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27 November 2020

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< DAN DOONER

The Chairperson of the Roscommon Town and District branch of the Vintners Federation of Ireland, Larry Brennan, has said that uncontrolled house parties and gatherings could lead to mayhem this Christmas. Mr. Brennan, who co-owns Down The Hatch in Roscommon town, was speaking ahead of a Government decision on the lifting of Level 5 restrictions this week. Speaking to the Roscommon People yesterday (Wednesday) about speculation that so-called ‘wet pubs’ would remain closed, the Roscommon town publican provided a stark warning Constituency ahead of the festive seaRoscommon-Galway son: “I think we’re heading for mayhem over Christmas because of house parties where there are no controls or guidelines whatsoever,” he said. “I would be disappointed but not surprised. The mood music over the last week to ten days has been that wet pubs would remain closed. “It’s a bit baffling and I’m not sure how

Eugene

Murphy

they can apportion blame to pubs because they have only been open for a few weeks since the beginning of the pandemic in March. Uncontrolled house parties and gatherings, on the other hand, have been one of the main causes of Covid-19 outbreaks”. Mr. Brennan said he was aware of many publicans who were actually sceptical about reopening in the run-up to Christmas. “There were pubs that were worried about the expense of stocking up only to reopen for a few weeks but the vast majority wanted to reopen. I think it would have been fairer to give publicans the choice,” he said. Asked if a decision to only reopen those pubs which had a kitchen on site could be seen as a direct attack on some premises, Mr. Brennan said: “There’s no doubt that it is. Unfortunately some pubs abused the guidelines (when it came to serving food) but there were many others who abided by the rules and it looks as though those premises may be punished for the sins of others”.

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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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I was injured in a car accident almost 18 months ago when the car I was driving was hit from behind by another car. The accident was entirely the other driver’s fault. I went to my GP at the time and he prescribed painkillers for me. Unfortunately, I have been left with lingering pain and I am now attending a physiotherapist for physiotherapy. My friend advised me to talk to my solicitor but I feel that it is too late to now consider looking for compensation for my injuries. Please advise me. The law determining the time limits in which one may claim compensation for injuries following an accident is called the Statute of Limitations. One normally has two years from the date of accident to bring a compensation claim for personal injuries. This differs in the case of an injured child in that ‘limitation period’ does not start to run until the child reaches eighteen years old i.e. a child may bring a claim for injuries sustained as a child up until their 20th birthday.

Goal-Den weekend lifts all spirits… That weekend of GAA drama put me in great humour! Me too! Tipperary? Wow! Wow back! Cavan? Double wow! Double wow back! Great TV! Amazing! Couldn’t take my eyes off the telly all evening! Yeah, the only thing that spoilt Sunday evening’s TV for me was those two jokers makingACCIDENT smart comments and being CYCLING sarcastic! Wha’? If you were to involved in a cyclingthey’re not! Trying be funny…but Justaccident comingcontact out with silly stuff…and the Byrne Carolan presenter’s not much better! Cunningham Solicitors Ah come on, Sean Cavanagh tries his best, and you can’t criticise The Gooch. And sure Des Cahill is a national treasure, great dancer too… Huh? Those jokers and the presenter who spoilt your Sunday night… No, not them! I’m talking about Zig and Zag and Ray! Oh, them! (They pause to practise pronouncing NPHET…) It’ll soon be time to sort the turkey out… Agreed! I’m not fond of Dustin either! No, not THAT turkey…the Christmas Dinner! Four weeks from this Friday! Oh I haven’t even thought about it. It will be strange this year. A lot depends on today and tomorrow. Big decisions… Yes! Dr. Tony today and Micheal & Leo tomorrow. Here’s hoping we can get the balance right, stay safe, and enjoy a peaceful Christmas… Agreed!

Endangered Species The barstool boyos

(They pause to allow the Editor time to continue their column) Still, the ould telly is handy at this time of year, especially as our local is still off limits! Ah yeah, sure it passes the time… I’ve been watching those two jokers a lot… Micheal and Leo? Paschal and Michael? NO! George Lee and… NO! Miriam and David… NO! The two funny chaps who keep hopping around making wisecracks and pulling faces and being mean… You’re on about Zig and Zag again… NO! Not them! THESE guys are running around in a castle, it’s mayhem! Oh yes, I’ve heard about The Crown! Is it good? Is it Charles and Camilla?

It is not uncommon for people to bring compensation claims for injuries sustained in an accident until many months after the accident. On occasion, one may not fully appreciate the true and full extent of injuries sustained until several weeks after the accident.

You know they keep getting mixed up, even still… Micheal and Leo? I know, everyone thinks Leo is still Taoiseach! No, not them! The pair of clowns! I never know which is which! Zig and Zag? No! Ant & Dec! Oh yeah, they’re famous for that. That’s part of their appeal as individuals, what makes them distinctive, unique… What? Eh…the fact that people don’t know which is which…eh…makes them unique as individuals… You do know they’re half-Irish? Zig and Zag? No! Ant & Dec! Oh. Anyways, moving on, this week’s heroes are the Cavan and Tipperary footballers. Totally agree… Fascinating semi-finals coming up… Yep! I just hope Cavan get to play the Dubs at a neutral venue… No chance! But it would be a nice gesture… Yeah, it would give Cavan a better chance…level playing field and all that. Yeah, thing about those all-conquering Dubs in Croker is…THEY’RE CELEBRITIES! GET THEM OUT OF THERE!

Remarkable All-Ireland provincial football wins for Tipperary and Cavan were a highlight of last weekend. Cavan’s win (against a hotly fancied Donegal) was a major shock. Tipperary’s win was extremely poignant and emotional, given that last weekend was the 100th anniversary of the Bloody Sunday killings in Croke Park (Tipperary player Michael Hogan was one of the fourteen victims of Bloody Sunday). Meanwhile, the GAA commemoration of Bloody Sunday was a dignified, touching and emotional tribute.

Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors Litigation Department would have extensive experience of such cases and we would be happy to advise you. It is imperative that you do not delay in seeking such legal advice.

What we didn’t like… The poor judgement and carelessness of high profile RTE staff ignoring social distancing by posing for photographs with a retiring colleague.

This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor. Byrne Carolan Cunningham have offices in Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough and Galway. 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

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(They pause, because sometimes it’s nice to pause)

What we liked…

If you believe that your injuries were sustained as a result of the fault of another person then I would suggest that you immediately contact your solicitor who will fully advise you of your rights.

Telephone Central Line 090 6478433

No, I’m talking about Ant & Dec! Oh sorry! Yeah, I’m A Celebrity. It’s good fun… I can’t believe some of the stuff those contestants have to do! Disgusting! Terrible! Great TV! Agreed!

PIC OF THE WEEK: Sean Naughton pictured shopping in Molloy’s Artisan Bakery and Fine Food Emporium with mum Áine. Picture: Mick McCormack

Fabulous victories for Cavan and Tipperary footballers in the Ulster and Munster finals respectively; How we’ll be emerging from Level 5 next week and to what extent it will facilitate plans for Christmas; Poor service from Eir; High profile RTE staff breaching social distancing guidelines.

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

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Tributes paid to All-Ireland winning captain of ‘66 < DAN DOONER

Tributes have been paid to Colm Shine who captained Roscommon to the county’s first ever AllIreland U-21 Football Championship in 1966 after he passed away on Wednesday afternoon following an illness. Roscommon defeated heavy favourites Kildare by a single point, 2-10 to 1-12, in the 1966 final at Croke Park and members of the team were honoured on the 50th anniversary of the success at Dr. Hyde Park in 2016. His club, Clann na nGael, paid tribute on Wednesday afternoon: “It is with deep regret and sadness that we advise of the passing of Colm Shine. Colm was a well decorated player for club and county, captaining Roscommon to U-21 AllIreland glory at Croke Park in 1966 and winning a senior title with Clann in the same year. “Colm will be sadly missed not only in Clann na nGael but also throughout Roscommon and the wider GAA community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time”.

‘Shop local, support our SMEs’ #Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

Roscommon Chamber of Commerce is urging everybody to shop local and support our small businesses, which remained open when we needed them most. In a statement, the Chamber said: “Shopping locally is not only convenient, but also makes us feel confident that by spending our money locally, we are getting great personal service and good value – all while supporting local jobs. “It’s important that we keep buying local to ensure that the money stays in our community. We can all help each other here and support the businesses that are a core aspect of our fantastic town”. Studies show that when we buy from an independent, locally-owned business, rather than a nationally-owned business, significantly more of our money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms, which continues to strengthen the economic base of the community. Local businesses are a credit to themselves, by supporting our sports clubs, fundraisers and events. “Let’s show each other solidarity by coming together and showing our commitment to our communities by shopping locally this Christmas”.

No new Covid cases for two days here < DAN DOONER

Roscommon has now gone two days in a row without a single confirmed case of Covid-19, which has seen the county drop to fifth place in terms of its incidence rate following notification of yesterday’s (Wednesday) figures at the Department of Health. Roscommon had five or fewer new cases on Monday and that trend continued this week, leading to increased optimism in the county. Nationally, there six additional deaths related to Covid-19 and 269 new cases. As of 2 pm on Wednesday, 260 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised of which 36 are in ICU. There had been 23 additional hospitalisations in the previous 24 hours. Meanwhile, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar says the Government hopes to ease visiting and travelling restrictions for two weeks around Christmas.

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

Tributes paid to ‘dynamic’ Fr Raymond Browne < DAN DOONER

lowing tributes have been paid to the late Fr. Raymond Browne, Pastor Emeritus and former Parish Priest of Kilbride, who passed away yesterday (Wednesday) at the age of 92 following a brief illness. Chairperson of Kilbride Community Centre, Bernie Kearney, said Fr. Browne was “a man beyond compare who never did anything by half”. “He left his mark in every parish he was ever in,” Mr. Kearney said yesterday. “He was a deeply religious man but that never stopped him from rolling his sleeves up and getting involved in the community. “He spent 34 years in Fourmilehouse and we enjoyed lots of cooperation in that time. He increased the size of the school and worked with Bishop Jones (RIP) to secure sites for the community centre, housing, and the childcare centre. “He was always a dynamic person over the years and he promoted the Church’s teachings first and foremost”. Mr. Kearney added that Fr. Browne always made himself available to those who needed him and worked tirelessly for his community. “He never did anything by half,” he said, “A bomber plane crash-landed in Fourmilehouse in 1942 and for the 50th anniversary in 1992 he played a big part in bringing the pilot Paul Lowman over from America for a commemoration. That was a fair achievement in itself but that’s the kind of person he was. “He was a man beyond

Fr. Raymond Browne, pictured in late September of this year, blessing the Memorial plaque at the RSG Centre in Derrane, Roscommon in memory of Nuala & Joe Cunnane, former directors of RSG.

compare and he will be very sadly missed by the whole parish,” Mr. Kearney concluded. Fr. Raymond Browne, known to his friends as Ray or Remy, was born in

1928 in Sligo, but served most of his 66 years in the priesthood in County Roscommon. He completed his secondary education at Summerhill College before attend-

ing St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth in 1947. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Elphin in 1954. Due to the large numbers of ordinations in Irish

Dioceses at the time, Fr. Browne began his life in the priesthood as a ‘guest priest’ in Calabar, Nigeria. Fr. Browne returned to Ireland in 1958 and was appointed Curate at Drumboylan in the Parish of Ardcarne. He then served as Curate to the Sacred Heart Parish in Roscommon town for fourteen years. He arrived in Fourmilehouse in April 1986, where he served as Parish Priest of Kilbride for twenty-nine years before becoming Pastor Emeritus or ‘Grandfather’ of the parish. Fr. Browne didn’t know the meaning of the word retirement and remained heavily involved in the Parish throughout the last five years of his life. He adapted to the use of modern technology during the Covid-19 pandemic and remained a beacon in the community. Fr. Browne’s interests extended from housing for the elderly to the care of people with disabilities. He was also National Chairman of Muintir na Tíre from 1963-1967 and was awarded an Honorary Masters in Community Development from NUIG in 2009. He always took a particular interest in encouraging the active engagement of young people in the life of the parish. He had a deep devotion to Mary, the Mother of God. He was a regular participant in the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. At the age of 90, during one of the hottest summers for many years, he led a pilgrimage from Kilbride to Fatima. Fr. Browne is survived by his sister, Louise, his brother Aidan, his brotherin-law Padraig and his nephews and nieces.

Kilbride GAA: ‘Thanks for the memories, Father’ Kilbride GAA Club has paid an emotional tribute on social media to club President Fr. Raymond Browne, who passed away yesterday following a brief illness. A post on Facebook read: ‘Father Browne may have passed on but he will never be forgotten by the people of Kilbride. He has made a lasting impression on anyone that has had the good fortune to have met him during his long and remarkable life. ‘Father Browne was the President of Kilbride GAA Club. This wasn’t just an honorary title, he was also an avid supporter. He could be seen sitting on his fold-up chair on

the sideline at matches, away from the roaring crowds. If the team was lucky enough to be collecting a trophy he was to the fore at the presentation to capture the moment on his smartphone and to get the shot that would feature in the next newsletter. ‘He will be sadly missed at future homecomings where he would be waiting patiently, standing at the entrance to the church car park with a bonfire lit before giving a blow by blow account of the match to those present. And just before everyone headed off, he would produce a ballad book and call on Fr. Raymond Browne pictured supporting Kilbride someone to lead a group song. Ladies GAA team last September. Picture: Mick ‘Thanks for the memories, Father’. McCormack.

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

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PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Sunday Like most of the country – except our friends in Cork and Donegal – I enjoyed today’s GAA action immensely. Due to work commitments, I didn’t see the Munster Final, and wasn’t overly surprised at Tipperary’s victory. That they should win the Munster Football Final one hundred years on from Bloody Sunday is very poignant. On a purely footballing level – away from the emotion of the centenary – it is a remarkable achievement. A penny/cent (or more) for what people are thinking in Kerry… I was back home for the big match, and I’m not referring to Leeds v Arsenal. I held out little hope for Cavan in the Ulster Football Final. They’d had a great campaign up to this point, but the presumption was that streetwise Donegal would suffocate them and win by as much as eight, ten or more points. We of little faith. Mickey Graham, a contender for man of the year, wasn’t finished yet. His players were superb. What a performance! They took great scores, defended/ tackled with a Donegal/Tyrone-like ferocity, withstood those two black card decisions, and held their composure to achieve a historic victory. I know from personal experience that the Cavan fans are amongst the most passionate in the country. It is so sad that they can’t travel to the semi-final. What a wonderful win. It was a remarkable afternoon of football. Why did ‘we’ ever abandon the knockout format?

STOP RIGHT THERE! Roscommon’s Chloe Whyte-Lennon is tackled by Aine Finnegan and Rebecca Brady of Cavan during Saturday’s Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Premier Junior Camogie Championship Semi-Final in Athleague. Photo: INPHO/ Lorraine O’Sullivan

Monday At Louth County Board meetings in recent years (with respect to all previous managers of their senior football team), delegates might have daydreamed…‘ah, if we only had a Jim Gavin or a Jim McGuinness or a Mickey H…’ Fantasy football really. Still, maybe it’s good to dream big. Now, in a shock development not unlike when Leeds acquired the services of the great Marcelo Bielsa, or when Rafael Benítez joined Newcastle – and actually stayed with them when they were relegated – Louth have made a daring cross-border raid and landed one Mickey Harte. They pounced quickly, before he even got a chance to buy slippers, commit more time to golf or sample the delights of afternoon TV. It reminds me of when Westmeath poached the irrepressible Páidí Ó Sé, leading to memorable scenes as the charismatic Kerry man (with RTE reporter Ciaran Mullooly in hot pursuit) arrived to banner-waving, footstomping, yahooing scenes of delight.

So, Louth thought big. When Mickey Harte’s Tyrone reign ended, they put in an audacious call. Louth secretary Bob Doheny admits they weren’t really expecting a get a yes. But fortune has favoured the brave. Just last week, I predicted that Mickey – who was all grins when he appeared in a BBC studio on his first weekend out of the dugout – would be back in management very soon. It’s a fascinating appointment. Ó Sé, unbelievably, won Leinster with Westmeath. Harte dips his toes into the province in a more sobering era, with Dublin rewriting the history books. For Louth, it turns out that a good Harte was not so hard to find.

Wednesday The official opening of a beautiful new astroturf facility in Kilbride last March was a notably happy occasion, the local community coming together to celebrate the completion of another very worthy project.

There was a large crowd in attendance, people mingling and chatting, the pride of the parish much in evidence. It was a bitterly cold (but nice) day, and besides, hearts were glowing warmly. Within a week, such mingling was no longer possible, as Covid-19 bared its teeth here and a lockdown was quickly implemented. Fr. Raymond Browne was beaming that day, his passion and enthusiasm at inspirational as ever. By then in his early 90s, he made little of the cutting wind and biting cold, and was in his element, amongst his own. When he addressed guests, Fr. Browne quoted Pope John Paul II and Dermot Earley. His message was both simple and striking. Love your parish. Become involved in the life of your community. Give your time. Follow this maxim: “Give back to my community”. I was very saddened to hear the news that Fr. Browne died earlier today. I got to know him in the late 1980s and met him on and off over the years, including just last month. Only recently hospitalised, he was still going strong up to a

few weeks ago, his energy boundless, his generosity of spirit humbling and inspirational. He was an absolute one-off, a man who made an enormous contribution to pastoral and community life in County Roscommon over several decades. A highly intelligent and very well travelled man, he was the ultimate people person, while devoid of ego. His energy was remarkable. A man of great vision, he was, without question, one of the most civicminded people this county has ever had the good fortune to count amongst its own. As an advocate for his parishioners, for Kilbride, for Roscommon, for everywhere he served, he had no equal. And everything he did, he did with an easy humility. He leaves an immense legacy. I know that hearts will be heavy in Kilbride this week, as an era ends with the passing of Fr. Raymond Browne. May he rest in peace. (We will have more tributes next week).

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

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Brighter forecast as council balances books < DAN DOONER

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Main  :Street, 087Ballaghaderreen. 194 5254 Tel. 094 9861688 Bridge St, Ballinasloe. Tel. 090 9644901  : claire.kerrane@oireachtas.ie claire.kerrane@oireachtas.ie Email:

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The forecast is much brighter for Roscommon County Council’s finances this week after Director of Services Martin Lydon announced that the local authority is set to balance its budget for 2020. Mr. Lydon delivered his financial review for the year at Monday’s meeting of Roscommon County Council and it follows on from May’s much starker assessment, which highlighted a €5.9 million loss in rates and planning income due to Covid-19. Mr. Lydon did however warn that while all County Council frontline services had been maintained this year, the Government has warned that supports would be more targeted in 2021. He added that the local authority would work with Government to recoup some of the losses brought about by the pandemic.

Chief Executive, Eugene Cummins, said the Covid-19 pandemic had not found Roscommon County Council wanting. “Little did I know last May that we would be sitting here looking at the end of the year in such a positive way,” he said and praised the “extraordinary support” the council had received from Government. He added: “We can now approach 2021 in a positive way”. Cathaoirleach Cllr. Laurence Fallon described the presentation as “extremely positive” compared with May’s report. “We received very substantial funding from Government and if it wasn’t for that we would have been in dire straits. It kept us afloat. “These are challenging times but our staff and our councillors have done their best in the circumstances.

We have balanced the budget this year and the plan is for a balanced budget in 2021,” he said. The financial report was warmly welcomed by other members of Roscommon County Council, with many acknowledging the efforts of the council’s indoor and outdoor staff in maintaining services throughout the year.

Chief Executive, Eugene Cummins

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

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Bad vibrations – night flight keeps Roscommon residents awake! < DAN DOONER

A number of residents were woken in the early hours of last Sunday morning by the sound of a low-flying aircraft in the south Roscommon area. It is believed the aircraft belonged to the RVL Group, an English-based firm, which specialises in aerial surveys. It was previously reported that the firm had performed survey flights over parts of Westmeath in the early hours of November 4th. Online flight records (Flightradar24) show that a Cessna 404 Titan registered to RVL Aviation took off from East Midlands Airport near Derby in England at 12 am on Sunday (22nd) and arrived over Lough Ree at 1.45 am. The flight passed over the south Roscommon area and flew over Taughmaconnell, Ballyforan, Creggs and the Ballinasloe area before flying back towards County Westmeath, where it also performed a number of flyovers. It returned to the East Midlands at 6 am on Sunday morning. Concerned readers contacted the Roscommon People this week to voice their annoyance at the disturbance.

One reader from the Taughmaconnell area said: “It sounded like a low-flying plane and I know of people in Monksland, Dysart and other areas who heard it. “There’s an older man living across from me and he was up the whole night with the noise. The plane could be heard from about 1 am to 3.20 am. It sounded like something that needed an oil change to be honest! “It wasn’t just the noise of the plane’s engine but the vibrations caused by it flying at such a low pitch”. There were concerns about livestock and wildlife in the area and locals say they should have been given prior notice of the survey. One reader said he contacted the Gardaí in Ballinasloe looking for answers. “I rang the guards around 2 am and they said they had received no notifications. Our livestock are still out and there seemed to be no way of contacting the pilot to let him know he was being a nuisance,” he said. The Roscommon People contacted the RVL Group based in Derby but no comment was available at the time of going to press.

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000 (as amended) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS 2001 (as amended) NOTICE IN RELATION TO SPECIFIED DEVELOPMENT Notice is hereby given pursuant to the provisions of Section 179 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and Article 81 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) that Roscommon County Council proposes carrying out the following works: Provision of Vertical Walkway Viewing Structure at Mote Park, to include: • Construction of a 13.5m high larch glulam timber and steel viewing tower • All other associated site and ancillary works At Mote Demesne and Lissanisky, Co Roscommon. An Appropriate Assessment screening report and Environmental Impact Assessment screening report in respect of the development have been carried out and are available for inspection. The reports concluded that a full EIAR is not required and that the development does not need to proceed to Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment. Where any person considers that a development proposed to be carried out would be likely to have significant effects on the environment, he or she may, at any time before the expiration of 4 weeks beginning on the date of publication of the notice referred to in article 81(2), apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have such effects. COVID 19 Restrictions Apply Plans and particulars of the proposed development are available for inspection (in the front windows only) at the offices of Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town. Plans and particulars will be available for purchase (at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy) from 26th November 2020 to 24th December 2020 inclusive, during office hours (subject to prior agreed appointment for collection due to Covid 19) at the offices of Community and Enterprise, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town – telephone 09066 37100. Plans and particulars of the proposed development will also be available for inspection online on the RCC website using the following link: http://www.roscommoncoco.ie/en/About_Us/PART-8-Local-Authority-OwnDevelopments/Community-Enterprise/PART-8-Viewing-Tower-at-Mote-ForestPark/ Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated, may be made in writing to the undersigned on or before 5pm on 18th January 2021. Signed: Majella Hunt Director of Services Áras an Chontae Roscommon Town Email: mhunt@roscommoncoco.ie Date of Notice: 26th November 2020

Online flight records show the flight path of a light aircraft which disturbed south Roscommon residents last Sunday morning. (Flightradar24)

Lecarrow doctor: ‘Vaccine is no magic bullet!’ < DAN DOONER

Lecarrow native, Dr. Martin Feeley, who resigned his position as head of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group earlier this year over his opposition to lockdown restrictions, has warned that a vaccine should not be seen as a “magic bullet” in the fight against Covid-19. Speaking to the Roscommon People earlier this week, Dr. Feeley also said there had been a notable shift when it comes to the public’s faith in lockdown restrictions. “This ‘magic bullet’ that is the vaccine is not realistic. It might reduce the severity of the illness but we don’t know if it will stop transmission, for example. “The tide is turning (against current restrictions) but I can only hope that it turns completely in time for the next decision in terms of lifting Level 5 restrictions. “Level 3 restrictions were working before there was any lockdown; there was no need to move to Level 5 and I think most people would now agree with that,” he said. The doctor joined dozens of other medical professionals recently in signing a paper entitled ‘Covid-19 Alternative Strategy – A Case for Health and Socioeconomic Wellbeing’

which was highly critical of the current lockdown and test and trace system. He also accused a number of high profile immunologists and professors – such as Luke O’Neill and Prof. Sam McConkey – of being “mouthpieces for NPHET”. “I have no regrets about what I’ve said (regarding the lifting of restrictions) especially if it did anything at all to get the debate going. I knew what I was doing when I put my head above the parapet,” he said. “I still think we can protect the vulnerable and other people can live their lives without any real risk while being careful around those who are at risk. The argument that this approach would ‘discriminate against older people’ is ridiculous. Locking down the three midlands counties earlier this year was also ridiculous,” he said. Dr. Feeley added that most people affected by what’s known as Long Covid had other serious underlying diseases and that symptoms such as myocardial injury also occur with other viruses. “Those aged up to fourteen are more likely to die after being hit by lightning and those aged up to 65 and without any underlying conditions are more

Dr. Martin Feeley

likely to die in a road traffic accident. The vast majority are low risk but this virus compensates by hitting those who are ‘high risk’ harder,” he said. Dr. Feeley said he also believes more people will die from suicide than Covid-19 over the duration of the pandemic. He cites recent statistics from the London Ambulance Service which show that call-outs for suicides and attempted suicides have increased by about 15 per day this year. “Don’t ask me what’s

driving this (the use of lockdowns) but it has never made sense to me. Maybe we’re all wrong but I don’t think so. “There is a bit of common sense coming into the media coverage and a few more politicians are speaking out (against restrictions) in the Dáil. If there is a voice of reason in NPHET then it is not getting out at the moment however. There is blatant scaremongering (at daily press briefings) which only serve to cause panic and fear,” he concluded.

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

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Take a holiday with a difference in 2021

Craic N Campers have the perfect gift for your loved one this Christmas We have launched our 2020 Christmas Gift Certificates These are an ideal gift for someone who you struggle to buy for!! A Covid-19 friendly holiday with your transport and accommodation all in one To avail of a Gift Certificate please call 0877959839 or email craicncampers@gmail.com

A letter from Santa… Dear children of Roscommon, Hey guys! It’s me, Santa, again! I hope you’re all keeping well and taking care to be on your best behaviour. Christmas is just around the corner after all! Last time I wrote to you all I promised I’d fill you in on how the preparations are going up in Lapland, and there’s lots to tell you about! Things are starting to get very busy over here in the North Pole! Your letters are flooding in the door, and I’m spending loads of time reading them by the fire while treating myself to some of Mrs Claus’s banana bread (she really perfected the recipe this year; I tried my hand at it but it wasn’t nearly as good!) The elves are hard at work getting all your toys and presents together, and they’re making sure to disinfect everything once they’re finished! The workshop looks a little different with the elves all keeping their space from each other, but the Christmas spirit, songs and chat remain the same! Oh, and I mustn’t forget – they told me to say hello to you all! Also, I’m sure you are just as disappointed as I am that I won’t be able to visit your wonderful town this weekend to turn on the lights like I do every year. I have to stay safe and isolate to make sure that I can come to you all this Christmas and make sure you have a wonderful holiday! I know you all are very responsible with Covid, so I know you’ll understand! But don’t worry children! Even if I can’t make it to Roscommon physically, I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I will be switching on the lights remotely from the North Pole on Sunday and you can watch the whole thing online with your family. It’s going to be a wonderful time! Oh, and children – don’t forget that you can send in your letters to the lovely people at the Roscommon People. They’ll pass them on to me, and might even publish some of them in the paper! Isn’t that neat? If you haven’t already sent your letter to me, you can be thinking about what you’d like me to bring you this Christmas! And you can send a copy of your Santa letter to ‘Santa letters, The Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon’ or email them to news@roscommonpeople.ie. So children, be sure to keep up the good work: be kind to your friends and family, stay safe and take care! We’ll be doing our best work here too. I’ll be in touch again next week in the Roscommon People, but in the meantime, be sure to tune in on Sunday to watch me turn on the lights! Bye! Santa Claus

Sleep and wellbeing Roscommon CYPSC (the Healthy Ireland Fund supported by the Department of Health and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs) are continuing to promote positive mental health for parents and their children in Roscommon. This month, there was a focus on the impact that sleep and rest play in the development and maintenance of positive mental health. A lack of sleep can affect your general wellbeing – being tired impacts your mood and energy levels. It makes it harder to cope with difficulties and problems and overtime, and can affect your selfesteem and mental health. Longterm lack of sleep can either be a cause or a result of anxiety and depression. But how much sleep should we be getting? Sleep guidelines vary

throughout the ages. Newborn babies who are up to six months old need up to eighteen hours of sleep a day. It is recommended that children between six months and six years get ten/twelve hours a night, with younger children also requiring naps during the day. School-aged children need between eight and twelve hours sleep, with older teenagers needing less than younger children and adults need between six and nine hours sleep a night. Every person is individual though so your sleep needs may vary from the recommended guidelines. For further advice and information makeastart.ie is a great website for parents. As part of this month’s campaign, Lucy Wolfe, who is a renowned sleep consultant and author hosted a hugely successful online work-

shop for parents whose young children are struggling with sleep. There was unprecedented demand for the sold out event, which took place on November 18th, and 220 people attended on the night. Roscommon CYPSC will be running a second webinar with Lucy in 2021 for anyone who did not secure a place this time. Emmet Major from Planet Youth has also recorded video clips to advise parents of teenagers in Roscommon on the sleep patterns reported by young people who took part in the 2018 Planet Youth Survey and the impact that sleep had on their mental health. Emmet will also offer tips to improve the sleep hygiene of young people. These video clips will be available on Roscommon County Council and the Family Resource Centre’s social media this week.

Pictured is Lucy Wolfe, Paediatric Sleep Consultant.

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

NewsPeople

St. Faithleach’s GAA Club were among the recipients of the Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.

Sliabh Bawn archers were among the recipients of the Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.

Local national schools are among the recipients of the Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.

€89,000 Sliabh Bawn Community Benefit Fund opens for applications Sliabh Bawn Power DAC is pleased to announce the next round of funding for communities located near the Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm. The Sliabh Bawn Community Benefit Fund is now open to receive applications until Friday, January 29th, 2021. The Community Benefit Fund is available to community and voluntary groups, non-profit groups, or organisations with a charitable status. The Fund provides support to the cumulative value of €2 million, for the operational lifetime of the wind farm. Making the announcement, Enda Conaty, Asset Manager explained: “Through our Sliabh Bawn Community Benefit Fund, we aim to contribute to the development of local projects and services for the benefit of all local people. “The Fund seeks to prioritise projects and initiatives that support and benefit the area surrounding Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm by providing financial support to local groups, helping them to deliver beneficial projects and initiatives which fall within one or more of our broad themes of: Recreation, Social Sustainability, Culture and Heritage, Environmental Sustainability and Tourism. This year’s Fund is in excess of €89,000, and we welcome all applications from interested

organisations that meet the Fund criterion”. Since 2015, the Fund has committed to investing over €400,000 in 100 projects. Among the groups supported to date include local schools, sports clubs, development associations, first responder schemes, community facilities, scout groups and local athletic clubs. As part of the Fund, a number of groups have received multiannual commitments, spanning up to four years, to facilitate the development and implementation of larger-scale community projects. Beneficiary names and grant amounts awarded to date can be found on the Sliabh Bawn website under the Community Benefits page. The Fund is being administered by SECAD Partnership CLG (‘SECAD’).

For further information For further information on the Community Benefit Fund (including Fund Guidelines) and how to apply for funding, please visit: communitybenefitfunds.ie/sliabhbawn. Should you have any queries, please contact SECAD on 021 461 3432.

Pictured are members of the 12th Roscommon Scouts, one of the recipients of the Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.

Pictured are members of the Lough Ree Angling Hub, one of the recipients of the Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.

Extension sought for Tús workers < DAN DOONER

Fine Gael councillor John Naughten has called on Roscommon County Council to seek an extension to the timescale and conditions of Tús and CE schemes and said that more flexibility was needed to support participants. Speaking at Monday’s monthly County Council meeting, Cllr. Naughten said: “A lot of difficulty is being created for people on schemes and sponsor groups. “Part of the issue is that

people close to retirement are being asked to step off these schemes (after twelve months) with no reasonable prospect for further employment when they do”. Cllr. Naughten added that on average most workers received an extra €20 per week when all costs were taken into consideration and deserved greater acknowledgement and support for “contributing greatly to their communities”. Cllr. Valerie Byrne supported the motion: “In our area (Elphin) we are finding it very hard to replace

them…these people are needed and we do appreciate them and they must be supported,” she said. Fianna Fáil’s Cllr. John Keogh called for a review of the schemes while Cllr. Tom Crosby proposed that the local authority push for the reinstatement of grants for the Tús scheme, which he said had been cut by up to 50%. Fianna Fáil’s Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice and Independent Cllr. Tony Ward also supported the motion, with Cllr. Fitzmaurice describing the work being carried out by Tús employees as “unquantifiable”.

Cllr. John Naughten.

Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice

Cllr. Valerie Byrne

Cllr. John Keogh.

No food hampers – but still call us! St. Vincent de Paul Roscommon town conference very much regret that due to Covid-19 restrictions, it will not be possible to provide food hampers/toys this Christmas. As we will not be having our usual means of raising funds, we would appreciate any financial assistance that you can give to us at the address below. Thank you. Any families that are having financial difficulties due to job losses or any other reason, please contact us in strict confidence and we will do our best to help as much as possible. Contact St. Vincent de Paul, 15 Castle View, Castle Street, Roscommon, F42K446 on 086 0741352.

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

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Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

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FRANK

FRANK BRANDON’S

BRANDON

unique take on life ...

An extraordinary and emotional weekend as Tipp and Cavan triumph Our man Frank on those remarkable provincial title wins by Cavan and Tipperary; his latest ‘beak news’ report… and on dreaming (very precisely) about Galway hurlers! It’s Sunday evening, and as I am writing this I am still totally overwhelmed at the extraordinary Gaelic football matches that have taken place this afternoon. If anyone had told me this morning that Tipperary would be the 2020 Munster football champions and Cavan crowned champions of Ulster, I think I would have told them to go and get their head examined. And yet that is exactly what occurred on a day of unbelievable drama and excitement. The only pity is that Covid-19 means there was no crowd at either game. The footballmad supporters of both counties missed out

on two completely deserved victories, wins which were built upon total belief, commitment and skill. For all of us who had formed the opinion that Donegal were the only team capable of taking on the Dubs, it was a chastening experience as we watched what unfolded. On this Sunday evening, with two Division Three teams (Cavan and Tipperary), one Division Two team (the recently relegated Mayo), and the all-conquering Dubs left in the race for Sam Maguire, any sceptical realist would say that we should just give the trophy to Dublin now and not bother with the rest of the championship. However, that obviously could and should never happen, as the people associated with all three teams will firstly feel they rightly deserve their appearance in an All-Ireland semi-final, and secondly, that in this most extraordinary of years – with such a series of amazing results – there is no reason to think there could not be one more. It is highly unlikely after the rout of Meath by the Dubs that they can be beaten, but for this evening I think the whole country has

Trump fires over 100!

There can be little doubt that in the history of the world so far, Donald Trump holds a unique position; it is doubtful, hopefully, that we will ever have another one like him. So, when I read the headline ‘Trump fires quick-fire 147’ – and given his record of getting rid of everyone and anyone who disagrees with or criticises him – I thought for certain that this time he must have gone completely bonkers and fired almost all of those that worked for him. Thankfully, it wasn’t about The Donald at all, but rather snooker player Judd Trump, who had had a maximum break during his success-

‘Rocky’

ful defence at the Northern Ireland Open – a tournament that he was winning for the third time in a row. The snooker has suffered because of the pandemic as well, with all tournaments being played in Milton Keynes. So, despite it being the Northern Ireland Open, not one ball was hit up there. Strange times indeed. However, despite several recounts of the snooker balls, alleged scorekeeper fraud, and unsubstantiated claims of Russian interference, this Trump was declared the winner and has actually been presented with the prize – very different from the situation concerning the other Trump.

got a huge lift (apart from Cork and Donegal people) by the fantastic wins of both underdogs. While the celebrations will be very different to what they might have been, nonetheless we all feel a little better this Sunday evening. It has been well documented that as we commemorate the centenary of Bloody Sunday, by a quirk of fate the four provincial champions are exactly the same as they were in 1920. It was heart-warming to see Dublin and Tipp wear Bloody Sunday commemorative jerseys, with Tipperary’s being an exact replica of those worn by their team in that fateful game one hundred years ago. To win the Munster Championship for the first time since 1935 was a most fitting tribute to Tipperary footballer, Michael Hogan, who was shot dead that day by British soldiers. Only the most churlish supporter would begrudge them their victory. I wish Tipperary and Cavan well in their respective semi-finals, but whatever happens next they will never forget the (2020) championship of Covid and how they were jointly the story of it. Before I leave Tipperary, I must say that

I have always had a soft spot for the folks there. Mrs B, my mother, was a native of the county, and nothing would give me greater pleasure than to see them do well. In 2016, my two sons and I went to Croke Park to see Galway play Tipperary in the football quarter-final, fully expecting to give the Munster men a pasting, but it turned out the other way round as we lost by 3-13 to 1-10. For some reason, Tipperary didn’t kick on at all after that, and instead went downhill quicker than an Olympic skier. Of the team that hammered the Tribesmen that day, at least eight were winning Munster medals today – including two forwards, Michael Quinlivan and Conor Sweeney, who destroyed the Galway defence that day and inflicted similar damage on the Cork rearguard today. My last thought on sport for this week is this. On Friday night, I dreamt that Galway hurlers beat Tipp by 3-22 to 2-24, and as time went over the seventy minutes, that was exactly the score. I don’t know was I cross or glad when Joe Canning scored a last-second free, leaving my dream out by a point.

And finally…

President Donald Trump.

Rocky’s flying adventure I have never been one for birds (although some might say I’m for the birds), but for the second week in a row a story about one of our feathered friends caught my eye. Following last week’s €1.6m pigeon, this time it was a Saw-whet owl, discovered in the Rockefeller Christmas tree, that made headlines all around the world. The owl, which belongs to one of the smallest owl species in North America, was discovered in the branches of the 27-metre high tree when workers were setting up the huge Norwegian Spruce on Monday last. How it got there is uncertain, but it had been stuck in the tree without food or water for at least three days before it was discovered, and rescuers were amazed to find it was “bright-

eyed and healthy, although hungry” when it was found. After it was discovered, the little bird, which naturally enough has been named Rockefeller (Rocky for short), was taken to a wildlife centre outside the city, where he has been catching up on his much-needed fluids, feeding on loads of mice (who wouldn’t be an owl?), and making up for some lost sleep. As I write this on Monday morning, Rocky is as good as ready to be released back into the wild. When he gets back to where he came from, he’ll have some tale to tell his friends about his unscheduled trip to New York. No matter where he goes next, I doubt he’ll ever surpass his adventures of Christmas 2020.

Finally for this week, one of the more uplifting recent news items was the story of Arthur Henry Saunders, a native of Athlone who now lives in Mullagh in Co. Cavan. Saunders celebrated his 100th birthday on Friday, and was surprised by a drive-by celebration from his friends and neighbours. In his own words, he was also presented with loads of presents of whiskey and cash. However, the great thing about Arthur is that despite his years, he is still as fit as a fiddle. He mows the lawn at the family home, and is looking forward to ‘a bit of a do’ when the local pubs open up again. For all of us who are beginning to feel our age, with all kinds of aches, pains, and minor ailments, he is an inspiration. I’m sure that, being in Cavan on Sunday night, he might well have opened one of his whiskey presents to celebrate their great Ulster final win. Belated happy birthday, Arthur, and long may you continue to lead a full and active life!

‘Till next week, bye for now

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

NewsPeople

Calls for Jadotville troops to receive honours Cllr. Tom Crosby has urged Roscommon County Council to write to the Minister of Defence and the President of Ireland to support the awarding of Gallantry and Distinguished Service Medals for 31 Irish UN Peacekeepers, including six men from Roscommon, who took part in the Battle of Jadotville in the Congo in 1961. During the battle, 155 Irish troops of A Company 35th Battalion held off as many as

3,000 Katanga mercenaries, in an action which has since been used in training by militaries worldwide and turned into a movie. The men were recognised in 2017 when the Irish Government awarded a block Jadotville medal, but the Gallantry and Distinguished Service Medals recommended by their Commanding Officer, Commandant Pat Quinan, have not been awarded. Just eight of the

men are still alive. The Roscommon men in action at Jadotville were: Sgt. George Tiernan, Pte. Donal Manley, Pte. Daniel Regan, Cpl. Christy Roche, Cpl. Sean Tiernan and Pte. Michael Tighe. Cllr. Crosby’s motion was supported by Cllr. John Keogh, and by Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice, who added that Lisacul resident, Michael McDermott, had also served at Jadotville.

Funding for meals on wheels Local politicians have welcomed the allocation of €34,660 for three local meals on wheels projects serving older people in Roscomm on and East Galway. “Over the last number of years, ther e has been very limited access to meals on whe els services in either County Roscommon or East Galway and this announcement will help to change this situation,” said Deputy Denis Naughten. Funding has been provided for equi pment in Glenamaddy (€2,250), Shannonb ridge (€12,410) and at the Melting Pot in Roscommon Town (€20,000) to improve the capacity to operate a meals-on-wheels service to older people within their catchment areas. The project at the Melting Pot, whic h has secured €20,000, is a joint venture with Rosc ommon LEADER and Roscommon Home Services. Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy also welcomed news of the funding.

Cllr. Tom Crosby

COMMUNITY INFORMATION MEETINGS WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE RIVERS, LAKES AND GROUNDWATERS AROUND TULSK, FOUR MILE HOUSE, STROKESTOWN & SCRAMOGE CATCHMENT? YOUR LOCAL CATCHMENT NEEDS YOU! Catchment Name

Date and Time

Meeting Link

Tulsk River Catchment’

Thursday December 3rd 2020 @ 7.30pm

https://bit.ly/38oip4D

Good water quality in our rivers, lakes and groundwater is a precious resource. The Local Authority Water Programme (LAWPRO) works to promote a healthy water environment by identifying water quality issues and finding ways to fix them. This is a new way of working to improve water quality and everyone can play their part. Longford couple Helen Monaghan (Granard) and Fintan Duffy (Longford), recently celebrated their wedding at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon.

Virtual ‘Shine A Light’ ceremony in Knockcroghery < DAN DOONER

The tree-lighting ceremony as part of the annual ‘Shine A Light’ campaign in aid of Roscommon Hospice will take place in Knockcroghery this Sunday (29th) at 6 pm. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, this year’s event will be streamed lived on the Knockcroghery Hospice Support Group Facebook page. Organisers are currently trying to establish a satellite link between Knockcroghery and the North Pole ahead of Sunday’s event and believe Santa Claus will have a special message for children in the parish! The annual fundraiser is part of the ‘Let Love Shine A Light’ campaign and aims to raise funds for the new 8-bed Roscommon Hospice unit, which is currently being built in Roscommon town, and is expected to be

completed next year. Local organiser, Jackie Doyle, is hoping the event is once again a success. “This year the event will be held in private due to Covid-19 restrictions but will be streamed live on our Facebook page so we hope people join us from 6 pm on Sunday, November 29th. “Last year, between the Shine A Light Tree, a bag pack in a local supermarket and our raffle, we managed to raise a total of €4,380.48,” she said. Jackie is calling on members of the public to give the gift of love this Christmas while supporting the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice Foundation. You can do this by sponsoring a light on the Tree of Light in Knockcroghery for a friend, family member, someone you know or in

memory of a loved one. “You can purchase a card for a loved one, sponsor a candle or buy a box of Christmas cards. Cards cost €5, candles are €10 and a box of cards costs €10. “Mass will be celebrated at 7 pm on St. Stephen’s Day at St. Patrick’s Church in Knockcroghery for all the names on this year’s tree. The annual Knock Ecumenical service will also take place on January 17th,” she added. The special light can be sponsored for the living or the deceased and will shine on the tree at Knockcroghery throughout the Christmas period. Cards are still available and home delivery is available by calling Jackie on 086-8756797 or Patricia on 087-1252304. Lights can also be purchased right up until Christmas Eve.

The Tulsk Rivers Catchment includes the rivers: Ogulla River; including the townlands of, Kilnanooan, Camoge, Foxborough, Kanefield, Tulsk village, Lissacurkia, Lisnaneane, Lismurtagh and Tonbaun. Scramoge River; including the townlands of Clooncunny, Corragarve, Cloonfree, Ardakillin, Toberpatrick and Corgowan, Scramoge, Lisaphobble, Ballinafad, Clooncah, Cloonrabracken, Ballyfeeny, Coolteige, Carrownalassan and Ballinderry. Doon River; Cuilrevagh, Annaghmore, Lettreen, Lisroyne and Doon. Strokestown River; Moyglass, Strokestown, Kilmore and Cloonslanor. This Catchment is one of 190 areas prioritised for focused water quality action by LAWPRO. We will be in the catchment at a later stage working with the public, state agency partners and the agricultural sector to address water quality issues. We encourage local people to get involved in the management of their local water bodies. Usually, we hold face-to-face meetings with the local community to talk about water quality in their catchment and explain our work, however, to comply with Covid-19 restrictions, this Community Information Meeting will be held via Zoom. To register for the Zoom Meeting, visit: https://bit.ly/38oip4D or Facebook @LAWPROteam. For more information, please contact Tom Carolan, Community Water Officer (085 870 9612 / tomcarolan@lawaters.ie) or Noreen Shryane Catchment Scientist (085 8047635 / nshryane@lawsat.ie) If you wish to submit any information in advance of the meeting, please send by email to tomcarolan@lawaters.ie

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

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131

Caddy Maxi Life 7 Seater -- Drop Floor

€18,000.00

TRANSPORTER RANGE 202

Transporter 2.0 TDI LWB HL 150BHP €31400 +Vat

202

Transporter 2.0 TDI LWB 150BHP €28500 +Vat

202

Transporter 2.0 TDI SWB 150 BHP Trendline €28500 + Vat

202

Transporter 2.0 TDI SWB €24800 + Vat

191

Transporter 2.0 TDI LWB 150BHP €23000 + Vat

191

Transporter 2.0 TDI SWB --- “0” Mileage €20250 + Vat

181

Transporter 2.0 TDI LWB €19000 + Vat

181

Transporter 2.0 TDI SWB

171

Transporter 2.0 TDI SWB 150BHP H/L 4X4 €21075 + Vat

162

Transporter 2.0 TDI LWB 140 €16115 + Vat

151

Transporter 2.0 TDI LWB €13650 + Vat

141

Transporter 2.0 TDI LWB 140 BHP €11550 + Vat

131

Transporter 2.0 TDI SWB €9500 + Vat

€18,000.00

Year Make & Model 172 171 162 161 151 141

Caddy TDI Trendline Caddy TDI 150 65 Caddy TDI Highline Caddy 2.0 TDI Caddy 1.6 TDI Caddy 1.6 TDI

202 202 191 171 161 151 2010 2012

Crafter MWB H/R 140BHP -- extras Crafter MWB 140 BHP Crafter 3.5 ton MWB H/R Crafter MWB Crafter LWB 136 BHP H/R Crafter 3.5 Ton MWB 136 BHP H/R Crafter 3.5 Ton MWB H/R Crafter 3.5 Ton MWB H/R

171 VW Touareg V2 S Line 262HP Extras A/T €38500 + VAT 2010 VW Touareg 2.56TDI A/T Commercial €11,500 2005 VW Touareg 2.5TDI €4,500

BUSES 7 ,8 & 9 Seater RANGE

Amarok V6 H/Line 258BHP Automatic €35500 + Vat

171

Amarok V6 Automatic €29500 + Vat

152

Amarok 2.0 TDI €18500 + Vat

HONDA RANGE

€9,500.00

2008 Transporter 2.5tDI LWB 6SP €6,000 + VAT 2007 Transporterv 1.9TDI SWB €4,500 + VAT 2008 Transporter LWB Kombi 6 Seater Commercial €7850 + VAT 2006 Transporter LWB Kombi 6 Seater Commercial €5000 + VAT

AMAROK RANGE

CADDY RANGE

VW Shuttle Bus 9 Seater T/L VW Shuttle Bus 9 Seater VW Shuttle Bus 9 Seater Automatic LWB VW Shuttle Bus 9 Seater VW Caddy Maxi Life 7 Seater Mercedes Vito 9 Seater Bus Mercedes Vito 9 Seater Bus VW Touran T/L 7 seater VW Touran T/L 7 Seater Highline VW Touran C/L 7 Seater VW Touran C/L 1.6TDI 7Seater

202

Caddy TDI Trendline €17355 + Vat

172 162

201

Caddy TDI Trendline

€18,000.00

KIA RANGE

192

Caddy TDI Highline

€18,000.00

181

Caddy TDI 150BHP 6speed €13500 + Vat

181

Caddy TDI Maxi 150 6speed

181

Caddy TDI €12500 + Vat

171 161 151 2008

€14,500 + Vat

Al Hayes Motors Portumna. Co. Galway

www.alhayesmotors.com

€28,000 + Vat €26,500 + Vat €24,500 + Vat €18,000 + Vat €13,500 + Vat €12,500 + Vat €9,500 + Vat €10,500 + Vat

TOUAREG RANGE

192

2011 Transporter 2.0 TDI SWB

€13500 + Vat €12000 + Vat €13500 + Vat €9500 + Vat €8500 + Vat €6500 + Vat

CRAFTER RANGE

172 171 171 2009 161 2008 2007 191 182 181 161

2012 Transporter 2.0 TDI SWB €7500 + Vat

Price

Honda CRV 1.6 ES DSL SUV Honda Civic 1.6 4 Door Choice Kia Sportage 1.7 Dsl Platinum Kia Sportage 1.7 Dsl Platinum Kia Sportage 1.7 Dsl Platinum Kia Ceed 1.4 Petrol

€34,500 €29,500 €27,500 €7,500 €16,500 €5,500 €3,000 €29,500 €32,500 €28,500 €16,500 €22,500.00 €14,950.00 €19,500.00 €16,950.00 €15,000.00 €2,500.00

Year Make & Model

Price

HYUNDA RANGE 162 181 141 171

Hyundai Sante Fee DSL 4X4 7 Seater Hyundai I40 Executive4D 1.7 DSL --- White Hyundai I40 Executive 4D Hyundai Tucson 1.7 DSL Executive

€24,000.00 €21,000.00 €9,500.00 €19,500.00

BMW RANGE 162 BMW 316 DSL Sport --- 30K 2010 BMW 520 SE DSL 2008 BMW 318 DSL

€22,500.00 €9,500.00 €4,500

MAZDA RANGE 171 162 131 152 142

Mazda 5 Exec SE A/T Comm Mazda 2 Executive 1.5 H/B Mazda 6 2.2 DSL 150BHP Mazda 5 2.2 DSL SE Automatic Maza 3 Executive 2.2 Dsl 150

€16,500.00 €11,500.00 €7,500.00 €19,500.00 €9,950.00

FORD RANGE 181 171 161 161 151 131 2011 141 2012 2010 2008

Ford Transit Custom 260 SWB €15,500.00 Ford Transit Custom 260 SWB €13,500.00 Ford Transit LWB €14,950.00 Ford Transit 350 LWB 125 €12,500 + Vat Ford Transit Custom 125 BHP €11,150 + Vat Ford Transit T200 SWB €5,500.00 Ford Transit 300 LWB €4,950.00 Ford Transit 350 LWB 125 €12,500.00 Ford Transit T260 €6,500.00 Ford Transit 300 LWB €5,000.00 Ford Transit T280 €3,500.00

MITSUBISHI RANGE 141 2012 2007 2005

Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0 DSL Comm €12,500 + Vat Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0 DSL Comm €9000 + VAT Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 LWB €7,500.00 Mitsubishi L200 €3,500.00

MERCEDES RANGE 161 131 131 2012 2010 2007

Mercedes Vito 116 Dsl €14,000.00 Mercedes C200 Avenguard Dsl €13,500.00 Mercedes Sprinter CDI 313 2.1 DSL €8500 + VAT Mercedes Sprinter CDI 313 2.1 DSL €7,500 + VAT Mercedes C200 CDI SE €9,500.00 Mercedes Vito 9 Seater Bus €3,500.00

SALES TEAM Al: 086 2449645 Niall: 087 6385033

Alan: 087 4153872 Martin: 086 2056597

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

Special is Offers th week Year 192 172 171 171 171 181 192 182 171 162 161 151 141 141 2012 142 191 171 161 171 152 161 181 151 151 192 2010 151 2011 2009 142 2011 161 141 2012 152 172 2012 181 2011 2008 152 2010 131 2010 2011 2007 2004 162 2009 2008 2008 2011 2010 2006 2012 162 2008 2010 2008 2012 2008

Make & Model Price VW Golf 1.0TSI €19,950 VW Golf 1.6TDI SE €17,950 VW Golf CL 1.6TDI €17,950 VW Tiguan CL 2.0TDI €23,500 VW Passat CL 2.0TDI €18,500 VW Passat CL 1.6TDI €21,950 VW T Cross R-Line €24,950 VW Golf CL 1.6TDI €19,000 VW Jetta CL 2.0TDI A/T €15,000 VW Tiguan HL 2.0TDI €19,950 VW Golf 1.6TDI Sports €13,500 VW Passat TL 1.6TDI €13,500 VW Beetle 1.6TDI DSl €13,500 VW Polo TL 1.2DSl €9,500 VW Tiguan Sport 2.0TDI €11,400 VW Touran CL 7 Seater 1.6TDI €13,500 Skoda Superb 1.6TDI A/T €24,500 Audi A3 SE 1.6TDI €18,500 Audi A4 S Line 2.0TDI €18,500 Hyundai Tucson 1.7DSL €18,500 Nissan X-Trail 1.5DSL 7 Seater €18,500 Nissan Qashqai 1.5DSL €15,950 Ford C-Max 1.5DSL €16,500 Kia Sportage 1.7DSL €13,500 Toyota Corolla 1.4D4D €12,500 Nissan Micra Contre 5Dr €13,950 BMW 520 SE DSL Sal €6,500 Ford focus 2.0TDI 150HP €10,500 Hyundai i30 1.6DSL C/L €8,500 VW Tiguan 2.0TDI 150 4X4 €6,500 Mazda 36SE €9,500 Opel Astra 1.7DSL €6,500 Renault Kadjar Dynamique “S” €13,500 Skoda Fabia 1.0TSI €7,500 Skoda Octavia 1.6TDI Elegance €6,500 Skoda Octavia 1.6TDI €10,500 Skoda Rapid 1.4TDI €12,500 Toyota Avensis 2.0 D4D €6,500 Toyota Corolla 1.4 D4d 16,500 Toyota Corolla 1.4 D4D €4,500 VW Jetta 1.6TDI €3,500 VW Jetta 2.0TDI C/L €13,950 VW Passat 1.6TDI Estate €5,500 VW Polo 1.2DSL Cross €8,500 VW Caddy Maxi 1.9TDI €4,500 VW Caddy 1.6TDI 102HP €4,500 Mercedes E200 Compressor €4,000 Mini One 1.4 €1,500 Nissan Quashqai 1.5DSL €13,500 Opel Corsa 1.2 Club €3,000 Peugeot 207 1.4 petrol €2,500 Peugeot 407 1.6TDI €2,000 Renault Kangoo 1.5DSL €3,000 Toyota Auris D4D €4,500 VW Sharan 1.9TDI 7 Seater €2,500 VW Touran 1.6TDI 7 Seater €6,500 Opel insignia DSL Automatic 45Kms €13,500 VW Touran 1.9TDI 7 Seater €3,500 VW Jetta 1.6TDI €3,500 VW Golf 1.6TDI Plus €3,500 VW Golf 1.6TDI C/L Automatic €11,000 BMW 318SE 2.0DSL €3,500

Al Hayes Motors Portumna. Co. Galway

www.alhayesmotors.com

Year 2008 2005

Make & Model Price Kia C’eed 1.4EX €2,500 Mitsubishi L200 Crew Cab Cannopy €3,500

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT RANGE 201 Vw Passat 2.0TDI 150HP Business 201 VW Passat 2.0TDI 150HP Elegance VOLKSWAGEN T-ROC RANGE 201 VW T-Roc 1.6TDI Design 201 VW T-Roc 1.0 5DR Design 191 VW T-Roc 1.0 5DR Design 182 VW T-Roc 1.6 5DR (19Km) DSL 182 VW T-Roc 1.0 5DR (19Km)

€33,500 €36,000

201 201 201 201 192 192 192

VW T Cross “R” Line 1.6TDI 5DR VW T Cross 1.6TDI Style VW T Cross 1.6TDI Life VW T Cross 1.0 5Dr Style VW T Cross “R” Line TDI VW T Cross 1.0 5DR “R” Line VW T Cross 1.6TDI

€29,500 €28,500 €26,500 €27,500 €27,500 €25,950 €25,500

202 201 192 181 171 161 151 141 2012

VW Polo 1.0 5Dr C/L Automatic VW Polo 1.0 5Dr Extras VW Polo 1.0 5DR Extras VW Polo 1.0 5DR Extras VW Polo 1.4TDI Extras VW Polo 1.0 5DR VW Polo 1.0 5DR VW Polo 1.2TDI VW Polo 1.0 5DR

€24,500 €17,500 €16,000 €14,500 €14,950 €12,500 €11,000 €9,500 €7,000

202 202 201 201 201 191 181

VW Tiguan 2.0TDI 150HP 7 Seater C/L Extras VW Tiguan “R” Line 2.0TDI150HP VW Tiguan 2.0TDI 150HP C/L Automatic VW Tiguan 2.0TDI 150 HP H/L VW Tiguan 2.0TDI 150 C/L VW Tiguan 2.0TDI C/L 7 Seater VW Tiguan 2.0TDI H/L 150HP leather Automatic 4X4

€42,500 €43,500 €39,500 €39,000 €36,500 €34,500

192 201 181 172 181 172

VW T Roc “R” 1.0 Petrol VW Tiguan “R” Line 2.0TDI 150HP VW Tiguan 2.0TDI C/L Allspace 7 Seater VW Tiguan H/L 2.0TDI 150HP Automatic VW Tiguan 2.0TDI 150HP A /T C/L VW Golf 1.6 TDI Allspace Model

€25,950 €42,500 €33,000 €26,500 €31,000 €17,500

201 201 201 201 191 192 182 181 181 161

VW Golf 1.6TDI Extras VW Golf 1.6TDI Highline VW Golf 1.6TDI Highline VW Golf 1.0 5DR H/L VW Golf 1.6TDI Extras VW Golf 1.0 5DR Extras VW Golf 2.0TDI 150 H/L VW Golf 1.6TDI H/L Automatic VW Golf 1.6TDI Extras Golf TDI 150H/L

€25,950 €28,500 €28,500 €27,500 €21,950 €21,000 €24,500 €25,500 €18,500 €15,500

171

Audi Q3 2.0TDI 140SE

€18,500

VOLKSWAGEN T CROSS RANGE

VOLKSWAGEN POLO RANGE

VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN RANGE

VOLKSWAGEN “R” LINE RANGE

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF RANGE

AUDI RANGE

€28,500 €27,500 €24,000 €25,000 €22,950

€33,500

Year 171 161 161 162 151 2014

Make & Model Price Audi A4 2.0TDI 150HP HP SE €22,500 Audi AQ3 150HP €20,950 Audi A3 2.0TDI 150HP Saloon €19,450 Audi A4 5DR 2.0 €19,950 Audi A4 5DR DSL €16,500 Audi A4 2.0DSL SE Choice €14,500

201 202 191 201 181 182 181 181 171 171 2010 181 172 171 151

VW Tiguan 2.0TDI C/L Automatic €38,500 VW Polo 1.0 5Dr C/L Automatic €24,500 VW Amarok 2.0TDI 258HP H/L 8 Sp A/T €36,800 + VAT VW Tiguan 2.0TDI H/L A/T €39,500 VW Tiguan 2.0TDI Highline €31,500 VW Tiguan 2.0TDI 150HP C/L A/T Choice €33,500 VW Tiguan 2.0TDI 150HP H/L 4X4 T Pack Full leather €33,500 VW Tiguan 2.0TDI 150HP A/T €31,000 VW Tiguan 2.0TDI H/L 7 Seater €31,000 VW Touareg V6 26HP “R” Line Crew Cab €333 Road tax €38,500+ VAT VW Touareg 2.0TDI A/T Commercial €11,500 VW Passat 1.6TDI Extras €23,950 VW Golf SV 1.2TSI H/L A/T €19,500 VW Golf SV C/L 1.6TDI Extras €18,500 VW Golf SV C/L 1.2TDI T/L Extras €13,500

172 171 171 2009 161 2008 191 182 181 161

VW Shuttle Bus 9 Seater T/L VW Shuttle Bus 9 Seater VW Shuttle Bus 9 Seater Automatic LWB VW Shutle Bus 9 Seater VW Caddy Maxi Life 7 Seater Mercedes Vito 9 Seater Bus VW Touran T/L 7 seater VW Touran T/L 7 Seater Highline VW Touran C/L 7 Seater VW Touran C/L 1.6TDI 7Seater

142 131 151 171 141 162 161 131 171 161 142 131 2009 2009

Toyota RAV 4 DSL €14,500 Toyota RAV 4 DSL €11,500 Toyota Corolla DSL Luna €12,500 Toyota Auris van €11,157 + VAT Toyota Auris 1.4 D4D €9,500 Toyota Yaris 1.4DSL5DR €13,500 Toyota Corolla 1.4 Dsl €14,000 Toyota Yaris 1.4 DSL €8,500 Toyota Avensis Luna 2.0DSL €18,500 Toyota Avensis Luna 2.0DSL €16,500 Toyota Avensis 2.0DSL €10,500 Toyota Yaris D4D €8,500 Toyota Hiace Bus €4,000 Toyota Avensis 2.0DSL €3,500

181 161

VW Golf 1.6TDI €17,500 VW Golf 1.6TDI €9,500 + VAT

181 172 181 172 162 141

Seat Arona GL Petrol Seat Leon 1.6TDI 5Dr Skoda Karoq 1.6TDI Skoda Rapid 1.4TDI Saloon Skoda Yeti DSL Outdoor Skoda Yeti DSL

AUTOMATIC RANGE

BUSES 7 ,8 & 9 Seater RANGE

TOYOTA RANGE

€34,500 €29,500 €27,500 €7,500 €16,500 €5,500 €29,500 €32,500 €28,500 €16,500

GOLF VANS RANGE

OTHER MAKES RANGE

SALES TEAM Al: 086 2449645 Niall: 087 6385033

€16,950 €15,000 €27,950 €14,500 €16,500 €11,500

Alan: 087 4153872 Martin: 086 2056597

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

NewsPeople

Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Following a year of loss, RTÉ’s apology is an insult! We all make mistakes – it’s part of being human. I myself have made quite a few whoppers in my time. With that in mind, I can definitely understand how some RTÉ personnel could’ve experienced a momentary lapse of judgement, and posed for a photograph with a colleague at her ‘leaving do’, totally forgetting to observe social distancing guidelines. However, when those who engaged in this silly behaviour are the very ones doling out public health and safety advice to the nation on a daily basis, I have to ask: how could they be so foolish? We, the nation, place a lot of trust

in those who work at our national broadcaster’s news and current affairs department. In fact, it’s RTÉ that brings us daily stories, interviews and debates regarding the worry around people mixing from different households over Christmas and how this could pose a substantial risk to public health. It’s RTÉ who’s delivering the government’s propaganda – sorry, message – that we should be preparing for anything other than a nearnormal festive season. It’s RTÉ’s news and current affairs department that have been sowing the seeds and laying the foundation to prepare ourselves for a seriously

scaled-down and, in my opinion, c***py (sorry, unhappy) family Christmas. And, it’s RTÉ that gets our licence fee! To that end, it’s RTÉ and the presenters who broke the rules that should now be suffering the serious consequences of their error of judgement. RTÉ must understand that right now, as viewers struggle with the challenges of this unprecedented pandemic, their excessively over-paid, and according to many of the red tops, ‘stars’ (I prefer the term autocue readers… too harsh?), must lead by example and stop flouting the laws – even if it was momentarily.

Personally, I don’t care about RTÉ or its presenters. I make up my own mind to follow the social distancing and health guidelines, and I view it as my responsibility alone to keep me and mine safe. However, the ‘autocue readers’ and anyone else who should know better (Justice Woulfe springs to mind), should realise that their actions are not just unacceptable, they’re inexcusable. By ignoring the guidelines around social distancing and restrictions, you’ve let people down, made a mockery of those of us faithfully adhering to the regulations, and insulted those grieving for lost loved ones.

You’ve failed the families going through that first Christmas without buying a card and a gift for a beloved mam, dad or grandparent. You’ve double-crossed every family facing that empty chair as they sit down to Christmas Dinner. And yes, I get it – I even understand it – you all acted unintentionally, you all made a mistake. But quite frankly, when you’re issuing those grovelling apologies, explaining yourselves and your irresponsible actions, you must know, as we all do, that it’s already too late for you to fix it and regain our trust. Shame on you.

This pandemic has cleaved us in two – stay strong! I’m used to living in a different county to my family. However, as I reason that I’m only a two-hour car journey from Dublin, this lockdown has made me realise that I’ve missed an entire year of important milestones in their lives, and sadly, in my beautiful granddaughter’s life. It was the sudden epiphany that I may not see them for Christmas, coupled with a certain DIY store’s pull-at-the-heartstrings Dublin-based advert where Mrs Higgins and her little dog Kevin struggle with that dodgy gate, which led to my undoing, rendering me to break into huge gulping sobs. Don’t get me wrong: this national health crisis has given me a lot of free time. Working from home has enabled me to learn to bake banana bread (my daughter gave me a great vegan recipe). I’ve got time to take a daily five-kilometre walk and spend more quality time with my adored furbabies. I’ve marvelled at the glorious little birds and other wildlife that grace our garden daily. I’ve spent ages watching the majestic robin as he feasts on the grated cheddar I place out for him. However, even as this situation has offered me plenty of positives, it has also cleaved me in two! Indeed, given some of the letters I’ve received

STAY

CALM STAY

SAFE STAY

STRONG BE

KIND from readers, I think I’m right in saying that this county’s citizens (like the rest of Ireland) have seen their mental health greatly impacted as a result

of this virus. Now, while this lockdown is grief-inducing for many, especially those who can’t travel to be with families, I’d imagine it has proved

even more difficult for those readers who were already experiencing mental health concerns. Even though we’re in Roscommon, removed from the major outbreaks of other counties, daily tasks can often become overwhelming, and as the anxiety grows, sometimes the traumas of living with this pandemic can stack up. Therefore, if you’re reading this and feeling drained, anxious, lost or lonely, whether for the first time due to the pandemic or if you’ve been experiencing these intense feelings all your life, my advice would be to please, please try to find the armour to protect yourself. This pandemic is present in every aspect of all of our lives – in the plastic shield at the shop counter, in the uncertainty as you hold the door for an elderly lady, and the hesitation when you buy a takeaway coffee. Even though we’re desperate to return to ‘normal’, there is an unease we feel as the country prepares to reopen. Yes folks, we’ve all experienced anxiety at some time in our lives, but never before have we felt it blanket our entire country. So today, as you find yourself zig-zagging from optimism to despair, remember, you’re not alone – every single one of us is feeling exactly the same.

The Crown: I’d rather read Trump’s Twitter updates! I’ve neither time nor love for the British Royal family. So, the fact that I watched the first three seasons of The Crown and thoroughly enjoyed it was a revelation even to me. However, watching season four, (and if this appears offensive to the chattering classes and royalists – tough), I have to admit I’m so bored and so unimpressed that I’d rather be reading Donald Trump’s Twitter updates. Why? Well, the closer the story gets to the present day, covering events and characters I can personally remember, the more it highlights the royals as a crop of suffocating, rude, arrogant, outof-touch snobby freeloaders who’ve probably never done a day’s work in their entire lives. Then again, knowing them, they’d probably construe stalking innocent and vulnerable deer as hard labour. That particular episode disturbed me deeply. However, on the off-chance I haven’t offended everyone who’s enjoying season four, let me add this little nugget for you to digest. Last week as I watched the finale, there was one thought running through my mind – and it wasn’t poor Diana. Nay, it was this: I know Diana failed her O-Levels twice, but I’d have thought that somewhere, in that astrodome she called a hairstyle, the woman would have at least had more cop-on than to marry a mind-numbingly dreary dullard like Charles.

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

wina home in london

Days To Go

Cash for Christmas Bonus Draw On December 30th you could30th Win a Home London worth On December youincould £695,000!worth £695,000! Win a Home in London That’s right, in just a few weeks timeone onelucky luckyperson person will receive GAA informing That’s right, in just a few weeks time receiveaacall callfrom fromRoscommon Roscommon GAA informing them they have won a stunningBallymore Ballymore built onon London CityCity Island! them thatthat they have won a stunning built two-bedroom two-bedroomapartment apartment London Island! The on-line shopping weekend is fast and if and you’re consider gifting an entry to an Winentry a Home Thebiggest biggest on-line shopping weekend is approaching fast approaching if you’re considering gifting to In London checkcheck out our Cash Christmas Bonus Draw: Win a Home In London out ourfor Cash for Christmas Bonus Draw: Everyone who has enter before 11:59pm next Monday, November 30th, will also be in with the chance Everyone who has entered before 11:59pm on November 30th of winning one of three fantastic cash prizes:

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Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

The

D News page

Great response as Tom Hill house restoration nears completion Public invited to make donations for materials The restoration of a wellknown local man’s house, which was severely damaged by fire last month in Roscommon town, is nearing completion, thanks to the efforts of local volunteers. Tom, or T. Hill as he’s widely known in Roscommon town, was lucky to escape uninjured when a fire broke out at the house on Henry Street on Sunday, October 25th. The interior of the house, which was uninsured, was gutted in the blaze and Tom has been staying with neighbours and friends ever since. The local community rallied in the immediate aftermath of the fire and set up a fundraising committee in order to restore Tom’s house in time for Christmas. The res-

toration is now nearing completion thanks to the huge efforts of local tradespeople who have volunteered for the work. Local hardware, plumbing and electrical businesses have also been praised for their generosity in supplying materials on credit in order for the work to be finished on time. The restoration work involved the stripping of walls, rewiring, new plumbing, as well as new doors and windows and a new bathroom. The house has also been insulated and smoke alarms have been fitted throughout. Once the freshly skimmed walls dry out, the house will then be repainted while tiling and other jobs will provide the finishing touches. Phenomenal progress has seen the work so far completed in just three weeks with local building contractor, Gerry Dervin, coordinating the efforts of volunteers. The results so far are very impressive indeed and show what can be done through goodwill and close cooperation in a common purpose.

The restoration committee has organised a GoFundMe campaign (The Tom Hill House Restoration Fund), to raise the necessary finances to pay for the required materials and fittings. At the time of going to print, the details of the bank account being set up for the purpose have not yet come through. As soon as those details are available they will be published and the GoFundMe account will go live then also. People willing to help out financially are asked to contribute via the GoFundMe site or directly to the bank account once details are made available. Members of the committee will also accept donations. All donations will be recorded and receipted. Those involved in the restoration include: Treasurer James Hoare (0872872055), Chairman Charlie Hunt (086-8330663), Secretary Gerry Browne (0872808225), Stephanie Donlon (086-1690384), Frank Beatty, (086-8064475), and project coordinator, Gerry Dervin (086-2546467).

Tom Hill pictured outside his fire-damaged home on Henry Street/Circular Road in Roscommon town recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

New play by Boyle-born playwright Fregoli Theatre Company, Roscommon Arts Centre’s Theatre Company in Residence, have been working through lockdown on a series of projects. Covid-19 has seen the company re-imagine their original residency plans, as they, like everyone else, get creative from home, using zoom to stay connected. One of the larger projects they have been working on is ‘Cross Street’, a new play in development by Boyle-born playwright, Jarlath Tivnan. As work progresses, the company are now anxious to share the piece at a crucial stage in its development, with a work-in-progress, virtual performance occurring this Saturday, November 28th. ‘Cross street’ tells the story of Enid, who has been searching for a new home. She finds a place on Cross Street, a place of routine populated by some pretty serious creatures of habit. However, Enid’s arrival threatens to disrupt well-worn grooves and a house

meeting is called to re-establish order. But this stormy night has other things planned! Written by Jarlath Tivnan (Pleasure Ground/You Could Be Us) and in development by Fregoli Theatre Company as part of their residency at The Roscommon Arts Centre, directed by Eimear Finan and reuniting the cast of Fregoli’s hit shows ‘Pleasure Ground’ and ‘You Could Be Us’, ‘Cross Street’ will be performed by Jarlath Tivnan, Kate Murray, Eilish McCarthy and Peter Shine. Tickets are priced at just €5 and can be purchased online at: roscommonartscentre.ie or from box office on 087 7111 584 from 10 am-5 pm, Monday to Friday. The performance will be followed by a live ‘Q&A’ with Fregoli, which patrons are also invited to participate in. Fregoli Theatre Company’s residency is supported by The Arts Council of Ireland and The Creative Ireland Roscommon programme.

#Roscommon Together Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

A multimedia Christmas campaign

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

FOOD FOR Christmas This week’s focus: Local food suppliers

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

Annie Timothy and Paula Hegarty pictured at Timothy’s Londis Plus in Abbeytown. Pic: Mick McCormack

Kevin, Donal, Vincent and Mike pictured at Timothy’s Londis Plus in Abbeytown. Pic: Mick McCormack

Proprietor Annie Timothy pictured at Timothy’s Londis Plus in Abbeytown. Pic: Mick McCormack

LOCAL & LOYAL

GREAT SERVICE A multimedia Christmas campaign

The butchery at Timothy’s Londis Plus in Abbeytown. Pic: Mick McCormack

St. Coman’s Wood Primary School students, sisters Alison and Nicole Croghan and Victoria Chohan pictured at Timothy’s Londis Plus in Abbeytown. Pic: Mick McCormack

Vincent, Annie and Kate display a selection of Christmas treats at Timothy’s Londis Plus recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

Donal Fallon pictured at Timothy’s Londis Plus in Abbeytown. Pic: Mick McCormack

St. Coman’s Wood Primary School students Aidan, Maciej and Bartek pictured at Timothy’s Londis Plus in Abbeytown this week. Pic: Mick McCormack

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

A multimedia Christmas campaign

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Manager Mike Crean, and proprietors Vincent and Annie Timothy display Waldron Family products at Timothy’s Londis Plus in Abbeytown this week. Pic: Mick McCormack

Vincent and Annie Timothy display products from Gill’s Artisan Kitchen and Bakery at Timothy’s Londis Plus in Abbeytown. Pic: Mick McCormack

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- Shop local this Christmas - Support local businesses - Stay local, stay safe!

Eugene Murphy

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

Senator

< DAN DOONER

Timothy’s Londis Plus in Abbeytown, Roscommon celebrated 20 years in business in 2019, and while 2020 has been extremely challenging, the family-run supermarket has continued to offer an essential service for the people of Roscommon town. Annie Timothy runs the local Londis with husband Vincent and they are ably supported by a dedicated staff of around 40. Timothy’s has become an integral part of the Roscommon business community over the last 21 years, and Annie and Vincent’s partnership has not only flourished in Abbeytown, but it also began there too. “I’m from Mullingar and Vincent is from Glinsk,” Annie explains, “A friend of mine brought me to a race dance at the Abbey Hotel some years ago and introduced me to Vincent and I’ve had no complaints since then!” Annie says: “We have a team that runs the shop: Vincent, our manager Mike Crean, and myself, but we also have great staff and a loyal core staff who we rely on to run the various departments. We have Pat Beirne our butcher, Michelle McGovern who looks after our dairy and fresh food section, Paula Hegarty at the front of the shop, and Donal Fallon on fruit and veg. “We tend to have our core staff with us for a long time but we also have staff who come into us in transition year in secondary school and who work with us right the way through school. We have put a lot of kids through college, which is fantastic. You can see the difference the work makes in these kids. Our staff teaches them of course but dealing with the public helps them to develop communication skills as well as customer service skills too”. A recent revamp has not only resulted in a modern lay-out but also a safer working and shopping environment during these days of Covid-19. A newsagents and off-licence, complete with a great wine selection, is located at the front entrance while there are shelves of dry goods, breads, sauces, confectionery, and household items at the heart of the store.

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Bernie Carr pictured at Timothy’s Londis Plus in Abbeytown. Pic: Mick McCormack

Towards the back, where there is another entrance which leads to a spacious carpark, there is also a full deli serving hot and cold food as well as a butchers and fishmonger. A seating area is tucked away in the corner for when things return to normal and a dairy and fresh food section takes up an entire wall. “The revamp focussed on food and goods that people pick up and bring home for dinner. We have handy meals like lasagne, shepherd’s pie, lamb shank, quiche, you can even have duck for dinner! This takes away a lot of the hassle when it comes to preparing meals in the evening,” Annie adds. With Christmas fast approaching, Annie says that Timothy’s Londis has everything local shoppers need. “We have the whole offering for Christmas including hams and turkeys, Christmas cakes and desserts and of course all the fresh vegetables you could need. “Our ham comes from a great local producer, Waldron’s of Brideswell, and we have homebaked ham to make Christmas dinner easier for our customers. “We also offer hampers and gift vouchers which have become really popular gifts and can make a massive difference to someone at this time of year,” she said.

Timothy’s are also offering a chance for customers to get €80 off their Christmas Week shop by collecting 800 Smart Rewards points in store. As well as impeccable safety standards, Covid-19 has also led to the introduction of a click and collect service at Timothy’s which can be found at mylondisshop.com/timothys. Annie believes this new service has allowed customers to keep safe while keeping it local this year. “Roscommon is a great business town and people are very good at supporting local. It’s so important to people that they actually consider where they spend their money. If you support your own, your own will support you. With our revamp I think we are offering people what they want. “Of course it helps when you have a brilliant staff too, and during this pandemic they have been looking after the people who have looked after us over the past 21 years,” she said. *Timothy’s Londis in Abbeytown is open Monday to Saturday from 7.30 am to 10 pm, Sundays from 8 am to 10 pm, and Bank Holidays from 9 am to 8 pm. The shop is also open on St. Stephen’s Day.

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#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

A multimedia Christmas campaign

‘Business is a family affair in Roscommon!’ Molloy’s Bakery is 98 years in business < DAN DOONER

Molloy’s Bakery will celebrate 100 years in business in Roscommon town in 2022. The bakery first traded on Main Street before moving to the custom-built bakery in Abbeytown twenty years ago. Current proprietor, Declan Molloy is the third generation and he runs the family’s renowned bakery and shop in Abbeytown with his wife, Mary T. Molloy. “We are into our 99th year of trading as a family business here in Roscommon town. We are on the fourth generation now. My grandfather started the business and my father continued on. My wife Mary T. and I currently run it while our son, Mark, is in charge of our bakery on the Racecourse Road,” he said. The Molloys employ around 35 people between full and part-time staff in Roscommon town. “The bakery is nearly a century old and has faced many challenges down through the years from World War to boom and bust and and boom again. “In my lifetime we’ve had challenges but the current Covid situation is the worst because of the whole unknown factor. So far, everything has worked out for us and we’ve been able to keep the door open, however. “We are also very lucky that the staff have backed us 100%. The staff at the front of the shop are working on the frontline throughout the week in order to serve the public and we owe them a debt of gratitude. Our ‘behind the scenes’ staff have never let us down either and have split their shifts in order to keep everyone safe,” he said. “The other big change is that we would be known for a 30 or 40-mile radius and even further afield for many years but unfortunately, some of our older customers are unable to come to town now. “They would have grown up buying fresh, unwrapped bread and now, because of Covid-19, every product must be wrapped. That extra cost and lack of familiarity with the packaged product has hit many businesses across the country,” he said. While there have been ups and downs this year, Declan is grateful for the continued support Molloy’s Bakery receives from Roscommon and surrounding areas. “We’re very lucky that we have massive support around the county. Every shop in town sells Molloy’s bread so we owe a massive debt of gratitude to the people of the town and the county and even our bordering counties. We

Phil, pictured with freshly baked bread at Molloy’s Artisan Bakery and Fine Food Emporium. Photos: Mick McCormack.

have the footballing rivalry in areas like east Galway but they are also great supporters of Molloy’s Bakery. There’s a great sense of satisfaction that businesses in counties like Mayo, Leitrim, Westmeath and Longford also support us,” Declan added. “I’ve always said that Roscommon

town was built on family-run businesses. Multinational companies draw in people from all around but when I think of business in Roscommon I think of families such as the Wards, Caseys, the Grealys, Gleesons, and Walshs. They all provide a fantastic service to the public in Roscommon

Zhenia and Benu pictured at the deli in Molloy’s Artisan Bakery and Fine Food Emporium.

town and for a small town in rural Ireland, we have some of the best businesses around. “The town has sustained a large amount of family businesses over the years and we’re just proud to be part of that. These businesses support the local Christmas Lights committee, the Tidy

Towns, the Easter Parade and the Roscommon Lamb Festival. It’s the family businesses that are out on the ground supporting the community,” he said. As well as a wide selection of freshly baked breads, cakes and other treats for any occasion, Molloy’s Bakery offers hot and cold food, artisanal produce, and an exclusive wine selection. Molloy’s famous sourdough bread also remains a major seller! The newest arrival is the Lotus Biscoff range which includes cupcakes, a loaf cake, a gateaux and cheesecake for Christmas. “We have two new cheesecakes coming out for Christmas: a pistachio and white chocolate crunch. We can see demand for traditional Christmas cakes dying off because younger customers tend to go for something lighter these days,” Declan explained. This week Molloy’s are offering the usual Late Late Toy Show boxes for children as well as a new ‘Grazing Box’ for adults, which includes sweet and savoury produce. There is also an ‘Afternoon Tea’ box available. These items as well as an extensive ‘Click and Collect’ service are available at www. molloysbakery.ie. With Christmas fast approaching, the bakery is also set to host an ‘Intimate Shopping Experience’ in December where smaller groups (maximum 8 people) will be able to visit the shop each evening from 6 and 9 pm. While things will be different this year, Declan says that more than ever, the Molloy’s Bakery family is determined to make Christmas special for you and yours!

Declan pictured with a varied range of jams, sauces and dressings at Molloy’s Artisan Bakery and Fine Food Emporium.

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

Mark, Mary T and Declan Molloy pictured at Molloy’s Artisan Bakery and Fine Food Emporium.

Declan pictured with a large selection of wines at Molloy’s Artisan Bakery and Fine Food Emporium.

Molloys’ thoughts are ‘Down Under’ this Christmas < DAN DOONER

Emma and Declan pictured at Molloy’s Artisan Bakery and Fine Food Emporium.

Phil pictured helping a customer at the check-out in Molloy’s Artisan Bakery and Fine Food Emporium.

A multimedia Christmas campaign

The current Covid-19 travel restrictions mean that families across Ireland will be missing loved ones this Christmas with many unable to return home for the festive season. The Molloys, proprietors of the renowned local bakery in Abbeytown, will be one such family missing an absent member this year. Declan Molloy explains: “Our daughter Jackie Ann is living in Australia with her husband Bill Hanna from Co. Down and she is due to have a baby in January. It’s hard but my wife and I are hoping to get over to see her in the New Year”. Declan, his wife Mary T. and their son Mark have been in regular contact with Jackie Ann since she moved Down Under in 2013. “She works in logistics for a shipping company called Baxter’s and Bill works as a manager on a huge farm where they live in Jerilderie in New South Wales,” Declan added. Jerilderie is located at the gateway to the Outback, almost four hours’ drive from Melbourne, and is famed as being the only place in New South Wales visited by Ned Kelly and his gang of outlaws. Not that Declan and the Molloys have anything to worry about in that regard. “We have been to visit her out there and they are lovely people. We got

such a great welcome. Bill works for the Roratos, who own Billabong Produce and he’s thought very highly of there, which is great. “It is a very remote place, not too far from Wagga Wagga, which

seems to be better known. It was difficult at first to think of our daughter out there but its isolation means they haven’t had any issues at all during the pandemic so she’s very safe,” Declan concluded.

Baker Wando pictured at Molloy’s Artisan Bakery and Fine Food Emporium.

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

Cllr. Laurence FALLON

CATHAOIRLEACH, ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

‘Please shop local. When shopping online, support local businesses’

Ballagh, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon. Tel. 090 6488232 M: 086 8575512 cllrlfallon@roscommoncoco.ie

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

Bridgestone Award Winners

Health Food Store

A multimedia Christmas campaign

Christmas lights switch-on at 5 pm this Sunday The Christmas Lights Committee have been working hard erecting the Christmas lights so that Roscommon Town will be a beacon of hope and light for Christmas 2020. This year, it’s more important than ever that Roscommon is lit up, as a little light and cheer at Christmas cannot be underestimated. Roscommon Christmas

Lights are renowned for the amazing festive display that is the envy of many much larger surrounding towns. This lighting display is only possible due to the dedicated volunteers who make it all happen. In keeping with Covid-19 restrictions and in order to keep everyone safe, Santa Claus will be switching on the Christmas

lights for Roscommon remotely from the North Pole, on Sunday, November 29th, at 5 pm. This is an online event, which can be viewed via YouTube. Just search YouTube for the MMCStreaming channel, where the event will be broadcast from, or click on their Facebook page for more details – facebook.com/ MMCStreaming

Please feel free to post your pictures and videos of your children watching the switching-on ceremony on the Roscommon Christmas Lights 2020 event, which can be found on the Roscommon Chamber Facebook page. Also, there’s still time to make a donation via the iDonate link: (idonate.ie/RoscommonLights2020).

GOFF STREET, ROSCOMMON

TELEPHONE: (090) 66 30492

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

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

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

Stay Local - Shop Local Support Local

Cllr Marty McDermott,

From

Leas-Cathaoirleach, Roscommon County Council

Tel. 087 3466064 Email: marty.mcdermott1@gmail.com /marty.mcdermott.184

Convent of Mercy student, Niamh Cuttle, Roscommon Comhairle na nÓg coordinator, Kevin Costello, and Roscommon CBS student, Luke Stephens, pictured in Roscommon town. Missing from photo: Roscommon Community College student Jared Comer. Pic: Mick McCormack

Comhairle na nÓg: The voice of Generation Roscommon

ALL CREATURES VETERINARY #Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together LANESBORO STREET, ROSCOMMON Tel: 090 662 6898 AFTER HOURS/24 HOUR EMERGENCY

087 2596055

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING DURING THESE DIFFICULT WEEKS YOU MUST CALL IN ADVANCE TO ORDER REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS Ring us from your car when you arrive for collection of your order/appointment. We ask that all payments be made by card if possible and encourage payment over the phone when ordering medication/food. While on the premises we ask all customers to observe the 2m rule at all times.

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

< DAN DOONER

Roscommon Comhairle na nÓg is, in effect, a shadow county council which works behind the scenes in order to give young people in the county a voice when it comes to decision making on issues which affect their lives. Last Friday, local Comhairle na nÓg coordinator Kevin Costello and Roscommon town members spoke to the Roscommon People about some of the issues currently affecting young people in the county. Kevin is employed by Youth Work Ireland Midlands and he says Comhairle na nÓg offers an important platform. “There are 31 youth councils in the country, one for each local authority and city council. In this county, Roscommon County Council will look to Roscommon Comhairle na nÓg in order to get the views of young people. “Our AGM takes place in October most years but this year, due to Covid-19, it will take place virtually this Friday (27th). “A certain number of delegates from Roscommon will take part in the AGM this year and they come from the nine secondary schools in County Roscommon. They will be asked to vote on the topics to be discussed so they will write down three issues affecting young people in the county and then take part in workshops around those issues. This in turn forms the basic work

Comhairle na nÓg will do for the following year,” he said. The topic Roscommon Comhairle na nÓg worked on last year was Drugs Awareness and members produced an information leaflet which will be distributed in local schools. This year’s topic is, rather aptly, Mental Health. Roscommon CBS student, Luke Stephens, says Comhairle na nÓg has many benefits for its young members. “It gives us the resources to improve the issues which affect young people. We might not be able to solve all of the problems but our voices are heard,” he said. Fellow member, and Roscommon Community College student, Jared Comer, says the youth council also teaches practical skills. “It gives you a lot of confidence, and is a good experience for later life. It also teaches us communication skills”. Convent of Mercy student, Niamh Cuttle, believes it complements secondary education. “Comhairle na nÓg gives you an opportunity to learn more about the community and get more information on certain issues. Last year’s topic was Drugs Awareness and I learned a lot about it. Schools give a basic level of learning but this allows us to go a bit deeper into certain topics. “Mental Health is going to be a huge topic this year and trying to figure out how to deal with mental health issues (and issues stemming from Covid-19) will be very interesting,” she said. While all three students are delighted to have their voices heard as part of Comhairle na nÓg, they warn that further issues need to be

addressed in order ensure that Roscommon becomes a county for young people. “I don’t really see myself being in Roscommon in the future. I want to go into journalism or teaching so that would mean moving away for college,” Jared said. Niamh is hoping to go into film production or prop design and, with no film schools available in Roscommon, will also be forced to move. Liam’s Comhairle na nÓg experience, however, has furthered his desire to continue on his chosen career path. “I was always interested in politics. It’s a broad interest at the moment but whatever topics come up I enjoy dealing with them on behalf of other young people in County Roscommon,” he said. So what’s stopping these three bright minds complete with social consciousness from continuing their impressive work in County Roscommon as adults? Jared sums up two key issues: “There’s definitely a lack of further education opportunities here. There’s also not an awful lot for young people to do”. Before we log off, however, coordinator Kevin Costello assures us that Comhairle na nÓg and the online ‘Hub na nÓg’ are both aimed at creating connections between second level students and third level institutions and that next year’s topic will be ‘Amenities for Young People’. It’s clear that in spite of the global pandemic, Comhairle na nÓg has continued to work hard in order to keep a finger on the pulse when it comes to the issues affecting Roscommon youth.

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

A multimedia Christmas campaign

#RoscommonTogether…how to stay updated with the campaign! Like the Roscommon Chamber on Facebook – www.facebook.com/roscommonchamber Follow the Roscommon Chamber on Twitter – www.twitter.com/ChamberRos Visit the Roscommon Chamber website – www.roscommonchamber.com Like us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/Roscommon-People Follow us on Twitter – www.twitter.com/RoscommonPeople Follow us on Instagram – www.instagram.com/roscommonpeople Check out our website – www.roscommonpeople.ie Check out the Roscommon People’s new YouTube channel for all videos relating to #Roscommon Together Also on Roscommon People Facebook page and Roscommon Chamber Facebook page

“I love being able to meet people” What I do ...

Lisa Cuddy, personal trainer (Fullbody Workhouse)

Lisa Cuddy pictured at Fullbody Workhouse earlier this week. Pic: Mick McCormack

Tell us a bit about yourself ... I am 24-years-old and originally from Fuerty but living in Roscommon town. I started as an instructor with Fullbody Workhouse just three weeks before the first lockdown! Before that I had studied Law, Sociology and Politics and then spent two years working in IT recruitment before making the move into personal training. I started training when I finished college and ended up really enjoying it. I would have known Kevin, our manager at Fullbody Workhouse really well and he pointed me in the right direction. It was quite a risk considering I was leaving a stable job but luckily for me, owner Cathal (Dineen) had an opening due to the business becoming so busy since the last lockdown. I did enjoy working in IT recruitment but felt I needed something more active which also involved working with people. I am really enjoying my time with Fullbody Workhouse so far and delighted I made the move! What time does your day start? Fullbody Workhouse is open from 6 am to 10 pm each day so my day can start at different times. I might be in for the early shift which means starting class at 6 am or I could be working later in the evening. What’s the first thing you have to do? Classes have moved online since lockdown but we have been really busy keeping in touch with everyone and staying active on social media. On a normal working day in the gym, you’re pretty much straight into the workouts the minute you arrive so my day starts with a warm-up and then we go straight into training with our groups. There has been a focus on smaller groups at Fullbody Workhouse so everyone is in their own pod and uses their own machinery and equipment in order to keep everyone safe.

What are the best tunes for working out? I like hip hop so I’ll probably listen to some Dr. Dre or something like that but it does depend on my mood…I like rock as well so maybe some Fleetwood Mac would be on too! What do you do for lunch? Whatever is handy! There’s no huge opportunity to go out for lunch during the day and so I usually have something quick that has been prepared the night before. What’s the best thing about your job? I love being able to meet and talk to people anyway but I get a real buzz off seeing people who are happy with their progression. That could mean they’ve lost a few pounds or they’re lifting heavier weights than they did the previous week. Who’s at home? I’m currently living with my mum, two sisters, and our two dogs in Roscommon town. How do you wind down in the evening? I usually just chill out with the dogs and watch Netflix or go for a walk. Interview: Dan Dooner

Lisa Cuddy and Cathal Dineen, owner of Fullbody Workhouse, pictured at the facility earlier this week. Pic: Mick McCormack

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

A multimedia Christmas campaign

THIS CHRISTMAS

In keeping with Covid19 restrictions & in order to keep everyone safe, Santa Claus will be switching on the Christmas lights for Roscommon remotely from the North Pole on Sunday 29th November at 5 pm. This is an online event and the switch on can be viewed via the YouTube link: https://youtu.be/OvKxxWzVUqE

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

NewsPeople Chamber in brief Tipp, Tipp hooray for Shanagher!

Fianna Fáil councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice

Fitzmaurice: A little less conversation, please!

Fine Gael councillor Liam Callaghan is now firmly in Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher’s good books as he took the opportunity on Monday to congratulate the Tipperary native on her county’s Munster footballing success last weekend. Tipp claimed the Munster Senior Football Championship at Cork’s expense on Sunday and will now face Mayo in the AllIreland semi-final. Cllr. Shanagher turned as red as the Rebels’ jerseys after Cllr. Callaghan’s congratulatory speech before explaining that her brother, Murty Kennedy, was the Premier County’s kit man, a job that involved laying out the beautiful Bloody Sunday remembrance jerseys last weekend. Kathleen may be from Templemore, home of the Garda College, but it’s a date with another group of ‘Boys in Blue’ (DD – Cavan OR Dublin!) she’ll be hoping for this December.

Much to the relief of the majority of members in attendance at Monday’s monthly meeting of Roscommon County Council, it was decided to cut speaking time to just two minutes for the duration of Covid-19 restrictions. Fianna Fáil councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice proposed the one-minute reduction and while there was unanimous agreement across the Chamber, sympathetic eyes turned to Cathaoirleach Laurence Fallon, the man now tasked with enforcing the new Fine Gael councillor rule.

Congratulations to Pride of Place groups Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher offered her congratulations to two local runners-up in last weekend’s IPB Pride of Place Awards. There were three Roscommon groups nominated for awards at last Saturday’s online event, with Kilteevan Tidy Towns and Roscommon Gaels All Stars taking home second-place honours in their respective categories. Cllr. Shanagher paid tribute to the local groups and singled out the hard-working Pride of Place Liaison Officer, Claudette Collins, for special mention.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Laurence Fallon

Cathaoirleach: Covid cancels Clonakilty conference Cathaoirleach Cllr. Laurence Fallon shared the news that an upcoming conference in Clonakilty would be a no-go for members of Roscommon County Council due to the current Covid-19 restrictions. Not surprisingly, the local authority has decided against ratifying the trip, which in normal circumstances could have seen 18 councillors descending on the Cork town. Cathaoirleach Cllr. Fallon that the trip “wouldn’t have been in the right spirit” and that money related to the conference would be reallocated to a Christmas lights fund for small towns and villages around the county.

Liam Callaghan

– DD

Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher

‘Petition to end image-based sexual abuse’ Submitted by a reader Image-based sexual abuse, or ‘revenge porn’ as it is often referred to as, is the posting of sexually explicit/ revealing images or videos of a person without their consent. Last week, social media featured intense commentary on the topic when a server containing thousands of sexually explicit photographs of Irish women was circulated online. This was a result of a collaborative effort whereby persons who used Discord and other message platforms to compile and share these photographs without consent. The server included private and paid content. It included ‘upskirts’ and other photographs taken without the victim’s knowledge. It included child pornography. Many people commenting on social media platforms immediately turned to those pictured in the photographs to place the blame. Despite the clear violation of consent, privacy and respect, in many circles the conversation became not about the men who shared the photographs or the culture that allowed it, but about the victims, who “should’ve

Who’s saying what on Tweet Street ... Paul Healy’s take on top tweets!

off switch? Kevin the Carrot has less to say for himself than Leo the Leek. #TonightVMTV

Gary Lineker @GaryLineker

– The pressure’s getting to everyone…

Reports from Argentina that Diego Armando Maradona has died. By some distance the best player of my generation and arguably the greatest of all time. After a blessed but troubled life, hopefully he’ll finally find some comfort in the hands of God. #RipDiego – Nice tribute to Diego Maradona (RIP), who sadly died on Wednesday Paul Whitehead @FatLondon Maradona passing on the same day as George Best did is fitting for the two most stylish, rebellious, footballing geniuses of all time. – Uncannily, the great Diego died on the same date as George Best did (in 2005) Philip Nolan @philipnolan1 Have we ever heard as much from the mouth of a Tánaiste? Does he have an

Sarah Cooper @sarahcpr Is it mean to get my husband a gift I know he won’t like so that I can have it – Go on, admit it, it’s crossed your mind… Michael Foley @MickFoley76 This is beyond belief. The 1920 AI semifinals: Dublin v Cavan; Tipperary v Mayo. The 2020 AI semifinals: Dublin v Cavan; Tipperary v Mayo. – Yep, remarkable…and poignant Edel Kennedy @edelkennedy Finally, a story big enough to knock Donald Trump off the front pages - Cavan are Ulster champions #cavandonegal #BloodySunday #Tipperary – Make Cavan great again!

TJ Reid @_tjreid The GAA is something special. Seeing men with tears of victory in their eyes makes you proud to be a GAA man. #Cavan #Tipperary #football #memories – Hurler watches football game, is moved by the experience… Adrian Weckler @adrianweckler Eir CEO says it was a “mistake” to locate customer care centre in Sligo, says Sligo didn’t have the skills. – We think it was a mistake for Eir CEO to say this Frank Feighan T.D. @FrankFeighan I have been receiving phone calls all morning from the #Sligo business community and Eir staff alike who were frustrated by these inaccurate comments. Similar sized call centre operations have established in Sligo at the same time without these types of issues with Eir. – Eire we go: Local TD gets on to the case…

(Above) Diego Armando Maradona (Right) Frank Feighan T.D.

known better”. The incident also brought attention to the gap in Irish legislation that allows for incidents like this to occur. Photographs of underage women can be classified as child pornography and the legal retribution for this has a clearer path. However, under Irish legislation it is not a crime to share sexual images of adults without their consent. Largely, it is often up to victims to prove ‘intent to cause harm’. In the wake of this, petitions to change Irish legislation were circulated on social media. The petitions garnered tens of thousands of signatures. The cabinet is expected to sign off on legislation to outlaw ‘revenge porn’ in the next week. However, while this is a welcome development, laws alone cannot and will not solve the problem. Educating yourself and others on consent and other people’s experiences, calling people out and speaking up when abuse occurs are all equally fundamental to eliminating a culture that allows abuse, and then blames the victim once it happens. To sign the petition, visit chng.it/LssjZQgZGz, and to donate, visit womensaid.ie.

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

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Call on Minister McConalogue to set up independent appeals panel IFA Deputy President Brian Rushe has said the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue must implement the recommendations of the Independent Review of the Department appeals system as a matter of urgency. This review was carried and published in 2017, and includes a recommendation to establish a new appeals panel with an independent chairperson, and to include a farmer nominee. IFA Deputy President Brian Rushe acknowledged the commitment in the recent Programme for Government to establish the panel, but he said action was needed to make it happen. “Farmers do not perceive

the current appeals office to be sufficiently independent. While we don’t agree with everything in the review, it was widely acknowledged as being a step forward and yet it continues to sit on the shelf,” he said. Brian Rushe said the review group was established in response to genuine concerns about the appeals system. The review recognised the need for change, making several significant recommendations, including the establishment of an Agricultural Appeals Review Panel with an independent Chair. “The Minister must ensure that the independent Agriculture Appeals Review Panel with farmer

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IFA Deputy President Brian Rushe

representation is established and the recommendations of the Committee are implemented without delay. Farmers can then have confidence in the appeals system, and that their cases will be dealt with fairly, impartially and efficiently,” he said.

Roscommon MART WATCH

Elphin Mart Monday evening 30th November: Dry Cows at 6.00p.m in Ring 1 followed by Full Clearance Sale of 35 Suckler Cows for Pauric O Connor Knockcrockery LimX, CHX & SalerX 2nd 3rd & 4th Calvers Incalf to Charolais & Limousin Stock bulls calving January & February. All scanned with Certificates & all export tested. Very good Stocks at 7.30p.m Weanling Sale in Ring 2 at 6.30p.m. Booking by phone. Usual Sheep Sale at 7.00p.m. All sheep must be pre booked. Wednesday 2nd December: Special Heifer Sale including Breeding Heifer and Bullocks at 11.00a.m. Booking by phone. Saturday 5th December: Annual Charolais Christmas Cracker 120 bulls on offer sale at 12.30p.m online buying with MARTBIDS app only. All export tested and may be exported on the day. Viewing by appointment on Friday evening from 8.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. or Saturday morning from 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon. Monday evening 7th December: Dry Cows in Ring 2 at 6.00 p.m. followed by Weanlings. Ring Annual Springer Heifer Sale for Sean Brennan.

33 Top Quality Heifers LimX & SimX Incalf to A.I. Limousin Bull ZAG & Stock Bull calving December to March all export tested, vaccinated for BVD & IPR Sale at 7.00p.m Sharp followed by 20 Top Quality Pure Bred Limousin Heifers, Maiden & Incalf all pre selected Sale at 8.30 p.m.

Please contact: 071 9635061

Businesses: Reach your target market! 18,000 COPIES PRINTED WEEKLY

Dry cows, heifers and bullocks: There were good numbers on offer at last Friday’s sale (November 20th, 2020). There was a lively trade for heifers, with breeding heifers fetching up to €3.18 per kilo (lim heifer 585kgs, €1860). Bidding was swift, with customers having to bid briskly to secure lots. Bullocks’ numbers were small this week due to next week’s special sale of forty pens; prices ranged from €2.15 per kilo up to €2.45 per kilo. A total of sixty-nine dry cows were offered for sale with only one lot unsold; prices ranged from €1.69 per kilo up to €2.10 per kilo. On Friday, November 27th, at 11 am we will have a special sale of bullocks with forty pens on offer, as well as a general sale of heifers and dry cows. Sales commence at 11 am with intake from 7.30 am to 9.30 am. Viewing is by appointment only, from 10 am to 10.45 am. Bidding takes place online only via our app with LSL. Gates close at 9.45 am. On Friday, December 4th, at 11 am, we will have our ‘Christmas Cracker’ sale for bullocks, heifers and dry cows. Bookings will be accepted up to 5 pm on Thursday, November 26th. Please note all customers must wear a facemask or a face covering. Dry cows ranged from €1.69 per kilo up to €2.10 per kilo. Sample prices: Lim X 815kgs €1690, Lim X 860kgs €1590, Lim 805kgs €1580, Lim X 700kgs €1400, Lim X 770kgs €1570, BBX 810kgs €1570, Lim X 835kgs €1560, Char X 760kgs €1500, Lim X 595kgs €1230, Simm X 775kgs €1390, HEX 685kgs €1220, Lim X 590kgs €1240, and Char X 760kgs €1500. Bullocks ranged from an average of €2.15 up to €2.45 per kilo. Sample prices: Lim X 820kgs €1760, Char X 675kgs €1470, Char 685kgs €1460, Char X 655kgs €1450, Char X 420kgs €940, Simm X 460kgs €1010, 2 Lim X 510kgs €1040, and Char X 465kgs €1140. Heifers ranged from an average of €2.27 per kilo up to €3.18 per kilo. Sample prices: Lim X 675kgs €1990, Lim 585kgs €1860, Lim 615kgs €1700, PTX 575kgs €1650, Lim X 500kgs €1530, Lim 540kgs €1510, AA 650kgs €1350, Lim X 480kgs €1280, Lim X 450kgs €1270, 2 Lim X 520kgs €1270, Char X 430kgs €1230, Lim X 425kgs €1220, Simm X 425kgs €1250, Simm X 495kgs €1150, and Simm X 450kgs €1080. Weanlings and suckler cows: The numbers on offer was similar to last week at our sale on Tuesday, November 24th. Trade for weanling heifers was brisk, with only two unsold lots and prices ranged from an average of €2.60 per kilo up to €3.40 per kilo.

The trade for weanlings bulls was slightly easier, in particular for lesser quality lots, with lots fetching from €2.35 per kilo up to €3.75 per kilo. Springers made from €1000 up to €1760. On Tuesday, December 1st, at 4 pm, we will have our ‘Christmas Bonanza’ special sale of weanlings. Bookings will be accepted up to 5 pm on Thursday, November 26th. Covid-19 Level 5 Mart restrictions: Buyers must register to view stock prior to sale, and sellers must drop and leave. Animals will be sold subject and sellers will be informed of their prices by telephone. Instructions for setting up the LSL app is up on our Facebook and website. Weanling heifers made from an average of €2.60 per kilo up to €3.40 per kilo. Sample Prices: Lim X 385kgs €1270 - €3.29 per kilo, Lim X 375kgs €1010 - €2.69 per kilo, Char X 300kgs €1010- €3.36 per kilo, 2 Lim 397kgs €1000 - €2.51 per kilo, Lim X 335kgs €990 - €2.95 per kilo, BBX 360kgs €940 - €2.61 per kilo, Simm X 280kgs €830 - €2.96 per kilo, Char X 250kgs €840€3.40 per kilo, Char X 295kgs €960 - €3.25 and Lim 225kgs €750 - €3.33 per kilo. Weanling bulls made from an average of €2.35 per kilo up to €3.75 per kilo. Sample prices: Char X 410kgs €1050 - €2.56 per kilo, BBX 280kgs €1050 - €3.75 per kilo, Char X 265kgs €920 €3.47 per kilo, Char X 270kgs €810 - €3.00 per kilo, Lim X 245kgs €890 - €3.63 per kilo, Char X 230kgs €790€3.43 per kilo, Lim 275kgs €770 - €2.80 per kilo, AAX 305kgs €700 - €2.29 per kilo, AAX 300kgs €670 – 2.23 per kilo, and Lim 235kgs €710 - €3.02 per kilo. Springers made from €1000 up to €1760. Sheep assembly: There were smaller numbers on offer at our weekly sheep assembly on Wednesday, November 25th, with firm trade for both lambs and ewes. Finished lambs made up to €131 for 50.1kgs, and stag ewes made up to €131.75. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID tag set. On next Wednesday, December 2nd, we will have our weekly sheep sale for lambs and cast ewes at 11 am. Sheep must be prebooked. The yard opens at 8 am, and all stick must be penned by 10 am. Finished lambs, sample prices: 50.1kgs €131, 60kgs €128, 66kgs €127.5, 55.5kgs €127.75, 50kgs €127, 52.5kgs €126, 51.5kgs €125.50, 49.8kgs €125, 49.4kgs €124, 49kgs €122, and 46.7kgs €121. Store lambs, sample prices: 40kgs €100, 39kgs €98, 37.8kgs €97.5, 37kgs €96.5, 36kgs €91, 39.6kgs €82, and 33.6kgs €75. Cast ewes made from €21 to €131.75 per lot.

All Cattle sales shall be ONLINE ONLY on our LSL App Buyers must register to view stock prior to sale. Sellers must drop off their livestock and leave. Animals will be sold subject and Sellers will be informed of their prices by telephone. ----------------------

End of Month Special Sale of Bullocks Friday, November 27th at 11 a.m. 43 Pens on offer Also Heifers & Dry Cows Yard opens at 7.30 a.m. All stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m. ----------------------

Christmas Cracker Special Sale Bullocks & Heifers Friday, December 4th at 11 a.m. Also Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 26th ---------------------Friday, December 11th at 11 a.m.

Bullocks,Heifers & Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 3rd ----------------------

Christmas Bonanza Special Sale of Weanlings Tuesday, December 1st at 4 p.m. Also Suckler Cows/Springers Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 26th ---------------------Tuesday, December 8th

Sale of Weanlings & Suckler Cows at 4 p.m. Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 3rd -------------

Lambs & Cast Ewes at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 2nd Yard open at 8 a.m. Sheep must be penned by 10 a.m. ----------------------

Organic Cattle & Sheep Saturday, November 28th at 12 noon ---------------------Friday, December 4th

Annual Sale of Pedigree Texel In Lamb Shearling Ewes & Maiden Ewe Lambs Viewing 5-7 p.m. Sale at 7 p.m. Sharp ----------------------Friday, December 4th

Liscullane Charollais Sale of 30 Pedigree Registered in Lamb Ewe Hoggets A.I.’d to top sires. Scanned in lamb. Due January 2nd. After Texel Sale- Approx 8 p.m. Eamonn Quinlivan 087 6493472

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

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

Find us on facebook

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

FarmingPeople Dead & Worn-Out Animals

Castlerea MART WATCH There was a good number of stock presented for sale on Thursday last, November 19th, with trade holding up well as we enter the final month of trading. The heifer ring in particular reported an excellent clearance, as heifers peaked at €3.32 a kilo, with breeding lots in particular commanding some fancy prices. The dry cow rings also reported an excellent clearance, with strong demand this week for the forward lots and young cows. Steady trade was reported in the weanling rings, with bulls peaking at €3.31 a kilo and the heifers peaking at €3.27 a kilo. There were an increased number of runners on offer with a good clearance, while numbers and demand for breeding stock also increased. Heifers, sample prices: Chx 385kgs €1280, Lm 420kgs €1150, Lm 390kgs €1020, Lm 480kgs €1330, Ch 615kgs €1340, Ch 535kgs €1220, AAx 620kgs €1230, and Lm 445kgs €1190. Dry cows, sample prices: Lmx 945kgs €1850, Ch 965kgs €1800, AAX 770kgs €1400, Lm 795kgs €1540, AA 505kgs €850, and Lm 650kgs €1190. Cows with calves at foot made from €1180 to €1500

while springers made from €700 to €1600. Runners: Aberdeen Angus and Herefords made from €380 to €540 with continental lots making up to €790. Weanling bulls, sample prices: Lmx 250kgs €770, Lm 205kgs €680, AA 285kgs €650, Lm 365kgs €980, Lm 400kgs €970, Lm 395kgs €930, and Ch 320kgs €880. Weanling heifers, sample prices: Lmx 255kgs €770, Lm 225kgs €730, Sim 330kgs €1080, AA 350kgs €870, Lm 325kgs €820, and Lm 265kgs €690.

Bullock sale There were 150 bullocks on offer at our bullock sale on Monday, November 16th, with an excellent clearance taking place as customers continue to source stock. Sample prices: Lm 490kgs €1150, AA 470kgs €1110, Ch 545kgs €1320, Chx 600kgs €1240, Ch 665kgs €1330, Hex 745kgs €1350, Lm 540kgs €1250, Ch 505kgs €1140, and Sim 530kgs €1130. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart with our weekly sale of heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings on Thursday, November 26th. All sales commence at 11 am.

Contact

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 (090) 96 87651

Calls for Lough Funshinagh to be re-designated < DAN DOONER

At Monday’s monthly meeting, members of Roscommon Council agreed to a proposal seeking the redesignation of Lough Funshinagh from its current status as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in order to allow flood drainage works to proceed at the site. Cllr. Donal Kilduff (Independent) raised the matter at the outset of Monday’s meeting, saying the failure to commence flood alleviation works was “bureaucracy threatening democracy”. He proposed that Roscommon County Council call on the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, specifically the National

Parks and Wildlife Service in order to facilitate the change. Cllr. Laurence Fallon supported the motion and claimed that there was a “very significant crisis in relation to flooding in the area”. Cllr. Fallon also expressed his appreciation to management and staff at the local authority who had vowed to “do everything in their power to protect the most atrisk houses from being flooded”. Fellow Independent Cllr. Tony Ward said he had been raising the issue of flooding at Lough Funshinagh for the past five years. He also highlighted the need for compensation for 45 families affected by the flooding. He called on Roscommon County Council to “keep the pressure on the Office of Public Works” to carry out

a survey in relation to an overflow pipe at the lake. Fine Gael’s Cllr. John Naughten also supported Cllr. Kilduff’s motion and said the cost-benefit analysis of the project was “totally wrong” and that there was a need to move works forward for the sake of residents and local farmers. Fianna Fáil councillor John Keogh said not one of the six members of the Athlone Municipal District were satisfied with the process so far and that he hoped local Oireachtas members would continue to raise the issue at national level. “We have to put the value of people’s lives and livelihoods above the cost of works,” he said.

Lowest price GUARANTEED Daily collection

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

TOM ROGERS

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

Your LOCAL Collector Guaranteed lowest price

Teagasc National Beef Conference goes virtual This year’s Teagasc National Beef Conference moves online with a series of three virtual events to take place across three days, from December 1st-3rd, at 8 pm each day. The focus will be on winter nutrition, animal health and beef markets while improving sustainability. Announcing details of this year’s conference, Pearse Kelly, Teagasc Head of Drystock, commented: “In the past, we have focused on providing the latest research and best advice for beef farmers and this year is no different. Last year we had a huge turnout at the beef conference in Claremorris, Co. Mayo and we will expect a huge amount of interest again this year, despite the fact that the conference is online. “This year, we are focussing on improving animal performance during the winter housing period by optimising growth rates and putting the best health and housing conditions in place. We will also be focusing on producing beef from grass-forage only diets and markets for Irish beef”. The online Teagasc Beef conference is free to join, but registration is required beforehand. All three days will feature a live panel discussion for an hour.

Conference programme Tuesday, December 1st Animal nutrition Facilitated by Michael Slattery from Drummonds, the focus of Tuesday’s webinar is improving the efficiency by optimising performance over the winter housing period. Dr. Mark McGee, Researcher at Teagasc Grange, will outline the optimum growth rate for weanling beef cattle during the winter housing period, while Teagasc Beef Specialist, Martina Harrington, advises on the steps farmers can take to improve the performance of beef weanlings over their first winter indoors.

finishing cattle performance and welfare. As we approach calving season, Dr. Doreen Corridan, Munster Bovine, will advise on the best practice vaccination protocols for suckler cows pre-calving. Thursday, December 3rd

Wednesday, December 2nd

Grass-fed beef Facilitated by Teagasc Director, Professor Gerry Boyle, the focus of Thursday’s webinar is grass-fed beef. Dr. Edward O’Riordan and Dr. Aidan Moloney, Teagasc Grange, will highlight beef production from grass-forage only diets. As Ireland is exporting almost 90% of beef produced in the country, Padraig Brennan, Bord Bia, will be discussing how best we can position Irish grass fed beef in the marketplace.

Animal health Facilitated by Dr. Conor McAloon, UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, the focus of Wednesday’s webinar is animal health. Dr. Bernadette Earley, Teagasc Grange, will bring you the details of recent research on the effect of space allowance and underfoot conditions on indoor

We will have a variety of contributors sharing their expertise and experience, including Teagasc researchers, specialists and industry experts. Further details and registration are available at teagasc.ie/beefcon20. All three sessions are live, and there is an opportunity for viewers to pose their questions for the panellists.

Virtual Beef Conference 1st, 2nd & 3rd December | 8pm Join us online on Tuesday 1st, Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd December at 8pm, as we will bring you the latest beef research and the best technical advice for beef farmers with a live, hour-long, interactive webinar each evening. The webinars will address three topics: • Achieving target performance for weanlings during their first winter • Improving beef health and welfare • Exploiting the full potential of Irish grass fed beef For more information visit:

www.teagasc.ie/beefcon20 #BeefCon20

Book your virtual seat today!

Open the camera on your phone to scan the QR code

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

Business

‘Some businesses unaware of Restart Grant’ Fears expressed for up to 456 local businesses

< DAN DOONER

Concerns have been raised among members of Roscommon County Council after it emerged that 456 businesses in the county hadn’t applied for the Government Restart Grant prior to its closing date on October 31st. During a presentation of the local authority’s finances at Monday’s monthly

meeting, Director of Services Martin Lydon said that initial uptake of the grant option had been very slow. Mr. Lydon said that there had been a total of 581 applications totalling €1.8 million and 866 Restart Grant Plus applications totalling €4.4 million. There is now a total of €8.2 million to be paid to businesses and funding has been received.

The meeting heard that restrictions have made it difficult to ascertain why certain businesses had not applied, and therefore there was currently no way of knowing which of the 456 non-applicants would remain in business. Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Laurence Fallon said despite efforts to highlight supports, some business owners were still una-

ware of the grant. “It is a significant worry that 456 businesses did not apply but despite the huge effort by Roscommon County Council staff, some business owners were still unaware of the Restart Grant,” he said. Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice (Fianna Fáil) said the pandemic would inevitably lead to some closures. “As a ratepayer myself, I’m well aware

of the difficult times we are in. Businesses will close and the lights will go off for good for some in County Roscommon,” he said, before urging the Chamber to support local businesses ahead of the Christmas period. Cllr. Tony Ward (Independent) also raised concerns and called on the local authority to reach out to businesses which hadn’t applied for grants.

Local café owner: ‘Hospitality sector is on its knees’

Timothy’s Londis Plus in Abbeytown, Roscommon celebrated 20 years in business in 2019, and while 2020 has been extremely challenging, the family-run supermarket has continued to offer an essential service for the people of Roscommon town. Kate, Daniel and Clodagh pictured at Timothy’s Londis Plus in Abbeytown this week. Pic: Mick McCormack

Could Roscommon town become a Civil Service hub? Independent TD Denis Naughten says Roscommon town has the potential to become a key remote working hub for the Civil Service. Speaking after questioning the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, on the need for a flexible work policy in her Department, which has one of its main offices in Roscommon town, he said: “Last year’s Budget announced the establishment of an inter-departmental Government group to look at allowing for civil servants to work from other

Government Offices where they would have ‘hot desk’ access to their own Department. “In the case of the Department of Social Protection it would allow staff working in the pensions area or carers area for example to work from a desk in Roscommon Town rather than having to travel to Longford or Sligo on a daily basis”. Responding, Minister Humphreys stated that she is supportive of such a measure and that she is actively working on such proposals at present.

Local café owner Andrew Reynolds has called on NPHET and the government to permit the reopening of cafés and restaurants in the weeks before Christmas, saying that the hospitality sector is “currently on its knees”. Speaking this week, the Rooskey native, who has a number of catering businesses’ throughout the midlands, said: “I fully agree with infectious disease specialist Dr. Sam McConkey, who has called for the reopening of non-essential retail in the weeks before Christmas if it can be done in a socially distanced way. “However, I believe that is only fair that cafes and restaurants also be permitted to open under certain conditions at this time,

as currently the hospitality industry is quite frankly on its knees. As the owner of a number of cafes and restaurants, I have witnessed first-hand the financial and social impact this has had on both proprietors and employees and this cannot continue. “Christmas brings extra pressure and expense on families and this must be taken into consideration when the current lockdown comes to an end in early December and further decisions are made on what will happen for the seasonal time. “Hopefully, common sense will prevail and an agreement will be reached that will be safe and successful for all parties involved,” Mr. Reynolds concluded.

Hotel owners call for easing of restrictions The owners of the Abbey Hotel in Roscommon have called for the urgent easing of county travel restrictions and for indoor dining to be permitted in the “very safe environment” which hotels can provide. “Grealy’s family-run Abbey Hotel in Roscommon have been in business in the town for almost 60 years, and like many others in the hospitality sector have invested heavily in providing the

very best of safety procedures and training standards which have been implemented for the safety and well-being of our customers and staff”, explained Geraldine Grealy, Marketing & Public Relations Manager. “When we do reopen all our guests are assured of a safe and welcoming stay with the strictest of safety protocols in place to give you added peace of mind during your visit”.

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

PropertyPeople

PROPERTY PARTNERS FOR SALE BY ONLINE AUCTION

PRIME LANDS CONTAINING APPROX. 19.5 ACRES IN TOTAL LOCATED AT

CLOONFREE, STROKESTOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON

Online auction on Wednesday 9th December from 12pm – 1pm.

ipav

Institute of Professional Auctioneer & Valuers

PSRA Licence No. 001481

FINAL OFFERS INVITED

A QUALITY 3 B/R BUNGALOW RESIDENCE OF APPROX. 1,130 SQ.FT LOCATED AT

THE WALK, ROSCOMMON TOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON, F42 XY24 Final offers after €150,000 to sell.

EARLEY

NEW TO THE MARKET

A LUXURY NEWLY EXTENDED AND FULLY MODERNISED 3 B/R BUNGALOW RESIDENCE OF APPROX. 1,420 SQ.FT LOCATED AT

THE GALWAY ROAD, ROSCOMMON TOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON, F42 RH61. All offers after €230,000 to sell.

Reserve: €90,000 (the entire)

An ultra luxurious 3 B/R semi-detached bungalow residence which has just been fully renovated and extended. The said property offers a high quality and ultra modern fit-out standing on a large site area of approx. 0.49 of an acre. (with potential).

To register, download legal packs to bid, use the following link:

A most attractive 3 B/R bungalow residence located in a select residential area close to Roscommon town center. The said property offers spacious living accommodation throughout together with lawns to the front and storage shed to the side. The auctioneers now invite immediate enquiries, viewings and final offers after €150,000 to sell. BER: D1.

https://offr.io/property/cloonfree-county-roscommonireland/1139?action=auction

Legal: Jennifer Liddy, Messers Liddy Neilan & Co, Roscommon. 090 66 27498.

Prime lands set out in two lots and located on the main N5 route approx. 2.4km from Strokestown. Standing on the said lands is a 2 bay back to back slatted shed with central passage and lie back area off.

Offering a luxurious and light filled interior, the property is presented for sale in turn key condition with the benefit of underfloor heating via an air to water heat source pump, high end flooring, timber work and bathroom ware. This is a property that must be viewed to be fully appreciated and the auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers after €230,000 to sell.

Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon Email: jearley@propertypartners.ie www.propertypartners.ie Tel: (090) 6626579 / 6626796 Fax: (090) 6625405

CO. ROSCOMMON – NEW TO THE MARKET POA NO 5 ARD NA GREINE, ATHLONE RD, ROSCOMMON.

Call 090 662 7200

GOFF STREET, ROSCOMMON Find out more at mysherryfitz.ie Barrymore House, Barrymore, Athlone, Co. Roscommon, N37 W5D9.

New to the market – luxurious Barrymore House Barrymore House (N37 W5D9) is situated circa 5km from Athlone town on the N61 road to Roscommon. The area offers peace, tranquillity and is close to all amenities. This prestigious house is spacious and well located and would be an ideal property for those seeking a family home of distinction which is

pleasantly situated in a country setting yet not too far from the town centre. BER: B1. Price Region: €725,000. Please contact Oates Auctioneers for further details, Church Street, Roscommon town, telephone: 090 6627878. E-mail info@oates.ie; Website: www.oates.ie.

CO. ROSCOMMON

€165,000

NO 8 SHANNON GROVE, BALLYLEAGUE CO ROSCOMMON

• Large 5 bed Semi-detached residence with large private garden. • Situated in the popular Ard Na Greine peaceful residential area. • Located adjacent to Roscommon County Hospital , Hyde Park Football Pitch and in close proximity to Roscommon Golf Club, and Roscommon Town Centre and all its amenities • In need of modernisation offering excellent potential and value. • Excellent family home or an ideal investment. BER: C3 Eircode: F42KP94 CALL DAVID FLYNN : 090 6627200; EMAIL: PBURKE@SFPBURKE.IE

CO. ROSCOMMON

€300,000

CRUBY HILL HOUSE, GALWAY ROAD, ROSCOMMON TOWN.

• 4 bedroom semidetached residence in the much sought after estate of Shannon Grove. • Finished to a high standard including coving, cornicing, stove fireplace with back boiler. • Ground floor entrance hall, sitting room, kitchen/ dining room, utility and W.C. First floor 4 bedrooms with fitted wardrobe, one en-suite, main bathroom and hot press. • Turn key condition, bright and spacious. • Manicured garden front and rear with patio area. • Walking distance to the village of Ballyleague with all its amenities. Eircode: N39H227 BER: C1

• A rare opportunity to acquire a seven bedroom detached property in a great location less than 5 minutes from Roscommon Town. • Bright and spacious with south facing conservatory . • Large mature garden surrounding the property allowing great privacy. • Close to all amenities such as Secondary School, Primary School, Church, train station and supermarkets. BER: D1 Eircode: F42FX53

CALL DAVID FLYNN : 090 6627200; EMAIL: PBURKE@SFPBURKE.IE

It’s not just about property. It’s about people. PSRA No. 001316

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

PropertyPeople

New to the market at Earley’s: prime Castleplunkett farmyard This week, John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley is offering, new to the market, a substantial farmyard, standing on approximately 2.5 acres of lands at Drishaghaun East, Castleplunkett, Co. Roscommon. John describes the farmyard as “a three-bay slatted with onebay lie-back shed and four-bay dry-stock shed lean tos with calving pen attached (approximately 2,900 square feet); a three-bay and four-bay slatted shed with four-bay creep off (approximately 3,400 square feet.); a four-bay back-to-back hay barn with four-bay machinery shed lean tos and four-bay storage shed lean tos (approximately 4,250 square feet); a large silage slab; a bulk storage feeder; and a yard with cattle crush and pen thereon”.

Corramore, Kiltoom

Three-bedroomed bungalow at Corramore, Kiltoom Drishaghaun East, Castleplunkett, Co. Roscommon.

The auctioneers now invite immediate viewing and offers after €50,000 to sell. Joint selling agents: John Callaghan, Callaghan Auctioneering, Castlerea: 094 9620102. Legal: Brian O’Brien, Messers Byrne Car-

Quality Ballygar residence with Earley’s

olan & Cunningham Solicitors, Athlone: 090 6478433. For further details, or to arrange a map, please contact John Earley (FIPAV) on 090 6626579 or email jearley@propertypartners.ie.

This week, John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley is offering, new to the market, a most attractive, four-bedroomed, detached, two-storey residence of approximately 1,365 square feet, located at Tully, Ballygar, Co. Galway, F42 HY88. All offers after €200,000 to sell. Offering spacious living accommodation and all modern conveniences, this is a quality family home that must be viewed in order to be fully appreciated. The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers after €200,000 to sell. Legal: Sinead Neilan, Messers Liddy Neilan & Co., Roscommon, 090 6627498. For further details, or to arrange a viewing, please contact John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090 6626579, or email jearley@propertypartners.ie. Tully, Ballygar, Co. Galway

This three-bedroomed bungalow, sitting on a large site of circa 0.53 acres, is situated in an excellent location just a short distance from the Hodson Bay Hotel and Athlone Town centre, close to the M6 Dublin-Galway motorway. It’s on the books of Ivan Connaughton Auctioneers. In need of internal modernisation, this property represents excellent value and holds huge potential for future expansion and renovation. There is an array of outbuildings adjacent to the residence, as well as a concrete yard. With a host of additional features, including

laid lawns to front and rear, six stables, a shed to the rear (21`4’x14`10”), an open shed to the rear (17`5’x12`3”), and another shed to the front (15`3”x13`2”). Services include mains water electricity and a septic tank. Accommodation includes a porch to the front, reception hallway, living room, kitchen/dining room, utility room, back hallway, three bedrooms and a bathroom. In order to secure your appointment contact the office on 09066 63700 or email info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie.

Four-bedroomed residence for sale in Ballyforan Connaughton Auctioneers are delighted to present to the market this four-bedroomed, semidetached, dormer bungalow with a large shed to the rear in the village of Ballyforan, adjacent the local Church. Number 5, Ashbrook Close is a delightful property that is ready for immediate occupation and decorated to a high standard. There has been the addition of an extension to the house, which contains a large utility room and guest WC. This property comes high-

ly recommended for viewing. Contact the office on 090

6663700 or email info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie.

Ballaghaderreen mid-terrace property well worth viewing This week, Sherry FitzGerald P Burke of Goff St., Roscommon is offering a front row, midterrace four-bedroomed property for sale on the edge of Ballaghaderreen town.

Looking to sell? We have buyers! Our services include: • Sales – Sell your home! • Lettings & Rentals • Property Management – We will manage all aspects of your rental property • Valuations – FREE pre-sale valuation No Sale – No Charge Web: www.kleavyauctioneer.com Tel. 071 96 34737

11, River Oaks, Kilcolman, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon is a spacious, well proportioned, fourbedroomed, mid-terrace residence which would be an ideal family home or investment property with excellent rental potential. This property would also suit first-time buyers. Downstairs accommodation comprises of a spacious, tiled entrance hall, guest WC, large living room to the left with an open fireplace, kitchen/ dining room with built-in units, tiled floors and double patio doors, leading to the large, lawned garden to the rear. On the first floor, there are four bedrooms – all with timber-style floors and one ensuite – a main family bathroom and a hot press. Viewing of this centrally located, four-bedroomed property is a must. Contact the selling agent David at Sherry FitzGerald P. Burke, Goff Street, Roscommon, on 0906627200, or email pburke@sfpburke.ie.

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

PropertyPeople

NEW TO THE MARKET

NEW TO THE MARKET c. 17.3 Acres at

3 B/R Residence On c.36 Acres at

5 Ashbrook Avenue, Ballyforan, Co. Roscommon, H53 K2D6

Fairymount, Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon

Ishlaun, Drumalassan & Barnaboy, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon F45 RT62

4 B/R Semi-Detached Residence at

• Very attractive four bedroom semi-detached residence in prestine condition throughout • Located in much sough area within in walking distance of all amenities and convenient to Athlone, Roscommon Town and Ballinasloe • Viewing comes highly recommended and is strictly by appointment with the auctioneer • To arrange a viewing, contact the office on 0906663700 • Viewings at evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays also accommodated

NEW TO THE MARKET 4 B/R Bungalow at

The Old Station House, Ballymurray, Co. Roscommon, F42 K231

• Prime parcel of lands comprising c. 17.3 Acres • Located on quiet cul de sac road, with unrivalled views of the surrounding countryside, convenient to Roscommon Town and Strokestown • These lands hold huge potential and the auctioneer invites enquires and offers for immediate sale • For further information, contact the office on 0906663700 or email info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie

Buying, selling, renting or need a Valuation?

NEW TO THE MARKET

• The individual lots hold huge potential and are being offered for sale as follows: • Lot 1: Residence & Outbuildings on c. 6.85 Acres • Lot 2: c. 2.2 Acres (Across from Residence) • Lot 3: c. 8.15 Acres • Lot 4: c. 2.95 Acres • Lot 5: c. 15.85 Acres • Lot 6: Entire Property • To arrange a viewing, contact the office on 0906663700 • Viewings at evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays also accommodated

NEW TO THE MARKET 4 B/R Bungalow at

Skrine, Rahara, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 W951

Visit our new look website connaughtonauctioneers.ie • Attractive four bedroom residence in good condition located on the main Roscommon/ Athlone Road, adjacent level crossing • The residence has been recently renovated and boasts spacious living accommodation throughout • Viewing comes highly recommended and can be arranged by contacting the office • To arrange a viewing, contact the office on 0906663700 • Viewings at evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays also accommodated

WE REQUIRE PROPERTIES IN ALL LOCATIONS FOR AWAITING BUYERS

• Attractive four bedroom bungalow in need of modernisation with extensive range of outbuildings • Altogether standing on c.0.61 Acres, located on quiet country cul-de-sac road, c. 5 miles from Roscommon Town • To arrange a viewing, contact the office on 0906663700 • Viewings at evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays also accommodated

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

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

CHIROPODIST

CHIMNEY CLEANING

PODIATRIST

Stephen Casey

Construction

For all foot ailments Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I.

Department of Health Approved

Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea

For appointment: (094) 96 21647 / (089) 4142233 • Home visits • 20 years experience

PODIATRIST/ CHIROPODIST Mark Kilgallon B.Sc Podiatry (Hons) M.Ch.S.I. Department of Health Approved

EVERY FRIDAY St. Joseph’s Resource Centre, Boyle For appointment

085 1503353 086 8538404

Email: m.kilgallon23@gmail.com

• House Visits • Insoles and Orthotics Prescribed • Chiropody Services

Clinics also in Ballaghaderreen and Castlebar

Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for non-publication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a 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.

CONSTRUCTION

General Building Extensions & Roofing l Groundworks l Renovations l

Complete Chimney Services

Chimney Cleaning

• Power brush and vacuum technology for cleaning chimneys, stoves, ranges and open fires

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS • Firebacks replaced and flues repaired • Can be cleaned from the bottom up • Chimney cowels and crow guards fitted Power washing and gutter cleaning services. Telephone:

087 2798704

CONNAUGHT CHIMNEY CLEANING Chimneys Power Sweep ( no mess) - Openfire - Stoves - Ranges Chimney CCTV Inspection OIL BOILERS SERVICED Burners Repaired CARPETS CLEANING Satellite and Digital TV Installation All areas covered Mob: 086 2495851 www.connaughtchimney cleaning.com

CHIROPRACTOR ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Telephone: 086 8433433

Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon. David Connor

BSC (Hon.) Chiro. MSc. Chiropractic Association of Ireland

VHI and Laya Covered

COMPUTERS DC Computer Services Providing IT services for Homes, Businesses & Schools. Home Callouts.

NO FIX NO FEE

PC Maintenance – Upgrades, Repairs, Virus & Spyware removal. Network Solutions – Cabling, Hardware & Software Installation & Maintenance. Contact David Conboy Tel: 087 7496459 Email: info@dccomputerservices.ie Web: www.dccomputerservices.ie

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

COUNSELLING

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY Are you affected by Anger Issues, Bullying, Bereavement, Confidence/self-esteem issues, OCD, Stress, Depression, Eating disorders Panic/Anxiety, Relationships, Exam pressure, Sexual Abuse Contact: Billy 094 96 59966 Mobile: 086 0675433 or visit www.billybrogan.com

COUNSELLING Are you experiencing difficulties in your life? Such as depression, anxiety, life or spiritural crisis. Are you having difficulties in relationships at work? Have you experienced sexual abuse or abuse and need counselling to help you? Please call Glynis on

085 2514394

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

https://www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

DRIVING LESSONS

Paul McStay

DSA/ADI (UK) RSA MIAM ROSPA Approved Driving Instructor Former BSM Driving Instructor and UK advanced Met. Police Driver. GIFT VOUCHER CARDS AVAILABLE Castlerea & Roscommon

EDT Lessons Available Telephone:

094 96 20099 Mobile:

086 8936012

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

FENCING/GATES

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD l l

For all your fencing needs. GLAS Fencing Grant Fencing Post Rail

FENCING/GATES

GARDENING

Des Kelly Fencing Over 20 years in business All types of fencing supplied and erected Including: • Cresoted Posts • Agricultural Fencing • Site Fencing • Security Fencing • Post & Rail Fencing • Concrete Fencing • Grant Approved Fencing No job too big or too small Just give us a call on

GATELY GARDENING

Four Roads, Co. Roscommon • Landscaping • Timber Decking • Patios • General Maintenance Contact Liam on 086 8749550 or 090 66 27496

• Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped

FARMING < ABATTOIR SERVICE AVAILABLE: Cattle, lambs and pigs. Ready for freezing. Home Cured and Honey Dry cured traditional bacon (not pumped with water) now available. Tel: Webb’s Butcher’s, 094 96 20005 or 086 4094715

Comprehensive Insurance Cover. I.S.A. member.

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165

www.parklawntreeservices.

JOE HEALY

< TO LET: 8 acres of good grass for sheep, until March near Elphin (East). Tel: 089 4828147

< FOR SALE: Tractor trailer 9x6, new larch timber, low twin wheels, new tyres. Suitable for bog or gardening. Tel: 087 1430158

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

Phone:

087 2721193 WALTER BEGLEY

Gardening, Maintenance & Painting Roscommon Town • Indoor & Outdoor Painting • Winter Garden Clean-Up • Power Washing Driveways - Paths • Prepare Lawns for Spring • Hedge Trimming • Planting • Grass Cutting • General Maintenance

Contact Walter on 087 9519873

CORBETT

Tel: 087 2172281

MATHS GRINDS

NOW ONLINE! - Weekly live classes - Highly interactive - Continuous assessment - Excellent results record Contact by phone/text:

Lorraine Kenny 086 3688302

EMAIL: roscommonmathsgrinds @gmail.com

Tree Services

• Hedge Cutting • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Fully Insured

GARDENING GARDENING SERVICES

< ONLINE SPANISH TUITION/GRINDS: For 1st, 2nd and JC pupils. (small classes). Fully qualified teacher with 20+ years teaching 1st-Hons. Level L.C. Top results in state exams. Mobile: 083 0198884. Facebook: Miss McSpanish. Email:missmcspanish@ gmail.com

ROSCOMMON

087 2346364

FOR SALE

GRINDS

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

l General Maintenance Dangerous Tree Removal l Garden Hedges & Trees reduced and shaped l Wood Chipping l Fully Insured Contact Alan on

087 6558597

www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic Movement Matters 20 years experience treating babies to adults. Everyday aches & pains to sports injuries. Physical Therapy CranioSacral Therapy Medical Dry Needling Prescription Orthotics Pilates – Small Classes

Can we help you? Call us today to enquire 090 663 0009 Like us on Facebook www.rosptc.com 1 Castleview, Roscommon F42 C902

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

Classifieds PAINTING & DECORATING

PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AVAILABLE FOR ALL EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR PAINTING

Tried & Trusted Since 1993

Phone JOHN

083 8838022 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR For all your decorating needs CONTACT JOHN

086 4679798 PAINTER & DECORATOR Private & Commercial Power washing 25 years experience Free Estimates Given

Phone Alan on:

090 6661635 or Mobile:

087 2683079 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

PERSONAL < WANTED: Looking for English Springer Spaniel breeder. Claregalway/Castlerea area, I purchased a pup eight years ago, could the gentleman please contact me. Tel: 087 2252160

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

PLANNINGS

Design Consultation Planning Applications New Build, Extend, Renovate Bespoke Design Domestic, Commercial & Agricultural

086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission on behalf of Mark Whelan to construct a dwellinghouse, garage, waste water treatment system and associated siteworks at Moore North, Ballydangan, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Seamus Murray, Project Managers, Engineers & Surveyors. Ph: (087) 2222874. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that 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 and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Brothers of Charity Roscommon intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to extend and refurbish existing Peter Triest Centre to side of existing premises by way of toilets and kitchenette, associated works and services at Peter Triest Centre, Athlone Road, Ballypheasan, 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 the prescribed fee of €20 within the 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.

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Thomas and Karen Loughnane, intend to apply for planning permission for development at Cloonfad, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of the construction of a two storey dwelling house (c.228 sq.m.), domestic garage (60 sq.m), waste water treatment system and all associated site works.

This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the planning office, Roscommon County Council, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon, during office hours 9.15 a.m. – 5.30 p.m., Monday to Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority in payment of a fee of €20 within the 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: APS Consulting Engineers

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Fr. Jarek Maszkiewicz, intend to apply for Permission for the following; the installation of a toilet facility, connection to existing services and all other associated site works at St. Cecilia’s Church, Granaghan (Dillon) Townland., Curraghroe, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 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 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: Murtagh Engineering Chartered Consulting Engineers, Tarmonbarry, Co Roscommon. Ph: (086) 3490965 www.mbeprojects.com

PODIATRIST

The Galway Podiatrist FOOT AND ANKLE CLINIC

Aoife Reilly BSc Pod, MChSI, SCPI (registered with VHI, AVIVA, LAYA & GloHealth)

ForFor Bookings Contact: College Road, Bookings Contact:

(087) 707 5803

Mountbellew, Co Galway H53 D7W8

(087) 707 5803 (Saturday & evening appointments available)

(Saturday & evening appointments available) Treanrevagh, Mountbellew, Co. Galway H53 D7W8

REFLEXOLOGY

REFLEXOLOGY MARINA FUREY (MNRRI)

Reflexology may bring relief from conditions such as: • Allergies • Colic • Eczema • Constipation • Migraine • Back Problems • Stress • Infertility • Insomnia • Respiratory Disorders • Blood Pressure • Pain • Bowel Disorders • Joint/Muscle Problems • Thyroid Imbalance • Emotional Disorders - Fertility Reflexology - Ante Natal Reflexology - Baby Reflexology - Cancer Care Reflexology - Special Needs Reflexology Mobile Service Available Marina Furey B. Sc. (Hons)

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 087 2264951 Find us on facebook

TERESA BURKE BNS (Hons). M.Sc (Hons) (MNRRI)

Certified Reflexologist Give your mind and body a relaxing experience with a reflexology treatment. Through massage of the feet reflexology can • rebuild energy levels in the body • assist in relieving stress • encourage relaxation • improve general wellbeing Reflexology is based on the principle that the foot has “reflex” points that correspond to the various structures and organs throughout the body. Contact TERESA for appointment at

087 9001212

Teresa Burke Brideswell, Co. Roscommon N37 EW 20

USEFUL SERVICES

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

OIL BOILER SERVICE

ONLY €80 Includes new nozzle, Efficiency report, Printout, etc .... 094 96 31880 087 9100477

USEFUL SERVICES

Electrician Available Safe Electric Registered. Domestic and Industrial, All work considered. No Job too small. Phone Paul 086 2553153 or 090 666 3053 or Email p0862553153@ gmail.com.

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS: WASHING MACHINE, REPAIRS, DISHWASHER REPAIRS, OVEN AND TUMBLE DRYER REPAIRS Contact Paul on 086 0538977 087 4046478 071 9664207 www.appliance-repairs.ie

USEFUL SERVICES

Plumbing & Maintenance • Bathroom planning and design to suit you • All aspects of plumbing and maintenance • Boiler Servicing • Heating Installation • Call for FREE QUOTATION

Contact Luke on

085 7359120 Working throughout current restrictions with full PPE equipment.

PEAT BEDDING

TURF AVAILABLE Tel: Donal

086 2721812 (All areas)

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED PERMIT NO: NW CPO - 09 - 03267 - 03

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD WANTED: Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch and Whitethorn. We are safety certified and insured. Phone:

086 2437376

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

< TOP QUALITY TURF: 10x6 Loads of Turf, saved in good weather and stored in dry shed, will deliver. Phone: 083 0684011

< ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE: Rewires, first and second fix new houses, fuse board upgrade. All farm buildings and sheds, security lighting and garden lights. Tel: Tom on 086 0815802.

< FIREWOOD & TURF: High quality seasoned hardwood timber split and turf, suitable for stoves and open-fire. Available in 500kg bulk bag and 25kg bag. Very competitively priced and delivery can be discussed. Call 086 3312411 after 6pm.

Do you have a house or shed that you want cleaned out and all unwanted items removed? If so ring: 087 9657933 or 090 6626752

Agricultural Powerwashing Services • Cow Sheds • Slatted Sheds • Sheep Sheds • Yards • Milking Parlours Contact Padraig today for a keen quote

086 6027509 WE CLEAN THE MESS YOU HAVE NO STRESS!

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

< TURF FOR SALE: In tonne bags, delivery to Roscommon town and surrounding areas. Price €50. Bag and delivery also included in price. Tel: 086 8534011

< THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Bags of seasoned firewood only €2 per bag• Bags of turf only €2.50 per bag, buy 20 get 2 free • Tonne bags firewood/turf €35 per bay, or buy tonne firewood + tonne turf + 2 bags coal 20kg all for €80 delivered. • Stove coal 40kg bags only €14, buy 10 bags get 1 20kg bag coal free. • 8x4 trailer load firewood only €90. All includes free delivery. Contact Tom: 086 2628439

SITUATIONS VACANT < CHILDMINDER: Needed for toddler in own home from January 21st, Roscommon town. 30-35 hour per week Monday to Friday, hours to be confirmed. Light housework. Experience and references required. Text only to 086 2000432

Carpenter/Builder We are looking for carpenters with general construction knowledge in house renovations from grounds to finish. Email: silveira911@gmail. com

To have your advert seen by over 70,000 people every week advertise with us!

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

The local paper! OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time TEL: 090 66 34633 EMAIL: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

Classifieds PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Colette and Eddie Gallagher, intend applying to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission for demolition of existing dwelling house and construction of a replacement dwelling house, domestic store, connection to services, access onto the public road with 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 Ltd Dorrary, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Roscommon Tel: 086 1701549

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Joe Kelly am applying to Roscommon County Council for Outline Planning Permission to construct dwelling house and connect to all services and carryout all ancillary site works at Site No. 10 The Well, Cortober Td, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of 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. Signed: James Lohan Consulting Engineer Ltd. Unit 5, Ballypheasan House, Circular Rd, Roscommon, F42 C982 M: 087 8228529 M: 087 9595520 T: 090 6634365, Email: james@jlce.ie or aaron@jlce.ie www.jlce.ie

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying for planning permission for erection of dwelling house and domestic garage, with septic tank and percolation area and ancillary site development works at Corraclogh, Kiltoom, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Joey Cunniffe and Shauna Fox The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 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.

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

FAMILYNOTICES

APPOINTMENTS

Qualified Electrician and Apprentice Electrician

Dispatch Co-ordinator Opportunity Service Matters is Ireland’s largest independent provider in the Managed Workwear and Hygiene Rental sector. We are recruiting for the following role:

(1st, 2nd or 3rd year) Required in the Longford, Leitrim or Roscommon area for immediate start. Please send CV to: PO Box No 2041c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

Dispatch Co-Ordinator – Roscommon The main duties of the Dispatch Co-Ordinator will be the smooth functioning of all loading/unloading activities. Successful candidate must have strong interpersonal skills to liaise with all departments to ensure all loads are correct and loaded safely, ensuring smooth organisation of all stock for drivers. Forklift licence is a essential

Please email CVs to: recruitment@servicematters.ie Golf Links Road | Roscommon | F42 DW26 | 090 662 7477 www.servicematters.ie

GENERAL MACHINERY &

Apprentice Motor Mechanic and Apprentice Panel Beater IMPROVERS ALSO REQUIRED Please call Michael on 086 2535559

PRAYER TO ST. EXPEDITE For urgent need... Our dear martyr and protector, Saint Expedite, you who know what is necessary and what is urgently needed. I beg you to intercede before the Holy Trinity, that by your grace my request will be granted. (Clearly express what you want and ask him to  find a way to get it to you.)  May I receive your blessings and favours. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. If Saint Expedite grants your request, place fresh flowers beside his statue in your home or in the church. Also place an ad in the newspaper thanking Saint Expedite, so that his name and fame will grow. M.Mc.

Longford Town (Evening shift)

Essential: l

Safepass, Forklift, Digger tickets l Clean Driving Licence l References required

BURKE’S GARAGE We have vacancies for

PLANT OPERATIVES

Email CV’s to: Niall@mimergy.com Clashaganny Cross, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon

THANKSGIVINGS

COOK/CHEF REQUIRED

For Dolan’s Bar, Creggs l Experience desired l Immediate Start Contact Joe at joe@futurelegacy.co.uk

Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon Third generation Monumental Sculptors specialising in: • New Headstones • New Inscriptions • Restoration and Cleaning of Monuments • Wall Plaques and Name Plates • Grave Maintenance Service Contact James on 087 3549574 or David on 087 6086723 E-mail: anthonymurrayandsons@gmail.com

Rogers Funeral Directors PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Frank Wall, intend to apply for permission for development at this site; Mount Prospect Lodge, Ardsallagh Beg Td., Golf Links Road, Roscommon Town, County Roscommon, F42 E179. The development consists of (1) proposed single storey extension to front and rear of existing dwelling to accommodate additional living space, (2) elevational changes to window openings, (3) loft conversion to accommodate a bedroom and ensuite and (4) alteration to vehicular entrance.

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying for planning permission for construction of single storey dwelling house with connection to public services and ancillary development at Cloonbrackna Court, Cloonbrackna Td., Roscommon. Signed: Gerard and Michelle McNeill The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 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.

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We Anthony and Sinead Blackweir intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission to construct a dwellinghouse, waste water treatment system and soil polishing filter and associated siteworks at Corraree and Ballygatta, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Anthony & Sinead Blackweir. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that 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 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.

Rooskey

(Covering Rooskey and surrounding areas)

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Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

Classifieds

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FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES MONAGHAN Denis and Mary (14th and 5th Anniversaries) In loving memory of Denis who died on the 6th December 2006 and Mary who died on the 28th December 2015.

QUIGLEY Bridget (Bridie)

Ballybride, Roscommon Who died 17 October 2020

BRIAN MURRAY MEMORIALS

GANNON Oliver Stonepark, Galway Road, Roscommon Who died 1st December 2010 (10th Anniversary)

• Superior Quality Headstones • Restoration work carried out • New Inscriptions added

CONTACT HAZEL

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God looked around the garden and saw two empty spaces He then looked down upon the earth, and saw your tired faces He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest God’s garden must be beautiful for He only takes the best. He saw the road was getting rough, and the hills were hard to climb, so He closed your weary eyelids and whispered “Peace be thine.” It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone; for part of us went with you both, the day God called you Home.

Lovingly remembered by their son Denis, daughter-in-law Vera and grandchildren Amy and Shane. Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague on Sunday, 6th December at 10am.

Notice re. Memoriams and Anniversaries

The family of the late Bridie Quigley wish to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised with them on their recent sad bereavement. Sincere thanks to those who offered condolences, sent expressions of sympathy, telephoned, sent mass and sympathy cards, text messages, posted messages of sympathy on RIP.ie and sent floral wreaths. We thank people who left food and gifts to the house. We thank all those who stood out along the route to pay their respects as Bridie made her final journey to the Church and graveyard. We thank the local gardai for organising a Garda Escort that morning. Sincere thank you to Fr. Joe who celebrated the funeral Mass and for his touching homily. We also thank him for his monthly visits to Bridie’s home. Thank you to Catherine for the lovely music and singing and to the Sacristan. Our sincere thanks to Pat Smith who carried out the funeral arrangements in such a caring, dignified and professional manner. Thanks to the gravediggers who prepared Bridie’s final resting place. Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Wojciech, Dr. Sweeney and Dr. Verity at the Medical Centre; the staff at Chemco; her nurses Margaret Sexton and Martina and her palliative care nurses Marie, Patricia and Dee. We especially want to thank Bridie’s main carer Sheila Hegarty together with Mary Murray, Ann McDonagh and Mary Kelly who took excellent care of Bridie in the last few months of her life. As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere gratitude and appreciation for your support.

Costello Elizabeth

Scrine, Athleague, www.brianmuraystone.com Co. Roscommon E: brianmurraystone@gmail.com We miss your smile, your joking ways, we miss the things you used to say. Thinking of you is easy, we do it every day, but missing you is a heartache, that never goes away.

Missing you always, from your loving wife Eileen and family Olivia, Declan, Darach, Kieran, Evelyn and Jason, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law and grandchildren. Masses offered.

GILLERAN Peter Hillside House, The Walk, Roscommon and Castlerea Who died 6th October 2012 (8th Anniversary)

BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE

HICKEY Patrick (Patsy) Cloonara, Roscommon (4th Anniversary)

In loving memory of a dear wife, mother and grandmother

SHIEL Eileen Carniska, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon (2nd Anniversary) Who died on 28th November 2018

In loving memory of Patsy who died on 21st November 2016 Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. They live on in the kindness they showed, the comfort they shared and the love brought into our lives.

Always missed by Pauline and family. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ We can never forget him we don’t even try, we just miss him more as time goes by.

Noel and Sally.

God saw the road was getting tough and the hills were hard to climb, so He closed your weary eyelids and whispered “Peace Be Thine.”

Always remembered and loved by her husband Pete, children, grandchildren and sisters Phil and Marion.

16 Circular Road, Roscommon

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DORAN Margaret In loving memory of my dear mother Elizabeth Sunshine fades, shadows fall, memories of you outlast them all. Unseen, unheard you are always near, still missed, still very dear.

Loved and remembered by Martina, Jimmy, Jude and Sinéad. ~~~~~~~~~~

Roscommon People,

Costello Elizabeth

Don’t worry if you do not have a credit card. We value your business over the years and will make arrangements for payment at a later stage.

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

Abbey Street, Roscommon

The local paper!

(nee Dolan) Feevaghmore, Dysart Died peacefully 28th June 2020

Loved and remembered by your son Noel, Kathy and family.

Never forgotten, always close to our hearts.

From Thelma, Thomas, Josephine, Caroline, (away) and sister Anne Harrington, Ballygar.

THANKSGIVINGS

Happy 95th birthday wishes in Heaven, dear Mum and Nan, still loved, still missed, your birthday here but you are not. We would send a gift, but know we cannot, so, we will make a wish upon a star, to carry our birhday wishes and our love to where you are. May the angels pray to you, the most joyous chorus of happy birthday. Rest in Peace.

Love from your family xxx

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

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Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

Classifieds

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES LANNON Frank Racecourse Road, Roscommon Who died on 2nd December 2012 (8th Anniversary)

Two tired eyes are sleeping two willing hands are still the one who worked so hard for us is resting at God’s will.

Missed by his wife Francie and sons Michael and Frank and daughter Mary. Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Tuesday, 1st December at 11am.

KENEGHAN - PARKER Ann Late of Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon (9th Anniversary)

How do I write on paper the feelings I have inside The heartache and the emptiness When a mother you loved tragically died Taken too soon without a goodbye Mammy I love you until the day that I die. Also remembering my sister Jacqueline

(24th Anniversary)

Loved and missed by her daughter Belinda, son-inlaw Denis, granddaughter Lana and grandson James.

THANKSGIVINGS THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. M.S.P.S.

MURRAY Kieran Athleague, Co. Roscommon (4th Anniversary)

KELLY Mary (Maidie) (nee Hannon) Caltraduff, Ballyforan, Ballinasloe (4th Anniversary)

WARD Patrick (Paddy)

BRENNAN Micheál

Friaryland, Creggs, Co. Galway In loving memory of Paddy, who passed away on 1st December 2017 (3rd Anniversary)

Mount Mary, Ballygar, Co. Galway Who died 8th December 2017 (3rd Anniversary)

Who passed away on the 2nd December 2016 In loving memory of Kieran Your life was love and labour Your love for your family true You did your best for all of us We will always remember you.

Sadly missed by his loving wife Kathleen and family. Anniversary Mass will be held in private due to current restrictions.

TREACY Paul Dysart, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon (1st Anniversary) Who died 29th November 2019

Your Smile Though your smile is gone forever, and your hand we cannot touch, still we have so many memories, of the one we loved so much. Your memory is our keepsake, with which we will never part, God has you in his keeping, We have you in our hearts. It is sad to walk the road alone, instead of side by side. But to all, there comes a moment when the ways of life divides. You gave us years of happiness, then came sorrow and tears. But you left us beautiful memories we will treasure through the years.

Loved and remembered by his wife Margaret, daughter Edel, sons Thomas and Dylan, mother Una, brothers, sister and all his family and friends. First Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday 29th November via https:// www.youtube.com/c/ MichaelCarthyIreland

In loving memory of Mary (Maidie), whose anniversary occurs on the 1st December 2020. To us you were someone special, someone set apart. Your memory will live forever, engraved within our hearts.

Deeply loved, sadly missed and always remembered by her children, Denise, Fintan and Raymond, her sister Nellie, brother-inlaw Thomas, sister-in-law Carmel, grandchildren Donal, Conor and Cara, daughters-in-law Joanne and Sinéad, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours. Anniversary Mass will be streamed via the Parish of Ballyforan, Dysart, Tisrara Youtube channel at 7pm on Saturday, 28th November 2020, with thanks to MMCStreaming.ie.

FULLARD (nee Devlin) Sadie

Time cannot steal the treasures that we carry in our hearts, nor ever dim the shining thoughts our cherished past imparts. For the memories of the ones, we loved still cast a gentle glow, to grace our days and light our paths, wherever we may go.

Missed each day and remembered by his wife and family. Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet on Sunday, 29th November at 11.30am

Carrowduff, Ballymacurley, Co. Roscommon (9th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Tommie Griffin, late of Carrowduff, Ballymacurley, Co. Roscommon who went to his Eternal reward on the 18th of December 2011 R.I.P.

I MISS YOU I cried when you passed away, I still cry today. Although I loved you dearly, I could not make you stay. Your golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke my heart to prove to me, he only takes the best

Loved and sadly missed by your daughter Sharon, son-in-law Eamon and your grandson Eamonn. Anniversary Mass on December 7th in Clonmany, Co. Donegal.

Always remembered by your loving family Ita, Tomás and Kate. Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar on Friday, 4th December at 7.30pm.

VICTORY Brendan Tonlagee, Roscommon (24th Anniversary)

Silent memories keep us close, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, still very dear. Until we meet again in Heaven, Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on his soul.

Always remembered by his loving sister Bridie (Sr. Bosco), brother Bernie, sister-in-law Ita, his niece, relatives, neighbours and friends. Anniversary Mass will be on Sunday 6th of December in Ballinaheglish church at 11a.m., but due to uncertainty because of corona virus restrictions, unfortunately his family will not be able to attend on this occasion.

Ballinagare, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. Who died on 10th December 2019.

(1st Anniversary)

On the First Anniversary of the death of our dear mother Maeve, her family Brian, Regina, Vivian and Kevin and extended family sincerely appreciate the kindness of all, who in so many ways expressed their sympathy on our sad loss. We would like to thank our many relatives, friends and neighbours who provided help and support at that time and showed acts of kindness. We would also like to thank our friends and neighbours who helped direct traffic and kindly provided refreshments during those days. A special thank you to Maeve’s nephew Fr. John Marren and her niece Kathleen Malee for all their kindness in caring for Maeve. We would also like to express our gratitude to all the medical staff and carers who looked after our mother. A special thank you to Fr. Leo Henry, Fr. Michael Donnelly, Fr. Michael Kelly and Fr. David Brennan for concelebrating the special funeral mass. Thanks to Eimear Carroll and Nollaig Geraghty for the beautiful singing and music. Thanks to Noel Gibbons Funeral Director for his professionalism and guidance in arranging Maeve’s funeral. We are very grateful to our extended family and friends for their wonderful support and we took great comfort from your expressions of kindness and reminiscences which were very moving and much appreciated during this sad time. As it is difficult to thank everyone please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our gratitude. A Mass will be offered for your intentions. May her generosity and love of life live on in all of us.

GRIFFIN Tommie

Glenview, Galway Rd, Roscommon Town and Donegal (1st Anniversary)

Who died on 1st December 2019

Loving memories never die, as years roll on and days pass by. In our hearts a memory is kept, of ones we loved and will never forget.

MORAHAN Maeve (nee McGuinn)

Maeve’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Friday, 27th November at 7pm in the Sacred Heart Church Ballinagare (On Line FTFB Facebook page)

Who died on 29th November 1996 We did not see you close your eyes, we did not see you die. All we knew was that you were gone, without a last goodbye.

Always remembered by your wife Marie, daughter Barbara, son Stephen, daughter in-law Jacinta, and grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

HARRINGTON Declan Cloverhill, Roscommon (17th Anniversary)

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

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

MURRAY Mary Lissavruggy, Newbridge, Co. Galway. (5th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Mary, who was called home on 29th November 2015 Don’t remember me with sadness, don’t remember me with tears, remember all the laughter, we shared throughout the years. Now I am contented, that my life it was worth while knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile. When you are walking down the street, and you’ve got me on your mind, I’m walking in your footsteps, only half a step behind, so please don’t be unhappy, just because I’m out of sight, remember that I’m with you, each morning, noon and night.

Loved and remembered by her husband Michael, sons Michael and Andrew, daughters Elaine and Amanda, son-in-law Donie. A special time, a special face, a special Nana we can’t replace, with an aching heart we whisper low, we miss you Nana and love you so.

Loved and missed by grandsons, Daniel, Noah and Seán, granddaughters Leah, Lucy, Izzy and Jane. Mass offerd privately due to Covid 19 Will all those who think of Mary today, a little prayer to Jesus say.

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

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WINDOW AND DOOR REPAIRS

Window and Door Repairs • Door Handles • Door Locks • Letterboxes • Window Hinges • Patio Door Repairs • Misted and Double Glazed Units • Reseal Windows and Doors

Contact David Martin on 087 9959417 WINDOW AND DOOR SERVICE

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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

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Full replacement service provided and all work carried out to a high quality finish

- Chimney Repairs - Soot & Smoke Problems - Demolish, Re Build & Re Flue Line - Chimney Fires - Flexible Stainless Steel Liner - Insurance Claims processed

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9673336 Mob: 086 2678350 Email: info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

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Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness New Buildings & Retrofit Call in or contact us for free advice and quotes

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091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie

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Springfield, Williamstown, Co. Galway Window restrictors l Burglary repairs l Window locks l Cylinder replacement l Hinge replacement l Glass replacement l Lock replacement l Window and door seals l Window and door handles supplied and fitted l Aluminium and uPVC doors and windows repaired.

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Martin Hibbitt CDIP LA, APA-PL

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M: 087 9818153 E: info@icr.ie

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

REPAIRS & SERVICING ALSO CARRIED OUT

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CLEANING

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Cleaning Services • Roscommon • Carpets & Upholstery Cleaning • WINDOW CLEANING • POWER WASHING Fascias & Soffits • Gutters & Down pipes • Drive ways ‘paths and patios’ KEEN and COMPETITIVE PRICES

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Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

Sports PEOPLE

Sights set on final! TG4 All-Ireland Ladies IFC SemiFinal: Roscommon v Westmeath on Sunday at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park at 1 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon’s Sinead Glennon in action during the recent TG4 All-Ireland Championship win over Offaly. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Roscommon Ladies footballers face a very tough examination when they take the field at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park in

For Roscommon, the preparations have gone well for manager Michael Finneran and his backroom team. The extended break due to Covid-19 has given a lot of the injured players a chance to reach full fitness and the squad has been boosted by the arrival of excellent performers this year like Caroline Conway (who has returned to the fold), Lisa O’Rourke and Elaine Murren, to name just three. The addition of a number of last year’s minor team has also been

Short passes

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The Roscommon management team are Michael Finneran (manager), Gary Wynne (selector), John McHugh (selector), Marie Kelly (selector), Shane Monaghan (Strength & Conditioning), Martina McHugh (Liaison Officer), and Meabh Holmes (Physio).

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Connections… There are a few Roscommon connections with the Westmeath team. Their manager is Sean Finnegan, who worked in the backroom team with Kevin McStay when he was Roscommon senior football manager. Vicky Carr, who will line out for Westmeath in the half-back line, is daughter of former Roscommon senior manager Tommy Carr.

Best wishes to Roscommon from

Henry Street, Roscommon.

Tel: 090 6625644 Email: Info@mgfelect.com

Sister act

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Longford in the TG4 AllIreland Intermediate semifinal on Sunday, as their Westmeath opposition are just down from senior ranks and have targeted a quick return to the top table after this year’s championship. In this year’s revamped competition, both sides have been impressive in attack, but the Lake County girls will be the bookies’ favourites to advance to the final where the winners will face Clare or Meath, who play on Saturday.

Sister act: Pictured are Rachel and Louise Brady from St. Mary’s Tulsk.

There are four sets of sisters on the Roscommon panel – Roisin and Saoirse Wynne, Rachel and Ciara Corcoran, Mikaela and Natalie McHugh and Rachel and Louise Brady.

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

SportsPeople

Sister act: Pictured are Mikaela and Natalie McHugh from Kilglass Gaels.

a big factor this year. It’s the strongest Roscommon ladies team we have seen in a number of seasons. However, it has to be said that Roscommon will have to perform better than we have seen to date if they are to secure a final place in Croke Park. The role of the more senior players in the Roscommon squad will never have been more important. Players like Helena Cummins, Sinead Kenny, Niamh Watson, Jenny Higgins, Laura Fleming, Caroline Conway, Joanne Cregg, Natalie McHugh and Sinead Glennon will all have to lead by example if Roscommon are to get over the line. In the game against Offaly, the defence leaked four goals, and that will be a worry, especially against very sharp Westmeath attackers like Ciara Blundell and Karen Hegarty (both in their full-forward line). Both are excellent players with an eye for goal. Hegarty in particular has an excellent goal-scoring record. Westmeath scored nine goals in their first game against Longford and three in their second game against Louth.

Roscommon themselves have scored a very impressive 6-25 in their two games to date – which is a superb return – and Aimee O’Connor, Sinead Glennon, Aoife Gavin, Laura Fleming and Joanne Cregg have all been excellent thus far up front. The back-up provided by the likes of Rachel Fitzmaurice, Caroline Conway and Jenny Higgins around the middle of the park will be vital to that Roscommon attack. The defence will have to ensure that they keep the ‘back door’ closed and Sinead Kenny, Honor Ennis, Elaine Murren, Roisin Wynne, Niamh Watson and Ellen Irwin will have to be really on their game on Sunday. Westmeath also have a very impressive half-back line where Vicky Carr, captain Fiona Claffey and Angela Roche are superb players with the licence to attack. As usual, the midfield battle will be crucial, where Roscommon’s Caroline Conway and Jenny Higgins will probably face off against Joanna Maher and Tracey Dillon. The odds may favour

Sister act: Pictured are Rachel and Ciara Corcoran from St. Dominic’s

Westmeath, but if Roscommon can stay in the game until the final quarter then it will be very interesting indeed. With the likes of Lisa O’Rourke, Kate Nolan, Sarah McVeigh and Louise Brady in reserve, Roscommon have strength off the bench that could be so important in those final few minutes. In a year where we have seen several major shocks in the GAA championships, Roscommon go into this semi-final with every chance. If they play to the standard that we saw at times against Offaly and Wexford for the entire game, Michael Finneran’s team could bring a smile to the faces of every Roscommon GAA fan in what has been a miserable year off the field. The popular Roscommon manager has done a super job in his four-year term at the helm and he will bow out after Roscommon’s interest in the championship comes to an end. It would be a dream come true if his final game in charge was to be an All-Ireland final in Croke Park. Stranger things have happened. Prediction: Roscommon.

Sister act: Rósín and Saoirse Wynne from Boyle. Their father Gary is defence coach on the team and a former Roscommon senior footballer himself.

Stalwarts of the Roscommon panel: Pictured are Natalie McHugh, Laura Fleming and Jenny Higgins.

Michael to summon spirit of Cavan and Tipp! < SEAMUS DUKE

Former Roscommon senior midfielder Michael Finneran is in his final year in charge of the Roscommon ladies football team and he is relishing the prospect of this clash with near-neighbours Westmeath in an All-Ireland semi-final. When it became clear that there would be a championship this year, the aim was to get to the last four. After two impressive displays, Roscommon are exactly where they want to be. The manager says that the preparations for Sunday’s game have gone well. “We are very happy with the way things have gone in terms of preparation. We were delighted to have two weeks (off) after the Offaly match. We had a couple of niggles after that game but thankfully they have all

cleared up and we are going into the match with a clean bill of health. “Natalie McHugh, who missed that game (with a knee injury), is back fit again so we have a full panel, which is great”. Michael says that they have been concentrating on their defensive work after conceding four goals against Offaly. “It was a strange game, and it was a concern that we let in four goals, but it was a very open encounter with lots of goal chances. Remember, we scored five and could have scored a few more. “We have been looking to tighten up in defence but every game you play is different, and next Sunday there might not be a goal in the game at all. But we know we have to improve to beat Westmeath and we are confident we can do that. “They are a very good side and we are certainly underdogs going into the game. They

have just come down from the senior ranks so it is a step up for us. But we have done very well against higher rank teams this year and we feel we can bridge that gap on Sunday again”. The manager is very happy with the spirit among the Roscommon players this year. “There is a fantastic spirit and buzz in the group and they are very determined to do well. To be the outsiders going into the match is good, and if we can play to our full potential we can do well”. Finally, Michael says that the events last weekend show that anything can happen in knockout championship football. “We are really looking forward to this challenge. Last weekend, Cavan and Tipperary proved that any team that go into a big game with the right mindset has a great chance. The venue is good and the prize for the winners is Michael Finneran huge so we will be giving it everything”.

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

SportsPeople

A championship day we will never forget < SEAMUS DUKE

In a year that very few people will be sorry to see the back of, the decision of the GAA to go ahead with the inter-county championships has been a massive lift to hundreds of thousands of people all over the country. But few would have predicted what was about to unfold once the games got the go-ahead. First, in what was a major upset, Cork knocked out Kerry in sensational fashion in Munster. But nothing prepared us for what was about to unfold on the weekend on which the GAA commemorated the events of Bloody Sunday 1920. On the field of play, it all started in predictable fashion as Dublin toyed with Meath in the Leinster final on Saturday night. Then came Sunday! Firstly, Tipperary lined out in the same style of jerseys that their county team had worn on Bloody Sunday in 1920. Although their excellent win against Cork was rated a huge shock, I have to admit that I wasn’t surprised. Any team which has two forwards of the calibre of Conor

Horses for courses by Tom Red

Sweeney and Michael Quinlivan were always going to be in with a big chance. Tipp thoroughly deserved to win. This was the first Munster senior title since 1935 for Tipp, and if anyone wanted to understand what it meant to the players and the people of Tipperary, then they should listen back to the postmatch interview with AFL star Colin O’Riordan. A professional athlete, he flew halfway around the world to play for his county and was in tears after the historic win. It was fantastic to see it. More was to follow. I have to admit that even at half-time in the Ulster final I didn’t give Cavan a hope of winning. But thankfully Mickey Graham’s team were not listening to me. They were the victims of several poor refereeing decisions, but they ploughed on and every one of their players fought like tigers and made the pre-match odds of 10/1 or so look ridiculous. It was just a pity that there were no fans there. I have many great friends from Cavan and they are all football-mad. It was one of their greatest ever provincial final

victories and was thoroughly deserved. It is absolutely weird, eerie and even bizarre that the four teams who qualified for the All-Ireland semi-finals in 1920 are the teams that have qualified in 2020. It is even more remarkable that the last four line-up was decided on the weekend that Bloody Sunday was commemorated and in a championship held during the winter months. If anyone had said at the start of this year that Tipperary and Cavan would be provincial champions, and that Mickey Harte would be the manager of the Louth football team, the guffaws would be deafening. It’s certainly been the strangest of years. It looks like the coincidences will end at the semi-final stage though. If the truth be told, Dublin look several levels above any other team in the championship. But in sport, as we know, anything can happen. In 1920, Tipperary beat the Dubs in the All-Ireland final. Just saying! A great Roscommon supporter texted me on Sunday evening and quipped: “Roll on 2043!”

There is only one meeting today in Thurles starting at 12.25 pm. Tomorrow racing is on the all-weather at Dundalk off at 2.05 pm. On Saturday, the November Fairyhouse Festival features Grade 2 EBF Mares Hurdle and the Grade B Easyfix Equine Handicap Chase. Sunday’s card is sponsored by BarOne and has three grade 1 races, the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle, the Drinmore Novice Chase, and the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle along with the Grade B Porterstown Handicap Chase worth €125k, the Grade A Handicap hurdle and a Grade 3 Juvenile Hurdle. A handicap mares’ hurdle opens the card and a bumper for 4-Y-O’s than have not won under any Rules of Racing. On Sunday Elliott’s unbeaten, in two runs, Quilxios will be looking to retain his record and earn his place for Prestbury Park in March. The Royal Bond has 11 entered and looks a match between Elliott’s Ballyadam and WP Mullins’ unbeaten Cask Mate but Mullins Cheltenham winner Concertista and Noel Meade’s Cask Mate, stepping up in class, are not out of it. The Drinmore attracts seven entries, four from Gordon Elliott and three from Joseph O’Brien with Elliott’s unbeaten Envoi Allen likely to extend his ninerace record. The Hatton’s Grace also has

an odds-on unbeaten fav in Henry de Bromhead’s Cheltenham winner Honeysuckle and on her seasonal debut she should win from Saldier in the hands of Rachel Blackmore. There are 17 entered in the bumper, only four with track experience. One of those is Elliott’s Top Bandit, runner-up to Bohemian Birch in Sligo and experience in these races is priceless. This is the best card of the season so far and should be watched on RTÉ 2 from 12.50 pm and fill your notebook. With the going soft to heavy at present and rain forecast racing could be called off at some of the venues, keep a check on the racing news. Gordon Elliott looks to have Presenting Percy back on the road as he returned to the winner’s enclosure, after nearly two years, for Philip Reynolds last Thursday at Clonmel. The 9-Y-O beat Kemboy and Monalee by 6½l and 2¼l in a conditions chase with Jack Kennedy in the saddle.

Racing News The Racing Post has confirmed its commitment to Irish racing by providing for St. Stephen’s Day card opening of the track’s Christmas festival. The opening day of the festival will now be called Racing Post Day, with the Grade 1 fea-

Presenting Percy and Jack Kennedy clear the last at Clonmel.

Carroll to succeed Sweeney at Convention < SEAMUS DUKE

There will be several changes in the Executive of Roscommon County GAA Board when the Annual Convention takes place (virtually) on December 12th at 7 pm. Brian Carroll, who has served as Secretary and Vice-Chairman in recent years, will take over as Chairman from Seamus Sweeney, who has completed his five-year term. John O’Connor will take over as new PRO from Hugh Lynn who has also

been in that position for five years. Tommy Dolan (St. Brigid’s) and Tomas Murray (St. Dominic’s) will contest the vice-chairman’s position. There will also be a contest for the Connacht Council delegates’ two positions as Hugh Lynn (Eire Og), Enda Walsh (Oran) and John Carty (St. Aidan’s) have been nominated. The Central Council delegate position is also up for grabs with Seamus Sweeney (Shannon Gaels), Pat Compton (Strokestown) and Sean Mullaney (Kilbride) nominated.

Two more years for Anthony

At an online meeting of the Roscommon GAA County Board on Monday night, it was agreed to reappoint Anthony Cunningham as the manager of the Roscommon senior football team for an additional two-year term, up until the end of 2022. Cunningham has already completed two years in the post. Under his management, Roscommon won the Connacht Senior Football Championship in 2019 and promotion to Division One in 2020. Anthony Cunningham is a former St. Brigid’s and Garrycastle senior football manager, and also managed the Galway senior and U-21 hurling teams. He also served a term as manager of the Roscommon senior hurling team.

Top Bandit and Jamie Codd, red, are caught by Bohemian Birch and Patrick Mullins in Sligo.

ture race of the card continuing to be named the Racing Post Novice Chase. Aidan O’Brien’s mare Magical is still in full training and will probably go for the Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin next month. She was just caught by Dermot Weld’s Tarnawa in the Breeders Cup in Keenland but has justified staying in training as a 5-Y-O with Group One victories as well, in the Pretty Polly Stakes, the Tattersalls Gold Cup and the Irish Champion Stakes where she beat Ghaiyyath. National Hunt champion trainer Willie Mullins has been banned from attending racecourses for two weeks and fined €2,500 after two of his staff attending Punchestown last Saturday. Having been at Aintree seven days earlier, Mullins’ grooms Steve Jones and Katie Murphy should have been restricting their movements for fourteen days. They had answered no to two questions on their Covid-19 screening questionnaire relating to being in the UK instead of yes. Jones was fined €400 and Murphy €200 and both were banned from attending a racecourse for three months. Champion flat trainer Aidan O’Brien also fell foul of the restrictions at the Curragh back in June and was banned for two weeks and fined €2,500.

The useful mare Laurina has been retired after her first start for Paul Nicholls at Ascot on Saturday. The 7-Y-O went unbeaten in her first six outings for Willie Mullins including the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2008. She had pulled up on two of her last three runs for Mullins and had suffered from broken blood vessels. She will now go to the sales next month.

Point to Point Corner No Saturday racing this weekend but on Sunday there are two meetings down for decision, one at Ballindenisk near Watergrass Hill in Cork with 108 entries, and a scheduled start of Midday. The other meeting at Borris House in Co. Carlow has a huge entry of 173, for which the starting time has been brought forward to 11 am. Saturday’s proposed meeting at Moig South in Limerick has been cancelled. The Duhallow Kanturk meeting, traditionally held between Christmas and New Year opening the Spring Season, has now been scheduled for Sunday, 20th December and will close the autumn season. The spring 2021 season will now commence at United Hunt (F) Lisgoold on Sunday, 3rd January 2021.

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

SportsPeople

Slick Cavan attack ends Roscommon’s dream Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Premier Junior Camogie SemiFinal Cavan 2-16 Roscommon 1-6 < SEAMUS DUKE

A disappointing secondhalf display, which saw Cavan assume almost complete control, meant that Roscommon went crashing out of the AllIreland junior championship at the semi-final stage in Athleague last Saturday. On a bright, crisp day, Karl Collins’ team made an excellent start to the match – but as the game developed the Cavan team proved dominant. It was quickly clear that Cavan had some outstanding performers, particularly in attack, and the Breffni girls swept past the home side with a very impressive

display after the interval. Roscommon had the ball in the Cavan net after only 25 seconds when Shauna Fallon’s free from midfield dropped in over the heads of the opposing defence. It was a great start for the home side. From there to half-time it was nip and tuck between the teams. Shauna Fallon pointed two frees for Roscommon and ChloeWhyte Lennon was also on target with a point in the 27th minute. However, that was Roscommon’s only point from play in the opening half. Cavan were chipping away at the Roscommon lead, and in Cara Finnegan, Roisin O’Keeffe, Sinead McKenna and Shanise Fitzsimons they had outstanding performers who were all to play key roles in their side’s victory. By half-time the teams were level (1-3 to 0-6), but there were ominous signs for Roscom-

mon, especially in the ten minutes before the break, with Cavan threatened on several occasions. Cavan knocked over three points without reply on the re-start, but then Rachel Fitzmaurice, Roscommon’s best player on the day, scored two super points from play to reduce the margin to one by the 39th minute. However, it all fell apart for Roscommon after that as Cavan took over. Roisin O’Keeffe crashed home a goal in the 45th minute, and when Shanise Fitzsimons grabbed another in the 50th minute, the contest was over. Rachel Fitzmaurice did score another great point for the home side in the 57th minute but it was of consolation value only and Cavan marched on to the final, where they will face Armagh. Cavan: Rebecca Brady; Aine Finnegan, Lorna Cahill, Caoimhe Clarke; Erin Galligan, Ciara Finnegan,

Roscommon's Aine O'Meara has a shot on goal blocked by Ciara Finnegan of Cavan. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Lorraine O’Sullivan

Niamh Reilly (0-1); Josephine Maguire, Rosie Crowe-McKeever; Lauren Ellis, Roisin O’Keeffe (13), Sinead McKenna (0-8, 3 frees); Hannah Boylan (0-1), Shanise Fitzsimons (1-2), Orla Smith. Subs: Ciara Shalvey (0-1) for Ellis (h/t), Aideen Coyle for A Finnegan (38), Fiona Lynch for Smith (45), Ciara Fitzpatrick for CroweMcKeever (60). Roscommon: Michaela Fallon; Aisling McDermott, Niamh Farrell, Shoine Hanley; Niamh Conway, Joanne Beattie, Rachel Dolan; Rachel Fitzmaurice (0-3), Susan Spillane; Alisha Lenehan, Aine O’Meara, Shauna Fallon (1-2, all frees); Tara Naughton, Claire Curley, Chloe Whyte-Lennon (01). Subs: Eimear McNally for Hanley (37), Meabh Tiernan for Beattie (42), Colleen Kelly for Lenihan (52). Referee: Mike Ryan (Tipperary).

Manager says County Board has to step up to the mark < SEAMUS DUKE

Speaking to the Roscommon People after the match a disappointed Roscommon manager Karol Collins said that unless the County Board provides the proper supports for the team, there will not be any progress made. “First and foremost I want to pay

tribute to the girls on the team. They togged out and represented the county with pride. The result didn’t go their way today but they are a credit to their county. They did everything they were asked to do and it’s a disappointing way to finish. “If we want to progress it has to come from the top down. It has to come from the County Board. You

have to put in proper structures like gym programmes, etc. and it has to be backed. “If we could get the best players in the county to play, there is an AllIreland in this team. But the thing is to get the best players out on the pitch and to get players to buy into what’s going on. That Cavan team there today started training last Oc-

tober (2019), they have a lot of gym work done and a lot of backing from the County Board in terms of gear, etc. Anything they wanted they got it. You can see them today, they are fully kitted out and their players bought into what they are doing”. As to his own future, he said: “I’d like to continue. We came in here on a two-year deal last year. I think

there is definitely something there (to work with), but I have to go away now and think about it. I have enjoyed it. We brought on a lot of young players. I know we missed out on a few players who pulled out of the panel. But the effort has to come from everyone, especially – as I said – from the top down” he concluded.

Roscommon People Friday 27 November 2020

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