooley 087 6579064

20 Years Experience Free Insurance Quotes Mobile: 087 2365453 Landline: 071 9638739 email: jrrogers40@hotmail.com

THANKSGIVINGS THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. M.C. THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. M.C.

Nationwide Service Stoves and Ranges Fitted All Work Guaranteed

Telephone: 090 66 33026 www.roscommonwindows.ie

WINDOW AND DOOR REPAIRS

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

• Door Handles • Door Locks • Letterboxes • Window Hinges • Patio Door Repairs • Misted and Double Glazed Units • Reseal Windows and Doors

Contact David Martin on 087 9959417 WINDOW AND DOOR SERVICE

- CCTV Camera Inspection

DOOR & WINDOW SERVICE

For Professional For Professional Advice Contact Advice Contact: John Hibbitt:

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

Tel: 090

9673336 Mob: 086 2678350

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

Email: info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed

CLEANING

WINDOWS/DOORS

REPAIRS & SERVICING ALSO CARRIED OUT

BLINDS

Contact Pat Hanley on

Email: pjmhanley@gmail.com

Email or call for Sample Pack

Also Wooden Venetians, Velux Window Blinds.

Tel: 090 66 30521 Mobile: 086 8115928

Chris’s Window Service

Springfield, Williamstown, Co. Galway l Window restrictors l Burglary repairs l Window locks l Cylinder and lock supplied l Hinge replacement l Glass replacement l Window and door seals l Window and door handles supplied and fitted l Aluminium and uPVC doors and windows repaired.

Te l : 0 8 5 2 1 9 1 2 3 4

email: chrislocksmith.162@gmail.com

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

RECYCLING

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

Ballybane Industrial Estate, Unit 2, Ballybrit Industrial H91 P5k5 BlockEstate, 12, Galway Galway

091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie

www.ecowise.ie

All NCT Failures Destruction Certs Issued l Sale of Second Hand Parts l Contracted to all Major Car Companies l Farm Machinery, Old Gates l Metals, Iron Baths l Old Cooking Ranges l Weighbridge on Site l l

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

M: 086 3912396 Ph: 090 66 62892 INSURANCE CLAIMS

Loss Assessor/Claims Management

Martin Hibbitt CDIP LA, APA-PL

Certified Dip in Loss Adjusting Approved Product Adviser Member of the PSAG-GI Member of the Insurance Institute of Ireland

M: 087 9818153 E: info@icr.ie

T: 091 380900 W: www.icr.ie

Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

FARMING

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE TEL: (090) 96 88606

086 6002721

to discuss your requirements

BRENDAN DOOLIN

S tephen H oare

RECYCLING OF END-OF-LIFE VEHICLES

(090) 96 88830 or (090) 96 87651 Lowest price guaranteed Daily collection

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAIN JETTING SERVICE

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

Tel: 090

6621220

DRIVING LESSONS

RECYCLING ALL TYPES OF METAL

C astlerea ELV Recycling Ltd ., Cloonkeen, Castlerea Kevin & Martina Keenan Tel: 094 96 21250 Mob: 086 2522231

ROSCOMMON Driving School Phone 087 2295551 Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor

34

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

Sports PEOPLE

SPORT: The long wait continues < SEAMUS DUKE

It will be Easter Weekend at the earliest before there’s a return to GAA training after the latest Government plan on the Covid-19 pandemic was published on Tuesday.

With regard to sport, there is no change in this latest plan. A review will be held “at the end of March”, which will determine the way forward from that point.

In circumstances where the ban on playing sports would be lifted (under, for example, Level 4 restrictions) inter-county action would return on the first weekend of May at the earliest – as the GAA have said they will allow a four-week period for teams to train and prepare.

In a Level 4 scenario, juveniles would also be allowed to train in small pods in a non-contact environment.

Speaking last weekend, GAA President John Horan said that the preference with regard to fixtures for this year was to start with the inter-county season and then play the club fixtures programme towards the end of the year.

The GAA annual congress will be held virtually this weekend. Among the more controversial motions due to be dealt with is a proposal to ban multiple captains lifting trophies, increased punishment for cynical fouls in hurling, and a split season for fixtures. The motion to revamp the All-Ireland SFC has been postponed to later in the year.

A new President of the association, Larry McCarthy, who represents New York GAA, will take over from John Horan at the congress and will serve a three-year term.

Meanwhile, there is no change in the status of other sports such as golf and tennis, at least until April 5th, with no participation currently allowed. Professional elite sports such as horse racing, greyhound racing and top level rugby will continue behind closed doors.

The League of Ireland men’s and women’s leagues will begin in the next three weeks and will take place without spectators being present.

Pictured are Seamus Carthy (Minor Football Chairperson), Cian Regan (player), Shekhar Gupta (Head of Athlone Manufacturing Plant, Athlone Laboratories), James Connolly (player), and Declan Hoare (Operations Manager, Athlone Laboratories and Roscommon Gaels senior manager). Photograph taken before lockdown.

Athlone Laboratories supports Roscommon Gaels Athlone Laboratories, Ballymurray, Roscommon have teamed up with Roscommon Gaels, sponsoring a set of football jerseys for the seasons ahead.

Seamus Carthy, Roscommon Gaels Minor Football Board Chairperson, accepted this very generous sponsorship on behalf of the club, and commented that Athlone Laboratories are a leading developer and manu-

facturer of a broad range of oral dose Beta-Lactam products, established in 1974 and based locally at Ballymurray.

The company is an accredited supplier to local and many blue-chip customers across Europe, Asia-Pacific, Canada, Israel, Iraq, Brazil and other countries.

“We are very honoured that Athlone Laboratories have very generously

sponsored these beautiful jerseys.

On behalf of Roscommon Gaels, and in particular, John Donnellan (manager of our U-17 boys), we are very grateful.

“These jerseys will be worn with pride, and we just hope we can be as successful on the field as Athlone Laboratories have been in their business since their establishment in 1974”, commented Mr. Carthy.

Enda takes over as U-17 manager

Roscommon GAA is delighted to announce that Enda Nugent has been ratified as the manager of the Roscommon U-17 team for 2021.

Enda has previously managed this group of players at U-14, U-15 and U-16 level.

As a result, he has extensive knowledge of the panel.

Enda has been involved with the coaching and development of St. Brigid’s underage teams since his move from Garrycastle. Roscommon GAA would like to wish Enda and his backroom team all the very best in the months ahead.

Meanwhile, Emmet Durney will continue as manager of the 2020 U-17 team. As current Connacht champions, they will play Kerry in the All-Ireland minor semi-final on a date to be confirmed.

Roscommon Gaels lotto

In the Roscommon Gaels lotto draw on February 21st, the numbers drawn were 7, 15, 21, 30.

There was no jackpot winner. The Lucky Dip winners (€30) are as follows: Julia McDermott of Golf Links Road; Willie Collins, c/o P. Menton; Helen Corcoran of The Paddocks (online); and Margaret Brennan of Rathbrennan (online).

To play online, visit roscommongaels.ie/lotto. html.

Support Creggs Rugby’s ‘For the Love of the Club’ fundraising walk/run Connacht Rugby and Bank of Ireland are supporting Creggs Rugby Club with their ‘For the Love of the Club’ fundraising initiative this coming St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, which will last for one week until March 24th. Will you join us?

‘For the Love of the Club’ is a virtual 5K/10K fundraising walk or run. Participants can register online at myrunresults. ie. The entry fee, €10, will go to Creggs RFC once it is the chosen club of the participants.

A 70 cent administration

charge applies to all entrants’ €10 entry fees.

All are welcome to participate, from keen runners to casual walkers; it’s all about getting reconnected and active again.

Whether you’re at home in Roscommon, Castlerea, Boyle, Strokestown, Lanesborough, Lecarrow, Ballygar, Newbridge, Glenamaddy, Williamstown, or in your home-fromhome in Melbourne, Boston, Toronto, or anywhere in the world, you can be part of your club, Creggs RFC in these chal-

lenging times. You may have a niece or nephew, a grandchild, a neighbour, a work colleague, or a casual acquaintance involved with the club. Why not join this great fundraising initiative, and walk or run 5/10 km to support them.

This fundraiser will provide a much-needed financial boost to Creggs Rugby Club in the current climate of restrictions.

It will help greatly to maintain the facilities – both those in use, such as the Community Walkway, and the training/

playing pitches for when rugby returns for all our boys and girls.

The pandemic has made it increasingly difficult for the club to access most funding streams. Through this initiative, you can contribute to the club while getting some healthy exercise in the process. In addition to your support, Bank of Ireland (Connacht Rugby’s community partner) will provide €5,000 worth of Rhino Rugby equipment to the club that

goes the extra mile. Will you help us reach that extra mile?

Connacht Rugby and Creggs Rugby Club asks all participants to complete their walk or run within the current government guidelines and their mandated 5K zone in Ireland (or whatever restrictions apply where you now reside), and not to gather in large groups in public areas and instead partake individually.

Enjoy your exercise and thank you for supporting Creggs Rugby Club.

35

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

SportsPeople

Horses for Courses

by Tom Red

The racing in Ireland this weekend has Graded racing each day. Today in the south, racing is at Thurles, away at 2.20 pm and featuring the Grade 3 Novice Hurdle.

Tomorrow racing takes place at Gowran Park at 1.50 pm with last Saturday’s cancelled Red Mills card with fresh entries, and on the all-weather Polytrack surface in Dundalk, first race at 4 pm.

On Saturday, they race at Fairyhouse with a pair of Grade 3 races, the Bobbyjoe Steeplechase and the Norman Colfer Juvenile Hurdle away at 1.45 pm and on Sunday racing is at Naas at 2.30 pm featuring the Grade B Handicap Novice Chase, the Grade 2 Novice Hurdle and opens with the Grade 3 Chase on a card sponsored by Paddy Power.

Television coverage this weekend is on ITV4 covering Kempton, four races, and Chelmsford, two on the allweather.

Weather caused havoc with Irish racing last weekend with Clonmel on Thursday, Limerick on Friday, Gowran Park on Saturday, and yesterday’s Punchestown card falling foul of the heavy rain. The going at Thurles today is heavy but fit for racing unlike Gowran Park tomorrow which has been switched to Tuesday with the Red Mills Trial Hurdle added to Saturday’s Fairyhouse card which is being monitored.

The Punchestown card has been rescheduled for next Monday with fresh entries. The Clonmel meeting cancelled on Thursday, 18th February due to waterlogging has been rescheduled on Tuesday, 9th March. It will be an all hurdle and bumper card with the meeting on the 4th of March now an all-chase card.

Racing Review Jordan Gainford may have missed six rides at Limerick but made up for it with a win in his first ride in the paid ranks at Navan on Sunday as Fierami won at odds of 25/1. The win brought up a treble for Elliott, who earlier combined with Jack Kennedy to win with Coco Beach and Frontal Assault.

Jamir Codd won the bumper on Ginto to make it a four-timer for the trainer.

In the Boyne Hurdle, Tiger Roll finished last but on ground totally against him and will probably take his place in the Cross Country in Cheltenham.

Gainford continued his dream start to the paid ranks winning on Mt Leinster Gold for Colin Bowe in the Fairyhouse Mares Maiden Hurdle on Monday.

Despite trailing in last of the six runners in the Boyne Hurdle, Tiger Roll remains on course for the Cheltenham Cross Country Chase. Both jockey Keith Donoghue and trainer Elliott were happy with him in the very

heavy ground. Gigginstown still had a 1, 2 in the race as Noel Meade’s Beacon Star beat the fav Elliott’s Fury Road by a neck and 12l.

However, highlight of the day was claimer Hugh Morgan winning on ride board Young Dev for Denis Hogan. Morgan lost his irons after jumping the first and decided to keep going ‘bare back style’ in a steeplechase and his courage was rewarded with the 7-Y-O grey winning ¾l and 6l from the well fancied Se Mo Laoch and Dubai Devils.

Ado McGuinness and Ronan Whelan landed a big pot in Qatar on Friday when Bowerman stormed to victory in the Group 2 $200,000 Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup at Doha. Whelan produced his mount with strong run in the final furlong to land the contest by a neck from Dominus with Sir Arthur Dayne 2l back in third.

A very profitable raid for the Irish followed on Saturday when the Willie Mullinstrained mare True Self won the Neom Turf Cup, worth nearly €440,000 to the winner, in Riyadh. Ridden by Hollie Doyle, the 8-Y-O came from behind to catch the front running Channel Maker near the line and win by 1¼l. The Adrian McGuinness trained Saltonstall, ridden by Gavin Ryan, 2020 Champion Apprentice in Ireland, finished fourth, winning over €36,000.

There was more Irish joy as John Gosden’s Mishriff won the second running of the richest race in the world, the Saudi Cup worth £7.3m. The 4-Y-O colt, winner of the French Derby, had 1l and 6½l to spare over Charlatan and Great Scot. He was ridden by 21-year-old Kildare born jockey David Egan, grandnephew of Eileen Moran in Rahara and the late Margaret Burke of Goff Street, Roscommon, who tucked the winner in behind the well-fancied American pair of Charlatan and Knicks Go before coming with a perfectly timed run from the furlong mark.

Egan is steeped in racing with his father John still riding on the flat with more than 1,000 winners to his name, his mother Sandra Hughes trained Thunder And Roses to win the 2015 Irish Grand National, his uncle is the former champion jockeyturned-trainer Richard Hughes, and his grandfather was the late Dessie Hughes, rider of Monksfield and the trainer of dual Champion Hurdle winner Hardy Eustace. His maternal grandfather is Ciaran Egan of Creagh on the Roscommon side of Ballinasloe, well known in horsey and pony racing circles in the west. He used to drive all his sons, including John, pony racing. Egan, David, was in before the stewards and was suspended for two days and fined about $100,000, a tenth of the riding fee, for over-use of the whip. Hope he is able afford it!

Young Dev and Hugh Morgan jumping a fence without stirrups.

Racing News With a while to go to the flat season, The Curragh have announced this week that Tattersalls Bloodstock Sales Company will continue their support of the Irish Guineas Festival on the 22nd and 23rd of May as the 2000 Guineas celebrates its centenary. Tattersalls will continue to sponsor the Gold Cup won by Magical last year.

Good news for punters in that TG4, beginning at Leopardstown on March 7th, will cover Irish racing live each weekend through to the middle of April, taking in fixtures from eight different racecourses in that time, and including action from the 2021 Flat season starting at the Curragh on Sunday, March 21st. The programmes will be hosted by Seán Bán Breathnach and Mánus Ó Conghaile. TG4 who have covered the annual Listowel and Galway Festivals and broke new ground with a live broadcast from Punchestown last Sunday week,

are a very welcome addition to the Irish racing scene.

Cheltenham News Confirmed yesterday amateur jockeys, including Irish, will not be permitted to ride at the Cheltenham Festival due to the UK government’s restrictions. Amateur and grassroots sports have been suspended in Britain since lockdown began on January 4th and a resumption, including point to points, is set for March 29th. A decision has been taken by the BHA to not allow amateur jockeys to compete at Cheltenham this year. This will come as a big disappointment to our top amateurs and could lead to some Irish runners not making the journey. Hopefully, this can be offset with a return to point to pointing on this side of the Irish Sea. Matthew Smith’s Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle runner-up Ronald Pump is ruled out with a splint and will not get the chance to go one better

David Egan riding Mishriff wins The Saudi Cup in Riyadh.

at the Cheltenham Festival. The 8-Y-O finished two lengths behind Lisnagar Oscar in last year race and in November finished runner-up to Honeysuckle in the Leopardstown Hatton Grace beaten ½l. Last year’s County Hurdle winner Saint Roi has also been ruled by Willie Mullins and could be out for the season.

Leading jockey Davy Russell has lost his battle to be fit for next month’s Cheltenham Festival failing to sufficiently recover from injury, received in a first fence fall in the Munster National at Limerick in October aboard Doctor Duffy, in time. Having returned to riding out after the turn of the year, the 41-year-old was optimistic he would be back in competitive action in time to ride in the Cotswolds.

Harry Whittington’s Simply The Betts won the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate last season, his first festival winner, has been ruled for this year’s Festival. He held entries in the Champion Chase, the Ryanair, and the Gold Cup.

O’Rourke set for quarterfinal in Sofia < DAN DOONER Castlerea boxer, Aoife O’Rourke, returns to the ring today (Thursday) for her quarter-final fight against Turkey’s Sennur Demir at the 72nd Strandja Multi-Nations tournament in Bulgaria.

O’Rourke was in impressive form on Tuesday last as she stopped her Bulgarian opponent, Dobromiro Georgieve, in the second round of their last sixteen bout at the 75kg weight division.

The Roscommon fighter was on the attack from the opening bell and gave a dominant display throughout. The referee was forced to step in and call a halt to the contest after giving the Bulgarian a number of standing counts.

The Strandja Multi-Nations tournament in Sofia is Team Ireland’s first official event since the Euro qualifiers for the Olympics in London last March.

That event was cancelled after just three days due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

BUCCANEERS Rugby Football Club Buccaneers RFC tribute to the late Hazel Reid The death has occurred of Hazel Reid, who passed away peacefully at her residence on Sunday. Hazel was a stalwart on the Buccaneers RFC’s ladies committee and the Reid family has a lifetime association with Athlone RFC initially and currently with Buccaneers RFC. Hazel’s involvement in rugby spanned many decades. The former club was located virtually on her Fernhill doorstep and her late husband Christy was President of the club in season 1985/86.

The family link continues with sons Austin and Eoin both involved having played in the club’s colours for many seasons with the former also being honoured as club president. Meanwhile, Eoin’s son Corey is a current member of Buccaneers’ senior squad and he has represented Ireland at various levels, including U-20.

Daughters Aisling and Syra continue Hazel’s generous tradition of voluntary service on the club’s ladies committee.

A gracious and personable lady, Hazel was a highly capable driving force in building up Fernhill Garden Centre from very humble beginnings to the hugely impressive facility that now stands there.

A proud Athlone woman, she had many interests including the annual Daffodil Day charity fundraiser.

Her loss will be greatest of course to her family, and the committee and members of Buccaneers RFC extend our heartfelt sympathy to Austin, Eoin, Aisling and Syra, their spouses and children, and the wider Reid family and friends.

May the Lord grant Hazel

eternal rest.

Roscommon People Friday 26 February 2021

36

Spring is in the air…

It may be cold outside...

Do n’t l l ’ e w … y r wo r e m o s g n i br o t n i h t m wa r ! e f i l r u o y WHOLESALE TO YOUR SHOP FLOOR OR RETAIL TO YOUR SHED/BUNKER

Roscommon. Tel.: 090 66 26664 | M.: 087 6339548 | www.connaughtonfuels.ie “ORDER AND PAY SAFELY ON OUR WEBSITE”

• Free Delivery Quality Gas, Coal, Kindling, etc.

• Contactless Payment • Top quality products only • Option to pay the driver TELEPHONE: 090 66 26664 MOBILE: 087 6339548

... helping to keep you and your family safe, warm and cosy this spring ...