27 May 2022 Roscommon People

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Roscommon honours our World Champion

27 May 2022

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< PAUL HEALY

The west side of the new-look Market Square in Roscommon town is set to reopen to traffic next month. A meeting of Roscommon Municipal District was informed that a one-way system will operate from the vicinity of the ETL premises to the post office.

Confirmation that vehicles will be permitted on the west side of the Bank of Ireland won’t be welcomed by everybody, but it is consistent with a Part 8 development supported by councillors back in 2019.

However, it is known that some business people in the area have been lobbying for the newlook town centre to strictly remain accessible to pedestrians only.

At last Thursday’s meeting, Director of Services Majella Hunt indicated that the ‘west side’ will be reopened over the coming weeks, probably around “mid-June”.

Ms. Hunt said that while there will be a twohour parking zone in Roscommon town generally, it will be one-hour on the west side of the Square. She confirmed that the west side will

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Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

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e l p o e WATCHING P With WithPAUL PAULHEALY HEALY

A Thursday thriller in Turkey, then Saturday night fever in Castlerea!

THURSDAY

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

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Accident on Holidays

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I recently returned from my summer holidays in Spain. Due to circumstances outside of my control I spent a few days of my holidays at the local hospital. To cut a long story short my foot went through the wooden decking attached to our accommodation. The decking was old and some of it simply gave way when I walked on it. My leg was badly cut from my ankle to above my knee. I booked my package holiday through a tour operator but their representative did not offer me any advice regarding compensation for my expenses. Do I have to hire a Spanish lawyer to help me?

If you booked your holiday as a “package holiday” through a tour operator you may be able to make an injury compensation claim against the tour operator for your injuries and any related financial losses.

A package holiday is defined under the Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act 1995 (the “Act”) as a combination of two or more of the following, when sold or offered for sale at an inclusive price:(i) transport; (ii) accommodation; (iii) other significant elements of a tourist service nature.

Under the Act a tour operator may be held responsible for all of the services provided as part of a package holiday including holiday accommodation.

Consequently, the tour operator may be liable if the accommodation fails to comply with the standards of health and safety in that country.

That was AMAZING! The boxing?

Yep! Oh, just brilliant!

What a nine-minute spell!

Yep! CYCLING ACCIDENT But so, so tiring!

Inevitably…

If you were involved in a draining! cycling I mean, just…SO accident Yeah, well…contact Byrne Carolan And not just physically, mentally too!

Cunningham Solicitors I know, I know…

Sweat, stress, nerves…it was beyond energy-sapping!

Don’t worry, Lisa’s been training for these tests…and she’ll have lots of recovery time now.

Lisa? I meant ME! I’m absolutely exhausted – and a nervous wreck – from just watching it!

(They pause to savour the enormity of Lisa O’Rourke’s world title win) MONDAY What a week for County Roscommon.

Yes, our own world champion!

Lisa – like her sister, Aoife – has done us proud!

It’s sensational!

And by the way, they’re continuing quite a tradition of great Castlerea sports stars!

Mickey Freyne…

Ah, now you’re going back to the era of Columbo and Jack Lynch and the showbands and Watergate…and Saturday Night Fever!

Ah, Saturday Night Fever! You really are showing your age!

Endangered Species The barstool boyos

I was EXTREMELY young!

Mmnn…

How Deep Is Your Love…

I’m sorry?

Stayin’ Alive…

WHAT? If I Can’t Have You… I beg your pardon…

Oh I’m just thinking back to the memorable hits from Saturday Night Fever…

Oh, okay! Harry Keegan too…

A legend!

Tom Heneghan, Derek Duggan…

So many others as well!

The late, great Dan O’Rourke was great-grandfather of Lisa and Aoife!

Indeed! Now these wonderful young women – who have their own GAA back-

A pint later this week, my friend?

Absolutely! We need to talk about our plans for Salthill!

Can’t wait…come on the Rossies! Can we do it?

YES WE CAN! Mind you, it won’t be easy.

Galway are a very good side.

I wonder who Frank Brandon is tipping?

I dunno…or Seamus Duke either! Guess we’ll read all about it later in the week!

Well, here’s hoping for a great Connacht final…and a Roscommon win!

I’ll second that! By the way, speaking of a pint, I thought I’d see you in the local on Saturday night…

Oh, sorry, couldn’t make it! I was tired when I got back from Castlerea.

We’re STILL taking about Castlerea! What was on in Castlerea on Saturday night?

Homecoming celebrations for Lisa! And a delayed reception for Aoife too! There were huge crowds out! I went along!

Was it a good night?

Oh yeah…SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER IN CASTLEREA! (They spontaneously break into singing ‘Then I get night fever, night fever; We know how to do it…’ Editor rolls eyes; resolves to seriously consider dispensing with Boyos, scrolls on phone for Joe Brolly’s number…)

Lisa O’Rourke’s sensational World Boxing title win last Thursday, one of two gold medals secured by Ireland on a memorable day (with Louth’s Amy Broadhurst also winning gold). What a wonderful achievement by both Lisa and Amy!

What we didn’t like…

It is important to engage a Solicitor as soon as possible to advise you on the best course of action to take. Please feel free to contact Byrne Carolan Cunningham dedicated Litigation Department in confidence for expert advice.

Hard luck to Roscommon hurlers whose hopes of winning the Nicky Rackard Cup were dashed by Tyrone at Croke Park on Saturday. Well done to our lads on a great campaign.

This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor.

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

What PEOPLE are talking about

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

Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS

info@bccsolicitors.ie www.bccsolicitors.ie

(They pause to reminisce about Saturday Night Fever and Grease, but stop short of rehearsing John Travolta’s dance moves)

What we liked…

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ground too – have taken Castlerea’s contribution to sport to a new level!

Aoife an Olympian AND a European Champion…and now Lisa takes World GOLD! Fantastic!

PIC OF THE WEEK: Amy Broadhurst and Lisa O’Rourke with their gold medals following their success at the 2022 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships. Pic: Laszlo Geczo, INPHO

The gold medal exploits of Roscommon’s Lisa O’Rourke and Louth’s Amy Broadhurst at the World Boxing Championships; This Sunday’s Connacht SFC final; The Vardy v Rooney trial; A very exciting Premier League finale; Northern Ireland protocol tensions…

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

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Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

NewsPeople

Council wants Lough Funshinagh status repealed – and changes to legislation < DAN DOONER

Roscommon County Council has called on the Minister for the Office of Public Works to repeal Lough Funshinagh’s status as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and to amend laws around environmental issues following an unsuccessful legal battle to provide flood relief works at the south Roscommon turlough.

In an extensive letter to Minister Patrick O’Donovan, CEO Eugene Cummins and Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Joe Murphy, on behalf of elected members, raised a number of concerns in relation to the cessation of works at Lough Funshinagh following a successful legal application by Friends of the Irish Environment.

Commenting at Monday’s meeting of the Council, CEO Eugene Cummins said the letter sets out significant issues which must be resolved.

“We are going to be out of pocket quite a bit and it’s an expectation of mine, and I’m sure yours, that we will recover all costs including legal costs associated with the journey we’ve been on in the courts due to the legislation that’s there. We went on a journey because we had to…it’s been tortuous,” he said.

“In one sense, this letter has cost us in the region of €250,000…maybe more”.

While highlighting the support the

Council has received from both the OPW and central Government, Mr. Cummins said Friends of the Irish Environment had made it impossible for the local authority to move forward.

“It’s my intention before I depart in September that I will try to recover costs and bring clarity,” he added.

The Chief Executive said that on another day the issue could be elevated to a higher level, but for now the Council would need to go back to Minister O’Donovan, the OPW, and Government.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Joe Murphy said the Council’s concern “had always been with the people of Lough Funshinagh” while Cllr. Tony Ward once again raised the plight of local farmers who had been affected by flooding and said the wildlife was all gone.

Cllr. Donal Kilduff urged the Council to “pursue the matter vigorously” and described the Local Authority Works Act as “outdated”.

Cllr. Emer Kelly accused FIE of creating fear among local residents, while Cllr. John Naughten called on the Government to act to have the SAC designation removed and for the reimbursement of legal costs.

Cllr. John Keogh said the Government must de-designate any turlough that “no longer performed as a turlough”, and that the State “should be picking up the tab” in relation to costs.

“There’s a resolution that needs to be

found and it can be found if the right steps are taken. The Government needs to take the lead on this issue,” he said.

In the letter to the OPW, the local authority described Lough Funshinagh’s SAC status as a matter of “real controversy”, stating that it doesn’t match the European Commission’s description of what constitutes a turlough.

The Council also points out that Lough Funshinagh does not empty annually and has not “disappeared” for 26 years. It added that two of the three highest flood levels in the last 100 years had been recorded in the last two

“

“Under no concept could Lough Funshinagh currently be designated as an area of any scientific importance because everything in the lake is dead” – Cllr Laurence Fallon

years. The Council called for the repeal of Lough Funshinagh’s designation as a European site that “contains a turlough habitat type”.

The correspondence to the OPW invited the Government to amend the Planning Acts and the Local Government Act of 2001 to make clear the freedom the State considers a local authority should have to deliver “an urgent solution to an emergency situation”.

The Council also calls for a review of the Local Authority (Works) Act and an amendment to ensure powers under the legislation are effective around European laws.

In order to move forward, the local authority is also seeking formal guidance on the displacement of homeowners as a “feasible solution”.

The Government was also urged to amend protection from legal costs to “ensure that the State is not more generous than required by European law”, stating that it did not make sense that applicants to the court should have an “unrestricted shot to nothing”.

Cllr. Laurence Fallon offered his support for the CEO and Cathaoirleach and said it was “a tragedy” that the Council had been forced to write the letter. He said the local authority’s hands were tied due to the “total conflict and lack of clarity” in the law.

“Under no concept could Lough Funshinagh currently be designated as an

Cllr. Laurence Fallon.

area of any scientific importance because everything in the lake is dead,” he said.

“In fact, I think it’s a scandal that the State and the arms of the State have not intervened to try and protect the status of the turlough. We had numerous experts coming and telling us how significant the plants and wildlife left in Lough Funshinagh were for fifty years.

When the situation deteriorated they seem to have disappeared”.

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Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

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Locals will ‘strongly oppose’ plans for mast 82971 Londis Timothys Press Ad 260mm x 155mm.indd 1

Call on landowner to withdraw consent < PAUL HEALY

Plans to construct a 33-metre-high telecommunications mast on the outskirts of Roscommon town are set to be strongly opposed by local residents who say they are “shocked and dismayed” at news of the proposed project.

A company called Cignal Infrastructure Ltd recently applied for permission to construct a 33-metre-high multi-user lattice tower telecommunications structure “with headframe, carrying antenna and dishes”, at Ballindall, Roscommon.

The application was received by Roscommon County Council on the 28th of April 2022 and a decision is due by the 22nd of June next.

Residents in the area say they are “shocked and dismayed” at plans to construct such a structure in “a scenic location”. They are now calling on the landowner to withdraw their consent to the proposal remaining in place.

A statement issued to the Roscommon People declares that

“residents of Ballindall, Cloverhill, Ballybride, Lisagallon, Carrownabrickna, Rathbrennan and surrounding areas will strongly oppose the plans”.

The residents say a “108 ft. structure” would have a significant and negative visual impact, and claim that the proposed tower would represent a major distraction to road users – and thus pose a safety threat.

Paul Carthy, speaking on behalf

of concerned local residents, said there is anger and dismay over the plans.

“This mast is being proposed in an area that already has fibre optic broadband readily available… there is no need for it. In what is a completely clean landscape with no break in the skyline for miles around, a 108 ft. structure would have a significant negative impact visually”.

Stating that the proposed site is

just past a bad bend in the vicinity of Roscommon Racecourse, Mr. Carthy added: “The proposed mast would cause a huge safety issue on this very busy but narrow section of the N60. Vehicles tend to pick up speed after the bad bend and such a structure would cause huge distraction on a road that is used daily by motorists and cyclists”.

Gary Stephens, an adjoining landowner, added that there is no need for any such development, given the service already available in the area. He said: “Other masts have been located in the area, in some cases many years ago, and without any dish or antenna being placed on them yet. It shows there is no current requirement for this”.

Stating that local people are “very upset” over the issue, Paul Carthy said that residents are now calling on the local landowner to withdraw their consent to any such application.

The statement issued to the Roscommon People called for locals to oppose the plan, and concluded: “Submissions from interested parties to Roscommon County Council in connection with the application are due before June 1st”.

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Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Thursday I was sorry that, due to a prior commitment, I missed out on a lovely local event today, i.e. the unveiling of a specially commissioned sculpture at Lilliput Way on the Cloonlarge Loop in Kilteevan (see report on page 20).

The Roscommon People was represented at the unveiling, which was a great success.

This is another fantastic project in the locality, and a great credit to the local people driving the development of this amenity. I must say I am very impressed with the superb ‘Gulliver’ produced by the very talented local sculptor, Mark Feeley. Congratulations Mark on another magnificent piece of work!

Congratulations also to Eileen Fahey (chairperson) and everyone in Kilteevan Tidy Towns, and indeed to all who have been involved in and supported the many positive community initiatives in the area.

The recently enhanced and upgraded Cloonlarge Loop is a fantastic amenity. I highly recommend it to readers who aren’t yet familiar with this wonderful bog road loop, where the beauty of nature can be enjoyed at your leisure.

Thursday Watching Castlerea boxer Lisa O’Rourke compete for World Championship gold…which is a very nerve-wracking experience!

Although the commentator (and scoring pattern) suggested Lisa was on course to win as we entered the closing moments of a great fight, it was still very tense. Then came that incredibly emotional and proud moment when Lisa’s victory was confirmed. Castlerea’s world champion!

What joy and pride Lisa and her sister Aoife have brought to Roscommon. In this week’s Roscommon People, we have extensive coverage of this historic milestone achievement.

Thursday/Friday Striding the fairways with that distinctive aura of icons, three superstars of the sport are paired together for the first two rounds of the PGA Championship. Seeing Rory McIlloy, Jordan Spieth and Tiger Woods together in a major, irrespective of how their career fortunes have ebbed and flowed over the years, is, for spectators and TV viewers, like some version of fantasy golf. When it comes to golf, these guys – to borrow a phrase from Eamon Dunphy – are Showbiz, Baby!

While McIllroy is frustratingly inconsistent, he is gifted, touched by genius, box office when he is at or near his best.

I find Spieth fascinating…a golfer with the

Roscommon hurlers, Adam Donnelly and Conor Cosgrove, console each other following defeat to Tyrone in the Nicky Rackard Cup final at Croke Park last Saturday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Midas touch, magician on the greens, quietly charismatic, with his tendency to (literally) talk to his ball as it journeys towards its destination.

Woods? He is hypnotic, quite simply one of the most compelling sportsmen in history. There is a sense, watching him these past two days, that the light is fading…a 46-year-old chieftain with a battered, partly rebuilt body heroically fighting the march of time. He is a sporting colossus, whom it has been a privilege to watch. The sporting world will miss him when he’s gone.

Saturday My late father always loved a merc, and drove a number of them over the years.

Today, I read online about the world record price that has just been paid for a very unique merc – a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR, one of only two prototypes manufactured by the company.

Described as “the most beautiful car in the world”, this rare Mercedes was er…snapped up…for €135m, making it the most expensive car in the world. Sotheby’s say the car was sold to a private collector.

It put me thinking about some of my youthful escapades with cars, none of which would have commanded anything like that €135m. This was back in the 1980s, for all that matters.

I was never a particularly fast driver, in the way that some young men are prone to be…my ‘car chaos’ related to my complete lack of knowledge

of (or interest in) their workings. That, and my incompetence.

I have the distinction of having lost a wheel on two separate occasions (when driving) – and while that still left me at 75% wheel capacity, it’s really not recommended.

Maybe I’m being hard on myself. In fairness, who amongst us hasn’t set off on country roads in wintertime in the days before mobile phones and sat navs, in the knowledge that the wiper blades no longer worked – they had recently been detached and thrown on the floor beside the passenger seat – before, as darkness fell, formally getting lost, then realising the car is perilously low in fuel, and then reacting to a sudden fall of snow by lowering the (still working) window and operating a wiper blade with one hand, while steering – nowhere in particular – with the other?

Anyways, my car woes kind of came to a head when, back in the 1980s, Toyota recalled all Starlets in Ireland, a precautionary measure after a fault had been discovered (it was actually a great car).

The boss in Tom McNally Motors had a look at my Starlet, immediately wrote it off, and handed me a cheque for over two thousand pounds.

It was, he said, “the worst one” he’d seen. I was suitably honoured.

Sunday It’s just as well that our friends in Sky Sports

are into the bit of ould hype…because today’s incredibly tense finale to the Premier League season probably merited the ‘massive’ coverage!

High drama as Wolves took the lead against a nervy Liverpool, before Aston Villa did likewise against an even more nervy Manchester City. When Pep’s boys went 2-0 behind, Liverpool could dare to dream. Only problem was, they were struggling to keep the Wolves from the door.

In the end, this marvellous Liverpool team recovered to win their game, but – quite remarkably – City scored three late goals in a six-minute spell to seal the Premier League title.

Meanwhile, the respective supporters of Leeds (this writer included) and Burnley were going through their own torture, with the last relegation place still to be decided. It was monumentally nervewracking… watching Leeds go in front at Brentford, then the agony of conceding an equaliser, that and the fear of a Burnley fightback against Newcastle. In the end, the heartbreak fell to Burnley, and Leeds United made an unlikely escape. It was a fantastic afternoon’s viewing.

Monday An image from a funeral in North Korea certainly provides evidence of the issue the BBC news team wanted to highlight. The funeral is of a top military official, with five or six men seen carrying the coffin.

Everyone ‘in shot’ is wearing a face mask, probably a wise decision, given that it’s a funeral, and North Korea is facing a new Covid outbreak. Everyone bar one person, that is. The man who isn’t wearing a face mask is North Korea leader Kim Jong-un.

I’m not sure why media organisations bothered reporting this…I mean it’s not as if anyone is going to complain about it!

Tuesday/Wednesday The horrific news that two teachers and 19 children have been shot dead at a school in Texas is beyond heartbreaking. Why is it that America continues with its appalling gun culture, to the bewilderment of most of the watching world?

Whenever the last ‘debate’ on this recurring horror took place – whether it was last month, last week or yesterday – these 19 innocent children and their two innocent teachers were all alive.

Shame on all apologists for this sickness at the heart of American society.

07

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

NewsPeople

Looking to try something new this Bank Holiday Weekend? Visit Roscommon Chamber Music Festival on June 3rd and 4th If you want to hear classical music that’s fun and accessible, Roscommon local Peter Regan is giving you an amazing opportunity to do so over the bank holiday weekend.

As director of the new Roscommon Chamber Music Festival, Peter has invited some of

the best musicians Ireland has to offer as well as artists from abroad to visit the county and present concerts in Roscommon Arts Centre on June 3rd and in King House on June 4th.

It’s not just the standard classical fare on offer either – there is music in dixie-land and Hollywood style,

newsbriefs

Supporters pictured in Castlerea to welcome back Lisa O’Rourke following her recent gold medal win in the light middleweight final at the 2022 AIBA Women’s Boxing Championships. The homecoming was also in honour of her sister, Aoife, an Olympian last year. Pic: Mick McCormack

Funding for Lanesboro Community College works

Minister for Education Norma Foley confirmed funding for a multimillion euro extension of Lanesboro Community College during a visit to the school on Wednesday last (18th).

The funding, which is expected to be in the “tens of millions”, according to the Minister, will facilitate the development of seven new classrooms including a music, graphics, multimedia, textiles and special education room.

A statement from the school this week read: “A lot of hard work and preparation really helped to show our school and students at their best. Well done to everyone. A great day for all the students and staff of Lanesboro Community College”.

Murphy congratulates new world champion

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy extended his congratulations to world boxing champion Lisa O’Rourke.

Senator Murphy said Lisa’s success was “breathtaking” and that it had “brought a sea of joyous tears” to many in the county.

“This is great news for the O’Rourke family, Castlerea and County Roscommon. It is such a positive story for our county. Great credit is due to Lisa and the O’Rourke family,” he said.

“I also want to acknowledge the outstanding success of Lisa’s sister Aoife, who I am sure has given great support to help Lisa reach this point of success”.

tango music, traditional music from the phenomenal Roscommon traditional group Gatehouse, and contemporary music too by American composer Jennifer Higdon on the programme.

The amazing line up of internationally performing artists includes the UK based Echéa

Quartet, violinist Sarah Sew, soprano Sarah Shine, cellist Killian White, violist Martin Moriarty and flautist Miriam Kaczor. Whether you’re a total classical music novice or a veteran concert-goer, there is a wealth of variety to entertain and spark the interest of any listener at this fantastic new festival!

Visit www.roscommonchambermusicfestival.com for tickets and more information. The festival is generously supported by Roscommon County Council, Molloy’s Pharmacy, Kilronan Castle Hotel and The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

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Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

Enjoy a range of Live Performance Events in Roscommon this June 2022 June 2nd

June 3rd & 4th

June 5th, 11th & 18th

SIX DAYS

ROSCOMMON CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL

LIVE @ BOYLE CULTURAL QUARTER

A Decade of Centenaries event written, directed and performed by Frank Shouldice

King House, Boyle For further information and tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/six-daystickets-322003379777

Presented by Discover Boyle & King House

Artistic Director Peter Regan

King House Courtyard & Boyle Craft Shop

Roscommon Arts Centre & King House Boyle For further information and tickets visit https://roscommonchambermusicfestival.com

For further information and tickets visit Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/3xU2S9p or Tel: 071 966 3033

June 23rd

June 24th-26th

June 25th

June 30th

A NATURAL SCIENCE

IN THE MIDST OF PLENTY

ELEANOR SHANLEY & FRIENDS

ENCHANTMENT

Theatre presented by Fizz & Chips Productions

Roscommon Arts Centre For further information and tickets visit https://roscommonartscentre.ie

A folk musical presented by Enchanted Croí

Vaulted Stables Strokestown Park House For further information and tickets visit https://strokestownpark.rezgo.com

Presented by Moore Community Hall

Moore Hall, Ballydangan For further information contact moorecc3@gmail.com or Moore Community Office 09096 73538

Concert by Evlana Ensemble with readings by Michael Harding

King House Boyle For further information and tickets visit https://evlana.com

Funded by Roscommon County Council and the Department of Tourism Culture Arts Gaeltacht Sports and Media under the Local Live Performance Programming Scheme

Opening Hours in Áras an Chontae: Motor Tax Office 9.30am to 1.00pm only Monday to Friday.

All other services are open 9.30am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

NewsPeople Cancer Support presentation night

An official presentation of monies raised for the Roscommon Cancer Support Centre on March 19th will take place at Dec’s Bar, Castleplunkett this Saturday evening (28th) at 9.30 pm.

60 new Covid deaths and 8,450 cases

There were 60 Covid-related deaths and 8,450 new cases recorded in Ireland from May 19th to 25th, bringing the total number of deaths in Ireland to 7,304.

Data relating to Covid deaths and cases is now updated just once a week (each Wednesday) on the country’s official data hub.

This week, 4,003 cases were confirmed by PCR test while 4,447 were identified through HSE-registered antigen tests.

Meanwhile, hospitalisations have dropped this week to 191 as of Wednesday morning (yesterday), including 26 patients in ICU.

Community Games events in Ballaghaderreen

Ballaghaderreen Community Games Art, Model Making, and Handwriting competitions will take place on Saturday, May 28th at St. Attracta’s National School from 2 pm to 5 pm.

Rahara Community Cleanup on Monday A major clean-up of Rahara village will take place on Bank Holiday Monday (May 30th), commencing at the church at 7 pm.

Rahara Tidy Towns and Development Committee are calling on the community to join in with various activities including painting, planting, strimming, litter picking, etc. This will be followed by light refreshments. All help greatly appreciated.

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane

‘106 children waiting to see CAMHS locally’ Recent figures released by the HSE to Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane have shown that 106 children in the constituency are waiting to be seen by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

Reacting to the figures, Deputy Kerrane said: “As of the end of March, there were 106 children on the waiting list for Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Roscommon/Galway.

“Of the 106 children waiting, 54 are on the waiting list under three months, 39 children are on the waiting list for between three and six months, with 13 children on the waiting list for six to nine months.

“The number of children waiting to be seen by CAMHS is concerning given the importance of these services at what can be a time of crisis for young people. The long waiting times also has an impact on parents and other family members.

“It is essential that adequate resources are put in place urgently to ensure that children who require mental health services can receive them as quickly as possible and are not waiting up to nine months to be seen,” she concluded.

COVID-19 Vaccines

IS IT TIME FOR YOUR BOOST? If you’re aged 65 or older, or you have a weak immune system, you can get your second COVID-19 booster vaccine from a HSE vaccination centre or a participating GP or pharmacy.

How do I get my booster?

You can choose to: • contact a participating GP or pharmacy • book an appointment at a HSE vaccination centre on hse.ie • call our team in HSELive on 1800 700 700 Why get my booster?

Without it, you’re most at risk of serious illness if you get COVID-19.

When should I get my booster?

Get your second booster at least four months after your first booster. You can check the date of your last booster on your digital COVID cert.

If you’ve had COVID-19 since you got your last COVID-19 vaccine, wait four months.

What if I haven’t had my first booster yet?

If you haven’t had your first booster yet, you can make an appointment at a HSE vaccination centre on hse.ie

#ForUsAll For more information or to book an appointment, visit hse.ie or call our team in HSELive 1800 700 700

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Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

The

D News page

G

Jimmy is an Eco Champion!

Congratulations to Jimmy (James) Hudson of Ballyleague Tidy Towns, who was chosen as the Eco Champion for 2021 at the Roscommon Volunteer Awards at the Abbey Hotel on Friday evening last.

Sadly, Jimmy was unable to attend the ceremony in person so Gerry Trimble accepted the award on his behalf and made the official presentation last weekend.

Jimmy was nominated for the award by his fellow volunteers in Ballyleague Tidy Towns on account of his unwavering commitment to the group. Jimmy is out in all weather collecting litter, emptying bins, tending to flowers and maintaining the grass verges on approach roads to the village. He is ever mindful of not cutting grass too tight to accommodate the pollinators in early summer.

During the summer months, Jimmy gives freely of his time, often watering the flowers in the village twice a day.

Gerry Trimble said: “Jimmy could be described as a passionate environmentalist in a positive and practical manner. He uses his experience in this area to promote sustainability for example harvesting rainwater to water flowers and the promotion of perennials in the public realm through the village. This has a positive effect on both the environment and the group’s finances.

“Overall Jimmy’s input is respected and well regarded by his fellow volunteers in Ballyleague Tidy Towns who feel this award is well earned and richly deserved”.

Pictured presenting the Eco Champion 2021 award to Jimmy Hudson in Ballyleague recently were Jimmy’s colleagues in Ballyleague Tidy Towns (Left to right): Marie Burke, Mary Greally, Maura Hudson (Jimmy’s wife), Ellie Williamson, Jimmy Hudson, Gerry Trimble, Ballyleague Tidy Towns Chairperson, and Eileen Plessed. Pic: Lee Williamson/Shuttermanic Productions

Celebrating Ben’s Holy Communion Pictured celebrating Ben Lackey’s (7) First Holy Communion at Ballyleague Church on Saturday last are Alan, John, and Margaret Lackey.

The four generations of the Lackeys have all worked in well-known pub John’s of Doughill while the business has been owned by the family for three generations.

Margaret (95), John (69), Alan (41), and Ben (7) have 212 years of pint pulling and First Holy Communion experience between them!

(Right) Pictured accepting the Eco Champion Award from Gerry Trimble, Chairman of Ballyleague Tidy Towns, were Jimmy and Maura Hudson. Pic: Ellie and Lee Williamson/ Shuttermanic Productions.

Roscommon students become Ireland’s latest Global Goal Getters!

The work of primary school pupils from St. Mary’s Primary School, Strokestown; Scoil Cill Rónáin in Boyle, and Ballyfeeney National School in Scramogue has been chosen to feature in the latest edition of the Our World Irish Aid Award’s online magazine, Global Goal Getters, placing them in the running for a coveted place at the prestigious upcoming national final.

Sarah Dixon, a sixthclass pupil from St. Mary’s Primary School, created a thoughtful and colourful slogan poster called, ‘Sharing is Caring’, which highlights a number of Irish Aid phrases.

Pupils at Scoil Cill Rónáin were busy putting together projects all about the work of Irish Aid and its focus coun-

tries. A fact file created

by Leah Masterson and Amy Keaveney was chosen to feature in Global Goal Getters.

Third and fourth-class pupils at Ballyfeeney National School have created multiple pieces based on this year’s Our World Irish Aid Awards theme, ‘Wellbeing for People and Planet’, including poems by Daniel Rolfe and Leah Lowe, slogans to help spread the message that together we can make big changes for our world, and a Live Your Life in Full Colour presentation board.

Congratulating the pupils and their teachers at St. Mary’s Primary School, Scoil Cill Rónáin, and Ballyfeeney National School, Minister of State for Overseas Development and Diaspora, Colm Brophy

Pictured are Ballyfeeny NS third and fourth class students and the work they have put together that will feature in the upcoming Global Goal Getters magazine.

TD said: “I am so encouraged, not just by the level of participation in this year’s awards, but also by the level of insight and understanding demonstrated by our young people when it comes to making our planet a better home for all. This is a testament to the commitment of our national school teachers, and

their passion for the awards and nurturing an ethos of global citizenship”.

St. Mary’s Primary School, Scoil Cill Rónáin, and Ballyfeeney National School will now compete for a place at the National Final and inclusion in a special edition printed annual magazine, which will be distributed nationwide.

As well as the School of the Year, there will be additional awards such as Teacher of the Year, Best Performance, and the Gaeilge Award for the best entry submitted in Irish.

The national final will take place in-person on Tuesday, June 14th, at Farmleigh House, and will be streamed live on YouTube.

Rossies raise over €23k for Daffodil Day! Local organisers wish to thak the Roscommon public for their generous support of Daffodil Day 2022, and for their donations of fresh daffodils. A whopping €23,415.42 was raised in the county on the day!

The volunteers wish to thank JJ Harlow’s pub and the Kilteevan Community Development Group for hosting coffee mornings. Thanks also to the shops that allowed Daffodil Day boxes to be placed in their premises and for allowing volunteers to stand outside their premises on Daffodil Day. Thanks to Owencrest Properties Ltd for providing a temporary depot to operate from.

Once again this year, Convent of Mercy, Roscommon students assisted in the collection, for which the group is very grateful. Thanks are extended to them, their principal, and their teachers.

Thanks also to the Roscommon People, Roscommon Herald, and the Parish Newsletter for their publicity.

Without dedicated volunteers, Daffodil Day would not be possible, so a sincere thanks goes out to all volunteers for their involvement in Daffodil Day and to all those who come out every year in large numbers to sell daffodils. Your cooperation and assistance are much appreciated.

The Roscommon Daffodil Day Volunteer Group hopes that we are all in a position to participate again next year in order to support the Irish Cancer Society in providing vital services to cancer patients and their families.

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Roscommon People Friday 20 May 2022

NewsPeople Mountbellew, Co. Galway

Garden Centre, Florist & Capolatte Cafe A Great garden centre for everything you need

Large range of Hanging Baskets and Bedding Plants Range in stock Fantastic of

SOLAR LIGHTS

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Supporters pictured in Castlerea to welcome back Lisa O’Rourke following her recent gold medal win in the light middleweight final at the 2022 AIBA Women’s Boxing Championships. The homecoming was also in honour of her sister, Aoife, an Olympian last year. Pics: Mick McCormack

Fitzmaurice calls for more Passport Office staff Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has called on the Department of Foreign Affairs to commit to increased staffing for the Passport Office in a bid to reduce turnaround times for new passports.

Deputy Fitzmaurice says he has numerous constituents who are waiting months for first-time passport applications. “The problem is poor communication with applicants and inefficient systems,” Deputy Fitzmaurice said.

“People are kept in the dark during the process.

Applicants assume everything is going fine when they hear nothing from the Passport Office for weeks or months.

“Then suddenly they get a message to say some-

thing is not right, there might be an issue with the quality of a photo or a long-form birth cert might be required, and then the eight-week clock is reset.

This can happen time after time”.

Earlier this year, Deputy Fitzmaurice asked Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney to ensure the Passport Office was sufficiently staffed ahead of its busiest season.

“The dogs on the street knew this summer season would be one of the busiest on record, it is unacceptable that the Minister has let the service go understaffed. The only solution to delays is to appoint more staff so that prescribed turnaround times can be achieved,” he said.

Check out our videos on Facebook to keep up with what’s going on at Milands

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Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

NewsPeople

FRANK

BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique

take on life ...

‘When in Spain’…a welcome return to sun, sea, and some great Irish characters!

Our man Frank on a welcome return to the Cabo Roig seaside resort in Spain…and adding his congratulations to Roscommon’s new world champion!

There can be no doubt that for everyone everywhere, no matter whether you’re a multimillionaire or a pauper, the last couple of years have been extremely tough. Since the arrival on our shores of Covid-19 more than two years ago, we have faced changes and challenges that we never would’ve even dreamed possible.

As a family, we have been no different; we too have encountered many difficulties in the recent past. And so it was with a fair degree of excitement (tempered with a large amount of trepidation) that Carol and myself found ourselves heading for Ireland West Airport in Knock last Wednesday week, preparing to board a Ryanair flight to Alicante for a ten-day break in the beautiful seaside resort of Cabo Roig.

Covid has changed so many things, and flying is one of those. Now, along with all the other stuff like passports and boarding passes, you have to have proof of vaccination, and if you forget that particular document, you won’t get into Spain. As we took off from Knock, some on the fairly full plane were wearing masks (including Carol and I), while some others weren’t.

After two and a half hours we touched down in Alicante, where we had all our stuff in order, and, thankfully, the first thing that hit us was the heat.

You see, for a number of weeks before our departure, we were keeping an eye on the weather on the Costa Blanca, and to tell the truth, for a

lot of the early part of the year it was most unSpain-like. They had plenty of wind, rain, and even sandstorms, and I have to say we were a bit concerned. For all its attractions – and there are a good few – Spain’s biggest selling point is the weather, and the normal likelihood is day after day of unbroken sunshine. We get plenty of rain here, so we didn’t want to get much out there.

But as it happened, we needn’t have worried, as the weather took up just before we got there.

During our ten-day stay, all we saw was unbroken sunshine, thankfully backed up by a beautiful, soothing sea breeze.

It was October 2019 when we were last out in Cabo Roig, and there is no doubt that certain things have changed in Spain. The cost of petrol and diesel, which used to be about 20% less than here, seems now to be at least on par with us. The cost of food in the supermarkets has definitely risen steeply as well (although still cheaper than here), and eating out, (unless you go to the budget places, of which there are still a good many), has also got more expensive.

However, the good news is that the mosquitoes have got through Covid perfectly well, and they were obviously looking forward to a good feast of best Irish flesh. From the moment we arrived, to the moment we left, they attacked both of us with enormous relish. Looking at our backs, you would think that we were being used as dartboards; there were big, itchy, swollen red marks all over us!

During the ten days, we made use of gels, sprays, anti-histamines, electric yokes you plugged into the mains, jars full of gooey stuff that were supposed to put the mosquitoes to flight, ice cubes, and finally, Vicks – all in a vain attempt to defeat our attackers. Sadly, it was all to no avail, and the mosquitoes definitely won hands (red and swollen) down.

However, despite all that, we really had a won-

derful time back in Cabo Roig. As I said, the weather was smashing, and the pool, which was only a minute from where we were staying, was beautiful and had lovely warm water. We visited it at least once (sometimes two or three times) each day that we were there, and once again I regretted never learning to swim.

I don’t know for sure whether we’d ever come back, but if we do, I would like to be a dolphin.

I would be the best and most energetic swimmer in the dolphin world. Until then, I will have to make do with the embarrassment of being the only adult non-swimmer at the pool, settling for walking and paddling in the beautiful warm water.

The people you meet!

However, the truth, of course, is that the positives of the break far outweigh the negatives. At the end of the day it is the people you meet that make the holiday, and in this regard, we were very lucky this time.

We got warm welcomes back from the staff in O’Riordan’s Irish bar – especially proprietor Niall, his son Craig, and a lovely young Dublin girl, Clodagh. Meanwhile, the jewellery king of the strip, Colombo, greeted us with hugs and more hugs, and supplied me with my yearly Rolex watch for €15 (guaranteed genuine).

We then paid a visit to the Cabo Roig Inn, in which Gerard (one of the former owners of The Bog Road) was now in charge. It was there we met some of the best characters we ever met in the good few years that we have been going to Cabo Roig – Barry Smullen (a Wicklow man who’s been living in Spain for 22 years), Mick Fitzpatrick (also from Wicklow and a former county footballer with the Garden County who divides his time between Ireland and Spain), as well as Offaly natives Dermot and Monica Moore, who, along with Penny the dog, run their own bar, El Faro, down near the Marina in Cabo Roig.

All were very interesting people and we had great fun with them. Dermot, who is a fervent Offaly supporter and does reports on all Gaelics matters on Facebook, was a mine of information on all things GAA, and we really enjoyed the time we spent in their company. We also met up with friends and acquaintances from previous visits, like Michael, Shane and Orla Connolly from Galway, along with Jack and Annette Keane from Ennis. And, as we had a cup of coffee outside Le Paradis on Friday morning, I met former classmate Ger Enright, now living in Newtownforbes, whom I last saw in secondary school in Roscrea, way back in 1968.

Creggs man Michael Fleming was out for a few days over the road in La Zenia, and this column’s prize for dedication goes to Tremane hurling man Seamus Farrell, who, having taken the 7.20 am (that’s 6.20 am here) flight out of Alicante, got out in Knock and hit for Croke Park to watch the Rossies play Tyrone in the Nicky Rackard Cup final. Sadly they lost that one, but Seamus was also there to see fellow Tremane man Niall Keenan play with Louth in the Lory Meagher cup final, a game they won (over Longford) on a 3-27 to 3 -14 scoreline, so at least he got one win out of two.

And so, as I write this on Sunday morning, we are back in Ireland. The wind is howling out the back, and the rain is rattling against the back windows, but much as we enjoyed Cabo Roig, about ten days at a time is enough. The unbroken sunshine is wonderful, but a nice fresh Irish rain shower is no harm now and again.

If I don’t come back as a dolphin, I would settle on being a millionaire who has a holiday home out there and visits four or five times a year. In the meantime, I intend to stay in touch with my new-found friends in the Cabo Roig Inn, keeping up to date with life over there – and hopefully getting back some time in the not-too-distant future.

And finally…

Lisa does us all proud A few Sundays ago I stood on the line in Tuam Rugby Club as Creggs played host in the Ard na Cregg Cup. Among the small crowd of our supporters were Kevin and Ann O’Rourke and their daughter Lisa. At one stage I enquired as to what was coming up for Lisa in her boxing career, and she was quite casual as she explained she was preparing for the world championships in Istanbul.

We all know by now that she has become a world champion, and along with her sister Aoife, has put Castlerea, Connacht, and Ireland on the boxing map. The enormity of her achievement is hard to quantify, but when you consider she, along with fellow gold medal winner Amy Broadhurst, is now in the company of Katie and Kellie as world champions, it’s almost unbelievable.

I can tell you it was huge news in Cabo Roig, and I made the most of the fact that I know the O’Rourke family.

Anyways, she is a lovely, unassuming girl, and all I can do is send her all my good wishes and heartiest congratulations. I wish her well in what I’m sure will be a glittering future. Everyone Irish, wherever they are, is proud of you.

‘Till next week, bye for now

Lisa and Aoife O’Rourke pictured at their homecoming in Castlerea to honour their wonderful boxing wins. Picture: M. McCormack.

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Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

NewsPeople

n e p o w o N

MAIN STREET, ROSCOMMON • TEL. 090 6637013

Main Street • Roscommon Telephone: 090 6637013

Who’s saying what on Tweet Street ...

Paul Healy’s take on top tweets!

Lands at Roosky Quay, Co. Roscommon

Roscommon GAA @RoscommonGAA LISA O’ROURKE - WORLD CHAMPION. Well done Lisa. This is a phenomenal achievement and we are all so very proud of you

• Excellent location proximate to the River Shannon • Extends to approx. 0.45 ha (1.13 acres)

-Yes, everyone with Roscommon connections is ‘proud as punch’ about our World Champion…

• Regular-shaped site • Available subject to agreement

Jacqui Hurley @jacquihurley Wow. Another gold for Ireland. Sensational stuff from Lisa O’Rourke. A 4:1 split decision & Ireland has another world champion.

Pretty elite list she joins - Katie Taylor, Michael Conlan, Kellie Harrington, Amy Broadhurst & now 20 year old Lisa O’Rourke.

-Sports’ broadcaster Jacqui hails Lisa and Amy… Otto English @Otto_English What a fabulous, optimistic and moving finale. #DerryGirls -Fans of Derry Girls hailed the show’s finale…

Contact Mark Fitzpatrick on +44 (0) 28 6605 0249 for further information Lisa O’Rourke pictured receiving a warm welcome back in Castlerea following her recent gold medal victory in the light middleweight final at the 2022 AIBA Women’s Boxing Championships. Pic: Mick McCormack

Declan Lawn @DecLawn In three seasons of TV @ LisaMMcGee has educated English people more about recent Irish history than their school and media systems have managed to do in a generation. Bravo to her and to @Channel4 And long live #DerryGirls -Many tweeters acknowledged

how the hit sitcom had been informative on Irish history for many viewers ‘across the water’ Jayne McCormack @BBCJayneMcC Finally got to watch the #DerryGirls finale… too wonderful for words… #bemoreOrla -The reaction, from critics and viewers alike, was

overwhelmingly positive…

Ger Gilroy @gergilroy I have found being in your 40s is mostly sitting on the couch eating chocolate and drinking wine watching TikTok videos about how to get fit and eat healthy.

-Ger is feeling the pressure…

Thank you Thanks sincerely for mass cards, prayers, flowers, gifts, get well cards and phone calls, which I received. Mass has been offered for your intentions. - Kitty Durr

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Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

NewsPeople

Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

We need to highlight the dangers of gambling for young people Apart from my grandmother having ‘a flutter’ on what she called ‘the gee-gees’ once a year during the Grand National (something I’ve always disagreed with due to my concerns regarding horse welfare), I can safely say, hand on heart, thankfully) I’ve never been around gambling or gamblers; nor have I ever gambled myself.

I am involved in a Lotto syndicate with TNR South Roscommon, a wonderful locally-run cat welfare charity whereby a portion of all members’ monthly subscriptions goes towards subsidising food and vet care for feral, orphaned and abandoned cats in our community. The rest gets placed on the Lotto by a fantastic vol-

unteer. So far we haven’t had a big win! However, as everyone who contributes is an animal welfare advocate, it’s safe to say we’re all in it for the kitties, and, if we do ever win big, it’ll be a bonus, and I’ll be writing this column from my villa in a country with no extradition treaty agreement with Ireland! But I digress.

You’ll notice I use the adverb ‘thankfully’ when I say I haven’t been around gamblers. This is because I’m extremely grateful for the simple reason, when out of control, gambling becomes a form of addiction (like alcohol and drug abuse), and those whose lives have become enslaved to it, also become blighted by it. Therefore, given recent reports

have revealed there’s an ‘estimated 3,500 15 and 16 year olds engaged in problem gambling’ across this country, it’s clear that the Joint Committee of Justice’s recommended ban on advertising by ‘betting companies’ before 9 pm is not just necessary, it’s very much overdue – because those statistics are concerning.

It’s not my intention to vilify everyone who engages in gambling because I believe that many people see this activity as being a harmless bit of fun, entertainment and a form of relaxation; and, when it’s controlled and limits are set and stuck to, I’m sure it is.

I’m also sure that those who do gamble love the rush of the win…

Supporters pictured in Castlerea to welcome back Lisa O’Rourke following her recent gold medal win in the light middleweight final at the 2022 AIBA Women’s Boxing Championships. The homecoming was also in honour of her sister, Aoife, an Olympian last year. Pics: Mick McCormack

Lisa enters the shrine of sporting greats!

Castlerea lady and history-maker Lisa – the champion of the world – O’Rourke did herself, her family and her county of Roscommon (and Ireland) proud last week when she sensationally took the gold at the IBA Women’s Boxing championships in Istanbul!

While sport (and essentially boxing) was once very much the exclusive domain of males, thanks to her amazing prowess and her achievements, Lisa – also a senior GAA player – has not just set a precedent, she’s become an inspiration for young Rossies to hit that reset button, reinvent themselves and go for gold! Comhghairdeas Lisa; you’re some woman.

Comhghairdeas as well to Dundalk lady Amy Broadhurst who also won gold.

Due to their spectacular wins, these two talented ladies have not only entered into the shrine of sporting greats, they’ve also – along with Kellie Harrington and Katie Tay-

lor – become the only four Irish women in Irish history thus far, to have reached this world class status. What an amazing triumph for Mná na hÉireann!

I’d also like to say well done to the beautiful rural village of Cloontuskert – just down the road from me – whose community are clearly (and deservedly) in celebratory mode this week following their big win at the IPB Pride of Place awards.

According to their FB post, the locals are ‘absolutely ecstatic to have taken home the Overall All-Ireland IPB Pride of Place runner-up prize in the Housing Estates category at the Gleneagle INEC Arena, Killarney, Co. Kerry, representing the Abbey, Cloontuskert’.

Fantastic! I’ve got no doubt that, in order to scoop this prestigious prize, your lovely community had to beat off some stiff competition; your efforts have certainly paid off.

but, do they know when to quit when they’re losing? Or, do they, like a lot of gamblers, risk their livelihoods, their relationships, and the roof over their heads because, although they may have started small, (perhaps using the app on their phone), they can now no longer resist rolling that dice, spinning that wheel or playing those cards? If this is the case, then we not only need an advertising ban, we also need an education and awareness campaign highlighting the dangers of gambling for young people.

If I was asked to sum up a gambling addiction in just one sentence, my answer would be that it’s like a damp patch on your bathroom wall which leads to mould…you can fight it, but, unless you seek professional intervention to tackle it, it’s possible you may never beat it!

Look folks, I’m no saint. I have faced temptation from time to time, and, like anyone else, I love the idea of having a bit of fun; therefore I do understand the adrenaline rush experienced by those who engage in gambling as a controlled form of activity.

What I don’t get is the adrenaline ‘addiction’, the poor impulse control, and the fact that any parent (in their right mind) would callously gamble away so much money they literally leave their family short of food, clothing and shelter.

But hey, as any event that has a measurable outcome is seen as an

ideal opportunity to gamble these days, punters can bet on almost anything…. sporting activities, the Eurovision, the weather; or even who’ll win the local elections. With that in mind, it’s kind of understandable (on some level), how any strapped-forcash individual, forever clinging to the hope of netting ‘a big win’, could sadly find themselves getting suckered in.

A clever and contrived tactic employed by the gambling industry is the lure of the ‘free bet’; often promoted by some high profile personality (specifically chosen for their national appeal) who – via TV adverts – endorses the activity as being attractive, mysterious, risqué, and sexy. Pulled in by the hype, sadly, the addict fails to realise that the beneficiary will never be them, rather it’ll always be the betting companies and the government (through tax) who’ll hit that jackpot. In order for its core business model to thrive, gambling is, and always will be, an activity perfectly placed to exploit the vulnerable, meaning it’ll forever rely on extracting money from the risk-taking, fiscally-stupid, poor sod cursed with the addictive nature.

For any reader seeking help/advice regarding any addiction issue, please contact your family doctor or your local primary care centre who’ll point you in the right direction.

t If you want to sell outo Dublin gigs Keith, s p singing a-crapella!

oh sorry singer, professional mime artist, of so-called ‘sus ne’ yzo Bo to g din cor Ac tyre seller, and one part former Corrie actor slash Duffy has blamed “Irish begrudgery” as ith Ke Westlifer Brian pergroup’ Boyzlife, diocre karaoke singer, exthe reason himself and mesell out’ Irish performances.

McFadden have ‘failed to was one of Mr Duffy’s virtues. It certainly I never thought modesty d him during his Boyzone days. Indeed, tere wasn’t whenever I encoun whenever I interviewed the members of the it was my experience that, to be so vain, I half expected him to rock group, Mr Duffy appearedon himself! Add to that, the fact himself and up with a follow spotlight whom are my fellow North Dubs – hilariMr McFadden – both of on their official website as being ‘a superously describe themselvesthat the duo are probably more cocky and group’, I’d have to opine haps it’s for that reason, (i.e. their inflated conceited than talented. Per begrudgery’ that home-grown audiences egos), as opposed to ‘Irish rself and Brian don’t support them? to be unkind, but, while yous to make you e hat I e, lov ith Ke see u Yo boy-next-door attractivenes certainly possess enough iences – who apparently, can’t get enough aud tish arned money. seem special to Bri demand value for our hard-e of you – here at home we upon a high stool, standing up, sitting back This means being perched itarised precision as if channeling a lowit. If you want down again to point with mil Williams isn’t going to cut budget version of Robbie I’m afraid you’ll have to stop singing ato sell out local gigs lads, rn to harmonise and carry a tune! crapella, (sorry), and, er, lea

15

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

NewsPeople

Tarmon principal is Volunteer of the Year!

There was another big award win for Creggs this month as Tarmon National School principal, Kieran Dowd, was named as Roscommon Volunteer of the Year at a ceremony held in the Abbey Hotel.

Kieran won the award for his work at Tarmon NS, Creggs Rugby Club, as well as with several other community organisations.

Other winners on the night were Michael Glavey’s GAA Club, The Melting Pot, Cas-

The Melting Pot were the winners in the Social Inclusion Initiative at the Roscommon Volunteer Awards. In picture is Gerry Trimble who presented the award. Also in picture are Mouayad and Najla Kadhim, Teresa Murray, Vivienne Barry, Lucy Tomasiewicz, Maureen Keane, Andy McDonnell and Josephine Reynolds. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

The Arts and Culture Champion Award, presented by Claire Morgan, Roscommon Herald, to Anne Kielty at the Roscommon Volunteer Awards in the Abbey Hotel on Friday evening last. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Gerry Trimble accepting the ECO Champion Award from Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher on behalf of James Hudson at the Roscommon Volunteer Awards in the Abbey Hotel on Friday last. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

tlerea Community Kitchen, James Hudson (Ballyleague Tidy Towns), Ann Kielty (Boyle Musical Society), and Maura McCormack (Roscommon Community Games).

Cllr. Tony Waldron presenting the Community Sports Club award to Sharon Dolan, who accepted the award on behalf of Michael Glavey’s GAA Club, pictured at the Roscommon Volunteer Awards in the Abbey Hotel. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Castlerea Community Kitchen were the winners in the Covid-19 Response Award at the Roscommon Volunteer Awards in the Abbey Hotel on Friday last. Pictured is Cllr. Orla Leyden presenting the award to Susan Gaynor. Also in picture are Gareth, Kate and Abbie Scahill and Paul Gaynor. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Cllr. Joe Murphy, Cathaoirleach, Roscommon Co. Council, presenting the Volunteer of the Year Award to Kieran Dowd at the Roscommon Volunteer Awards in the Abbey Hotel on Friday evening last. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice presenting the Active Aging Volunteer Award to Maura McCormack at the Roscommon Volunteer Awards in the Abbey Hotel on Friday last. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

16

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

CIARAN MULLOOLY On The Back Benches

Time to support our community centres I got a phone call a few weeks ago to tell me that detailed planning was underway to bring dozens of beds and bags of linen into community centres here in County Roscommon so that the latest group of refugees to arrive from Ukraine would have some place dry and warm to sleep for the night – away from the brutal ravages of the Russian assault on them.

The plan was apparently just being hatched at the time, a direct response to the very latest reports of tens of thousands of men, women and children crossing the border into Poland that very week and heading onwards throughout Europe to seek safe refuge in Germany, France, the UK and Ireland. Clearly, it was a case of all hands on deck.

To be fair, the people of this country have been absolutely fantastic to date in their support for the Ukrainian people. We have written before in this column about the tremendous response here in Roscommon, and acknowledged the thousands of euro gathered in street collections and donations and through the many colourful fundraising events staged up and down the country. So, when I got the call, I knew the response from the local committees would again be a positive one.

Refugee centre Nobody here would really argue that a rural community centre or a big parish hall with a small kitchen and maybe five or six toilet cubicles was anything like a fitting place in which to raise your family in the depths of an Irish winter. But, at the same time, we all know that huge efforts are already underway to find permanent homes for these unfortunate people in empty hospitals and public buildings and the likes around the country. So any accommodation at all in community centres would most likely be temporary in nature as the Government and the Red Cross struggle to cope with the volume of people coming through our ports and airports.

After the initial phone call, the emergency nature of the request for community centre space seemed to dissipate for a few weeks. It was during this lull that I met one of the community volunteers.

The attitude to the initial request had not changed.

The hand of friendship was still extended, but as we chatted I began to realise for perhaps the first time in a long time how valuable a commodity the same community centre space had become – with news of over 70 different and separate bookings being put in place for one such centre over the course of the previous two weeks.

The list of uses of the building seemed endless… from karate and tennis classes, to ballet, bingo and badminton. It seemed to me that up to about 2000 people were actually using the same hall in the course of just ten or 12 days.

D‘Unbelievables

Kilteevan Community Centre.

Major grants

The day after I had this conversation, an email dropped into my inbox from the Department of Rural & Community Affairs. It certainly brought a smile to the face. The opening line of the news release read as follows: “The Department of Rural & Community Affairs recognise the vital role that Community Centres play at the heart of each community in bringing people together, engaging

“

Putting it simply, the parish hall or the ‘posh’ new community centre (as it became known in the ‘80s and ‘90s) was at the heart of everything we did in community life every day of the week.

with those who may be marginalised or disadvantaged, and building stronger, more coherent communities”.

My response to this statement and the information that followed was one of immediate delight.

I thought to myself that, perhaps for the first time, the real value of every community centre in Ireland was about to be realised and properly rewarded. Coming from a rural parish background, I have to say I am more aware than anyone of the part played by the parish hall and the local community centre. Like others, I have spent thousands of hours in such buildings since I was a very small child and I didn’t need the Department or any politician to tell me just how important a role those centres actually play.

In my youth, the ‘pillar ballroom’ beside the River Shannon bridge in Lanesborough was the mecca of all our activities in Kilgefin, Ballyleague, Cloontuskert and Rathcline.

I remember very well the first time being invited in there for refreshments and the school class party after church ceremonies on our Holy Communion day. I also clearly recall other days in the so-called ‘supper room’ at the back, when we were rewarded with a mini-feast after winning a match – and I don’t have to get too much reminding of our popular Thursday night discos which ran from one end of the summer to the other and made us a handy profit in the ‘mineral bar’ – where the chomp bars were the best-seller!

In association with: LOUGH REE ACCESS FOR ALL

Putting it simply, the parish hall or the ‘posh’ new community centre (as it became known in the ‘80s and ‘90s) was at the heart of everything we did in community life every day of the week.

So much so that when I wandered into a show by ‘D‘Unbelievables’ in the Tivoli Theatre a few years later, I wasn’t a bit surprised that the ritual and routine of opening and closing the hall, getting the keys, and renting it out was itself at the centre of a Pat Shortt special.

“Nobody has any permission to be in here” Shortt repeatedly warned the audience as he marched around the theatre in a blue coat, “it’s all very well until somebody falls and hurts themselves and Fr B won’t be happy then!” I certainly have heard that type of line a few times too down all the years!

There was a time when getting a seat on a hall committee was a bit of a scourge for life, but I am pleased to say that in recent times the diversification in the use of these buildings has certainly changed that. For some time now, the community enhancement programme has provided small grants for improvements and new kitchens have popped up everywhere. But, with the expansion of the role, it now seems that the Department has realised that additional funding is required for larger-scale investments in community centres in every county in order that these vital services remain usable, accessible and safe, while continuing to meet the needs of the community into the future.

The finance is certainly going to be there to take on major refurbishment work too. Funding will be available under three categories. There will be grants of between €10,000 and €300,000, starting with small-scale projects/improvements – to facilities which can avail of €10,000 to €25,000 – ramping up to larger-scale projects worth €25,000 to €100,000, and the BIG league of major projects that could get grants of between €100,000 and €300,000. As usual, there will be an onus on the local committee to raise some matching funds if they are to take on a very big job.

To avail of the grant-aid there will be a fairly detailed two-stage application process with applicants asked to register their organisation in advance of the formal application process going live on a portal. The deadline for completing the registration is fast approaching so all community centre and hall committees need to register as ‘users’ on the portal which can be found at this address on the World Wide Web: https://myportal.pobal. ie/SignIn and do so in advance of the application process proper opening on Tuesday 7 June. You will all have a little while after that to get all the paperwork together and the closing date for final applications is Thursday, 14 July 2022. Good luck with it!

17

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

NewsPeople

Roscommon Herald ROSCOMMON COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028 ROSCOMMON COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022 – 2028

Planning and Development Acts 2000 (as amended) & Planning and Development Acts 2000 (as amended) &

Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) & Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) & Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004-2011

Customer Correction ProofNotice of making of the County

Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004-2011 Notice of making of the County Development Plan 2022-2028

Customer Name:

SEAN DOYLE & SONS Martin Beirne pictured with his girls following Roscommon’s defeat to Tyrone in the Nicky Rackard Cup Final last Saturday at Croke Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Customer No:

TII criticised for Date: N61Start no-show 2060848

15/03/2022

the agency won’t come to the county to End Date: 26/04/2022 engage with us,” he said. “Not only will At Monday’s Council meeting, Trans- they not meet on the road (N61), they No. ofwasInserts: 7 even come to the county…which port Infrastructure Ireland criticised won’t < DAN DOONER

Development Plan 2022-2028

Rep Contact Details:

Order No.: 890832 alanbeirne Copyline: business March 2022. In accordance with Section 12(17) of the aforesaid Act, the Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 came into effect on the 19th April 2022.

Date: 26/10/2021 | T 6627377 The090Plan comprises of the following: Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 12(12) of the Planning and Development Acts that Roscommon County Council made the County Development Plan 2022-2028 on the 8th March 2022. In accordance with Section Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 12(12) of the Planning and Development Acts th 12(17) of the aforesaid Act, the Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 came into effect on the 19 that Roscommon County Council made the County Development Plan 2022-2028 on the 8th April 2022.

Thealan.beirne@roscommonherald.com Plan comprises of the following:

1.

Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 (Volumes I and II) 2.

Housing Strategy and Housing Need Demand Assessment for County Roscommon 1. Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028 (Volumes I and II) 3.

Landscape Character Assessment of County Roscommon 2. Housing Strategy and Housing Need Demand Assessment for County Roscommon 4.

Record of Protected Structures for County Roscommon 3. Landscape Character Assessment of County Roscommon 5.

Renewable Energy Strategy 4. Record of Protected Structures for County Roscommon 6.

Retail Strategy for County Roscommon

5. Renewable Energy Strategy 6. Retail Strategy for County Roscommon

The Roscommon County Development Plan is accompanied by an Environmental Report, prepared in accordance

The Roscommon County Development Plan is accompanied by an Environmental Report, with the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004 – 2011 and a Natura prepared in accordance with the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Impact Report, pursuant to Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. The Strategic Environmental Statement Assessment) Regulations 2004 – 2011 and a Natura Impact Report, pursuant to Article 6 of the (SEA) which accompanies the Plan includes information on how environmental considerations have been Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. The Strategic Environmental Statement (SEA) which accompanies integrated into the Plan. the Plan includes information on how environmental considerations have been integrated into the Plan.

A copy of the Roscommon County Development Plan 2022–2028 along with other accompanying reports and with Athe copy of the Roscommon County Development Plan 2022–2028 along with other accompanying SEA Statement and AA Conclusion Statement, is available for inspection at the Planning Department, reports and with the SEA Statement and AA Conclusion Statement, is available for inspection at Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon. the Planning Department, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon.

AA copy the Plans are also available on the dedicated Roscommon County Development Plan copy the Plans are also available on the dedicated Roscommon County Development Plan website: website: www.rosdevplan.ie www.rosdevplan.ie

by members for its “utterly contemptu- means we now have to go up to Dublin ous behaviour” towards the local au- where we will be on the hind foot…I’m outraged by it to be honest”. thority.

Cllr. John Keogh said he agreed “100 per Members were informed of the State body’s refusal to meet in Roscommon cent” with Cllr. Kilduff, adding that he had over concerns regarding the shelving of previously raised questions regarding the TII’s constitution and accusing the body the N61 bypass project.

Cllr. Tony Ward said despite efforts to of “utterly contemptuous behaviour”.

While acknowledging members’ frus-Home,Interiors,DIY meet with TII noRoscommon action had been taken Herald in 4C (CMYK) the last eight years to address safety con- trations, Director of Services Shane Tiernan pointed out the “strong relationship” cerns on the road.

Signed: Shane Tiernan Cllr. Donal Kilduff said “something was the local authority enjoyed with TII and Director of Services - Roads and Transportation, Active Travel, very wrong with this” and accused TII of the support and funding received by the Signed: ShaneServices, Tiernan Building Control, Planning and Boyle MD Area Manager county. ignoring Athlone Municipal District.

Emergency “Roscommon County Council are very Director of Services - Roads and Transportation, Active Travel, “It’s ridiculous that Roscommon County Council with 18 elected members can well disposed to what TII does for us,” he Emergency Services, Building Control, Planning and Boyle MD Area Manager make a formal request (to meet) and that said.

Edition:

Naughten welcomes plans for Parkinson’s nurse at GUH

Independent TD Denis Naughten, left, has this week welcomed confirmation from the HSE that plans to recruit a Parkinson’s Advanced Nurse Practitioner for Galway University Hospital are now at an advanced stage.

The Roscommon TD said he was informed this week that the job specification for the full-time post is now being finalised.

The Parkinson’s Advanced Nurse Practitioner post is aimed at helping patients to manage their illness through making changes to their prescription and monitoring their condition, improving their quality of life and reducing the need to travel for hospital appointments.

The post, which supported patients across the west of Ireland, is presently vacant in Galway. This position is seen as a vital link in providing patients with information and support to patients and their families.

“I welcome this news and hope that recruitment for this position will now proceed without delay,” Denis Naughten said.

Class:

Colour:

18

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

NewsPeople

TAKE A BREAK

Around 200 Roscommon Leaving Cert students were presented with a unique Roscommon Passport by Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Joe Murphy, at Roscommon Arts Centre. The event was part of the Roscommon Bound Diaspora Strategy. Here students are pictured in the new-look Square in Roscommon town. Pic: Brian Farrell

It’s been a GOOD week for…

Irish boxing, with Lisa O’Rourke and Amy Broadhurst both winning gold at the Women’s World Boxing Championships in Istanbul, a tremendous achievement for these inspirational boxers

secured the Premier League title in dramatic fashion, with Liverpool losing out by a single point on what was a dramatic and exciting final day’s action

Castlerea and County Roscommon, with Lisa O’Rourke’s world title – added to her sister, Aoife’s participation in the Olympic Games – bringing great honour to the girls’ native place

Leeds United supporters, after their team – which had been in freefall – pulled off an unlikely 2-1 away win at Brentford, that result and Burnley’s defeat to Newcastle ensuring that Leeds avoided relegation and retained their Premier League status

Manchester City, after three goals in a five-minute spell late in their game against Aston Villa

Waterford golfer Seamus Power, who continued his excellent form in the United States by

finishing joint ninth in the PGA Championship Justin Thomas, who came from seven shots behind at the beginning of the fourth round to win the US PGA Championship, defeating Will Zalatoris in a three-hole play-off Fans of (and everyone associated with) TV phenomenon Derry Girls (well, a good week in terms of reviews, but also an emotional one), with the finale of the hit Channel 4 sitcom being hailed by critics and viewers alike

Fans of Eastenders, and fans of the Royal family too, with news that the Prince of Wales (Charles) and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, will guest star in a special EastEnders episode in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee (it will be aired on June 2) Our friends in renowned ‘auction house’ Sotheby’s, who reported the sale – at auction – of a 1955 Mercedes-Benz, one of only two such versions in the world, this ageing vehicle commanding a very neat €135m!

It’s been a BAD week for…

Former US President George W Bush (well, sort of), insofar that he produced an unfortunate (given his own history) gaffe during a speech in Dallas, Mr Bush referencing “one man’s” decision to launch a “wholly unjustified and brutal invasion of Iraq” – when he meant to say ‘Ukraine’ Eternal battlers Burnley FC, who lost out

in the relegation face-off with Leeds on Sunday, the teams’ respective results on the day leading to Burnley being relegated from the Premier League English football, in terms of the conduct of a tiny minority of fans that is, with a worrying number of instances of pitch invasions and actual physical violence, with some

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Famous birthdays ... this week

Kylie Minogue (Australian singersongwriter, turns 54 on Saturday)

Laverne Cox (American actress and activist, celebrates 50th on Sunday)

players being attacked and Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira being goaded into an altercation with supporters Outgoing Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who lost power in last week’s Australian election, victory going to the Labor Party and its leader (and new PMelect) Anthony Albanese

“

Stevie Nicks (American singersongwriter, turns 74 on Thursday)

Jamie Oliver (British chef, will be 47 on Friday)

The things people say…

“It’s class! It’s been such a championship and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. To get on top of the podium now is something else. I’m just over the moon…I’m only 20-years-old so I didn’t think I’d get up on top of the podium that quick” Conor Cosgrove pictured with family members following the Nicky Rackard Cup final between Roscommon and Tyrone at Croke Park last Saturday.

Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

-Castlerea boxer, Lisa O’Rourke, speaking to the media after her sensational World title win

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

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20

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

NewsPeople

New Gulliver sculpture unveiled on Lilliput Way Roscommon county councillors, members of Kilteevan Tidy Towns, and local residents pictured at the unveiling of the new Gulliver sculpture on Lilliput Way.

Pictured is the new Gulliver sculpture on Lilliput Way in Kilteevan.

A new sculpture of Gulliver from the novel ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ was unveiled at Lilliput Way in Kilteevan last Thursday by guest of honour, Cllr.

Joe Murphy (Cathaoirleach, Roscommon County Council). The project, an initiative of Kilteevan Tidy Towns, was funded by Roscommon County Council Creative Ireland Programme 2021.

The event was attended by the Tidy Towns Committee, staff and pupils of Kilteevan National School and Junior Tidy Towns, county councillors and staff of Roscommon County Council, the Community Wetlands Forum, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and residents/landowners of the Cloonlarge Loop.

Lilliput Way, which is located on the Cloonlarge Loop in Kilteevan, gets its name from an old turf-cutting machine that was found on the bog there, which was called a Lilliput. The inspiration for the new sculpture came from the novel ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ by Jonathan Swift, in which the main character Gulliver visits a land called Lilliput, where the people are very tiny, making him a giant to them.

The Kilteevan Tidy Towns Committee saw an opportunity to bring Gulliver to life on Lilliput Way, and in doing so, also honour Jonathan Swift’s legacy. Swift’s mental health advocacy is shared by the committee, whose work on the Cloonlarge Loop revolves around promoting physical and mental wellbeing in a healthy environment.

Following a successful application for funding under the Creative Ireland Programme, Kilteevan Tidy Towns commissioned Mark Feeley to sculpt a friendly giant’s head for Lilliput way on the Cloonlarge Loop. As the project evolved, the decision was made to add a hand and a butterfly to the sculpture.

The stone for Gulliver’s head came from Lecarrow Quarry and weighed 18 ton. When it was complete, Gulliver’s head weighed 13 ton, and the stone for the hand weighed 5 ton.

Mark Feeley, who was commissioned to create the new Gulliver sculpture, pictured speaking at the unveiling Local residents pictured at the unveiling of the new Gulliver sculpture on Lilliput Way. on Lilliput Way.

Gerry and Caitlin Browne pictured in Kilteevan ahead of the unveiling of the new Gulliver sculpture on Lilliput Way.

Eileen Fahey (Chairperson, Kilteevan Tidy Town) spoke at the event, thanking Mark Feeley for his hard work and dedication and commending the countless voluntary hours he spent on the project, also giving thanks to Neal Geraghty, Majella Hunt, Rhona McGrath, Áine Butler and Ruairí Ó hAodha of Roscommon County Council, as well

The colourful signage at Cloonlarge Loop and Lilliput Way.

as Laura Gallagher (National Parks and Wildlife Service), the residents/ landowners of Cloonlarge and Annaghmore, Fiona Dunne (FD Design), Pat Hoey (Roscommon Signs), and Padraig Cuddy (Class Grass): “We seldom get an opportunity to make a unique contribution to the world, and I think Gulliver for Lilliput Way, through

The Creative Ireland Programme and Roscommon County Council, was one such opportunity” she said.

Mark Feeley commended all who lent a helping hand with the sculpture, also thanking Kilteevan Tidy Towns Committee and Eileen Fahey for being the driving force behind the project.

Cllr. Joe Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, congratulated Mark on his excellent sculpture and praised Kilteevan Tidy Towns for all their hard work in developing the area, highlighting the importance of community groups and supporting projects related to our physical and mental health.

Your Health & Wellbeing

21

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

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

Keeping you and your loved ones safe at Molloy’s Pharmacy Advertorial

It can be difficult to remember when to take your medication, and it can be even more complicated when you are taking multiple medications. For this reason, Molloy’s Pharmacy is offering a wonderful service free of charge, called a ‘Tablet Packing Service’.

Molloy’s will dispense your medication in an easy-to-use pack, which shows on what day of the week and what time of day you should take you medication. This is a brilliant service if you are taking more than four medications, or are caring for an elderly relative and want to ensure they are taking their medication and/or are worried that medication is not being taken as directed by their doctor.

You can ask your GP surgery to email you prescription to Molloy’s, and their dispensary teams will ready your medication in a convenient weekly tablet pack. Molloy’s also offer a free prescription delivery service to Roscommon town and the surrounding areas. So if you can’t call in, they will deliver to you!

Molloy’s Pharmacy also offer a full range of screening services including blood pressure, coeliac, iron, cholesterol and vitamin screenings. Additionally, Covid vaccination appointments are available at the pharmacy, and if you are going abroad, Molloy’s Pharmacy also offer Certified Travel Antigen Certificates.

If you are thinking of transferring your prescription to Molloy’s Pharmacy, just call 090 6637602 or email info@molloyspharmacy.com.

Are you taking more than four medicines?

Then you should think about availing of the Tablet Packing service at Molloys Pharmacy.

This service helps with medication safety and administration.

TABLET PACKING SERVICE

Molloys also offer a FREE Prescription Delivery Service to Roscommon and the surrounding areas. So, if you can’t call in we can deliver to you.

If you are thinking of transferring your prescription to Molloys just call on 090 6637602 or email info@molloyspharmacy.com

We also offer a Full Range of Screening Services including: Blood Pressure, Coeliac, Iron, Cholesterol and Vitamin Covid Vaccination Appointments Available CERTIFIED TRAVEL ANTIGEN CERTS AVAILABLE

22

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

NewsPeople

€620,000 in Health Capital funding for Roscommon Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has confirmed an allocation of €620,000 in health capital funding for Roscommon, which will go towards the new 50-bed replacement unit at Sacred Heart Hospital and the provision of a rehabilitation unit at Roscommon University Hospital.

Welcoming the news this week, Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy said it was important to have continued investment in local and regional facilities.

“I was very pleased to receive confirmation

of this funding from the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly,” he said.

“The monies will be used to provide a new 50-bed replacement unit for the Sacred Heard Hospital and also the provision of a rehabilitation unit in Roscommon General Hospital.

“Nationally the health capital funding for the construction and equipping of healthcare facilities is €1.02 billion, an increase of 4 per cent on 2021”.

There will also be an investment of over €68 million in Galway which will include out-

CEO cautions against ‘unauthorised works’ at Lough Funshinagh

patient and cystic fibrosis facilities at Merlin Park as well as CT scanning equipment, additional rooms, and a new ward block and outpatient facilities at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.

Funding will also be provided for high-support residences for people with intellectual disabilities in the grounds of St. Brigid’s, Ballinasloe, as well as various facilities at University Hospital Galway. Monies will also be provided for a new 50-bed replacement community nursing home in Tuam.

Addressing Monday’s meeting of Roscommon County Council, Chief Executive Eugene Cummins, left, warned against any “unauthorised works” taking place at Lough Funshinagh following the High Court decision to halt a flood relief scheme at the south Roscommon turlough.

Confirming that the local authority had written to Minister for the Office of Public Works Patrick O’Donovan, Mr. Cummins said: “I must stress how important it is that no one takes the laws onto themselves…any works are unauthorised and any works that have taken place are unauthorised”.

Council Cathaoirleach Cllr. Joe Murphy echoed Mr. Cummins’ comments, adding that no member could condone any unauthorised works.

Body of man (60s) recovered from lake

The body of a man in his 60s was recovered from a lake in the Loughglynn area of Roscommon following an extensive search on Wednesday (yesterday).

A postmortem will be conducted at a later date and en-

Concerns raised over positioning of flower planters < PAUL HEALY

Leyden calls for Just Transition Advocacy Body for communities

Fianna Fáil councillor Orla Leyden called for the establishment of a Just Transition Community Advocacy Body to act as a direct link between communities, key stakeholders including Bord na Móna and local authorities.

In her proposal at Monday’s monthly Council meeting, Cllr. Leyden said: “Communities such as Cloontuskert have expressed significant concern that there is no central body to monitor progress towards a truly Just Transition, hear community concerns, challenges, opportunities or aspirations per its ‘as lived’ experience on the ground, and get answers from relevant agencies.

“Cloontuskert is currently taking part in the Government’s Creative Climate Action pilot known as ‘Workers’ Villages’ and national place-making programme, ‘Reimagine Cloontuskert’”.

Cllr. Tony Ward expressed his concerns that views raised

by Just Transition Commissioner, Kieran Mulvey, were being ignored and said it was important Cllr. Leyden’s motion reached the appropriate ministers.

Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice said “an awful lot more work needed to be done” and questioned whether the community had benefitted from a Just Transition.

Cllr. Donal Kilduff also called for additional supports to be provided to communities.

The motion was seconded by Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher and received widespread support from councillors.

The view of the Post Office and Stonecourt Centre from the west side of the Market Square.

Supporters pictured in Castlerea to welcome back Lisa O’Rourke following her recent gold medal win in the light middleweight final at the 2022 AIBA Women’s Boxing Championships.

The homecoming was also in honour of her sister, Aoife, an Olympian last year. Pic: Mick McCormack

Crosby welcomes ‘master plan’ for villages Independent councillor Tom Crosby says a ‘master plan’ is being drafted for the development of neighbouring villages Clondra and Tarmonbarry.

Councillor Crosby welcomed the recent announcement made by Éanna Rowe (Western Regional Manager with Waterways Ireland), who confirmed that a survey has been commissioned by Waterways Ireland to examine the potential for enhanced tourism facilities in the villages.

He said that this is good news for the future of the area, commenting that a ‘master plan’ for the villages will be drafted in the coming months. Cllr. Crosby says proposals are likely to involve increased accommodation, food providers, etc.

The Waterways Ireland Manager noted the strategic location of the villages on the River Shannon and Royal Canal.

In a press statement, Cllr. Crosby said he has lobbied Waterways Ireland and Roscommon and Longford County Councils over a long period of time for such a “master plan” to be put in place.

“I am delighted that this is now going to happen. It will be of major benefit in terms of tourism and the local economy”.

Cllr. Crosby has called for the extension of the Greenway walk and cycle route, which currently ends in Clondra, so that it connects to places like Rooskey and Strokestown, extending to Athlone and the Dublin-Galway Greenway.

At last Thursday’s Roscommon Municipal District meeting, councillors said some members of the public have expressed concern about the location of one of the new flower planters recently installed in the new-look town centre.

Raising the issue of the positioning of the new flower planters, Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher said that the one close to a disabled parking space (opposite Newsround/The Central Bar) could prove to be an obstruction for a driver or passenger.

Councillors Orla Leyden, Marty McDermott and Anthony Waldron supported Cllr. Shanagher’s point on disabled parking spaces and the positioning of flower planters.

Cllr. Waldron said that a meeting of the Access for All group had recently been deferred but would hopefully be held soon (Director of Services Ms. Majella Hunt indicated that she would like to see the outcome of the meeting in due course).

Responding to councillors’ comments, Ms. Hunt said there had been six disabled parking spaces prior to the public realm project, and there are still six now.

Responding to Cllr. McDermott’s suggestion that one of the spaces may be “too small”, the Director of Services insisted “they are fully to standard”, adding that there is a ‘drob-kerb’ which should be utilised by people.

On the issue of the flower planter which has been the subject of some negative feedback, Cllr. Orla Leyden said she would expect it to be moved.

Ms. Hunt: “The planter won’t be moved, it will be adjusted. If we move one planter, we have to move them all.

People need to get used to the drop-kerb”.

The west side of the Market Square.

23

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

NewsPeople

Traffic to return to ‘West side’ of Square next month

< PAUL HEALY

The west side of the new-look Market Square in Roscommon town is likely to reopen to traffic next month, a meeting has been told.

The meeting of Roscommon Municipal District was informed that a one-way system will operate from the vicinity of the ETL premises to the post office.

Confirmation that vehicles will be permitted on the west side of the Bank of Ireland – where the public realm project has incorporated a new pedestrianised area with seating, flower features, etc. – won’t be welcomed by everybody, but it is consistent with a Part 8 development supported by county councillors back in 2019.

However, it is known that some business people in the area have been lobbying for the new-look town centre to strictly remain accessible to pedestrians only.

The issue has been the subject of meetings between business people, councillors, Roscommon Chamber and the Town Team in recent weeks.

At last Thursday’s meeting, Director of Services Majella Hunt – responding to a query from Cllr. Orla Leyden – indicated that the ‘west side’ will be reopened over the coming weeks.

There were, she advised, some “minor things to be addressed”, and as “supply and installation is the problem” she felt unable to give a definitive timeline.

Ms. Hunt said the Council is

The west side of the new-look Market Square in Roscommon town

working towards the route in question being back open to traffic from around mid-June, although this could be “subject to change”.

Describing it as a “shared space” Ms. Hunt said parking will be limited to areas marked “through paving in the brick, and likewise in the footpaths”.

She pledged that the Council will put signage up. Asked if she

had concerns on safety grounds (given that cars will be driving/ parking in close proximity to the pedestrianised area), Ms. Hunt indicated that she expected qualified drivers to observe the rules.

County councillors present welcomed the assurance that the area will be made accessible to vehicles.

Cllr. Orla Leyden said the “en-

hanced town centre” is a good news story for the town. She noted that during the consultation phase there had been a realisation at all times that the town had to be “inclusive” and that people had to be able to access the bank, post office, etc. “We can’t leave anyone behind… it’s everyone’s town” she commented.

Noting there will be a one-hour

parking zone to the west of the Bank of Ireland (running parallel with Gleeson’s & Regan’s restaurants), Cllr. Leyden said councillors had voted for this in the Part 8 development. She added that there is a “fantastic” pedestrian/civic space at both the front and back of the Bank of Ireland.

Having queried when roadside markings and disability parking

signage will be provided, Cllr.

Leyden later suggested that it should be possible to get the relevant signage up in the next two weeks as “people are waiting to access the town centre again”.

Cllr. Marty McDermott welcomed confirmation that the ‘west side’ will be opened “soon”. He said people want that area opened “for driving and walking” so there can be access to “the ATM, bank, post office”. Cllr. McDermott said the town centre “looks lovely” and noted how Roscommon’s free parking status remains “a massive benefit”.

Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice said councillors had put their confidence in the Council executive and it was now time to embrace the new Market Square/Main Street. It was, he said, “a very positive day” to hear that the ‘west side’ will be reopened.

Cllr. Fitzmaurice observed that the route could presumably be closed to traffic for special events.

Cllr. Nigel Dineen also welcomed Ms. Hunt’s update, and went on to compliment the Council design team and councillors, adding that feedback from the public has been very positive.

Ms. Hunt said that while there will be a two-hour parking zone in Roscommon town generally, it will be one-hour on the west side of the Square. “That means one hour for all”. She confirmed that the west side will be closed off to vehicles on special occasions.

The view from local businesses Eamonn Gleeson Gleesons, Roscommon “Firstly I’d like to make it clear that I think the revamp of the Main Street and Town Square is absolutely fantastic.

There has been a hugely positive response.

“As for the issue of traffic being permitted on the west side…well, back in 2019, we would actually have sought some car parking spaces…I suppose Covid happened then, and our experience has been that there is a move towards outdoor dining and more communal areas.

“So in recent meetings, we’ve been in favour of the area remaining totally pedestrianised. A vehicle is foreign to the new environment. But, having said that, I also understand how older people – for example – need access to the post office.

“I also understand from speaking to people that some traders say they depend on passing traffic stopping and people popping in for ten minutes…these traders have been feeling the effect of the west side being closed off to traffic. I also understand that they (the Council/councillors) are bound by the Part 8 process they took in 2019.

I am conscious too that it’s a public area, and everyone’s needs should be taken into account.

“All things considered, I accept that the traffic will be coming back – that they are bound by the Part 8. But I am hopeful that it can be looked at again, that it can be reviewed after we see how it pans out.

“Certainly cars parking on a large scale on the west side is not desirable. It’s a beautiful space as it is, it’s lovely to see children playing there. We are all people watchers… we all like to watch the world go by!”

David Regan Regan’s Gastro Pub & Restaurant “I feel it would be lovely if the west side could remain open to pedestrians only. I say that now that the project has come out so well. It really looks amazing.

“Everyone has done a great job…the Council, the councillors, everyone involved in obtaining funding.

“Now that we’ve got used to seeing it this way – so beautiful and so pedestrian-friendly – it really would be nice to leave it that way, for walkers, from a safety point of view too.

“I do of course realise that people still have to be able to access the post office, and to me that’s the problem…the post office and its location.

“I’d be in favour of a creative approach here…could we use that (post office) building for another reason?

Maybe it could be turned into a memorial centre in honour of a famous Roscommon person, in the way they’ve done with the Jackie Clarke Library in Ballina, where they’ve developed a fantastic project. The building is so, so similar (to Roscommon Post Office). It would be ideally located…near to the park, the castle, the tourist office. It would attract people to the town for hundreds of years to come.

“I attended a meeting (on this issue) recently and I accept that the councillors feel bound by the Part 8 decision taken in 2019. But when I tell people in the restaurant that traffic is going to be returning on the west side, they are shocked. So I would be hopeful that this can be looked at again (in the short-term future)”.

24

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

FarmingPeople

ICSA: No incentive to produce organic beef ICSA Organics Chairperson Fergal Byrne has said unless processors increase their prices for organic cattle there is little hope of enticing livestock farmers to switch to organics.

“Recently we have seen the prices paid for conventional cattle exceeding those paid for organic cattle. This is completely unsustainable when you

consider the higher costs involved in rearing organic cattle,” he said.

“It should come as no surprise to anyone that it is more expensive to produce organic beef, due to lower volume of farm output, and farmers need to have confidence when they go to sell their produce that this will be taken into consideration. There is absolutely

Castlerea MART WATCH The numbers of stock presented for sale for the time of year remain high with over 600 animals presented for sale on Thursday last. Trade and prices in all three rings remain buoyant with forward cattle in particular reaching some very high prices.

The bullock ring saw prices peak at €2,320 with the heifers reaching €1,880 while the dry cows topped out at €2,810 with a good clearance taking place in all three rings. There was a slight drop in the number of calves presented for sale but prices have improved in recent weeks with lots making from €5 to €380.

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today (Thursday, May 26th) with our weekly sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners, and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am.

Sample prices for bullocks: AA 490kgs €1420, Ch 355kgs €1370, Lm 375kgs €1330, Lm 515kgs €1660, Hex 500kgs €1380, Lm 580kgs €2010, Ch 570kgs €1910, Lm 640kgs €2060, AA 645kgs €1840, AA 705kgs €2320, Lm 680kgs €2100, Ch 670kgs €2060.

Heifers: Ch 340kgs €1250, Lm 415kgs €1350, Ch 350kgs €1190, AA 420kgs €1240, Lm 490kgs €1700, Ch 460kgs €1690, Ch 470kgs €1660, Shx 615kgs €1880, Lm 520kgs €1780, Lm 530kgs €1760, Lm 510kgs €1760, Hex 493kgs €1580.

Dry cows: Lm 800kgs €2810, AA 885kgs €2700, Lm 815kgs €2560, Lm 775kgs €2480, Lm 785kgs €2460, Lmx 440kgs €1070, Hex 465kgs €900, Fr 480kgs €740, Fr 735kgs €1630.

Weanling bulls: Chx 285kgs €1110, Sax 285kgs €1050, Sax 230kgs €940, Ch 360kgs €1220, Ch 375kgs €1220, Lm 430kgs €1260, Lm 360kgs €1120, Sax 300kgs €1050.

Weanling heifers: Chx 290kgs €1010, Ch 315kgs €970, Sim 415kgs €1250, Lm 480kgs €1670, Lm 350kgs €1250, Sim 300kgs €1180, Ch 325kgs €1160.

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no incentive for farmers to go to the extra expense of producing organically when those producing conventionally are getting paid more”.

Mr. Byrne said questions needed to be asked as to why this was happening and whether there was any prospect of redressing the balance.

“It is clear more resources must be

put into securing new markets for organic produce as well as the marketing of organic produce. While additional money has been put into the Organics Scheme, serious questions remain around whether there is a solid strategy to build our organic exports and deliver premium prices at meat factory level and at Bord Bia level,” he said.

“Government policy is to encourage more farmers to switch to organics, but we must be able to demonstrate that it is a financially viable option.

“However, as things stand that is very difficult to do and the job will get even harder if we cannot re-establish a premium of at least €1/kg extra for organic cattle”.

IFA raises tougher dog attack sanctions with Minister Humphreys IFA National Sheep Chairman Kevin Comiskey led a delegation to meet Minister for Rural and Community Development and Social Protection Heather Humphreys to put forward stronger measures the association believes are needed to curb dog attacks.

Mr. Comiskey said the persistent failure of the authorities has frustrated farmers who have suffered significant losses as a result of attacks.

He said the delegation had had constructive discussions with Minister Humphreys, who, he says, understands the issues and is committed to addressing farmer concerns.

“This is a critical issue on sheep farms. Dog attacks

cause unimaginable suffering for sheep and lambs and huge economic losses for farmers,” he said.

“IFA has three priority actions to tackle the issue.

They are: A single national database for all dogs in the country that identifies the person responsible for the dog; Tougher sanctions for those who fail to have their dog under their control at all times, and for those whose dogs are identified worrying/attacking livestock; Additional resources to ensure compliance with the obligations of dog owners.

“The level of sanctions doesn’t reflect the savagery and trauma these uncontrolled dogs are causing. The absence of

IFA National Sheep Chairman Kevin Comiskey led a delegation to meet Minister for Rural and Community Development and Social Protection Heather Humphreys to put forward stronger measures the association believes are needed to curb dog attacks.

a centralised database to identify ownership and those responsible for the dogs, and the lack of enforcement of microchip-

ping, are all contributing to this ongoing and escalating problem,” he said.

The IFA Sheep Chairman added that dogs should

not be allowed in or near farmland and urged all dog owners to behave in a responsible way and adhere to this.

separate classes – traditional breeds and continental breeds – with pedigree and continental heifers eligible for the classes.

“Over the course of the summer, more than 60

shows will benefit from the new class. The show network is a focal point of so many agri and rural communities,” Senator Murphy said.

“This addition to the show categories will be a

great benefit to the quality of breeding cattle and to rural Ireland as a whole.

“I am looking forward to visiting the shows over the summer and to see the heifers and their owners in the new Breeder’s Class”.

Murphy welcomes investment in grassroots showing scene

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has welcomed a multi-year investment in the Irish livestock showing scene worth €250,000 per year for the next five years.

The investment will see

the rolling out of a brandnew class aimed at heifers which will be administered by the Irish Shows Association.

The ‘Breeder’s Choice’ class will be open to breeding heifers in two

Roscommon MART WATCH There were similar numbers on offer again this week with a firm trade for all classes. Bullocks averaged from €3.30 per kilo up to €3.51 per kilo.

Heifers fetched from an average of €2.92 per kilo up to €3.82 per kilo.

Dry cows made from an average of €2.63 per kilo up to €3.18 per kilo. Customers are still actively sourcing stock both on line and at the ringside.

There will be a special sale of bullocks this Friday (May 27th) as well as heifers and dry cows.

There was a good entry of stock at our sale of Weanlings and Sucker Cows on Tuesday. There was a flying trade for both bulls and heifers with lots of customers at the ringside and on line actively sourcing stock.

Weanling bulls made from an average of €2.93 per kilo up to a maximum of €4.02 per kilo for a Lim X Bullock weighing 450kgs and fetching €1,810 (€4.02 per kilo).

Weanling heifers made from an average of €2.95 per kilo up to €3.80

per kilo. Cows with bull calves at foot made from €1,440 up to €2,000 while cows with heifer calves at foot made from €1,690 up to €2,180.

Please note that weanlings will be sold on Fridays as and from June 3rd in conjunction with our usual sale for bullocks, heifers and dry cows. A 63rd Anniversary Special Sale of Weanlings will take place on Tuesday, July 12th at 4 pm.

The numbers on offer at Wednesday’s sheep sale (yesterday) were similar to the previous week with trade unchanged. Hoggets made up to €170, spring lambs made as high as €176 and stag ewes fetched up to €200. Ewes and lambs made up to €385 for one ewe with two lambs at foot.

Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID Tag set. The next sheep sale for lambs and cast ewes is on Wednesday, June 1st at 11 am. Yard opens at 8 am and all stock must be penned by 10 am. Sale can be viewed live on

www.livestock-live.com.

Sample prices for heifers: Char X 580kgs €2220, Char X 605kgs €2110, Char X 575kgs €2100, Char X 685kgs €2050, Char X 480kgs €1650, Char X 510kgs €1660, Char X 515kgs €1670, Lim X 485kgs €1700, AAX 595kgs €1740, Lim X 595kgs €1920, Char X 515kgs €1770, Char X 365kgs €1260, Lim X 455kgs €1510, Lim X 475kgs €1500, FRX 540kgs €1300, 3 BBX 468kgs €1260, Char X 275kgs €910, BAX 340kgs €1060, Char X 370kgs €1320.

Bullocks: Char X 350kgs €1230, Lim X 380kgs €1180.

Dry cows: Char 890kgs €2660, Char X 795kgs €2440, Char X 800kgs €2440, Lim 765kgs €2370, Lim X 740kgs €2230, Lim X 740kgs €2180, AA 720kgs €2060, Lim 645kgs €2025, Lim X 635kgs €2020, AA 735kgs €1980, Lim X 685kgs €1970, AA 725kgs €1900.

Weanling heifers: Char X 355kgs €1350 - €3.80 per kilo, Lim X 400kgs €1290 - €3.22 per kilo, AAX 405kgs

€1240 - €3.06 per kilo, Char X 395kgs €1210 - €3.06 per kilo, Lim X 325kgs €920 - €2.83 per kilo, Lim X 270kgs €3.48 per kilo, Char X 285kgs €1020 - €3.57 per kilo, AAX 260kgs €1070 - €2.97 per kilo.

Weanling bulls: Lim X 450kgs €1810 - €4.02 per kilo, Char 540kgs €1610 - €2.98 per kilo, Lim X 450kgs €1460 - €3.24 per kilo, Lim X 405kgs €1390 - €3.43 per kilo, Lim X 435kgs €1330 - €3.05 per kilo, Lim X 365kgs €1070 - €2.93 per kilo, Char X 320kgs €1090 - €3.43 per kilo, Char X 360kgs €1260 - €3.50 per kilo, 2 Lim X 272kgs €940 - €3.44 per kilo, Lim X 255kgs €850 - €3.33 per kilo.

Finished hoggets: 57kgs €170, 58kgs €168, 48kgs €165, 51 €162, 47.4kgs €140.

Spring lambs: 53kgs €176, 54.2kgs €176, 64kgs €175, 47.3kgs €175, 46.2kgs €175, 51kgs €174, 47.6kgs €173, 47.3kgs €172, 47kgs €172, 46.4kgs €170, 44kgs €168, 44.4kgs €166, 42kgs €161.

25

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

NewsPeople

POLITICAL PEOPLE

Rows, resignations, rivalries!

It’s our political ‘Saipan Special’…

With the national media marking the 20th anniversary of the national media’s obsession with Saipan all week (in fairness, everyone got pretty worked up about Keane v McCarthy) – here in People Political Towers, we’re going down memory lane for our own political ‘Saipan Special’. So, inspired by Mick and Roy’s falling out all those years ago, here are eight big, memorable Irish political rivalries/spats… < PAUL HEALY

Fáil, Doherty helped Haughey become leader, Haughey moved Doherty up the ranks…then it all turned sour.

A political thriller with many twists and turns, the Haughey-Doherty relationship fell apart at the altar of desire for power.

For many years the duo were very close, Doherty fiercely loyal to his boss, Haughey rewarding the Boyle man by appointing him Minister for Justice. That was before the series of unfortunate events now commonly referred to by the GUBU acronym. When Doherty lost the whip over the phonetapping controversy, a decade in the wilderness followed.

Feeling let down by Haughey, Doherty held a press conference in which he made the dramatic claim that then then-Taoiseach had known all along about the tapping of journalists’ phones a decade earlier. It led directly to Haughey’s resignation. Haughey and Doherty never spoke again.

Michael McDowell v John Gormley During the 2007 General Election campaign, there was ‘Campaign Gold’ when Progressive Democrats leader McDowell and Green Party Chairman Gormley squared off on the street in Ranelagh while canvassing in the very competitive Dublin South-East constituency.

McDowell was putting up a poster with the slogan ‘Left-Wing Government? – No Thanks’ when he was confronted by an irate Gormley, who demanded that ‘SuperMc’ withdraw campaign claims against the Greens.

Flanked by their teams of canvassers, the sitting TDs faced off for several minutes. Happily for us (and the candidates) the TV cameras were present.

Unusually angry and animated, the normally placid Gormley showed all the signs of a candidate under pressure as he launched a strong verbal attack.

Beyond chuckling and saying “calm down”, McDowell barely got a word in (maybe just as well for viewers).

Gormley had the last laugh, retaining his seat while McDowell lost out. McDowell then resigned as party leader at the count, meaning one of Gormley’s best quotes in the ‘Rumble in Ranelagh’ had proven prophetic: “Bye bye to the PDs…you (McDowell) are history”.

Mary Lou McDonald v Leo Varadkar The mutual dislike that Fine Gael and Sinn Féin have for one another is perfectly mirrored in the very cool relationship between the party’s leaders.

There seems to be genuine acrimony between Varadkar and McDonald (as opposed to the posturing one associates with some political ‘rivalries’). True, they have different political philosophies, but in all probability the reason for the constant tension is because the respective leaders see the other party as a major political threat.

Whether it’s Varadkar comparing Mary Lou to French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, or McDonald calling on the Tánaiste to resign, any exchange between the two is almost always guaranteed to be sparky.

Charles Haughey v Des O’Malley They could never have been best buddies…they were too different. Haughey

Sean Doherty and Charlie Haughey.

was charismatic, rogueish and cavalier.

O’Malley was publicly dour, cautious, and of course deeply suspicious of Haughey, stretching back to the Arms Trial period. (At school, O’Malley might be the boy who stayed in class studying during break-time, with Haughey smoking a fag in the yard while plotting to overthrow the school management).

Tensions came to a head in 1984 when Haughey oversaw the removal of the whip from O’Malley, a disciplinary measure that led to the latter setting up the Progressive Democrats.

In the simplistic ‘Good v Evil’ narrative that often passed for commentary on Haughey/O’Malley, it is often overlooked that O’Malley wanted to be FF leader and gave his blessing to a botched unsuccessful leadership challenge in 1982.

Despite massive mutual distrust, the duo – remarkably – put their differences aside and worked very well together in the FF/PD Coalition of 1989’92. Whisper it, but there was mutual respect under the surface.

Charles Haughey v Garret Fitzgerald Fitzgerald and Haughey polarised political opinion in Ireland for decades, their rivalry defining an era in Irish politics.

The fact that they led the two big political beasts in Ireland – Fine Gael and

Fianna Fáil respectively – meant they were in permanent public conflict with one another (they were actually quite good friends away from the political battlefield). It was easy for many in the media to depict the rivalry as ‘Good’ (Garret) v ‘Not Quite So Good’ (or maybe ‘Not quite so trustworthy’) Charlie.

Many Fianna Fáil supporters never forgave Fitzgerald for what was considered an ungracious address in the Dáil when Haughey became Taoiseach, i.e. the famous ‘flawed pedigree’ denunciation.

Their TV debates – Brian Farrell in chair, eyebrows arched – was the sort of stuff that got us very excited in the 1980s!

Dick Spring v Albert Reynolds The political marriage that cast doubt on the theory that opposites attract! Spring had a sizeable ego and was a stickler for…being a stickler.

As far as Dick was concerned, gravitas and self-importance mattered!

Reynolds was more down to earth, gregarious, and spontaneous in his political outlook. Had they not been thrown together by fate (and number crunching) in a Fianna Fáil-Labour Coalition, it’s likely they wouldn’t have willingly spent a single afternoon together.

Egos ruled, the duo never really gelling. When Reynolds claimed a pre-emptive vindication via the Beef

Tribunal Report, Spring – allegedly locked out of Government Buildings – went ballistic.

Mary O’Rourke v Albert Reynolds On becoming Taoiseach in 1992, Reynolds sacked O’Rourke as part of his ‘Valentine’s Day Massacre’ removal of 17 ministers.

No doubt it was ruthless, but should it have been such a surprise? The constituency ‘colleagues’ had been in fierce competition for many years. The famous ‘Battle for Tang Church’ refers to an acrimonious stand-off in 1987 between the Reynolds and O’Rourke camps on the border of counties Longford and Westmeath.

The fact that O’Rourke had the audacity to put her name into the ring for the leadership after Charlie Haughey resigned will also have rankled with Reynolds (who won the leadership election). Although he bowed to some public pressure and ended up giving Mary a junior ministry, Albert had made his true feelings known during the Valentine’s Day Massacre. No love lost.

(For the record, it should be said that O’Rourke was quite gracious about Reynolds in her autobiography).

Charles Haughey v Sean Doherty Haughey attracted Doherty to Fianna

Enda Kenny v Denis Naughten Enda Kenny and Roscommon TD Denis Naughten were fairly close political allies. However, by 2010 cracks had begun to appear in their relationship.

Then, with Kenny and Fine Gael at sea in national opinion polls, Naughten very publicly supported a coup against his party leader. Against initial expectations, Kenny survived the leadership challenge, and went on to become Taoiseach in 2011.

Next came Hospital-gate, with Kenny and James Reilly reneging on pre-election commitments to keep Roscommon A&E open. Naughten voted against the downgrading and was immediately expelled from Fine Gael. He has been an Independent TD ever since. Kenny and Naughten didn’t speak for years.

But while their relationship never fully recovered, there was a twist after the 2016 General Election. With the support of Independents, Kenny formed a Fine Gael-led minority government, and, in a classic example of realpolitik, he appointed Naughten to Cabinet.

Honourable mention…

There are many more rivalries, too numerous for all to be included!

Honourable mention to Albert Reynolds v Bertie Ahern, Charles Haughey v Jack Lynch, Joan Burton v Eamon Gilmore, Mary Harney v Michael McDowell, John O’Donoghue v Jackie Healy-Rae, John Connor v Liam Naughten…

26

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

PropertyPeople

Impressive 4/5-bed property sold by REA Seamus Carthy REA Seamus Carthy are pleased to advise that they have closed the sale of a highly impressive and 4/5-bedroomed detached bungalow located at Ardsallagh More, Roscommon town.

With offers in excess of €300,000 invited, Seamus Carthy was delighted to conclude the sale this week and is now urgently seeking similar quality properties.

The residence was considered a rare opportuni-

ty to acquire a quality detached 4/5-bedroomed bungalow presented in excellent condition and set in sought after, Ardsallagh More in the heart of Roscommon town. A wonderful location set in a small residential cul-de-sac of five family homes, this most select property offers a quality bungalow residence, presented in excellent condition, considered ready to walk into.

Flexible in its layout, accommodation for the

Carrowreagh, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon 20.63 acres held under Folio RN34818 for sale by private treaty

Extremely attractive parcel of land with an elevated view of the surrounding countryside suitable for any farming enterprise.

The lands are in a single unit fronting the R357 (Ballinasloe-Roscommon Road) and the L7604.

The lands are in good heart and have extensive frontage to the R357. There are a number of out-offices and a hayshed on the lands.

Maps and details from the auctioneers

Rothwell Staunton & Associates Ballinasloe • 090 9642258

Email: rothwellauct1@gmail.com • www.daft.ie PSR Licence: 002041 •

home office or the family playroom are all catered for. Benefitting from its landscaped and mature lawns offering a private rear garden.

The property market is extremely active and if you are considering selling in 2022, we now have a substantial list of underbidders seeking all types of properties in all areas. Contact REA Seamus Carthy today on 090-6630001 in confidence.

Carthy confirms sale of 30 prime acres on outskirts of Roscommon town This week, Seamus Carthy is pleased to advise that he has closed the sale of approximately 30 acres of top quality agricultural land at Cloverhill, Roscommon town.

The lands were recently reseeded and offered dual road frontage onto both the N60 and the Clover-

hill/Fuerty Road. Seamus Carthy confirmed the lands were of the highest quality resulting in interest received from all over the country.

Seamus said: “Obviously, what comes with the successful sale is a substantial list of disappointed underbidders and we urgently require

all types of land to satisfy demand due to land sales in the Cloverhill, Balinaheglish, Castlerea areas over recent weeks.

“If you are considering selling any type of agricultural land contact me on 086-8035538 or the office on 090-6630001”.

Land for sale in Ballygar with Moran & Co Moran & Co auctioneers have a wide selection of lands for sale by private treaty in Ballygar and surrounding areas this week.

Located at a prime town centre location in Ballygar, are approximately 12.3 acres of mostly topquality farmland. The lands have site potential subject to planning permission and are convenient to all amenities. This sale offers a rare opportunity for anyone seek-

ing to purchase a holding of lands or to acquire additional lands with development potential.

There are also 17.4 acres for sale at a prime location in Ballygar with site potential subject to planning and convenient to all amenities. This sale also offers a unique opportunity for anyone seeking to purchase a holding of lands or to acquire additional lands with development potential.

Also for sale are 13.7 acres at Cloonlyon Road, Ballygar, comprising of mixed grazing lands in two divisions, with significant site potential and approximatley 2.6 acres of bog in NHA. This provides a great opportunity for anyone seeking to purchase lands or to acquire additional lands in a sought after location.

The lands, which are all well located, offer an excellent op-

portunity to acquire farmlands.

The lands, which have prime locations, have development potential subject to planning permission. This is a shrewd investment opportunity, not to be missed, and inspection is highly recommended.

For more details, contact the sole agent David Moran (MSCSI, MRICS) of Moran & Co Estate Agents on 090-6624531.

Auctioneers & Estate Agents Main Street, Ballygar.

Tel 090 6624531 087 2786664

Email info@moranandco.ie PSRA no. 001472

moranandco.ie

BALLYGAR, CO. GALWAY - LANDS FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY Superb Investment Opportunity – Inspection Highly Recommended

Ballygar, Co. Galway

Prime Town Centre Location – c. 12.3 acres of top quality farmland with site potential subject to planning. Rare opportunity.

Full details from the auctioneer David Moran

Ballygar, Co. Galway

Cloonlyon, Ballygar, Co. Galway.

Prime Town Location - c. 17.4 acres of top quality farmland with site potential subject to planning. Unique opportunity.

Prime Location c. 16.4 acres of mixed grazing and bog with potential.

Located just a short distance from town.

Full details from the auctioneer David Moran

Full details from the auctioneer David Moran

27

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

PropertyPeople

PSRA Licence No. 004420

FINAL OFFERS INVITED

Cormac 086 3519492

Cathal 086 1409158

NEW TO THE MARKET

4 B/R SEMI DETACHED RESIDENCE LOCATED AT

RESIDENTIAL /COMMERCIAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT

13 SHANNON GROVE, BALLYLEAGUE, CO. ROSCOMMON N39 VF53

MAIN STREET, CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON F45 R6V3

A four bedroomed semi detached residence of approx 1,200 sq. ft. presented for sale in pristine condition throughout with rear garden.

Accommodation on the ground floor comprises briefly of entrance hall, sitting room, kitchen dining room, utility room and guest W.C. On the first floor are four bedrooms with master bedroom en-suite, family bathroom and hot press.

Shannon Grove is an exceptionally well maintained residential development on the fringes of Ballyleague and conveniently located close to a host of amenities including schools, shops, Church, restaurants, pubs as well as a Lough Ree and the River Shannon.

The Auctioneer now invites viewings and all offer to sell.

(FORMERLY THE HALF WAY HOUSE) AMV: €80,000 A primely located former residential 7 day licensed premises of approx 2,800 sq. ft. in need of full refurbishment located in the heart of Castlerea town adjacent to the mart and all town amenities. Offering spacious commercial and residential accommodation throughout, the property lends itself to various alternative uses due its size and location.

First floor comprising briefly of, kitchen/dining room, 3 bedrooms, bathroom and store room.

The commercial element comprises of bar and lounge area pool room, keg room, ladies and gents toilets, together with a former café and kitchen located to the side with independent access to same.

The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers to sell after €80,000.

Viewing by appointment only.

FINAL OFFERS INVITED

NEW TO THE MARKET

2 B/R COTTAGE STYLE RESIDENCE LOCATED AT

BUGALOW SYLE RESIDENCE LOCATED AT

GRANGE, FOUR MILE HOUSE, ROSCOMMON F42 VF62

‘LAKE VIEW COTTAGE’, KNOCKDRUMDONNELL, BALLYMURRAY, ROSCOMMON F42 NX31

AMV: €65,000

A two bedroom one bathroom residence. This property is situated on approx. 0.64 of an acre in a quiet peaceful setting. Services include, ESB, mains water and septic tank.

The Auctioneers now invite Final viewings and all offers to sell.

AMV: €295,000

A beautiful bugalow syle residence standing on a prime elevated site within walking distance to Lough Ree. This property is finished to a high standard throughout incorporating fitted kitchen and integrated appliances, along with two bedrooms, main bathroom with sauna, two large living areas along with a utility room and a large conservatory/office.

The said property has been maintained to the highest standard by its present owners. It extends to an impressive approx. 1,541 sq. ft. of actual floor space and is presented for sale in show house condition.

Numerous extras include, four fishing ponds, green house, donkey shed, boat shed to side approx.

200 sq.ft. total site area of approx. 0.71 acres.

Fully fitted bespoke kitchen units with integrated appliances and an open fire. The property is situated in a tranquil and peaceful setting and enjoys a panoramic view of the local countryside and Lough Ree. Overall this is a select property in a highly desirable residential location, within walking distance to the Village of Gailey Bay a renowned fishing and camping location and within easy commuting distance to Athlone and Roscommon town centres The Auctioneers now invite immediate viewings Viewings STRICTLY by appointment only

Stone Court Centre, The Square, Roscommon. Tel: (090) 6626579 / 6626796. Mobile: Cormac 086 3519492 or Cathal 086 1409158 Email: teamearley@remax.ie • Web: www.teamearley.ie

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Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

€265,000

29

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

PropertyPeople

PSRA Licence No: 003201

NEW TO THE MARKET

51 Cnoc Na Gaoithe, Lanesborough, Longford, Co. Longford N39 R524

New Abbeyville homes for sale with Oates This week, Oates Auctioneers are proud to launch the sale of seven new-build properties, located in the fashionable Abbeyville estate in Roscommon town.

The selection of fully finished

new houses qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme for first time buyers, and incorporate three and fourbedroomed residences, bungalows, and semi-detached houses. Prices start at €225,000.

For more details or to arrange appointment to view, contact joint selling agents, Oates Auctioneers Ltd on 090-6627878 and Connaughton Auctioneers 0906663700.

Five-bedroomed bungalow with granny flat for sale with RE/MAX Team Earley For sale by private treaty with RE/ MAX Team Earley is a five-bedroomed detached bungalow with a one-bedroomed apartment to the side, located at Carrowroe, Athlone Road, Roscommon (F42XK58).

Situated on a large site of approximately 1.6 acres with further development opportunity subject to planning permission being granted, the property is presented in good condition throughout and is being sold as is. The property benefits from a one-bedroom,

one-bathroom granny flat, which is located at the side of the property.

The village of Carrowroe is located just two minutes from Roscommon town and the property is situated within easy access of ample amenities, including schools, pre-schools, shops, supermarkets, pubs, restaurants, parks, playgrounds, a church, hospital, medical centre, various sporting facilities, and public transport links.

The property is heated via oil-fired central heating and a solid fuel stove

with back boiler. Externally, the property boasts two storage sheds and a tarmac driveway. This property has a BER rating of D2 and an AMV of €220,000. Viewings are by appointment only.

For more information or to arrange an appointment to view, contact RE/ MAX Team Earley on 090-6626579/ teamearley@remax.ie, or contact auctioneer John Earley directly on 0862551380/jearley@propertypartners. ie.

Quality 3 bedroom property presented for sale in immaculate condition by its present owners. This property has recently been renovated and fully insulated including walls pumped and attic insulated.

Lanesboro is a popular residential location on the River Shannon offering excellent boating and fishing. This property is located within walking distance to local schools, shops etc. and comprises entrance hallway with WC off, sitting room with wrought iron fireplace, kitchen/dining room, 3 large bedrooms (master ensuite) and family bathroom. Outside cobble lock front driveway with private secure landscaped garden to rear accessed via arch to side.

Price Region: € 160,000 BER Rating: C1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW TO THE MARKET

Portrunny, Ballymurray, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 EA39 Unique opportunity to acquire probably the best setting and view on the River Shannon. This residence which is in need of refurbishment has for generations looked onto Lough Ree, is located 5 minutes to Roscommon Town and 20 minutes to Athlone Town Centre at Portrunny Bay adjacent to Marina with full access to the River Shannon.

Accommodation consists of sitting room, living room, kitchen/dining room, 4 bedrooms and family bathroom.

Price Region: Open to offers ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW TO THE MARKET

Farbreagues, Knockcroghery, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 V658 Charming 2 bedroom bungalow situated on a large landscaped site with majestic views over Lough Ree and the surrounding countryside.

Situated in a quite country setting, 5 miles from Roscommon Town and 20 minutes to Athlone Town centre.

This residence comprises entrance porch, kitchen/dining room, utility, sitting room, 2 large bedrooms and family bathroom. Outside, large modern stables/shed to rear with attractive dry stone walling, rustic chipped drive and laurel hedging. This is an exceptional property to come on the market in a select residential area for which the auctioneers invite viewings and offers.

Price Region: € 210,000 BER Rating: F ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW TO THE MARKET LUXURY 5 BEDROOM RESIDENCE

12 SLIEVE BAN VIEW, THE WALK, ROSCOMMON TOWN Exceptional 5 bedroom (2 ensuite) dormer style property situated in this sought after mature residential area just off the Walk Road.

This property is finished to a very high standard by its present owners with no expense spared. It enjoys superb views of the surrounding countryside yet is within walking distance to the town centre.

Price Region: €400,000

Church Street, Roscommon Town, CO. ROSCOMMON TEL: 090 6627878 FAX: 090 6627877 E-mail info@oates.ie Website: www.oates.ie

The Manse, Northgate Street, Athlone, CO. WESTMEATH TEL: 090 6477500 FAX: 090 6477546 E-mail athlone@oates.ie Website: www.oates.ie

30

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

SportsPeople

SEAMUS CARTHY SALE TYPE TAGLINE NEW TO THE MARKET

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

Clooneygrassan, Ballintubber, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, F45 CA22

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

AMV: ¤000,000

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

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

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

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

AMV: ¤000,000

AMV: ¤000,000

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

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

NEW TO THE MARKET

NEW TO THE MARKET

Ballyhubert, Strokestown, AMV: ¤000,000 Co. Roscommon, F42 A440

Church Road, Ballinlough, AMV: ¤000,000 Co. Roscommon, F45 YH31 www.reacarthy.ie

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

AMV: ¤000,000

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

Traditional Cottage on 4.47 Acres of Land with the benefit of Two Bay Hayshed and Lean To situated thereon. Attractive Rural Setting situated on N60. Immediate Enquiries Advised. Viewings strongly recommended.

Guide Price: €100,000 ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 5 key feature 1  Property 5 key feature 2  Property 5 key feature 3

Best wishes to Roscommon team and management on Sunday in the Connacht Final at Pearse Stadium SALE TYPE TAGLINE

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

FINAL OFFERS INVITED

Lisroyne, Strokestown, AMV: ¤000,000 Co. Roscommon, F42 X367 090 66 30001

AMV: ¤000,000

PSRA Licence No: 002782

SEAMUS CARTHY Quality 5 Bedroom Detached Dormer style residence presented in excellent condition with Detached garage/ workshop.

outbuildings centrally set in the heart of Ballinlough Village convenient to shops, schools.

Guide Price: €175,000

Attractive 3 Bedroom Semi Detached Home, set on a SALEwalking TYPE TAGLINE mature site within distance to all amenities in Strokestown. Presented in good condition and offering potential, Immediate enquiries advised.

Guide Price: €110,000

NEW TO THE MARKET

NEW TO THE MARKET

NEW TO THE MARKET

SALE TYPE TAGLINE SALE TYPE TAGLINE Attractive 3 Bedroom Detached Bungalow with 3 no.

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

25 Abbeyville, Galway Road, 11 Springfield, Castlerea, ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE TOWN,F45 COUNTY, POSTCODE Roscommon Town, F42 YC92 Co. Roscommon, YA22

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

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

AMV: ¤000,000

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

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

AMV: ¤000,000

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

3 Arch Court, St. Ciarans Rd, ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE Roscommon Town, F42 HR91

AMV: ¤000,000

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

 Property 4 key feature 1  Property 4 key feature 2  Property 4 key feature 3

AMV: ¤000,000

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

Spacious 4 Bedroom Semi Detached Two Storey Home,

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, presented in excellent condition throughout and TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE Spacious 2 Bedroom Ground floor Town Centre Apartment conveniently located in the heart of Castlerea Town, a  Property 5 key feature 1  Property 6 key feature 1  Property 7 key feature 1  Property 8 key feature 1 4 Bedroom Semi Detached (142sq.m) residence convenient to all amenities and presented in good gentle stroll to all amenities.

Immediate Enquiries Advised. Quality    Property 5 key feature 2 Property 6 key feature 2 Property 7 key feature 2 Property 8 key feature 2 presented in excellent front6 key feature 3 conditioninProperty the heart Roscommon Town.

Viewing comes highly recommended.  the Property 5 key feature 3 condition and situated to Property Property 7 key feature 3 8 keyoffeature 3

of the highly regarded “Abbeyville” residential estate.

AMV: ¤000,000

AMV: ¤000,000 Guide Price: €160,000

www.reacarthy.ie

AMV: ¤000,000

Guide Price: €95,000 AMV: ¤000,000

090 66 30001 PSRA Licence No: 002782

31

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

On top of the world: Lisa strikes gold 12-page Special Souvenir Edition

32

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

On top of the world: Lisa strikes gold Congratulations to World Champion Lisa from all at

Contact Charlie: 087 2725297 Cloverhill, Roscommon.

Tel: 090 6627907 Fax: 090 6628928 Email: doortec2@hotmail.com

Congratulations to World Champion Lisa O’Rourke from

JOE DUNLEAVY CRASH REPAIRS

l l PANEL BEATING l SPRAY PAINTING

AIC Accredited Bodyshop Private Work and Insurance Claims dealt with

Cloonbonniffe, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Phone: 094 9640158 Fax: 094 9640158 Mobile: 086 1752872

Lisa O’Rourke’s Road to Gold…

< DAN DOONER

En route to winning the world title at her first ever elite competition in Istanbul, Castlerea lightmiddleweight Lisa O’Rourke defeated Mbabi Brigitte of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Moronta Hernandez of the Dominican Republic to earn a place in the quarter-finals.

Reaching the last eight was in itself a remarkable achievement considering Lisa only found out she had made the Irish team just

days before her opening bout.

“I went to a training camp in Italy two weeks before (the world championships) not even knowing if I was being selected. I was still in assessments against another top class girl, Christina Desmond. Thankfully I was picked but it wasn’t nice to see her going home because it was so tight,” she said.

Having impressed in the earlier rounds, Lisa faced Armenia’s Ani Hovsepyan in the quarter-finals where a victory would guarantee a

Congratulations to World Champion Lisa O’Rourke from

Reilly&Co. Chartered Certified Accountants

Book Keeping Accountancy l Taxation l Auditing l l

T: 094 9620920 – E: reillyacca@gmail.com Barrack St., Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Congratulations to World Champion Lisa O’Rourke from

Seamus Croghan

Groundwork and Concrete Specialist SPECIALISING IN THE FOLLOWING

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

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

086 8720720

P: email: seamuscroghan58@hotmail.com

Lisa O’Rourke pictured with her gold medal in Castlerea following her recent victory in the light middleweight final at the 2022 AIBA Women’s Boxing Championships. Pic: Mick McCormack

bronze medal at the very least.

“The quarter-final was a tough fight. She was experienced but thankfully I came out on top. Before this fight I really wanted a medal but I wasn’t expecting to medal because it was my first elite competition,” she said.

Bronze medal secured, Lisa entered the lion’s den for her semi-final bout against home town fighter Sema Caliskan.

“Going into the semi-final against the home girl, I was nervous but I had a medal at this stage so it was time to enjoy it as I had already reached my goal,” Lisa said.

“I went out there wanting to win my first fight, and I told Aoife if I won that first fight that was more than enough and I could enjoy it from there. I took it one fight at a time (after that) and it all worked out well!”

In front of a partisan crowd, Lisa produced one of the performances of the tournament to earn a convincing unanimous decision over the Turkish fighter.

She had achieved the impossible and was now just one fight away from a world title as images of her excited post-decision leap accompanied the headlines back home.

Then last Thursday, just moments before Lisa was due in the ring to face Mozambique’s Helena Alcinda Panguane in her final, Dundalk boxer Amy Broadhurst became only the third Irish woman to claim world gold.

“I was watching (Amy Broadhurst’s fight) on the TV and I was still shaking, trying to focus on

myself. It was Amy’s fifth world championships and her first time to medal…she deserves it more than anyone,” Lisa recalls.

“I was trying to keep my focus but I was delighted to see her hand being raised. It made me more eager to go out there and have that feeling of my hand being raised too. It definitely gave me the confidence to go out and win.

“She (Panguane) was a very tough girl. She was also a lot older than me and had a lot of experience. But I was just going to leave it all in the ring and took it round by round and minute-by-minute.

I won the first round 3-2. It was close and I knew I had to try to keep on top of things. She got the better of the second round and going into the third I knew it was all or nothing.

“Our tactics were to just keep it simple. Get in and out and use my footwork. She was a heavy puncher so getting in and out was important”.

Lisa’s hand was raised in triumph following a 4-1 split decision win, the Tarmon fighter leaping into the history books to join the likes of Katie Taylor, Kellie Harrington and Amy Broadhurst as a world champion.

The celebrations could wait and the champagne was left on ice for the homecoming in Castlerea.

“I was in bed by ten o’clock! Ah no, we had a team meal and just enjoyed it. The phone was hopping but I said I’d just leave it aside and enjoy our last night together as a team. It was great”.

Free Quotations and Advice offered Congratulations to World Champion Lisa O’Rourke from

Corskeagh Lounge

Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon

Parties and functions catered for - now serving food

TEL.: 086 3447073 Congratulations to World Champion Lisa O’Rourke from

The Bank House, St. Patrick’s St., Castlerea Email: ggreene@gats.ie

Ireland’s Lisa O’Rourke pictured celebrating her victory over Sema Caliskan in the light middleweight semi-final at the 2022 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in Turkey. Pic: Aleksandar Djorovic, INPHO

33

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

On top of the world: Lisa strikes gold

Ireland’s Lisa O’Rourke pictured celebrating winning a gold medal following her victory over Alcinda Helena PanguanaI in the light middleweight final at the 2022 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in Turkey.

Pic: Aleksandar Djorovic, INPHO

Congratulations to World Champion Lisa O’Rourke from

CREGGS RFC

Congratulations to CONGRATULATIONS

Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Harmac Medical Products, Castlerea is a subsidiary of Harmac Medical Products, Buffalo, New York, a market leader in the manufacturing of high quality disposable medical devices. The Castlerea plant produces a wide range of Medical Products and provides a full contract manufacturing service to the Medical Device Industry world-wide.

Your Global Partner for Full-Service Contract Manufacturing of Single-Use Medical Devices At Harmac we make life saving medical products. Our focus is, has been and always will be to provide world class medical products and services.

Harmac's approach towards our employees is no different. With a work environment as diverse as our products and services, Harmac is dedicated to finding the right professionals who will foster the organization's continuing evolution and are willing to add their individualism into our company's culture and vision.

Tel: (094) 96 21515 Fax: (094) 96 21520

Our vision is to build long-term partnerships by creating mutually beneficial relationships. This is true with our customers, suppliers and employees. We are looking for individuals who share our values of respect, accountability, integrity, innovation and teamwork.

We are currently inviting applicants for the following roles:

www.harmac.com Email: infoeu@harmac.com Operator Team Members

Reporting to a Production Supervisor, Operators are required to perform assembly and / or packing of a range of medical products. The role involves working in a dynamic, fast paced environment, as part of a team to reach production targets, while complying with SOP’s, Safety and Quality requirements. Applicants must have a minimum Leaving Certificate, or 3-6 months related experience, along with a good command of the English language. Strong work ethic, and teamwork are essential attributes.

Applicants should be aware that shift work may be required.

To apply, interested applicants must submit a completed application form, available from reception at Harmac Medical Products, IDA Business and Technology Park, Castlerea.

AND VERY BEST WISHES to Irish Olympians Aoife O’Rourke and Rachel Timothy from everyone at Creggs Rugby Club.

World Champion Lisa O’Rourke

34

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

Pulling no

On top of the world: Lisa strikes gold Congratulations to World Champion Lisa O’Rourke from

Pat Lavin PLANT HIRE

Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 087 2515907 Hedgecutting (Saw and Flail) l Round Baling l Trailing Shoe Slurry Spreading l

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

Michael

Fitzmaurice TD Mobile:

086 1914565 Michael.Fitzmaurice@Oireachtas.ie Congratulations to World Champion Lisa O’Rourke from

PATRICIA’S MONTESSORI

Lisa…in her own words

Dan Dooner of the Roscommon People caught up with world champion Lisa O’Rourke on Wednesday. Here’s Lisa’s take on…

That winning feeling…

Aw…I don’t even know if I have words to describe it. I’ve always dreamt of it (winning a world title) but didn’t think it would happen so soon. I was very emotional after it…it’s just unbelievable.

Life as a world champion...

It probably hasn’t really sunk in yet to be honest. Going into my first elite champion-

ships I wasn’t expecting to medal. When we landed in the town and saw the support…they really know how to throw a party! It really does show how much support there is for us at home. I hope everyone knows how much we appreciate it. There have been so many text messages and I can’t get back to everyone but I’m really grateful for all that support.

Media duties or working on the bog?

(Laughs) I think dad regrets not giving out the Eircode on Saturday! Thankfully, the weather hasn’t been on his side so there’s been no bog this week. I’m not really one for talking though so I’d be happy enough in the bog. We don’t like to make a big fuss and we’re not really ones for the spotlight. We wouldn’t be

running to do the interviews but we know it’s something that comes with reaching this level.

European and World success…

I went to the U-22 Europeans in Croatia and I was aiming to be on top of the podium. I missed out on going to them last year and I went to Tokyo with Aoife for her training camp. That was an unbelievable experience.

Going into the European Championships (in March) I wanted a medal at least and I got one (gold) but I never thought I’d have more success so soon! It’s just unbelievable”.

That phone call from Katie Taylor…

“My head coach Zaur (Antia) handed me the phone and I didn’t know who to expect

Contact Patricia on 083 1007140 or email info@pmontessori.com PATRICIA’S MONTESSORI THE ENTERPRISE HUB, CASTLEREA

Congratulations to World Champion Lisa O’Rourke from

DEAD & WORN-OUT ANIMALS TOM ROGERS

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

Your LOCAL Collector – Guaranteed lowest price Congratulations to World Champion Lisa O’Rourke from

Health Food Store

GOFF STREET, ROSCOMMON

(090) 66 30492

Tattie Hoaker Directors: Maureen Brosnan, John Brennan and Aidan Gillan

Bridgestone Award Winners

Find us on facebook.com/TattieHoaker • Website: www.tattiehoaker.com

Congratulations to World Champion Lisa O’Rourke from

HEGARTY Plant Hire Self-drive Hire of Excavators from 1 tonne to 13 tonne Dumpers, Rollers, Teleporters, Hoists, Cherry Pickers, etc.

Daily/Weekly/Monthly rate options available DELIVERY AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE

Call for more info on 087 2536428 or 086 6676424

Lisa O’Rourke pictured receiving a warm welcome in Castlerea following her recent gold medal win at the 2022 AIBA Women’s Boxing Championships in Turkey. Pic: Mick McCormack

35

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

punches!

On top of the world: Lisa strikes gold

Congratulations to World Champion Lisa O’Rourke from

CRIBBIN CAR SALES

Castleplunkett, Castlerea

Tel: 086

- 2665015

Congratulations to World Champion Lisa O’Rourke from

14, 18, 29 & 33 Seats Ballintubber, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Telephone: 086 2645016 Lisa O’Rourke was met with a warm welcome when she returned to Castlerea following her gold medal win in the light middleweight final at the 2022 AIBA Women’s Boxing Championships. Pic: Mick McCormack

(on the other end). I knew her (Katie’s) voice straight away. She’s just some woman. She’s an eye-opener for every young girl…she’s just top class. To hear her saying congratulations to me was just a dream come true. It was the icing on the cake of the day”.

Winning $100,000 in prize money…

I won’t be making any wish-lists just yet

because we might be waiting a while to receive that. It definitely is a bonus but we’d still be there fighting without it and hoping to bring home the gold medal.

Returning to Gaelic football…

“It’s incredible to be part of the Roscommon Ladies; they’re a great bunch of girls, no more than my Castlerea St. Kevin’s girls! I can’t wait to get back playing. We’ve Kildare on the 5th of June and I can’t wait to get on the pitch

again and also looking forward to getting back with the club”.

The future…

Myself and Aoife have always said it’s not worth getting in the ring with family members (for an Olympics place at middleweight division)…and mam wouldn’t allow it anyway! I would consider dropping to the weight below me definitely…but I won’t be rushing into anything just yet.

Paschal’s praise!

MC for Saturday night’s homecoming, local councillor, Paschal Fitzmaurice paid a glowing tribute to both Lisa and Aoife and the O’Rourke family including greatgrandfather Dan O’Rourke, a renowned politician and former GAA President, and their grandfather Donal O’Rourke, who served the community for many years as a veterinarian.

Cllr. Fitzmaurice was also quick to highlight the ongoing work by local volunteers and coaches.

“We’d like to acknowledge Castlerea Boxing Club where the girls started out and Paddy Sharkey (coach). There’s only one night like tonight but there were thousands of nights where those girls trained,” he said.

“I often saw them coming up out of the Hub on a Friday night and heading home nice and quietly after doing phenomenal training. It’s a long, tough road…you’ve proved you can do so much. You’re wonderful girls and we really appreciate all you have done”.

DONAL KILDUFF Athlone Local Electoral Area Roscommon County Council

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Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

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Ireland’s Lisa O’Rourke pictured following her victory over Alcinda Helena PanguanaI in the light middleweight final at the 2022 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in Turkey. Pic: Aleksandar Djorovic, INPHO

Ireland’s Lisa O’Rourke pictured celebrating her victory over Sema Caliskan in the light middleweight semi-final at the 2022 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in Turkey. Pic: Aleksandar Djorovic, INPHO

Ireland’s Lisa O’Rourke pictured celebrating winning a gold medal following her victory over Alcinda Helena PanguanaI in the light middleweight final at the 2022 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in Turkey. Pic: Aleksandar Djorovic, INPHO

Ireland boxing team returns home: Lisa O’Rourke pictured with her father Kevin following her gold medal win at the 2022 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships. Pic: Laszlo Geczo, INPHO

Ireland’s Lisa O’Rourke pictured celebrating her gold medal win with coach Zaur Antia following her victory over Alcinda Helena PanguanaI in the light middleweight final at the 2022 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in Turkey. Pic: Aleksandar Djorovic, INPHO

Ireland’s Lisa O’Rourke pictured in action against Alcinda Helena PanguanaI in the light middleweight final at the 2022 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in Turkey. Pic: Aleksandar Djorovic, INPHO

38

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

On top of the world: Lisa strikes gold

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Lisa O’Rourke pictured addressing the crowd of supporters who showed up in Castlerea to welcome her back after her recent gold medal win at the 2022 AIBA Women’s Boxing Championships in Turkey. Pic: Mick McCormack

World champion Lisa to be given Freedom of Roscommon

< DAN DOONER

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World champion boxer, Lisa O’Rourke, will be honoured with the Freedom of Roscommon following her heroic exploits at the Women’s World Boxing Championships in Istanbul last week.

The Castlerea fighter will be granted the honour following a proposal by Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice at Monday’s monthly meeting of Roscommon County Council. The proposal was seconded by Cllr. Marty McDermott and received widespread support across the Chamber.

Cllr. Fitzmaurice, who also received praise for his performance as MC at Lisa’s official homecoming in Castlerea on Saturday evening, said winning the gold at the world championships was a “huge achievement”.

“It was a huge achievement for a girl from Tarmon and we are so proud of what she has achieved

not just for Castlerea but also for Roscommon,” he said.

“Only three others have achieved what she has achieved (women’s world title): Katie Taylor, Kellie Harrington and Amy Broadhurst.

Lisa has now become a huge ambassador for Roscommon”.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Joe Murphy, who suspended the running order in order to discuss the proposal, extended his congratulations and said the “modesty of the two girls (Lisa and Aoife) and the O’Rourke family after achieving such things was wonderful”.

Council Chief Executive Eugene Cummins congratulated Lisa, adding that world champions were very scarce. He said that Lisa was a worthy recipient of the Freedom of Roscommon while also acknowledging the achievements of her sister, Aoife.

Members added their congratulations with Cllr. Nigel Dineen commenting: “It is great to be

able to say we have a world champion in Castlerea. Aoife and Lisa have put Castlerea Boxing Club on the map”.

Both he and other members commented on the renowned sporting legacy of the O’Rourke family as well the deep respect they command in the community.

Cllr. Liam Callaghan said Aoife’s appearance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Lisa’s recent success had given a “huge lift to the whole community in Castlerea”. He added that the O’Rourke family was very well respected in Tarmon and highlighted the “tremendous service” the girls’ grandfather Donal O’Rourke had given the community as a veterinarian, noting too that he had enjoyed sporting success with racehorse Montelado.

“The O’Rourkes have reaped the harvest of what they’ve sown,” he said before highlight-

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Cllr. Orla Leyden described Lisa as a “fantastic ambassador…strong, dynamic and inspiring”. She said she hoped to see both sisters making more history together at a future Olympic Games.

Making his proposal, Cllr. Fitzmaurice thanked local volunteers including coaches and all those who had turned out in Castlerea on Saturday night to welcome Lisa and her Olympian sister Aoife back to the town following their appearance at the World Women’s Boxing Championships in Istanbul.

Lisa O’Rourke pictured arriving back in Castlerea with her sister Aoife, following her gold medal victory in the light middleweight final at the 2022 AIBA Women’s Boxing Championships. Pic: Mick McCormack

Please contact Anthony on 086 7866774 or email: anthonywaldron@mail.com

39

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

On top of the world: Lisa strikes gold

Some of the crowd pictured in Castlerea at the homecoming to honour Lisa and Aoife O’Rourke last Saturday. Pic: Mick McCormack

Tributes from ‘GAA family’ The ‘GAA family’ were present on Saturday night to pay tribute to world boxing champion Lisa O’Rourke, a keen Gaelic footballer.

Roscommon Ladies captain, Laura Fleming, said: “It’s only this year that I got to work closely with Lisa and I’m not just saying this but she’s definitely the most dedicated person that I’ve ever come across. She’d be all day training either in Galway or Dublin for boxing and then she’d rush down the road to train with us every Tuesday or Friday night.

“She’s a role model to not just everyone in Roscommon but to everyone in the country. I know that all her teammates really look up to her and are really, really proud of her achievements”.

Tommy Finneran, Chairperson of Castlerea St. Kevin’s, where Lisa started her promising football career at the age of nine, said a world title was something “dreams were made of”.

93-year-old Castlerea native, Colm Hannelly, was also invited up to the podium to offer his congratulations and likened the homecoming to Roscommon’s All-Ireland celebrations in 1943.

Putting us on the map!

Speaking at the reception for Lisa and Aoife O’Rourke, local priest Fr. John McManus expressed his appreciation for both girls’ achievements in the boxing ring.

Congratulating Lisa on her world title, he said: “We are all very proud of what you’ve achieved and we can only imagine the sacrifices you’ve made in training. You and Aoife have definitely put Castlerea on the map, not just on the map of Ireland but on the world map of sport as well,” he said.

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Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

On top of the world: Lisa strikes gold Congratulations to World Champion Lisa O’Rourke from

Aoife and Lisa O’Rourke pictured with dad Kevin, mam Ann, and sisters Áine, Ailish and Aisling at their homecoming in Castlerea on Saturday night last. Pic: Mick McCormack

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O’Rourkes pay tribute to their golden girls < DAN DOONER

Members of the O’Rourke family joined Lisa and Aoife on stage last Saturday night in Castlerea, where they expressed their immense pride in their sisters and daughters.

Dad Kevin paid tribute to his daughters’ work ethic while also joking that those who wished to speak to them this week could do so on the bog.

“We are delighted for them…it’s incredible the effort they put in behind the scenes that we never imagined went on at the level they’re at,” he said.

“It’s a massive (amount of) dedi-

cation and incredible what they go through. It’s great to see them getting their just reward. I hope they inspire youngsters and the whole community to get involved in sport and enjoy sport.

“Having people in the local community involved in the GAA and boxing club like Paddy Sharkey (coach) is the only way to go for youngsters in my eyes. It’s something that should be really cherished as young people…get the best out of sport and you’ll never go too far wrong”.

Sister Áine said she couldn’t be prouder of the pair: “The work they put in is just unbelievable and to have an Olympian sister and a sis-

ter who’s a world champion is just something you think could never happen,” she said.

Ailish O’Rourke said her sisters’ dedication to the sport was inspirational.

“I’m delighted for both of them and I’m so proud. To have both your sisters on the Irish team… and just the way they keep going training all the time, they’re just an inspiration for everyone,” she said.

The boxers also received glowing praise from sister Aisling: “They put so much work in and for us as a family it’s brilliant that Lisa’s got to this level as well. She’s always with Aoife and the two of them get to experience the most amazing things

and see countries that other people will never in their lives get to go to.

We’re left sitting at home jealous a lot of the time (laughs),” she said.

“Lisa winning the world title doesn’t really surprise me. Mam would agree that as a child she never took the word ‘no’ well. She wasn’t going to sit back and not bring home the gold so we’re so proud of her”.

Lisa and Aoife’s mam, Ann O’Rourke, let it slip to MC Paschal Fitzmaurice that the two champion boxers were powered by porridge!

Expressing her pride in both girls, she said: “It’s just fantastic. It’s a dream come true for them with all they’ve achieved”.

Senator Eugene Murphy

Councillor Joe Murphy Congratulations to Lisa O’Rourke World Champion 2022 The community is very proud of your achievements

Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Scramogue, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon Tel. 086 1052197 Email: cllrjmurphy@roscommoncoco.ie

Seanad Spokesperson Community Affairs Rural and the Islands Tel. 087 1668775 Email: eugene.murphy@oireachtas.ie

41

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

On top of the world: Lisa strikes gold Congratulations to World Champion Lisa O’Rourke from

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Lisa O’Rourke was met with a warm welcome when she returned to Castlerea following her gold medal win in the light middleweight final at the 2022 AIBA Women’s Boxing Championships. Pic: Mick McCormack

World champion Lisa returns home to a hero’s welcome Ollie’s congrats Roscommon Ladies football manager, Ollie Lennon, said he hoped Lisa would continue to line out for the county.

“We’re all so proud of Lisa and what she’s done over the last couple of weeks and I think we can see that with the amount of her teammates who have turned out for her here tonight.

“We’d always be tracking Lisa’s progress whenever she goes boxing…always in the hope that she comes back to us,” he said.

The Tarmon link!

l principal Kieran Dowd Tarmon National Schoo was held in very high ily fam rke ou said the O’R y. esteem in the communit ambassadors for their “Lisa and Aoife are greatlity. We’re very fortunate modesty and their humile like Katie Taylor and in Ireland to have peop in our own county we Rachael Blackmore and team who are league have the (Ladies) countyy proud of the O’Rourke champions…we are ver have them here with us family and honoured to tonight,” he said.

‘Wonderful inspiration’ Speaking at Saturday night’s reception for Lisa and Aoife O’Rourke in Castlerea, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Joe Murphy said: “When you look out here…you see all the people and the pride in their eyes at what these two ladies have done for not alone Castlerea and Roscommon but the whole country”.

Also addressing those in attendance at Saturday’s homecoming, local councillor Anthony Waldron said the girls came from two great families, adding that they were a wonderful inspiration to young people.

< DAN DOONER

World champion Lisa O’Rourke and her Olympian sister Aoife received a heroes’ welcome in Castlerea on Saturday night following their return from the Women’s World Boxing Championships in Istanbul, Turkey.

Hundreds of people lined the streets to cheer the boxing sisters on as they made their way to the Square in a vintage convertible.

It was a whirlwind few days for Lisa, who claimed gold on Thursday last following a majority decision win over Mozambique’s Helena Alcinda Panguane in the light middleweight final.

She arrived back at Dublin airport on Saturday afternoon alongside fellow world champion Amy Broadhurst and the rest of her Irish teammates, including sister Aoife.

The Tarmon girl, who only turned 20 in Turkey, was visibly emotional when introduced to the raucous crowd alongside sister Aoife and other members of the O’Rourke family including dad Kevin and mam Ann by

MC Paschal Fitzmaurice.

When asked what being a world champion meant to her, she described it as “a dream come true”.

“It’s just unbelievable.

Everyone keeps asking me what it’s like being a world champion and I keep saying it’s unbelievable…but since I came home I honestly don’t think I have a word to describe it. Coming home has been unreal.

The community and the support is just spectacular,” she said.

The young fighter, who also plays Gaelic football for Roscommon and Castlerea St. Kevin’s, later urged young people to stick with sport and chase their dreams just like she had in Istanbul.

Lisa’s Olympian sister Aoife thanked those involved in staging the homecoming and was understandably proud of her younger sister and sparring partner.

“I was delighted…while I was waiting for the decision to be made it felt like an hour, even though it was only 20 seconds. There was some fella in the ring doing all this ‘on the microphone’ craic. It just

made it feel like forever waiting for the decision”, she said.

“She really stepped it up in the second and third rounds and I had full confidence that her hand would be raised. But you just never know until it’s announced. It’s unbelievable…I don’t know how to describe it”.

Aoife has also enjoyed international success this year, claiming gold at the Strandja tournament in Sofia back in February.

Dad Kevin, mam Ann, and sisters Áine, Ailish and Aisling all expressed their immense pride in both Lisa and Aoife while local public representatives and members of the Roscommon Ladies team also paid tribute.

As the event came to a close, the two Tarmon sisters, one a European U-22 and World Champion and the other a European champion, a Strandja gold medalist and 2020 Olympian, stayed back to sign autographs and pose for photographs with a generation of youngsters who will never forget the night the O’Rourke sisters came home.

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Lisa O’Rourke pictured arriving back in Castlerea with her sister Aoife, following her gold medal victory in the light middleweight final at the 2022 AIBA Women’s Boxing Championships. Pic: Mick McCormack

Champagne celebrations: Lisa O’Rourke pictured in Castlerea with her sister Aoife, celebrating with a bottle of champagne following her recent gold medal win at the 2022 AIBA Women’s Boxing Championships. Pic: Mick McCormack

42

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

On top of the world: Lisa strikes gold Congratulations to World Champion Lisa O’Rourke from

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Lisa O’Rourke was met with a warm welcome when she returned to Castlerea following her gold medal win in the light middleweight final at the 2022 AIBA Women’s Boxing Championships. Pic: Mick McCormack

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< DAN DOONER

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Castlerea boxer, Lisa O’Rourke, shed tears of joy on Thursday night last in Istanbul as she addressed the media following her stunning victory in the Women’s World Boxing Championships in Istanbul.

The 20-year-old Tarmon native had just beaten Mozambique’s Helena Alcinda Panguane in a 4-1

Chartered Accountants Castle Street, Roscommon

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majority decision to claim gold in the 66-70kg decider and bring a world title back to Roscommon.

“It’s class! It’s been such a championship and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.

To get on top of the podium now is something else.

I’m just over the moon…

I’m only 20-years-old so I didn’t think I’d get up on top of the podium that quick,” she said.

“The coaches have been

brilliant and so has all the support. The High Performance Unit in Ireland is just top class. Also, my coach Mike Mongan from the Olympic Club in Galway and the team there who have just been unbelievable.

“Of course my family and friends and my sister (Aoife) who’s on the team with me…it makes it so much better…I just can’t complain at all!”

Congratulations to World Champion Lisa O’Rourke from

Reaction on Tweet Street ...

Des Cahill @sportsdes Lisa O’Rourke…Roscommon’s WORLD CHAMPION!!

Micheál Martin @MichealMartinTD Congratulations to our new world champions Amy Broadhurst and Lisa O’Rourke after winning gold in Istanbul.

A massive achievement for women’s boxing and Ireland.

Stephen Doyle @dubsoulrebel And another Irish World Champion!!!

20-year-old Lisa O’Rourke beats Helena Panguane 4-1 split!! Such a mature performance.

Mighty day for Roscommon.

Jacqui Hurley @jacquihurley Wow. Another gold for Ireland. Sensational stuff from Lisa O’Rourke. A 4:1 split decision & Ireland has another world champion. Pretty elite list she joins – Katie Taylor, Michael Conlon, Kellie Harrington, Amy Broadhurst & now 20 year old Lisa O’Rourke.

Her Sport @HerSportDotIE Wow. Lisa O’Rourke has done it. Just two months after winning gold in the U22 European Championships, O’Rourke has won GOLD in her debut Senior World Championships.

Make that FOUR female Irish Boxing World Champions.

Incredible.

Roy Curtis @RoyCurtis68

Your Proud Representative For Roscommon-Galway

The Himalayan heights to which Irish boxing women soar is a thing of wonder.

If it was Cuba or America, it would be a gigantic achievement.

For this small nation, it is nothing short of miraculous.

Amy Broadhurst and Lisa O’Rourke accepting the Katie/ Kellie baton.

Glorious.

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

Sean McGoldrick @SeanMcGoldrick1

Champagne celebrations: Lisa O’Rourke pictured in Castlerea with her sister Aoife, celebrating with a bottle of champagne following her recent gold medal win at the 2022 AIBA Women’s Boxing Championships. Pic: Mick McCormack

Twenty-year-old Lisa O’Rourke is crowned World Champion in Istanbul on majority 4-1 decision.

Fantastic achievement for the Castlerea boxer. Best 30 minutes in Irish boxing since Barcelona Olympics.

43

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

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“We are pleased to be working with so many businesses and local authorities today to build great itineraries and ‘bundle’ the regions tourism offerings to create more reasons for visitors to stay and enjoy the wonderful experiences available right across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands”.

Roscommon hoteliers have welcomed the launch of the new ‘Works for Me’ campaign from Fáilte Ireland, aimed at attracting more people to jobs in the wider tourism industry.

Chair of the Sligo/Leitrim/Roscommon branch of the Irish Hotels Federation and General Manager of the Diamond Coast Hotel in Sligo, Michael Yates, said now is the ideal time to consider a career in tourism.

“We are encouraging those with an interest in working with people to find out more about the many opportunities and positions available,” he said.

“Few sectors provide such a wide range of options for people across a variety of skills levels, backgrounds and interests – offering plenty of opportunities to support professional growth while meeting and working with great people and developing skills”.

The types of positions on offer are spread across a large number of different career choices including areas such as food and beverage, catering, accommodation services, reception, leisure centre and spa facility management, sales and marketing, human resources, IT, management and finance.

A national database of live opportunities in the tourism industry is available at tourismcareers.ie.

Cora Systems to create 300 jobs Carrick-on-Shannon based software firm, Cora Systems have announced that they are set to expand their company both in Leitrim and worldwide leading to the creation of 300 new jobs.

The company said it would be growing its staff over a phased basis up to 2024 on the back of €60 million in new business and a growth of 330 per cent year on year.

Fine Gael Minster of State Frank Feighan has this week congratulated the company on this exciting news.

“This is a proud day for Cora and its CEO and founder Philip Martin with 125 employees already based in Carrick-on-Shannon it is truly an exciting day for Leitrim,” Deputy Feighan said.

“I am thrilled to see that Cora Systems have also been working closely with ATU (formerly IT Sligo) with their work placement and graduate programmes resulting in many young people not only getting their education in this region but also finding really good jobs when their education is complete, I am delighted to see this collaboration will be enhanced in the coming years.

“I congratulate CEO, Philip Martin on the success of his company as a worldwide leader in its field, every day over $100 billion worth of projects are managed on Cora System’s platform in over 50 countries worldwide, I thank Philip and his management team for his commitment to Carrick-on-Shannon and the northwest, ensuring that this area is at the heart of his growth plans and expansion,” Deputy Feighan concluded.

44

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

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

TUS Lecturer receives prestigious Countess Markievicz Award for artists Margo McNulty, visual artist and lecturer at the Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone Campus, has been named a Markievicz Award recipient for 2022. She is pictured with Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin. Photo: Leah Farrell/ Photocall Ireland

TUS lecturer Margo McNulty has been named a recipient of this year’s Decade of Centenaries Markievicz Award for artists.

The Markievicz Award, which honours Constance Markievicz – the first woman to hold a Cabinet post in Ireland, supports artists who want to develop their craft and produce art commemorating the role of women during the Irish Revolutionary period.

Margo McNulty, a lecturer in design at the Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone Campus, and a visual artist specialising in printmaking, photography, and painting, is one of 10 recipients of this year’s award.

The Achill native is no stranger to Roscommon and has exhibited her work on a number of occasions at Roscommon Arts Centre and other venues.

Commenting on the award,

she said: “I am delighted to be a 2022 recipient of the prestigious Markievicz Award. I am honoured to receive this national recognition, and I look forward to engaging with the research and the making of the work during the coming months to realise the full potential of this exciting project”.

Each Markievicz Award recipient will receive €25,000 to develop a new body of work; Ms McNulty’s is due to be exhibited in Kilmainham Gaol Museum next year.

Influenced by traditions inherent in Irish culture, Ms. McNulty’s work to date has focused on the intersection of personal and public histories and how these histories and meanings can be embedded in material objects.

She has exhibited widely in Ireland, Sweden, Poland, and the UK and has taken part in several Irish and international residencies, with works residing

in major collections nationally.

“On behalf of all at TUS, I wish to congratulate Margo McNulty on receiving this illustrious award. Women like Countess Markievicz played a hugely significant role in the Irish Revolution; this eponymous award will allow for their stories to be illuminated and retold through a variety of mediums, including visual arts, inspiring future generations, and commemorating an important moment in Irish history,” TUS President Prof. Vincent Cunnane said.

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin affirmed the award’s importance “as we work to renew, restore and support the working environment for artists” post-pandemic and said she looked forward to seeing each recipient’s progress and the work produced as an outcome of the award.

Boyle Arts Festival in appeal for funding support

Presented by Artscope, ‘Follow the Tune’ took place at King House, Boyle from Wednesday, May 18th to Saturday 21st. The event was a celebration of the North Roscommon musical landscape and featured live music and workshops. Pics: Brian Farrell

Boyle Arts Festival are delighted to be able to return as promised on the 14th of July, with a full festival programme.

Headline events for the festival can be viewed online on the website, boylearts.com. Tickets are now available for purchase, and are already selling quickly.

Last year, the festival was very lucky to have received support from The Arts Council, which allowed the committee to run a restricted festival without having to seek sponsorship locally. However, this year the success of the festival will – as always – be dependent on local financial support in the form of sponsorship and donations.

The Boyle Arts Festival committee felt that setting up a GoFundMe page would be the best option to give people a simple way to donate.

They hope that local people will consider contributing to this fundraising effort as they have in the past, and help make the 10-day festival one to remember.

The GoFundMe page can be found at gofund. me/fcf6577c. As usual, there are categories of sponsorship, which offer advertising and exposure in the festival programme and at the events. For information on these, please contact any of the committee members or leave a message on the page. The latest date for receipt of donations for inclusion in our programme is June 7th.

If for any reason you are unable to donate on this page, you may contribute as usual to any committee member, and it will be fully acknowledged. Thank you for your continued support.

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

GOING OUT

45

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

Supporters pictured in Castlerea to welcome back Lisa O’Rourke following her recent gold medal win in the light middleweight final at the 2022 AIBA Women’s Boxing Championships. The homecoming was also in honour of her sister, Aoife, an Olympian last year. Pics: Mick McCormack

46

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

Classifieds

Everyone wants it Everyone reads it 80,000 PEOPLE READ OUR NEWSPAPER EVERY WEEK!

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

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

Also training in Thesaurus accounting products

‘YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR BUSINESS’ Contact Nuala

090 66 25818 086 0352849 Email: mcgacco@gmail.com Web: www.mcgowanaccounting.com

CHIMNEY CLEANING

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• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Telephone: 086 8433433

Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon.

David Connor

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VHI and Laya Covered

COMPUTERS

DC Computer Services Providing IT services for Homes, Businesses & Schools. Home Callouts.

Complete Chimney Services

Chimney Cleaning

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

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS • Firebacks replaced and flues repaired • Can be cleaned from the bottom up • Chimney cowls and crow guards fitted Power washing and gutter cleaning services.

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Kathleen’s Mobile Footcare

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PC Maintenance – Upgrades, Repairs, Virus & Spyware removal.

Network Solutions – Cabling, Hardware & Software Installation & Maintenance.

Contact David Conboy Tel: 087 7496459 Email: info@dccomputerservices.ie Web: www.dccomputerservices.ie

CONSTRUCTION

COUNSELLING

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY Are you affected by Anger Issues, Bullying, Bereavement, Confidence/self-esteem issues, OCD, Stress, Depression, Eating disorders Panic/Anxiety, Relationships, Exam pressure, Sexual Abuse Contact: Billy 094 96 59966 Mobile: 086 0675433 or visit www.billybrogan.com COUNSELLING Are you experiencing difficulties in your life?

Such as depression, anxiety, life or spiritural crisis.

Are you having difficulties in relationships at work? Have you experienced sexual abuse or abuse and need counselling to help you?

085 2514394

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

web: www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

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087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

MCFHP, MAFHP

Foot Care Practitioner

071 9637984 / 086 3562718 NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

Paul McStay DSA/ADI (UK) RSA

Des Kelly Fencing

MIAM ROSPA Approved Driving Instructor Former BSM Driving Instructor and UK advanced Met. Police Driver.

GIFT VOUCHER CARDS AVAILABLE Castlerea & Roscommon

EDT Lessons Available Telephone:

094 96 20099 Mobile:

086 8936012

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

FARMING

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 fitted on sprayers

All sprayers tested in 2016/2017 are now due re-test Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090 6663069 e-mail: thomasneilan4@ gmail.com

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Construction l General Building Extensions & Roofing l Groundworks l Renovations l Chimney CCTV Inspections l Chimney Repair - Insurance Claims

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FOR SALE HolHolistic isic Counselling & Psychotherapy Counselling & Are any of the following issues Psychotherapy

AreImpacti any ng yourof daily lthe ife. following issues Stress, Panic, Anxiety, Depressi on, impacting your daily OCD, Grief, life: Abuse?

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< FOR SALE: Beautiful Jack Russell pups for sale. Vaccinated and vet checked.

Phone: 086 1686415

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Over 20 years in business All types of fencing supplied and erected Including: • Cresoted Posts • Agricultural Fencing • Site Fencing • Security Fencing • Post & Rail Fencing • Concrete Fencing • Grant Approved Fencing No job too big or too small Just give us a call on

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GARDENING Ballaghaderreen & surrounding area

Mop & Mow

Grasscutting Garden and property services Steve and Lea Husband and wife team.

The help you need at a price you can afford.

Email: mopandmow@ icloud.com Telephone: 085 868 4169

CORBETT

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

General Maintenance l Dangerous Tree Removal l Garden Hedges & Trees reduced and shaped l Wood Chipping l Fully Insured Contact Alan on l

087 6558597

www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com

JOE HEALY

GARDENING

• Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped Comprehensive Insurance Cover. I.S.A. member.

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165 www.parklaw treeservices.com

GARDENING SERVICES Including: • Hedge Cutting • Hedge Planting • Grass Cutting • Spraying • Strimming • Weeding • Garden Tidy-ups • Planting • Gutter Cleaning, etc.

Chainsaw work also available

Phone John on

087 2860428 GATELY GARDENING

Four Roads, Co. Roscommon • Landscaping • Timber Decking • Patios • General Maintenance Contact Liam on 086 8749550 or 090 66 27496

HOMES WANTED < HOMES WANTED: Friendly grown kittens available. Phone: 087 9695924

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Physical Therapy CranioSacral Therapy Medical Dry Needling Prescription Orthotics Pilates – Small Classes

Can we help you?

Call us today to enquire 090 663 0009 Like us on Facebook www.rosptc.com 1 Castleview, Roscommon F42 C902

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18,000 COPIES PRINTED WEEKLY

47

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

Classifieds PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, James Boyle, am applying for permission for retention of alterations to a house previously granted under PD/01/810 and all associated site works at Keelty Td., Ballinatubber, Co. Roscommon. The primary alterations to the house as constructed consist of: 1. An attic conversion to habitable space, 2. Addition of one window on the first floor of the front elevation, 3. Addition of a door at ground floor and two windows on the first floor to the rear elevation, 4. Addition of two windows on the ground floor and three rooflights to the west side elevation, 5. Exclusion of one window and addition of one rooflight to the east side elevation and, 6. Exclusion of one chimney.

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

Signed: Brandon OBrien Ltd. (Agent) Consulting Engineers 11 Abbey Street, Roscommon Tel: 090 6625005

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Siobhan Keenahan and Damien Coman, intend applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for construction of a dwelling house, connections to services, access onto the public road and associated site development works at Deerpark Td, Boyle, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed: Michael Hennessy Advanced Planning & Design Services Dorrary, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Roscommon Tel: 086 1701549

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, David Mannion am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct a dwelling house with domestic garage and all site ancillary development works at Whitepark, Curraghboy, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed:

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

Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Mark Gunning am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct a domestic dwelling house and all site ancillary development works at Clogher, Ballymacurly, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed:

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

Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Dympna Tully am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct a dwelling house with domestic garage and all site ancillary development works at Newtown, Ballymurray, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed:

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

Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Dermot Kelly intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct single storey dwelling, domestic garage, effluent waste water treatment system and percolation area, associated site development works and services at Thomastown Demesne, Ballydangan, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Gaynor Architectural + Design Services Ltd. Architects Fallon Avenue, Roscommon.

Phone: 090 6626974 Mobile: 086 8115449 The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL John Murray intends to apply for Retention of a five bay double slatted cattle shed on his lands at Ballyhugh Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Signed: John Murray

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, John and Philomena Greene are applying to Roscommon County Council for retention permission in relation to domestic garage at rear of dwelling, also revised site boundary and that of a timber post and rail fence to the front of the property at Cloonelt Td., Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

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

Signed: John and Philomena Greene.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Damien McDonnell intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for retention and completion of works to unauthorised development to existing single storey structure, revised site boundaries, new waste water treatment system and percolation area, associated site development works and services at Lisheenanierin, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Gaynor Architectural + Design Services Ltd. Architects Fallon Avenue, Roscommon.

Phone: 090 6626974 Mobile: 086 8115449 The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Thomas Dowd intends to apply for permission to demolish existing disused horse stable and replace it with a six bay hay/straw/ farm machinery store on his lands at Carroweighter, Donamon, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Signed: Thomas Dowd

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Michael and Ruth Duignan, are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the following: 1. Permission to demolish existing dwelling house, 2. Permission to construct new replacement dwelling house, 3. Permission to upgrade existing treatment system with new proprietary treatment system and percolation area, 4. Permission to construct new front boundary wall and all ancillary site development works at Woodmount, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon, H53NX45.

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

Signed:

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

Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Rathcroghan Designs intend applying for planning permission on behalf of John Neary to construct new slatted shed together with all associated site works at BallykilclineT.d., Killglass, 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 Phone: 086 2328484

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Colette and Eddie Gallagher, intend applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for construction of a dwelling house, domestic garage/shed, connection to services, access onto the public road and associated site development works at Cortober Td, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed: Michael Hennessy Advanced Planning & Design Services Dorrary, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Roscommon Tel: 086 1701549

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Cyril McSharry am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct two dwelling houses with domestic garages and connection to existing services and all site ancillary development works at plot 3 and 4, Carrownabrickna Townland, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed:

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

Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers

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

Tel: 086 8212732

PODIATRIST Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Sarah Fleming

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI at

Tullys

l HSE Trained and

Approved

l Home visits available

For any of your foot issues call:

094 9620009 FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON – MOLLOYS PHARMACY (Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle & Athlone -------Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed

By Appointment Only –

087 2982214 Tel:

Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for nonpublication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

48

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

Classifieds PODIATRIST

PODIATRIST

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

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 • Home visits SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK

• 20 years experience

ROOFING

TURF AVAILABLE Tel: Donal

086 2721812 (All areas) < THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Net bags of seasoned firewood only €3 per bag, buy 20 bags get 1 free • Tonne bags firewood/turf only €35 per bag. Half tonne bags of Ash/Beech only €35 per bag. All includes free delivery. Contact Tom: 086 2628439 or Tony 087 7055800

WANTED: Phone: 091 416029 Liam or Mick 085 7619827

Affordable Roofing and Gutter Repairs, we replace and install in Roscommon area.

Our Services: • Roof Repairs • Gutter Repairs • New Roofs • Flat Roofs • Gutter Exchange • Lead Valley Roof • Cleaning Gutter • Cleaning

Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch and Whitethorn.

We are safety certified and insured.

Phone:

086 2437376 < SMITH FUELS: Turf/ Timber kindling, coal pellets, firelog delivered/pick-up available.

Contact Fergal 087 9334210

USEFUL SERVICES

USEFUL SERVICES

USEFUL SERVICES

< HANDYMAN SERVICES: Do you need odd jobs doing around your home/ yard? Don’t have time to do them yourself? Don’t want to contact a specialised tradesman to carry out these tasks? l Gardening l Stonework l Clean up/ Tidying l Concrete repairs l Fence repairs l Pointing / Repointing l Cutting / Chopping firewood. Honest Service Provided at a Reasonable Rate. Phone: 071 9633964

Midwest Painters

PROFESSIONAL KITCHEN CABINET PAINTER AVAILABLE

Do you have a house or shed that you want cleaned out and all unwanted items removed?

If so ring:

087 9657933 or 090 66 33084

HOME MAINTENANCE < PAINTER & DECORATOR AVAILABLE: For all your painting needs, keen and competive prices. Tel: Tom on 086 0815802

Carpenter Available

Phone: 091 416029

Doors l Floors l Stairs l Wall Panelling l

< PLOTS OF TURF TO LET: Easy Access.

Ballinagare/ Frenchpark / Castlerea Area. Call Owen 086 8953884

Over 30 years experience

Phone Tommy

086 8934576

TOP QUALITY TURF Harpur Bros, Castlecole, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

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

Phone:

083 0684011

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

The most read newspaper in Co. Roscommon!

The local paper!

USEFUL SERVICES

Electrician Available Safe Electric Registered.

Domestic and Industrial, All work considered.

No Job too small.

Phone Paul 086 2553153 or email: p086255315@gmail. com

HANDY MAN AVAILABLE Power Washing Gutters Cleaned l Fitting Shower Doors l Bathroom Accessories l Tiling and Timber Flooring l General Gardening Maintenance and Clean-up etc.

C&G Quarries

l

l

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Call Mike

087 2478609

All work guaranteed Fully insured

Telephone 083 2070158 <SOCIAL DANCING: Every Friday night in An Bothar Rua, Elphin with live music from 9.30pm til late. Dance class with Frank from 8.30pm.

Tel. 087 9809432

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

email: roofingcontractors27@gmail.com

TARMACADAM

l ROOFS washed and painted l DRIVEWAYS washed and sealeed l AGRI/FARM SHEDS washed and painted

Williamstown, Co. Galway

Tel: 087 2601639

READYMIX CONCRETE

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

l

LOFT LADDERS Aluminium

Supplied & Fitted From

The company that can do all them small jobs

FROM

€190 094 9373445 087 9100477

www.oddjobsolutions.ie Established since 2005

Plumbing & Maintenance • Bathroom planning and design to suit you • All aspects of plumbing and maintenance • Boiler Servicing • Heating Installation • Call for FREE QUOTATION

Contact Luke on

085 7359120 SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED PERMIT NO: WCP - MO - 09 - 0267 - 01

COVERING ROSCOMMON AREA TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

FOR ALL EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR PAINTING

Tried & Trusted Since 1993

AtYourService DRIVING LESSONS

ROSCOMMON Driving School

Phone 087 2295551 Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor

Phone JOHN

Private & Commercial Power washing 25 years experience Free Estimates Given

Patios l Decking Houses l Vehicles l Driveways l Caravans l Walls l Gutters l Domestic Cleaning l Roof Cleaning l All Types of Algae Treated l

l

Full & Mini Car Valeting (we come to you) Furniture Removal & Collection l Garden Maintenance l Painting Service Fully Registered & Insured Phone John: l

083 8838022 PAINTER & DECORATOR

GENERAL SERVICES

085 2113317

PROPERTY

Phone Alan on:

090 6661635 or Mobile:

087 2683079

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR For all your decorating needs CONTACT JOHN

086 4679798

LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB? To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise

Alan O’Toole

WINDOW CLEANING

Window Protection Ireland Commercial/Domestic Registered and Insured All areas covered Also protecting windows during construction see windowprotection.ie GUTTER CLEANING ALSO AVAILABLE Telephone

087 9795226

with us!

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

The local paper!

TELEPHONE: 090 66 34633 EMAIL: advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time

49

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

AtYourService BLINDS

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

CARS

LIFE COACH

FARMING

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE BRENDAN DOOLIN

TEL: (090) 96 88606

Also Wooden Venetians, Velux Window Blinds.

(090) 96 88830 or (090) 96 87651

Tel: 090 66 30521 Mobile: 086 8115928

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

- Chimney Repairs - Soot & Smoke Problems - Demolish, Re Build & Re Flue Line - Chimney Fires - Flexible Stainless Steel Liner - Insurance Claims processed

- CCTV Camera Inspection For Professional For Professional Advice Contact Advice Contact: John Hibbitt: Tel: 090

9673336 2678350

Mob: 086 Email:

info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

Chimney Problems

Dooley Chimney Repairs • Lining

20 Years Experience Free Insurance Quotes Nationwide Service Stoves and Ranges Fitted All Work Guaranteed

INSULATION

Daily collection

INSURANCE CLAIMS

CLEANING

S tephen H oare

Martin Hibbitt CIP, CDIP Martin HibbittAPA-PL, APA-PL, CIP, CDIP LA LA Martin Hibbitt APA-PL, CIP, CDIP LA

Martin Hibbitt APA-PL, CIP, CDIP LA Mountbellew, Co. Mountbellew, Co.Galway Galway Mountbellew, Co. Galway

info@mhla.ie 091 380900 | 0879818153 9818153Co. Galway info@mhla.ie Mountbellew, 091 || 087 info@mhla.ie 091 380900 380900 087 9818153

Cleaning Services • Roscommon • Carpets & Upholstery Cleaning • WINDOW CLEANING • POWER WASHING Fascias & Soffits • Gutters & Down pipes • Drive ways ‘paths and patios’

www.mhla.ie www.mhla.ie www.mhla.ie 091 380900 | 087 9818153 Certified Dip in Loss Certified in Certified Dip DipAdjusting in Loss Loss Adjusting Adjusting Loss Assessor Services Loss Assessor Assessor Services Loss Services

KEEN and COMPETITIVE PRICES

Certified Dip in Loss Adjusting

info@mhla.ie

ApprovedProduct Product Member of the PSAB-GI Approved Member Approved Member of of the the PSAB-GI PSAB-GI Advisor Product Advisor by the Central Advisorwww.mhla.ie Regulated Regulated by the the Central Central Regulated by Member of the Insurance Bank of Ireland Member of of the Insurance Insurance Bank of of Ireland Ireland Member Bank Institute ofthe Ireland Institute of of Ireland Ireland Institute

Approved Product Advisor

POWER BRUSH Loss Assessor Services Member of the Insurance Institute of Ireland

Member of the PSAB-GI

Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

M: 086 3912396 Ph: 090 66 62892

CAREER COACHING: * CV ADVICE AND TAILORING TO JOB SPECS * COMPETENCY BASED APPLICATION FORMS (INCLUDING PUBLIC SECTOR) * INTERVIEW MASTERING (INCLUDING COMPETENCY-BASED QUESTIONS) CHANGING JOB / GET THAT PROMOTION!

For appointment call me on 086 8229606

OR email your enquiry to cburkecoaching@gmail.com (FACE-TO-FACE MEETINGS OR ON-LINE/TEAMS)

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAIN JETTING SERVICE

Contact Maurice on 086 2538169 or Kenneth on 086 8044030 Gannon Environmental Services Ltd.

Tel: 090

DOORS/ WINDOWS SERVICE

6621220

VETERINARY

Chris’s Window Service

Springfield, Williamstown, Co. Galway Window restrictors l Burglary repairs l Window locks l Cylinder and lock supplied l Hinge replacement l Glass replacement l Window and door seals l Window and door handles supplied and fitted l Aluminium and uPVC doors and windows repaired.

GUIDING & COACHING TOWARDS SUCCESS

PERSONAL COACHING: * BECOME MORE ASSERTIVE & BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE! * HELP TO COPE WITH AND EMBRACE CHANGE (E.G. RETIREMENT, NEW JOB, SEPARATION, ETC)

Tel: 087 0944027

l

Te l : 0 8 5 2 1 9 1 2 3 4

email: chrislocksmith.162@gmail.com

Contact Dave:

087 751 3774

SOCIAL DANCE

• Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection

Cathal Dooley 087 6579064

Lowest price guaranteed

We buy any CARS, VANS, TRUCKS, JEEPS all types wanted.

End of life certs can be provided.

Also scrap metal

086 8229606

CAROLINE BURKE Career & Life Coaching

SHOWROOM:

Racecourse Road, Roscommon We SUPPLY & FIT Double & Treble Glazed Windows & Doors, Patio Doors, French Doors, Porches and Conservatories WIDE RANGE OF COMPOSITE DOORS

uPVC Window and Door Locksmith We are the only Licensed Window and Door Locksmith in Roscommon

Kieran Kelly Dance Email: KieranKellyDance@gmail.com Phone: 087 7414968 Adults Beginner Social Dance Classes in Castlerea, Carrick-On-Shannon and Loughglynn.

NEW CLASSES COMMENCING 25TH APRIL Monday: 7.30pm €12.50 Scoil Liatrioma, Castlecara Road, Aghameeny, Carrick-OnShannon Tuesday: The Hub Castlerea 7pm Dance-Fitness 8pm Beginners Social Dancing Waltz and Jive €10pp Thursday: Loughglynn Community Centre 7pm Dance-Fitness 8pm Beginners Social Dancing Waltz and Jive €10pp

Lanesboro Street, Roscommon

Tel: 090 662 6898 AFTER HOURS/24 HOUR EMERGENCY

087 2596055 You must call in advance to order repeat prescriptions

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

Call Kieran Kelly for more details

Telephone: 090 66 33026 Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation

www.roscommonwindows.ie

Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness Bonded Bead Cavity &Wall Insulation New Buildings Retrofit

DOOR & WINDOW SERVICE

Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, Call in SIGA or contact us for free Airtightness advice and quotes New Buildings & Retrofit Call in or contact us for free

andfrom quotes Unit advice 2,Grants Ballybrit Industrial €1,214 to Estate, Galway

€3,500

091 768 768

Ballybane Industrial Estate, Unit 2,info@ecowise.ie Ballybrit Industrial Estate, Galway H91 P5k5 Block 12, Galway www.ecowise.ie

Supply and fit uPVC Doors and Windows ONLY TOP QUALITY PRODUCTS USED Composite Doors, French Doors, Patio Doors in a wide range of styles and colours Also various styles and colours of uPVC Windows

Full replacement service provided and all work carried out to a high quality finish

REPAIRS & SERVICING ALSO CARRIED OUT

091 768 768

Contact Pat Hanley on

www.ecowise.ie

to discuss your requirements

info@ecowise.ie

086 6002721

Email: pjmhanley@gmail.com

DRIVING LESSONS

ROSCOMMON Driving School Phone 087 2295551 Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor

Lisagallon, Cloverhill, Roscommon Eircode: F42 K243 Tel: 0906665555 Fax: 0906627653 • Digital X-Ray Facility • In house Blood Analysis • Small Animal Ultra-Sound • Gas Anaesthetic • Veterinary Kennel’s facility •24hrs Emergency Vet on call Clinic Hours: 2pm – 7pm Mon – Friday • Saturday Clinic 10am - 3pm Office Hours: 9am – 7pm Mon - Friday PLEASE CALL TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT

50

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

Classifieds

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Appointments

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES HANLEY Audrey

Mart Manager Roscommon Co-operative Livestock Mart Roscommon Mart, one of the leading marts in the West, seeks to recruit a commercially focused Mart Manager to take overall responsibility for and lead the day-to-day management and development of the business, promoting existing activities to ensure the mart maintains its current market position and expand its online marketing of livestock.

Candidates should be strategic thinkers and excellent leaders with the following: • Hands on management experience working within a mart or associated business, whilst desirable is not essential • Knowledge and understanding of the livestock/agricultural industry • Excellent delegation skills with the ability to effectively lead and manage a team • Proven ability to work on own initiative and excellent interpersonal skills Closing date for applications is 5.00pm Friday, 24th June 2022 and a competitive remuneration package is on offer for the right candidate.

A shortlisting of candidates will be prepared but canvassing by any applicant will disqualify.

For more information, please contact Ray Doyle on 087 2883499 All applications to be submitted to: ciara.macleod@icos.ie

HEAD CHEF & COMMIS CHEF SITUATIONS Required - Immediate start MINIMUM 2 YEARS EXPERIENCE.

Les Petites Tartres Café Restaurant Main St, Athleague l Tel: 090 6663343

2 years experience in a similar role Good communication skills l A passion for quality food l l

If you think you can bring some creative talent to our team, please contact Anita on 087 2742844 or send your CV to: Lespetitestartres@gmail.com

SITUATIONS VACANT < OFFICE ADMIN ASSISTANT: Required in Roscommon Town, this is a part - time position. Applicants must have fluent English and a professional phone manner. Must also be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel. Contact: 087 7496334 between 9.30am - 5.30pm

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

VACANT

< BAR STAFF REQUIRED: Doorlys Corner House are looking for bar staff for weekend work, experience desireable. Apply with CV to: doorlys196@gmail.com < HGV DRIVER WANTED: Evergreen Fields, Dunmore are looking for HGV Driver.

Must have CE license and CPC up to date. Keen rates 35K-55K. Call 087 7206947

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

Lisnaville, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 23rd May 2015 (7th Anniversary)

ANSBORO Bill Who passed away on 21st November 2021

The family of the late Bill Ansboro would like to express our sincere thanks to all those who sympathised with us on our sad loss.

QUINN Mary Marnellsgrove, Ballymoe and Lisroyan Lodge, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon In loving memory of Mary who passed away on the 23rd May, 2006 R.I.P (16th Anniversary)

We appreciate and thank all the people who attended at Smyth’s Funeral Home and Fuerty Church.

So many things have happened, since you were called away.

So many things to share with you, had you been left to stay.

Every day in some small way, memories of you come our way.

Though absent, you are ever near, still missed, loved and always dear.

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.

Loved and missed by husband Luke and children Teresa, Kenneth, Kellie, Michelle and Luke.

Anniversary Mass in the Church of the Assumption, Castlecoote on Friday, 27th May at 7pm.

HANLEY Audrey (nee Kenny) Lisnaville, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 23rd May 2015 (7th Anniversary)

Thanks to all those who sent mass cards, condolences, messages of sympathy and floral tributes.

Sincere thanks to Fr. Eugene McLoughlin for his atttendance at the Funeral Home and Fr. Christopher for celebration of the Funeral Mass.

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the Doctors and Nurses at UCHG for looking after Bill in his final days. We are especially indebted to the Roscommon Palliative Care Team for their care of Bill.

Thanks to Smyth’s Funeral Directors for their professionalism and attention to detail in arranging the funeral and to the gravediggers who prepared Bill’s final resting place.

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

KELLY Peter Fearagh, Ballymurray, Co. Roscommon (1st Anniversary) In loving memory of Pete who passed away on 22nd May 2021

Tired and weary you battled on, until at last your strength was gone.

Softly within the shadows there comes a gentle call, with courage, strength and dignity, you quietly left us all.

And God alone knew what was best, he granted you eternal rest.

We hold you close within our hearts, and there you shall remain.

To walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again.

So, Rest In Peace, and thanks for all you’ve done.

We pray that God has given you the crown you have truly won.

Lovingly remembered by Susan, Will, Éile and Karl.

Pete’s Anniversary Mass will take place on Friday, 27th May at 7pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery, Roscommon.

On her gentle soul Sweet Jesus have mercy.

Time may pass and fade away, but fond memories of you will always stay.

Always remembered by your ever-loving husband Michael and family.

Masses offered.

GANNON Jack Creggs, Co. Galway In loving memory of Jack Gannon who passed away on 31st May 2009 (13th Anniversary)

Sadly missed along life’s way, quietly remembered every day, no longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts you are always there.

Fondly remembered by his wife Susan, brothers Alan and Maurice, relatives and friends.

Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet on Sunday, 29th May at 11.30am.

FAMILY NOTICES

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

Lovingly remembered by your sister Maudie and Sandra, brothers Joe and Sean.

Anniversary Mass in the Church of the Assumption, Castlecoote on Friday, 27th May at 7pm.

• Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Rembrance Call into our office: Abbey Street, Roscommon

Phone: (090) 66 34633 Fax: (090) 66 34303 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

51

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

Classifieds

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES HANNON Kathryn (née Kelly) Formerly of Carrownabrickna, Roscommon Town.

In loving memory of Kathryn who passed away on the 29th May 2020 R.I.P. (2nd Anniversary)

KELLY Frank

BEIRNE Mary

Rogers Funeral Directors

(6th Anniversary) Castleview, Ballybride, Roscommon

Farragher, Four-Mile-House, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on the 28th of May 2019 (3rd Anniversary)

(Covering Rooskey and surrounding areas)

Mobile: 087 2365453 Landline: 071 9638739 email: jrrogers40@hotmail.com

In loving memory of Frank who died on 27th May 2016 A life well-lived is a precious gift of hope and strength and grace from someone who has made our world a brighter, better place.

Silent memories keep you near, as time unfolds another year.

Out of our lives you may be gone, but in our hearts you still live on.

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by all her family.

Anniversary Mass for Kathryn will be celebrated in Cloonacool Church, Sligo on Sunday, 29th May at 10am.

FULLARD Gerry

It is filled with moments sweet and sad with smiles and sometimes tears with friendships formed and good times shared and laughter through the years.

A life well-lived is a legacy of joy and pride and pleasure a loving, lasting memory our grateful hearts will treasure.

Deeply missed and forever loved and remembered by is daughters Olivia and Janette, sister Marie and brother Martin and extended family.

Anniversary Mass in Four-Mile-House Church, on Friday, 24th June at 8pm.

McDERMOTT Billy Clooneenbane, Roscommon (3rd Anniversary)

Cloonbrackna Court, Roscommon 18th Anniversary - 29th May

Rooskey

It’s been the hardest thing to loose you, you mean’t so much to us.

But your are in our hearts and that’s where you’ll always be.

We know that God called you, but we wish you could have stayed, at least the memories we have of you, they will never fade.

We did not want to lose you, but you did not go alone, because part of us went with you when God called you home.

So just remember one thing, we are not apart, you’re with us in our memories and in our broken hearts.

Sadly missed but never forgotten by husband Paddy, sons, daughters and extended familhy.

Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballinaheglish on Sunday, 29th May at 11am.

FALLON Anthony Lisnasillagh, Athleague, Co. Roscommon.

In memory of a loving Dad and great friend to many.

Who passed away on 1st June, 2019.

(3rd Anniversary)

WALSH/ MULRYAN Annette

Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed

Kilrooskey, Corbo, Co. Roscommon (2nd Anniversary) Who passed away on 28th May 2020 Email or call for Sample Pack

Treasured memories of Billy, a devoted husband, father and grandfather who passed away on 1st June 2019.

Just a prayer from those who love you, just a memory ever true.

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

Always remembered by your daughter Sharon, son-in-law Eamon and your grandson, Eamonn Gerard.

Masses will be offered.

THANKSGIVINGS THE MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. I.N.

Billy You did so many things for us, your heart was kind and true.

When we needed comfort, we could always count on you.

You gave us all you had to give, gifts both big and small.

But most of all you gave us love, the greatest gift of all.

As we bow our heads in silence, and remember you with love.

We know that you are in heaven, watching us from above.

Rest In Peace.

Your kind and gentle soul has passed but you will forever remain in the hearts and minds of your loving wife Ann, children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.

Anniversary Mass in Cloverhill Church on Thursday, 2nd June at 10am.

FAMILY NOTICES • Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance Phone: (090) 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

You can shed tears that he is gone, or you can smile because he has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that he’ll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all he’s left.

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him, or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember him only that he is gone, or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back, or you can do what he’d want: smile, open your eyes, love, and go on.

Sadly missed by your son Michael, sisters Mary, Nancy, Monica and all of the extended family members.

Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday, 29th May at 10am in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague.

BROKEN CHAIN We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.

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

You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one the chain will link us again.

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by the Mulryan and Walsh families.

Masses offered.

Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon Third generation Monumental Sculptors specialising in: • New Headstones • New Inscriptions • Restoration and Cleaning of Monuments • Wall Plaques and Name Plates • Grave Maintenance Service Contact James on 087 3549574 or David on 087 6086723 E-mail: info@anthonymurrayandsons.com www.anthonymurrayandsons.com Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

52

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

Classifieds

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES MONTH’S MIND MASS RAFTERY John

Moate, Creggs, Co. Galway, Via Roscommon.

Who passed away peacefully on 2nd May 2022 R.I.P.

COMPTON Bernie

McGUIRE Ronnie

Cloonacagh Strokestown In loving memory of Bernie whose 1st anniversary occurs on May 29th.

Clooneigh, Elphin (7th Anniversary) Who passed away on the 1st June, 2016

FALLON Mary Galway Road, Roscommon (2nd Anniversary) Who passed away on 29th May 2020

BRIAN MURRAY MEMORIALS • Superior Quality Headstones • Restoration work carried out • New Inscriptions added

CONTACT HAZEL

087 6758874

Scrine, Athleague, www.brianmuraystone.com Co. Roscommon E: brianmurraystone@gmail.com

KELLY Pat and Margaret (Peggy)

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

John’s family, his wife Kathleen, his son’s Sean, Patrick, Kieran, Kevin, his daughter Breda, daughter-in-law Ann, Bredas fiance Kieran, brother Tom, sisters Bridie and Kathleen would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported and sympathised with us on our recent sad bereavement.

Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who sent messages, called us by phone, sent flowers, mass cards and offered condolences on R.I.P.ie.

To those who called to our home with lovely food and refreshments, we will always remember your kindness.

To whose who travelled long distances to be with us at a time of great sorrow, those who attended the removal, Funeral Mass and burial, we are truly grateful.

For all those who donated so generously to the Galway Dialysis Unit, thank you.

A heartfelt thank you to the Doctors, Nurses and all the staff of Unit 7 Dialysis Merlin Park, UCHG and Wellstone Clinic, Galway who went beyond the call of duty in your care for John. Your kindness and compassion shown to John will never be forgotten.

Thank you to Dr. Daly and all his team at Ballygar Health Centre for their great care over the years and the kind and helpful staff at Hynes Pharmacy, Roscommon.

A special thank you to Fr. Donal Morris who called to our home and prayed for John, for his help and support at all times and for celebrating a lovely Mass and Eulogy, it is greatly appreciated.

Thank you to Paul and Gerry for the lovely music at the church. To the children and their teachers who formed a Guard of Honour outside the church, we thank you for such a lovely gesture.

We would like to sincerely thank Funeral Undertaker, Tommy Dowd and Delores who carried out their duties with total respect and professionalism and for his expert assistance at all stages.

Our sincere gratitude and appreciation to Jimmy and Gerry Hogan for preparing John’s final resting place with such dignity and respect.

We are very greatful to Aidan Maloney and his staff at Delicious Catering for the lovely food and kind hospitality following the funeral.

Thank you to Anne Harlow at Signature Flowers, Roscommon for her lovely floral arrangements.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this as an expression of our deepest appreciation and gratitude.

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

May John’s Gentle Soul Rest In Eternal Peace.

Month’s Mind Mass for John will be held in St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet on Monday, 6th June

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

The local paper!

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

So rest in peace dear loved one, and thanks for all you’ve done, we pray that God has given you, the crown you’ve truly won.

When God was making mothers, he must have made a fuss.

He spent a lot of time on one and gave that one to us.

Of all the gifts in life, however great or small, to have you as our mother was the greatest gift of all.

Because you were so special, no words could ever say how much we love and miss you, today and every day.

Deeply loved, sadly missed and always remembered

by William, Ingrid, Ian and Emily.

Bernie’s Anniversary Mass will be held in Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strokestown on Saturday, May 28th at 12 noon.

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Catherine, daughters, Rachel, Nicola, Rebecca, grandchildren and extended family and friends.

MacGUIGAN Mary “Letteree”, Sleaveen, Roscommon.

(3rd Anniversary) In loving memory of our mother, Mary, who passed away on 25th May 2019.

God saw you were getting tired, when a cure was not to be, he closed His arms around you, and whispered, “Come to Me”.

In tears we watched you sinking, we watched you fade away, and though our hearts were breaking, we knew you could not stay.

A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest, it broke our hearts to see you go, God only takes the best.

Sadly missed by her husband Michael, sons Michael and Seamus, daughters Marie, Deirdre, Siobhan and Elaine.

Somewhere in our hearts, beneath all the grief and pain, is a smile we still wear at the sound of your name.

Although you’ve left this earth and now you’ve taken flight, we know that you are here with us each morning, noon and night.

Lovingly remembered by Ruth, Mark, John, Jessica and her granddaughters.

Mary’s Anniversary Mass will be offered in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 28th May 2022 at 11am.

Derrane, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 17th April 2019 (3rd Anniversary)

Who passed away on 25th May 2017 (5th Anniversary)

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

Loved and missed by their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family.

Anniversary Mass in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Derrane on Saturday, 28th May at 7pm.

THANKSGIVINGS THE MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. U.R.

CARROLL Michael Rathcline, Lanesboro, Co. Longford (2nd Anniversary) In loving memory of Michael who passed away on 30th May 2020.

THANKSGIVINGS NOVENA TO ST. MARTHA Oh Saint Martha, I resort to thee and to thy petition and faith.

I offer up to thee this light which I shall burn every Tuesday for nine Tuesdays. Comfort me in all my difficulties through the great favour thou didst enjoy when our Saviour lodged in thy house. I beseech thee to have definite pity in regards to the favour I ask. Interceed for my family that we may always be provided for in all our necessities. I ask thee St. Martha to overcome the dragon, which thou didst cast at thy feet. Say one Our Father and Three Hail Mary’s. Light a candle every Tuesday and the above prayer made know with the intention of spreading devotion to St. Martha. This Miraculous Saint grants everything before the five days are ended, no matter how difficult. B.C.

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Sadly missed along life’s way, quietly remembered everyday.

No longer in our life to share, but in our hearts, you’re always there.

Always remembered by your family and friends.

Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro on Saturday, 28th May at 7.30pm.

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53

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

Connacht GAA Football Final: GALWAY V ROSCOMMON

It’s the Connacht final … this is … massive! < PAUL HEALY

‘Great Irish myths’…part 1: The provincial finals don’t matter anymore. You must be joking (i.e. it is a myth)…

Maybe it’s because of that long, unprecedented Covid interruption to established norms, maybe it has something to do with the air of positivity around both teams, but there’s certainly great anticipation and excitement ahead of Sunday’s Connacht Senior Football Final.

Actually, more likely it has to do with the simple fact that...it’s the Connacht Final.

What we’re doing now…

In the workplace: Much talk about the game, with finely tuned banter between Roscommon-ites and Galwegians… the Mayo-ites choosing from a menu of apathy, or maybe genuine interest!

In bars: From Wednesday/Thursday, albeit not in the numbers of old days,

men (mostly, not exclusively) sitting at bar counters (again) sagely assessing what might happen on Sunday, alternating between slagging, philosophising and – inevitably – wandering down the memory lane in their minds.

Memories of Connacht finals of the past are revisited…when they walked to The Lough, swayed behind the goals in the Hyde, crammed into cars full of expectant supporters bound for Galway or Castlebar. Memories of what has been…merging with hope for what might be.

In schools and households: Excited children prepare for the day out, with all its colour, promise and sense of atmosphere and fun.

When Sunday comes…

An early start. You’re not seriously saying it’s a 1.45 pm throw-in? In Salthill?

What time would we want to be heading off at? 9.30? 10? 11?

The weaving cars. The minibuses draped in Roscommon colours. The ‘pit

stops’ for snacks, where familiar faces are greeted. “Well, what do you think?”

What do we think? We just don’t know!

All we can do is use the currency of cliché.

“Ah, we’re up against it, but sure you’d never know”.

“Hard to see us beating them three times in the one year”.

“Still, if we get a good start…”

“A lot depends on whether we can stop Conroy”. “There won’t be much in it”.

“Jeekers, if our forwards are on song, I think we’ll win it”.

Queues for coffee, bottles of water, a tabloid paper, then back on the road.

“I see Pat Spillane is tipping….”

Why we love it…

Sky Sports did a great job on the Premier League final day drama last Sunday – and we enjoyed it – but you really can’t beat the GAA. Sunny summer Sundays. The nervous energy. The communal nature of each county’s pursuit of their dreams.

Young people from our parish soaring into the national spotlight, giving everything, expecting nothing in return, playing for the love of the game, for the love of their own place. Passion, play… most of all, pride.

When it happens…

Tension. Fear even. The hope that comes to kill us. What’s the ref at now?

‘Sure that’s crazy! That was never a free!’

The guttural roars, the passion, the arms in the air, the cries for people in front of you to sit down (or for you to sit down).

Hopefully no requirement for the self-conscious “I wouldn’t say this looks great on TV…Kerry/Dublin are hardly quaking in their boots”.

Hopefully a classic game…though that’s far from essential. The dullness of the half-time interval. The meandering trips for refreshments/the toilets.

Everyone on their phone. A word with your man from the other end of the

county, you haven’t seen him since before Covid…he was a narky enough corner-back in his day. “Well, what do you think now?”

Teams are back out. Sharp intake of breath…the second half always decides these games.

When it’s over…

Joy, heartbreak, or maybe some kind of resigned, philosophical acceptance.

Hopefully joy. Merging back into the flow of humanity, words drifting, floating…a communal postmortem.

“Where will we stop for a bite to eat?”

For some, maybe a few drinks. The car radio. Texts, WhatsApps. Tweets. Happiness or sadness. Later, The Sunday Game. Always The Sunday Game.

Win or lose, both teams will still be standing in the championship when The Sunday Game theme tune sounds. Still, winning the Nestor Cup matters. Of course it matters. It’s the Connacht final.

(Sky Sports: “This is massive!”).

May the best team win!

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Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

Connacht GAA Football Final: GALWAY V ROSCOMMON

Tormey: ‘Backroom team didn’t reinvent the wheel!’

< SEAMUS DUKE

Amongst the new members of the Roscommon backroom team is Moate Community School teacher, Peter Tormey. He has represented Westmeath at all levels and has also coached a number of club teams over the years. He recently trained the Moate Community School team and guided them to the Leinster Colleges ‘A’ final in 2017.

A friend of Anthony Cunningham’s, Peter joined Noel Dunning, Derek Duggan, Luke Bree and Noel Tierney in the Roscommon backroom team ahead of the 2022 season.

It’s been a case of ‘so far, so good’ and many supporters have welcomed a distinct change of style to a far more direct attacking way of playing this year.

Speaking to People Sport recently, Peter detailed how he became involved with the Roscommon set-up.

“I would have known Anthony for a couple of years. He came into Moate Community School to help us out a few years ago and we ended up in a Leinster Colleges final. I was involved with a few club teams alongside the Westmeath U-20s for a couple of years. Anthony came to me at the end of last season to see if I had any interest coming on board

and I was delighted to be asked,” he said.

The secondary school teacher says this Roscommon team is now playing to its strengths.

“Roscommon have good forwards and they are well able to put the ball over the bar. We said we’d try to move the ball that bit quicker, get ahead of the ball, get on the front foot and keep the scoreboard ticking over in games,” he said.

“I would be a very big believer in football being all about momentum and confidence. The one thing we did all year was to concentrate on one game at a time. Cork, being the first game in the league, was a big one because we were going into it without the Pearses and the Faithleach’s guys.

“At the time, we didn’t know where we were at really. We learned plenty from the FBD League, but even at that we were down a load of players. Anybody that came in put their hands up and worked really hard. We kept saying to go at it, take on your man more, give the ball to the guy in the best position. We didn’t reinvent the wheel,” he added.

A total of just five wides over the course of three NFL matches would point to a more clinical approach and Peter says there has been a new focus on shot selection.

“We went to Offaly, a game that everyone was saying could have been a potential banana skin. We targeted a good start, and we kicked on. Even when we lost Keith Doyle (on two yellow cards), our shot selection remained very good. We were taking the right options every time. That’s what you’re looking for – both on the training pitch and in games. As the year goes on, that gets more difficult because you’re meeting better teams and there’s a step up in class,” he said.

Sunday’s meeting with Galway represents another step up in class and Peter is expecting a very tight affair.

“Since 2015, it’s 10-8 to Galway (on the games they played against each other). The two teams know each other inside out. It’s our fourth time to play them this year. There has been a kick of the ball (between them) in the majority of the games, so you’d expect another close encounter,” he said.

“Obviously, they have some marquee players that are exceptional. If they take flight, they are going to be very hard to stop…but we’d like to think that if some our really good players take flight we will be hard to stop too. We have six forwards that Roscommon manager Anthony Cunningham and Roscommon’s Cathal Heneghan pictured after the can score…not many teams in the Allianz National Football League Division Two final between Roscommon and Galway at Croke Park. country have that,” he concluded.

Pic: Eóin Noonan (Sportsfile)

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Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

Connacht GAA Football Final: GALWAY V ROSCOMMON

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Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

Connacht GAA Football Final: GALWAY V ROSCOMMON

From Sligo to Salthill! Rossies on tour…

Flashback to last championship outing: Roscommon fans pictured at the recent match between Sligo and Roscommon in Markievicz Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Flashback to last championship outing: Paula and Tegan Nolan pictured at the recent match between Sligo and Roscommon in Markievicz Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Flashback to last championship outing: Roscommon fans pictured at the recent match between Sligo and Roscommon in Markievicz Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Flashback to last championship outing: Roscommon fans pictured at the recent match between Sligo and Roscommon in Markievicz Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Flashback to last championship outing: Luke, Isabelle and Saoirse Flanagan pictured at the recent match between Sligo and Roscommon in Markievicz Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

57

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

Connacht GAA Football Final: GALWAY V ROSCOMMON Best wishes to both teams from all at

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Roscommon manager Anthony Cunningham pictured on the sideline when Roscommon played Galway in this year’s FBD League Final. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Cunningham braced for ‘buoyed up’ Tribesmen < SEAMUS DUKE

Now in his fourth year in charge of Roscommon, Anthony Cunningham has presided over a complete change of his backroom team this year. That change of personnel and a distinct change of style to a much more direct way of playing has brought about a dramatic improvement in form from the Primrose and Blue.

However, he knows that to win the Connacht title his players will have to overcome his native county for the third time this year – and he realises that it will take a huge performance to bring the Nestor Cup back to Roscommon on Sunday.

“I thought Galway were excellent against Mayo. Everyone was on about them conceding a few late scores but I thought they were really competent throughout. They took some fine scores, controlled the game and played it on their terms. They’ll be really buoyed up

by that performance,” he said.

Anthony says the previous meetings between the sides this year won’t count for much this Sunday.

“No disrespect to the league, but form goes out the window if you don’t have your championship preparations right. Your frame of mind has to be right. For us, we used the league to get better and build our confidence, how we play, and to blood new players. Those two performances against Galway won’t matter a bit really. They won’t put any scores on the board on Sunday,” he said.

One thing that has been very noticeable this year has been the role of the Roscommon subs who have made a big impact in every competitive game.

“The match-day 26 is really important. Every team uses five subs now. It’s a given with injuries and the pace of the game,” Cunningham said.

“We’d put a lot of emphasis on match-day situations in training,

whether it’s Team A v Team B or a mixture of both. Whoever shows the most form will be playing.

“It’s also good to have Richard (Hughes) back. He had a tremendous league and was subsequently unfortunate with a back injury for a few weeks. Thankfully, that’s come right”.

The Roscommon manager highlighted the role of Roscommon’s attacking players, but said a team effort is needed on Sunday.

“We have natural forwards, and even for the subs that come in there’s a lot of emphasis on being able to score alongside being able to transition properly and defenders being able to contribute on the scoreboard too. That’s just the way the game has gone, and it will continue to evolve every couple of years. But you really have to be on top of your game defensively too to hold out the likes of (Damien) Comer, (Shane) Walsh and (Robert) Finnerty. So, we’re going to be really tested all over the field”.

Clarke’s Bar – Lanesboro –

Finally, should Roscommon win on Sunday, it would constitute a third Connacht senior medal for Best wishes to Roscommon Team and Management several players, which would be a major achievement.

“While we have a lot of newcomers, we have a lot of experience Best wishes to Ciaráin Murtagh and Roscommon-Galway Constituency and wise heads there. We openly Diarmuid Murtagh and all the Roscommon push that they contribute. There team and management from all at would be an emphasis put on players to suss things out and stand on their own two feet because there will be quite a number of different Vóatáil scenarios on the pitch during big match. You need to be good at seeing what’s in front of you,” he said.

“The players would sense what’s Real Solutions for Rural Ireland at stake. It takes so much work to get to a Connacht final. You don’t “I am committed to helping to available for all types of functions improve the quality of Clubhouse life for get many chances in your lifetime, people in rural Ireland which has so you have got to make itlargely count. been left behind- we need to build a future where people It’s the same for any team.can live, work and enjoy the many benefits “So while we have players thatof rural living” Best wishes to Roscommon team and management from will be playing in their third, fourth Eugene Murphy or fifth Connacht final, you have to make hay while the sun shines,” he concluded.

St. Faithleach’s Murphy GAA Club Eugene

Senator An Ireland

No 2: Orla Leyden

“I thought Galway were excellent against Mayo….they took some fine scores, controlled the game and played it on their terms. They’ll be really buoyed up by that performance”

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Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

Connacht GAA Football Final: GALWAY V ROSCOMMON

A decade of Donie!

Roscommon captain gunning for another title

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon’s Donie Smith pictured in action against Sligo in the FBD League earlier this year. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

The current Roscommon captain is Boyle man Donie Smith, now in his 10th season playing senior football. Donie is one of Roscommon’s most skillful attackers and comes from a family steeped in Gaelic football. His father Mike (Junior) played for Roscommon at all levels and his brothers Cian and Enda (current star) have also represented Roscommon at inter-county level. Enda captained Roscommon to the Connacht title in 2019 when they beat Galway in Pearse Stadium.

After a couple of years being in and out of the starting 15, Donie has made the fullforward spot his own in 2022 and has been scoring freely in league and championship from both play and frees this year.

Many observers would say that he is playing the best football of his career in 2022. Donie lives in Dublin and works as a teacher.

Roscommon’s Donie Smith pictured lifting the cup after the Allianz National Football League Division Two final between Roscommon and Galway at Croke Park. Pic: Eóin Noonan (Sportsfile)

Best wishes to Roscommon team and management on Sunday from Paul, Claire and all the team at...

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59

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

Connacht GAA Football Final: GALWAY V ROSCOMMON Best wishes to both teams from

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Patrick J. Nugent Roscommon’s Donie Smith pictured in action against Sligo in the FBD League earlier this year. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Donie on…

Another Connacht final…

“Every year we set out our stall to be in the Connacht final. We have a massive opportunity on Sunday. The game is probably going to be 50/50. We’ve played Galway a lot over the last few years, so I don’t think that the (Roscommon) victories in 2017 and 2019 will make a difference”.

A change of playing style…

“When you play Gaelic football, you play to your strengths. Our strengths are playing on the front foot. When you see the way the team shapes up, we play with six forwards, and that suits us. We want to play fast ball, we want to play the ball with our foot. The lads in training have really encouraged it. We’ve played in-house games with rules that encourage that even further. The aim of the game is to score more than your opponent. If we have fellas that can score, we have a better chance of winning”.

Being Roscommon captain…

“It’s a massive honour. It was never my aim to be captain of the team. To be given that responsibility by Anthony and the lads, I suppose it shows that they have faith in me.

Hopefully I can carry that captaincy with a bit of expectation.

“We’ve had Enda (Smith) as captain the last few years, and before that we had Conor

(Devaney) and Ciaráin (Murtagh) who were all great captains in their own way. It’s not something where I put any extra pressure on myself. It’s very much a team game. Wevve a lot of experienced lads in the squad that have been here for the last 10 or 11 years. So my job is very simple, I go up for the toss before the game!”

Prospects of winning third Connacht medal…

“There’s a trophy and a medal on the line but it’s not something you really think about.

Maybe when I retire, it’s something I’ll look back on. At the moment, however, it’s all about looking at the present and trying to win as many games as we can, starting with next Sunday”.

Ten years a Rossie…

“I think it will be ten years in July since I made my (senior) debut against Tyrone. It has flown, because you might miss a few National League games when playing colleges football and you might have only a few games in the championship.

“It’s one thing that Anthony always says to us, that you have to take every opportunity.

Your career is all about games, and it does go by very quickly.

“I remember my debut as if it were yesterday. I remember the whole day, everything about it. I remember my first training session.

So to be viewed now as one of the older lads is kind of surreal in a way because I still feel as if I’m that 19 or 20-year-old pulling the jersey on for the first time”.

New-look backroom team…

“The new lads have brought an unbelievable freshness to the set-up. They’re not too long out of playing themselves. They understand what’s required. The sessions that have been put on, the way they want us to play and the direction they’re bringing us in is everything we want ourselves. We can’t have any complaints. We’re a happy camp at the minute but when you’re winning matches, it’s very easy to be happy”.

The rivalry with Galway…

“You would say there is an edge to it. I’d say they’ve been gunning for us since the league final. But there’s definitely a mutual respect between the teams. We play them a lot, but we also know them from our time in college on and off the field.

“On the pitch, it’s obviously all guns blazing, but off it, there’s huge respect between the players and the management teams, with Anthony obviously being a Galway man as well.

“It’s going to be a massive challenge in Salthill. They are after beating Mayo who were very hotly fancied to win Connacht this year, so we’re under no illusions that it’s going to be very difficult for us”.

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Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

Connacht GAA Football Final: GALWAY V ROSCOMMON

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< SEAMUS DUKE

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Galway captain, Sean Kelly, has been a constant presence for the Tribesmen since making his senior debut in 2018, alternating between full-back and corner-back.

This Sunday will see the Moycullen man lead Galway out against Roscommon. Sean is hoping for a repeat of the FBD League Final earlier this year.

“I try not to let the fact that I am captain affect my game. I try to keep doing what I was doing since I came on to the team. I had a good start to the year, winning the FBD League (against Roscommon), but we are expecting a really tough battle from them on Sunday,” he said.

Kelly believes the National League

Division Two final defeat to the Rossies will act as a motivational spur this Sunday.

“Roscommon pulled away from us and we made a comeback towards the end but we ran out of time. They are a huge threat, they have scoring forwards and are a hell of a team.

This final will be a tough game but we know what to expect from Roscommon now,” he said.

Beating Mayo in the first round of the championship has provided a huge boost for this Galway team.

“To beat Mayo was huge. They had beaten us the previous two years, and with all the hassle of Covid and everything else it was so important to get over the line in Castlebar and in such a high quality game too,” Kelly said.

“This will be a different challenge.

We will have to change our game plan for the final. Roscommon are a great team. They have excellent forwards and some very strong backs as well, but we are really looking forward to the challenge”.

There’s a renewed buzz in the Galway camp ahead of Sunday: “We have a lot of lads on the panel that have won a lot of stuff this year in colleges football and at U-20 level too. Of course Padraic (Joyce) won everything in the game and we have so much respect for him. We have built up a lot of momentum so we just want to build on that now,” Kelly added.

“None of our lads have won a Connacht title at home in front of our own fans and we want to do that this time around.

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Niall Daly in action against Galway in the 2019 Connacht SFC final. Photo: Mick McCormack

“Roscommon have a great manager in Anthony Cunningham and we know that not only have they a strong starting 15 but they have great players coming off the bench too.

It’s our job to counter their threat.

But our bench is strong too and that was shown against Mayo and against Leitrim”.

Galway also tweaked their backroom team this year, bringing in Cian O’Neill as coach. Sean Kelly says he has made a big difference.

“Cian has been fantastic this year and the lads have really responded to him. We are playing a more open brand of football and Padraic (Joyce) wants everyone to drive on and get as many scores as we can. It’s a great team to be involved with at the moment,” he concluded.

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

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Connacht GAA Football Final: GALWAY V ROSCOMMON

Galway

Best of luck to Roscommon team and management from all at

St. Joseph’s GAA Club Cllr. NIGEL

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Michael Dolphin ACCOUNTANTS Creagh Road, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon Roscommon’s Ultan Harney pictured marking Galway’s Paul Conroy during the FBD League Final earlier this year. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

‘We do not want to go in any back door!’ – Concannon < SEAMUS DUKE

Galway selector and coach, John Concannon, is a well-known former player who is now manager Padraic Joyce’s right-hand man. He believes that Galway’s win over Mayo earlier in the campaign has given the Tribesmen a huge boost.

“It was a great win but it is one game at a time.

We recovered well after Mayo, we trained hard and we did well against Leitrim. We looked a bit rusty in the first 10 or 15 minutes but we were happy with the team after that. The subs that came on were great and we have no injuries, thank God, so we are looking forward to the final,” he said.

John says we can expect a different look to the Galway team this Sunday.

“Every game is different.

We had a specific plan for the match against Mayo and thankfully that got us over the line, but we had a totally different plan for Leitrim and we will have to change it again against Roscommon. You have to play according to your style and who the opposition are. Our players are comfortable with that and it is working so far,” he said.

Losing to Roscommon in the league and again in the league final has whetted the Galway appetite for revenge.

“Roscommon are a very good attacking team.

Anthony (Cunningham) is

a brilliant manager. He has brought in Derek Duggan and you can see his stamp on the attacking play. They have six scoring forwards and they are a threat from everywhere,” he said.

“They are playing much better football this year.

It’s going to be a massive battle, but look, we have only won two Connacht titles in the last 13 years and that’s not good enough.

The players on this panel have not won a Connacht title on home soil so they want to put that right and they will be doing everything in their power to win that final on Sunday.

“We do not want to go into any back door. We want to win that Connacht title on Sunday. Simple as that,” he concluded.

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Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

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Connacht GAA Football Final: GALWAY V ROSCOMMON

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Rossie firepower Forward thinking can ensure more success in Salthill Connacht SFC Final: Galway v Roscommon on Sunday at Pearse Stadium at 1.45 pm

day. Brian Stack versus Damien Comer will be one of those vital clashes. Roscommon will have to come up with a strategy to prevent the ball coming into Comer as he is an exceptionally strong player who can score or bring others into the game.

Shane Walsh is a class act, one of the best players in the country. If he is allowed to dictate the play then Roscommon will be in big trouble. Midfield will also be crucial: Paul Conroy is playing the best football of his career and Cillian McDaid is improving all the time.

Their clash with Ultan Harney and Eddie Nolan could swing the match one way or the other.

It is up front where Roscommon can make hay on Sunday. The strong running of Enda Smith and the skill and scoring power of Cathal Heneghan, Conor Cox, Donie Smith, Cian McKeon and Ciaráin Murtagh has been a joy to behold this year. On the sideline and chomping

at the bit to get into the action will be the likes of Diarmuid Murtagh, Keith Doyle and Niall Kilroy, who are outstanding performers.

There has not been much between these teams over the years and this Sunday will be no different. Galway have some class players and proven match-winners. They have also tweaked their playing style with the arrival of coach Cian O’Neill this year. But Roscommon look to have a better balanced team full of very good footballers and their more direct style has been a joy to watch this season.

In sport, any team can have a bad day – and a day where it doesn’t happen for them – but all things being equal, Roscommon can be expected to go to Salthill and win on Sunday by two or three points. Anthony Cunningham’s men have better forwards and they can get enough scores to edge it.

Prediction: Roscommon.

< SEAMUS DUKE

Another chapter in one of the most enduring rivalries in modern-day Connacht football will be written this Sunday when Galway and Roscommon meet in this year’s senior provincial decider in Salthill. Seldom has a big game at this level looked so evenly balanced.

The sides met twice in the Allianz Football League this year with Roscommon winning on both occasions including a 1-20 to 0-22 victory in the Division Two final.

Depending on what side of the fence pundits are on (neutrals aside!), there are convincing arguments to be made for both sides’ chances of taking home the Nestor Cup this Sunday.

The Tribesmen have been boosted this year by a return of a number of key players from injury, including Shane Walsh, Cillian McDaid and Sean Kelly. They have added considerably to Galway’s efforts in the championship against Leitrim and particularly against Mayo at MacHale Park.

Those who fancy Galway to win on Sunday say that with players like the aforementioned Walsh and McDaid, Paul Conroy, and Damien Comer in top form and fit, this will be a muchimproved Galway team that will be just too strong for Roscommon. McDaid and Conroy form a very potent midfield partnership and Conroy is a candidate for Player of the Year already. Roscommon will have to curb him on Sunday.

However, those tipping Roscommon have equally strong arguments as to why it might be their year. Anthony Cunningham’s men are unbeaten in league and championship in 2022 and that includes two wins against Sunday’s opponents. They brushed aside the challenge of Sligo with the minimum of fuss in the semi-final and have, by all accounts, been performing very well in recent challenge games. A clean bill of health with a full squad to choose from is also a major plus for Roscommon.

A very distinct change of playing style in 2022 has also brought Roscommon on in leaps and bounds as a team. They have an excellent set of forwards and are now utilising that asset with a far more direct style and it has yielded high scores over the course of 2022.

There will be a number of key battles on Sun-

John Daly of Galway in action against Eddie Nolan of Roscommon during the Allianz Football League Division 2 Final match between Roscommon and Galway at Croke Park in Dublin last month. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

63

Connacht GAA Football Final: GALWAY V ROSCOMMON Breakfast: 7.30 am to 11.30 am Lunch: 12.00 pm to 3.00 pm Evening Bar & Bistro Menu: 3.00 pm to 9.00 pm

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Cian McKeon of Roscommon during the Allianz Football League Division 2 Final match between Roscommon and Galway at Croke Park in Dublin last month.

Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile.

3 massive match-ups! < SEAMUS DUKE

Brian Stack v Damien Comer The Galway fullforward is back to his best and on his day is an exceptionally strong player. He scored four fine points from play in the league final against Roscommon and has played well against Mayo and Leitrim too.

Brian Stack is an outstanding footballer who will relish the challenge

– but Roscommon must prevent good ball into Comer if they can.

Battle of midway!

In the eyes of many, the midfield clash between Eddie Nolan and Ultan Harney and Galway’s Paul Conroy and Cillian McDaid will decide the outcome. Conroy is on fire this year and Roscommon will not need to be told what he did in the league final. McDaid scored four points from play against Leitrim and is improving all the time. Harney and

Nolan have been excellent for Roscommon this year but they will have to be on top of their game this Sunday too.

John Daly v Enda Smith Enda Smith is the most inspirational player on this Roscommon team. When he makes those lungbursting runs, spectacular catches, and scores those long-range points, he lifts the crowd. He has hit top form this year and there’s no doubt he can be a Roscommon matchwinner. Daly is a very

shrewd player, a good marker and great passer

of the ball. This will be a fascinating clash.

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64

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

Connacht GAA Football Final: GALWAY V ROSCOMMON “The tar and ice cream melting, the cuckoo singing, the flags a flying and the Rossies on the town!”

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Action from the 2019 Connacht Final – Roscommon v Galway in Pearse Stadium. Photo: Mick McCormack

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Éire Óg GAA Club

true colours as Cunningham plots Salthill ambush < TOM CURLEY

The blue and yellow flags that had bedecked Salthill’s footpath and promenade for some weeks have been taken down. The doublecoloured cloth of blue and yellow, the emblem of the Ukrainian nation, had been hoisted in honour and recognition of that distant land, besieged by the horrors of the Russian invasion.

Roscommon folk arriving – and some of us here in Galway – cannot be knuckle-rapped if spotting the similar colours of our county were an early reminder of Roscommon’s part in the Connacht football final in nearby Pearse Stadium on Sunday.

The maroon and white fabric which respectfully vacated their space for the memorable duration, have since been returned to their normal pole position. Driven by the vagaries of the Atlantic gales, the reinstated local colours firmly flag Galway’s dual championship intent – hurling and football – as the short GAA season progresses. At shore level, the breeze has rustled local interest and debate on Sunday’s big game.

Seamus O’Grady, secretary of the Galway County Board, who coordinates most of the Board’s wide-ranging activities, sees Connacht final day as one of the busiest chores. Galway and Roscommon meetings – teams with high mutual respect – are always close encounters, and bring great intensity to the game. Sunday’s clash will be very similar, he assures.

With the Galway rearguard now more settled, Paul Conroy, Damien Comer and Shane Walsh at full potential, and newcomers stepping up to the mark, a strong confi-

dence has filtered through Joyce’s men.

After league defeats by Roscommon, particularly the Division Two final in Croke Park, and with home ground advantage at their backs, the Tribesmen should get over the line with a small margin, Seamus counters.

Dunmore man, Máirtin Conneally, a life-long staunch Galway follower, laments the fact that Tuam Stadium, for a number of reasons, has never been brought up to modern ground standards. Pearse Stadium, not his favourite playground, has taken over. Home Connacht finals, he stresses, should be played in Tuam, the bedrock of Galway football, famous club Tuam Stars and home of the legendary Purcell and Stockwell, the Terrible Twins, where Galway could beat any team. Roscommon will win in Pearse Stadium on Sunday, the Dunmore man contends.

Galway and Roscommon met in four consecutive Connacht finals from 2016 to 2019, with two away wins each. Roscommon’s 2019 Connacht final victory – after unexpectedly beating hot favourites Mayo in the semi-final – will be a big incentive for this Sunday’s clash.

In that memorable win in wet and windy Salthill, following Conor Devaney’s opening point after five minutes, Conor Cox’s inspirational point after ten (from close to the endline), Roscommon’s play became laboured when Galway took over, leading by five points at the half-time mark.

Roscommon returned a rejuvenated team following the break. Powerful play by Conor Cox – who scored five points – man of the match David Murray, the now retired Cathal Cregg, Diarmuid Murtagh’s piledriver goal (his first in the championship), and Darren O’Malley’s sensational late save, leaving Galway’s play in a lethargic state, Roscommon winning by four

points…these are the stand-out memories that remain. This Sunday will relive that fired action of that Connacht final Sunday of four years ago.

Anthony Cunningham will bear no misgivings in plotting the ambush of his native county. He has travelled the route before. Since taking the helm in 2018, he has achieved notable success.

He has brought a fresh approach, balance and work rate to his resurgent squad, diluting old team frailties in the process. His firm belief in offering the opportunity to promising players to showcase their talents and skills on the field of play has proved to be a winner. From recent and past meetings the St. Thomas’s clubman (hurling) will have the measure, and admiration, of his opposing counterpart.

Padraic Joyce will have his troops well trained for battle. He and his backroom team are aware of what awaits in Sunday’s Pearse Stadium early-afternoon marathon. The May 1st raindrenched Markievicz Park semi-final canter against Sligo has told the Roscommon manager little about his team’s full value.

Sunday’s top of the bill televised contest between the two storied rivals will be yet another chapter in the Roscommon/Galway football history book, and should draw an expected crowd in excess of 20,000 to the seaside village. The blue and gold rush will be there in force, their colours – now in their rightful place – will declare their presence.

The Ukrainian Orchestra have announced they will celebrate their recent Eurovision victory with their winning song Stefania and show their colours to the world when the war is over.

Will Roscommon also celebrate with another Connacht final victory by hoisting the blue and yellow colours on Sunday evening? The expectations are high.

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

Connacht GAA Football Final: GALWAY V ROSCOMMON

Roscommon receive Dubs legend’s backing Former Dublin star, Diarmuid Connolly, has backed Roscommon to dent Galway’s All-Ireland credentials by winning Sunday’s Connacht final in Salthill.

Padraic Joyce’s side will go into the provincial decider as favourites but Connolly believes Roscommon’s league form over their rivals could give them the edge.

Speaking to betting company BoyleSports this week, the six-time All-Ireland winner said: “Roscommon have already beaten Galway twice this year, albeit once when Galway had a weakened team out. Roscommon were the better team on the day in the Division Two final and while Shane Walsh made an impact when he came on late, he wasn’t the difference that day. Roscommon were full value for the win and I think they have a great chance.

“Enda Smith is their goto guy and he dominated the Galway midfield in the league final…I was so impressed with him. Conor Cox will be on the frees and Ciaráin Murtagh and Donie Smith could have a big say.

“Galway have gone up to Division One which is a huge boost and Paul Conroy for me has been their standout player this year. He’s chipping in with the scores and they do have a lot of good players.

“Damien Comer isn’t chipping in with the same amount of scores, but if he fires on all cylinders he could pull a goal or two out of the bag. However, if they’re to win, Shane Walsh will need to have a huge game”.

65

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Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

Connacht GAA Football Final: GALWAY V ROSCOMMON Best wishes to both teams from

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Toe to toe: Roscommon and Galway will get reacquainted in Salthill this Sunday with the Connacht SFC title on the line. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Galway v Roscommon

…TALE OF THE TAPE < SEAMUS DUKE

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• Connacht SFC titles: Galway 47 Roscommon 23.

• Galway last won the title in 2018, while Roscommon’s last success was in 2019.

• The sides have previously met in 23 Connacht finals with Galway winning 11, Roscommon winning nine and three draws. In total, they have met 65 times in the championship. Galway lead the way with 38 wins to Roscommon’s 21. There have been six draws.

• There have been ten championship meetings between the sides at Pearse Stadium. Galway just edge it in the formbook with five wins to Roscommon’s four.

There has only been one drawn game.

• This is the first time Galway have appeared in seven consecutive Connacht SFC finals since the 1950s/’60s. They reached a seventh consecutive decider in 1961 followed by four more in 1963, 1964, 1965 and 1966.

• Roscommon have already beaten Galway twice in this year’s Allianz Football League Division Two…1-20 to 1-15 in round seven and 1-20 to 0-22 in the final.

Paths to the Final

Galway

Connacht SFC Quarter-Final Galway 4-20 Leitrim 0-9 Connacht SFC Semi-Final Galway 1-14 Mayo 0-16 Top scorers: Shane Walsh 0-11 (0-7 frees, 0-2 ‘45s); Patrick Kelly 2-1; Paul Conroy 0-5.

Roscommon

Connacht SFC Semi-Final Roscommon 0-23 Sligo 0-11 Top scorers: Conor Cox 0-6 (0-3 frees); Enda Smith 0-4; Ciaráin Murtagh 0-4.

Last five Championship meetings 2021: Galway 2-11 Roscommon 0-12 (Connacht Semi-Final) 2019: Roscommon 1-13 Galway 0-12 (Connacht Final) 2018: Galway 0-16 Roscommon 2-6 (Connacht Final) 2017: Roscommon 2-15 Galway 0-12 (Connacht Final) 2016: Galway 3-16 Roscommon 0-14 (Connacht Final replay)

67

Roscommon People Friday 27 May 2022

SportsPeople

Basketball

Darts

Kelly Cup returns

Runners-up in the Roscommon Primary Schools Basketball League Girls’ 5th and 6th class final were Lisaniskey NS.

Winners of the Roscommon Primary Schools Basketball League Boys’ 5th and 6th class final were Gaelscoil de hÍde Ros Comáin.

Thrilling end to Primary Schools league The curtain came down on another exciting Primary Schools Basketball League recently and venues such as the Hub in Castlerea and Kilbride Community Centre played host to a number of games following the return of on-court action after Covid-19.

Roscommon Primary School Basketball would like to sincerely thank Boyle Basketball Club for their generous donation towards facilitating

the finals evening. Thanks also to the referees including Joe Henry, Sandra Shanagher, Josh McDermott, Emer Healy, Cathy Kilkenny and John Melvin.

Grange National School took the honours in the two-teacher ‘A’ final with an impressive win over a gallant Aughrim side.

The ‘B’ final saw sisters-in-law Erica (Clooneyquin NS) and Aoife Feely

(Castleplunkett NS) face off as coaches. Clooneyquin eventually emerged as winners following a very entertaining game.

Next up were the 5th and 6th class girls. A courageous Lisaniskey NS team gave as good as they got but were beaten by a strong Croghan NS side in the final quarter.

The Boys’ 5th and 6th class final saw Gaelscoil de hÍde, Ros Comáin

taking on the lads from Cloonakilla NS in a very exciting match. Gaelscoil enjoyed a good lead in the third quarter but Cloonakilla never gave up and turned things around in the final period. Eoin Ó Neachtain was the hero for Gaelscoil as his buzzer-beater grabbed victory from the jaws of defeat! Well done to all teams involved in what was another successful year of basketball!

Soccer

Boyle Celtic crowned champions!

Boyle Celtic were crowned Roscommon & District Football League Premier Division champions for the first time since 1987 after they came from behind to defeat Ballymoe FC 3-1 at Celtic Park last Saturday.

Boyle went into the game

three points ahead of Ballinasloe Town but required a result to avoid a play-off with the Connacht Cup finalists.

Basement club Ballymoe threatened to cause a real shock when they took the lead through a Michael Kenny penalty in first-half stoppage time.

Celtic showed true championship winning grit after the break however and Shane Battles grabbed an equaliser just before the hour mark. Boyle’s top scorer then doubled his tally just six minutes later before David Flanagan sealed the win and the league title with eight

Keep in touch...

View the Roscommon Town Youth Soccer website where you will find the latest club news, videos, gallery, social media links, codes of conduct, Umbro shop, etc. (www.roscommontownyouthsoccer.ie).

Competition winner...

C’mon The Town

(Roscommon Town Youth Soccer) In association with the

Well done to Shane Gordon who won last week’s competition.

The correct answer was 1991.

Matchday hospitality...

On match days this season, treat yourself to a tea, coffee, soft drinks or chocolate as you watch the game. All monies raised fund the activities of the club. Thank you for your support, especially our volunteers who operate this service.

Skill Zone - Heading

When heading the ball, your power comes from your neck. Remember to keep your eyes open and your mouth closed when heading the ball.

Wise Words...

Winners never quit and quitters never win - Vince Lombardi.

Did you know...

We play our home games at Roscommon Community Sports Park in Lisnamult.

minutes remaining.

This Sunday (29th) sees Premier Division runners-up Ballinasloe Town taking on Salthill Devon in the Connacht Cup Final at Eamonn Deacy Park (Terryland) at 2 pm.

Ballinasloe first won the Connacht Cup back in 2004 while

Player Profile...

Name: Hannah Kerr.

Role: Assistant Coach, Boys’ U-14, Girls’ U-16.

Three words that describe me: Determined, committed, sporty.

Favourite team: Man City.

Favourite player: Kevin De Bruyne.

Favourite Irish player: Gavin Bazunu.

Best stadium in the world: Etihad.

Messi or Ronaldo or Neither: Ronaldo.

PlayStation or Xbox or Neither: PlayStation.

Favourite film: Inside Out. Favourite food: Chinese.

Favourite song: Are You With Me. Favourite book: Malory Towers.

What makes me happy: Soccer and gym.

Person you admire the most: My older sister.

Why I play soccer: Enjoyment.

Hopes for this season: For the girls to win a cup.

their most recent success came in 2017. They’ll be hoping to put the disappointment of losing out on the Premier Division league and cup behind them as they chase yet more provincial silverware this Sunday. We wish them the very best of luck.

On the Field...

The U-18 boys beat St. Cuan’s United away from home on Saturday night. Thomas Kelly, Zawy Khan and a Caio Mulryan brace secured the three points.

The U-16s had a surprisingly comfortable win at home to Ballinasloe Town. A Tommy Naughton hat-trick helped Town to a 5-0 win. The U-16 girls’ game away to Glen Celtic and the girls’ U-12 game away to Shiven Rovers were postponed.

The Town I U-14 team lost out to Castlerea Celtic in the Cup quarter-final. Both of our U-12 sides were at home in the latest round of league fixtures. Town I beat Glen Celtic with Thomas Lohan netting a brace while Dominic Jacob also scored.

Town II lost out to St. Cuan’s.

The boys’ U-11 EL 1 side scored four away to Shiven with Ethan Hanratty and Jayden Treacy scoring. Daniel Byrne scored a brace in the CL game against the same opposition.

Super Sunday sees our U-9 boys’ and girls’ teams showcase their skills. On Saturdays, our U-7s take the field. Participating, learning and having fun with friends is important as players grow.

One of the highlights of the Roscommon Darts season, the Kelly Cup makes a long-awaited return on Saturday, June 5th at The Hollywood Bar in Roscommon town.

Names are to be in by 1.30 pm, with the competition confined to Roscommon League players or those who have been associated with Roscommon Darts.

First games at 2 pm with a €10 entry fee for adults and €5 for youths.

Prize money will be Money in-Money out plus €200 sponsored by The Hollywood Bar. Trophies for winner, runner-up, semi-finalist, highest check out, best youth and best lady.

Format on the day has traditionally been knockout but may revert to Round Robin based on numbers. For more information contact Ciaran on 086-2634104.

Soccer results Norio’s Premier Division Ballinasloe Town 3 St. John’s Athletic 3 Premier Division Cup Castlerea Celtic 4 Moore United 1 RDFL Division One Ballinagare Manor United 3 Dunmore Town 2 Division One Cup Shiven Rovers 4 Skyvalley Rovers 2 Division Two Cup Semi-Finals Cam Celtic 1 Dunmore Town B 1 AET (Cam won 4-3 on penalties) Skyvalley Rovers B 1 Ballaghaderreen FC B 0 RDFL Masters League Skyvalley Rovers 2 Cam Celtic 3 Moore United 2 Colemanstown United 2 Roscommon United 4 Castlerea Celtic 0 RDFL Women’s Pre-Season Tournament Ballinasloe Town 3 St. Cuan’s Ahascragh United 1 Cam Celtic/Dysart 5 Shiven Rovers 3

Fixtures Friday, May 27th Joe’s Bar Challenge Cup Semi-Final At Lecarrow: Moore United v Shiven Rovers. 8 pm Norio’s Premier Division Cup Quarter-Final Boyle Celtic v Ballaghaderreen FC. 8 pm RDFL Division Two Shield Play-off At Lecarrow: Ballymoe FC B v Rahara Rovers. 7 pm RDFL Women’s Pre-Season Tournament St. Cuan’s Ahascragh United v Ballaghaderreen FC. 7.30 pm Saturday, May 28th Norio’s Premier Division Cup St. John’s Athletic v Moylough ’79. 5 pm RDFL Masters League (7.30 pm) Roscommon United v Strokestown United Castlerea Celtic v Colemanstown United Skyvalley Rovers v Moore United Cam Celtic v Glen Celtic Sunday, May 29th TP Brennan Connacht FA Cup Final At Eamonn Deacy Park: Salthill Devon v Ballinasloe Town. 2 pm DK Challenge Shield Semi-Finals At Lecarrow: Ballinagare Manor United v St. Cuan’s Ahascragh United. 11 am At Lecarrow: Dunmore Town v Ballaghaderreen FC. 2.30 pm RDFL Women’s Pre-Season Tournament (2 pm) Shiven Rovers v Ballinasloe Town Kilkerrin United v Cam Dysart

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Horses for Courses This weekend’s action Racing this weekend starts this evening (Thursday) over the jumps at Limerick, off at 4.50 pm, including six hurdles races and a bumper. There are two meetings tomorrow (Friday), over the jumps at Limerick, all chases, at 5.10 pm and on the flat at Fairyhouse off at 5.20 pm featuring the €150,000 Emerald Mile Handicap and the Group 3 Gallinule Stakes.

Racing starts in Navan on the flat at 1.05 pm on Saturday and over the sticks at Punchestown, with first race at 1.55 pm.

On Sunday, Punchestown race again with another NH card away at 1.55 pm. Racing returns to the west on Monday at 5.45 pm and Tuesday provisionally at 4.35 pm with a twoday national hunt meeting at Ballinrobe.

ITV covers four races from Haydock and Beverley on Saturday with one from Chester. There are two Group 3 races from Haydock, the Pinnacle Stakes and the John Of Gaunt Stakes.

The Irish Guineas On Saturday, the Newmarket runner-up, Charlie Appleby’s British raider Native Trail, went one better in beating Shelia Lavery’s New Energy and his compatriot Imperial Fighter, trained by Andrew Balding ¾l and 1¾l. Appleby has won the English, French, and the Irish 2000 Guineas for Godolphin with three different horses, Coroebus won

the Newmarket race, and won the French at Longchamp. He is the first to train all three in a season.

On Sunday, Dermot Weld’s Homeless Songs, 11/2, won the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas easily beating Aidan O’Brien’s Tuesday, the favourite at 11/4 with O’Brien’s Concert Hall third. The Group 1 Tattersalls Cup went for export as the William Haggas trained, Tom Marquand ridden Alenquer just got up on the line to beat Ballydoyle’s 20/1 shot High Definition and Joseph O’Brien’s State Of Rest by a neck and the same.

Roscommon Review Racing on Monday in Lenebane started with a Claiming Maiden for 3-Y-Os over 7f and was won by the Michael Grassick trained Browne Eagle at 15/2 who made every post a winning one under Billy Lee to beat the odds-on favourite Plankton by ¾l with Red Storm third. After the race Red Storm was claimed by John M Keogh and will now be trained

by Shane Duffy.

The second on the card, the Irish EBF Auction Series for 2-Y-Os got punters off the mark with Joseph O’Brien’s 6/4 favourite. Voce Del Palio just getting up to chin his other runner 6/1 shot Wujdan by a head, Shadow Creek was 4½l away in third.

In the final sprint on the card, the Apprentice Handicap, John McConnell’s outsider 25/1 shot No Patience gave Dutch girl Kyanna van Burren her first winner beating the 3/1

favourite Clear Quartz by 2¼l.

The maiden for 3-Y-Os+ over 1m 3f was won by Spasiba, the favourite, trained by Paddy Twomey and ridden by Billy Lee who was completing a riding double having won the opener. Hallowed Star was second and Impero third.

All 13 went to post in the feature race, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap, where the 6/5 favourite, Roscarberry, gave Twomey a quick double and completed a treble for jockey Billy Lee. Pachmena was second and Evening Verse third, both at 14/1.

The penultimate 1m 4f handicap for 3-Y-Os only was won by Dunboyne-based Jack Davidson with 6/1 shot Sally Golightly under Donagh O’Connor. The recent Sligo winner won by 2¼l and a neck from Forgetmenotblue and the favourite Dudley’s Bar. The final race, a 1m 4f handicap for 4-Y-Os+ went to the 12/1 shot Final Endevour trained by Harry Rogers and ridden by Gavin Ryan by 2¼l from the Noel Meade trained favourite Black Eyed Eagle with Folly Beach 3½l further back in third. After two flat cards, the next meeting at Lenabane is a national card on Tuesday, June 14th.

Racing News The Irish Cesarewitch, to be run over 2m at the Curragh in September, will be one of the richest races run in Ireland this year after its prizemoney was boosted by over half a million euros to €600,000. The

Alenquer gets up to beat High Definition on the rail, and State of rest near side in the Gold Cup.

staying handicap was worth just €80,000 in 2021, but the Supporters of the Curragh have committed to three years’ sponsorship.

At Punchestown on Monday punters got off to a terrible start as Conor O’Dwyer’s Sawbuck, ridden by his son Charlie, landed the opening four-year-old maiden hurdle at a record equalling starting price of 300/1, despite a mistake at the last. This record equalling SP price matched that of Luke Comer’s owned and trained He Knows No Fear at Leopardstown in 2020.

Point-to-Point News The final weekend of the season. There are two meetings this weekend with racing at Dromahane in Cork on Saturday with 115 entries and on Sunday at Tralee racing on the old racecourse track, with 200 entries. Both meetings

s t t u p t Shor Athlone

Open Week tees off in Athlone this Saturday and runs until Monday, June 6th with plenty of competitions taking place right throughout the week and some fantastic prizes up for grabs. Online booking for visitors on the club’s website and by phone (090-6492073) and email: athlonegolfclub@gmail. com.

Today (Thursday) sees the Barton Shield match against Galway GC and on Sunday the Ladies’ Junior Foursomes are in action against Mountbellew while the Ladies Minors take on Roscommon.

Eamon Flanagan won the last Wednesday’s Open with 34 points and Thomas O’Connor won the Senior Scratch Cup with 73 gross. The Junior Scratch Cup was won by Dermot O’Connor and the Gents’ 18hole competition was won by Bryan O’Looney with 42 points.

Meanwhile, Anne O’Sullivan topped the leaderboard in the Women’s PGA

Tankard with 43 points, Suzanne Meares won the Women’s 9-hole competition with 18, and R. King claimed the AWGS with 33 points.

Boyle

The Men’s Senior team enjoyed an impressive win over County Sligo GC (Rosses Point) last Friday evening but the Ladies’ Junior Foursomes were beaten by a strong Roscommon team.

The Men’s All-Ireland Fourball team also suffered defeat when they went down to Ballina on Saturday.

Pat Brogan, meanwhile, won the PGA Tankard with 43 points while Michael Simon and Lorcan Egan were winners of the recent Thursday competitions. Lorcan also joined forces with Pat Conroy and Bernie Kemple to win the Social Scramble on May 13th. Bernie will be going for three in a row in this Friday’s event!

Boyle Golf Club expresses deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mary Ryan and Martin Higgins,

who passed away recently. Mary and her husband Paddy were heavily involved in the club for many years and both served as Captains while Paddy was also President. Mary was known as a talented golfer and made valuable contributions to several other community organisations, most notably Boyle Musical Society and the local Hospice.

Martin Higgins was also heavily involved in the club throughout his long life and played regularly into his 80s. He was Captain in 1978 and President in 1992. Martin and his late wife Marie are fondly remembered for running the catering in the club during the 1990s. The club were privileged to host a Scramble and social event just a few weeks ago to mark Martin’s 90th birthday. The club offers sincere condolences to the families and friends of both Mary and Martin.

Carrick

by Tom Red

Congratulations to Keith Tighe who won the Cottage Restaurant compe-

are down for a 2 pm start but Tralee may by brought forward with such a large entry.

Record-breaking Tipperary native, Liz Lalor, was injured in a fall when riding Tom Keating’s U Asking Me came down at the last in the Winners of 1 at Ballingarry last Sunday.

Lalor was transported to Cork University Hospital by air ambulance where she currently remains in a stable condition.

Lalor is the most successful female rider in the sport with 110 winners and we wish her a full and speedy recovery.

Competition Time You can still win tickets for the Kilbeggan meeting on Sunday, June 5th, and to win we want to know who is Ireland’s famous leading National Hunt horse trainer?

Answers as usual please on a postcard to The Roscommon People, Abbey Street,

Roscommon or by email to tomred17@gmail.com by 1 pm next Wednesday (June 1st) and as always do not forget to include your name, address, and a contact phone number with all competition entries. As usual all tickets will have to be collected in the office in Abbey Street.

This is your first chance to win tickets for Kilbeggan on June 13th and Roscommon on June 14th. For Kilbeggan we want to know what is the record SP returned in Ireland at Punchestown last week?

For Roscommon, please tell us by what name is the racecourse in Roscommon known?

Answers for both competitions as usual please on a post card to The Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon or by email to tomred17@gmail.com by 1 pm, Wednesday, June 8th.

(News from local golf clubs)

tition with 40 points last weekend.

Tommy Mulvey was the Division One winner with 37, Albert Hogg took Division Two with 38, and Division Three went to Frank Duffy with 39.

In the Seniors’, Seamus Sheeran was the overall winner with 38 points. Other results: Cat 1: Tommy Mulvey (38); Cat 2: Paddy Duffy (36); Cat 3: Bill McCallig (37); Front 9: Michael Foley (20); Back 9: Dermot Monaghan (17).

Castlerea

Evelyn Curley (20 points) won the Tulsk Fuels competition on May 12th while Mary Colleary followed by Jean Timothy were victorious in the Harmac competition on May 17th.

Roscommon Jack Sharkey (69 nett) won the Men’s 18-hole stroke competition last Sunday ahead of Albert O’Connor, Jackie Somers, and Cian O’Connor (gross).

Meanwhile, Laura Griffith (41 points) won the Ladies’ 18-hole competition with Ann Martin taking the 9-hole competition.

The Senior Men’s competition on May 19th was won by D. Browne with 34 points. Other results: Cat 1: K. Glynn (32); Cat 2: N. Connolly (29); Cat 3: J. Grogan (29); Over 80s: T. Murphy; Deuces: T. Murphy and D. Browne.

The fundraising Club Classic takes place this June Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday and Sunday, 4th and 5th). There are great prizes to be won and you can book your spot in the clubhouse or on 090-6626382.

The Ladies’ Challenge Cup team was defeated by Loughrea on Saturday last as was the Men’s Fred Perry team by Castlerea last Friday.

Today (Thursday), the Barton Shield team is in action against Claremorris while the Ladies’ Revive Active Fourball takes on Enniscrone, and on Sunday the Minor Cup team plays Athlone.

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Minors bow out as Sligo advance Robert Heneghan (pictured in action against Leitrim earlier this year) scored 0-4 as Roscommon minors fell to defeat against Sligo last Friday night at Dr. Hyde Park.

Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Teams & scorers

Roscommon: S. Kelly; M. Moran, J. Donnelly, E. Quinn; M. Halligan, R. McDermott, R. Hanley (0-1); C. Kelly, B. Murphy; E. Murray (0-2), R. Heneghan (0-4, one free), J. McGuinness; J. Betts (0-1), R. Carthy (0-3, all frees), TJ Hannon (0-3).

Subs: R. Dowling (0-1) for J. McGuinness, B. Greene for TJ Hannon, L. Taylor for J. Betts.

Sligo: D. Henry (0-1, 45’); R. O’Hehir, O. Conlon, D. King; R. O’Callaghan, R. O’Kelly-Lynch (1-1), T. Ross; R. Gillespie (0-1), D. Walsh (0-4); T. Bailey, R. Niland (0-3, one free), C. Carty; E. Rooney (02), S. O’Neill, J. Foley (0-1).

Subs: C. Flynn (0-3) for S. O’Neill, A. Mullen for J. Foley.

Stat Attack Wides: Roscommon 3 Sligo 9 Yellow cards: Roscommon 1 (C. Kelly) Sligo 1 (O. Conlon) Black cards: 0 Red cards: 0 Man of the Match: Dillon Walsh (Sligo) On a day when many individuals stood out on either team, Dillon Walsh’s dominance in midfield and four great scores from play meant that he was the stand-out performer in Sligo’s victory. Ryan Hanley and Eoghan Murray were Roscommon’s best performers on the day.

Electric Ireland Connacht Minor FC Roscommon 0-15 Sligo 1-16 < ELLIOT GREALY

On Friday night, supporters gathered under dark skies as Dr. Hyde Park played host to the final round of the Connacht Minor Football Championship. This was a winner takes all encounter with both sides looking to book their place in a Connacht semifinal against Galway.

In tough conditions, both sides started slowly. It took six minutes for the opening score of the game to come, Ronan Niland converting a free from 30 metres out. The centre-forward then doubled his tally with a fine score off his right boot. Some brilliant defending from the Yeats County players and in particular wing-back Rian O’Callaghan prevented Roscommon getting an upperhand.

Roscommon finally got a score on the board when Robert Heneghan slotted over a point. The resulting kick-out was won brilliantly by Conor Kelly and TJ Hannon was on hand to raise a white flag. Sligo’s James Foley and Roscommon’s Ryan Hanley ex-

changed points before a driving run

by Sligo’s Robert O’Kelly-Lynch resulted in a goal, a brilliant finish past Roscommon goalkeeper Sean Kelly.

Roscommon bounced back, Eoghan Murray dancing around the Sligo defence and taking his point brilliantly.

Jamie Betts also scored with a fine effort from long-range. It was Sligo who finished off the half the strongest. Robert O’Kelly-Lynch added to his goal with a point from in front of the posts.

Ryan Gillespie won the kick-out and slotted the ball over the bar to increase Sligo’s lead.

Sligo goalkeeper Diarmuid Henry kicked a brilliant 45’ before Roscommon’s opposite number made a pointblank save to deny Sligo a second goal right on the stroke of-half time. Sligo were much the happier side at halftime despite having kicked six wides.

They led by three at the break (1-6 to 0-6).

Roscommon came out of the blocks with a flourish in the second half. Rory Carthy kicked the ball into Eoghan Murray, and the Oran man made no mistake to score Roscommon’s seventh point (and his second). TJ Hannon added another score before Eli Rooney got his name on the scoresheet for Sligo. An excellent score from

midfielder Dillon Walsh followed. After some great patience in the Roscommon attack, Robert Heneghan raised his second white flag of the day.

More goal chances then followed for both teams, but they failed to convert.

Ronan Niland kicked an excellent score from long range to give Sligo a two-point lead midway through the second half. Kilbride forward Ryan Dowling joined the action and scored an excellent point moments later. Sligo introduced Conor Flynn into their attack. He also made an instant impact when he fisted over to keep Sligo’s lead intact. Rob Heneghan and TJ Hannon kept the scoreboard ticking for the men in primrose and blue.

Just as the tie looked like it was turning in Roscommon’s favour, up stepped Man of the Match Dillon Walsh to kick two excellent points in a row for Sligo. Rory Carthy added a couple more frees to reduce the gap but it was Sligo who ensured they would book their place in the semi-final with substitute Conor Flynn’s point rounding off a very good performance away from home. *Next up for Roscommon is a clash with Leitrim in the Shield Final this weekend, where they will hope to bring home some silverware.

Camogie

Antrim too strong for Rossies Dearbhla Cosgrove was the star as Antrim inflicted a heavy defeat on Roscommon in the All-Ireland Premier Junior Camogie Championship at St. Aidan’s on Saturday last.

The Saffron star helped herself to 3-6 (six frees) as the Ulster side romped to a 3-11 to 0-8 win, having led by 3-6 to 0-3 at the half-time break.

Disappointment for Roscommon, for whom Tara Naughton scored 0-6 (five frees) and it doesn’t get any easier as they prepare to meet Limerick this Saturday.

GAA Results GE Warehousing New York O’Rourke Cup Division One (Section A) St. Brigid’s 3-10 Western Gaels 2-11 Boyle 3-11 Pádraig Pearses 0-15 St. Dominic’s 1-11 St. Faithleach’s 0-10 GE Warehousing New York O’Rourke Cup Division One (Section B) Strokestown 0-12 Elphin 0-11 Leydon Bros London O’Gara Cup (Division Two) Fuerty 4-17 Castlerea St. Kevin’s 1-11 Oran 2-13 Shannon Gaels 1-6 Kilmore 1-16 Kilbride 2-10 St. Brigid’s 3-5 Clann na nGael 1-10 Atlantis IPS Tansey Cup Division Three Kilglass Gaels 2-17 St. Dominic’s 2-8 Ballinameen 2-7 Pádraig Pearses 0-12 Creggs 3-17 St. Aidan’s 1-6 St. Barry’s 0-13 Strokestown 1-10 St. Michael’s 3-16 Castlerea St. Kevin’s 2-3 Sidero Division Four (Section B) Kilmore 4-15 St. Joseph’s 1-10 St. Ronan’s W/O St. Croan’s Junior Hurling Championship Tremane 1-16 Pádraig Pearses 2-12 Oran 2-19 Roscommon Gaels 1-17

Fixtures Friday, May 27th GE Warehousing New York O’Rourke Cup Division One (Section B) At: Johnstown: Clann na nGael v Roscommon Gaels. 8 pm AFL Division Four Quarter-Finals (8 pm) At Rockfield: Oran v St. Faithleach’s At Orchard Park: Elphin v Kilmore At Kilronan Park: St. Ronan’s v Fuerty AFL Division Five Quarter-Final At Knockcroghery: St. Dominic’s v Michael Glavey’s. 8 pm Saturday, May 28th AFL Division Five Quarter-Final At Lisnamult: Roscommon Gaels v St. Aidan’s. 4 pm Leydon Bros London O’Gara Cup (Division Two) At Kilmore: Kilmore v St. Croan’s.

5 pm

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Rossies freeze as Casey Nickey Rackard Cup Final Tyrone 1-27 Roscommon 0-19 < SEAMUS DUKE

(Above) Daniel Glynn in action during last Saturday’s Nickey Rackard Cup final between Roscommon and Tyrone at Croke Park.

Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

(Right) Eoin Fitzgerald pictured in action during last Saturday’s Nickey Rackard Cup final between Roscommon and Tyrone at Croke Park.

Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon hurlers will spend at least another year in the Nickey Rackard Cup after a very disappointing display against Tyrone in last Saturday’s final at Croke Park.

Francis O’Halloran’s men never really got going and at no stage did they look like they were going to win the match.

The result marked a remarkable 23-point turnaround as Roscommon had beaten Tyrone by 12 points when the sides met just three weeks ago in Dr. Hyde Park.

The Roscommon manager made no excuses at the fulltime whistle: “We didn’t come off the bus for the first 20 minutes; we stood off them. That was their platform and they got scores off it. They were the hungrier team, and it was a repeat but in reverse of what we did to them two weeks ago,” he said.

“We can’t fault our lads for their attitude; they fought to the very end. I think the occasion got to our lads but ultimately you just have to say fair play to Tyrone, they deserved the win.

“For us to turn them over today, we needed to get goals, the same as we did the day we played them in the Hyde. Today we were chasing and while we were chasing, we were making a lot of mistakes, a lot of unforced errors and you can’t do that here in a final”.

On a perfect day for hurling, Tyrone, with the peerless Damien Casey on fire, got off to a blistering start and by the 19th minute they led by 0-10 to 0-3. Roscommon were giving the ball away cheaply and were hesitant in attack as the Tyrone lead grew. Daniel Glynn kept the scoreboard ticking over with some excellent free taking but the rest of the attack was misfiring.

In the 23rd minute, Aidan Kelly’s long ball was flicked to the Roscommon net by Sean Óg Grogan and the gap was now ten points.

Roscommon did improve somewhat before the break and three points from Glynn (2 frees) and a good score

from Mickey Joe Egan meant that at half-time it was Tyrone 1-14 Roscommon 0-9.

Indeed there was a sliver of hope for Roscommon in the first three minutes of the second half when Glynn (2) and sub Oisin Kelly scored points without reply, but it was a false dawn as Tyrone resumed their dominance and scored four in a row (three from Casey) to reassert their dominance.

Roscommon brought on a number of subs but the pattern remained the same with Tyrone finding it much easier to get scores. The difference between the teams was that although Damien Casey was Tyrone’s main man, he had several others to assist him up front with Sean Óg Grogan and CJ McGourty also in top form, scoring 1-7 between them.

In contrast, Roscommon were almost totally dependent of Daniel Glynn for scores with Cathal Dolan, Mickey Joe Egan, and sub Oisin Kelly also performing well.

However, despite some excellent performances this year, the bottom line is that Roscommon have failed to gain promotion from Division 3A and have now fallen at the final hurdle in the championship. The quest for league and championship progress will start all over again next January.

Asked whether he would be staying on with the senior hurlers in 2023, manager Francis O’Halloran said the decision lay with the Hurling Board.

“We’ll talk to the County Board and we’ll have to see what the story is. If that works out, then they’ll have to talk to the clubs. Certainly we’d have no problem at all working with these players, you couldn’t fault the honesty of them. They’ll have a tough week now as they reflect on it, but they’ll pick themselves up and they’ll go again, that’s the type of men that they are,” he said.

The Clare native also agreed that Tyrone had benefitted from the experience of having lost in the final in 2021 (against Mayo).

“That’s exactly what the Tyrone manager said. He said they came up here last year and they froze, they had to lose one to win one.

They knew what they were at today and we didn’t. But it’s all about learning and these boys will learn, big time,” he concluded.

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fires Tyrone to glory Teams & scorers Tyrone: Conor McElhatton; Oran McKee, Ruairí Devlin, Dean Rafferty; Ruairí Slane (0-1), Dermot Begley, Tiernan Morgan; Bryan McGurk (0-1), Chris Kearns (0-2); Lorcan Devlin (0-1), Damien Casey (0-14, 9 frees 2 ‘65’s), Conor Grogan; Aidan Kelly, Seán Óg Grogan (1-3), CJ McGourty (0-4). Subs: Rory Weir for McGourty (57), Anthony Crossan for Morgan (70), Conor McNally for Slane (73), John Devlin for McElhatton (73), Ciarán Lagan (0-1) for S Óg Grogan (75).

Roscommon: Enda Lawless; Mark Ward, Peter Kellehan, Conor Coyle; Pádraig Kelly, Conor Cosgrove, Hugh Rooney; Ben McGahon, Cathal Dolan (0-2); Mickey Joe Egan (0-1), Eamon Mulry, Daniel Glynn (0-14, 9 frees, 1 ’65); Eoin Fitzgerald, Connell Kennelly, Brendan Mulry (0-1). Subs: Jason Martin for Rooney (25), Oisín Kelly (0-1) for E Mulry (half-time), Eoin Kiernan for Egan (46), Naos Connaughton for Fitzgerald (49), Adam Donnelly for B Mulry (61).

Referee: Colm McDonald (Antrim)

Stat Attack Wides: Tyrone 6 (3 first half) Roscommon 9 (7 first half) Red cards: None Yellow cards: Tyrone 2 (CJ McGourty, Sean Óg Grogan) Roscommon 2 (Conor Cosgrove, Conor Coyle) Man of the Match: Damien Casey (Tyrone) Brendan Mulry takes on Tiernan Morgan during last Saturday’s Nickey Rackard Cup final between Roscommon and Tyrone at Croke Park.

Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Attendance: 4,000 (approximately)

Roscommon manager, Francis O’Halloran, consoles his players following their defeat to Tyrone in last Saturday’s Nickey Rackard Cup final at Croke Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

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