Roscommon’s iconic Post Office at The Square will cease to provide a postal service early in the New Year – and An Post is to press ahead with plans to sell the landmark premises.
An Post has confirmed that the postal service in Roscommon Town is to be switched to a new Postmaster in an existing retail business in Main Street.
Following a public outcry over its plans, the company had committed in February to seeking to appoint a new Postmaster to run the service in the existing post office building, but that will not now happen.
The service will be discontinued in the existing Post Office building at The Square in early 2025, and a premises in Main Street will be the new location for the postal service.
Roscommon’s iconic Post O ce at The Square, Roscommon town.
Staff will have the option of taking up employment with the new Postmaster, being redeployed within the An Post network, or taking redundancy. An Post is to press ahead with plans to sell the iconic building. Senator Eugene Murphy and Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice have both expressed their disappointment at An Post’s decision. Full story on page 8
Periods of Limitation in Personal Injuries Actions
I have received a number of enquiries regarding the time period a person who has been injured has in which to lodge a claim for personal injuries. The time period is set down by legislation and the first step to take in any personal injury action is to ascertain the time period within which a person who has been injured can issue court proceedings or lodge an application to the Injuries Board, (depending on the nature of the case).
Since the enactment of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 a person who has sustained an injury has a period of two years from the date of the injury in which to have proceedings issued or an application lodged with the Injuries Board. In order to stop the Statute of Limitations running an application must be acknowledged as received and complete by the Injuries Board, and once the claim has been registered by the Injuries Board as received and complete, the clock stops running.
There are some notable exceptions to this rule, particularly relating to persons under a disability, or a person of unsound mind, until such person ceases to be under a disability. In the instance of a minor or a child the Courts take the view when the child turns 18 they would have a period of two years in which to commence their proceedings. There is no need however to wait until a minor reaches 18 years of age before pursuing a personal injury action and it is recommended that advice should be sought as soon as possible by the parents or guardian of a minor who has sustained an injury and wishes to pursue a personal injury action.
My advice to any person that has suffered injuries which they believe a third party may have a responsibility for is to contact their Solicitor at the earliest possible opportunity. Their Solicitor should be able upon receipt of their instructions to advise and take the appropriate legal action to protect their interests. The period under the Statute of Limitations which I referred to relates to personal injury actions and there are different periods for other legal actions e.g. breach of contract, defective products, enforcement of arbitration awards, arrears of rent, recovery of land by state and defamation. The most important thing is to consult with your Solicitor who should be able to advise as regards the exact legal position.
With PAUL HEALY
So tell me about this great night you had… Ah, Thursday night! I was inspired by my inner Tarantino! YOU WHAT?
It’s very simple! I arrived into beautiful Boyle, and met the main man… Huh?
The uncrowned king of Boyle! You’re friendly with Deputy Feighan? Not Frank! I’m talking about a star who is outstanding in the field of… Ah, Enda Smith! You had a one on one with our All-Star! Are you pressing ahead with this influencer malarkey that the Editor was on about?
No! I met the uncrowned king of Boyle, not Frank Feighan, not Enda Smith, the man who is a star in his field, the man who… COD!
No, I’m serious, I met… No, I mean is it COD?
Huh?
CHRIS O’DOWD?
Oh yes, you’ve got it! COD! Chris O’Dowd!
That’s the man!
(They pause to read a few more tweets where the Brits are going crazy – in a good way –about last weekend’s hurling)
So, you met Chris O’Dowd?
Yes! Chris was in Boyle on Thursday night to officially open the local arts festival… Excellent!
I went along, because I had a brainwave… Mmnn… … and a beer or two, actually… Huh?
Endangered Species
Thebarstoolboyos
I had a brainwave, and a beer or two! Myself and some relations were on a boat on the Shannon, and we’d had a relaxing afternoon!
Very good…
So we pulled the boat into Lough Key, and got a taxi into Boyle!
And you met Chris O’Dowd?
We were in good spirits, after our lovely afternoon chilling on the Shannon! So,
WATCHING People
All I did was pitch an idea for a sitcom to Chris O’Dowd!
there’s a huge crowd, and they’re milling around Chris…
Okay…
And then I pitch it to him!
Huh?
An idea for a sitcom! Based on us!
Really?
I told him how we’re two funny guys who prop up the bar counter from time to time, and talk about life…
Yeah…
And that we’re an endangered species! I put it to Chris that’s there a sitcom in it, maybe even a drama!
Right…
I could write the script! I could direct it… my inner Tarantino! Of course Chris could star in it…
And he actually sat down and discussed all of this with you when you met him in Boyle the other night?
Well, when I say I met him, I kind of blurted it out to him, not sure if he heard it all… or any of it!
Oh dear!
You do know he wrote his own comedydrama about growing up in Boyle? There was an imaginary element to it and… Yes, I know all about Chris! It was called Moone Boy!
Exactly! So he’s up for creative ideas! So, if you ever actually do get speaking to Chris, what would you suggest calling this amazing new show that we’ll be collaborating with him on?
Simple!
Both: MOONE BOYOS!
It’s been a GOOD week for…
Clare hurlers, who won the All-Ireland Senior hurling title after an epic final against Cork
It’s been a BAD week for…
US President Joe Biden, who bowed to pressure from within – and outside – the Democratic Party and withdrew from this November’s Presidential election
US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who has resigned in response to the fallout over the handling of security during the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump
PIC OF THE WEEK: Trump for Galway for Sam! Local men Paddy Joyce (left) and Noel Fahy (both from Glenamaddy) pictured last Saturday erecting an innovative and topical sign on the Creggs road out of Glenamaddy in support of Galway footballers’ All-Ireland title bid this weekend!
GAA purchases over 11 acres of council lands
Roscommon GAA has purchased just over 11 acres of lands from Roscommon County Council for €240,000 (excluding VAT), as part of its plans to develop a GAA Centre of Excellence at Ballyboughan and Carrownabrickna.
The sale of the lands, which are located off the Racecourse Road in Roscommon Town, was confirmed at the July meeting of Roscommon County Council on Monday. Planning permission for the construction of the Dermot Earley Centre of Excellence had already previously been granted at the end of 2023.
The sports training facility will include three full-size grass pitches with 15-metre and 20-metre high floodlighting, two new AstroTurf pitches, warm up areas, and a seated spectator terrace. Additionally, the development will include a ball wall area, a perimeter walking/running track, a new amenity building (with offices, canteen, gym, dressing rooms), parking facilities (for car, bicycle and EV), an internal access road, as well as relevant signage and all associated site development works.
Roscommon County Council CEO Shane Tiernan welcomed the centre as a major development that would bring significant benefits for
Roscommon Town, citing the council’s commitment to developing local sporting facilities.
The news was also welcomed by several councillors, with Fine Gael councillor John Naughten saying it was a positive development and important for the region, and Independent councillor Laurence Fallon welcoming the amount of land being made available and adding that the facility will help bring visitors to the town.
County
Launch on Saturday of book penned by late Willie Grady
‘Reflections and Memories’, a book of poems, stories, and songs written by the late Willie Grady from Cloonbunny, Loughglynn, will be launched by Joe Byrne (MidWest radio) at 8 pm on Saturday, July 27th in Creaton’s, Loughglynn.
Au Naturel – experienced stockists offering great value on great products
The ‘Au Naturel’ health and wellness store in Ros-common (formerly Tattie Hoaker Healthfood shop) was launched last October by Susan Reynolds as a sister store to Au Naturel in Athlone.
Speaking to the Roscommon People, Susan explained that she has a wealth of experience in the fields of health, wellbeing, and holistic medicine, having worked in these areas for several years before going on to open the very successful Au Naturel in Athlone two decades ago. In Roscommon, she is joined by full-time staff member, Siobhan. Au Naturel Athlone celebrated its 20th anniversary recently. Both Au Naturel stores stock a wide range of health and wellness items, including vitamins, miner-als, herbs/herbal supplements, teas, and essential oils, with a particular effort made to showcase the wide variety of high-quality local/Irish products on the market at the moment.
Susan highlighted that Au Naturel sells items from a number of reputable Irish brands, such as the Balli-nasloe-based Macánta Nutrition, Dr Clare Apothe-cary, Sara’s Choice, and Fabü, a well as natural soap companies ran by local people. Susan notes that in addition to these wonderful products, Au Naturel of-fers a comprehensive range of popular imported products, with brands like Natures Plus and Terra Nova also available in store.
Susan explained that Au Naturel have recently im-plemented a new loyalty scheme, which offers great value for money for their customer base. All those in-terested are encouraged to come along to the store to sign up for the new scheme, so they can save some money while supporting local business.
At Au Naturel, there is a physiotherapist, Amatsu therapist, and a Reiki energy healer. Furthermore, there are a number of ‘therapy rooms’ at the Ros-common premises which are available to rent at the moment, including for an ACU therapist (available at very keen rates). If interested, please contact 090 6630492 for further details.
Au Naturel Roscommon is located on Goff Street in Roscommon Town, and is open from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday to Saturday. For more information, visit the store’s social media channels or go to AuNaturel. ie, where online purchase can also be made.
Willie passed away on the 21st of July, 2010. He had a wealth of knowledge of local history and beyond, and loved to write stories, poems, and songs. Young and old would call to visit Willie and his wife Ceila at their home in Cloon-
bunny to get information if they had a college project to do or if they were planning an event.
Proceeds of sales of the book will go to Mayo Roscommon Hospice and Muscular Dystrophy Ireland.
Pictured is the ‘Au Naturel’ health and wellness store in Roscommon (formerly Tattie Hoaker healthfood shop) launched last October by Susan Reynolds as a sister store to Au Naturel in Athlone. Pic: Kieran Croghan
Roscommon
Council CEO Shane Tiernan
Call for rates waiver for businesses in first year
Heart Church car park in Roscommon at 6.30 am. For bookings, please contact Teresa on 087 1206343 or Noreen on 086 3529916/090 662529.
Cemetery Mass in Scramogue Cemetery Mass will be celebrated in Scramogue Graveyard on Sunday, 28th of July at 11.30 am. A collection for the upkeep of the graveyard will be held on the day. All welcome.
Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon/Galway Claire Kerrane has asked Roscommon County Council to consider a waiver on rates paid by new businesses who set up in the county for their first year. Deputy Kerrane said, “I have been assisting a new company coming to Ballaghaderreen in recent months. They hope to create ten to twelve jobs, which is the most we have seen in quite a while.
“Before opening, they received their rates bill from the Council. On reaching out to the Council, I have asked that they consider affording a waiver on rates for new businesses in their first year”.
Deputy Kerrane said that rather than issuing a new business a rates bill, the Council should congratulate them on ‘taking a gamble’ in setting up a business, waive their rates in the first year and give them a chance to get up and running. There is currently a form of waiver in the first year but only in cases where there is not a similar business within 5km – this is rare, especially in rural towns. I would ask that in a time when being in business is so costly, that the Council do their bit to give new businesses a chance when starting out. They can do that by waiving rates in the first year of a new business”, she concluded.
Obituary: The late Pat McCrann
EMMETT CORCORAN
The people of Frenchpark, Ballinagare and indeed countywide were shocked last week when news spread of the tragic death of local businessman Pat McCrann (50), who died in an accident on his property at Sheepwalk, Frenchpark on Thursday evening. Popular with motorists, hauliers, farmers, and logistics operators across the west of Ireland, Pat was best known as the owner and operator of Pat McCrann Tyres located at Sheepwalk, Frenchpark.
Pat built up a substantial business throughout his life, but beyond that, he was a good friend to those who knew him personally. Over the past week, tributes have poured in from across the county, the province, and the country, acknowledging Pat’s good nature, sense of humour, and his boundless humanity and willingness to help others.
While well known for his business acumen and hard-working nature, Pat will be remembered by many for his innumerable acts of kindness. He was not a person who sought recognition for the good deeds he did. Suffice to say, he was a gentleman of the highest order who will be fondly remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, business associates, and the wider community, on whom he has left a lasting impression. Pat was well known not just in
the community and in business circles, but also in politics. Politicians of all parties and none have paid tribute to a man who could be called upon day and night to help someone in need.
I knew Pat as an acquaintance rather than as a close personal friend, but in the dealings I had with him, his generosity and willingness to help others knew no limits. This sentiment is echoed by local councillors, senators, and TDs, virtually all of whom have noted his kindness and generosity and the massive contributions he made to local community groups, causes, and clubs. Pat did not need to be asked to help out with a good cause. According to those who knew him best, when a cause needed support, without fail the organiser’s phone would ring, sometimes late
at night or early in the morning when the round-the-clock worker would have a moment to make contact. An offer of assistance would be made and delivered upon, and it was never for glory or praise but out of goodness and a true desire to help.
The late Pat McCrann will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his heartbroken family: his parents Pat and Ann, brothers Brian, Kevin, and Eamon, his girlfriend Liz and her son John, sister-in-law Joan, Eamon’s partner Sinead, niece Liona, nephew Ronan, uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family, neighbours, and many friends.
Rest in peace, Pat; you will never be forgotten. The sympathies of an immeasurable community of people whom you have helped are with Pat’s family and close friends at this time.
Murphy extends condolences
Senator Eugene Murphy has paid tribute to the late Pat McCrann, who died tragically last week in a workplace accident in Sheepwalk, Frenchpark, Co Roscommon.
“Like many others, I knew Pat and am deeply upset by his sudden and tragic passing”, Senator Murphy said.
“I extend my sympathy to his parents, brothers, and extended family. Pat was such a kind and caring person and will be so missed by people”.
Organisers of the Michael Moran Memorial Golf Classic fundraiser held recently at the Carrick-on-Shannon Golf Club pictured presenting a cheque in the amount of €5,305 to Martina Jennings, CEO of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation. Pictured are (l-r) Noreen Harrington, Padraig Moran, brother of the late Michael Moran; Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice; Anne Cox, Lady Captain of Carrick-on-Shannon Golf Club and Teresa Moran. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
THE RENOWNED SYSTEM 10 WEIGHT
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Lose up to 2 stone in 10 weeks
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•Private weigh-ins, motivational tips and support throughout the programme.
• We can guarantee that every pound you lose is a pound of fat (you don’t lose water or muscle like most plans).
You will lose 2-3lbs every week and because our programme is designed to speed up your metabolism, you will keep the weight off when you finish your plan. Programmes available for men and women.
WEEKLY CLINIC AT THE HIVE, DUBLIN ROAD, CARRICK-ON-SHANNON EVERY WEDNESDAY.
WEEKLY CLINIC EVERY THURSDAY
At The Cube FlexiSpace, Lanesborough Road, Roscommon F42 DX61
BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. TEL MARTINA: 086-3846302
System 10 – helping local people achieve their health and weight loss goals!
The System 10 weight loss plan, which aims to offer participants the chance to potentially lose up to two stone in ten weeks, has been helping lots of local people with achieving their health and wellness goals.
The plan focuses on three ‘keys’ to genuine weight loss: diet, exercise, and metabolism correction. According to System 10, the latter is the most crucial, the ‘switch’ that controls the effectiveness of diet and exercise.
System 10 runs programmes for both
men and women, with weekly clinics taking place every Wednesday at the Hive, Dublin Rd, Carrick-on-Shannon, and every Thursday at the Cube FlexiSpace, Lanesborough Road, Roscommon (F42 DX61). Booking is essential and can be done by calling 086 3846302. For more information, visit system10weightloss.com.
Testimonial from Edward and Margaret Molloy (Sligo)
“We joined the System 10 plan over a
year ago, and in that time it has completely transformed our lives. We had some health issues, mainly brought about by carrying some excess weight, but inside a few weeks, the change was incredible – and has continued up until the present day. Our lifestyle has become so much different in many ways, as difficult tasks beforehand have now become much easier to undertake. This is due to not just the weight loss, but also the exercises – and even more so the confidence gained by the superb programme we undertook.
Bishop announces diocesan changes
The Bishop of Elphin, Most Rev Kevin Doran recently announced a number of diocesan changes.
A new Vocations Team has been appointed, comprising Fr Pat Lombard, Fr Chris Garrett, and Fr Raul Cino.
The following changes have been made with regards to Athlone/Athleague: Fr Inno-
cent Sunu (CC Athlone) will be Curate at St Mary’s Cathedral Parish in Sligo, effective from August 1st. Fr Christopher Edebianga (PP Athleague) will be Curate at Saints Peter and Paul Athlone, effective from August 1st. Fr Michael Hickey (CC in Drum, Athlone) will be returning to his congregation, the Spiritans (Holy Ghost
Fathers), at the end of August.
The following changes have been made with regards to Knockcroghery/Athleague: Fr Ray Milton will be Administrator of Athleague, in addition to his present responsibilities, effective from August 1st. Fr Joseph Ali will be priest in residence in Athleague and shared Curate between Knockcroghery and Athleague, effective from August 1st
The following changes have been made with regards to Oran/Kilbride: Fr Pravin Dhason has resigned as Parish Priest of Oran and Kilbride, and has been granted a period of study leave from August 31st until July 31st, 2025. Fr Victor Samugana (CC Cathedral Parish) will be Parish Priest of Oran and Kilbride, effective August 31st Bishop Doran commented, “I am very grateful to all the priests who have generously agreed to accept these changes and I wish them every blessing as they take up their new assignments. I take this opportunity to thank Fr Michael Hickey, CSSp who has served generously in the parish of Saints Peter and Paul, Athlone for seven years, and well beyond the normal age of retirement”.
“We are now more aware of the food we should be eating for a healthy lifestyle, and have enjoyed shopping for many new products that we never tasted beforehand.
“Our advisor Martina has been the rock that lay the foundations for our excellent returns. With great support from the programmes devised, we always felt confident that we could achieve our targets.
“We would strongly recommend everyone and indeed anyone who wants to transform their life for the betterment of
their health to contact System 10 and get on the programme as fast as possible and see the benefits which can be achieved!”
Testimonial from local woman Ita “After years of struggling to lose weight, I finally discovered System10; from day one, I knew what I needed to do, and with the help and guidance from Martina, I’ve managed to lose two stone!
“It’s greatly improved my health and energy levels and I can’t recommend it enough!”
SALE
Bishop of Elphin, Most Rev Kevin Doran
THURSDAY/FRIDAY
Bertie and Don…
The 16th annual Percy French Festival, which ran from Wednesday through to Friday, was a great success. I had the honour of being Master of Ceremonies for the three days.
The keynote speech of the festival – held in the beautiful and historic grounds of Castlecoote House – was delivered on Thursday by former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. He drew the biggest crowd of the three days.
Mr Ahern received a very warm reception when he arrived in Castlecoote shortly after 11 am. His address, on the topic ‘Towards a vision for a New Ireland in the current landscape’ was a timely insight into how one of the key architects of the Good Friday Agreement views the peace process, and the move towards possible reunification of Ireland, at this point in time.
Later on Thursday, brilliant blues musician and singer-songwriter Don Baker entertained the audience with a wonderful, intimate hour-long concert.
The festival concluded on Friday afternoon, bringing the curtain down on three days of social, cultural and political debate. Wednesday’s proceedings had been a major celebration of the work and legacy of the great Percy French himself. (See also page 27).
SATURDAY
Dear Old Elphin…
Noel Collins’ book launch in Elphin tonight – where else? – was a very enjoyable occasion. Well-known community figure Noel has realised his ambition of writing a book on growing up in Elphin, with the publication of ‘Dear Old Elphin: A Journey in Time’
The book, produced by the Roscommon People, is a very enjoyable and informative read and a most welcome addition to the volume of local publications in our county.
Tonight’s launch attracted a very big crowd to the excellent venue, An Bothar Rua. (Politicians were out in force, some no doubt relieved that one polling day recently came and went,
PAUL HEALY’S WEEK
A (mostly) light-hearted look at the week that was…
one or two others probably trying to second-guess Taoiseach Simon Harris these days, amidst speculation that the next General Election could come as early as this October or November).
This was a lovely community gathering, as Noel & Helen Collins and family were joined by neighbours and friends to celebrate the launch of a book that contains some great stories and reflections (and photos) covering different aspects of life in Elphin over the decades. See our coverage of the launch elsewhere in this edition.
SUNDAY
In search of Stewart
After that epic hurling final (see Sports Desk on page 52), I sought out some comedy on TV, a final ‘wind down’ before the start of a new week.
For years, I’ve been hearing how bril-
liant English comedian Stewart Lee is, but despite my being a major fan of comedy and comedians, I have never seen him perform (on TV, much less in person).
Now, having recorded his new TV special – ‘Basic Lee’, which aired on Sky Comedy on Saturday night – I’ve finally had my first proper look at the man described by the Times of London as “the world’s greatest living stand-up comedian”.
He’s certainly original and clever. At times, I thought ‘Basic Lee’ was dying on its feet, but that was my mistake; this is intelligent, deliberately deadpan comedy, repetition used by Lee to tease but ultimately delight us. He won me over (for now at least), such was the originality of his stand-up.
It remains to be seen if, to paraphrase Rick Blaine (played by Bogart) at the end of Casablanca (speaking to Louis, played by Claude Rains), this could be
paul@roscommonpeople.ie
the ‘beginning of a beautiful friendship’. Most likely it is. I’ll report back.
MONDAY
The late Michael Morris
Michael Morris had that special gift that only some people possess… that of being able to sprinkle positivity and laughter when he met people, so much so that even a brief chance encounter with him invariably put you in better humour and added greatly to your day.
Michael loved music, people and life itself, and his warm personality, affability and that love of people was beautifully captured in a moving reflection delivered by one of his daughters at the funeral today.
Widely known in Roscommon Town and further afield, he worked as a painter, and was also an artist in a cultural sense, having played music
(and taught guitar) for so much of his life. Indeed his range of interests was many and varied.
Meeting him was always a pleasure, Michael ready with an immediate smile, a funny quip or story. There was always time for a chat, and Michael effortlessly lifted people’s spirits.
When I’d run into him on some street in Roscommon he’d always say “Paul, I played music for your Dad in the Kon Tiki in Rooskey in the early 1970s”. I’d respond “I hope you got paid” (he did), and we’d reminisce for a while.
The huge turnout at the funeral proceedings over the weekend and the breadth of stories told about Michael was evidence of his popularity and of the legacy he leaves.
Michael, who died on Thursday, 18th of July last, was a talented musician and a gentleman. His untimely death following a relatively short illness has saddened the entire community. His great smile, friendly personality and joie de vivre will long be remembered.
community. His great smile, friendly
Sincere sympathies to his wife Patricia, daughters Máire, Orna and Aisling, sisters Mary and Bríd, brothers Jerome and Noel and extended family. Michael will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.
TUESDAY
Trump v Harris
As expected, US President Joe Biden has withdrawn from this November’s election, opening the door for a Kamala Harris run and giving the frontrunner, Donald Trump, something to think about. Biden’s announcement came on Sunday.
Mind you, I’ve just watched footage of Trump playing a round of golf with Bryson Dechambeau, so I guess the Republican candidate is probably ‘cool’ with recent developments and still confident that he has the momentum just now in this extraordinary race for the White House.
Be that as it may, one suspects that the Democrats have a better chance of retaining the presidency with Harris as their candidate than they had with the ailing Biden.
Ballintubber Heritage Weekend
Exciting Heritage Weekend ahead in Ballintubber
This weekend, Ballintubber will be hosting a series of cultural and historical events as part of the village’s Heritage Weekend. With two days of exciting activities in store for Saturday, July 27th, and Sunday, July 28th, this weekend promises to be a memorable celebration of the village’s rich heritage.
Saturday will kick things off at 11 am with a talk by archaeologist Mary Timoney, taking place in the Old Grave-
yard. Then, at 12.30 pm, the official opening of the heritage festivities will be held at the Old Schoolhouse, complete with street stalls, crafts, entertainment, traditional bread-making, and a car boot sale! This will be followed by a visit to the Old Village Forge.
After getting an insight into the methods of past blacksmiths, it will be time to get an insight into the methods of past farmers, with a dem-
onstration of old hay-cutting with scythes taking place at 1.30 pm.
This will be followed at 2 pm by what is sure to be a highlight of the jam-packed weekend; a guided tour of the castle and the opportunity to take part in an archaeological dig!
And younger attendees need not fear as there is lots in store for them too. From 1 pm to 4 pm, there will be a wide range of children’s activities on offer, such as a mini-dig, a treasure hunt and games, an ice cream van, face-painting, etc!
Another highlight on the Saturday will be the historical village walk, which will travel through the village, visiting places of local historical significance such as St Brigid’s Well, the Old Schoolhouse, Kenny’s Old Bar, and Colm Daly’s vintage shop.
Please note there will also be refreshments in the Old Schoolhouse and an opportunity to view the display of findings from the dig.
Sunday’s line-up kicks off at 11.30 am with the annual cemetery Mass, which will be followed by a St Brigid’s Cross demonstration at the nearby well.
At 1.30 pm, attendees are
invited to visit Willsgrove Hall for the chance to enjoy some storytelling, music, and dance!
And the excitement will continue at 5 pm, with the last event of Ballintubber Heritage Weekend, ‘Dancing at the Crossroads’ – which promises to close out the busy two days on a real high note.
‘Dancing at the Crossroads’, a Tidy Towns Appreciation event, will take place in Kenny’s Bar, and will feature a free BBQ, entertainment, and presentations. This event is being held as a token of the Tidy Towns group’s appreciation for all the support they have received throughout the year.
All are welcome to attend, so don’t miss out on the chance to learn a bit more about your local heritage, while also enjoying a fun-filled weekend! Fáilte roimh chách!
For further information on any of the events, contact Ballintubber Tidy Towns on 087 0929930 or 087 2308895. You can also keep up to date via the Ballintubber Tidy Towns Facebook page.
If you’re interested in learning more about Ballintubber Heritage Weekend, etc, please visit ballintubbervillage.com/heritage.
Heritage Weekend in Ballintubber
SATURDAY, JULY 27th
11 am: Talk in the Old Graveyard with Archaeologist Mary Timoney
12.30 pm: O cial Opening of the Heritage festivities at Old Schoolhouse, followed by Street Stalls, Crafts, Entertainment, Traditional Bread Making, Car Boot Sale. This will be followed by a visit to the Old Village Forge.
1.30 pm: Demonstrations of Old Time Hay Cutting with scythes.
2.00 pm: Guided tours of the Castle. Take part in an archaeological dig
1.00 – 4.00 pm: Childrn’s Activities featuring Mini Dig, Treasure Hunt & Games, Ice Cream Van, Facepainting
Historical Village Walk – Visit St Brigid’s Well, Old Schoolhouse, Kenny’s Old Bar, and Colm Daly’s vintage shop. Refresments in the Old Schoolhouse and view the display of ndings from the dig.
SUNDAY, JULY 28th
11.30 am: Annual Cemetery Mass. Followed by St. Brigid’s Cross Demonstration in nearby well.
1.30 pm: Visit Willsgrove Hall for storytelling, music and dance!
5.00 pm: Dancing At The Crossroads – Tidy Town’s Appreciation Event in Kenny’s Bar featuring free BBQ. Entertainment and Presentations. This is a token of our appreciation for all your support throughout the year. All welcome! Fáilte roimh chách!
Some of the American archaeological students who attended the launch of the 8th annual ‘Castle in Communities’ project which took place in Ballintubber earlier this year. Pic: Kieran Croghan
Roscommon Post Office service to move to new premises in New Year
AN POST TO SELL LANDMARK BUILDING
Roscommon’s iconic Post Office at The Square will cease to provide a postal service early in the New Year – and An Post is to press ahead with plans to sell the landmark premises.
An Post has confirmed that the postal service in Roscommon Town is to be switched to a new Postmaster in an existing retail business in Main Street.
Following a public outcry over its plans, the company had committed in February to seeking to appoint a new Postmaster to run the service in the existing post office building, but that will not now happen.
The service will be discontinued in the existing Post Office building at The Square in early 2025, and a premises in Main Street will be the new location for the postal service.
Staff will have the option of taking up employment with the new Postmaster, being redeployed within the An Post network, or taking redundancy. An Post is to press ahead with plans to sell the iconic building.
In late January of this year, An Post made the shock announcement that it had decided to switch its service in Roscommon Town to a contractorrun post office.
After a huge public outcry, the company committed (in February) that it would seek to appoint a new Postmaster to run the postal service from the current premises at The Square in Roscommon.
However, An Post has now confirmed that its original controversial plan – to close the famous building and move the service elsewhere – is going ahead.
Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice (Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council) and Senator Eugene Murphy have both expressed disappointment that An Post is not appointing a Postmaster to run the service from the existing building on the Square (see separate article).
An Post previously said that staff employed at the Roscommon Town Office on the Square could consider a number of possible options, including taking up employment with the new Postmaster or being redeployed within the An Post network. The company said redundancy was also an option if that was to be the choice of some of the workers.
In a media statement this week, An Post said “An Post are glad to be able to bring some clarity on the future of the post office in Roscommon as well as repeating our determination to work on a new future for the post office building.
“We are also looking forward to providing the people of Roscommon with a new modern post office purpose-fitted to the needs of our customers, close to the Square and with easy access and parking”.
APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRPERSON TO THE NEW LOCAL COMMUNITY SAFETY PARTNERSHIP FOR ROSCOMMON
Call for Expressions of Interest
New Local Community Safety Partnerships are being established in each Local Authority area in line with the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. These new Partnerships will build on and replace the existing Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) and will provide a forum for State agencies and local community representatives to work together at local level to act on community concerns. This will facilitate a more holistic forum for discussion, decisions and action on community priorities.
Roscommon County Council invites expressions of interest for consideration for appointment as Chairperson of the new Local Community Safety Partnership for County Roscommon. Further details on this post is available on Roscommon County Council’s website.
Politicians express frustration over
Post Office decision
PAUL HEALY
Senator Eugene Murphy and Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice – the latter the current Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council –were both contacted by An Post Public Affairs Manager Angus Laverty ‘as a courtesy’ – informing them of the latest twist in the Roscommon Post Office saga.
vice from the Post Office building.
“In my mind, this is not good enough”, he said. “I have no doubt the business who may eventually get the contract will run an excellent service, as they are a very reputable business family, but I’m unhappy with the way this is being handled.
the premises open (and continue to run the service themselves) if such an appointment didn’t materialise.
“I’m disappointed to see another commercial premises closing down” he said, adding that the removal of the post office service from its “iconic location” is “a wrong move”.
Closing date extended to Thursday 1st August 2024 at 5pm.
Speaking to the Roscommon People on Wednesday, Cllr Fitzmaurice said he had received a ‘courtesy call’ from An Post updating him on developments. In the call, it was confirmed to him that the post office service will be moving to a premises at Main Street in early 2025, and that the existing post office building will be put on the market.
“Even though An Post are more or less a private entity now, I will be talking to my colleagues to see if anything can be done”, he concluded.
Expressions of interest should be submitted by email to recruit@roscommoncoco.ie
In a statement issued to the Roscommon People on Wednesday, Senator Eugene Murphy accused An Post of leading people who expressed an interest in running the service up a “blind alleyway” by seeking expressions of interest from them to run the ser-
Expressing his disappointment at the turn of events, Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice acknowledged that An Post had said in February that it would seek to recruit a new Postmaster (on a contract basis) to run the service in the existing post office building, but he added that they hadn’t given a guarantee that they would keep
“We (the Council) have recently invested a lot in the Square, and we need to hold on to the commercial vibrancy that’s in that area. If footfall reduces, as will happen with the closure of the post office, then it doesn’t help local businesses”.
Cllr Fitzmaurice stressed that he isn’t suggesting that the new premises won’t be able to provide a good service, but it is his view that ‘removing’ the service from the Square area is “a wrong move”.
The Post O ce on the Square in Roscommon Town. Pic: Kieran Croghan
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Preserving our town?
Dear Editor,
I’m one of the many local people who are horrified by what the county council did to our old, much-loved Market Square. It was an integral part of our social, built heritage, now gone forever.
Worse yet is what they put in its place – an ugly, cheaplooking edifice, with no links to our cultural heritage. Tourists will be agape, and not impressed. In their countries they generally preserve the past.
Alarmingly, St Coman’s Park area – one of the nicest parts of the town – is now being targeted. It’s an unspoilt green area with many flourishing trees.
I can’t imagine the people want this area destroyed too. I sincerely hope there will be mass objections to any interference with St Coman’s Park area.
And by the way, how much did they spend destroying the Square? Does anybody know?
Yours sincerely, Roscommon resident
(Name and address supplied, but withheld on request)
Cemetery Mass in Glinsk
Cemetery Mass will be celebrated in Ballinakill Cemetery, Glinsk on Sunday, 31st of July at 10 am. All welcome. Meeting on Athleague Cemetery upkeep
A meeting will be held in Athleague Community Centre on Friday, July 26th at 8 pm. All welcome. Any ideas or suggestions for the upkeep and maintenance of the cemetery would be appreciated.
Grace Community Church Jungle Journey for primary school pupils
Grace Community Church in Ballymurray is inviting primary school aged boys and girls to join us on a great Jungle Journey, as we spend August 19th to 23rd (10 am-12 pm) cruising the Word of God: Genesis to Revelation. This event is free. To book, text 086 3991339.
Garland Sunday at Oran Well
The annual Garland Sunday Mass at Oran Well takes place this Sunday, the 28th of July, at 10 am. Please note that there will be no Sunday Mass this weekend in Clooneycolgan or Ballinaheglish Church.
The Square, Roscommon town.
Annual Mountbellew Vintage Rally takes place this Sunday
to over sixty acres in total!
This massive display of every conceivable piece of historic farm machinery, vintage trac-
tors, and cars will bring happy memories back to an older generation who lived in an environment so vastly different to the way we live today. Similarly,
such a presentation of ancient equipment – including household goods from pre-electricity times – will be an eye-opener for all young people and present them with an insight into how their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents lived.
A new lawnmower race will be held, as well as a first-time exhibition of the Porsche tractors and cars from the 1940s/1950s, and very old Lanz Bulldog tractors that haven’t seen the light of day for years!
A special musical presentation will be made by the well-known country and western singer Ciaran Rosney and his band, with music and song to suit every generation.
A new vintage road run will be held on Saturday evening, July
27th, commencing in the Square in Mountbellew at 5 pm, and all proceeds will be given to charities.
Speaking at a recent press conference, Chairperson of the Vintage Committee Mickey Joe Cunningham said, “This year’s rally will cater for young and old alike, and is specially aimed at families, who will have free parking adjacent to the rally complex. The admission charge is €10 per adult, and all children can attend for free.
“A special traffic plan will be in operation for use by all patrons, who can enter and leave without any delay or fuss”, added Mr Cunningham, explaining that Safety Officer Joe Treacy has a team of trained persons to reduce
the likelihood of any accident happening, and that this strategy has been very successful down through the years.
Hard-working Rally Secretary Donal Caddy said, “This year there will be overnight parking accommodation made available for camper vans, in order to facilitate our expected patrons from Dublin to Donegal”.
A highlight of the weekend will be the arrival of the mammoth steam engines, a comprehensive hay-making project, and – for the first time ever – the building of the old-type ‘sheep cock’, which was a feature of every sheep farm across Galway over 50 years ago.
Enquiries can be made by email to mountbellew.vintage. club@gmail.com.
Attendees pictured at the recent launch of Mountbellew Vintage Show, which takes place next Sunday. Pic: Gerry Stronge
Sean and Tommie Cunningham pictured with Paul Connaughton at the recent launch of Mountbellew Vintage Show. Pic: Gerry Stronge
annual Mountbellew Vintage Rally will take place in the mart grounds from 10 am on Sunday, July 28th, and with
O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School begins on Monday
This year’s O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School – one of Ireland’s most esteemed celebrations of traditional Irish music and culture – will be held from July 29th to August 5th
Held in the picturesque village of Keadue, this annual festival honours the legacy of the legendary harper Turlough O’Carolan, and brings together musicians, artists, and enthusiasts from around the globe.
A host of exciting events have been organised as part of the festival – from concert to lectures, parades to fun runs – in addition to the ever-popular harp competitions and eagerly-anticipated annual summer school, which commences on Monday, July 29th
In the morning, the summer school will provide daily masterclass workshops in harp, bodhran, tin whistle, set dancing and banjo, while classes in button accordion, fiddle, concertina, flute, traditional singing, and beginners and advanced sean nós dancing will take place in the evening. Registration is available in advance online, at ocarolanharpfestival.ie.
Official opening/early events
The official opening of the festival and summer school will take
place at 8.20 pm on Monday night, the 29th of July. Organisers are delighted to announce that the official opening will be performed by President of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Attracta Brady.
Following the opening, there will be a very special remembrance concert for Arthur Boyle, former committee member.
The entertainment will continue with a céilí on Tuesday, July 30th, which will see the O’Carolan Country Céilí Band perform.
Two highlight concerts during the week will see the area’s very own local harpers – Fiachra Guihen, Emma Benson and Sophie Daly – performing with well-known musicians Mossie Martin, Micheál Fitzgibbon and Clodagh Daly. First up will be the Harp Recital in Kilronan Castle, which will take place on Wednesday, July 31st. The second is the special tutors concert, taking place on Thursday, August 1st, which will showcase the very best of Irish traditional music, harpplaying, song, and dance. Compere on the night will be Senator Eugene Murphy.
On Friday, August 2nd, Keadue Tidy Towns are running a 5km Fun Run/Walk from 7.30 pm. This will be followed at 9 pm by a céilí, which will feature All-Ireland champions, the Piper Cross Céilí band.
Saturday August 3
As usual, competitors will be travelling the globe to compete in the Arigna Fuels-sponsored O’Carolan International Harp competitions that run as part of the festival, and which commence this year from 10.30 am on Saturday, August 3rd
The harp competitions continue to be one of the key signature events of the Harp Festival and Summer School, and organisers are indebted and very grateful to local sponsors Arigna Fuels Ltd, who have sponsored this prestigious event since the festival started in 1978.
Saturday, August 3rd, will also see the local sports field committee run a family fun day, commencing at 2 pm. Later that evening, there will be a performance of ‘GomBean’ with Niamh McGrath. Set in a small town in Sligo, the play follows Grace O’Malley, a reluctant coffee slinger still living off the highs of a tragically cut-short wrestling career.
Sunday August 4
Sunday, August 4th, will see the Festival Parade take place. This will be followed by a live open-air concert at the GigRig by the fantastic traditional Irish music group Seoid, featuring well-known musicians Kenny Donagher, Kerrie Herrity, John Dwyer, and the
Local student receives A&O Shearman award
An Ulster University Post Graduate student from Roscommon has been awarded the prestigious A&O Shearman award, for the best overall performance in the field of librarianship and information management.
Clare Doyle, a library assistant at Roscommon County Library Service, is the 2024 recipient of the award, recognising excellence in the two-year Library and Information Management Postgraduate Diploma at Ulster University.
The Diploma, now in its 17th year, aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of information professionals. It is supported by global law firm A&O Shearman through an annual award for best overall
performance and accredited by professional body CILIP: the library and information association.
Clare Doyle, this year’s recipient, said: “I am delighted to receive the A&O Sherman award and I would like to thank the firm for continuing to recognise the importance of library and information management.
“I’d like to dedicate this award to my grandmother, Kathleen Lowery who died in December 2023 aged 107. Granny worked hard throughout her life, and as an employee of the court service, understood the value and importance of information, most especially in terms of access, education, and transparency”.
area’s very own Fiachra Guihen. Cherish the Ladies are back again this year, with a big concert on Sunday, August 4th, in the newlyrefurbished St Ronan’s Hall. Early booking is advised. Tickets are available from the festival website (ocarolanharpfestival.ie) or by ringing 087 7745878.
Monday August 5
Bank holiday Monday (August 5th) will get underway with a wreathlaying ceremony at O’Carolan’s grave, to be followed by a lecture in Kilronan Castle. This year’s lecture will be given by Professor Lilis Ó Laoire, and will be focused on ‘Place, Prayer and Power at the holy wells of Ireland’.
This last day will see more live open-air entertainment take place at the GigRig, with the local CCE group playing at 3 pm, followed by David James and his band. The festival will conclude with the renowned international door dancing competition, with the titles of 2024 Junior and Senior Door Dancing Champion up for grabs. Compere will again be Senator Eugene Murphy.
More details about this year’s O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School can be found at ocarolanharpfestival.ie or via the festival’s Facebook page.
Nik Simon (left), Head of Finance with A&O Sherman, presents the A&O Shearman award to Clare Doyle (second from left) from Roscommon, for best overall performance in the two-year Library and Information Management Postgraduate Diploma at Ulster University. Also pictured are Dr Jessica Bates (second from right), Senior Lecturer; and Professor David Barr (right), Head of the School of Education, both Ulster University.
FRANK BRANDON
FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...
Galway buzz shows GAA’s importance to the people
Our columnist Frank Brandon on how a recent trip to Galway exemplified the importance of the GAA to people, his recent positive experiences while visiting local businesses, the exciting hurling final last weekend, and the building anticipation ahead of Galway’s participation in this weekend’s All-Ireland football final…
It’s Saturday afternoon as I write, and Carol and myself are heading for Galway, where (unusually) we have an appointment in Merlin Park
Hospital. It’s a sign of the pressure the HSE is under that they are having appointments on a Saturday. Once upon a time it was Monday to Friday only.
Last week in the Tuam Herald, which I bought mainly to read about Galway’s win in the football semifinal, they asked people around the county to put out their county colours. If our journey was anything to go by, their call has been answered. Flags and bunting were flying everywhere, and there was scarcely a house or outbuilding along the way that didn’t have something maroon and white fluttering in the wind.
All along the route to Galway the display was stunning, and even if you had no Galway blood at all in you, you would have to be impressed by all the colour. In Moylough, the statue of that great Galway footballing legend, Enda Colleran, was recently fitted with a Galway jersey, and while
I couldn’t actually see it, I imagine it would have to be his beloved number 2 jersey.
As we took it all in, we realised again how important the GAA is for people. As much colour as there was on display in Galway, there was no doubt every bit as much in Cork and Clare, who were preparing to contest last Sunday’s All-Ireland hurling final – and there can be little doubt that Armagh is a ‘sea of orange’ at the moment.
All week there has been talk about the price of admission to the finals, with stand tickets costing €100. As expensive as they are, the prices compare favourably enough with their rugby and soccer counterparts. However, I find it impossible to accept that if you want to bring your child to sit beside you in the stand, a ticket for them will also cost €100.
A friend of mine and his wife in Clare wanted to bring their three kids – the
eldest of whom is 7 years old – to the hurling final, but when they found that the whole lot would cost €500 for tickets alone, they decided to watch the match at home. I suppose it’s all down to health and safety (and a good helping of greed), but it made me think back to my young days when fathers, or anyone else, simply lifted the children up on their shoulders and carried them in to the match free of charge. Not only did they get in for free, they also saw the game while perched upon the same shoulders.
Anyway, as I drove by Newbridge, we passed the house which Fr Lohan, who was our PP in my young days, came from. It reminded me of how we had very shortened Masses on any Sunday when Galway footballers were playing!
Fr Lohan was a Galway football fanatic. On championship days we would nearly be out from Mass before we went in, as he would be in such
Supporting local is a win-win – with such high standards!
I have to admit that we eat out very seldom, and when it does happen we certainly regard it as a bit of a treat. Last Thursday evening we headed to Regan’s in Roscommon, where everything was first class.
The service couldn’t have been better with the staff (special mention to Cian) being very friendly and welcoming, and the food was absolutely delicious.
However, for me the biggest plus on the night was the quality of the Guinness! As we had an abstinent driver, we were able to indulge in a few quiet drinks. Bearing in mind that I am extremely particular when it comes to the pint of plain, you will be impressed to hear that I give the ‘Regan pint’ a highly coveted 10 out of 10. As I said, we don’t dine out very often, but I can definitely report that our visit to Regan’s ticked every box, and as Arnold Schwarzenegger used to say “I’ll be back”.
One of the things that we hear a lot is that we should try to support local businesses and for that alone, if you are eating out, try to stay local and visit one of the many great restaurants that Roscommon has to offer.
Talking of local businesses, it’s many a year since I first dealt with the proprietor of the Star Trophy Centre out near Ballymoe. Last week – after a long break – I found myself back there again and was delighted to find
that Michael Hanley is still very much running the show. I won’t divulge his actual age, but it won’t be awful long until he will be getting the President’s cheque! Michael told me that he is at work every morning before 8 am, and oftentimes he doesn’t finish up ‘till late evening.
I have to say that it was great to catch up with him again. He is an example of what hard work and positive thinking can do for someone. As I drove away, I wondered where have the years gone. It must be nearly 50 years since I got the trophies from Michael for the short-lived Cockeen’s Mile! I’ll tell you about it some other time.
a rush to get on the road to Tuam or Castlebar or Sligo or wherever the game was. Fr Lohan would say a little prayer for the Galway team before he left. I thought that practice was long gone but was delighted to find that over in Clonbern, Fr Tommy Commins has kept it up, and at Mass there the evening before Galway played Donegal he too said a little prayer for the Galway team and management. As it obviously worked, I hope (and pray) that he repeats it all again this Saturday night and the Tribesmen do the business against Armagh and bridge a 23-year gap since they were All-Ireland champions.
Anyway, you couldn’t but feel the buzz all around the county over recent days. With the Arts Festival on this week, the Races next week, and hopefully Sam Maguire coming in between, there can be no doubt that Galway is the place to be for the foreseeable future.
And finally… Galway go for glory
I am presently getting over one of the best hurling games of all time, in which Clare got the better of Cork by a point after extra-time (last Sunday’s All-Ireland final).
Now I was sort of hoping that ‘The Banner’ would win, but after such an amazing game I am sorry it didn’t end in a draw and give us a chance to have another epic battle in the form of a replay.
However, it wasn’t to be, and at the end of an enthralling contest the MacCarthy Cup was heading back to Clare. Out here in Creggs we had the first part of our All-Ireland draw last Thursday night, with tickets for last weekend’s hurling final up for grabs. The winner was Athleague man, Ivan Connaughton. I’m sure Ivan enjoyed the night in the Gibson Hotel, followed by the outstanding game.
Tonight (Thursday) we are having the draw for tickets for the football final, and you still have time to enter and give yourself a chance to win two stand tickets, plus a night in the Gibson Hotel.
With Galway in the final, tickets are like gold dust/as scarce as hens’ teeth! You can get them at creggsgaa.ie or from any committee member. We are praying for a Galway win, and let’s hope we see Sam cross the bridge next Monday!
Help make Granlahan Sports Day a success!
Granlahan Sports Day will be held on Sunday, August 18th. Volunteers are needed on the day, so please consider getting involved to ensure this event is as successful as in other years. The Granlahan Sports Day Committee are also seeking sponsorship/ra e prizes, which can be given to any committee member. Roscommon Show is on August 17th
Roscommon Agricultural Show Committee has been in touch to ask us to remind readers that the annual show is coming up soon!
The 2024 Roscommon Industrial & Agricultural Show will be held at the usual venue, Hannon’s Field, Roscommon, on Saturday, August 17th next. Please remember to put it in your diary!
RSPCA Church gate collections
The Roscommon Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) will be holding a Church gate collection in Kilteevan on Sunday, July 28th, at St Joseph’s Church.
Meanwhile, the RSPCA will be holding its annual Church gate collections at the following churches over the weekend of the 3rd and 4th of August 2024. On Sunday, August 4th, collections will be held at Our Lady of The Rosary Church in Cloonfad, the Church of Christ The Good Shepherd in For Roads (Tisrara), St Ronan’s Church in Taughmaconnell, and St Mary’s Church in Moore. A collection will also take place at St Mary’s Church in Moore on Saturday, August 3rd
These collection are to raise much-needed funds for their animal welfare work and also to raise awareness of their mission and vision. Your support would be greatly appreciated, with all donations going directly towards animal welfare in the county.
If you would like to learn more about this organisation, please visit roscommonspca.ie, or call 087 0505594.
Hollywood couple join local campaign against war in Gaza
Boyle native, actor, and comedian Chris O’Dowd and Scottish writer, director, and presenter Dawn O’Porter
joined the Boyle Palestine Solidarity Group’s recent weekly demonstration in Boyle, Co Roscommon.
O’Dowd returned to his native Boyle to officially open the Boyle Arts Festival, and the couple took the opportuni-
ty to show their support for the local campaign, which aims to highlight the suffering of the people in Gaza.
Boyle native Chris O’Dowd and Dawn O’Porter pictured at a recent Palestinian solidarity demonstration in Boyle. Pic: Brian Farrell
Lesbian stories, past and present: Pride event with RWN
An evening-time ‘fireside chat’ that involves the retelling of stories of lesbian lives in Roscommon and further afield throughout the decades is taking place this Friday.
Two community activists – Colette Byrne and Marina Forrestal – will partake in discussion with Roscommon Herald Editor Christina McHugh for what promises to be an engaging and illuminating event!
The event will take place at 7 pm on this Friday, July 26th, in Benny’s Deli, Main Street, Castlerea, Co Roscommon. Teas, coffees, and treats will be provided. This event is open to all LGBTQ+ community members and their allies. Pre-registration is essential as spaces are limited; you can register on Humanitix
Colette Byrne is a committed activist and has been part of the feminist movement all of her working life. She remains an active member in the trade union movement, and is enthusiastic about equality and justice in all interactions, especially within her tribe: the LGBTQIA+ community.
Marina Forrestal undertook her early education in Tullamore, moving to Dublin after doing the Leaving Cert in 1974. Meet-
ing other young LGBT+ people, on the break-up of her first relationship with a woman, was an exciting and life-changing event. She was involved in the activism and social life of the Dublin scene in the early 1980s and has continued that involvement up to the present.
Christina McHugh is the host for this discussion. A native of Castlerea, Christina has been Editor of the Roscommon Herald since 1990. She is a strong ally of the LGBTQ+ community and looks forward to leading this fireside chat. *Thanks to SICAP (Social Inclusion And Activation Programme) Roscommon for kindly supporting this event. For more information, see the event’s Humanitix page or visit roscommonpride.ie.
Rua Reynard is ‘Nose of Tralee’ finalist
The Nose of Tralee is Ireland’s largest pet competition that is open to pet owners in all 32 counties of Ireland and all pets are welcome.
This year sees the 11th year of the competition and each year more and more people from all over Ireland take part in the hope of their pet winning the title of Nose of Tralee. Roscommon’s ‘Nose of Tralee’ finalist for 2024 is Rua Reynard Brogan from Elphin.
He’s also known for his impeccable sense of fashion, often sporting his Ireland rugby jersey or a classic bandana that perfectly match his debonair personality.
The radiant rescue mutt (with a hint of hound, a dash of street and a sprinkle of mystery) has turned a ‘ruff’ start into a ‘fairytail’ life!
At just four years old,
Rua has already achieved more than most pups could dream of. Rescued from the streets, he now spends his days spreading joy and wagging his way into the hearts of everyone he meets.
Rua is an expert at ‘slobbery’ kisses and can charm a crowd with his signature ‘puppy eyes’ routine. He also has a knack for finding the cosiest spots in any room and making them his throne.
Rua embodies the spirit of resilience, love, and joy. His journey from a scrappy three-month-old street pup to a beloved family member is a testament to the power of second chances. With his winning smile and heart of gold, Rua is ready to show the world that rescue dogs are the Nose of Tralee. You can vote for Rua and check out all the other finalists by logging on to petsittersireland.com.
Rua Reynard Brogan from Elphin is Roscommon’s ‘2024 Nose of Tralee’ nalist.
Tim, Ava and Hunter Knighton and Ella Temple pictured with the Clown from Circus 250 at the County Roscommon Playday held in Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle last Saturday. Pic: Liam Reynolds
Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival set to live up to inaugural festival’s success
The second annual Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival is set to make a welcome return next weekend, kicking off on Saturday, August 3rd, and wrapping up just over a week later on Sunday, August 11th – and with a myriad of exciting musical, cultural, and artistic events set to take place over the course of the festival’s run, this year’s schedule seems guaranteed to live up to the high standard set by last year’s inaugural festival. The outstanding 10-piece Pipers Cross Céilí Band will dwell among attendees in Ballaghaderreen from 9 pm on opening night, when the ‘Céilí Mór’ takes place at The Castlemore. Last year, at the All-Fleadh in Mullingar, they were selected Ireland’s number one céilí band – come and see why!
Or, if drama is more your thing, go along to see Ballaghaderreen Players perform that blackest of black comedies, ‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’, directed by the inimitable Julie Sharkey. This performance will take place at 7.30 pm opening evening (Saturday, August 3rd), continuing for two more days (Sunday and Monday) at the same time.
Julie has also directed the very special ‘Park Life’ event, which will see three performances – each comprising three short plays, also written by Julie – take place in the Community Garden on Thursday, August 10th. Be advised that audience numbers are limited to 20 per performance.
You’d prefer opera? Well okay, then that same Saturday afternoon at 3 pm, there’s the children’s opera ‘Finn McCumhaill’ (free for children) taking place at the Phoenix Centre with guest sopranos and local school children. It will also be performed on Sunday, August 4th, at 3 pm.
A puppet show instead? Okay, be at the Phoenix Centre from 3 pm on Monday, August 5th. Again, children are free. But don’t forget the ‘Classical in the
Cathedral’ event being held from 7.30 pm on Wednesday, August 7th, which will see a 12-piece orchestra, led by Ireland’s best-known conductor David Brophy, performing Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’ at St Nathy’s Cathedral. That evening will also include a world premiere (no less!) of ‘An Irish Four Sea-
Community Art Group Ballaghaderreen is organising an art exhibition featuring local artists, to take place during the upcoming BallaghDream
sons’, composed and performed by leading Irish cellist Alibhe McDonagh.
‘Blues and Trad at the Cathedral’ the following night includes Ireland’s queen of jazz and blues, Mary Coughlan, as she embarks on the beginning of her 40th anniversary tour. Performing then too will be ‘the hottest Irish acoustic
Festival. The exhibition will run from Monday, August 5th, until and including Thursday, August 8th, in the big hall in Phoenix Youth
band on the planet’ according to the New York Times – Lúnasa. In addition, Cora and Seán Smyth will perform on the fiddle and tin whistle.
A highlight for football fans will be ‘GAA Night’, taking place at St Nathy’s College on Friday, August 9th. Jim Gavin, who led Dublin to five All-Ire-
Centre. Artists who are not involved yet and would like to be included, please get in touch as soon as possible via the art group’s Facebook
page or email at comartgroupballagh@outlook.ie.
All artists from Ballaghaderreen or close to the town are welcome!
land senior titles in a row, will be interviewed by broadcaster Seán O’Rourke about making Gaelic great again. It will be followed by ‘Happy Birthday Percy French’, a tribute to Roscommon man and one of Ireland’s best-known troubadours, born 170 years ago on May 1st
This tribute will be held again on Sunday, August 11th, at 5.30 pm.
‘Film Night at St Nathy’s’ (Tuesday, August 6th) will see Ireland’s longest serving film censor Ballaghaderreen man Sheamus Smith interviewed about his fascinating career in movies – having been the man who ‘freed’ the Irish people to see ‘The Life of Brian’. The interview will be preceded by awardwinning singer Christine Tobin, performing Leonard Cohen, Carole King, Yeats’s poems (to music), and her own songs.
The second festival weekend will see witty and versatile London Pilgrim Players present Shakespeare’s comedy ‘As You Like It’ outdoors at Edmondstown House from 7 pm on Friday, August 9th, and Saturday, August 10th, with matinees at 3 pm on the 10th and 11th
And there will also be ‘Stand-Up at Edmondstown House’ on Sunday evening (August 11th) from 8.30 pm, headlined by the outrageous satirist/comedian, David McSavage.
Other festival events include an art exhibition at Mulligan’s on Main Street with works by leading west of Ireland painters, Malachy Costello, Siobhán Cox, Michael Wann, Conor O’Connell. Each will conduct workshops during the festival, free to participants. In parallel, there will be an exhibition of original works by local painters at the Phoenix Centre, and Geraldine Finn will conduct another writing workshop. There will also be a film workshop on Monday August 5th. It’s exhausting!
For full details on the events taking place, visit ballaghaderreenartsfestival. com.
Pictured is award-winning Ballaghaderreen artist Conor O’Connell who will be hosting an art workshop at this year’s Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival, as well as having his work exhibited alongside other leading west of Ireland painters.
Pictured is Strokestown artist Siobhan Cox who will be hosting an art workshop at this year’s Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival, as well as having her work exhibited alongside other leading west of Ireland painters.
Outrageous satirist/comedian David McSavage is among the performers to feature in this year’s Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival.
Lúnasa
Large crowd attends launch of ‘Dear Old Elphin
– A Journey In Time’
A huge crowd attended the launch last Saturday night of a new book reflecting on memories of life in rural Roscommon from the 1950s onwards.
Dear Old Elphin – A Journey In Time, written by local man Noel Collins, was described by Roscommon People Editor Paul Healy as “a gift to the community” and “a valuable social history”. Formally launching the book before hundreds of attendees in Elphin on Saturday night, Mr Healy described the publication as “a really well drawn portrait of a rural town, spanning from the 1950s… right through to the early 21st century”.
Saturday night’s launch, held in An Bothar Rua, Elphin, was also addressed by Noel Collins (the author of the book) and by local councillor, Valerie Byrne. The author’s son, Andrew was Master of Ceremonies.
The launch was attended by Deputy Frank Feighan, Senator Eugene Murphy and a number of local councillors.
During his address, Noel Collins thanked everyone who helped on the project. This included his wife Helen and family, all who assisted on research, and on typing the manuscript. He also acknowledged Fiona Healy (who designed the book) and Paul Healy of the Roscommon People (publishers).
During a very well received speech, Mr Collins read short extracts from the book and reflected on the process and inspiration behind the project.
Congratulating the new author, Paul Healy said the book was a tremendous piece of work.
“This is a personal achievement of considerable note, but also a huge service to your community. Because this book is of course a social history – and therefore a gift to your town and your community.
“I love books like this… books that capture the changing face of life in Ireland are invaluable. If books like this weren’t written, so much would be lost.
“Books like Noel’s are preserving for posterity bygone days. In fact, a book like this brings the past back to life. It certainly preserves those olden days for current and future generations to connect with”.
In her address, Cllr Valerie Byrne congratulated Noel Col-
lins on producing such an interesting and valuable book, and went on to highlight the great community role he has played in the locality over many decades.
Urging everyone with Elphin links worldwide to make sure to get a copy of the book, Paul Healy said it should also be available in local libraries and schools, adding that future generations will reach for the book in years to come and will be transported back to the way life was in Ireland, to Elphin’s proud history.
The Roscommon People Editor noted that the book deals with a wide range of topics, including growing up in Elphin; school days; local sports; the Fair Day; Elphin’s proud history of drama; memories of the war years; faction fights; the introduction of electricity; old customs like killing the pig, house stations, etc.
Describing the book as an invaluable social history, he added: “This book reminds us of who we are, of our place, our home, our heritage and indeed our values”.
*Dear Old Elphin – A Journey In Time is now available in local bookstores (priced at €15).
Noel Collins, author of the new book ‘Dear Old Elphin – A Journey in Time’ pictured speaking to the large crowd at the book launch last Saturday in An Bothar Rua in Elphin. Pic: Kieran Croghan
Noel Collins (centre), author of the new book ‘Dear Old Elphin – A Journey in Time’ pictured with Roscommon People editor Paul Healy and Cllr Valerie Byrne at the book launch last Saturday in An Bothar Rua in Elphin. Pic: Kieran Croghan
Noel Collins (third from right), author of the new book ‘Dear Old Elphin – A Journey in Time’ pictured with (l-r) Senator Eugene Murphy, Cllr Valerie Byrne, Cllr Sean Moylan, Cllr Liam Callaghan and Deputy Frank Feighan at the book launch last Saturday in An Bothar Rua in Elphin. Pic: Kieran Croghan
Noel Collins, author of the new book ‘Dear Old Elphin – A Journey in Time’ pictured with his wife Helen at the book launch last Saturday in An Bothar Rua in Elphin. Pic: Kieran Croghan
Noel Collins (centre), author of the new book ‘Dear Old Elphin – A Journey in Time’ pictured with his sister Aideen Kennedy (left) and his neighbour Jacqueline Hanly (right) at the book launch last Saturday in An Bothar Rua in Elphin. Pic: Kieran Croghan
Noel Collins (centre), author of the new book ‘Dear Old Elphin – A Journey in Time’ pictured with Sarah Glancy at the book launch last Saturday in An Bothar Rua in Elphin. Pic: Kieran Croghan
Noel Collins, author of the new book ‘Dear Old Elphin – A Journey in Time’ pictured with Josephine Wilton-O’Flynn at the book launch last Saturday in An Bothar Rua in Elphin. Pic: Kieran Croghan
Noel Collins, author of the new book ‘Dear Old Elphin – A Journey in Time’ pictured with his brother John at the book launch last Saturday in An Bothar Rua in Elphin. Pic: Kieran Croghan
Noel Collins, author of the new book ‘Dear Old Elphin – A Journey in Time’ pictured with Mary Cregg at the book launch last Saturday in An Bothar Rua in Elphin. Pic: Kieran Croghan
Noel Collins, author of the new book ‘Dear Old Elphin – A Journey in Time’ pictured with Cathal and Jack Quinn at the book launch last Saturday in An Bothar Rua in Elphin. Pic: Kieran Croghan
Noel Collins, author of the new book ‘Dear Old Elphin –A Journey in Time’ pictured signing a copy of his book for Seamus Beirne at the launch last Saturday in An Bothar Rua in Elphin. Pic: Kieran Croghan
GOING OUT
A surprise retirement party was held for John Horan (of Horan’s Restaurant, Roscommon) in The Coachman’s Inn. Pictured are Lisa and John Horan (front) with (back row, l-r) Jenny Horan, Ryan Horan, Dylan Horan, Shane Dervin and Emily Horan. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
A surprise retirement party was held for John Horan (of Horan’s Restaurant, Roscommon) in The Coachman’s Inn. Pictured are Bridie Ward, Ashling Gannon, Diana Corcoran and Patsy Casey. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
A surprise retirement party was held for John Horan (of Horan’s Restaurant, Roscommon) in The Coachman’s Inn. Pictured are Mary and Fran Atkins, John and Deirdre Banahan and Biddie Fitzmaurice. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
A surprise retirement party was held for John Horan (of Horan’s Restaurant, Roscommon) in The Coachman’s Inn. Pictured are Bernadine and Paul Duignan. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
A surprise retirement party was held for John Horan (of Horan’s Restaurant, Roscommon) in The Coachman’s Inn. Pictured are Margaret Deehan, Marian Cox and Margaret O’Donnell. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
A surprise retirement party was held for John Horan (of Horan’s Restaurant, Roscommon) in The Coachman’s Inn. Pictured at the party were Ashling Gannon, Bridie Ward, Lisa, John and Emily Horan, Diana Corcoran and Patsy Casey. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
A surprise retirement party was held for John Horan (of Horan’s Restaurant, Roscommon) in The Coachman’s Inn. Pictured are Lisa and John Horan. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Lots in store at this year’s Castlerea Rose Festival!
Saturday, July
The festival kicks off with a series of special Pilates classes. The classes will be ran by Sheila Rose of The Workshop Castlerea, held at her beautiful studio on St Patrick’s Street. There will be a gentle Pilates class at 10 am, and a fitness Pilates class at 11 am. Both classes are free, but advanced booking is required as spaces are limited.
The first day will wrap up with an exciting performance by Irish country singer Mike Denver, beginning at 9 pm at the local SuperValu car park (F45RK06). Admission will be free, and there will be a dance floor provided on the day, weather-permitting. This performance has been sponsored by McSharry’s Pharmacy.
Sunday, July 28
The festival’s active/sporting events will continue through to the second day, with the John Tully Hospice triathlon. The triathlon will take place from 9 am, with a starting point at Somers Park (F45YW59). Interested parties can register to take part at triathlonireland.com. Be sure to come along and support this event, which aims to raise much-needed funds for hospice care. It’s back to the music later that evening, with another exciting free event in store, this time from 7 pm at The Square (F45KW25). This event, which has been sponsored by Mulvihill’s Bar and Tully’s Hotel, will feature wonderful performances from All-Ireland Senoir Céili champions, The Piper’s Cross Céilí Band. This brilliant night of entertainment from talented musicians, singers, and dancers is not to be missed!
Monday, July 29
Monday, July 29th will see a family movie evening take place at the Enterprise Hub (F45AC96). Tickets cost just €5 per person, with family
tickets also available. Enjoy some popcorn and a popular family-friendly movie on the big screen! Children’s snacks will be provided by event sponsors Happy Feet Childcare.
Tuesday, July 30
Another exciting musical event is organised for Tuesday, July 30th, when Irish band ‘Take It To The Limit’ will perform a tribute to the music of The Eagles.
The event, which has been sponsored by Harmac Medical Products, will take place at 8 pm in Somers Park (F45YW59). Tickets are €15, and can be bought online at willwego.com, or locally from John Mulligan (F45YV27) or Paschal Fitzmaurice (F45DK79).
Wednesday, July 31
Wednesday, July 31st is another day to look forward to, with a cookery demonstration by celebrity chef and TV personality Neven Maguire. Kicking off from 8 pm at the Enterprise Hub (F45AC96), the demonstration offers the opportunity to watch Neven, who honed his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, as he shares the passion for food and cooking tips that made him a household name. Tickets, which are available locally and at willwego.com, are priced at just €20 and are selling out fast, so be sure to secure your place now!
Thursday,
August 1
Thursday, August 1st, sees the return of an event that is back by popular demand: pig-racing! Sponsored by the Doyle family/Tom Giblin (USA), the highly-anticipated event will take place from 8 pm at The Square (F45KW25). The festival events continue in The Square that evening, with a free performance by Ireland’s
2022 World Boxing Champion Lisa O’Rourke pictured o cially opening the Castlerea Rose Festival in Somers Park, Castlerea back in 2022.
leading ABBA tribute band, Abbaesque, taking place from 9.30 pm. Sponsored by Kearney’s Chemist, this event is guaranteed to have you up dancing and exclaiming ‘Thank You For The Music’!
Friday, August 2
Friday, August 2nd has a wide range of events in store, so there’s sure to be something for everyone! The day kicks off with a Children’s Treasure Hunt at 1 pm, beginning at event sponsor Robert Flynn’s shop.
This will be followed by a ‘Stay and Play’ event from 3.30 pm at the library, and a bingo event from 8 pm at the O’Rourke Centre. That evening will also see yet another exciting musical event take place when acclaimed ‘The Smoke’ tribute band, ‘Spirit of Smoke’, deliver their performance at the Fairgreen (F45FC91). The event, which has been sponsored by Keith Revins and Castlerea Mart, will also feature special guest Parea. Gates open at 8 pm for a 9 pm start, and tickets can be purchased for just €10 locally or at willwego.com.
The day will wrap up with a magnificent fireworks display at the Fairgreen (F45FC91) at 10.30 pm, sponsored by Athlone and Castlerea Credit Union.
Saturday, August 3
Saturday, August 3rd also features a jam-packed schedule of events, beginning with the weekly 5km parkrun in the Demesne, starting across from the swimming pool entrance at 9.30 am. A car boot sale will take place at the Enterprise Hub (F45AC96) from 10 am to 2 pm. Additionally, there will be a couple of kids’ events taking place at Trinity Arts Centre (F45AW27) on the day. This will begin with a free kids arts competition, sponsored by Bliss Health and Beauty. This ‘Lil’ Artist’ event will
offer children a chance to showcase their artistic talents, and will begin at 11 am, with judging at 12 noon. Later that day, at 4 pm, there will be a Funky Kids’ Disco event at the centre with a live DJ, glow sticks, and lots of prizes – sponsored by Castlerea Community playschool. This event will cost €5 per child or €10 per family.
The last event to take place on Saturday, August 3rd, is yet another eagerly-anticipated musical performance, with The Tumbling Paddies set to deliver a brilliant, family-friendly set at the Fairgreen (F45FC91). Gates open at 8 pm for a 9 pm start, and tickets can be bought at willwego. com for €15. The event has been sponsored by Cahill’s SuperValu and there will be limited seating on the day, allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.
Sunday, August 4
The final day of the festival will begin with a swimming gala at Castlerea Outdoor Pool, sponsored by Webb’s Butchers. The gala will include dive, belly flop, and other events as well as the
usual swimming events, and the best overall swimmer takes home the Dyar Cup.
From 2 pm, there will be a family fun day at Somers Park (F45YW59), sponsored by Tully’s Total Health Pharmacy. This will include a dinosaur show, live music, BBQ, amusements, train rides, face-painting and lots more!
Finally, the Rose Selection Evening will take place at the Trinity Arts Centre (F45AW27). With doors opening at 7 pm for a 8 pm start, the event, sponsored by Josie’s Café, will answer the question: who will be crowned this year’s Castlerea hopeful for the Rose of Tralee? Master of Ceremonies on the night will be Gerry Glennon of Midwest Radio.
There is sure to be something for everyone at this year’s jam-packed Castlerea Rose Festival, so be sure not to miss out on the many exciting events scheduled to take place from July 27th to August 4th
For more, visit the festival’s Facebook page/ Instagram, see castlerearosefestival.com, email castlerearosefestival@gmail.com, or phone 086 839 0988.
Eagles Tribute band, Take It To The Limit, pictured performing a concert in Somers Park, Castlerea, for the opening of the 2022 Castlerea Rose Festival.
Eagles Tribute band, Take It To The Limit, pictured performing a concert in Somers Park, Castlerea, for the opening of the 2022 Castlerea Rose Festival.
The annual Castlerea Rose Festival is set to make its return from this weekend, for the first time after being crowned Best Festival at the Local Authority Members Association Awards in Dublin earlier this year. The Castlerea Rose Festival was among a number of local projects shortlisted in several different categories, taking home the national award for the exciting programme of events run as part of the festival every year.
This year’s festival is sure to live up to its title as Ireland’s Best Festival. Running over nine days, the 2024 festival boasts a comprehensive line-up of musical performances, sporting events, cookery demonstrations and much more. For a full overview of the events taking place as part of the upcoming festival, see Lots in store at this year’s Castlerea Rose Festival! in this feature.
The 2023 Rose of Castlerea Aoibhe Darcy (sixth from left) pictured with all the Rose of Castlerea contestants during the Rose of Castlerea selection night in the Trinity Arts Centre in Castlerea last year.
Meet the 2024 Rose contestants!
This year’s contestants for the title of 2024 Castlerea Rose have been announced, with the fantastic line-up of prospective Roses sure to make for a tough competition!
Each contestant brings their unique charm, talent, and passion to the stage, and with all nine vying for a chance to be crowned this year’s Castlerea Rose, there is no doubt that the judges will have a difficult decision ahead of them!
That big decision will be made during the official Rose Selection Evening on Sunday, August 4th, which will round out the exciting programme events running as part of this year’s Castlerea Rose Festival.
The selection evening has been sponsored by Josie’s Café, and is set to take place from 8 pm (doors open a 7 pm) at the Trinity Arts Centre (F45AW27). Master of Ceremonies on the
night will be Gerry Glennon of Midwest Radio. This year’s prospective Roses are Katelyn Drury (sponsored by Josie’s’ Café), Kelis Curran (sponsored by Manson Electric Ltd), Mia Doyle (sponsored by Kearney’s Chemists), Cora Sharkey (sponsored by Happy Feet Childcare), Jo Keely (sponsored by Frenchy’s Beauty Parlour), Tara Keane (sponsored by Market Fresh), Maureen Quinn (sponsored by Hester’s
Golden Eagle Bar and Restaurant), Ciara Gallagher (sponsored by Castlerea Musical Society), and Sarah Winston (sponsored by Cahill’s SuperValu).
For more information, keep up to date with the Castlerea Rose Festival by visiting their Facebook page/Instagram and castlerearosefestival.com, email castlerearosefestival@gmail.com, or phone 086 839 0988.
Pictured is Katelyn Drury (sponsored by Josie’s’ Café).
Pictured is Tara Keane (sponsored by Market Fresh).
Pictured is Kelis Curran (sponsored by Manson Electric
Pictured is Maureen Quinn (sponsored by Hester’s Golden
Pictured is Mia Doyle (sponsored by Kearney’s Chemists).
Pictured is Ciara Gallagher (sponsored by Castlerea Musical
Pictured is Cora Sharkey (sponsored by Happy Feet
Pictured is Sarah Winston (sponsored by Cahill’s SuperValu).
Pictured is Jo Keely (sponsored by Frenchy’s Beauty Parlour).
Castlerea Rose Festival 2024
Countdown to bumper 2024 Castlerea Agricultural Show
Valeting Hamper (worth €100) sponsored by Igoe Agri & Engineering, third prize is a voucher for Bliss Beauty in Castlerea, and fourth prize is a voucher for The Salon. There will also be lots of other prizes up for grabs on the day, so be sure to take part!
Excitement is building in Castlerea ahead of the annual Castlerea Agricultural Trade and Craft Show, taking place this year on the upcoming bank holiday – Monday, August 5th
The show is affiliated to the Irish Shows Association, and its main sponsor is Castlerea Co-op Livestock Mart. The main
draw of the event is the top class livestock on offer, but in addition to this, the event also boasts a host of opportunities for junior and senior competitors across the home produce, craft, photography, and art classes to showcase their skills.
Gates will open at 8 am on the day for exhibitors, with the general public being
Home produce and crafts classes at Castlerea Show
In addition to the highquality livestock classes at this year’s Castlerea Agricultural Trade and Craft Show (which takes place on Monday, August 5th), a range of home produce and crafts classes will feature.
Home baking is sure to be one of the more competitive areas, with a variety of classes for different baked goods. Entrants can also participate in the Odlums All-Ireland Home Baking Championship (class 173), for the chance to proceed to the national final on August 13th
Younger culinary enthusiasts will also have the chance to get in on the fun with
‘Best dressed’, ‘Bonny Baby’ competitions
As part of the fun at this year’s Castlerea Agricultural Trade and Craft Show, the highly-popular ‘Best Dressed Lady/Gentlemen’, ‘Bonnie Baby’, and ‘Glamorous Granny’ competitions will be making an eagerly-anticipated return!
Judging will take place at around 2.30 pm on the day (Monday, August 5th), and entrants for the best dressed lady competition are advised that they must register in the show office.
the Junior Cookery Corner, which boasts a variety of classes for competitors under ten, under thirteen, and under eighteen respectively.
Staying with food, there will also be several classes for different produce and food products – such as eggs, fruit and vegetables, and jam preserves. There will also be classes for non-edible farm produce, like flowers and turf.
Those with an interest in arts, photography, and crafts will also be happy to hear there are different classes running in those areas as part of Castlerea Show.
admitted from 10 am on.
The official opening will be held at 12 noon.
The judging of home produce/arts and crafts will take place at 11.30 am. The judging for cattle, sheep, horses and ponies, etc will take place at 12.30 pm, with miniature horses and Shetland ponies’ judging taking place directly after the horses.
Judging for the dog show will also take place at 12.30 pm, and entrants are advised that their entries must be confirmed by 12 noon. Organisers have advised that all dogs must be kept on a leash and under strict control whilst in the show grounds, and that if animals are causing worry or are troubled and the safety of others is considered to be at risk, show stewards have the right to remove such animals and their owners
from the show grounds. The last livestock class to be judged will be goats, and this will take place at 1 pm.
The final judging on the day will be for the ‘Best Dressed Lady/Gentlemen’, ‘Bonnie Baby’, and ‘Glamorous Granny’ competitions at 2.30 pm, followed by the Monster Raffle results at 4 pm. It is sure to be an exciting day out in Castlerea at the Agricultural Trade and Craft Show, so make sure to come along and enjoy all the different things on offer.
For more details – including the full schedule of classes – please visit the Castlerea Trade and Craft Show’s Facebook page or Instagram (@castlereaagriculturalshow), email castlereaagriculturalshow@ gmail.com, or phone 086 3010409/086 7263411.
Sharon Brown pictured with Maureen and Johann Hayden at the launch of the Castlerea Agricultural Trade & Craft Show in McGourty’s Bar in Castlerea recently. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
The Castlerea Agricultural Trade & Craft Show Committee pictured with Cllr Anthony Waldron at the recent launch of the Castlerea Agricultural Trade & Craft Show in McGourty’s Bar in Castlerea. Pictured (back row, l-r) are Pat McGourty, Frank Campbell, John Flanagan, John Jennings, Cllr Anthony Waldron and (front row, l-r) Derval Harte, Marie Hester, Elaine Quinn (Chairperson), Sarah Winston (Secretary) and Vanessa Malone. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
MONDAY 5th AUGUST 2024
Entries Close: Friday 2nd August 2024
Ballygar man’s epic charity cycle with dialysis machine in tow
Next Wednesday (July 31st), Peter Conboy from Ballygar will embark on a remarkable five-day, 240km charity ‘Cycle of Life’ across the country –all while towing a dialysis machine with him to symbolise patients’ journey towards the hope of a lifesaving transplant.
This extraordinary endeavour from Temple Street Children’s Hospital in Dublin, to the Circle of Life Garden in Salthill, Galway, aims to raise awareness and funds for the Irish Kidney Association (IKA), and spark conversations about the importance of organ donation.
Despite not being a seasoned long-distance cyclist, and balancing a full-time job with Irish Water and sheep farming duties, Peter is determined to complete the journey. Speed isn’t the goal; the importance lies in being visible and raising awareness.
Peter will be stopping off in Maynooth, Mullingar, Athlone, Ballinasloe, and
Loughrea to rally support, before embarking on the final leg of his journey –Loughrea to Galway. He will be greeted in towns along the route by IKA branch volunteers, and a lively welcoming party is expected in Salthill to celebrate the completion of his challenge.
Peter’s commitment stems from his wife Elizabeth (Liz) Ferry’s past experience of chronic kidney disease. Liz was diagnosed at the age of 13 and became a patient at Temple Street Children’s Hospital, where Peter’s cycle will begin. She endured peritoneal dialysis at home for six nights a week, eleven hours at a time, until a donor kidney eventually became available. She underwent her life-changing kidney transplant at Beaumont Hospital in May 2002.
“As a young teenager, facing an uncertain future with chronic renal disease was incredibly tough”, Liz shared. “My confidence was shaken, and I often
wondered what my future would hold.
“The gift of a donor’s kidney gave me a future that most people take for granted. It allowed me to meet the love of my life and share a wonderful life with Peter”.
Peter’s arrival at the Circle of Life Garden in Salthill – a commemorative space for organ donors – is his way of honouring the fam-
Chris O’Dowd opens Boyle Arts Festival…
ily of Liz’s donor, who made the admirable decision to donate their loved one’s organs 22 years ago, granting Liz a successful and long-lasting kidney transplant. Peter describes this as a “selfless decision” they’re “eternally grateful” for.
Those wishing to donate to Peter’s fundraiser can donate online to idonate.ie/ fundraiser/cycleoflife, and
when he visits towns, there will be the option to make a donation payment by tapping a QR code. Regular updates on Peter’s progress will be posted on his dedicated social media pages on Facebook (Cycle of Life) and Instagram (@cycleoflife24), allowing supporters to follow his journey and meet him along the way to cheer him on.
Peter Conboy will embark on a five-day, 240km charity Cycle of Life next week, travelling from Dublin to Galway. Pic: Peter Daly
Peter and Liz pictured at the Circle of Life Garden in Satlhill. Pic: Andrew Downes
Patricia Golden, Chairperson of Boyle Arts Festival, speaking to the crowd during the official opening of the 2024 Boyle Arts Festival last Thursday. Pic: Brian Farrell
Actor Chris O’Dowd pictured speaking to the crowd outside King House in Boyle last Thursday, as he officially opened the 2024 Boyle Arts Festival. Pic: Brian Farrell
Actor Chris O’Dowd pictured with his father, Sean, when he returned to his native Boyle in County Roscommon to officially open the 2024 Boyle Arts Festival last Thursday. Pic: Brian Farrell
Actor Chris O’Dowd is congratulated by his mother, Denise, after he officially opened the 2024 Boyle Arts Festival at King House, Boyle recently. Pic: Brian Farrell
Actor Chris O’Dowd pictured in front of the crowd outside King House in Boyle last Thursday, as he officially opened the 2024 Boyle Arts Festival. Pic: Brian Farrell
‘We haven’t a bloody clue how a New Ireland would look’
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern on the work that needs to be done before a border poll is held… and thoughts on Trump, Biden, the Irish presidential election… and Erik ten Hag
The Roscommon People’s informal (and unscheduled) 15-minute chat with former Taoiseach BERTIE AHERN in Castlecoote House last Thursday fleetingly touched on presidential races in Ireland and America, Labour’s win in the UK, the border poll issue, the next election here, home-made jam cakes, and Erik ten Hag…
< PAUL HEALY
It was a relaxed Bertie Ahern who sat down with the Roscommon People for a chat on Thursday, prior to the former Taoiseach addressing the 16th annual Percy French Festival in Castlecoote an hour or so later.
As Ahern sat in the beautiful kitchen in the historic Castlecoote House, scones were on the table (home-made jam cakes were due, Bertie noted when I joined him). And no subject was off the table.
Welcoming the recent election of Keir Starmer as new UK Prime Minister, Mr Ahern said the coming into office of the new Labour Government could add impetus to the often stalled political process in Northern Ireland.
Speaking of his own close friendship with new Northern Ireland Secretary of State Hilary Benn, Ahern described Starmer’s appointee as “a good guy” who had chaired the Brexit Committee. Indeed, he noted, Labour has a number of key personnel with strong connections to counties in Ulster.
The former Taoiseach saw the Labour win, the appointment of Mr Benn, Prime Minister Starmer’s own knowledge of the North, and the recent restoration of the Northern Ireland Assem-
bly as positive developments.
In Castlecoote to deliver a keynote address on the prospects for a United – or ‘new’ – Ireland, the three-time Taoiseach said a number of years had been lost (due to Stormont not sitting) but that there was now an opportunity for progress.
Asked about the prospects for a border poll on the issue of the reunification of Ireland, he said there were “a few thorny issues” to be addressed, including the need for the British Government to drop the Legacy Act, and equally for the new administration to proceed with an inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane.
(Later, addressing a large attendance at the Percy French Festival, Ahern said we “haven’t a bloody clue” how a New Ireland would look, and that the details of how it might work need to be painstakingly worked out in advance of a vote going ahead – “otherwise it will be lost”).
Throughout that address, he would emphasise time and time again the need to be inclusive and to work with those of the unionist/loyalist tradition.
Back in the kitchen, when I asked Mr Ahern if he would welcome a Fianna Fáil-Sinn Féin Coalition after the next election, he sounded quite dismissive.
“I think we are heading for the status quo… maybe Fianna Fáil
and Fine Gael and another, or another and another! There isn’t much appetite for Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin”.
As guests mingled in one of the dining rooms above us in Castlecoote House – during a tea/coffee break in Thursday’s festival proceedings – Ahern and his small entourage (two people) welcomed the delivery of those delicious jam cakes, that and the arrival of one or two other invited guests.
There was still time for a few more questions. At the time of our chat, US President Joe Biden was still a candidate in the forthcoming presidential election.
“Trump is obviously in the driving seat” Bertie asserted.
“We (Ireland) got on well with Joe (Biden). In his speech the other night, Trump spoke against
American investment overseas”.
Noting that there were “five or six” swing states a while back, he said Trump’s dominance over Biden meant there are suddenly more like a dozen such potential ‘marginals’.
Asked about the trolling of politicians online, and recent sinister protests outside the homes of senior political figures, Mr Ahern said the climate is “far more serious and dangerous” nowadays.
“A few years back, you might get an egg thrown at you. I think I got jam thrown at me in Donegal once!”
(There’s that jam reference again).
It brought him on to the subject of the far-right.
“They want trouble… they are led by videos online. If the
far-right in Ireland follow other countries, we’ll have violence”.
I put two final questions to Ahern. Firstly (and predictably) I asked if he has any plans to put his name on a certain ballot paper in the relatively near future, i.e. a presidential run of his own.
“We’ll see how the game plays out” was his first gentle batting away of my question.
I returned with the ever-reliable “so you’re not ruling it out?”.
“Never say yes, never say no”
Bertie replied.
“It depends on a number of factors. On your health. On who is running. Who gets nominations. So we’ll see”.
My last question was on one of the key issues of our time.
Was he happy with Manchester United’s decision to retain Erik ten Hag as manager?
“Happy enough!” began the well-known Man Utd (and Dublin GAA) fan. Or was he?
“If we didn’t win the FA Cup, it was all over for him. But once he won the FA Cup… (that saved him). I haven’t been overly impressed with him, he doesn’t inspire confidence. You could say my jury is out on him… I’ll support Ten Hag if we win the Premier League next season!”
*Later, after his address, Ahern received rapturous applause from the audience, took questions, and posed for photographs with attendees. During his visit Mr Ahern paid tribute to Kevin Finnerty, proprietor of Castlecoote House, hailing the restoration work undertaken there, and also commending the festival organisers on the ongoing success of the annual event.
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern delivering his keynote speech to the attendees of the Percy French Festival in Castlecoote House last Thursday. Pic: Kieran Croghan
Roscommon People editor Paul Healy pictured with former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in Castlecoote House ahead of his keynote speech at the Percy French Festival last Thursday. Pic: Kieran Croghan
“Naturally Good Health Retailer of the Year 2022”
to Ballygar Carnival and Rory and Galway Team in the All-Ireland nal from
Excitement is building locally as preparations continue for the 80th Ballygar Carnival, running from August 1st to August 6th inclusive.
In addition to the popular amusement rides that are synonymous with the annual event, a huge line-up of exciting concerts, activities, and attractions will form part of this year’s milestone carnival, with something for everyone!
Thursday, August 1
The fun begins at 6.15 pm with an official Grand Carnival Opening outside the Mattie McDonagh Centre, when a special plaque celebrating the 80th anniversary of Ballygar Carnival will be unveiled.
This will be followed by the Carnival Football Blitz at 6.45 pm, hosted by St Brendan’s Football Club at the new GAA pitch.
From there, it’ll be onto the first of the ‘Live At The Centre’ events, which will see a fantastic line-up of performers taking to the stage at the Mattie McDonagh Centre over the course of the carnival.
This first performance will see award-winning
Irish singer and multi-platinum Irish bestseller Seán Keane perform traditional Irish, folk, country and blues songs. Admission costs €20, and doors open at 7.30 pm for an 8 pm start.
The second ‘Live At The Centre’ event will follow directly after, when the Big Ideas band return to Ballygar Carnival to deliver yet another energetic performance. Admission costs €10, and doors open at 11.30 pm for a 12 am start.
Friday, August 2
The second day begins with a free orienteering event through Aghrane Forest, hosted by The Western Eagles, Galway Orienteering. From 11 am to 2 pm, this event will challenge you to reach all the given checkpoints in the quickest time, using only your map as a guide.
From 2 pm to 4 pm, a free display of brochures and memorabilia from over the carnival’s 80year existence will be on view at Coláiste Mhuire (it can also be viewed on the Monday).
Music forms the rest of the evening’s entertainment. The Annaly Céilí Band will perform a free ‘Céilí at the Crossroads’ event at 7 pm outside
Fallon’s Bar. And another exciting ‘Live At The Centre’ event will round off the day, when Derek Warfield (founder and leader of the Wolfe Tones for 38 years) performs a show with the Young Wolfe Tones. Admission is €15, and doors open at 11.30 pm for a 12 am start.
Saturday, August 3
A busy programme kicks off the bank holiday weekend on Saturday, August 3rd
A free photography exhibition presented by Shane Coyle will be held at The Courthouse from 11 am to 2 pm, showcasing a stunning collection featuring local wildlife.
From 11 am to 2 pm, the Michéal Brennan Memorial Tournament (hosted by Ballygar Hurling Club) will be held at the new GAA pitch, accommodating various age groups.
The day’s earlier events will include the ‘Discovering Aghrane’ walk, hosted by Padraic Hannon. Beginning at 11 am, the initial walk will take 1.5 hours, with the option of embarking on an additional hour for those interested. A fun game of Junior Tag Rugby will take place from 12 pm to 2 pm at the Niall Walsh Pitch, hosted by Creggs Rugby Club.
From 2 pm to 4 pm, local historian Paul Connolly will host a free ‘Bus Tour Throughout the Ages’. Starting at the Courthouse, this popular tour will journey through historical places of interest in the local area.
At 6 pm, the free ‘Candlelit Tales’ event will be held at the Old School (F42YA62). Featuring professional storyteller Sorcha Hegarty and Irish actor Aron Hegarty (Game of Thrones), this event’s performances are sure to make you laugh, cry, and maybe even roar!
At 8.15 pm, a free ‘Hooley of Poetry, Song, and Moving Image’ event, hosted by Margaret Hannigan Popp, will take place at the Courthouse. Several local creatives’ work will feature and the launch of local poet Mary Turley McGrath’s book ‘After Image’ will also take place.
The first ‘Beat On The Street’ event – a series of free street performances taking place as part of the carnival – will kick off at 9.30 pm, when The Wilful band give a performance infusing classic hits with a fun twist.
This will be followed by another ‘Live At The Centre’ event, which will see leading Irish singer Mike Denver return to Ballygar for an exciting performance. Admission is €20, and doors open at 11.30 pm for a 12 am start.
Sunday, August 4
Sunday’s events begin at 10.30 am with a special Mass at St Mary’s Church, to commemorate former committee members.
At 12 pm, the 5km Carnival Fun Run through Aghrane Forest will be held. Entry costs €5.
The Mattie McDonagh Centre will have lots on offer for younger attendees through the day.
At 4 pm, the free annual Ballygar Carnival Children’s Fancy Dress competition will kick off. At 6 pm, the Mad Professor Fun Science show will be held, hosted by Really Grand Events. And at
Gaillimh Abú! Best wishes to Ballygar Carnival from
‘President Michael D Higgins’ pictured making an appearance at the 2017 Ballygar Carnival Parade. Pic: Andrew Fox
Ballygar Carnival
7 pm, the Children’s Treasure Trail will begin outside the centre.
The Ballinasloe Town Band will deliver a wonderful, free street performance from 7 pm outside St Mary’s Church. They will be followed at 8 pm by a dynamic performance from Blasta Brass in collaboration with Peelo School of Dance.
‘Beat On The Street’ continues at 9.30 pm with a performance by world-touring band The Half Landing.
Another ‘Live At The Centre’ event will feature supergroup Spring Break set to perform the best ‘80s and ‘90s hits, supported by local singersongwriter Aimee Carty. Admission is €10, and doors open at 11.30 pm for a 12 am start.
Monday, August 5
From 9 am, the traditional fair day will take place on Main Street, with a craft market in
the Mattie McDonagh Centre. Between 1 pm and 4 pm, a bird of prey display will be held at Ballygar NS, with hosts Animal Magic providing an interactive display of hawks, falcons, and owls.
The Ballygar Carnival Dog Show – one of Ireland’s biggest – will take place at Niall Walsh Pitch, with registration from 12 pm and judging at 1 pm.
Monday will also see the popular busking competition held from 1 pm on Main Street, with a variety of musicians battling it out to win the trophy.
‘Beat On The Street’ continues at 3 pm when the Celtic Gypsys bring some of the oldest and best Irish songs to life. At 9 pm local musicians Stevie B and Adrian Whyte deliver some fantastic music and great craic.
The final ‘Live At The Centre’ event will see The Tumbling Paddies deliver their highlyanticipated performance. Admission costs €20, and doors open at 11.30 pm for a 12.15 am start.
Tuesday, August 6
The final day features a nature walk from 2 pm, hosted by Michael Bell – Chairperson of Birdwatch Ireland, Sligo branch.
The last event will be Monster Bingo, beginning at 8.30 pm at the Mattie McDonagh Centre. With a €3,000 jackpot and up to €7,000 in prizes, this is an event not to be missed!
In conclusion
Between the fun rides provided by Murray’s Amusements and this jam-packed programme, Ballygar Carnival 2024 promises to uphold its rich legacy when it celebrates its 80th anniversary from August 1st to August 6th – so don’t miss out!
For more information, visit ballygar.ie/ballygarcarnival, follow the carnival’s social media, or email ballygarcarnival@ballygar.ie.
Stilt walkers pictured taking part in the 2018 Ballygar Carnival Parade. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
This year, Ballygar’s famous carnival is celebrating a major milestone – its 80th anniversary. Regarded as Ireland’s longest-running family festival, the event has been providing attendees with entertainment, attractions, and festivity for over three-quarters of a century – and with an exciting programme bursting with eagerlyanticipated events organised for 2024, the annual staple seems set to continue for many more years to come.
Recognising this year’s landmark milestone will form part of the 2024 carnival’s programme.
The official Grand Carnival Opening (taking place outside the Mattie McDonagh Centre at 6.15 pm on Thursday, August 1st) will involve the unveiling of a special plaque commemorating the 80th anniversary. All are welcome to attend this event, honouring the carnival’s success and legacy.
Another event that is sure to appeal to attendees
interested in the carnival’s 80th anniversary is a display of carnival brochures and memorabilia from over the decades, which will be available to view at Coláiste Mhuire from 2 pm to 4 pm on both Friday, August 2nd, and Monday, August 5th. This extensive display will also include a brand new documentary about the carnival, and will offer an interesting insight into the origins of the event and indeed highlights from over the years.
A brief history of the carnival’s origins
Ballygar Carnival can trace its origins back to the appointment of a new parish priest, Canon John Feeley, to the area in 1944. Upon his appointment, Canon Feeley got stuck right into the most pressing tasks on the local church’s
sourcing radiators and piping to fix the building’s heating, as well as a pipe organ for the choir. But perhaps the most notable of his contributions was the solution he came up with to finance an extension to the Church – as
Mass attendance at that time was so high, parishioners had to stand outside to worship on Sundays. This solution, as you will probably have guessed, was to organise a carnival in the village, with Canon Feeley having
been inspired by the success of carnivals in other areas. It was hoped that the carnival would not just act as a fundraiser for the church’s extension, but that it might also be a welcome distraction from the ongoing period of austerity caused by the Second World War.
A huge contingent of the local community came together to make this carni-
val a reality, with a parish committee being established and a local women’s catering community painstakingly providing food for all the carnival events. As is still the case eighty years on, it was this dedication and commitment from the local community that ensured the carnival’s success. The first carnival was held in 1945, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Gaillimh Abú!
selection of photos taken at Ballygar Carnival over the years by Matt Nolan (sourced via the ‘Mount Talbot – A Journey Through The Ages’ Facebook page).
ALL-IRELAND FOOTBALL FINAL
The last event to take place as part of the 2024 Ballygar Raffle will wrap things up with a bang, when the Monster Bingo event kicks off at the Mattie McDonagh Centre at 8.30 pm on Tuesday, August 6th
The bingo has been a muchloved event at the annual carnival for some time, and this year’s Monster Bingo is sure to be as popular as ever, with some seriously massive prizes in store for the lucky winners!
A huge €3,000 jackpot is up for grabs, in addition to there being up to €7,000 in prizes to be won across the board! Don’t miss out and come along on the evening for your chance to win!
Enter Ballygar Carnival’s Busking Competition
Ballygar Carnival’s Busking Competition is a newer addition to the comprehensive programme of musical events that run annually as part of the local festivities. All singers, musicians, and
groups (aged 16 and over) are invited to take part, and organisers have advised that no previous busking experience is necessary. There is over €500 in prize money to be won, so entrants
will be battling it out to be crowned the winner of this exciting competition. Entrants can register online at ballygar.ie/ballygarcarnival. For further details, email ballygarcarnival@ballygar.ie.
A selection of photos taken at Ballygar Carnival over the years by Matt Nolan (sourced via the ‘Mount Talbot – A Journey Through The Ages’ Facebook page).
Looking at the line-up of renowned musicians travelling to Ballygar to perform at this year’s carnival, along with the packed schedule of events catering to every interest –whether it’s sports, history, nature, photography, etc – it’s easy to assume the 2024 Ballygar Carnival is worlds apart from its earliest incarnations eighty years ago.
But while the carnival has certainly evolved massively to become the impressive event it has, many attendees’ favourite aspects may still be some of the oldest features of this annual celebration.
This year’s ‘Live At The Centre’ line-up may feature some famous talents, but music has always formed a central part of Ballygar Carnival. In the early days, local pubs were granted an extension to their normal trading orders, and this helped bolster music and dance as a staple of the event. In this time, some of the country’s biggest artists performed – Brose Walsh, Stephen
Garvey, Des Fretwell, Johnny Butler, The Melody Aces, and Larry Cunningham to name a few – and dancing would take place until 4 am! In a similar vein, many will be looking forward to seeing the Ballinasloe Town Band deliver their free street performance on Sunday, August 4th, and this, once again, is in keeping with the carnival’s longstanding traditions. In the 1950s, the Kilmore/Ballygar/Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore Memorial Band was founded by local man Joe Sweeney, and the band provided the entertainment for the opening parade and fancy dress event for decades, and formed a very important part in the carnival’s history.
And speaking of the fancy dress parade – which lives on in the children’s fancy dress competition taking place on August 4th this year – many of the beloved daytime events from recent years can trace back to the carnival’s earlier days. This August bank holiday Monday
will see a fair day and indoor market take place as part of the carnival, much in line with the event’s traditional fairs and trade stalls, which previously would’ve included the selling of cattle and other livestock, and was also a staple of the carnival.
Another older staple of the carnival was the four-poled marquee in the Market Square, where hours of dancing would take place. These days, the Market Square is filled to the brim with another of the carnival’s best-loved features (particularly for younger attendees) – the amusement rides. These amusements, too, can trace back their Ballygar Carnival roots throughout the decades. In the early days, the carnival involved activities like a shooting gallery, a roulette table, ring-throwing, etc, but all changed in the 1950s, when Murray’s Amusements from Portadown in Co Armagh came to town. The presence of Murray’s Amuse-
ments’ colourfully painted rides and attractions is a tradition which continue to form an iconic part of the carnival to this day, and will be around nightly during this year’s festival run (and from 2 pm on Sunday and Monday).
The carnival has evolved in many ways over the years – with changes in musical entertainment, events and attractions, the duration of the festivities, etc. It has had to navigate significant challenges during its run – notably in recent times with the Covid pandemic, which prompted organisers to opt for an online celebration while restrictions were in place.
However, for all the changes over the decades, one thing that has remained constant is Ballygar Carnival’s status as a highlight of the summer calendar, for both local residents and visitors from further afield. And this year’s 80th anniversary carnival promises to be no different!
for to
Who’s performing ‘Live At The Centre’?
MURRAY’S AMUSEMENTS
Open nightly from 7.30pm. Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday from 2.00pm.
A series of ‘Live At The Centre’ musical performances are among some of the most eagerly-anticipated events taking place as part of Ballygar Carnival’s 80th anniversary programme.
MATTIE McDONAGH CENTRE
Boasting big names from across a range of genres, ‘Live At The Centre’ will see seven talented acts take to the stage at the Mattie McDonagh Centre (F42V211) from August 1st to August 5th inclusive.
The first performer will be Seán Keane, who will perform a fully-seated concert on Thursday, August 1st. Originally hailing from County Galway, Seán is an award-winning Irish singer and multiplatinum Irish bestseller, known for his distinctive sean-nós voice. Traditional Irish, folk, and even country and blues songs all lend themselves to Seán’s unique style and unforgettable voice, and his performance is sure to be one of this year’s highlights! Admission is €20, and doors open at 7.30 pm for an 8 pm start.
Tickets at the Door Late Bar on Dance Nights • Over 18s Only - ID required No Pass Outs No Unlicensed Traders Please.
Mike Denver, who will be performing on Sunday, August 3rd. Known as ‘The Galway Boy’, Denver has become a household name off the back of the various musical successes he has seen over the course of his career, ever since he began touring at the age of 16. Admission is €20, and doors open at 11.30 pm for a 12 am start.
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Following Seán on Thursday, August 1st, will be the Big Ideas band. This lively four-piece band based in Roscommon and Galway cater for all musical tastes, from country to pop to rock and beyond. Big Ideas will be making a welcome return this August, having become a Ballygar Carnival favourite in recent years, and they are expected to deliver yet another energetic performance. Admission is €10, and doors open at 11.30 pm for a 12 am start.
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The next day – Friday, August 2nd – sees another huge name in Irish music take the stage, with Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones set to deliver a brilliant performance. This band comprises Derek Warfield, founder and leader of the Wolfe Tones for 38 years, and a group of some of Ireland’s finest young musicians. Celebrating their tenth anniversary this year, this band is known for bringing new energy to some of the most popular Irish songs. Admission is €15, and doors open at 11.30 pm for a 12.30 am start.
A mix of new and established talent is in store for the penultimate ‘Live At The Centre’ event, which sees Europe’s premier good-time supergroup Spring Break take the stage, supported by Ballygar’s own Aimee Carty. Six-piece band Spring Break are known for raising the roof with their renditions of the very best of ‘80s and ‘90s hits, and boast an impressive resume, having performed at Irish star Michael Fassbender’s 40th birthday and with international icon Cher during her 2019 tour. Aimee Carty is a young singer-songwriter from Ballygar whose 2023 song ‘2 days into college’ rocked to fame after she posted it online, receiving millions of likes and views, with major celebrities like North Kardashian and Jared McCain posting videos with the song. Admission is €10, and doors open at 11.30 pm for a 12 am start.
The last act to feature ‘Live At The Centre’ is The Tumbling Paddies, who have steadily grown to become one of Ireland’s most sought after bands in recent years. The band has performed sold-out shows up and down the country, in addition to having toured internationally in places like Dubai, Germany, Spain, and England. It is fitting then to have the accomplished band close out this fantastic line-up. Admission is €20 and doors open at 11.30 pm for a 12.15 am start.
Thanks to the local businesses & our sponsors for all their support.
Next to feature at the centre is one of the biggest names in contemporary Irish country music –
Don’t miss out on your chance to see these brilliant performers ‘Live At The Centre’ at Ballygar Carnival!
Tickets will be available at the door. Please note there are no pass-outs, so re-entry will not be permitted. There will be a late bar on dance nights, and all shows are Over-18s only (ID required).
3 rd - 8 th August 2023
A selection of photos taken at Ballygar Carnival over the years by Matt Nolan (sourced via the ‘Mount Talbot – A Journey Through The Ages’ Facebook page).
Government ‘must remove farmland from Residential Zoned Land Tax’
IFA Farm Business chairperson Bill O’Keeffe has called on the Government to remove all actively farmed land from the residential zoned land tax (RZLT).
He said that a recent motion to exempt farmland from RZLT by Fine Gael TDs, senators, and MEPs is positive, and aligns with IFA’s policy of not imposing this “unfair tax” on many farmers around Ireland – but it needs to be confirmed and clarity needs to be given to farmers.
Bill O’Keeffe said, “This penal tax, if implemented, could result in the forced sale of farmland, potentially undermining the livelihoods of farmers. This could happen without any consideration given to potential buyers, or the subsequent delivery of new homes, on this land.
“This annual 3% tax is due to take effect in early 2025. It’s completely unjust and must not be forced on farmers”.
The IFA says that Minister for Finance Jack Chambers has it within his powers to exempt farmland from RZLT in the upcoming Budget 2025 and subsequent Finance Act. IFA is calling on the minister to announce this exemption before Budget 2025 to alleviate the fear and anxiety felt by many farmers who have farmland that falls under residential zoning development plans.
up to €2400 while the quality stores made up to €3.52 a kilo. The heifer ring, with a good show of quality stock on o er, witnessed lots make up to €2430, while one customer received €2340 for his 505kgs Limousin heifer, or €4.63 a kilo. The dry cow ring witnessed lots make up to €2050 while in the cow and calf section a 10-year-old cow and her BBX bull calf at foot fetched €3000.
The weanling rings, with increased numbers on o er, saw the bulls hit €4.36 a kilo, while in the heifer weanling ring, one customer achieved €1590 for his 275kgs BBX heifer or €5.78 a kilo. Calves and runners with increased lots on o er reported a good clearance.
Bullocks, sample prices: Ch 435kgs €1520, Ch 395kgs €1380, AA 440kgs €1200, Ch 335kgs €1060, Ch 510kgs €1630, Ch 505kgs €1550, Ch 680kgs €2400, AA 680kgs €2040, and AA 735kgs €2170.
Cows with calves at foot made from €1150 to €3000. Springers made from €1150 to €1400. Young calves made from €200 to €640, with runners making from €250 to €650.
Weanling heifers, sample prices: BBx 275kgs €1590, Lm 265kgs €850, BBx 340kgs €1440, Lm 345kgs €1290, Lm 320kgs €1140, Ch 370kgs €1250, and AA 310kgs €900. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart every Thursday, with our weekly sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am.
Cattle: There was a smaller entry of stock on o er at last Friday’s 65th anniversary special sale of heifers (July 19th).
Heifers fetched an average of €2.83 per kilo up to €4.07 per kilo. There was a good entry of dry cows, and they made an average of €2.38 per kilo up to €3.14 per kilo. There was a good attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.
Dry cows ranged from an average of €2.38 per kilo up to €3.14 per kilo. Sample prices: CHX -910kg -€2,370 -€2.60 per kg, LMX- 770kg€2,130- €2.77 per kg, LMX -710kg- €2,040€2.87 per kg, CHX -680kg -€1,990- €2.93 per kg, CHX-625kg- €1,720- €2.75 per kg, and SIX-520kg -€1,250- €2.40 per kg.
Heifers ranged from an average of €2.83 per kilo up to €4.07 per kilo. Sample prices: 2 CHX-652.5kg- €2,000- €3.07 per kg, CHX- 600kg€2,000 - €3.33 per kg, LMX-625kg- €1,790- €2.86 per kg, CHX- 560kg- €1,740- €3.11 per kg, CHX- 595kg- €1,700- €2.86 per kg, CHX -485kg€1,690-€3.48 per kg, CHX- 420kg- €1,710- €4.07 per kg, and CHX- 360kg- €1,200- €3.33 per kg.
Sheep
There was a larger number of sheep on o er at the most recent weekly sheep sale on Wednesday, July 24th. Prices for spring lambs made up to €179 while stag ewes topped out at €294.
The next sale of lambs and cast ewes is on Wednesday, July 31st. 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.
Spring lambs, sample prices: 59kgs -€179€3.03 per kg, 46.4kgs -€157- €3.38 per kg, 45kgs -€149- €3.31 per kg, 44.7kgs -€145€3.24 per kg, 42.6kgs-€135-€3.17 per kg, 41kgs-€139 -€3.39 per kg, and 36.8 kg - 1233.34 per kg. Cast ewes, sample prices: 113kgs - €294€2.59 per kg, 98.5kgs - €260 - €2.64 per kg, 88Kgs - €218 - €2.48 per kg, 78Kgs - €170€2.18 per kg, 73kgs - €168 - €2.30 per kg, and 74.kg- €158
Pictured at the Irish Natura & Hill farmers Association AGM, held in the Ard Ri Hotel in Tuam recently, is Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD addressing the attendees while Tomas O’Toole, Galway Chairperson; Vincent Roddy, President; Connie Walsh, Manager; and John Joe Fitzgerald, Vice-President, listen. Pic: Brian Farrell
Celebrating Fr John’s 40years of service…
Fr John Coughlan celebrates 50 years in priesthood
A native of Frenchpark, County Roscommon, Fr John Coughlan, who lives in Alabama, USA, recently marked his Golden Jubilee, celebrating 50 years in the priesthood.
Fr Coughlan is the eldest son of the late Thomas and Margaret Coughlan. He has two brothers (Tommy and Gerry), a sister (Margaret), brotherin-law (Michael), nephew (Joseph), and niece (Eva).
Ordained in All Hallows College, Dublin, in June 1974, he emigrated to America from there. Since then, Fr John has returned annually to visit his family and friends.
Fr John celebrated his Golden Jubilee on June 16th in St Baoithin’s Church in Tibohine, along with family and friends from near and far. Many of his American parishioners travelled over to
celebrate with him. Fr John’s good friend and classmate, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, was also in attendance, alongside local politicians.
As part of the event, a special Mass was held, con-celebrated with Fr Michael Donnelly, Fr Joe Gavigan, Fr Larry Ebuk, Fr Tom and Fr Gerry Hanley. Martina and the Cloverhill Choir sang beautifully throughout the ceremony. The church committee presented Fr John with an engraved crystal plate.
Following the Mass, Fr John received a garda escort to the reception, which was held at the Into the West Bar and Restaurant.
After the meal, Fr John made a speech. His niece Eva presented him with an engraved crystal clock and his friend Ava presented him with an engraved slate.
Fr John McManus pictured with his extended family at St Patrick’s Church, Castlerea for a special Mass of Thanksgiving marking Fr McManus’ 40 years of service to the ministerial priesthood.
Lily and John Murphy pictured with Fr John McManus at St Patrick’s Church, Castlerea for a special Mass of Thanksgiving marking Fr McManus’ 40 years of service to the ministerial priesthood.
Danny Burke (left) and Martin Casey (right) pictured with Fr John McManus at St Patrick’s Church, Castlerea for a special Mass of Thanksgiving marking Fr McManus’ 40 years of service to the ministerial priesthood.
Pictured cutting the cake during his recent Golden Jubilee celebrations at Into The West Bar and Restaurant is Fr John Coughlan.
Fr John Coughlan pictured with his good friend and classmate, former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern.
A Mass commemorating Fr John Coughlan’s Golden Jubilee took place recently at St Baoithin’s Church in Tibohine. Fr John Coughlan celebrated his Golden Jubilee with a reception at Into The West Bar and Restaurant afterwards.
Remax Team Earley close sale on prime Roscommon Town residence
of Remax Team Earley is pleased to advise that he has closed the sale of a prime detached, two-storey residence, located at Cruby Hill, Galway Road, Roscommon Town (F42Y959). The BER is D1. This well-appointed home provides a perfect balance of comfort, functionality, and style that combines contemporary living with a tranquil atmosphere. Remax Team Earley are now urgently
seeking detached and semi-detached properties in Roscommon town for disappointed underbidders. For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact Remax Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon on 090 6626579, email teamearley@remax.ie, log onto teamearley.ie, or contact one of the auctioneers directly by phoning Cormac on 086 3519492, Cathal on 086 1409158, or Keith on 086 0848590.
A new consumer guide has identified issues relating to documentation, planning and taxes as among the prime causes of delays when buying and selling a property in Ireland.
The guide, which is primarily aimed at sellers but will also be of interest to buyers, has been published by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland and the Law Society of Ireland with the aim of speeding up property sales. It sets out in detail the steps anyone selling a property needs to take; the questions they need to ask, who they need to contact, as well as how long it usually takes and costs.
CEO of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland Shirley Coulter says that while the average timeframe to complete a sale is over four months, for a significant number of sales there can be considerable delays.
“Many people don’t realise the volume of documentation around key issues which needs to be gathered to complete a property sale”, she said. “One key document is the property’s title deeds, which is often held by a bank or other
lender, but others include copies of marriage or civil partnership certificates and land registry and mapping documents.
“Additional information and documentation may be required if third parties have rights over a property, such as a right of residence or right of way or if there have been boundary issues
or disputes with a neighbour.
“Compliance with or exemptions from planning permission and/or building regulations is an area where we are seeing an increasing number of hold-ups. For example, if a building extension has been added on, copies of planning permissions and
evidence of compliance with that permission and with building regulations will be required.
“A valid Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate and BER Advisory Report are legally required if you are selling a property. So, the sooner you engage your professional team the sooner you can begin gathering the relevant documents,” Ms Coulter explained. The guide notes that measures to prevent money laundering and a requirement to collect outstanding taxes and charges have been introduced in recent years.
According to the guide, if the property is being sold following the death of the owner, then the sale could be conditional or ‘subject to’ probate, causing additional delays. Another issue which very often leads to delays is when buyers have not got the finance in place to complete a sale or when sellers have not got the final redemption figure from their bank to settle the existing mortgage.
‘Speed up your property sale – a guide to avoiding the most common delays’ is available to download free of charge online.
Pictured at the launch of the guide are Mark Garrett (Director General of the Law Society) and Shirley Coulter (CEO of the SCSI). Pic: Julien Behal Photography
Cruby Hill, Galway Road, Roscommon
Ballaghaderreen Women’s Shed complete ‘Blankets of Hope’ initiative
The Ballaghaderreen Women’s Shed have recently undertaken a wonderful initiative known as ‘Blankets of Hope’ in which the members crocheted multiple lap blankets and donated them to the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice Foundation. The project came about after one of the Women’s
Shed members, Anne Whelan, was visiting Cork and heard about a lady crocheting lap blankets for those going through chemotherapy and those within the local hospice – the project was called ‘Blankets of Hope’.
Anne thought this would be a great project for the Shed ladies in Ballaghaderreen and felt that the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice would benefit from this as it was a cause that was close to so many hearts.
Ballaghaderreen Women’s Shed were delighted to receive support from the SICAP Programme of Roscommon LEADER Partnership which covered the cost of the wool. The group of very talented and creative ladies crocheted and knitted numerous lap blankets for this worthy cause.
The blankets were then formally presented to Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice during an event held in Ballaghaderreen recently.
Martina was delighted with the donation and thanked all the members for their hard work, expressing how invaluable the lap blankets will be to those using the Hospice services.
Ballaghaderreen Women’s Shed members Sonia Staff and Betty Hutchens pictured at the recent ‘Blankets of Hope’ event held in Ballaghaderreen. Pic: Kieran Croghan
Ballaghaderreen Women’s Shed members Pauline Cogan and Rose Flynn pictured at the recent ‘Blankets of Hope’ event held in Ballaghaderreen. Pic: Kieran Croghan
The Ballaghaderreen Women’s Shed committee (l-r) Freda Hatch, Secretary; Michelle Casey, Chairperson and Anne Whelan, Treasurer pictured at the recent ‘Blankets of Hope’ event held in Ballaghaderreen. Pic: Kieran Croghan
Ballaghaderreen Women’s Shed members Maria O’Gara, Carmel Finn, Bríd Molloy and Rosebetty Agbezuke pictured at the recent ‘Blankets of Hope’ event held in Ballaghaderreen. Pic: Kieran Croghan
Members of the Ballaghaderreen Women’s Shed pictured with all of the blankets that they crocheted for the recent ‘Blankets of Hope’ initiative which were donated to the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice foundation. Pic: Kieran Croghan
Zodwa Gugu Mamba, Moyosade Princess Oyinloye, Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice and Temitope Rasheedat Adenigba pictured with some of the blankets crocheted for the recent ‘Blankets of Hope’ initiative which was undertaken by the Ballaghaderreen Women’s Shed. Pic: Kieran Croghan
Rose Flynn pictured with a blanket she crocheted for the recent ‘Blankets of Hope’ initiative which was undertaken by the Ballaghaderreen Women’s Shed. Pic: Kieran Croghan
Meetings: Tuesday 8pm to 9pm, Wednesday 1pm to 2pm, Thursday 8pm to 9pm, Friday 8pm to 9pm, Saturday 8pm to 9pm, Sunday 12 noon to 1.pm.
GAMBLING ANONYMOUS
IF YOU WANT TO STOP GAMBLING ... AND REMAIN STOPPED ... YOU CAN! Gambler’s Anonymous Meeting every Monday at St. Kieran’s Community Centre, Athlone at 8.45 pm (N37 W7P3).
CHIMNEY CLEANING
Complete Chimney Services
CHIMNEY CLEANING
• Power brush and vacuum technology for cleaning chimneys, stoves, ranges and open res
• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods
CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS
• Firebacks replaced and ues repaired
• Can be cleaned from the bottom up
• Chimney cowls and crow guards tted Power washing and gutter cleaning services. Telephone: 087 2798704
Advertise with us to have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week!
CHIROPRACTOR
Stephen Casey
CCTV Inspections
● Chimney Repair
- Insurance Claims
Strokestown, Co. Roscommon 087 9268424
stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com
Kathleen’s Mobile Footcare Professional and friendly footcare in the comfort of your own home.
Are you a ected byAnger Issues, Bullying, Bereavement, Con dence/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
Are you experiencing di culties in your life?
BOOM SPRAYER TESTING SERVICE
• Sprayers tested on owners premises
• Test report & D.A.F.M. stickers provided.
• Small stock of parts available and can be tted on sprayers
All sprayers tested in 2020/2021 are now due re-test
Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090 6663069
e-mail: thomasneilan4@ gmail.com
D.A.F.M. Approved Reg No: EI000083
FARMING
FARM REPAIR SHOP
– Roscommon/Lanesboro area. Tel 087-2755738.
TOP QUALITY STACKED SILAGE BALES for sale 6kms from Roscommon town. €35 per bale. For further information, contact 087 2511372.
FOR SALE: 10 x 6 Steel Tipping Trailer, PZ Haybob, 8 x 5 Cattle Trailer with brakes and lights. Tel 087 - 7733181
FOR SALE: Brother xl-2220 sewing machine, including a remington hand held sewer, table, and a large variety of threads. €200. Tel. 087 624 0454.
WANTED
FILL/RUBBLE WANTED: Needed to ll up a low area for a foundation. Can be very rough. Ideally located near the Fairymount/ Moyne area. Contact: James 086 7784030.
TURF FOR SALE
FOR SALE 10’ x 6’ loads and bags of turf available. Free delivery. Tel. 086 377 6948.
I, Philip Manning, am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission:
1. to partly demolish existing rear extension and shed,
2. to refurbish derelict house to include alterations to elevations, 3. to construct a new extension to the rear, 4. to install upgraded treatment system and percolation area, and all ancillary site development works at Cloonslanor, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon, F42 HP60.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces 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:
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 o fee only if we are successful in renting your property. If not no fees are payable. Tel: 086 8212732
ROSCOMMON
COUNTY COUNCIL
Full planning permission is being sought from Roscommon County Council for the proposed construction of 8 no. dwelling houses consisting of 4 no. three bedroom two storey semi-detached type dwelling houses; 4 no. two bedroom two storey terraced type dwelling houses; entrance, car park area, boundary fences/walls, proposed connections to the existing foul sewer, surface water and watermain networks and all ancillary site works at Circular Road, Lisroyne, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon for Avenir Homes Limited.
This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the Planning Authority during it’s public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
Fully insulated (4” all around) and nished to high standard, both inside and out. Fitted kitchen, 1 double bedroom (en suite), 1 single bedroom, family bathroom. All electrics tted, painted interior, double glazed PVC windows and doors.
€35,000
CALL 087 814 8701 FOR VIEWING.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
I, Louise Finan intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct single storey dwelling domestic garage, waste water treatment system and percolation area, associated site development works and services at Lissagallan, Cloverhill, 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, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
We, The Jimmy Murray Memorial Committee, are applying for planning Permission to erect a honed limestone Jimmy Murray Memorial Statue with new access footpaths including all associated site development works at Knockcroghery Td, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces 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 €20.00 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.
Signed: AOL Design Ltd. Consulting Engineers, C/O Albert Looby, Killeenboy, Kilteevan, Co Roscommon. Tel: (090) 66 28184 Mobile:(086) 8167365
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
We, Adrian and Gemma Collins intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct single storey dwelling domestic garage, waste water treatment system and percolation area, associated site development works and services at Killinraghty Big, Oran, 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, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
We, Gary and Anna Dooney, are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct domestic dwelling house along with domestic garage, new treatment system and percolation area and all ancillary site development works at Cross South, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces 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.
We, Michael and Michael T. McCormack, intend applying to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to construct Agricultural Slatted Shed with all associated site works at Carrowbaun, Fourmile House, 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. T. 086 2328484.
Submit your Classified online
Send your Classified advertisement to advertising @roscommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL NOTICE OF SIGNIFICANT FURTHER INFORMATION/REVISED PLANS. Name of Applicant: Arran Chemical Company. Reference number of the application: PD/24/60191. The development applied for consisted of a Two Phase development at Units 1-3, Monksland Industrial Estate, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. Phase 1: Demolition of existing external Storage Sheds 32m2 to existing Building 2 (Units 10 + 11), Demolition of section of existing Eastern Boundary Wall at existing Sta Parking Area and Removal of Existing 2 Storey Portakabin 100m2 (Canteen / Changing Area) and removal of Existing O ce Portakabin 50m2 . Construction of Proposed Sta Site Entrance to the Southern boundary consisting of the adjustment of existing public footpath / grassed area for proposed new pedestrian footpath + access road o existing local road, new section of boundary wall incorporating new pedestrian gate / new controlled vehicular access barriers with new security gate together with Landscaping and all ancillary and associated site works. Construction of proposed new 1230m2 Sta Parking Area consisting of standard and EV parking Bays, Public Lighting, 2 No. Bicycle Stands, Drainage Connection to existing onsite services, Proposed New Surface delineation / marking layout for standard and disabled parking Bays to existing Parking area together with all ancillary and associated site works. Construction of a Proposed 9.3m High Two Storey at roof extension of 560m2 to existing Building 2 (Units 10 + 11) consisting of Sta Canteen, Sta Changing Areas and Main Reception Area to Ground Floor level. New Open plan / individual O ce Areas, Meeting Rooms, Comms Room and Toilets at rst oor level, Minor Internal Modi cations / connection to existing units 10 +11, Connection to existing on-site services together with all ancillary and associated site works.
Phase 2: Proposed New Raised Roof Extension to existing Building 2 (Units 10 + 11 Warehousing) consisting of raising a section of the existing warehouse roof from 4.7m at eaves to 8m high at eaves and new ridge / parapet height of 9.3m to match new o ce extension, by removing section of existing roof covering and providing new pitched metal roof cladding with parapet + selected external cladding together with all ancillary and associated site works.
Arran Chemical Company holds an existing Industrial Emissions Licence – Licence Registration Number: P0110-02.
Signi cant Further Information in relation to the application has been furnished to the Planning Authority and is available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the Planning Authority (Roscommon County Council) during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 not later than two weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the Planning Authority. There will be no fee payable on a further submission/ observation if it is accompanied by a copy of the acknowledgement of a previous submission/observation.
We, Christopher Walsh and Mairead Farrell, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct a domestic garage at Curry Td., Brideswell, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission..
Signed: Christopher Walsh and Mairead Farrell.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY
COUNCIL
I, Garey Little, am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the following
1. To carry out alterations to existing dwelling elevations to include new French door, upgrading existing windows, demolish 2no. existing chimney’s and external insulation to walls, 2. To carry out alterations to existing garage elevations, 3. To install upgraded treatment system and percolation area, and carry out all ancillary site development works at Killynagh More, Elphin, Co. Roscommon, F45YK25.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces 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.
Full planning permission is being sought from Roscommon County Council for the proposed relocation of an existing agricultural entrance which services existing agricultural lands by decommissioning an existing agricultural entrance which exits onto Public Road L1016 together with constructing a new agricultural entrance exiting out onto an existing access road which services Cootehall Quay; erection of boundary fence and all ancillary works at Cootehall, Boyle, Co. Roscommon for Dympna O’Regan. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the Planning Authority during it’s public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
William and Christine Green intend to apply to the above authority for Retention Planning Permission for their Front Sun-Room/Porch Extension of 9.01m2 oor area to their dwelling at Castlesampson, Bealnamulla, Athlone Co Roscommon, N37 V0Y3 together with all associated site works.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority, (Roscommon County Council) during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority at the above o ce 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 Auth¬ority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Chingiz Buyrchiyev, am applying to Roscommon County Council for Retention Permission and Planning Permission for the following:
1. To retain as constructed garage.
2. To retain as constructed BBQ area,
3. Planning permission to install upgraded treatment system and percolation area, and carry out all ancillary site development works and all ancillary site development works at Glenballythomas, Tulsk, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon F45TK85
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces 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:
E:
PODIATRIST
Tullys
Podiatrist/Chiropodist
Sarah Fleming
CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI
Sarah will be in Tullys Totalhealth Pharmacy, Castlerea on Monday and Friday and Boyle Totalhealth Pharmacy on Tuesdays.
● HSE Trained and Approved ● Home visits available
For any of your foot issues call: 094 9620009
PODIATRIST
For all foot ailments
Corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, verruca, orthotics, diabetic assessments and treatment.
Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I. Department of Health Approved Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea For appointment: Phone: (089) 4142233
SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK • 20 years
FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON –MOLLOYS PHARMACY
(Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle
Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed By Appointment Only –
DIP CHFP
(Monday - Saturday) Tel: 087 2982214
USEFUL SERVICES
Electrician Available
CAN’T FIND
ANYONE to do that small job, or you haven’t got the time ... WE DO ANYTHING From fitting Curtain Rails to laying that footpath • Fast Reliable Service
• Professional, Courteous Employees
• Trustworthy ONE CALL DOES IT
Safe Electric Registered. Domestic and Industrial, All work considered. No Job too small. Phone Paul 086 2553153 or email: p0862553153 @gmail.com DIGGER / DUMPER FOR HIRE
GARDENING
www.westsidegardening.ie
GARDENING: Lawns mowed and seeded, Leylandi and Laurel Hedge Cut and Shaped, Tree Felling, Fencing, Posts and Panels, Decorative Stone, Bark Mulch, Power Washing and Waste Removal.
CONCRETE: Kerbing, Paving, Patios, Concrete Slabs and Base, Stone Walls and Plastering
DIGGER: Foundations, Land Drainage, Ditch and Hedge removal
STEEL: Sheds, Gates, Cattle Crushes and Pens, all Welding
TARMONBARRY
Buttercups Community Playschool
Buttercups Community Playschool is looking for a
CLASSROOM ASSISTANT TO JOIN OUR TEAM!
Job details:
Work Location: Buttercups Playschool, Tarmonbarry, Co. Roscommon
Job Type: Part-time
Schedule: Monday – Friday
The position is part-time for 1 calendar year.
Requirements
• Minimum Level 5 childcare is necessary and at least 6 months experience working in a childcare Setting.
• First Aid, Manual Handling and Childrens First Training are preferable but can be provided.
• Expected hours: 20 Hours per week
• Expected start date: 03/09/2024
Responsibilities include:
We are seeking an enthusiastic, energetic and hard-working person who is passionate about the development and learning needs of our children. Building positive relationships with sta and children. To supervise and observe children in a safe and caring environment The candidate should have the ability to communicate well with the children and the team.
Applicant must be prepared to complete a Garda vetting form. Application deadline: 5 August 2024 • Expected start date: 03/09/2024
Please send in your CV to: buttercupsplayschool@live.ie Or post to: Buttercups Community Playschool Lock Road, Tarmonbarry, Co. Roscommon
CHEF REQUIRED
For our shop in THE PANTRY, Harrison Centre, Co. Roscommon
MAN AVAILABLE in Castlerea and surrounding areas for cutting lawns, cleaning gutters, spraying, power washing, (paths, driveways, slatted houses), etc. Contact Michael on 086 1018237.
Hopes & Dreams Playschool
Ballyforan H53 H7D1, Co. Roscommon are currently recruiting for a
MANAGER
To join our team
• The position is term time, working 20-25hrs per week for 38 weeks per year
• Min. Quali cations - Level 6 or above in Childcare and quali cations/ experience as a room leader role.
We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated playschool Manager to join our team who will play a pivotal role in providing a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment for the children in our centre.
• Garda Vetting/Police Clearance is a requirement for this position.
• Detailed job description available upon request
• Competitive Salary
• Start date: September 2024.
Interested candidates should forward a cover letter and CV for the attenton of Chairperson, Kerry Browne: hopesanddreamsplayschool@gmail.com
Closing date 5th August 2024 and short listing will apply.
Laltec Electrical has immediate vacancies for the following:
● Electricians: Full and part-time basis.
● 2nd and 3rd Year Apprentice Electricians.
Must have Safe Pass and Manual Handling.
Suitable candidates should send their CV in con dence to: nlally@laltec.ie
Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for non-publication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a speci c week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.
PRAYER FOR A SPECIAL REQUEST
Oh! Dear Mother of God, Our Lady of Conception Aparecida! Oh! Saint Rita of Cassia and Saint Jude worker of miracles and helper of impossible causes pray for me. Saint Expedite, Saint of urgent causes. Saint Edwiges the Saint of the needy, you know how desperate I feel, please ask Jesus to help me. (Here mention your request). May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored and glori ed for ever. Pray 1 Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Pray for 3 days. Publish on the 3rd day. See what will happen on the 4th day. M.H. 3 DAY NOVENA TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN O, most beautiful ower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O, Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succour me in my necessity (your request). There are none that can withstand your power. O, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands, after each prayer, say 9 Hail Marys. You must publish and it will be granted to you. M.S.
FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES
HANLEY (née Neary)
Lynda
The Square, Ballaghaderreen and formerly of Callow, Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon who passed away peacefully on 4th October 2023
Anita, Martin, Damien, André and the extended family would like to o er our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for all the kindness and support shown to us on the passing of our dear mother Lynda.
We sincerely thank all who o ered their condolences, visited our homes and attended the funeral home, Mass and burial. We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who sent Mass Cards, sympathy cards, owers, letters, phone calls and messages from near and far.
Special thanks to our extended family, good friends and neighbours who brought food, shared fond and special memories and provided such strength and comfort to us during a very di cult time.
A special acknowledgement to Home Instead, the HSE Home Support Service and her wonderful carers including – Ann, Lisa, Assumpta, Agnes and Catherine –for the excellent care, fun and kindness they brought to Mother in her nal months. We are grateful also to the Community Care Team including Marion, Bernie, Mary and Donna for their help, advice and guidance. We are forever indebted to you all and you hold a special place in our hearts.
We wish to thank the sta at The Clinic and Murphy’s Pharmacy for their ongoing support. We acknowledge the medical sta at Mayo University Hospital and Roscommon University Hospital for their excellent care of our Mother during her time with them.
A massive word of thanks to all the wonderful relatives, friends and neighbours that visited her during her nal months that she spent in Lisacul. We are eternally grateful to you all for your kindness, support and care and Mother really appreciated it all and it lifted her spirits.
Sincere thanks to the Funeral Director Tommy Sharkey and his wife Bernie for their marvellous guidance, support and utmost professionalism in carrying out the funeral arrangements.
Many thanks to Fr. Paul Kivlehan, Fr. Tommy Towey, Fr. Eugene Du y, Canon Liam Devine and all the Priests that attended the beautiful Mass and Funeral and to Fr. Joseph Gavigan for his support and friendship down the years.
Finally, thank you Mother, for all the happiness and joy you gave us throughout your life. We will be forever grateful and we were blessed to have had you in all our lives and we will miss you forever.
As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this Acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. The Holy Sacri ce of the Mass will be o ered for all your intentions.
NEILAN
Thomas (Senior)
Castlecoote, Roscommon
Who died on 24th July 1969
RIP (55th Anniversary)
Will those who think of Thomas today, A little prayer to Jesus say.
Always remembered and loved by his loving family.
KENNY
Tom Strangeforth, Williamstown (17th Anniversary)
In loving memory of Tom who died on 30th July 2007
Our lives go on without you but nothing is the same. We have to hide our heartache when someone speaks your name. Sad are the hearts that love you, silent the tears that fall. Living our lives without you, is the hardest part of all. You did so many things for us, your heart was kind and true and when we needed someonne we could always count on you. The special years will not return when we were all together but with love within our hearts, you will walk with us forever.
Sadly missed by his wife Mary, daughters Annmarie, and Norrie, sons-in-law and grandchildren.
Anniversary Mass in St. Michael’s Church, Glinsk on Sunday, 28th July at 10am.
NOLAN
Kevin
Hermitage, Ballygar (4th Anniversary) Who died on 30th July, 2020 R.I.P.
Submit your Classified online
Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633
CASSIDY
Teresa
Grange, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon, Treasured memories of a dear daughter and sister, who passed away on the 28th July 2007. (17th Anniversary)
A heart too gentle, a mind too deep, a beautiful soul forever asleep. Eyes full of sparkle, a heart full of love, now shining brightly from Heaven above
Will those who think of Teresa today, a little prayer to Jesus say.
Dearly loved and missed every day by your parents, Seamus and Breege; your brother Lorcan and by all your family and friends.
Anniversary Mass in St. Bridget’s Church, Four Mile House on Sunday 28th July 2024 at 11.00am
We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain. To walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again May he Rest in Peace Forever in our hearts.
Loved and remembered by your family.
Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar on Saturday, 27th July at 7.30pm.
KENNY
John
Lisnaville, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon Who died on 27th of July 2011 (13th Anniversary)
There is no death only a change of worlds, let us not grieve beyond letting go, for in the Tree of Life, his roots and ours are forever entwined.
Lovingly remembered by all his family and friends.
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GILLOOLY
Very Rev. Fr.Dominick
Saint Anne’s Church, Sligo and formerly of Mount Cashel, Co. Roscommon who passed away on 22nd July, 2024
Gillooly, Very Rev. Fr.Dominick, Saint Anne’s Church, Sligo and formerly of Mount Cashel, Co.Roscommon, July 22nd 2024, peacefully in the exceptional care of Sligo University Hospital.
Predeceased by his parents Bridie and Tom, brothers Fr. Peter SPS, Fr. Tommy SPS and John; nephew David and brothers-in-law Jimmy and Michael. Sadly missed by his sisters Anne Rooney (Killucan) and Margaret Leyden (Florida, USA), his sister-in-law Carmel (Mount Cashel), nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, his extended family, and the Parishioners and sta of Saint Anne’s Parish. Rest in peace.
Reposing at Saint Anne’s Day Chapel on Friday, July 26th from 4pm until 8pm. Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 27th at 12noon in Saint Anne’s Church, Cranmore Road, Sligo, burial will follow in Saint Patrick’s Cemetery, Scarden, Strandhill Road, Sligo. Fr. Dominick’s Mass will be livestreamed via www.mcn.live/Camera/st-annes-cranmore Those who wish to leave a condolence message may do so in private at www.feehilys.ie on RIP.ie or by traditional manner. All enquiries to Seán Feehily Funeral Directors, Cartron Cross, Sligo on 0719159999/0872411114.
Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon
BRIAN MURRAY MEMORIALS
• Superior Quality Headstones
• Restoration work carried out • New Inscriptions added CONTACT HAZEL 087 6758874
We, the family of the late Ethel Carroll, who passed away on the 24th June 2024 wish to express our sincere and heartful gratitude to all who sympathised with and supported us on the loss of our cherished mother.
A special thanks to all our kind neighbours, friends and family who brought food to our home and who gave us great comfort.
Grateful thanks to all who called to our house, all who phoned, texted, sent owers, Mass Cards and Messages of Condolence and to everyone who attended the Funeral Home, Mass and Burial.
A special word of thanks to Fr Eamonn Conaty for his kindness, spiritual care and support during Mam’s illness and for the beautiful Funeral Mass. To all who took part in the Mass: the Servers, Eucharistic Ministers, the choir including Cathal, Anne and Emma.
Thank you to Michael and all at Triest Press for the lovely Mass Booklet.
Thank you to Dr Frank and his Team, the wonderful Public Health Nurses, Cait and Mary Parker and Willie McAuli e, Michelle and Ursula who were all a tremendous help.
To the most wonderful team of Carers: Susan, Geraldine, Ursula, Nikki, Evelyn, Liz, Mary and Lucy.
We will never forget the kindness, care and respect you showed to Mam .
Thank you also to the Palliative Home Care Team for their support during the nal week. Together, with the family, you all made it possible to ensure Ethel had her wish to remain in her home to the end.
Thank you to Pat and John McHugh Undertakers for their professionalism and kindness at this sad time. Thank you to our wonderful neighbours who prepared Ethel’s nal resting place with such care and attention. Thanks also to The Percy French Hotel sta for the meal after the Funeral.
As it would not be possible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our sincere thanks to everyone who helped us through this di cult time. The Holy Sacri ce of the Mass will be o ered for your intentions.
Month’s Mind Mass on Sunday July 28th at 11.00am in St Bridget’s Church, Four Mile House.
CARROLL (née Hegarty)
Ethel
Clare, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon who passed away on 22nd June, 2024 (Month’s Mind)
FAMILYNOTICES
GLENNON Madge
Coolderry, Four Roads, Co Roscommon
In loving memory of Madge Glennon who passed away peacefully on 23rd July 2022 (2nd Anniversary)
It’s normal that you shed a tear when I first took my leave but know that I am happy here, no need for you to grieve.
The beauty that is surrounding me would take your breath away.
There’s colours that I can’t describe, the air’s a sweet bouquet.
Don’t worry ‘bout the things unsaid, there’s nothing to forgive.
Don’t lay your heart upon the past just let our memories live.
And though your earthly eyes can’t see believe that I am there.
Whene’er you feel the whispering wind flow gently through your hair.
I’m there when fireflies light the dark, when candles mark a year.
I’m there when you are far from home and when you need an ear.
I’m always just a thought away, our souls could never part. Connected for eternity, forever in your hearts
Forever loved and sadly missed by her loving husband John Joe and family.
Granny Madge
Your kindness and love were so special and your heart so pure and true, you made the world a better place just by being you.
We miss you Granny, so dearly, we wish you were here with us, to help to guide us through the years, to be the person we want to be.
Words cannot describe the way we feel having to say this last goodbye, not to have you here with us to wipe the tears from our eyes.
But you’ll never be forgotten, in our hearts you’ll always be, and until we meet again, Granny, we’ll keep your memory safe with us.
Always loved, never forgotten, forever missed, her adored grandchildren, Ryan, Sarah, Caoimhe, Billy, Luke, Adam, Diarmuid, Katie, Bobby, Oonagh, Ben, Thomas, Ciaran, Molly, AJ, Seán and Alibhe.
Anniversary Mass will take place on Sunday 28th July 2024 at 11am in Church of the Good Shepherd, Four Roads
Also his daughter Carole whose anniversary occurs on 31st July 2024
The moment that you left me my heart split in two, one filled with memories, the other side died with you.
I often lay awake at night, when the world is fast asleep and take a walk down memory lane with tears upon my cheek. Remembering you is easy, I do it everyday, but missing you is a heartache that never goes away.
I hold you tightly within my heart and there you will remain, as my life goes on without you, but will never be the same.
Always remembered, so sadly missed by Maureen and family.
Anniversary Mass in St. Joseph’s Church, Ballyforan on Friday, 26th July at 7.30pm.
SMYTH
Eithne
Weekfield, Roscommon. In loving memory of Eithne, who died on the 20th July 2004.
R.I.P. (20th Anniversary)
To me you were someone special, someone set apart, your memory will live forever, engraved in my heart
Always sadly missed by your loving husband, Johnny.
Anniversary Mass in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Saturday evening, 27th July at 7pm.
FITZPATRICK (née Mannion)
Jacinta
Curraghboy, Co. Roscommon who passed away on 31st July 2023, aged 45 years
As we approach the 1st Anniversary of the passing of Jacinta Fitzpatrick (née Mannion), who left us on the 31st of July 2023. Jacinta was a cherished wife to Kevin and mother to Eabha and Shane, who she loved dearly, a beloved family member, and a dear friend to many.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Father McManus and Father Gary Toman for the lovely mass and kind words.
A special thanks to the wonderful people of the parish of Kiltoom and Cam, St Brigid’s GAA club and especially our friends and neighbours in Curraghboy village and Ardmullen, for their kindness and solidarity during this di cult time, and who brought food and refreshments and organised the stewarding and directing tra c.
We would like to thank everyone who sent Mass Cards, messages of sympathy and those who called personally to Jacinta’s home to pay their respects.
Our gratitude also goes out to the dedicated sta at the Hermitage Clinic, especially Collette Warren, in Dublin for their compassionate care.
We would also like to express our gratitude to the sta of the Dean Kelly National School, and Warrenmount Presentational National School for their continued support to us throughout the past year. Thank you to Carmel Browne, President of the Irish National Teachers Organisation for the support from her team after the loss of Jacinta. Sincere thanks to Jacinta’s former friends and colleagues from her nursing days.
She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this as a token of our grateful appreciation. Jacinta’s 1st Anniversary Mass will be held in Curraghboy Church on Sunday, the 28th of July 2024, at 10am.
We invite all who knew and loved Jacinta to join us in remembrance and prayer.
CONNAUGHTON
Ned and Mary
Ardsallagh, Roscommon
In loving memory of a dear father and grandfather who passed away on 31st December 1999 and a loving mother and granny who passed away on 28th July 2007
Along the road of suffering, you found a little lane, that took you up to Heaven and ended all your pain. You may be out of sight, we may be worlds apart, but you are always in our prayers, and forever in our hearts. We have loved them in life, let us not forget them in death.
Always remembered and sadly missed by their sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren.
Anniversary Mass on Friday, 26th July at 11am in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.
FARRELL
William (Billy)
Roxboro, Roscommon. (9th Anniversary)
In loving memory of my dear brother Billy who died on 29th July 2015
You will always be remembered by your loving brother John.
Remembering Billy on this his 9th Anniversary.
Always remembered by Karen, Dave, Chantelle and Richard.
Masses o ered.
KEANE (nee Roan)
Margaret
Kilbegnet, Creggs, Co. Roscommon
Who passed away on the 29th July 2019 (5th Anniversary)
In our hearts your memory lingers, sweetly tender, fond and true, there is not a day, dear Mother, that we do not think of you.
Lovingly remembered by her family.
Eddie
(Peggie) Late of Grange, Curraghboy, Athlone
In loving memory of our dear parents Eddie who died on 27th of July 2007 and Peggie who died on 3rd of September 2008
Deep are the memories, precious they stay no passing of time can take them away.
Loved and remembered by your family. Masses o ered.
(Ned 25th Anniversary and Mary 17th Anniversary)
CAUNEEN
Tadhg
Ballymore, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon (3rd Anniversary) 30th July 2021
If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane we could walk right up to heaven and bring you back again.
No farewell words were spoken no time to say goodbye, you were gone before we knew it and only God knows why
Our hearts still ache in sadness and secret tears still flow. What it meant to lose you no one will ever know
But now we know you want us to mourn for you no more.
To remember all the happy times life still has much in store.
Since you’ll never be forgotten we pledge to you today, a hallowed place within our hearts is where you’ll always stay
So sadly missed and loved, Mammy, Tommy, Gary, Eddie, extended family and friends.
Anniversary mass, Carniska Church on Monday 29th July at 7.30pm
Treasured memories of Tadhg who passed away on the 30th of July 2021
R.I.P
Time slips by and life goes on, but from our hearts you’re never gone. We think about you always, we talk about you too. We have so many memories, but we wish we still had you.
Loved and remembered always by your Uncle Michael, Maura, Michelle, Patrick and Alan. xx ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ No matter how life changes, no matter what we do. A special place within our hearts is always kept for you.
Fondly remembered by the Sweeney families.
Our memories are precious, your presence is missed, forgetting you never.
Harry, Aileen, Alanna and Andrea.
BURKE
Andy (Andrew)
Cloonlara South, Glenamaddy, Galway who passed away on 22nd June, 2024 (Month’s Mind)
The family of Andy (Andrew) Burke who passed away peacefully on the 22nd of June 2024 would like to express their sincere gratitude to all who sympathised and supported them before, during and after his recent passing.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our fantastic neighbours both near and far, friends and relatives, old work colleagues, who provided us with such unwavering emotional and practical support.
A special thanks to Micheal Giblin who is always there when called.
We have been truly touched by all the kindness of those who called, travelled, sent owers, cards, messages of condolences both in person and online as well as those who made charitable donations.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone that attended Andy’s Removal and Funeral Mass, it has meant more to us than you will ever know.
We are truly grateful to Pat and Caroline from Coneran Funeral Directors. Their sensitive and professional handling of the funeral arrangements during such a di cult time meant the world to us.
A special thanks to Dr. Bernadette Lynch, her team and all the nurses and sta of Hospital 1, Unit 1 Merlin Park Hospital.
To Dr. Seamus Cunningham, Aoife and sta of Bishop Street Medical Centre Tuam, for all their support through the years.
To all the Doctors and nurses at the University Hospital Galway, especially Professor Regan and Dr. Oisin O’ Donnell who showed Andy such respect and dignity in his nal days.
To Gearoid Garvey and all his sta in Garvey’s Pharmacy, Glenamaddy for all their assistance throughout the years.
A huge thank you to each and every blood donor for your invaluable contribution to the lives of so many and also to their families.
We would like to sincerely thank Fr. Anthia for his help and guidance and to Father Paddy Mooney, Fr. Sean Mawn and Fr. Donal Morris who helped make Andy’s Mass a lovely celebration of his life. To the Sacristan, Bridie, who had the church looking beautiful.
To Eoin for his beautiful music in the church and to Paul for his lovely singing in the graveyard.
To the grave diggers, Micheal, Jimmy, Micheal, Liam and Conor for preparing Andy’s nal resting place with such respect. To Becky, Jimmy and all the sta from Screene’s of Guilka Catering for the lovely food that was supplied and Martina and Tony Gibbons of Heneghan’s from SuperValu in Glenamaddy. Also to Mary Pettit for her help with the Community Centre. It is impossible to thank everyone individually so hopefully this acknowledgment will show in some small way our family’s deep appreciation for all your support and kind words we received about Andy. Your support has been incredibly meaningful to us. The holy sacri ce of the mass will be o ered for your intentions.
“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.
Unseen unheard but always near. Still loved, still missed and very dear.”
Andy’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated in St Patrick’s Church Glenamaddy F45 A339 on Saturday the 27th of July at 7:00 pm
CASHIN (nee Lohan)
Evelyn
Manchester and formerly Caggle, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon (6th Anniversary)
Cherished memories of our darling sister, who passed away on 30th July, 2018
The midnight stars are shining on a grave not far away, where we laid to rest a loving sister six years ago today.
It’s there we often wander, it’s there we keep in touch with Evelyn who we loved so dearly, and miss so very much.
They say that hearts don’t really break but dear God that’s not true, the day that Evelyn was laid to rest it broke our hearts in two.
Think of her as living In the hearts of those she touched, for nothing loved is ever lost and she was loved so much.
Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her sisters, Ita, Teresa, Mary, Bernadette, and Imelda, brother Sean and extended family members.
Anniversary Mass for Evelyn will be celebrated in Four-Mile-House Church on Sunday 28th July at 11 am.
BURNS
loving memory of our family.
passed away on 27th July 2007
(17th Anniversary)
Who passed away on 26th September 2000 (24th Anniversary)
Who passed away on 10th September 1976 (48th Anniversary)
May the winds of love blow softly and whisper for ye to hear, We will always love and miss you and wish that ye were here.
If it’s memories that keep us close then we are never far apart, for ye are always on our minds and forever in our hearts.
Loved and remembered Marty, Nuala, Johnny, Leah, Lisa and Alan Mass o ered.
In loving memory of Annie who passed away on the 30th July 2016 R.I.P.
We lost a mother with a heart of gold how much we miss her can never be told She shared our troubles and helped us along if we follow her footsteps, we will never go wrong
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone for part of us went with you the day God called you home
As we look upon your pictures sweet memories we recall of faces full of sunshine a smile for one and all
You are always close behind us in everything we do you were a special mother, God’s gift to us was you
Sweet Jesus take this message to our dear mother up above, tell her how we miss her and give her all our love
We hold her close within our hearts and there she shall remain to walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again
So, rest in peace dear loved one and thanks for all you’ve done we pray that God has given you the crown you’ve truly won
Deep are the memories
Precious they stay
No passing of time
Can take them away
Always loved and sadly missed by her sons Con and Aidan and daughter-in-law Kathleen.
To hear your voice, to see you smile, to sit and talk with you awhile. To be together in the same old way, would be our dearest wish today.
Lovingly remembered by her sisters Ellie and Sheila, their husbands Tommie and Sean. Her brother-in-law Sean, nieces, nephews and their families.
or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.
Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Monday, 29th July at 7pm.
Who
Mount Dillon, Curraghroe, Co. Roscommon In
Joseph (Joey) Annie Carmel
Business
GlobalLogic announces 15 new jobs
Athlone-based GlobalLogic, a Hitachi Group company and global leader in digital engineering, has announced its expansion on the island of Ireland with a new office in Newry, Co Down. The expansion will be supported by the creation of fifteen jobs in GlobalLogic’s new Northern Ireland hub.The strategic expansion will drive further business growth for GlobalLogic in Ireland. Last year, GlobalLogic acquired Sidero, the Athlone-based cloud and software development company. The acquisition marked GlobalLogic’s first entry into the Irish market, and Sidero has
since become GlobalLogic in Ireland. The ambitious expansion on the island of Ireland will support GlobalLogic’s global plans.
From its new base in Northern Ireland, GlobalLogic will support a greater number of businesses with indemand digital engineering expertise, design-led experiences, data services, and AI-powered product and platform development. Initially, the Northern Ireland office will focus on enterprises in the public sector, as well as those operating in the healthcare, life sciences, telecoms, financial services, and transport industries.
The new jobs are being created over the next two years across human resources, business development, and software engineering.
Carmel Owens (MD, GlobalLogic in Ireland) said: “This expansion in Northern Ireland cements GlobalLogic’s commitment to businesses on the island of Ireland, while also representing a significant step in our ambitious growth plans. This new presence builds on the success we have steered from our Athlone HQ and is a strong validation of the skills, expertise and dedication of the entire GlobalLogic team in Ireland”.
Recent opening of Niamh’s Party Palace, Roscommon town …
Pictured are Nichola Cook (Chief People O cer), Lee Wright (Business Development Director), and Carmel Owens (MD, GlobalLogic in Ireland).
The newly-opened Niamh’s Party Palace situated in the Stonecourt Centre in Roscommon Town has a wide selection of cards and party decorations to cater for all party needs. Pic: Kieran Croghan
Niamh Cattigan (centre), owner of the newly-opened Niamh’s Party Palace at the Stonecourt Centre in Roscommon Town, pictured with Kara Shannon (left) and Laura O’Donnell (right). Pic: Kieran Croghan
Niamh Cattigan (second from left), owner of the newly-opened Niamh’s Party Palace pictured with her husband JJ Cattigan (second from right), Kara Shannon (left) and Laura O’Donnell (right) outside her new premises in the Stonecourt Centre in Roscommon Town. Pic: Kieran Croghan
Niamh Cattigan, owner of the newly-opened Niamh’s Party Palace, pictured in her new premises at the Stonecourt Centre in Roscommon Town. Pic: Kieran Croghan
The newly-opened Niamh’s Party Palace situated in the Stonecourt Centre in Roscommon Town has a wide selection of cards and party decorations to cater for all party needs. Pic: Kieran Croghan
Sports PEOPLE
Boyle lay down early marker
Defending champions Boyle are up and running for 2024 after round one of the Dermot Hughes Cars Ladies Senior Football Championship which was played last weekend.
Boyle were the 4-12 to 2-4 winners against a Kilbride side who saw star players Aisling Hanly, Fiona Tully and Aisling Shanagher all leaving the pitch through injury during the game.
Goals from Emma Duggan, Aimee Roddy and Nicole Kerins helped Boyle to a 3-7 to 1-3 half-time lead. Aisling Shanagher scored a second-half goal for Kilbride but another fine goal from Nicole Kerins sealed a great win for Boyle.
St Dominic’s began their campaign with an excellent 11 points apiece draw against Clann na nGael in Johnstown. They were six points down with 20 minutes to go but staged a brilliant comeback and levelled the game in the second minute of injury-time.
Clann were the stronger side early on – with Rosie Lennon accurate from play and frees – but an excellent display from Aoife Gavin helped to keep St Dominic’s in the match.
Clann looked the likely winners but a late surge by St Dominic’s saw them come to within a point and then Aimee O’Connor levelled the scores in injury-time.
St Brigid’s defeated Shannon Gaels in Croghan by 3-10 to 2-9. The home side looked the better team for most of the way but St Brigid’s were more clinical up front and that made the difference.
Shannon Gaels scored their first goal from Michaela Dunne in the first half. St Brigid’s hit back with goals from Marian Nolan and Kate Nolan before half-time.
When Michaela Dunne scored her side’s second goal it looked like the Gaels would prevail, but St Brigid’s finished strongly with a string of points and a super goal from Lucy Sheffield.
Roscommon prepares to cheer on Olympian Aoife
Olympic fever has well and truly gripped the community of Castlerea as the town prepares to cheer on local Olympian Aoife O’Rourke in this year’s Paris Olympics which get underway this Friday.
Aoife, a native of Tarmon in Castlerea, is the current European boxing champion and is set to make her second Olympic appearance, having first qualified for the Tokyo Olympics back in 2021.
The preliminary round of the women’s 75kg competition takes place next Wednesday, July 31st and Aoife will find out who her opponent will be when the draw for the first round takes place this afternoon (Thursday).
The town of Castlerea is making a huge effort to show their support for the local fighter by decorating the town in Irish flags and Olympic bunting ahead of the games thanks to a GoFundMe fundraising campaign organised by Susan Gaynor.
The campaign, which has almost reached €4,000 to date, is aimed at raising funds to cover the costs of decorations, including bunting, banners, posters and other signage to put up through the streets of Castlerea.
Boyle’s Ciara Byrne in action against Kilbride during the opening round of the Dermot
Castlerea’s Aoife O’Rourke, pictured here celebrating after winning gold at the European Games in 2023, is set to take to the ring in the Paris Olympics next Wednesday, July 31st.
This year’s Galway annual racing festival is on top of us once again, providing us with seven days of both national hunt and flat racing. All days have mixed fare, coupled with all the craic, ceol agus ól that is associated with the Ballybrit festival.
Starting next Monday, the opening three days will get underway at 4.50 pm, while on Thursday, Ladies Day, it starts at the earlier time of 2.10 pm.
On Monday, festival racing begins with TheGalmont.com & Galwaybayhotel.com Novice Hurdle over 2m, followed by the Easyfix Handicap Hurdle, also over 2m.
The flat racing begins with the colts and geldings 2-Y-O Eventus Irish EBF Maiden over 7f.
The fourth is the Clayton Hotel Galway Handicap for 3-YOs only (also over 7f) and the fifth race is the featured Connaught Hotel Qualified Riders Handicap over 2m with 35 entries (only 20 allowed run).
If Noel Meade’s Golden Temple runs, looking for a fourtimer, he could be worth supporting on his recent wins in Curragh over 2m and over hurdles in Roscommon and Down Royal.
Next up is the Grá Chocolates Handicap, for 3-Y-Os only (over 1m 4f), and racing comes
to a close for the day with the Monami Construction Flat Race, a bumper for 4-Y-Os and amateur riders only, over 2m.
Tuesday’s first is the Colm Quinn BMW Novice Hurdle over 2m, which is followed by the first race of the meeting over the major obstacles, the 2m 2f Latin Quarter Beginners Chase.
Flat racing returns with the Colm Quinn BMW Irish EBF Maiden for 2-Y-O fillies over 7f. Fourth on the card is the Caulfield Industrial Irish EBF Maiden for 3-Y-O and older, which is over 7f.
The traditional Tuesday feature, the Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap is the fourth race on the card at 7.10 pm with 44 entries. Racing ends with two handicaps, first over 7f and the second over 1m, both sponsored by Caulfield Industrial.
National hunt racing starts a fully Tote sponsored card on Wednesday, opening with a maiden hurdle over 2m 5f followed by a handicap hurdle over 2m 6f.
The third race on the card is the 2m Irish EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle while the fourth race is a flat maiden for amateur jockeys over 1m 4f.
At 7.10 pm the feature of the day, and main chase of the festi-
val, the Galway Plate Handicap Chase, takes place over 2m 6f. There are 33 entries with a limit of 22 runners allowed.
The penultimate race is a 3-YO handicap over 1m, and racing ends with 2m flat handicap for 3-Y-Os and over.
On Thursday, Ladies Day, there are 41 entries in the Galway Hurdle and next week we will look back at the opening days and will take a much closer look at the last four days of the festival.
This weekend’s racing
Irish racing this week starts this evening (Thursday) with a national hunt card at Wexford, away at 4.25 pm. There is also a flat card at Leopardstown, off at 5.15 pm, featuring two Group 3 races: the Silver Flash Stakes and the Tyros Stakes.
Tomorrow (Friday), the flat meeting is in the evening at Cork, away at 4.50 pm and national hunt fare is in Kilbeggan, away at 4.40 pm. Saturday and Sunday see racing at Gowran Park, off at 2.17 pm.
On TV ITV coverage this week starts tomorrow (Friday) and features all seven races on the flat from Yarmouth.
On Saturday they are showing four from Ascot including the Group 1 King George Queen Elizabeth Stakes and three races from York.
Short putts
BALLAGHADERREEN
Ballaghaderreen Ladies Golf committee held a very enjoyable fundraising night in Durkin’s Bar last Friday.
Maria Carton, professional style advisor, presented a fashion masterclass on personal shopping and wardrobe makeovers to a large and lively audience. A huge thank you to Teresa Bruen who organised the event and raffle on the night. Congratulations to Teresa Bruen, winner of last weekend’s 18-hole competition, and to Deirdre O’Gara, winner of the 9-hole competition. The weekly scramble continues every Tuesday evening at 6.30 pm.
BOYLE
Congratulations to our Jack O’Sullivan team who claimed a great win in the first round of the Interclub tournament by knocking out County Sligo Golf Club. The second round will be played in the coming weeks.
In the other remaining interclub men’s tournament, Boyle’s firstround match in this year’s Connacht Shield against Swinford has been arranged for Sunday, August 11th
Well done to Liam Whyte who won this year’s Lady Captain’s Prize to
the men with 42 pts, four points clear of second-placed Michael Simon.
The men’s weekly Thursday competition continues as a 12-hole. Next weekend’s competition for the men is the 18-hole Stableford PGA Tankard.
CARRICK-ON-SHANNON
Carrick-on-Shannon Golf Club President Mary O’Rourke asked members on President’s Night to donate to local charity North-West STOP and Mary presented a cheque for €1,200 to Nicola O’Connor from NorthWest SPOP at the clubhouse recently.
Our Lady captain Anne Cox asked members, during Captain’s Prize Week, to donate to the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation and Anne presented a cheque for €1,400 to CEO Martina Jennings. Thanks to all who donated in both fundraisers.
Well done to Ann Keenan, Katrina Fitzpatrick and Martina Sweeney who won the recent Ladies Wednesday Scramble with a score of 29 nett, and to Patrice Gallagher who won the Ladies Friday 9-hole competition with 23 pts.
Congratulations to our Jimmy Bruen team who had an excellent 3-1 win over the County Sligo team last week in round two of the Interclub competition. They are now through
With the Olympic Games on RTE 2, racing from Galway next week features on RTE 1 for the first three days.
Racing News
English trainer Ralph Beckett added a second Irish Classic to his CV when ‘You Got To Me’ won the Irish Oaks adding to his derby win in 2022 with Westover.
Ridden by Hector Crouch, the filly won by ¾ length and 1½ lengths from the disappointing favourite AP O’Brien’s Content in second.
There are 11 runners confirmed for Saturday’s King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes at Ascot. Auguste Rodin, who finished a disappointing last in the race in
to the Connacht semi-final in two weeks’ time.
The club would like to thank Shamzuri Hanifa from the Cottage Restaurant for his very generous sponsorship of last week’s club competition. Congratulations to the overall winner John Coffey (with a score of 68 nett).
CASTLEREA
Congratulations and well done to Padraic Casey who won the recent Hester’s Golden Eagle-sponsored club competition with a score of 63 nett. Emmett Patten came in second with a score of 66 nett.
ROSCOMMON
Congratulations to Geraldine Hoban who won Phil Murray O’Brien’s Lady Captain’s Prize with a great score of 143 recently.
The winner of Friday’s Open was Seamus O’Donghaile with 39 pts while the Class Grass-sponsored 18hole club competition was won by Clement McCormack with 41 pts. Thanks to all who supported our British Open fundraiser to help with the costs of sending two teams to the All-Ireland finals in August.
Our men and ladies 18-hole Open continues on Friday.
2023, heads five runners from Ballydoyle and is 5/4 favourite, with the English-trained Bluestocking and the globe-trotting Rebel’s Romance his biggest dangers.
There was a shock defeat for Joseph O’Brien’s recent Roscommon winner Green Triangle at Killarney last Thursday, as the odds-on favourite went clear at the distance and looked home and hosed before crashing through the running rail 50 yards from the line, presenting the race to Lambourn, who was trained by his father AP O’Brien.
Competition Corner
Winners of the tickets for Kilbeggan this Friday evening are
from
For a chance to win tickets to Roscommon on August 6th , please answer the following question: On what day does the Galway Plate Handicap Chase take place?
Answers as usual please on a postcard to the Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon or by email to tomred17@ gmail.com by 5 pm on Wednesday, July 31st Don’t forget to include your name, address and a contact phone number with all competition entries.
Tickets can be collected in the office in Abbey Street, Roscommon.
David dominates night four of the Super League
The fourth night of The Hollywood Bar Darts Super League was played last Friday night. The final went down to two players, David Concannon and Paul Carton, who had shown top form throughout the evening.
Both players topped their respective groups on the night, followed by very impressive wins in the last 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals.
The final started with an in-form Carton racing into a 1-0 lead, but Concannon came back in the second leg to level the match 1-1.
Carton upped the ante in the third leg but Concannon had the answers again and some consistent scoring helped him take a 2-1 lead.
Carton kept Concannon under the cosh in the fourth leg but two big scores at crucial times proved the difference as Concannon went on to record a 3-1 win.
It was a great final to close out the midway point of the competition. Many thanks as always to management and staff of The Hollywood Bar for all their help, plus the sponsorship and food provided on the night, which is all very welcome.
Top pro players to visit: Two of the top professional darts players in the world will grace the oche in Roscommon over the next few weeks.
First up is former World Grand Prix and World Matchplay Champion Colin ‘Jaws’ Lloyd, who will visit The Sports-
man’s Inn in Strokestown on Sunday, August 4th
Just a month later, 2018 World Champion Rob Cross will visit The Coachman’s Inn, Roscommon Town on Friday, September 6th
For those interested in attending either of these events or playing either of these players, please check the Facebook pages of the venues for more details.
Best wishes to Castlerea St. Kevin’s from
by Tom Red
Mick McGarry
Roscommon, Tom Beirne from Mullingar and Karen Greene from Lisacul.
The 2024 Galway Racing Festival gets underway next Monday.
(News from local golf clubs)
The runner-up on night four of the Hollywood Bar Darts Super League, Paul Carton (left) pictured with winner David Concannon (right) last Friday night.
Gaels win Division 4 title
Torreymore Roscommon Division 4 League Final Roscommon Gaels 1-10 Castlerea St Kevin’s 1-8
Roscommon Gaels won the Division Four league final last Friday evening when they defeated Castlerea St Kevin’s after extra-time at Lisnamult. As a result of the win they have secured promotion to the Tansey Cup for next season. The final score was Roscommon Gaels 1-10 Castlerea St Kevin’s 1-8.
It took late points from Aodha Hession and John McGuinness to seal the win for the Gaels. Fionn Killian scored an early goal for the town team, but Castlerea came back well in the second quarter and John Curran’s goal ensured that the sides were level at half-time at 1-3 each.
It was point for point in the second half in the wet conditions and it was only in the second half of extra-time when the Gaels edged ahead to take the title.
Four Roads crowned senior hurling league champions
Roscommon Senior Hurling League Final
Four Roads 4-18 Tremane 0-16
Four Roads added another piece of silverware to their trophy cabinet after becoming Roscommon Senior Hurling League champions last Saturday, defeating Tremane comfortably on a scoreline of 4-18 to 0-16.
It was a close game in the early stages with the teams tied at six points apiece after 25 minutes, but a late flurry of scores from Four Roads meant they went in at the break leading 2-8 to 0-8. Tremane’s hopes of a comeback were dealt a massive blow when they were reduced to 14
Player Profile
Name: Sean Donnelly Team: U-12s Position: Forward
Three words that describe me: Smart, fair, happy
Skill strength: I’ll run all day
Skill weakness: Shot power
Favourite team: Arsenal
Favourite player: Bukayo Saka
restart. Four Roads made their extra
of the second half it was still a very strong team performance from last year’s county
On the Pitch
Favourite Irish player: Liam Brady
Best stadium in the world: Emirates Stadium London
Messi or Ronaldo or neither: Messi
PlayStation or Xbox or neither: PlayStation
Favourite food: Pancakes and Nutella
Favourite song: Stick Season by Noah Khan
Favourite book: Tony Ten
What makes me happy: Playing football and hanging out with my friends
Person I admire the most: Mum and Dad
Why I play soccer: It’s good fun and it’s good exercise
Hopes for the season: To win a trophy and have a good season
Social
Media
Follow us on our social media channels – Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Our Community. Our
C’mon The Town
(Roscommon Town Youth Soccer)
On Monday, our Town 1 U-14 side were in a sevens semi-final at home to Shiven and Town 3 played Town 2 in the league.
On Thursday, our Town 2 U-16 boys side play Shiven in a sevens semi-final.
On Friday evening, three of our six boys U-11 teams have matches. Champions League 1 travel to Moylough. Champions League 2 are in Newbridge while Champions League 3 are at home to Glen Celtic.
On Saturday morning, our U-7s are in Castlerea for a series of matches. Later that day, our boys U-18s are away to Cloonfad.
On Sunday evening, our U-18 girls are in Castlerea.
Maiden Match
Our girls U-18 team played their first competitive match last Sunday. A late Paige Caslin goal was enough to secure the three points at home to Shiven Rovers.
In association with the
Well done girls, good luck this season and enjoy your football.
Sevens Finals
Best wishes to our teams who are in finals action this Saturday in Shiven Rovers grounds in Newbridge (H53NP70).
We hope the players, coaches and parents enjoy the experience.
Thank You
Thanks to Castle Street Tyres for sponsoring tops for our boys U-11 coaches this season. It is very much appreciated.
Success
Silverware signifies success but it is much more than shiny cups. Success is skill progression. Success is consistent effort, communication and preparation. Success is respectful relationships. Success is the realisation of expectation. Success is excellence. Success is socialisation. Success is participation. Success is player retention. Success can be small or sizeable. Success is encouragement and enjoyment for all in a safe and supportive environment. For sure, success is subjective but it is much more than silverware.
Supportive sidelines
Respect the referee. Trust the coaches. Encourage the players –but don’t instruct. Be sound or be silent!
Women’s Social Soccer
Women’s Social Soccer takes place every Monday at the astro pitch at 7 pm. All welcome!
Wise Words
“I never dreamt of success. I worked for it” – Estee Lauder
Support the Town
If you would like to support the Town in our work with young people on or off the pitch (coaching, sponsorship, admin, IT, equipment, etc) or if you have a suggestion or a query, please email info@roscommontownyouthsoccer.ie. Thank you.
Pictured are the Roscommon Town U-18 girls team.
Pictured are the Roscommon Town U-9 girls team.
The Roscommon Gaels panel and management pictured after winning the Division Four league nal, defeating Castlerea St Kevin’s last Friday evening in Lisnamult. Pic: Roscommon Gaels Facebook
The Four Roads hurling panel and management pictured with the cup after being crowned Roscommon senior hurling league champions last Saturday. Pic: Four Roads Hurling Facebook Page
SPORTS DESK
Paul Healy
A Clare day (after a classic)
Like most of the country (and a spellbound new audience across the water in Britain) I thoroughly enjoyed last Sunday’s brilliant All-Ireland Senior Hurling final.
Seven points up, Cork were flying, but Clare had no intention of willingly crowning the Rebels. And so the game ebbed and flowed, gloriously. This epic contest was marked by the quality of scores, the unrelenting pace throughout, and the courage of both sets of players.
There was incredible drama in the final minutes of normal time, and then at the end of extra-time, when Cork’s late fightback came agonisingly short of sending it all to a replay. Cork should have been granted a free at the end (which would have led to a certain equaliser). It wasn’t awarded – meaning it was a Clare day. Congratulations to ‘The Banner’ on a magnificent All-Ireland win.
What the neighbours thought…
Last Sunday’s was the first ever All-Ireland Hurling final to be broadcast live ‘across the water’ – with BBC Two viewers enthralled by what they witnessed.
While BBC Northern Ireland has been broadcasting GAA games in recent years, and Sky Sports has provided some coverage too, this was a first ever live showing of an All-Ireland final by the BBC for audiences in England, Scotland and Wales. The response was entirely positive, with viewers amazed by the skill levels, the speed and the courage on display.
On X/Twitter, one person tweeted: ‘Any British people wondering what the story is with Hurling
on BBC 2, just imagine two teams of Roy Keane, but they all have a large weapon in their hands’.
But when it comes to hurling’s new-found fans, the tweet of the weekend was this one (from another first-time viewer): ‘Hurling appears to be a mix of UFC, rugby, hockey, football, baseball, the egg and spoon race all whilst hitting a snooker ball as hard as you can as high into the sky as possible towards goal with what looks like the bones of a tomahawk steak. 10/10. Would recommend’.
When Ray ruled the world
While it was the mesmerising Alex Higgins who mainly drew me to snooker in the late 1970s/early 1980s, ‘The Hurricane’ was just one – albeit the most fascinating and hypnotic – of a wonderful cast of characters in that sport at that time. Even the slower and less exciting players had a certain appeal, probably because they could be cast as the villain in this thrilling sporting soap opera.
Terry Griffiths was and is a gentleman, but he was slow, ponderous even, quite the contrast to
flashy players like Tony Meo and Kirk Stevens, not to mention wizards of the green baize like Higgins and Jimmy White. It would be unfair to label Griffiths a villain; that role generally fell to Steve Davis, who was a touch boring, annoyingly good and possessed of a temperament that made him a serial winner.
Eddie Charlton and Cliff Thorburn were gifted players but they too were slow and serious, which made their matches with the likes of Alex Higgins all the more enjoyable because of the contrast in personalities and playing styles.
There were so many wonderful characters during that golden age of snooker. Of course the standard has risen dramatically since those days, but it was a golden age because snooker was, for the first time, emerging from the proverbial smoke-filled backstreet clubs and entering the mainstream sporting world. Thanks to the incredibly charismatic Higgins, the impact of some of his fellow players, and the advent of colour television, the sport was suddenly receiving extensive TV coverage, its colourful stars becoming familiar faces and household names, the public captivated.
John Spencer, Willie Thorne, Tony Pulman, Dennis Taylor, Doug Mountjoy, Bill Werbeniuk, Perrie Mans, Rex Williams, John Virgo and Tony Knowles were other stars of that era.
One of the greatest of them all was Ray Rear-
don. Unlike Higgins, the Welshman didn’t play in a flamboyant style, or move around the table at speed, nor did he have a fiery temperament liable (as the Northern Irishman’s did) to bring a sense of unpredictability to every tournament.
But Reardon was a great competitor, a superb player, a tactical master. When allied with his charming personality and natural gravitas, the combination made him one of snooker’s most popular figures. Nicknamed ‘Dracula’ – merely due to his distinctive hairstyle – he had a wonderful sense of humour.
He was also a prolific winner, winning six world titles and many other tournaments too. Having dominated the sport in the 1970s, he remained a major force into the first half of the 1980s, and in later years was regarded as snooker’s elder statesman.
In 1982, Reardon and Higgins – who shared a great mutual respect – met in an enthralling world final, shaded 18-15 by Alex after his opponent had levelled at 15-all. That of course was the occasion on which Higgins provided one of sport’s most memorable moments, as he broke into tears and pleaded for his baby daughter to join him with the world trophy, the resulting images iconic.
Snooker fans loved Ray Reardon. He died last Friday, aged 91. He was a sporting legend whose name and familiar smiling face will forever shine brightly in the snooker hall of fame.
Revealed: July isn’t September
Wrapping up the race for Liam (MacCarthy) and Sam (Maguire) by the end of July – barring the need for a replay after this weekend’s ArmaghGalway game – feels very strange.
While there are mixed views on the ‘split season’ – and most people appreciate the challenges facing those tasked with working miracles on GAA fixtures/scheduling – anyone I’ve discussed this topic with recently has been negative about the curtain falling on inter-county action by the end of July.
Anyone for cricket?
Masters march on
Congratulations to the Roscommon GAA Masters football team, who qualified for the All-Ireland semi-final with a six-point win over Galway last weekend (0-15 to 0-9).
American Football National Finals in Athlone
American Football takes centre stage at Dubarry Park, home of Buccaneers RFC, on Saturday when American Football Ireland hold their two main championship finals in Athlone with both the Harp Bowl and Shamrock Bowl deciders taking place.
A full day’s action is guaranteed with the Division One Harp Bowl final between the Craigavon Cowboys and the West Dublin Rhinos kicking off at 1 pm, while the Premier clash for the Shamrock Bowl between ten-times national champions Dublin Rebels and UCD follows at 5.30 pm.
Tickets, with discounts for groups or families, can be bought on the day but are also now on sale online at www.universe.com.
Golf Classic: Buccaneers RFC’s annual Golf Classic had a full entry list at Glasson Lakehouse. The team of Austin Hanley, Eamonn Barrett, Lexie Stronge and Michael Piggott scored a century of points to secure top spot. Buccaneers RFC thanks everyone who supported this fundraiser by participating or sponsoring a tee. Thanks also to our club volunteers on the day. Special merit to all at Glasson Lakehouse
for the fine food and service and especially for having the course in splendid condition.
Subscriptions: Annual
membership subscription rates have been set for the coming season. This year the club is utilising the
July 1st.
Camp, in association with Smith’s SuperValu Monksland, takes place from August 12th to 16th of August (9.30 am to 12 noon daily). Learn to play rugby in a fun, safe environment.
IRFU preferred Sportslomo platform which opened for renewal of subscriptions on
Summer Camp: Buccaneers Rugby Summer
The Buccaneers Minis Tag Rugby participants pictured recently.
Kilbride’s Fiona Tully tries to get past Shannon Kerins of Boyle during their Dermot Hughes Roscommon Ladies SFC opening round match last Sunday in Kilbride. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
Joyce expects respective full-forward lines to be key
Regardless of the result this Sunday, Padraic Joyce’s place as a Galway football legend has been long secured. However, the Kilkerrin man is desperate to manage his native county to an All-Ireland title and this Sunday he will have another chance, his second in three years, after their loss to Kerry in 2022.
At a recent media event ahead of the final, the Galway manager emphasised the value of a big squad and how it had proven so important to Galway this year given the injuries that they have had.
between the teams on Sunday.
“Look, it’s going to be a serious battle, there is nothing between us over the past few years. There has been a narrow win each and a draw over the past
few games. Both sides will be confident that they can win it. It will be a great occasion… it will be a huge tactical battle too and the team that makes the least mistakes on the day will come through it”.
What will the Dubs do on Sunday – no
The tactical approach to the game will be key, according to the Galway manager.
“We will identify their main men and try to nullify their influence but they will be doing the same thing.
They will hike to Croke Park with a owing blue tide –
No ags in the air – or down by their side
The maroon white and orange, with intent in their step
Will stampede the blue stride
Dubs will patch up the march on the way, Sombre tone – ego low – as onwards they go
This is not their day
Regret and failed expectation will link their refrain
As they tramp to Croke Park yet again
The battle with the middle eight will be very important, but at the end of the day the full-forward line on both sides will probably decide it”.
The big question mark from a Galway point of view is the fitness of key men Shane Walsh and Damien Comer. Their manager is confident that they will play a full part in the final.
“Shane is doing well. The nature of his injury is that he is improving all the time. We got 60 minutes from him in the semi-final, which was great.
“I always like to see a big squad and I like to bring in young players. ‘If you are good enough you are old enough’ is my way of thinking, and this year we have a lot of players who played league games who are not in our match-day panel of 26.
“Look at the likes of John Daly, Johnny Heaney and Kieran Molloy, who are not starting at the moment. It shows the strength of the panel. I mean John Daly was an All-Star two years ago. When you have the calibre of those players to come on with ten minutes to go it’s a great asset to have”.
Joyce is very confident that there won’t be much
They will berate O’Callaghan in the last ‘quarter’ for missing levelling score
In the ‘extra’ they felt the Dubs would win by more
They’ll fault Mannion for not reaching his best
Murchan and Scully was poor and in the second half – a few of the rest
Kilmurray and Fenton well restrained too
And they’ll anguish that Walsh of the Crokes didn’t take to wearing the blue
No blue smoke on Hill 16 today – concrete steps with new colours
To be lled
Dubs will arrive – now more ‘alive’
They will search for their places and shu e around
And on this, for so long their Special Day
They will survey what once was their cherished ground
No aging Cluxton kicking it out – no Fitzsimons about McCarthy or Dessie nowhere to be seen
Today maroon white and orange has trampled their green
Padraic Joyce and his West Awake team back in town
In search of their tenth, the Orchard their aim to mow down
McGeeney’s Northern Lights will again brighten the hallowed sports eld
A twenty-one-year wait – now, not to give in, or to yield
But their new-found vigour would hint that The Tribesmen should win
What will the Dubs do on this their ‘lost Sunday’ Drown their sorrows ‘til evening – empty beer barrels on Monday
“Damien missed a lot of football this year but he is getting better all the time and is very determined to play a full part so I am happy with both lads at this stage”.
Finally, the Galway manager says that Galway have not yet reached their best form.
“We have done well this year but I am convinced that there is still more in the tank. We are unbeaten all year. We haven’t lost a game and we have had some tough battles.
“If we can tap into our best performance for the final I think you could see a different Galway on Sunday. I think this will be a really good game of football and of course we are going there to win it”.
Galway manager Padraic Joyce (centre) is determined to guide his team to All-Ireland glory this Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
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This Sunday’s All-Ireland Senior Football final will be the first since 2010 with no involvement of one of Dublin, Kerry or Mayo, meaning there is a real novelty element to this weekend’s battle for the Sam Maguire Cup. Make no mistake, both sides will go into this game believing they can win. Armagh have been an improving team over the past few years but they seem to run out of luck in the big games, losing on penalties to Galway a couple of years ago, and to Donegal (also on penalties) in the Ulster final this year. In actual fact, that penalty shootout loss in the Ulster final aside, Armagh and Galway are both unbeaten in this year’s championship. The teams drew
Armagh’s path to the final
Armagh 3-11 Fermanagh 0-9 (Ulster Quarter-Final) Armagh 0-13 Down 2-6 (Ulster Semi-Final) Donegal 0-20 Armagh 0-20 AET: Donegal won on penalties (Ulster Final)
when they met in the round robin phase in Sligo (Armagh 1-12 Galway 0-15), so it shows that there is nothing much between them on current form.
Armagh would have been known for a conservative style of football under Kieran McGeeney, however in the last 25 minutes against Kerry in the recent semi-final they threw off the shackles and showed what they can do when being more positive.
They have a number of experienced and very classy footballers. Blaine Hughes is an outstanding goalkeeper. He never ventures too far from the goalline and his kick-outs are very accurate. Aaron McKay will probably have the task of mark-
ing Damien Comer, and should that be the case then it will be one of the highlights of the day.
Barry McCambridge is one of the stars of the 2024 championship. He scored 1-2 against Roscommon, and he fisted home an opportunist goal in the semi-final against Kerry too. Watch out for Aidan Forker on the other wing too. He loves to counter-attack.
In the middle of the park the clash of Niall Grimley and partner Ben Crealy with Paul Conroy and whoever he plays with on Sunday (likely to be one of Cein Darcy, Matthew Tierney or Cillian McDaid) will be another crucial clash.
Up front, Armagh like to play Rian O’Neill at number 11 but he can play anywhere from the
FACTS & FIGURES
This will be a first ever Armagh v Galway All-Ireland SFC final and a first appearance by Armagh in the final for 21 years.
This Sunday’s final will be the first since 2010 (Cork v Down) not to feature one of Dublin, Kerry or Mayo.
Armagh’s extra-time win over Kerry in the semi-final earned them a place in the final for the first time since 2003 (they lost to Tyrone on that occasion), while Galway’s win over Donegal booked them a place in the final for the second time in three seasons (they lost to Kerry in 2022).
Galway last won the title in 2001, the year before Armagh won it for the first time.
Armagh and Galway have already met this season, drawing 1-12 (Armagh) to 0-15 (Galway) in their AllIreland round robin clash in Markievicz Park in June. Armagh beat Galway by a point in the corresponding clash last year while Galway beat Armagh on penalties in the 2022 All-Ireland quarter-final.
Previous meetings
Galway and Armagh have met only six times previously in the championship, with Galway winning four to Armagh’s one, while this year’s clash was a draw.
2022: Galway 2-21 Armagh 3-18 AET. Galway won 4-1 on penalties (All-Ireland Quarter-Final)
Qualifier)
half-back line up. He is one of the best footballers in the country and his performance will be crucial to Armagh’s chances.
Conor Turbitt and Rory Grugan are excellent forwards and they too will be hoping to keep the scoreboard ticking over on Sunday. We must not forget that Armagh have some outstanding subs also. Stefan ‘Soupy’ Campbell is an excellent score-getter while Jarlath Og Burns and Oisin O’Neill are excellent options on the bench.
From a Galway point of view they will be hoping for a good display from Conor Gleeson in goal. He is an excellent net-minder but is prone to the odd lapse or two so Galway will be hoping that won’t happen on Sunday. I
like the way that Sean Fitzgerald has slotted in to the full-back position and he looks really assured now. Johnny Glynn and Johnny McGrath are excellent manmarkers and they will hope to tie down the Armagh dangermen on Sunday.
In the half-back line Dylan McHugh is having a brilliant season and is in line for footballer of the year. A good performance on Sunday could copperfasten that accolade for him. Liam Silke is now back to his best while Sean Mulkerrin has fully recovered from the serious injury that ruled him out in 2023 and is playing great football.
Paul Conroy is another one of the key men on the Galway team. The veteran is playing as
well as ever and is a real leader.
Up front, the Tribesmen will be depending on the ‘big three’ of Shane Walsh, Damien Comer and Rob Finnerty. Put simply, if these three are playing close to their best then Galway will win this All-Ireland.
Probably the most important player for Galway this year has been John Maher. He is the linkman between defence and attack and has been outstanding.
Matthew Tierney and Cillian McDaid are also in that Galway half-forward line. Both are excellent players who can also play at midfield.
Galway’s bench is very strong too. John Daly, Kieran Molloy, Johnny Heaney and Tomo Culhane will certainly see action
and they have been very effective all year.
If Armagh show the kind of positivity that we saw against Kerry in the second half of their recent semi-final then we are in for a cracking game. It’s a very tough game to call but I keep coming back to the quality of the players on both sides, and for me Galway have the edge. The only doubt I have about them is that some of their injuries might not have fully cleared up.
Padraic Joyce’s side are a super championship team and very difficult to beat. If Walsh, Comer, Conroy and Maher play anywhere near their best I can see the Sam Maguire coming back to the west for the winter.
Prediction: Galway.
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Best wishes to Galway team and management on Sunday
Conor Turbitt has been a crucial member of Armagh’s forward-line during the course of this year’s championship. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
Galway’s John Maher, pictured here in action against Roscommon during the Allianz National Football League back in February, has been one of Galway’s best players throughout this year’s championship. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
Armagh forward Rory Grugan will be hoping to cause trouble for the Galway defence on Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
