28 January 2022 Roscommon People

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28 January 2022

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Cheers! That freedom feeling… as restrictions end The abrupt lifting of almost all Covid-19 restrictions was met with widespread relief by local business owners in the hospitality sector this week.

With the resumption of normal trading hours – and social distancing, vaccine passes and the ban on using bar counters all scrapped – publicans, hoteliers and restaurant owners experienced a collective sigh of relief. In turn, the crowds came out, particularly last Saturday night.

We have a special report & coverage on pages 19-21.

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*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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02

Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

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

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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 understand that my land will be targeted by the local Council to facilitate a road development in my area. I don’t want to sell my land and I am very distressed about this. Is there anything I can do? Will I be compensated? Please advise me.

Certain statutory bodies, to include local authorities, can take land or property without the consent of the owner by means of a compulsory purchase order (CPO). Compulsory purchase only usually takes place to allow a public infrastructure project to go ahead e.g. to facilitate the development of a new road.

If your property is compulsorily purchased, you will be eligible for compensation. Such compensation is designed to restore you, as far as possible, to the same position as you were in before your property was acquired. You should be paid compensation based on the market value of your property. The compensation should reflect both the actual land acquired and the reduction in value, if any, of your remaining lands as a result of the CPO. If your property is going to be compulsorily acquired then you will be served with a formal notice advising you of the proposed CPO. You have the right to raise objections and make representations concerning the proposed CPO. However, it is important that you react quickly as strict time limits apply for lodging objections and for any court actions which may be required to challenge the CPO. It is important that you receive detailed legal advice on the options open to you. We at Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors have handled many compulsory purchase cases from the very initial stages right through to full challenges through the Courts. We work with other experienced professionals to include planners, surveyors and valuers so as to best represent your interests. Please feel free to contact us for further advice specific to your own situation.

People WATCHING With WithPAUL PAULHEALY HEALY

He’s all over the telly today!

What a man! What joy he brought!

Endangered Species

FRIDAY Wow! He really was amazing!

Huh? The big guy! The boss! The main man!

Oh…yeah.ACCIDENT Eh, who?

CYCLING He’s all over the telly today! What joy he brought!

If you were involved in a cycling Oh accident HIM! Yeah, what joy, indeed! contact I just sawCarolan yet another clip…he’s virtually Byrne running down to the mic, that cute grin, Cunningham Solicitors ready to captivate us all! Working his magic! The BIG M! The BIG M! Love it! In fairness, it was Micheál’s day. And you have to say, after a shaky start, the Taoiseach’s done well. Boy did he bring joy today! Totally agree with you…

No, no, NOT THAT er…big M. THE REAL BIG M! I’m talking about Meat Loaf! HE’S been on telly all day, with lots of old footage of him on stage.

Oh, HIM? Yes, HIM! We lost Meat Loaf today.

I know, I heard…and only aged 74.

What a performer he was! THAT BAT OUT OF HELL ALBUM! Many’s a night I danced to those songs! And you?

I was too young! I was more of a Dead Ringer for Love man myself!

Yeah, right!

Both: Anyway, rest in peace, Meat Loaf.

You were great!

SUNDAY Pity you couldn’t make it to the pub last night…

‘Fraid I had other commitments, but we’ll

(They pause to make up for the fact that there were no pauses in this column last week, just that long anecdote about one of the boyos trying to buy a flat pack item which was on display)

The barstool boyos

have one this weekend…we need to celebrate! How did it go?

I actually met an old friend…

Really?

Yep! Who? Give me a clue…

Oh, not that tall, pretty slim, spends a lot of time in the pub normally…

Personality?

Quite wooden actually…

An old friend?

Yep…BS! You’re talking BS…again?

NO! BS! BAR STOOL! THAT’S the old friend I was reacquainted with last night!

What we liked…

The lifting of almost all pandemic-related restrictions has brought relief and joy. The virus is still with us, but all of a sudden, it’s no longer imprisoning us. Life feels a lot better.

What we didn’t like…

More reports of Downing Street parties during lockdown, including an alleged birthday bash for Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Meanwhile, in these parts, every effort has been made to play down a champagne party in the Department of Foreign Affairs, with Minister Simon Coveney finally bowing to pressure and ‘ordering an investigation’. Too little too late, it’s shallow stuff from Simon. The hypocrisy of these arrogant people who partied while we paused…it just stinks!

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

What PEOPLE are talking about…

Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS

Telephone Central Line 090 6478433 info@bccsolicitors.ie www.bccsolicitors.ie

EARLIER THIS WEEK… Can’t wait for us to have a beer together…after 8 pm...and with those bar stools back!

Yep! Now that restrictions are gone, I’m looking forward to SO MUCH… Yeah…

Returning to restaurants without having to be conscious of time. No more social distancing. A few pints at the counter…

Chatting with friends again…

Even the pub bore.

Even the pub bore.

Going to a GAA match, without any hassle.

Going to a GAA match, without any ladder.

Still, let’s spare a thought for all who suffered during the pandemic, for all who lost loved ones, for those who are still suffering…and let’s be responsible.

Well said!

And we’ll have that pint back at the counter…how about Saturday night?

Have you ‘commitments’…or can you get to our local?

Oh I’ll be there…LIKE A BAT OUT OF HELL! (Editor: Oh dear…)

PIC OF THE WEEK: Action from last Friday’s Connacht Schools Senior Girls’ League match between Convent of Mercy, Roscommon and Coláiste Bhaile Chlair at Corinthian Park. Convent of Mercy won the match 19-15. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

A new beginning for the country as Ireland dispenses with most Covid-19 restrictions; Fears that Russia may be about to invade Ukraine; The death of singing superstar Meat Loaf; Locally, this weekend’s All-Ireland semi-final dates for Padraig Pearses and St Faithleach’s…

03

Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

NewsPeople

Action Group’s Menswear & Footwear ‘delight’ as permission refused for Kilcash wind turbine ciently addressed the impact of the proposed development on the Golden Plover and Whooper Swan.

It also said that due to the absence of a full hydrological assessment, it had not been demonstrated that the proposed development “would not adversely impact ground waters in an area of extreme vulnerability”.

A number of submissions were made claiming the turbine would affect local homeowners, areas of conservation and disrupt local wildlife.

< DAN DOONER

Roscommon County Council has refused planning permission for the construction of a 150-metre high wind turbine at Kilcash, Farbreagues, Co. Roscommon.

The application for the turbine, hard stand and substation was made by Natural Forces Renewable Energy Ltd on April 30th of last year and was strongly opposed by local residents in the area.

The Council said the Natura Impact Statement had not suffi-

Planners at the local authority ruled against the development last week.

Reacting to the news, members of the Kilcash Wind Turbine Action Group posted the following statement on the group’s Facebook page: “We are delighted to share the news that Roscommon County Council has refused the planning application for the wind turbine in Kilcash. We are awaiting the full details of this decision. In the meantime, we would like to thank everyone for their continuing support”.

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04

Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

NewsPeople

Ballyleague N.S. BALLYLEAGUE, CO. ROSCOMMON TEL: 043 3321906

Enrolment 2022/2023

Kilteevan Community Alert to be revived amid concern over burglaries Application Form for Admission for 2022/2023 academic year is available as follows: To download at: www.ballyleaguens.com Request by email: ballyleaguens@gmail.com By writing to: Ballyleague N.S. Ballyleague, Roscommon, N39 PX49

Concerned residents of the Kilteevan area are set to relaunch the Kilteevan Community Alert programme following a number of burglaries in the area.

Kilteevan Community Development Group has stated: “We are all very aware of the great challenges and difficulties all communities faced over the past two years with the Covid-19 pandemic.

“In addition to this, in the very recent past, our area like many

others has been targeted by individuals and gangs that have burgled households in our community”.

Kilteevan Community Development Group (KCDG) are now beginning the process of relaunching the Community Alert initiative that was established some years ago in the area.

A sub-committee of KCDG will be formed, with co-ordinators for each area comprising one or more townlands. People

St. Mary’s NS KNOCKCROGHERY Tel. 090 66 61963

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St. Mary’s N.S. Knockcroghery invites you to apply for enrolment for September 2022 Please email the school from the 1st of February expressing interest and the school will post you the relevant forms.

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interested in volunteering or accepting a nomination to fulfil such a role are asked to contact Finbar on alert@kilteevancommunity.ie by Wednesday, February 2nd.

The Annual General Meeting of Kilteevan Community Development Group is scheduled to take place on Thursday, the 17th of February 2022, at 8 pm, and it is hoped that plans for the formal relaunch of the Kilteevan Community Alert will be in place by then.

05

Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

NewsPeople

New initiative to aid 200 ex-Bord na Mona workers Almost 200 former Bord na Mona workers in the LanesboroughBallyleague/Curraghroe/ Ballagh/Kilgefin area are to be offered a fresh opportunity to engage with training and information about their social welfare entitlements at a special information event.

Roscommon LEADER Partnership SICAP team are holding the event on Wednesday, February 2nd 2022, at 3 pm and again at 7 pm in St Mary’s Bingo Hall, Ballyleague.

A panel of experts will advise on learning how to retrain or reskill for local jobs, put up a social welfare stamp towards their pension, or adjust to a new timeline with further

education and training and social supports in the local

area. There will also be an opportunity to sign up for

health and safety courses, CV preparation and digital skills training, etc.

A panel of professional experts from Citizens Information Centre will be there to give an insight into pension rights, tax issues surrounding redundancy payments and all available supports – and how to maximise your income through social welfare.

No entrance ticket is needed. Workers past and present can turn up at either event and there will be an opportunity for workers to speak privately on a 1:1 basis with expert staff in the side rooms of the hall.

For more information call Anthony, Linda or Ciaran (086 0836720).

Conference proposed for Roscommon Speaking at Monday’s meeting of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Anthony Waldron proposed that County Roscommon host a conference in April, organised by the Suck Valley Way committee, to showcase Roscommon commerce, tourism, and enterprise.

The proposed conference would include keynote speakers over a number of days to highlight what the county had to offer.

The proposal received wide support across the chamber

with Cllr. Tony Ward praising Cllr. Waldron on the work he has carried out in relation to tourism and the Suck Valley Way. Cllr. Laurence Fallon said the conference would no doubt “make a very significant contribution to putting the River Suck on the map”.

The motion was also supported by Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Joe Murphy, as well as by a number of councillors.

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• Customers can continue to submit Motor Tax renewal applications via the postal facility during normal office hours and applications will be dealt with by post as soon as possible.

CASH DESK The Cash Desk opening hours will remain unchanged and will be open to the public as follows: Public Opening Hours - 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. Monday to Friday inclusive.

Sean Mullarkey, A/Head of Finance, IS & Digital Transformation, Roscommon County Council Áras an Chontae Roscommon F42 VR98

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06

Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Thursday Our front page headline ‘Covid: Optimism in the air’ was well chosen (Editor to self: ‘Cheers’) if one is to place trust in today’s leaks. As readers will be aware, nobody in NPHET leaks, and nobody in the Government leaks, but hey, the media still benefits from…leaks. Amazing how they leak out. It’s probably more accurate to say that NPHET and the Government will always deny being the leakers (naturally). The reality is that some people in high places just can’t stop whispering to the media.

The word on the street – even the cats have it, much less the dogs – is that most restrictions will be lifted soon. The virus is still in the air, but now it’s sharing space there with optimism. What will tomorrow bring?

Friday Today was indeed momentous. It’s major news. It’s like our shared past has suddenly returned. This news has kind of rocked everyone. It’s quite a shock to us all. Meat Loaf is gone to his reward (see Saturday).

Later on Friday All afternoon, those leaks kept dripping. The pol corrs are like children on Christmas Day. Today, senior politicians are very happy to be surrounded by quote-hungry journalists. It’s a slightly challenging balancing act for this shiest of species. Officially forbidden from stealing the Taoiseach’s thunder, they still want to drop the strongest hint possible that (a) good news is imminent, and (b) they had some part in making it happen.

“Minister, are the good times about to roll again?”

“Well, that will be a matter for Cabinet, and I can’t second-guess what will be decided, but I certainly hope the good times are about to roll again…in fact, I’ve been calling for the good times to roll again for some time…see you in Coppers!”

Even later on Friday Sometimes when you’re watching a film – or it could happen when reading a book – you might feel ‘they’ suddenly skipped over stuff/ haven’t joined all the dots or fully explained plot developments, that a little rushed editing has taken place.

It’s a bit like that today. If ‘Ireland’s Covid experience’ was a movie, it might open with Leo Varadkar approaching the podium

The Catherine Tate Show

in Washington to make that dramatic speech in March 2020, and close with Micheál Martin’s ‘We need to sing again’ address this evening. But if the movie was true to our real-life experience, it would probably leave viewers scratching their heads wondering if they had snoozed a bit towards the end!

Most people seem to be stunned at how quickly events have unfolded. Today, the Taoiseach announced that the vast majority of restrictions are being lifted, in most instances with effect from 6 am on Saturday. All change. Covid passes? Gone!

Emotional scenes are expected around the country as bar stools are released from captivity. Social distancing? That’s gone too!

The speed at which this is happening has taken people by surprise, but the reaction, unsurprisingly, is extremely positive. Of course many people will have anxiety about society reopening. Some people – myself included – will be quite happy to take a ‘dipping toes back into the water’ approach, as opposed to diving in!

Saturday I’m not saying Meat Loaf was wild, but if he was paired with your daughter on First Dates, you’d be praying she’d say at the end ‘I didn’t feel there was a spark…I’d like to see him again, but maybe just as friends’.

Then again, I’m guessing the larger than life superstar – whose death was announced yesterday – would have won most people over with his charm.

What a force of nature he was, an extraordinary on-stage performer who leaves a great legacy. Mesmerising in full flow, he took the world by storm with the historic Bat out of Hell album (1977). Later – in between valley periods in his career – there were further hits, considerable acting suc-

cesses, and many stand-out live performances.

Although some music critics were less than enthusiastic about ‘Bat out of Hell’ when this extraordinary piece of work was unleashed on an unsuspecting world, there was no such critical restraint in Rooskey, where I grew up. We actually thought it was excellent – and we were right.

In fact, we’d never heard anything like it. It turns out we were not alone; Bat out of Hell is one of the best-selling albums of all time, with over 50 million copies sold to date. The role of the late, great composer and record producer Jim Steinman was of course central to its brilliance.

Meat Loaf (born ‘Michael Lee Aday’) brought happiness to millions of people. His unique songs, delivered with such passion and power, were a soundtrack to our teenage years. Like a bat out of hell he’ll be gone when the morning comes – but he will live on in our memories.

Later on Saturday There was a good buzz in Jackson’s Restaurant in Roscommon tonight, where post-restrictions Dinner was lovely. A day or two earlier we had talked about having a family get-together, and now it was a welcome bonus that the 8 pm closing time was gone.

One of a number of fine restaurants in Roscommon, Jackson’s is a beautiful, spacious and welcoming premises located in the heart of the town.

There was a very nice atmosphere, reflecting the positive mood in towns and villages countrywide following the full return of hospitality. Later, we retired to the always cosy Paddy Finn’s in Kilteevan. It’s great to see hotels, pubs and restaurants finally freed of the restraints of the pandemic.

Sunday Reflecting on the quick turnaround in our lives,

it should be said that some caution must remain. The virus is still spreading, and it is critical that people don’t become too complacent. We need to be respectful of the fact that there are vulnerable people in our society.

I’ve made the point before in this column that the pandemic is like a tsunami, or an earthquake, and that it is only when the worst of it is over that we can really assess the damage – and the scale of the rebuilding challenge.

Clearly there will be a significant mental health fallout, impacting all ages. This has been an extremely traumatic journey for most – perhaps even all – of us, and there are many scars, some visible, some hidden.

We need to be kind to other people – and to ourselves.

The economic fallout will have different layers to it. There may be a spending splurge in the short to medium term, but many businesses are either gone, on their last legs, or at the very least facing an uncertain future.

Please keep supporting small businesses, especially locally!

Monday I’m going to change the subject now…to TV sitcoms. I never watched ‘The Catherine Tate Show’ when it ran from 2004 to 2007, but have recently seen repeats. It’s terrific, with Tate brilliant as the central character in the sketches.

There is a wonderful tradition of great sitcoms in Britain. I’ve always considered Only Fools and Horses to be almost as much a drama as a sitcom. It is superb. Long live Del Boy, Rodney & Co. Porridge (featuring Ronnie Barker and Richard Beckinsale) was both funny and kind of poignant. Later, Caroline Aherne’s The Royle Family was an original and heartwarming comedy, beautiful in its simplicity. In contrast, Blackadder is just wonderful madcap fun. Yes Minister and Yes, Prime Minister were very cleverly scripted and featured a brilliant cast. Alan Partridge is a great comedy creation, brilliantly played by Steve Coogan. Ricky Gervais’ ‘The Office’ was magnificent – and so original. Honourable mention to Father Ted. Regular readers may be aware that I don’t even entertain debate as to which is the greatest traditional sitcom of all time. Obviously, that honour lies with the owners and staff of a somewhat jinxed hotel in Torquay. Imagine introducing Covid passes there. *Next week: Observations on US sitcoms

07

Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

NewsPeople ADVERTORIAL

Abbey Brides are happy brides!

What makes the Abbey Hotel Roscommon so special? Almost 60 years of hosting weddings!

And the Abbey Hotel continues to be the venue of choice for many couples.

This award-winning, family-run hotel, with its excellent reputation, has been hosting weddings through the generations since 1963. The hands-on approach of the Grealy family and their professional staff

gives couples that added peace of mind when it comes to choosing the perfect venue.

If you have recently got engaged, you are invited to come along to the Abbey Wedding Fair on Sunday, February 20th, from 2-5 pm. Meet their dedicated wedding co-ordinator Lisa and the wedding team, as well as a selection of the hotel’s

recommended wedding suppliers. A 10 % discount will apply on the day for all new bookings based on minimum numbers.

Terms and conditions apply.

To arrange a viewing by appointment, call Lisa on 090 66 66211 or email weddings@ abbeyhotel.ie to register for our free draw.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for further updates.

Our fairytale wedding finally came true at the Abbey Hotel…

Lisa and Steve Butler

Myself and my husband got married on Friday, November 19th, 2021 in the Abbey Hotel Roscommon. We had our ceremony in the hotel, which made the morning so relaxed, as ‘hair and makeup’ arrived to look after us all.

Our celebrant, Tara Carroll from Spiritual Ceremonies Ireland, was just brilliant.

Being the wedding coordinator for the Abbey Hotel, I just love everything about it. When it came to choosing our own venue with a short lead-in time, there was nowhere else we would have chosen.

The flowers in our package were supplied by Signature Flowers in Roscommon town, run by Anne Harlow. They were absolutely stunning.

Our cake was a hotel display cake and we had a selection of gorgeous cupcakes created perfectly by our executive pastry chef Alison. Then we had the most amazing chocolate biscuit cake from ‘Cakes by Una Flynn’.

Our ballroom décor was a mixture of the hotel’s centrepieces with additions from the florists and also ‘Fiona Newell Events’ and ‘I do candle lighting’, both incredible wedding event companies I have had the pleasure of working with.

The ballroom was just what we wanted!

The food on the day was the best food we have ever had at a wedding. We wanted it to be top class in terms of taste and presentation, and it was precisely that. The food what your guests will talk

about for a long time after.

Our guests were looked after above and beyond from the moment they stepped inside the Abbey’s doors. The hotel itself is like our very own ‘Downton Abbey’ where we definitely felt like Lord and Lady of the Manor. It’s elegant, classy, with a beautiful feel of homeliness, fires lighting, lanterns on the stairs…it was all perfect.

On a personal level, we can’t thank the staff and the owners enough for what they did for us. I have never felt prouder.

All of our guests have commented on how friendly and attentive all of the staff were.

Mrs. Anya Grealy, Tom, Geraldine and Adrian were there at all times to make sure our day was just perfect. The extra, personal touches, the kindness and thoughtfulness that they showed us and our guests was just amazing.

What makes the Abbey so special is that it’s family-run. Mrs. Grealy goes ‘above and beyond’ and is always behind the scenes working so hard, with incredible attention to detail. A very special thank you to her from us both.

To experience it as a bride has just made me appreciate even more the magical little gem of a hotel we have right in front of us, perched in the heart of Ireland in Roscommon town.

Thank you all so much. We will never forget our day. We have memories we will cherish forever.

– Lisa and Steve Butler

Who’s saying what on Tweet Street ...

Paul Healy’s take on top tweets!

Evan Fanning @evanfanning If Micheál Martin doesn’t have a pint standing on the lectern at tonight’s address then he’s badly misjudged the mood of the nation.

-Thankfully he didn’t! (And, well, as far as we know, outed party animal Boris Johnson has no plans to do so either) Colm Tobin @colmtobin Mad that the pandemic started and ended with a bat out of hell.

-Sensational tweet from Colm!

(Wish I could say he took the words right out of my mouth) Nigella Lawson @Nigella_Lawson

Ambushed by Cake: it just has to be the title of my next book! #AmbushedByCake -Nigella responds to an MP’s description of the plight Boris Johnson finds himself in…

-Boy George adds his tribute to Meat Loaf…and leaves the world rueing the apparent absence of any photographic evidence of ‘When Boy George Met Meat Loaf in a Chinese Restaurant’

Imelda May @ImeldaOfficial Meatloaf has passed. I’m so lucky I got to know, sing and laugh with such a wildly talented, charismatic, big hearted, supportive, high spirited and wonderful man. I’ll really miss you pal. #RIPMeatLoaf -Imelda pays tribute to the great Meat Loaf…

Michael O’Regan @Michael_O_Regan Will somebody do a psychological profile of the anonymous headbangers who inhabit this medium? #busyblocking -We can see the large print on the document cover already: ‘Profiled: The Anonymous headbangers’

Boy George @BoyGeorge R.I.P Meatloaf. Love and prayers to all his family and close friends. He once turned me upside down in a Chinese Restaurant in St Johns Wood.

Ken Curtin @kencurtin Thought I couldn’t sympathise with Russia & Putin but now they are in the crosshairs of #Liveline I’m a tad conflicted -An afternoon with Putin and Joe Duffy. What a time to be alive!

Nigella Lawson

Meat Loaf

08

Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

NewsPeople

THIS WEEK... On The Political Beat

The A&E and Frank Feighan: A decade on… < PAUL HEALY

We’ve been hearing a bit less from Deputy Frank Feighan (also now a Minister of State) since the Boyle native successfully switched constituencies. That makes sense. Feighan now represents Sligo-Leitrim, and is free of the ghosts of the relatively recent past, the Fine Gael man having been a central figure in the toxic Roscommon Hospital saga which peaked around 2011.

Feighan caused massive controversy by siding with his party when Enda Kenny and James Reilly facilitated the closure of Roscommon A&E. Much-maligned (to put it mildly) in the aftermath, he avoided career ruin by switching his focus to SligoLeitrim, where he impressively won a seat.

In latter years, the TD has gamely argued that peeing out of the tent rather than into it was the right choice, as he insists (at every opportunity) that he has actually been a posi-

Is it a knockout blow for ‘Boxer’?

Frank Feighan…the man who saved Roscommon Hospital?

Can Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran really get up from the canvas again after his latest political setback?

A former TD and Minister of State, ‘Boxer’ was dealt a knockout blow this week which

must raise questions about his prospects of making a political comeback.

Mr. Moran appeared to be well placed to replace his son Jamie, who resigned his seat on Westmeath County Council

tive force for the County Hospital.

It is true that, the A&E disaster notwithstanding, there have been some very positive developments at the hospital in latter years, not least as Fine Gael desperately scrambled to atone.

Even Feighan’s critics might acknowledge that there has been significant investment in non-emergency facilities at the hospital, but no spin or soundbite can change the shameful reality that Roscommon A&E was ruthlessly allowed die, Kenny/Reilly responsible for the single biggest political betrayal ever visited on this county.

This is all back in the public domain in light of Deputy Feighan’s mischievous declaration in last week’s Roscommon People that he is now known as the man who saved the hospital. It was the kind of brazen line that was always likely to inflame some readers (see Miriam Kerins’ column this week, also our letters page).

earlier this month. However, councillors have kept ‘Boxer’ in the cold, instead voting in former Sinn Féin TD Paul Hogan (by a 12-6 margin). It’s another blow for ‘Boxer’, who lost his Dáil seat in 2020. -PH

President Joe Biden…pictured at the very moment of his ‘son of a bitch’ gaffe.

American President (not called Trump) goes ‘sonofabitch route’…

Just when we thought the White House had descended into dismal dullness, along comes Mayo’s finest – President Biden – with quite the critique of a poor, defenceless eh…reporter.

Biden apparently thought his mic was turned off when Peter

Doocy of Fox News asked the President about high inflation.

The President looked to his right and said “What a stupid son of a bitch!”

An American President being rude to the media…it’s just like 2020 all over again!

Ming: ‘I like a pint but…’

Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran…on the ropes, for now at least.

After restrictions were suddenly lifted overnight at the weekend, there were predictably enthusiastic references on social media (and elsewhere) to the effect that the country would be going on one big party/booze-up on Saturday night. MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan was amongst those with a somewhat sobering perspective. He tweeted: ‘We are obsessed with drink.

It’s beyond strange. I like a pint but...’

Elphin students call on Minister Foley to provide exam clarity < DAN DOONER

Students Declan Main and Ciara Nolan pictured outside Elphin Community College this week. Pic: Mick McCormack

Elphin Community College students who recently staged a protest outside their school have this week reiterated their call on the Department of Education to allow Leaving Certificate students a choice between sitting this year’s exam and predicted grades.

Sixth year student, Declan Main, who is head boy at Elphin Community College,

said students are facing further pressure following two years of disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“There is a need for a hybrid Leaving Certificate exam this year due to the amount of anxiety and stress faced by students in the last two years because of the pandemic and the uncertainty around it,” he said.

“There has been no clarity and students have been waiting for a definite decision

which only adds to the stress.

“We’ve missed out on classes due to lockdowns and time off due to positive tests and being close contacts. A hybrid approach would be the fairest solution and I think we deserve to have that”.

Head girl Ciara Nolan agrees and said it was time Minister for Education Norma Foley confirmed plans for this year’s State exam.

“We have so much on in the coming months including

mock exams, course work and oral exams and I don’t think it’s fair that the Government keeps putting this off,” she said.

Both students also pointed to the fact that a number of last year’s Leaving Certificate students decided to defer their college places until this year, which they believe will add more competition when it comes to CAO points and places in 2022.

09

Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

NewsPeople

€3.2m in Active travel funding welcomed < DAN DOONER

Roscommon County Council members welcomed the allocation of €3.2 million in funding under the Active Travel scheme for local projects. The allocation includes a rollover of funding from projects announced last year.

Projects including the upgrade of footpaths, cycleways and walking trails will benefit from €3,264,792 in total this year.

Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher said the €70,000 allocated to the development of the link road between the N61 and the Golf Links Road “showed people that we are listening to their concerns”.

Cllr. Marty McDermott said the funding was greatly welcome and he “hoped work could proceed quickly”.

“The road between Hannon’s Hotel and the Golf Links Road is quite dangerous. It’s a great amenity for walking and cycling,” he said.

Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice also welcomed €80,000 in funding for a route linking Knockroe and Ballindrimley in Castlerea.

“This is a very large project and I’m delighted to get this funding which will bring this to the design stage,” he said.

Cllr. Donal Kilduff welcomed funding for footpaths in Lecarrow and a cycleway

in Knockcroghery, which, he said, would further enhance and improve safety in both areas.

Cllr. Tom Crosby said: “Rooskey has been allocated €170,000 to complete the ongoing development works in the village, and Tarmonbarry has been allocated €80,000 to initiate plans and procurement works to provide a footpath from the village to Whitehall National School, which would be a major benefit to the wider community and will encourage school children to commute to school on foot and on bicycle”.

Cllr. Tony Ward welcomed funding for upgrades at Bealnamulla and Cloonakilla while Cllr. Valerie Byrne said the funding “does tremendous work” and was badly needed by towns and villages across Roscommon.

Crosby urges BnM to clean Shannon!

Cllr. Tom Crosby has called on Bord na Móna to take responsibility for cleaning the River Shannon.

He was speaking at Monday’s Council meeting. The Independent councillor proposed making a submission to Bord na Móna and this was seconded by Cllr. Valerie Byrne.

Ballymurray National School Ballymurray National School is currently

accepting National enrolments for 2022/2023 Ballymurray School is currently accepting applications for September 2022.

Unfortunately, we cannot host an Open Evening this year due to Covid 19 restrictions.

For further information or an application form, please contact the principal, Tom Gately at e.mail: principal1.ballymurrayns@gmail.com

Closing date for applications is Monday, February 28th.

Closing date for applications is Monday, February 28th !

VED O EM AV H WE

Now providing an Outreach Service in Roscommon The Athlone (Midland) Rape Crisis Centre provides a free and confidential counselling service to clients from the age of 14 years, who have suffered the trauma of sexual violence of any kind. l Sessions are by appointment. l Our counsellors are professionally

qualified and accredited.

l We are now providing an

outreach service in Roscommon.

For appointment or if you need support ring freephone 1800 306 600

Main Street, Ballygar, Co. Galway. Tel. 090 66 24780 OPEN: Monday - Friday 9:00 - 18:00, Saturday 9:00 - 16:00

Call in to speak to Rosie or Gareth about our reduced dispensing fees Daily delivery service available

CERTIFIED ANTIGEN TESTS FOR TRAVEL WHILE YOU WAIT Keep an eye on social media for upcoming news & offers

10

Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

The

D News page

G

Roscommon Drama Festival takes to the stage in March The Roscommon Drama Festival which ended prematurely in 2020 due to the outbreak of Covid-19 and the subsequent restrictions returns to the Arts Centre in Roscommon from Friday, March 4th to Saturday 12th.

This year’s Festival features a wide variety of drama with groups participating from all over Ireland.

The festival kicks off on March 4th with Mullingar Theatre Lab’s

Roscommon Drama Group wants you!

Following a very successful year, both on and off stage, and the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, the Roscommon Drama Group will hold readings for the casting of this year’s three-act play tonight, Thursday, and again on Tuesday, 3rd February, in Hannon’s Hotel at 7.30 pm. The play is being produced by Con Connolly.

The group is always on the lookout for new talent and so if you are interested in playing your part, either on or off stage, come along on either or both nights.

New members will be most welcome, remembering that drama is only for the actors on stage but also for the much larger ‘cast’ involved in the backstage crew which includes the construction of sets, finding props, make-up and prompters etc.

production of the Dale Wasserman hit, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

Saturday, 5th sees the Dalkey Players with the Sarah Ruhl classic ‘Eurydice”.

Sunday, 6th sees Ballyduff Drama Group present Rabbit Hole by David Lindsey-Abaire.

Monday, 7th: Glenamaddy Players come on stage with the Martin McDonagh play ‘The Cripple of Inishmann’.

Corofin Dramatic Society presents ‘Betrayal’, written by Harold Pinter, on Tuesday 8th. Wednesday 9th: The ever-popular ‘The Beauty Queen of Leenane’ by Martin McDonagh in dramatised by the Ray Leonard Players.

Thursday 10th: Brian Friel’s ‘The Communication Cord’ is presented by Phoenix Players. Friday 11th: The Enniskillen Theatre Company are on stage with ‘The Night Alive’ by Conor McPherson.

Saturday 12th: Bunclody/Kilmyshall Drama Group bring what promises to be a great festival to an end with their production of ‘The Good Father’ by Christian O’Reilly.

The adjudicator for this year’s Roscommon Drama Festival is well-known and respected theatre director, actor and adjudicator, Geoff O’Keeffe. His recent credits include The Twits and James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and many of Shakespeare’s great tragedies like Hamlet, King Lear, Othello and Macbeth.

Geoff has also written and directed nine highly successful Christ-

Picture left is Mary Finn, Chairperson of Roscommon Drama Festival 2022 and on right is Geoff O’Keeffe, Adjudicator of Roscommon Drama Festival 2022.

mas shows for younger audiences.

He has facilitated workshops for drama groups all over the country, as well as tutoring at the D.L.I. Summer School at the University of Limerick. He has officially adjudicated at many drama festivals including the All-Ireland One-Act Finals in 2013 and 2021 and the RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival in Athlone in 2017. He holds an M.A. in Theatre Studies from D.C.U. Tickets for the festival are available from the box office on 090-6625824 or online at www.roscommonartscentre.ie priced at €15/13 per performance, €60 for a five night ticket or €95 for a season ticket.

Group exhibition featuring Roscommon artists opens at the Arts Centre A new group exhibition, which features a number of local artists, will open at Roscommon Arts Centre this Saturday (January 29th).

Describing the opening following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions after almost two years last weekend, a statement from Roscommon Arts Centre read: “It has been widely

documented that this period enabled a time to build new relationships with nature, plant species and other living matter that surround us, allowing us closer observation and interaction with the often overlooked familiar things we live with and alongside”.

With Other Matter, part one includes works by;

Dorota Borowa, Martina Coyle, Robert Dunne, Betty Gannon, Kathryn Kelly, Catherine Kelly Desmond, Dave Madigan, Darran McGlynn, Ida Mitrani, Nollaig Molloy, Noel Molloy, Ciara Roche, Celine Sheridan and Sinead Smyth.

With Other Matter, part one opens at the Gallery

Space in Roscommon Arts Centre on Saturday (January 29th) and continues until March 12th. The gallery is open from 11 am to 5 pm Tuesday to Friday and from 11 am to 4 pm on Saturdays. Admission is free.

For more information on the exhibition visit www. roscommonartscentre.ie.

Tarmon and Ballyfeeny schools named county winners in national art competition

Ballyfeeny National School won the senior category for Roscommon in the Someone Like Me national art competition.

Tarmon National School won the junior category for Roscommon in the Someone Like Me national art competition.

Tarmon National School and Ballyfeeny National School are celebrating being named Junior and Senior County Winners respectively of the prestigious national art competition, Someone Like Me, which will see them join over 40 other schools to compete for the much sought-after national title at an online national awards ceremony to be held on Thursday, February 3rd.

The competition has been designed to be a national

celebration of the things that unite children of all abilities and, over its six-year history, more than 8,000 children have taken part, creating a tangible contribution to developing more positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities.

Congratulating Tarmon National School and Ballyfeeny National School, Minister of State with special responsibility for disability, Anne Rabbitte said: “Once again, our primary

school teachers and pupils have shown their commitment to putting ‘ability’ under the spotlight helping to build a more inclusive society”.

The competition, which offers a range of prizes up to the value of €750, was open to all primary school pupils from junior infants to sixth class and more than 1,800 entries were received from individual pupils, class groups and whole schools right across Ireland.

11

Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

NewsPeople

Glinsk N.S. Glinsk N.S.

Glinsk, ViaCastlerea, Castlerea, Co. Galway Glinsk, Via Co. Galway

Patrick Kelly, and Sarah and Sean McGahon pictured supporting Roscommon player Ben McGahon and his colleagues during last Saturday’s Connacht Hurling League Final at the Connacht GAA Air Dome. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

€1m in Summer Works funding welcomed Local public representatives have this week welcomed €1m in funding under the Summer Works scheme announced by Minister for Education Norma Foley for Roscommon primary and secondary schools.

Eleven schools will receive funding for mechanical works, electrical works, window projects and external yards and play areas including: Rooskey NS, Scoil Naomh Ronain, Carrick NS, Ballybay NS, Scoil

Bhríde, Fourmilehouse, Convent of Mercy, Roscommon, Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown, St. Nathy’s College, Elphin Community College, Roscommon Community College, and Castlerea Community School.

Local Minister of State Frank Feighan described it as “key funding for schools in Roscommon at this vital time and ensures the schools listed will have these works completed before the

September 2022 term begins”.

Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan said the funding was welcome “especially when principals, caretakers and teaching staff were going over and above to make classrooms safe”.

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy also welcomed the funding: “Schools can now carry out necessary works and bring further improvement to the school environment”.

GlinskN.S. N.S. is Glinsk is currently currently acceptingenrolments enrolments forfor accepting 2022/2023 2022/2023 Application forms and further information are Application andfrom further information available forms to download www.glinskns.ie or are available to download from www.glinskns.ie or please email the school at glinskschool@gmail.com please email the school at glinskschool@gmail.com

Phone: 094 9655257 Phone: 094 9655257 E-mail: glinskschool@gmail.com E-mail:Website: glinskschool@gmail.com www.glinskns.ie Website: www.glinskns.ie Twitter: @Glinsk_NS Twitter: @Glinsk_NS rd

Closing date for applications: 23 February 2022 Closing date for applications: 23rd February 2022

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Advertorial

////////////////////////

Feevagh NS going from strength to strength Enrolment at

Feevagh N.S. Feevagh, Dysart, Co. Roscommon www.feevaghns.ie

Feevagh N.S. is now enrolling for September 2022 Please email the school to request an enrolment form:

info@feevaghns.ie.

Find us on facebook

Feevagh NS is a rural national school with two classroom teachers and a Special Education Teacher, set in the beautiful countryside of South Roscommon, four kilometres from the village of Dysart.

Feevagh NS follows the primary school curriculum, placing emphasis on numeracy and literacy to challenge the abilities of all children attending. A catholic ethos flows through the life of the school and we aim to cater for the academic and social needs of children of all abilities. We strive to deliver the curriculum using a variety of methods in a friendly, warm, supportive, and caring environment.

Feevagh NS has received the Digital School of Distinction award for demonstrating excellence in our approach to the integration of ICT in learning and teaching. The award is nationally recognised and accredited by the Department of Education and Skills.

Additionally we have received the Active Schools Award, making Feevagh NS a school where physical activity is valued, promoted and enjoyed by all.

Feevagh NS is also a Health Promoting School, an award granted by the HSE. A Health Promoting School can be characterised as a school constantly strengthening its capacity as a healthy setting for living, learning and working.

In September 2020, Feevagh NS received its

6th Green Flag for Global Citizenship, Litter and Waste. The school also holds several Discovery Primary Science and Maths Awards, and senior classes participate in coding and Minecraft Education Edition.

We are currently participating in the Creative Schools Initiative (led by the Arts Council in partnership with the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht) putting arts and creativity at the heart of our students’ lives.

Another project that we are currently participating in is Music Generation – a National Partnership Programme whose mission is to create inspiring experiences for children and young people through music. As part of this initiative, our students have the opportunity to learn the ukulele.

We are currently participating in the BLAST programme (Bringing Live Arts to Students and Teachers) working with a creative dance artist.

We have received the Gold Award two years running for our participation in Agri Aware’s Incredible Edibles Healthy Eating Programme, which enables the children to grow their own vegetables.

For further information about Feevagh NS, or if you wish to receive an enrolment form, please contact info@feevaghns.ie.

12

Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

NewsPeople

FRANK

FRANK BRANDON’S

BRANDON

unique take on life ...

Could Covid actually help kick-start revival of rural Ireland?

Our man Frank on rural regeneration, loving the Three Amigos, and how negligent Los Angeles cops revived fond memories of our columnist’s reign as Super Mario champion of Crosswell!

It’s a lovely sunny January Monday afternoon as I write this, and a letter to the Daily Mail (written by Sligo man Tom Towey) has caught my attention.

In his letter, he notes that according to news reports, remote working has given rural Ireland a big boost.

It seems that large numbers of

workers have been inspired to sell their houses on the eastern side of the country and move back to more rural parts, and that many more are thinking about making similar moves.

Tom points out that for years there have been calls for successive governments to introduce more balanced and progressive regional development programmes for the west and north-west of the country, but with very little success. He adds that, amazingly, there is no rail connection between two of the biggest and most important population centres in that region, Galway City and Sligo.

He also notes that Knock (Ireland West) Airport could get a major boost by being serviced by opening up the disused railway line between

Galway and Sligo, and concludes that it would be ironic if the thing that kick-started the return to rural Ireland of many people, after many years of decline, is Covid-19, rather than the actions of the powers that be in Dáil Éireann.

On the subject of rural regeneration, a couple of weeks ago as I drove to Ballinasloe, we remarked on the number of unlived in and derelict houses that we passed by.

I wondered why the Government couldn’t organise some sort of scheme to utilise those houses and make some inroads on the horrific homeless situation that currently exists in Ireland.

Funny enough (I must be psychic), within a few days Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien announced a new grant of up to €30,000 to help

people who buy derelict properties to renovate and live in. The grant, he said, would be a significant incentive to bring those houses back to life.

I’m no expert on housing (or anything else for that matter), but I think there would also be a significant saving on planning permission costs, so this scheme seems like a positive step to me. It sounds like it may provide another boost to the recovery of our rural communities.

Homelessness is still a huge problem in our cities and towns. Only last Sunday a memorial ceremony was held for 47-year-old Columb Fogarty, a rough sleeper (new term for me) who died on Moore Street in Dublin on January 16th.

Mr Fogarty was a former presenter on Near FM radio station. He

worked tirelessly to help the homeless and was a recovering heroin addict and alcoholic. He died on the streets, of natural causes, and since then (just over a week), two more homeless people have died on the streets of the Capital.

Talking of homes and houses, I have recently watched the TV programme, Cheap Irish Homes, which features Maggie Molloy.

Last week’s episode was set in County Roscommon, where she showed three properties to prospective buyers. Maybe I’m out of touch, but there doesn’t seem to be anything cheap about houses when the budget is €220,000. Anyway, it’s all about improving rural Ireland, and even if (as Tom Towey reminds us) it takes Covid-19 to kick-start it, who am I to complain?

And finally…

The Three Amigos

Coming soon: live music, and a summer of fun and craic!

We all know that the last two years have almost been wiped out (by Covid) for so many sections of our society, especially the hospitality industry. However, of all the affected areas, the live music sector must have been the hardest hit.

It was unfortunate timing for Covid to have arrived on our doorsteps just as live music, especially country music, was at its most popular level for many years, with country music venues popping up all over the country, featuring top acts playing to large

and enthusiastic crowds. Overnight, the whole scene was wiped out, but two years later, all the signs are that life is coming back to the industry.

Last week, as I watched TV3’s morning show, it was very refreshing to see the Three Amigos being interviewed. Jimmy Buckley, Robert Mizzell, and Gurteen’s Patrick Feeney make up the hugely popular Amigos, and watching them just chatting on the show would really make you want to see them perform live. They are great craic as well as

being among our very top singers.

The Three Amigos are embarking on a nationwide tour comprising sixteen shows, commencing in the Gleneagle, Killarney on the 30th of January. There is no doubt their shows will sell out, but I am hoping to get to see them somewhere during the coming months.

Then, I spotted a discarded copy of VIP magazine lying around the house, and several pages featured pictures of Mike Denver, his wife Liz, and their baby daughter, Mia. I

realised that with him being featured on such a scale, the countdown to the return of live music, big crowds and great music and dancing has really begun. Thank God say all of us – here’s to a summer of fun and craic!

I’ll even put up with Garth Brooks coming back – although this time I didn’t bother with tickets as he still never replied to my handwritten letter inviting him to play live in Mikeen’s in Creggs. Maybe the Three Amigos or Mike Denver might come instead.

I have to admit that I know nothing whatsoever about online gaming. The last game I played on any gadget was Super Mario on a Nintendo way back when our children were young, so I am the first to tell you that I have no idea what Pokemon Go is. However, over in Los Angeles, two police officers lost their jobs for ignoring a robbery in progress and continuing to play the game.

Apparently Louis Lozano and Eric Mitchell ‘wilfully abdicated’ their duty by failing to assist a commanding officer’s response to a robbery in progress in a Macy’s department store. They sort of hid in an alley just feet away from the Macy’s store – and played on. Afterwards, they drove around for twenty more minutes while continuing to play the game.

The men claimed they could not hear the radio and the call for assistance, but the in-car video system showed they actually heard it and agreed to ignore that call for assistance. Accordingly, they lost their appeals against their dismissals.

It amazes me how anyone in a position of authority could be so stupid when almost everything we do is captured on some type of recording device. But then you look at Boris Johnson and maybe it’s not so strange after all.

Anyway, my memory of Super Mario was that it was the greatest game of all time, so I’m off to Tommy Kelly’s or John Finn’s to buy myself a Nintendo. Maybe I’ll reclaim my crown as the Super Mario champion of Crosswell!

‘Till next week, bye for now

Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

COVID-19: Reframing the challenge

Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting Once again, a collective effort from the Irish people has brought us to a better place. Over recent weeks people socialised less and were more careful when they did. That effort combined with the vaccination and booster programme has made a huge difference to the public health situation.

We can now change how we live with COVID-19 and remove many of the public health measures in place:

Frequently Asked Questions Do I still need to wear a mask?

Yes, Masks should continue to be worn on public transport and in other appropriate settings.

Can I go abroad on holiday?

Yes, but current measures regarding travel still apply including completion of a PLF and proof of vaccination/recovery or a negative PCR test for return to the State. In some countries you will need it for access to amenities too — check the rules before you go.

Can I go back to the office?

From 24 January 2022 a return to attendance can commence on a phased basis. Your employer will advise.

What about schools and early learning and care?

The protective measures in schools and early learning and care facilities will remain until 28 February 2022.

Can I go to a restaurant or pub – and for how long?

Yes. The restrictions on opening times and capacity limits for all hospitality and cultural events will be removed with effect from 22 January 2022 (including weddings).

What if I have symptoms, positive test or am a close contact?

You still need to follow the guidance at HSE.ie.

Are more people allowed at concerts, theatres, sporting events?

Yes, all capacity restrictions will be removed with effect from 22 January 2022 for both indoor and outdoor events.

What about business and income supports?

There are some further changes to business and income supports go to gov.ie/recovery for more information.

Can I have people in my house?

Yes, all restrictions will be removed with effect from 22 January 2022.

The best way to keep yourself, your family and your community safe is to be fully vaccinated. So, please, get vaccinated and get your booster. (See HSE.ie for details)

You may still have concerns about yourself or your family members. You should continue to assess your individual situation. There are ways to reduce risk, especially for those who may be more vulnerable. For further guidance go to gov.ie/riskaware.

The behaviour of the virus in Ireland and around the world will continue to be closely monitored. The priority of Government will always be the health and wellbeing of our people.

For the full details of the changes go to gov.ie/recovery

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Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

NewsPeople

Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

2022 is all about relief, recovery and growth for resilient Rossies And just like that…Omicron cases are falling, hospital numbers are stabilising, and Ireland, the country with one of the strictest and longest coronavirus restrictions in Europe, has lifted almost all of its health and safety measures, officially becoming party central once again! Personally, I don’t know whether to be relieved and shout ‘saoirse’ from the top of my voice, or be worried regarding this rapid change of pace.

Maybe I missed a memo, but wasn’t it only a few weeks ago we were debating whether or not schools could reopen safely? And, aren’t the daily case numbers still in their thousands, and won’t incidences of Covid now rise, given many (the vulnerable and the immune-compromised etc.,) are possibly at an even higher risk of infection?

I don’t wish to be a killjoy, and, while last Saturday certainly constitutes a ‘good day’ for our entire nation, lifting our moods for the first time in two years, I’m just a tad concerned – as are readers who’ve spoken to me – about the sudden scrapping of social distancing.

I totally understand. As someone whose personal space bubble shrinks and expands, (depending on my relationship with you), I tend to get very angsty when someone breaches that barrier without receiving a specific invitation; throwing them what my family calls ‘Mam’s back off killer stare’!

Even before Covid was ‘a thing’ I was never comfortable with someone jamming themselves up against me in a supermarket queue. In fact,

the only reason I learned to drive as a teenager was because I couldn’t bear to sit so close to a stranger on a crowded bus or train. And, while I know this makes me sound like a real pain in the butt, I flatly refuse to be confined on an aircraft with other people’s screaming kids, especially ones sitting behind me who entertain themselves by kicking my seat.

However, putting my litany of odd little ‘space invader’ quirks aside, I am absolutely thrilled for the people of County Roscommon; especially those resilient Rossies who’ve expertly and inventively adapted and diversified their businesses in order to

survive this Covid storm. It must be fantastic for pub, restaurant and café owners to know they’ll no longer be affected by the 8 pm curfew, and that their capacity for indoor dining, drinking, entertaining, and providing general merriment etc., has been restored.

Hopefully this is now the end of what has been an extremely stressful time for them.

Walking through the county town this week, the positive change in attitude of a county beaten down by this virus, was almost palpable, with the utter despair we’ve endured over the past two years appearing to completely evaporate.

Political puffery is wasted on me, Frank!

Based on the price of goods, i.e. food and groceries, and services across 139 countries, price-comparison site Numbeo has ranked Ireland as the ‘16th most expensive country in the world to live’. These statistics do not include the cost of rents and mortgages etc.

Given this data, is it any wonder that many of us on minimum wage are now being forced into making the heartbreaking choice of either putting food in our bellies or fuel on our fires?

I know this pandemic has caused a slew of price hikes right across the board; and I know that, as a result of business closures, many of us as have lost work, meaning we all need to tighten our belts. I get it.

However, what I don’t get is, given the county’s state of hardship and austerity, Frank ‘I’m now known as the man who saved Roscommon Hospital’ Feighan appears to be more concerned with pushing his own political puffery as opposed to focusing on what really matters to voters, i.e. feeding their families! I could be wrong; and I don’t wish to make this

difference of opinion an issue between myself and the honourable Minister…truthfully I don’t.

But I was amused to read Frank’s lengthy response in this newspaper – from Dáil Éireann by the way, lest we forget his high standing – to one of my many held opinions, (which is all they are…opinions). Indeed his comment, and I quote, ‘politics can be a cruel and lonely vocation’ tickled me so much, I actually laughed out loud.

Fact Frank: Many families are living on the poverty line. Fact Frank: Many parents across this county cannot even afford basic food staples like potatoes, vegetables and rice for their kids! Fact Frank: When a politician feels the need to justify their position ad nauseam, they’re losing! I’m sure you’re a lovely gentleman at heart, and I wish you continued success… but, if I’m being honest, your ill-placed puffery at a time when Roscommon citizens are struggling to make ends meet is totally wasted on me!

I believe it’s way too soon for us to know how Micheál Martin’s sudden 360 degree turnaround will unfold; especially with regard to possible new variants emerging. That being said, perhaps we’ll just have to deal with this virus in the same way we’ve dealt with other ones, as in, incorporate it into our winter flu and our winter vomiting bug season; meaning we may just have to ritualise and normalise having a ‘Covid season’. Who knows, in time, due to the amount of people who chose to get vaccinated, we may even see Covid being eliminated altogether.

Let’s hope so.

However, even though there’s a lot of apprehension, it appears that 2022 is going to be all about relief, recovery and growth! Therefore, this weekend, while you’re dancing in the streets, or in a nightclub, enjoying high-stool cocktails with friends or having a ‘freedom’ party in your home, can I ask that you please remember every one of those 6,087 souls (and their heartbroken families) who’ve lost their lives to this killer virus. I really hope our Government, in its new-found enthusiasm, finds a way to commemorate and memorialise them. May they all rest in peace.

Rest in peace, Meat Loaf Given his much-reported ‘anti-vaccine’ stance, it’s now apparent the one thing rocker Meat Loaf wouldn’t do for love was get vaccinated against coronavirus…although I have to say it remains unclear as to whether or not he did give in and get the jab.

Therefore, while many fans around the world, (me included), are shocked at the rocker’s sudden (and allegedly Covid-related) death, I’m not surprised to read that others are mocking him regarding his much-reported opposition to restrictions, lockdowns and mask mandates etc.

Whatever your views on Meat Loaf’s (or Marvin Lee Aday, but often using the name Michael) politics, there’s no denying he enjoyed an impressive career that spanned right across six decades. It’s also clear, given the

amount of tributes that poured in following the sad news, the 74-year-old meant so much to so many.

While his iconic ‘I Would do Anything for Love’ reached number one on the Billboard charts, earning him a Grammy, my own personal favourite is, and always will be, his rock classic duet with Cher, ‘Dead Ringer for Love’. Why? Because, as a teenager, I used to perform it in cabaret venues with a member of the ‘band’ I was in (morto)! We would close the show with it. I don’t have many good memories from my childhood, however, being a member of that band/group is certainly one of the few positive aspects from it that I will both hold dear and cherish in equal amounts. RIP Meatloaf.

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Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

Arrive & Drive -

A new Motor Finance approach Now available at Centrepoint Autos, Westmeath.

From the most creditworthy to people with impaired or no credit history, Bluestone Motor Finance's innovative approach helps more people to get behind the wheel of a car or van at Centrepoint.

COVID-19 will continue to shape the way people live and work, in addition to impacting their finances and the way they choose to travel in their daily lives.

Many have moved from public transport to opting to purchase a car. However, the pandemic's impact on peoples' finances has and continues to be a barrier for many.

Working with award-winning specialist lender Bluestone Motor Finance, Centrepoint Autos can now offer Bluestone's well-proven service-led approach to helping people with a limited or impaired credit history. And now, they can provide an all-new service, Arrive & Drive, which offers finance convenience and accessibility to the most creditworthy.

Brian Larkin, the owner of Centrepoint Autos notes, "When considering buying one of our cars, I want people to know that whatever your credit

circumstances, we can help, thanks to Bluestone and the very personal tailored way in which they work with our customers."

Arrive & Drive is subject to lending criteria and is available on vehicles up to three years old with under 100,000 KMs, including hybrid and electric vehicles and provides access to;

· 0% deposit · Terms up to 72 months · Decisions in under 1 Hour Even if people do not qualify for this new offering, Bluestone will work with

Centrepoint Autos and their customers to try and tailor a finance package to suit, as Bluestone's MD Donal Murphy points out; "As motor finance experts, we are ready to work one-to-one with our dealers and customers to help more people get behind the wheel of their next car. Arrive & Drive is the latest example of our willingness to assist."

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Bluestone Motor Finance is a registered business name of Bluestone Motor Finance (Ireland) DAC Directors: A Curtin, A Jeffery (British), P McGuinness (British), D Murphy. Registered in Dublin, Ireland No. 507250. Registered Office: Unit 18 Northwood House, Northwood Business Campus, Santry, Dublin 9.

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Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

CIARAN MULLOOLY On The Back Benches

Time to make new friends and learn from the pandemic Now that the worst of the pandemic is hopefully over, we can return to some of the key issues that arose during the horrific period of the last 21 months or so, and reflect on what we might change or do differently as we tentatively step back into the public arena again and try to return to living our lives to the best of our ability in our new-found freedom.

When the history books are written, this period from March 2020 to January 2022 will go down as an absolute time of horror for our nation, and indeed for our world. I think most people will probably now agree with me that it was the youngest and oldest members of our society who were worst hit by the lethal Covid-19 virus. In that shocking death toll of over 5,000 people (in Ireland), we know that those who had significant underlying medical conditions, were living in nursing homes or at home alone, were particularly vulnerable in the first year of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, it is fair to say that our teenagers and young children had not only their education, but their social lives too, stolen from them for long periods.

In the last few days it has now been suggested that an expert committee will come together to examine where mistakes were made. In the UK we know already there is going to be a sworn inquiry held, and there is no doubt that serious lessons need to be learned about how we all responded to the threat from something we had never heard about before.

On the positive side of the coin, there are some aspects of our lives that have changed for the better since March 2020. I, for one, hope they will remain features of our everyday activities. For starters, the focus on outdoor recreation has been a huge bonus. Nor far from where I live in Ballyleague, every day of the week thousands of people come out for a healthy walk on Sliabh Bawn, the promenade along the Shannon in our village, or along the nearby cutaway bogs. This has been a huge success in these pandemic times – not just for recreation and the health of the people, but for local businesses too. Whether it’s just a bottle of water or a newspaper that is bought by people coming or going on these daily excursions, the reality is that it’s a benefit that wasn’t previously there for small communities. It is a very promising new trend.

I have written previously in this column about the brilliant community response to the pandemic and the way our voluntary groups, GAA clubs and others have stepped up to the plate during the worst days of the virus, collecting the shopping and daily messages for those who were cocooning or living alone. I have also discussed at great length the fact that many, many people who were vulnerable had to be left alone for long periods and kept away from the risk of infection.

Included in this group of those worst affected were people with disabilities and many others who are affected by dementia and alzheimers who faced long periods of isolation where they simply had no company at all in their homes.

“We were more or less trapped at home” one elderly man told me recently. Meanwhile, the story of the lady who lived alone and started writing to herself once a week – so that the postman might call for a chat when delivering the letter a few days later – is already well known in these parts.

When I wrote about that incident firstly here in the Roscommon People, I received the following beautiful letter from a lady called Ann Hughes – and the suggestion from this delightful correspondence has brought me to another issue of huge importance.

‘Dear Ciaran, I saw you were writing about people writing to themselves to receive post back and perhaps even a visit from the postman during the pandemic.

‘I always loved to receive and write letters and I just wondered if you could put me in contact with any person who would like to receive such a letter.

‘I am 79 years of age. I am lucky. I have a husband, three grown-up daughters, six grandchildren, and another due later in the year. I am busy with my family and cannot commit to anything outside the home because I am ‘on call’ to them, but to write to someone would be a pleasure for me to do. Something to think about…Ann’ My first reaction when this correspondence came through the letter box in Ballyleague was to say to my ‘other half’ that my faith in humanity had been restored. At a time when women and men

of this very age were at home petrified – and watching out for their own safety – here was a lady prepared to look beyond her own kitchen door and watch out for others who were less well off in terms of supports. My second thought was how this type of initiative could indeed be developed into a worthwhile form of ‘befriending’ for people who live alone. I thought for a while about how this kind gesture might be built into a regular feature in our rural communities – and thus help develop something really positive going forward from this horrid time.

Within a short period of time, that word ‘befriending’ was to reappear again in my life when I got a lovely phone call from a man called Tom McCann, who works as a dementia nurse specialist with the Western Alzheimers Association. Tom told me that he and his colleagues had commenced their very own ‘Befriending Service’ in counties Roscommon, Galway and Mayo in 2019. The aim of the service was to support people living with dementia. This was achieved via the provision of companionship through a weekly volunteer visit to the home of somebody with dementia.

The service was designed to lessen the impact that social isolation or loneliness has on both physical and mental health, improve the quality of life and promote independence of the person living with dementia, and, crucially, it also provides an opportunity for the primary carer in some of these homes to have a wellearned break.

All the befrienders in the service are volunteers who receive no payment. They are provided with training and are Garda-vetted. To make it all work

In association with: LOUGH REE ACCESS FOR ALL

well, befrienders are matched with people who have similar interests such as card playing, farming, walking or cycling. When you think about it, it’s a really smart idea and one we should all support.

Currently there are approximately 50 volunteer befrienders operating in the three counties. The aim is to increase this number over the coming 12 months – especially here in County Roscommon. The feedback from service recipients is extraordinary, with many outlining how they look forward to the weekly visit of the befriender above everything else in the week. Likewise, many befrienders express their belief that they get as much if not more intrinsic satisfaction from their own role as that enjoyed by the recipient.

It really is an initiative that is deserving of our support. I wrote a column last year on the great work also being done by the Roscommon Dementia Alliance Group in this general area. If you have a few hours to spare once a week, and would be interested in obtaining more information about the role of a befriender, please contact Tom McCann, Dementia Nurse Specialist, Western Alzheimers on 087 1930233 (or email tommccann@westernalzheimers.ie). Or you can write to the boss – Pat Holmes, CEO, Western Alzheimers, Ballindine, Claremorris, Co. Mayo F12 PY99 www.westernalzheimers.ie At the end of the day it is to be hoped that progressive initiatives such as this that were born in the desperate days of the pandemic will actually give us a positive legacy from this period in our history – and stay with us for years to come.

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Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

NewsPeople

PEOPLE PLATFORM Your say, our say….in everyone’s favourite local newspaper!

Violence is violence: We just need to ‘join the dots’ Leitrim Village, Co Leitrim Dear Editor, The name of Ashling Murphy, R.I.P., (pictured right),will never be forgotten, nor should it be. As the eyes and ears of the world looked at and listened to reports of her brutal murder, there seems to be a renewed and steely determination that this indeed will be a watershed moment in the struggle to bring an end to violence against women.

There is a mixture of misogyny and misandry at play in articles and commentary, both online and in the media at large. There is a myriad of suggestions as to where the blame lies; the widespread availability of pornography? Violence on TV, in cinema, in video games?

Poor role models for children?

Poverty? Addiction issues?

Immigration? Inadequate psychiatric services…the list is

endless. Suggested solutions are numerous; an overhaul of the judicial system, increased garda presence on the streets,

more CCTV surveillance, legalising the use of pepper spray, self-defence training and education on courtesy, respect

and etiquette in schools…etc.

However, missing from the whole debate is discussion of the lack of respect for and equality afforded to all human life, irrespective of age, colour or creed. Violence is violence, period!

Here in Ireland, the recent push for euthanasia of the sick, elderly and vulnerable, as well as the introduction of abortion for babies who are unplanned, unwanted or ‘imperfect’, both speak of a society where life has become cheap and disposable, once a human being is unproductive or inconvenient.

We need to ‘join the dots’ and ‘make the connections’, if we dare to be honest.

Little will change in this country as long as some human beings are deemed more worthy of life than others.

Yours sincerely, Sinéad Tracey

Takes issue with Feighan on drinks’ pricing, hospital claims Dear Editor, As a citizen who is not impressed over the introduction of minimum unit pricing (MUP) under the guise of this Government actually caring for the health of the nation, I was particularly interested in the comments by Deputy Frank Feighan in your edition dated Friday, January 21st.

There are some points Frank has made that I would take exception to. He refers to alcohol as being available here at “extremely low prices”. I am sure the price is not an issue for someone like Frank who earns in the region of €150,000 plus expenses, but for

the average Irish adult who, like me, enjoys a bottle of wine or a couple of cans of beer, to suggest prices here are extremely low is actually ludicrous and quite insulting. It is also quite ironic these politicians telling us the price of alcohol is too cheap for us while they can avail of subsidised alcohol in the Dáil Bar at our expense.

Frank’s reasoning for this minimum unit pricing is allegedly due to his concern for the health of the nation. Well, perhaps Frank might like to turn his attention to the epidemic of suicides amongst young adults that we have across this island. Accessing mental health

services in this country is virtually impossible – it would be a joke if the situation was not so serious.

Choosing MUP over directly funding services to support those suffering from mental issues or addiction seems like two steps backwards and no steps forward.

Frank pinpoints Scotland as an example of how well MUP is working, but sadly this is not the case. Since the policy was introduced in 2018, alcohol-related deaths have increased by 17% in Scotland. Wales, the other nearby country (not mentioned by Frank at all) that introduced MUP in 2020, reported the highest alcohol-

related deaths on record for the same year, hardly a great recommendation.

Finally, in his letter Frank says he believes he is now known as “the man who saved Roscommon Hospital”. I cannot imagine where in any world he gets this idea. However, this comment is from the same man who once claimed Fine Gael had “eradicated the mercs and perks” and “led the charge when it came to public sector reform” – both claims equally as ridiculous as the other.

Yours sincerely, Orla Arnold

Choosing a chairperson for review of 2018 Abortion Act Móin Uachtair, Ráth Ara, Contae Ros Comáin

Dear Editor, The three-year review of the 2018 Abortion Act is currently ongoing. Minister Stephen Donnelly has promised on numerous occasions that the review will be chaired by an “independent chair”, whose recommendations will draw upon the evidence presented.

In such an important review as this, it is necessary that the prospective candidate’s independence be authentic. This means a chair should

not have a history of partisan activism or public pronouncements on the issue of abortion.

An ideal candidate for the position would be someone with a senior legal background, such as a retired High Court judge. Judges are well accustomed to hearing diverse cases and making informed decisions based on the evidence presented to them. The same principle should apply to the evidence presented during the three-year review, which must be critically judged on its merits alone.

Moreover, to ensure the widest possible sweep of interested applicants, the process must be open to the public through a transpar-

ent and accountable selection process. Leaving the selection process solely to the Minister for Health is unlikely to produce a truly independent candidate.

There are numerous issues with the operation of abortion in this country. The debate must not focus simply on “expanding” abortion services, but instead producing solutions to deal with the law’s worst excesses. Mandating precautionary pain relief for unborn children in late-term abortions would be a reasonable and moderate starting point.

Mise, le meas, Siobhan Nic Cathail

CREGGS National School

ENROLMENT/ OPEN EVENING

Tuesday 22nd February, at 7pm Parents and Children wishing to enrole for September 2022 are invited to come along and see our school, our facilities and meet our staff School contact details:

Ger Dowd – Principal Tel: 0906621303 E-mail: creggsns@gmail.com

Ballagh N.S. Kilrooskey Co. Roscommon F42 CF90

Ballagh National School are now accepting enrolments for

September 2022 / 2023 Application form for admission is available as follows: Download at: www.ballaghns.ie Request by email at: ballaghns1@gmail.com Closing date for applications is 17th of February 2022

March return for Roscommon Garden Club Roscommon Garden Club members are delighted that life is slowly getting back to what it was before the Covid-19 pandemic. It was hoped to restart meetings this month but after some consideration and discussions among members, it has been decided to wait until March. This is a precautionary measure to ensure vulnerable members do not miss out. The proposed date for the first meeting is Monday, March 28th at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. This will be confirmed nearer the time but until then we wish that all members stay safe and well.

Ardcarne Parish Graveyard Committee AGM

The Annual General Meeting of the Ardcarne Parish Graveyard Committee will be held on Monday, January 31st at 8 pm in the John McGahern Barracks, Cootehall. New members especially welcome.

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TAKE A BREAK

Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

NewsPeople

Fionn O’Halloran, son of Roscommon senior hurling manager, Kevin O’Halloran, practices his skills ahead of the Connacht League Final between Roscommon and Sligo at the Connacht GAA Air Dome last Saturday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Famous birthdays ... this week

Bronagh Naughton gets some practice in at the Connacht GAA Air Dome last Saturday on the same night Roscommon won the Connacht Hurling League title. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

It’s been a GOOD week for…

The Irish people, who received the welcome news last weekend that most pandemic-related restrictions were being lifted Rugby fans (kind of, sort of), with Connacht drawing high-flying Leinster (currently averaging almost a point a minute) in the upcoming two-leg Heineken Champions Cup round of last 16

Alan Cumming (Scottish actor, turns 57 on Thursday)

“

Micheál Martin, with the Taoiseach – who has shown calm leadership on Covid-19 – getting the tone right with the content and delivery of his ‘address to the nation’ on Friday, in which he confirmed that most restrictions are ending

It’s been a BAD week for…

Fans of Meat Loaf and the star’s loved ones, with the larger than life singer and actor’s death announced on Friday, lead-

ing to many tributes from fans across the world and fond memories of his ‘Bat out of Hell’ heyday revived Relations between Russia and NATO, and for people in Eastern Europe generally, with fears growing that Russia may be planning an invasion of Ukraine Claudio Ranieri, with the likeable Italian who famously won the Premier League with outsiders Leicester being sacked by Watford after less than four months in charge

Oprah Winfrey (American talk show host, will be 68 on Saturday)

Christian Bale (English Tom Selleck (American actor, celebrates 48th on actor, turns 77 on Sunday) Saturday)

The things people say…

“As we look forward to this spring, we need to see each other again, we need to see each other smile, we need to sing again” -An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, lifts the mood of the nation with unexpectedly quick lifting of restrictions

For updates, check our social channels

McDwyer play comes to Arts Centre Theatregoers who have been starved of live entertainment for nearly two years can return to a real treat when Beezneez Theatre Company visit Roscommon Arts Centre with the premiere of John McDwyer’s new play, ‘Twilight’, on Tuesday, February 8th at 8 pm.

Well known for his thoughprovoking plays such as Lovely

Leitrim, United, An Ordinary Man and Callaghan’s Place, and his sparkling comedies Unforgiven and Turning Mammy, the playwright describes Twilight as a little bit of both, leaning towards thought-provoking themes which will give rise to much discussion afterwards.

McDwyer says Twilight is a

reflective play which mirrors the way he currently feels, having emerged from lockdown.

Two old friends meet for the first time for over thirty-five years.

Why have they not met in all that time, and why are they meeting now? Are there issues between them and will they succeed in resolving them?

Starring two All-Ireland winning actors, John McDwyer (Educating Rita) and Tom Walsh (The Communication Cord), Twilight plays in Roscommon Arts Centre on Tuesday, February 8th at 8 pm.

Tickets available now from 0906625824 and from www.roscommonartscentre.ie

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Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

NewsPeople

Jonathan Gomes, Karina Silva and Evandro Santos in The Red Parrot, Roscommon on Saturday night. Pic: Mick McCormack

Raquel Gomes, Bruno Freitas and Raymond Whelehan pictured in The Red Parrot, Roscommon on Saturday night. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roisin Beirne and Rebecca Gavigan in The Red Parrot, Roscommon on Saturday night. Pic: Mick McCormack

Teresa Ormsby (back), Siobhan Curran, Bernie Kelly and Brenda Reynolds pictured in Jackson’s Restaurant, Roscommon on Saturday night. Pic: Mick McCormack Joan McDermott and Christine Gibbons in The Red Parrot, Roscommon on Saturday night. Pic: Mick McCormack

Teresa Ormsby, Brid Gordon, Liz Mulvey, Maura Tobin and Eileen McWeeney pictured in Jackson’s Restaurant, Roscommon on Saturday night. Pic: Mick McCormack

Teresa Ormsby (back), Ruth Trimble, Bernie Costello and Sarah Weiss were in Jackson’s Restaurant, Roscommon on Saturday night. Pic: Mick McCormack

Shane Donoghue, Joey Killian and Kyle Cribbon were glad to be back socialising again in Roscommon on Saturday night. Pic: Mick McCormack

Abby Mullally, Ailish Beirne and Caroline Lapina out and about in Roscommon Town on Saturday night. Pic: Mick McCormack

Aaron Lyons, Liam Hamrock, Mark Dwyer, Brian Costello, Aodhan Looby, Harry Mahon and Rurai O’Connor in The Red Parrot, Roscommon on Saturday night. Pic: Mick McCormack

Pictured in Jackson’s Restaurant, Roscommon on Saturday night were Lorcan Lyons, Aine Lyons, Alannah Healy, Ciara Healy and Colm Lyons. Photo: Mick McCormack

Pictured in Jackson’s Restaurant, Roscommon on Saturday night were Laura Kelly, Matthew Healy and Conor Kelly.

Photo: Mick McCormack

Pictured in Jackson’s Restaurant, Roscommon on Saturday night were (back row, left to right): Karen Osborn, Eilish Mulryan, Seamus Beirne, Sinead Lyons, Grainne Kelly, Fiona Healy. Front row, left to right: Alan Beirne, Felim Kelly, Shane Mulryan, Stevie Lyons, Paul Healy. Photo: Mick McCormack

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Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

NewsPeople

Publicans express relief at lifting of Covid restrictions < DAN DOONER

The lifting of Covid-19 restrictions was met with widespread relief by business owners in the hospitality sector this week, as normal trading hours made a welcome return to pubs across the county.

Speaking to the Roscommon People, Dale Kiernan, who runs The Railway Bar in Roscommon town with his brother Dermot, described the lifting of restrictions last Friday as a “big shock”.

“We had twelve hours’ notice so there was no room for preparation or ordering stock. Luckily, we had enough stock at hand but if we didn’t it was just tough luck,” he said.

In terms of staff, Covid restrictions had posed a number of problems for Dale and Dermot.

“When we reopened initially last year, we knew we wouldn’t get qualified staff so we didn’t look for them. We were willing to take people on from scratch and train them up. We took a number of staff on who had little or no experience.

“Two of our younger members hadn’t even had a pint in a pub before pulling their first one! It was a challenge, but we thoroughly enjoyed stepping up and working around the restrictions,” he said.

Last Saturday night represented a return to normality for staff and customers alike.

“On Friday, we watched the announcement by Micheál Martin and then hopped onto the group WhatsApp to see who was available to work the following night,” Dale said.

“It was very much back to the way it used to be last weekend.

Everyone was giddy! I was nervous coming in because I didn’t know what to expect but after an hour or two you settle back in to normal service. Even still, every time the front door opens I nearly run over

“

‘Everyone took it as ‘Freedom Day’ and it was great to see.

Customers had a great time and there was no trouble.

It was like letting the heifers out of a slatted house!’

– Scott Hunter

Dale Kiernan and Thomas Holian pictured at The Railway Bar, Roscommon recently.

to check people in and show them to a table!”

Dale said the return of bar service is very welcome and helped to create a much better atmosphere in the bar last weekend.

“We’ve known a lot of our customers for many years so it’s great to be able to have a proper chat with them at the bar again.

“There are customers who are still a little bit wary and will wear their masks around the bar and that’s cool. We’re still wearing our masks until the end of February too so we’ll see how the next few weeks go,” he said.

Patricia Mullaney and family run the popular Red Parrot pub in Roscommon town and she said customers arrived early last Saturday.

“We had people coming in at 7 o’clock, there was a huge crowd around last Saturday night. Last weekend, was very, very busy. It was like New Year’s Eve and it was great to see all the young crowd out again and enjoying themselves,” she said.

Patricia added that while the previous 8 pm closing time was “harsh”, she would have accepted a Government decision to close pubs by 11 o’clock on weekdays.

“I would have settled for ten or eleven, it wouldn’t have bothered me because Monday to Friday trade is quiet. I wouldn’t have minded if the hours were cut back a bit because people had got used to going out early and going home early,” she said.

The popular proprietor of the

family-run pub was quick to praise her customers for their acceptance of restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Even last year, when we had table service outside, young people

were very organised; they were booking tables early and had no problem leaving. We hadn’t a bit of bother,” she said.

In Strokestown, Scott Hunter became owner of The Sportsman’s

Inn last year at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. He was also taken by surprise following the sudden scrapping of restrictions last weekend.

“We were expecting the Government to extend opening hours from 8 pm but we didn’t think they’d wipe the floor with all the restrictions. It was very welcome obviously and it was unexpected,” he said.

“Everyone took it as ‘Freedom Day’ and it was great to see.

Customers had a great time and there was no trouble. It was like letting the heifers out of a slatted house!”

Scott said that customers were taking personal responsibility, and were just happy to be back socialising.

“You have certain people who are still wary but to have the bar back is unbelievable. Now that we’re doing food too, customers can sit at the bar and have a pint and a bite to eat,” he said.

Scott said it was great to welcome customers back who had been put off by the earlier closing time and those who had been isolating due to the high numbers of positive cases in recent weeks.

“Christmas was quieter than any other part of the year…it wasn’t a good Christmas, but last weekend was the best we’ve had since I bought the place.

“We had taken the pool table out during the restrictions and I got a lot of stick over it. It was back in on Monday and it was like watching kids at Christmas!”

Back at the bar! Tom Gannon enjoys a pint expertly poured by Caoilfhionn McDermott in Solan’s Bar, Ballaghaderreen yesterday afternoon (Wednesday). Pic: Mick McCormack

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Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

NewsPeople

Registration is now open for Roscommon Community Challenge Registration is now open for the Roscommon Community Challenge 2022 5k/10k walk/ run which takes place on Friday, March 4th at 8 pm at Roscommon Community Sports Park.

You can register by searching ‘Roscommon Community Challenge 2022’ at eventbrite. ie. Proceeds will go towards Roscommon Community Sports Park and Roscommon Special Olympics Club.

Find out more at www.rosactive.org and the Roscommon Community Challenge 2022 Facebook page.

‘Freedom Friday’ as restrictions go!

Ireland ‘weathers Omicron storm’ < DAN DOONER

Addressing the nation outside Government buildings on Friday last, Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced the lifting of most Covid-19 restrictions after almost two years of large-scale lockdowns and rules designed to keep the virus at bay.

The Taoiseach hailed it as “a good day” as the country moved towards a return to normality.

From 6 am last Saturday morning, measures in place for the hospitality sector were removed as normal trading hours returned and nightclubs reopened.

Businesses no longer have to seek contact tracing details while the Covid pass requirement and the limit of six people to a table have also been removed.

The limit on gatherings and social distancing rules were also abolished while all indoor and outdoor events are also back to full capacity.

While workers made their way to offices across the country as part of a phased return on Monday, the rules on self-isolation and close contacts remain in place, as does mask wearing. The Digital Covid Cert is also still required for those travelling abroad.

The announcement came as NPHET gave the go-ahead for the immediate easing of Covid-19 rules last Thursday, much to the surprise of Cabinet members.

NPHET advised the Government that

Ireland had “weathered the Omicron storm”.

In his address to the nation last Friday, the Taoiseach said it was time “to be ourselves again”.

“Please, if you haven’t already, get your

vaccine, get your booster,” he said.

“Humans are social beings and we Irish are more social than most. As we look forward to this spring, we need to see each other again, we need to see each other smile, we need to sing again”.

Pictured is Mairéad O’Shea from Roscommon Town, who has recently been appointed the new Communications Manager with the See Her Elected (SHE) programme.

Mairéad appointed to key SHE role

See Her Elected – the feminist, community-led, rural initiative to support women into politics – has appointed a new communications manager, Mairéad O’Shea from Roscommon town.

A former journalist with over twenty years of experience and a former deputy editor of The Roscommon Herald, Mairéad has worked as a media/PR consultant for the past number of years. She has vast experience in the political arena (including election campaigns).

Mairéad is also a director (voluntary) of the Roscommon Women’s Network. Mairéad started her career in journalism in The Longford Leader.

She is a native of Lanesboro, Co. Longford but has lived in Roscommon town for many years.

CEO of Longford Women’s Link, Tara Farrell, announced the appointment saying: “Mairéad brings considerable media, journalistic and political experience to the role. We are delighted to have her on board”.

SHE is a joint initiative between 50:50 Northwest and Longford Women’s Link. The project is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage which is headed up by Westmeath native and Minister of State Peter Burke.

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Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

FarmingPeople Property Services Providers Licence No. 002249

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

SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS

Ifac urges Roscommon farmers to get the right advice for farm partnerships

• ALL STOCK PRE BOOKED. • YARD OPENS AT 8 A.M. • ALL SALES COMMENCE AT 11 A.M. • 3 RINGS IN OPERATION.

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

Castlerea MART WATCH Larger numbers of stock presented for sale this week with excellent demand on offer for all categories of stock. The bullock ring in particular had larger entries this week with quality stores making up to €2.88 a kilo while the heavier lots peaked at €2,200 for an 830-kilo AA bullock.

The heifer ring reported a good clearance again this week while the weanling rings, with increased numbers on offer, saw the bulls peak at €3.39 a kilo and the heifer weanlings peak at €3.95 a kilo.

Dry cows remain a fine trade with forward cows making up to €2.44 a kilo while the store cows with bigger numbers on offer witnessed price improvement. Cows with calves at foot made from €1,760 to €1,820 while the springers made from €1,050 to €1,690. Young calves made from €120 to €440 with runners making from €300 to €760.

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

Sample prices for bullocks: Ch 495kgs €1430, Lm 455kgs €1250, AA 490kgs €1280, AAx 545kgs €1410, Lm 595kgs €1510, Lm 645kgs €1640, AA 830kgs €2200, Lm 730kgs €1870, Ch 675kgs €1670.

Heifers: Lm 390kgs €1060, Lm 360kgs €1030, Lm 460kgs €1350, Lm 485kgs €1280, Ch 695kgs €1690, Ch 660kgs €1680, Her 565kgs €1460, Lm 665kgs €1660, Lm 510kgs €1360, Dry cows: Ch 935kgs €1990, Her 850kgs €1750, Lm 700kgs €1710, Her 760kgs €1680, Sim 740kgs €1620, Fr 565kgs €1020, Fr 685kgs €1170, Ch 610kgs €1380.

Weanling bulls: BBx 265kgs €900, Ch 295kgs €860, Lm 285kgs €820, Ch 385kgs €1140, Ch 400kgs €1150, Ch 410kg €1100, Sim 430kgs €1100.

Weanling heifers: Sim 295kgs €950, Ch 280kgs €840, Ch 270kgs €820, AA 310kgs €930, Ch 360kgs €1040, Ch 370kgs €910, Lm 270kgs €800, Ch 270kgs €850.

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

TOM ROGERS

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

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

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

Your LOCAL Collector Guaranteed lowest price

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Final report on peat and action plan unworkable for Irish Horticulture - IFA IFA Horticulture Chairman Paul Brophy has described the final report of the peat working group, convened by Minister Malcolm Noonan, as “unworkable” for the Irish horticulture sector.

Mr. Brophy claims the action plan does not stress the urgency of the situation and it appears that the recommendations set out in the report are contradictory.

“The final report is outstanding since October 20th and it’s contradictory that an Action Plan does not conform with the report’s recommendations,” he said.

“The plan will do nothing other than lead to the demise of the sector. It doesn’t indicate how the current producers of the key raw material can become fully compliant and continue to service the industry needs. IFA is calling for it to be scrapped and re-evaluated immediately”.

The Horticulture Chair said the final report clearly sets out that the dual consent process for peat harvesting must be reformed, adding that this was critical ahead of the 2022 season.

“The Action Plan contradicts the above recommendation by stating ‘As such, legislative changes to the consent system do not present a realistic short or medium-term solution to the difficulties facing the horticulture industry in the immediate term. Therefore, the dual consent system is being retained’.

“It’s clear that various party politics are at play here. Irish growers cannot sustain any more of these shortcomings,” Mr. Brophy explained.

“The Action Plan outlined by Government will mean that Irish growers will become dependent on imported peat, which will be catastrophic for the green credentials of the industry. It’s completely unfit for purpose. If anything, it will exacerbate the problems facing Irish growers, instead of addressing them,” he concluded.

With the February deadline looming, ifac, Ireland’s farming, food and agribusiness specialist professional services firm, is advising Roscommon farmers that getting the right advice is crucial for registered farm partnerships.

Philip O’Connor, Head of Farm Supports at ifac said: “Changing farm structures is a big decision for any farmer and all Department of Agriculture, Revenue and legal aspects should be reviewed fully before entering a farm partnership.

“Once your accountant and or solicitor have examined the structure and it makes financial, succession and legal sense, the next step is to deal with the Department of Agriculture. The current deadline for

applying for a Registered Farm Partnership number this year is February 11th”.

According to Mr. O’Connor, those in a registered partnership can avail of various grants including a double ceiling for TAMS, enhanced stock tax relief, and a good route for succession and expansion.

Regarding women in farm partnerships, Mr. O’Connor said: “It’s important that women are encouraged and supported to become officially recognised for the work they do on farms and forming a registered farm partnership could be the first step”.

Farming in partnership could also lead to additional benefits when it comes to jointly owned lands and contributory pensions.

Urgent action needed on fertiliser costs - Kerrane Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane, right, has called on both the Irish Government and European Commission to take action to mitigate extreme fertiliser costs.

She was speaking following a hearing on Wednesday evening last with Fabien Santini of the Commission Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development at the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture.

Deputy Kerrane said: “Family farmers operate on extremely tight margins.

“Increases in input prices is putting huge pressure on farm incomes, but the sharp hike in fertiliser has been beyond anything that can be managed at an on-farm level.

“Urea fertiliser has increased in cost by 160 per cent in the last 12 months, while CAN prices have increased by a staggering 228 per cent.

“Limited supplies are having a devastating impact on the

grass-based model of farming for which Ireland is renowned”.

Deputy Kerrane added that farmers were “crying out for something to be done” but the Government and EU Commission had not taken action.

“In fact, the EU is adding to the problem by imposing levies on imports of fertiliser from outside the EU and adding further anti-dumping duties of up to €43 per tonne.

“This is providing the Euro-

pean fertiliser industry with a protection that Irish food producers do not have. That industry is making massive profits,” she said.

“There are concrete actions that can be taken to mitigate the consequences. The first relates to addressing those import levies and anti-dumping tariffs. While European fertiliser companies rake in profits of up to 40 per cent and there is a supply shortage, there can be no justification for these measures.

“Equally, if required, direct state aid and intervention must be considered, as was highlighted as an option by Mr. Santini at Committee.

“Because while the Agriculture Committee may come at this primarily from a farm input cost – the alternative suggestion posited by Mr. Santini that costs simply be borne by consumers is simply not tenable”.

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Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

FarmingPeople

(Proudly serving farmers for over 62 years) Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

End of the Month Special Sale of Bullocks Friday January 28th @ 11 a.m.

23 pens of Bullocks on offer Also Heifers & Dry Cows ----------------------

Friday, February 4th at 4 p.m.

Special Spring Sale of Heifers Also Bullocks & Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Monday, January 31st

Cullinan: More work needed on animal transport IFA President Tim Cullinan said the recent voting through of key amendments on animal transport in the European Parliament goes some way towards safeguarding competition in the cattle trade but that more needs to be done to convince legislators that Ireland is meeting the highest standards.

However, the IFA President acknowledged the work done by Irish MEPs to get backing in the European Parliament for the amendments.

“From the position of Irish farming, it was vital that the key amendments were carried, but

our campaign will continue. IFA will be working with others through COPA and our MEPs to build support for animal transport, given its critical role for Ireland as an island nation,” he said.

“Our calves are highly sought after in the European market. They are very robust and healthy, and thrive well. Our animal welfare and transport are of the highest standard, which is why there is such demand for our calves”.

IFA Livestock Chairman Brendan Golden, who is also in Strasbourg, said the recommen-

dations from the ANIT Committee in the European Parliament for live animal transport had the potential to severely impact the competitive trade in this country, including the movements of in-calf animals, which is a key trade for farmers and marts.

“Irish farmers support and implement the highest welfare standards in the world and this includes the strictly controlled transport of animals. Seeking to change the rules because other countries fail to implement them was not acceptable,” he said.

Murphy welcomes lifting of social distancing at marts Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has welcomed the recent statement from Minister of Agriculture Charlie McConalogue that social distancing rules have now been lifted at livestock marts across the country.

Facemasks must still be worn at marts but all other Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted following last Friday’s announcement by Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

“I want to pay tribute to mart managers and staff and the farming community for their cooperation throughout the past few years,” Senator Murphy said.

“We have now almost returned to normality in our marts and many will welcome this. Online sales can continue as part of a blended approach and some farmers may decided to keep on doing that.

“There is no doubt that farmers in the Roscommon Galway region as well as farmers throughout the country, through their cooperation, played a key role in reducing the threat of Covid-19 in our communities thus saving lives and also helping to protect Ireland’s food security”.

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

Tuesday, February 1st at 4 p.m.

Special Spring Sale of Weanlings Also Suckler/Springer Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 27th ----------------------

Lambs & Cast Ewes Each Wednesday at 11 a.m.

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

Sheep Scanning Service

Commencing Wednesday February 9th and each Wednesday thereafter Strictly 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

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

Find us on facebook

Roscommon MART WATCH

Difficult times ahead if farmer concerns on public access is not addressed The Irish Natura & Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) have outlined major concerns around the issue of public access and hillwalking and are warning of a very difficult summer if farmer concerns are not addressed.

In discussing this, the association’s National VicePresident, Pheilim Molloy, stressed the need for immediate engagement between State bodies and farmers. This he stated “should focus on addressing the ongoing concern farmers have with regard to members of the public accessing their property”.

“Over the last year, we have seen a major increase in the number of people accessing our hills. This in turn has led to a significant increase in the number of farmers contacting our office distressed and frustrated by some hillwalkers showing scant regard for them and their property,” he said.

These farmers have, continued Mr. Molloy, “out-

lined details of dog attacks on sheep and the blocking of gateways and access routes through illegal parking. Instances have also been reported of verbal abuse towards farmers when walkers were challenged as a result of disobeying signs”.

Additional concerns outlined by the INHFA representative included gates being left open, fences being broken, and increased litter as well as the everincreasing risk of fires resulting from a growth in wild camping.

“Farmers have been more than patient, but this patience and their good will is not something that should be taken for granted which is why we need immediate engagement. This engagement must be driven by Minister Martin and supported by our County Councils and include, as a starting point, an awareness campaign around a code of conduct for hillwalkers”.

There were increased numbers on offer at our second Friday sale of the new year on January 21st. Trade was firm for all classes. Bullock numbers were small due to next week’s special sale. Prices ranged from €2.30 per kilo up to €2.45 per kilo. Heifers fetched from an average of €2.56 per kilo up to €3.19 per kilo, and there was a nice entry of dry cows, with all lots sold and prices ranging from €2.07 per kilo up to €2.48 per kilo.

This Friday (28th) at 11 am, we will have our end of month special sale of bullocks and general sale of heifers and dry cows.

There were larger numbers on offer at this week’s sheep sale on Wednesday, January 26th. There was a similar trade, with hoggets making up to €158, and stag ewes fetching up to €148. Ewes and lambs made up to €310 for two ewes with four lambs at foot, and in-lamb ewes made up to €235. Cast ewes made from €85 to €148 per lot, ewes with two lambs at foot made up to €310, and in lamb ewes made from €190 to €235.

Our next sheep sale for lambs and cast ewes is on Wednesday, February 2nd, at 11 am. The yard open at 8 am, and all stock must be penned by 10 am. Please note that all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID Tag set. The sale can be viewed live on livestock-live. com. Sample prices for bullocks: Simm X 620kgs €1520, Char X 680kgs €1470, HEX 655kgs €1450, AAX 635kgs €1430, Lim X 580kgs €1400, Lim X 485kgs €1150.

Heifers: Lim X 785kgs €1900, Char X 600kgs €1780, Lim X 640kgs €1740, Lim X 665kgs €1740, AAX 670kgs €1630, Lim X 650kgs €1600, Char x 575kgs €1570, Char X 485kgs €1550, HEX 580kgs €1430, Char X 485kgs €1400, Lim X 495kgs €1310, Lim X 400kgs €1130, Char X 440kgs €1300, Lim X 435kgs €1300.

Dry cows: Lim X 845kgs €2100, Lim X 810kgs €2010, Char 830kgs €1960, Char X 890kgs €1920, Simm X 800kgs €1770, Lim X 735kgs €1650, Lim X 655kgs €1480, Fr 660kgs €1080, Simm 665kgs €1330, BBX 715kgs €1550, PTX 740kgs €1640.

Finished hoggets: 56.3kgs €158, 56.4kgs €158, 55.6kgs €157, 49.3kgs €154, 51kgs €154, 48.7kgs €150, 41.3kgs €150, 45.2kgs €141.

Store hoggets: 38.3kgs €113, 39.30kgs €112, 33.8kgs €104, 34.3kgs €100.

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Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

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Renewed focus needs to be put on improving Irish mental health services Let’s talk about ...

IRISH MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES (A student’s perspective)

Alannah Ita Healy A recently published review of the care received by more than 1,300 children who attended the HSE-run Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in South Kerry has revealed that 227 children had been exposed to the risk of significant harm, with ‘clear evidence’ that forty-six children had indeed suffered significant harm under the care of the service.

The profoundly alarming nature of these findings is, without a doubt, cause for outrage in and of itself. However, as discussion around the report continues, concern is being raised over the state of mental health services in Ireland in general.

There is of course a tremendous amount of good work being done in the pursuit of better mental wellbeing by a variety of different services across the country, and the findings of this report aren’t suggesting otherwise. Still, the extent of the harm done to so many children under a HSErun mental health service is incredibly serious, and does raise the question, ‘Is this happening elsewhere too?’

Ireland has made considerable strides in the recent past when it comes to both the nation’s attitude surrounding mental health and the services available to those dealing with mental health issues. There is a better public understanding when it comes to certain issues (such as anxiety and depression), and a greater emphasis on self-care in general. So, considering just how much more mental wellbeing is valued now, why are we seeing reports come out with such alarming findings?

The reality of mental health services in Ireland is far from what you might expect given how much mental health is addressed socially and in the media. Resources are thinly stretched, wait times for an appointment are incredibly long, and now (in the case of services like South Kerry CAHMS at least), it’s been revealed that the care you receive once you actually gain access to these mental health services may be wholly inadequate.

Now, it should be said that some of the pressures being felt by mental health services are due to the impact of the

pandemic. In-person appointments have obviously not been able to go ahead for large chunks of the last couple years, and the toll that Covid took on everyone’s mental wellbeing has led to a lot more people seeking help – much more than many services were ever originally equipped or staffed to deal with.

However, the problems that exist within Ireland’s mental health service did not start with the pandemic and they certainly won’t go when it does. What’s also true is that these particular problems have the potential to have a much more dire impact than if these issues were present within other services.

Perhaps the clearest example of this is the impact of long wait lists when it comes to something like access to mental health services. Having to wait weeks for an initial appointment with a professional when you’re going through a personal mental health crisis can have truly devastating consequences.

Many people who are struggling with their mental health – regardless of if they’re dealing with anxiety, depression, an eating disorder, addictive behaviours etc – often approach the idea of seeking help when they have already been struggling for quite some time. Coming to the

“

conclusion that things are too hard right now and that you need help is a very hard conclusion to come to, especially so when you’re in a low mindset.

For many people, the decision is made when the extent to which their mental health is affecting them is undeniable.

Unfortunately, this means that when they finally make

Having to wait weeks for an initial appointment with a professional when you’re going through a personal mental health crisis can have truly devastating consequences

the decision to seek professional help, they usually have to endure weeks without treatment or care in the meantime. To be at a critical point in your process of dealing with your mental health, and to be without help despite wanting and needing it, is completely unacceptable. We can (and should) talk about self-care and mental health ‘days’ as much as we like, but at the end of the day, the progress done to destigmatise mental health has not been mirrored by equal progress in improving the state of our country’s mental health services.

Additionally, with wait lists as long as they are at the moment, it seems only reasonable to assume there must be incredible stress and strain being put on those working in mental health

services. There has been a lot of conversation about how understaffed these services are, and given the mental health crisis going on at the moment and the fact that isolation and waiting lists serve to exacerbate mental health issues, I can only imagine that undue stress and anxiety is being put on the shoulders of the same workers who’re trying to alleviate others’ stresses and anxieties themselves.

It is undeniable that every person deserves prompt access to professional mental health services, but in Ireland, the unfortunate reality is that this is simply not the case. Irish society has grown to have a much more mature and empathetic mindset around mental wellbeing, but our actual mental health services are failing us. The good work done by so many professionals is not enough to make up for the fact that mental health services are stretched far too thin.

It feels clear to me that mental health services in Ireland need a comprehensive review. There should never be any capacity for what happened with South Kerry CAMHS to happen again, and services across the country need more staff and more resources. These problems need to be addressed properly and urgently, because when they aren’t, the fallout that occurs is at the expense of overworked professionals and people who’re already struggling with their mental health.

Kerrane critical of Frenchpark junction plan Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has criticised Roscommon County Council’s proposal for the N5 junction at Frenchpark, and said further action was needed to make the area safe.

“Unfortunately, the Council’s proposal for a small number of bollards at the junction along the road on the Ballaghaderreen side is not enough,” she said.

“I have repeatedly raised the need for traffic lights to ensure the safety of all road users. I have engaged with the Head of Road Safety at Transport Infrastructure Ireland who confirmed this was an option and that they would make the funding available.

“This message was given to Roscommon County Council years ago, yet action has not been taken”.

Deputy Kerrane added: “While I welcome that the Council are eventually willing to do something here after several incidents, what they are proposing will not solve the safety issues.

“My colleague, Cllr. Michael Mulligan, opposed the proposal for bollards and suggested traffic lights to the Council meeting earlier this week.

“Road users and the community in Frenchpark cannot wait three or four years for a new road. I am urging Roscommon County Council to engage with the TII”.

National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company in charge of delivering the high-speed fibre network under the National Broadband Plan (NBP) on behalf of the Government, has announced that the first premises in County Roscommon have been successfully connected. Gerry Gordon (centre, front), owner of Autopia Ltd., Mount Prospect, Roscommon meets NBI Chief Executive Peter Hendrick, Paul Cullen, CTO of Eurona, Retail Service Provider of local fibre connections, Denis Naughten TD for Roscommon-Galway and John Freeman, Roscommon County Council Broadband Officer, to highlight importance of new fibre broadband connections going live in Roscommon under the National Broadband Plan deployment.

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Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

PropertyPeople

Cormac 086 3519492

PSRA Licence No. 004420

NEW TO THE MARKET

NEW TO THE MARKET PRIME QUALITY LANDS

Cathal 086 1409158

APPROX. 23.8 ACRES

WITH TWO STORY DERELICT RESIDENCE STANDING THEREON LOCATED AT

CARROWNALASSAN & CARROWBOY FOUR MILE HOUSE, CO. ROSCOMMON

3 BEDROOMED DETACHED BUNGALOW RESIDENCE

KILLINORDAN, SCRAMOGUE, CO. ROSCOMMON OFFERS AFTER €200,000

ALSO BOG LANDS AT DERRYCANAN (APPROX. 0.939 ACRES) FOLIO RN27969

Prime Quality Lands located just off the N61 comprised in folios RN13719 & RN1816 The sale of these said lands must offer all farmers a great opportunity to acquire lands in this regarded farming area between Roscommon & Tulsk Note: Land and Residence can be sold independently should market interest dictate. Offers invited.

PRICE GUIDE €195,000

Legals: Billy Brandon Solicitors, 090 6626245 of Patrick J Neilan Solicitors, Roscommon The Auctioneer now invites viewings and all offers to sell

FFERS FINAL O

This bungalow is presented in excellent condition and extends to approx 1,200 sq. ft.

Accommodation is comprised of the entrance hall, living room, kitchen/dining room, utility, sitting room, main bathroom and 3 bedrooms - master of which features an ensuite and built in wardrobes. Heated via oil fired central heating, a solid fuel stove with back boiler that heats all the radiators and a solid fuel feature fireplace. Double glazed windows are fitted throughout. The cavity walls are pumped with insulation and the attic is heavily insulated.. Externally the bungalow occupies an excellently maintained site of approx. 0.5 acres of mature lawn, shrubs, trees and 2 water features. There is a spacious garage to the side of house The auctioneer invites viewings and all offers to sell

NEW TO THE MARKET

NEW TO THE MARKET

FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY OR AUCTION LATER

PRIME OFFICE SPACE TO LET OF APPROX 6,000 SQ FT LOCATED

PRIME QUALITY LANDS

APPROX. 49.4 ACRES

WITH DERELICT RESIDENCE STANDING THERE ON LOCATED AT

BESIDE BALLAGHADERREEN TOWN

RATHKEVA & TONROE, TULSK, CO. ROSCOMMON PRICE GUIDE €375,000

Prime quality lands comprised in Folios RN11965 & RN21489 standing on the said lands is a derelict residence with pitch slated roof & storage shed at side.

A Four-Bay-Shed, yard and Holding Pen is located at entrance with the benefit of side road. Folio comprised of RN11965 + RN21489 Note: Land can be sold in one or two lots should market interest dictate ie. 12.75 aces (approx); 36.6 acres (approx) with sheds & derelict residence

A primely situated office building located on the edge of Ballaghaderreen Town and beside all amenities.

Legals: O’Dwyer Solicitors, Ballyhaunis, Mayo. 094 963 0011

Office accommodation of approx. 6000 sq ft over two floors.The said property is partly fitted for office space throughout to a good standard.

The Auctioneer now invites viewings and all offers to sell

The Auctioneer now invites immediate viewings.

WE OFFER A COMPREHENSIVE FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL PRE-MARKET ANALYSIS OF ALL PROPERTIES TOGETHER WITH AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIRTUAL TOUR TECHNOLOGY IN ALL MARKETING

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

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Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

PropertyPeople

Sold this week at Connaughton Auctioneers This week, Connaughton Auctioneers have completed the sales of three properties in Roscommon town, Ballyforan, and Kilmurry, Castlerea. If you are thinking of buying or selling, contact auctioneer Ivan of Connaughton Auctioneers on 090-6663700 or email info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie.

Land letting 2022 – demand to exceed supply

Prime farm of lands (approximately 78 acres) beside Curraghboy village.

RE/MAX Team Earley confirm sale of prime farmlands This week, RE/MAX Team Earley are pleased to advise that they have closed the sale of a prime farm of lands (approximately 78 acres) beside Curraghboy village.

This is a substantial holding of lands (comprised in folio RN9736F), and located in a renowned farming district close to Curraghboy village between Athlone and Roscommon towns.

The lands are set out on one manageable

holding and are in permanent pasture, on which stands a substantial farmyard comprising of two back-to-back slatted sheds (approximately 2,500 square feet and approximately 3,130 square feet respectively) incorporating dry bed area, a hay shed with dual lean tos off (approximately 4,500 square feet with grain shed attached (approximately 500 square feet), a silage slab (approximately 80’ x

50’) with concreted apron off incorporating cattle crush and Pen. Services include water and ESB. We now require large and small farms for cash clients. For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact RE/MAX Team Earley, Stonecourt Roscommon, on 090-6626579, email teamearley@remax. ie or log onto teamearley.ie. Contact auctioneer Cathal directly on 086-1409158.

Connaughton Auctioneers are seeking agricultural land to let in 2022 for awaiting clients in all locations.

Auctioneer Ivan Connaughton has reported record demand for rental lands in 2022, with demand exceeding supply in all locations for a variety of reasons, and in particular, many landowners wishing to sell their lands, having previously Pictured is auctioneer Ivan leased for a considerate pe- Connaughton. riod of time.

Speaking to the Roscommon People, Ivan Connaughton said: “There is a huge demand for rental land in 2022, with interested farmers that have already enquired looking for lands of all sizes with or without farm buildings or farm entitlements.

“There was a big demand for land letting in 2021 and this will be exceeded this year. I have farmers looking for lands on both long and short-term lettings or leases.

Many landowners wait until February or March to put their lands on the market for letting. Traditionally, many lettings or leases expire early in the year and there is ample time to advertise and achieve the maximum price for lands before the Department deadline in the middle of May. “We at Connaughton Auctioneers can provide and oversee land grazing agreements for both long and short-term lettings or leases, and any landowner thinking of letting their land in 2022 can contact Ivan at the office on 0906663700 or 086-8985013 for further information or any questions they might have. All enquiries will be held in the strictest of confidence.

“Many land owners are not aware of the tax-free element of long-term leases and this can include entitlements. I am happy to meet and talk with landowners and give professional advice. We will provide a free appraisal as to the value of your rental lands or farm buildings and entitlements,” Ivan concluded.

Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

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Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

PropertyPeople

New to the market with Carthy: High-profile town centre site

Main Street in Ballinagare

Ballinagare property for sale by online auction

REA Seamus Carthy are pleased to confirm the sale of an unfinished two-storey terraced property in Ballinagare by online auction this Friday (January 28th). The property contains four retail units and four two-bedroomed apartments and is situated on Main Street in Ballinagare.

Presented to a shell specification, it is set in a highly convenient location on the N5, the main Dublin to Castlebar route. Seamus Carthy describes the property as “an excellent investment or development opportunity”. Seamus is a market leader in online auctions and is inviting anybody who is considering either selling or buying to follow Friday’s auction. Simply log on between 12.30 pm and 1 pm this Friday at: https://reaseamuscarthy.bidnow. ie/lot/details/58652.

Anybody who is considering selling please don’t hesitate to contact REA Seamus Carthy on 090-6630001.

New to the market this week with REA Seamus Carthy is a high profile, 2.54-acre (1.03 hectare), town centre site, incorporating a 21,875 square feet (2,030 square metres) former car showroom/garage/ DOE Centre at Circular Road, Roscommon town.

The entire site is zoned Core Town Centre.

The property is situated fronting onto both the Circular Road and Athlone Road/Brogan’s Lane, with direct links to the town centre. The property benefits from 85 metre frontage onto the Circular Road with 45 metre frontage onto Brogan’s Lane. There is vehicular access available off both the Circular

Slevinagee, Golf Links Road, Roscommon town

Final offers invited for quality family home in Roscommon town Road and Brogan’s Lane.

To the rear of the site, the subject lands back onto the main car park in the town.

Considered a strategic site with direct links back onto the town’s main street, the subject property is a key site offering substantial mixed

REA Seamus Carthy: ‘Sales of the Week’ Seamus Carthy is pleased to advise that they have started off 2022 the way they finished 2021 – recording excellent sales.

This week, a number of sales were successfully sold, including a traditional three-bedroomed, two-storey residence with outbuildings, set on a 1.21 acre rural site at Knockalaghta, Ballintubber.

“The property secured significant

interest, resulting in very competitive bidding, ensuring we secured an excellent price for our client,” commented Seamus.

“Elsewhere, we successfully completed sales of residential properties in Glenview and Oaklawn Drive, Roscommon town and Breanabeg, Castlerea, The Paddocks, Athleague and a development site at Forest Park Manor, Boyle.

“The property market is extremely active and if you are considering selling in 2022, we now have a substantial list of underbidders seeking quality family homes and Landholdings throughout the county,” concluded Seamus.

Contact REA Seamus Carthy today on 090-6630001 or contact Seamus directly on 086-8035538 in confidence.

Final offers invited for Ballygar residence

Moran and Co. Estate Agents are inviting final offers for a large, four-bedroomed, semi-detached residence in Ballygar.

This superbly-sized semi-detached residence of 170 square metres (1,830 square feet). There is a bright entrance hallway leading to a large sitting room with a solid fuel stove and to a spacious open plan kitchen/dining room with fitted units. A solid staircase leads to four spacious bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor.

This is a great opportunity to purchase a family home or investment property in a nice residential area beside all amenities.

Ballygar is a central location on the main Roscommon-Galway route.

For further information contact David Moran, Moran and Co. Estate Agents, Ballygar, on 090-6624531 or 0872786664.

REA Seamus Carthy is running out of properties!

REA Seamus Carthy has advised that 2022 so far has been exceptionally busy, with many residential, commercial and agricultural sales conducted through their office.

REA Seamus Carthy pride themselves on their knowledge, ambition and professional service.

Seamus says: “We are always thinking of ways to improve our service and ensure that your property is showcased to the right audience. We offer unrivalled market exposure promoting properties on all the top websites to include reacarthy.ie, rea.ie,

myhome.ie, daft.ie, .rightmove.co.uk, and perfectproperty.ie. “We now require all types of property for a substantial list of underbidders who are all seeking a range of property types – detached houses, land, cottages etc”.

If you are thinking of selling and would like a free sales appraisal, please contact REA Seamus Carthy on 090-6630001, email info@reacarthy.ie, or contact Seamus directly on 086-8035538. Rest assured all matters will be dealt with in the strictest of confidence.

use development potential.

For more information, contact the sole selling agents REA Seamus Carthy, Roscommon town, on 090-6630001, email info@ reacarthy.ie, or contact Seamus directly on 0868035538.

Seamus Carthy

Final offers are now invited for a substantial four/fivebedroomed, detached, twostorey family home, presented in excellent condition and set on a mature landscaped site within the sought after suburb of Slevinagee, Golf Links Road, Roscommon town. The property is located in a sought after location, convenient to all amenities in Roscommon town, schools, shops, restaurants etc.

The residence comprises of two reception rooms, a dining room, kitchen, sunroom, utility, WC, office/ground floor bedroom, four bedrooms (one ensuite) and a family bathroom.

The sale of this property is considered a rare opportunity to purchase a most select family home in what is considered one of Roscommon town’s premier residential locations, with all conveniences at your doorstep. Final offers are now being invited.

For more information, contact joint selling agents REA Seamus Carthy today 090-6630001 or contact RE/MAX Team Earley on 09-6626579.

Auctioneers & Estate Agents Main Street, Ballygar.

Tel 090 6624531 087 2786664

moranandco.ie PSRA no. 001472

High Street, Ballygar, F42 TO26

Large 4 Bed. Semi-Detached Family Home

Prime residential residential area. area.

Prime Beside all all amenities amenities Beside A bright bright spacious spacious family family home home c. c.170 170sq.mts. sq.mts.

A Super size size sittingroom sittingroom and and kitchen kitchen Super Excellent family home / investment opportunity Excellent family home/investment opportunity Inspection highly recommended Inspection highly recommended Full details auctioneer David David Moran Moran Full details from from the the auctioneer

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Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

PropertyPeople

SEAMUS CARTHY FOR SALE

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

SALE TYPE TAGLINE The Arches, The Walk, Roscommon Town, F

FOR SALE

Impressive and modern 6 bedroom, all ensu The Arches, The Walk, to allRoscommon amenities in Town, Roscommon Town.

F42 R996

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

AMV: ¤000,000

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

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

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

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

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

AMV: ¤000,000

AMV: ¤000,000

AMV: ¤000,000

Impressive and modern 6 bedroom, all ensuite two storey B&B/residence set within close Enquiries invited. proximity tonow all amenities in Roscommon Town.

Enquiries now ONLINE AUCTION 4thinvited.

February

FOR SALE

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 5 key feature 1  Property 5 key feature 2  Property 5 key feature 3

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

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

AMV: ¤000,000 ¤000,000 Carrownalassan, Fourmilehouse, Co.AMV: Roscommon, F42 PX23AMV: ¤000,000

8 Corradoo Cottages, Ballinafad, Boyle, C ONLINE AUCTION ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME,

ONLINE 4th February TOWN,AUCTION COUNTY, POSTCODE

4THTerraced FEBRUARY 3Bedroom Home set in Small Re Property 8 key feature 1 8of Corradoo Cottages, Ballinafad, Boyle, Co. to Sligo, F52 Ballinafad, Property 8 key feature Co. 2Sligo,Ballinafad, presented a tur 8Corradoo Property 8 key Cottages, feature 3 via our online Auction platform bidno 3sold Bedroom Terraced Home set in Small Residential De AMV: ¤000,000 Boyle, Co. Sligo, F52 T622

of Ballinafad, Co. Sligo, presented to a turn key specifi sold via our online Auction platform bidnow.ie. Friday

090 66 30001

www.reacarthy.ie

5 Bedroom Detached Family Home set on 2.1 acres benefiting from 2 no. Detached Outbuildings comprising large Workshop/Garage and 3 no Stable facility with tack room.

PSRA Licence No: 002782

FOR SALE Carrownalassan, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon, F42 PX23

SEAMUS CARTHY

3 Bedroom Terraced Home set in Small Residential

FOR SALE

AMV: €100,000 Development, 2 km from the picturesque village

AMV: €100,000 of Ballinafad, Co. Sligo, presented to a turn key

TYPE TAGLINE SALE TYPE TAGLINE The Arches, The Walk, RoscommonSALE Town, F42 R996

specification.

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

Excellent value for money and will be sold via

Guide Price: €100,000

our online Auction platform bidnow.ie.

FOR SALE

Impressive and modern 6 bedroom, all ensuite two storey B&B/residence set within close proximity to all amenities in Roscommon Town.

5 Bedroom Detached Family Home set on 2.1 acres benefiting from 2 no.

FOR SALE Detached Outbuildings comprising large Workshop/Garage and 3 no Stable facility with tack room.

Creggameen, Castlerea, F45 KH61 GuideCo. Price:Roscommon, €350,000 ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME,

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME,

COUNTY, TOWN, 4 Bedroom Detached Bungalow set on aTOWN, 0.8 Acre site POSTCODE with Detached Garage/ store COUNTY, to rear.POSTCODE FORFuel SALE FOR SALE  Property 2 key feature 1  Property 3 key feature 1  Property 1 key feature 1 FOR SALE infeature a convenient location on the  outskirts between  Property Situated Property 1 key 2 Property 2 of key Trien feature 2Village and located midway 3 key feature 2 Creggameen, Castlerea,  Property 2 key feature 3Carrownalassan, Fourmilehouse, Co. Castlerea Property 1 keyTown feature and 3 Property 3F42 keyPX23 feature 3 Roscommon, Williamstown.

Co. Roscommon, F45 KH61 AMV: ¤000,000 Guide Price: €350,000

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

Enquiries now invited.

REDEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY AMV: ¤000,000

3 Bed Residence in need of refurbishment with Two Bay Hayshed on c.0.7 acre. Located at Cloverhill, 3km from Roscommon Town, the said property offers enormous redevelopment potential as a quality STREET ADDRESS LOCALITY, NAME, Guide Price: €350,000 family home and the TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property now 6 keyinvite feature 1 Auctioneers  Propertyand 6 key feature 2 enquiries offers.  Property 6 key feature 3 Guide Price: €100,000

FOR SALE FOR SALE NEW TO THE MARKET

4 Bedroom Detached Bungalow set on a 0.8 Acre ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, site with Detached Garage/ Fuel store to rear.

TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE Situated convenient  Propertyin5akey feature 1 location on the outskirts of Trien Village and located midway between Offer Property 5 key feature 2 now invited Castlerea Town and Williamstown.  Property 5 key feature 3 Offers now invited AMV: ¤000,000

AMV: ¤000,000

5 Bedroom Cloverhill, Detached Family Home set on 2.1 acres benefiting from 2 no. Detached Outbuildings Roscommon 3 no Stable with tack room.

SALE TYPE TAGLINEcomprising large Workshop/Garage and SALE TYPEfacility TAGLINE

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

Carrownalassan, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon, F42 PX23

Carrownalassan, Fourmilehouse,AMV: Co. Roscommon, F42 PX23 ¤000,000 Redevelopment Opportunity NEW TO THE MARKET

AMV: ¤000,000

5 Bedroom Detached on acres 2.1 acres benefiting from2 no.

2 no.Detached DetachedOutbuildings Outbuildings 5 Bedroom Detached FamilyFamily HomeHome set onset2.1 benefiting from Cloverhill,www.reacarthy.ie Co. Roscommon comprising Workshop/Garage no Stable facility tackroom. room.on c.0.7 acre. Located at Cloverhill, Cloverhill, Co. Roscommon 3 Bed Residence in of refurbishment with Two Bay Hayshed comprising large large Workshop/Garage and and 3 need no3Stable facility withwith tack Redevelopment Opportunity

3km from Roscommon Town, the said property offers enormous redevelopment potential as a quality family home and the Auctioneers now invite enquiries and offers.

Friday 4th February.

FORacres SALEof land AMV: at €100,000 16.2 Cloonarragh, Derrane, Co. R

16.2 Acres of prime agricultural lands benefiting from 16.2 acresFOR of land at Cloonarragh, Der include recently beingSALE reseeded and completely refen thus holding potential for a residential site subject to 16.2 Acres prime agricultural lands ben 16.2of acres of landLot at should market interest dictate.

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, 1: c. 14.4 Acres. Lo

include recently being reseeded and comp Derrane, TOWN,Cloonarragh, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 4 key feature 1 Co. Roscommon thus holding potential for a residential site  Property 4 key feature 2  Property 4 key feature 3 should market interest dictate. Lot 1: c. 14 AMV: ¤000,000

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

16.2 Acres of prime agricultural lands benefiting from substantial investment over recent years to ADDRESS LOCALITY, NAME, include recently beingSTREET reseeded and completely TOWN, COUNTY, refenced for sheep.POSTCODE The lands offer road frontage  thus Property 8 keypotential feature 1 for a residential site holding  Property 8 key feature subject to planning.

Can2be sold in one or more  key feature 3 dictate. Lot 1: c. 14.4 lotsProperty should 8market interest Acres. Lot 2: 1.8 acres; Lot 3: TheAMV: Entire¤000,000 16.2 Acres

090 66 30001 PSRA Licence No: 002782

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Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

Classifieds

Everyone wants it Everyone reads it 80,000 PEOPLE READ OUR NEWSPAPER EVERY WEEK!

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

CHIMNEY CLEANING

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Chimney Cleaning

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

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

Telephone:

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

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

The most read newspaper in Co. Roscommon!

CHIROPRACTOR

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• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Telephone: 086 8433433

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David Connor

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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

CONSTRUCTION

Stephen Casey

Construction l

l General Building Extensions & Roofing l Groundworks l Renovations l Chimney CCTV Inspections l Chimney Repair - Insurance Claims

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

CONSTRUCTION

CARPENTER AVAILABLE for all types of work, including maintenace, roof repairs.

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Carpenter Available • Timber Floors fitted Solid or Laminate • Doors • Stairs • Wall Panelling

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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?

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

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GARDENING SERVICES Including: • Hedge Cutting • Hedge Planting • Grass Cutting • Spraying • Strimming • Weeding • Garden Tidy-ups • Planting • Gutter Cleaning, etc.

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• Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped Comprehensive Insurance Cover. I.S.A. member.

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

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

086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying to Roscommon County Council on behalf of Simon Coyle for planning permission for the construction of 8 detached dwelling houses complete with the installation of a waste water treatment systems/tertiary treatment and infiltration area, for demolition of two derelict buildings, for the provision of storm water attenuation/ connection to existing storm water drainage system, for the provision of a compensatory flood water storage area, for the provision of a public path fronting the site along the R357 road, for the provision of a refuse collection storage area, for the creation of a new entrance onto the public road, for the connections to the existing public utilities and all necessary landscaping/ancillary siteworks at Carricknagat, Four Roads, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Seamus Dowd & Associates Ltd, Registered Surveyors, Chartered Construction Managers, Building Consultants.

Tel: (090) 6623417 Mob: 086 8546035.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

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Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

Classifieds PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Damien Cregg, intend to apply for planning permission to Roscommon County Council for the following development to construct a New 5 Bay Slatted Cattle Shed, together with all associated site works at Ballyroddy Td., Elphin, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without condition or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: P Durkan & Associates Telephone: 071-9630037 Mobile: 086-1600385 Email: padraic.durkan1@gmail.com

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Mary Buggle, intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for (i) renovation and extension of existing dwelling house, (ii) construction of domestic garage, (iii) installation of tertiary treatment system and infiltration/ treatment system and all ancillary works at Corboley Td., Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Moleskin Architecture, Mote Park, Roscommon 086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com 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.

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL MSL Ventures Ltd intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct 8 no semi-detached two storey dwellings on sites 7-14 and 2 no single storey dwelling on sites 15 and 20 previously granted planning permission under P&D Ref 10/46, associated site development works and services at Srah, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Gaynor Architectural + Design Services Ltd. Architects Fallon Avenue, Roscommon.

Phone: 090 6626974 Mobile: 086 8115449 The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I Lisa and Patrick Hanley, intend to apply for permission for development at this site; Carrownabrickna, Racecourse Road, Roscommon, F42 AT86. The development consists of Proposed single storey extension to rear of existing dwelling to accommodate additional living space, flat roof porch and elevational changes to window openings.

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.

Signed: Micah Jones.

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Liam Connor, intend to apply for permission for revised single storey extension design and revised site boundaries from that previously granted under planning reference: PD/20/496, along with connections to all site services and all other associated site works at Cloonark Td, Cornafulla, Co. Roscommon

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such 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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying for the construction of car port accommodation to rear of premises and for the erection of solar panels on the roofs of the car port and of the existing premises at Gleeson’s Townhouse and Restaurant, Market Square, Roscommon Signed: Cait Gleeson.

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 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 Planning Permission is sought from Roscommon County Council for the following development: To construct single storey dwelling house, provide mechanical effluent treatment unit and percolation area, provide new site entrance and access road including all ancillary site works necessary to complete the development at Greagh, Arigna, Co. Roscommon for Paul and Deirdre Earley.

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 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: O’ Rourke Design and Planning.

Telephone: 071 9643042 Mobile: 087 2846588 E.Mail: peter.ordap@ gmail.com.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Sharon Nash am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the following: 1. Retention permission for stables at rear of property.

2. Planning permission for extension to rear of existing dwelling.

3. Planning permission to construct new window to side elevation /minor alterations to existing dwelling.

And all ancillary site development works at Milltown Castleplunket Castlerea Co. Roscommon F45EV57

PODIATRIST Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Sarah Fleming

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI at

Tullys

087 2982214

HSE Trained and Approved l Home visits available l

For any of your foot issues call:

094 9620009

PODIATRIST

For all foot ailments

Corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, verruca, orthotics, diabetic assessments and treatment.

Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I.

Department of Health Approved Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea For appointment: (094) 96 21647 / (089) 4142233 • Home visits SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK

• 20 years experience

The Galway Podiatrist FOOT AND ANKLE CLINIC

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

For Bookings Contact:

College Road, For Bookings Contact: Mountbellew,

(087) 707 5803

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

Co Galway H53 D7W8

(Saturday & evening appointments available) Treanrevagh, Mountbellew, Co. Galway H53 D7W8 Open under Goverment + HSE Guidelines

Mark Kilgallon B.Sc Podiatry (Hons) M.Ch.S.I.

Department of Health Approved

EVERY FRIDAY

St. Joseph’s Resource Centre, Boyle For appointment

Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633

(Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle & Athlone -------Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain.

Orthotics prescribed

Tel: Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

PODIATRIST/ CHIROPODIST

Submit your Classified online

FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON – MOLLOYS PHARMACY

By Appointment Only –

Signed:

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road Roscommon, F42 C982.

Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529 E: james@jlce.ie & elaine@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers

PODIATRIST

085 1503353 086 8538404

Email: m.kilgallon23@gmail.com

• House Visits • Insoles and Orthotics Prescribed • Chiropody Services

Clinics also in Ballaghaderreen and Castlebar

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

REFLEXOLOGY

REFLEXOLOGY MARINA FUREY (MNRRI)

TAROT READING < TAROT READING: Would you like to know what your future holds, have a Tarot Reading and Angel Reading with Kerry Lee, based near Glenamaddy. Tel: 089 4256426

TUITION < GRINDS: French and German exam preparation up to Leaving certificate higher level. Tel: 087 3515985

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

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

Phone:

083 0684011

<WOOD/FIRE WOOD: High quality seasoned split hardwood timber, 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.

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

< THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Net bags of seasoned firewood only €3 per bag, buy 20 bags get 1 free • Tonne bags firewood/turf only €35 per bag. Half tonne bags of Ash/Beech only €35 per bag. All includes free delivery. Contact Tom: 086 2628439 or Tony 087 7055800

Mobile Service Available Marina Furey B. Sc. (Hons)

Bulk bags of Turf available

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 087 2264951 Find us on facebook

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

The most read newspaper The local paper!

TURF AVAILABLE

Tel: Donal

086 2721812 (All areas)

Also loads of Peat bedding for livestock (delivered)

< 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

32

Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

Classifieds

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

Appointments

HAIR STYLIST

• All aspects of hairdressing • Minimum of 5 years experience Excellent terms and conditions

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

Our focus is, has been and always will be, world-wide. to provide world class medical products and services.

ALSO

approach towards our employees no different.

With workwill environment diverse AtHarmac’s Harmac we make life saving medical products. Ourisfocus is, has been andaalways be to provideas world classas our products services, Harmac is dedicated to finding the right professionals who will foster the organization’s medicaland products and services. continuing evolution and are willing to add their individualism into our company’s culture and vision.

Harmac's towards our employees is no different.

Withmutually a work environment diverse as our products Our visionapproach is to build long-term partnerships by creating beneficialasrelationships.

This is true with and services, Harmac is dedicated to finding theWe right professionals will foster who the organization's continuing our customers, suppliers and employees. are looking forwho individuals share our values of respect, evolution and are willing to add their individualism into ourinnovation company's culture and vision. accountability, integrity, and teamwork.

NAIL TECHNICIAN

We are currently inviting applicants for the following roles:

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

Operator Team Members

for gel and acrylic nails.

Excellent terms and conditions

We are currently inviting applicants for the following roles:

Operator Team Members Reporting to a Production Supervisor, Operators are required to perform assembly and / or packing of to a range of medical The role to involves working a dynamic, fast paced Reporting a Production Supervisor,products.

Operators are required perform assembly andin/ or packing of a range of medical products.

The of roleainvolves in aproduction dynamic, fast paced environment, part of a teamwith to reach environment, as part team working to reach targets, while as complying SOP’s, production targets, while complying withApplicants SOP’s, Safety must and Quality must have a Safety and Quality requirements. haverequirements. a minimumApplicants Leaving Certificate, or Certificate, or 3-6 months related experience, along with a good command of the English 3-6minimum monthsLeaving related experience, along with a good command of the English language. Strong language. Strong work ethic, and teamwork are essential attributes. work ethic, should and teamwork Applicants be aware thatare shiftessential work may beattributes. required.

Apply in strictest confidence to Box no. 3006, c/o Roscomon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon or advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

SHANNON LODGE NURSING HOME

Rooskey, Co. Roscommon

To apply, interested applicants must submit a completed application form, available from reception at Harmac

Applicants should aware shift work may be required.

Medical Products, IDAbe Business andthat Technology Park, Castlerea.

To apply, interested applicants must submit a completed application form, available from Harmac Medical Products is an equal opportunities employer. reception at Harmac Medical Products, IDA Business and Technology Park, Castlerea or Ballymurray, Roscommon Assurance Engineerat careersie@harmac.com forward a C.V. in strict confidenceQuality to Harmac Medical

We would like to hear from

Experienced Painters Required

Domestic, Commercial, Industrial

IMMEDIATE START

CARE ASSISTANT FULL TIME POSITION AND

HOUSEKEEPER REQUIRED MORNING HOURS

• Premium for Sundays and Bank Holidays.

• Free meals, tea and coffee.

• Paid lunch breaks.

• Pension Scheme facilitated.

• Cycle to work scheme available.

Applications, including CVs can be emailed to: shannonlodgenh@gmail.com Garda vetting and references will be required.

Harmac Medical Products is an equal opportunities employer.

Reporting to the Quality Engineering Manager, the Quality Assurance Engineer will provide ongoing Quality support in an effort to maximise production quality performance, including identifying root cause, implementing corrective/preventive action on all quality issues in production. Scope of role will also include addressing any customer and internal related issues identified in the manufacturing process and validation of new processes/products ensuring effective implementation of the required QMS documentation.

Contact Tom Crean on 086 81 645 83 or email your CV to info@tomcreanandson.ie Roscommon Office: 090 66 61047 Dublin Office: (01) 525 2029 W: tomcreanandson.ie

Have positions available for experienced and trainee:

• Tree Surgeons • Chainsaw Operators • Hedgecutter Operators

Candidates must have a minimum of a Safe Pass, Full Clean Driving License and NPTC Certs Apply with a CV to: info@parklawntreeservices.com or call 086 6077307

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

Quality Assurance Engineers with varying levels of Experience

Reporting to the Quality Engineering Manager, Quality Assurance Engineers will provide ongoing Quality support in an effort to maximise production quality performance, including identifying root cause, implementing corrective/preventive action on all quality issues in production. Scope of role will also include addressing any customer and internal related issues identified in the manufacturing process and validation of new processes/products ensuring effective implementation of the required QMS documentation.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the Harmac team. If you think you have the required skills and experience, and wish to develop your talents in a dynamic result orientated environment, then please forward a C.V. in strict confidence to Harmac Medical at careersie@harmac.com

SITUATIONS VACANT < CLEANER: Required for professional office in Roscommon Town, 2 to 3 hours per week. Please apply to: PO Box No 3005 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon < MERCHANDISER: Required for bread supplier, Monday to Saturday mornings 8 to 9.30 in Roscommon Town. Phone: 087 7504522 < CARE-GIVER REQUIRED for elderly person in their own home. Various shifts. Contact: 087 1241048.

Requires:

GENERAL OPERATIVES Please apply in writing to Site Manager, Murray Timber Group Hermitage, Ballygar, Co. Galway or Email: info@mtg.ie

Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

Classifieds

33

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

Appointments EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES WITH ST HILDA’S SERVICES We now wish to recruit a

Vacancy - Parts Department Adviser/Warehouse Operative

PSYCHOLOGIST EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES WITH ST HILDA’S SERVICES

Dealing with Truck and Bus/Coach customers duties will include: • Identifying & Organising Parts for Workshop and Retail Customers.

St. Hilda’s Services is a voluntary organisation, grant aided bynow the HSE. We wishEstablished to recruit ain • Picking, Packing & Invoicing of Scania Dealer orders.

1964, St. Hilda’s provides services to people with an intellectual disability. If you have • Dealing with phone enquiries from Retail Customers. a passion for working with persons with intellectual disability and you possess the PSYCHOLOGIST • Ordering stock. relevant skills and experience, we would love to hear from you: • Goods inwards & Stock Control including binning of parts and inventory control Ref. 22/01. Psychologist – Basic Grade • Manage and process Spare Parts returns & Service Exchange Parts.

Part-Time Based in St Hilda’s Athlone • General warehouse duties.

St. Hilda’s Services is a voluntary organisation, grant aided by the HSE. Established in 1964, St. Hilda’s provides services to people with an Requirements: intellectual disability.

If you have a passion for working with persons with intellectual disability and you possess the relevant skills and Overall Purpose of the Post: experience, we would loveofto hear from you: • PC literate.

Provide a psychology service to meet the identified and emerging needs • Self-motivated. service users who are supported by St Hilda’s Services. The focus of this position is • Team player.

Ref. 22/01.

Psychologist – Basic Grade behaviour support.

• Able to work on own initiative.

Part-Time St. Hilda’s Services is seeking to appoint a Psychologist who will be responsible • Excellent communication skills and telephone manner.

Based in St Hilda’s Athlone for the following: • Good attention to detail.

• Provision of psychological assessment, intervention to service users as appropriate.

• Driving & Forklift Licence an advantage.

This includes supports to Post: our service users with intellectual disabilities presenting Overall Purpose of the with a diversity of needs including Autism, mental health difficulties, behaviours Salary commensurate with experience and comprehensive training will be given to that areadescribed as challenging, personal family and relationships issues, Provide psychology service to meet the and identified emerging needs of service users who candidate. are supported by St Hilda’s successful dementiaThe andfocus problems associated aging, issues in relation to the Services. of this positionwith is behaviour support. development of individualised service arrangements.

Experience would be desirable, but if you have a knowledge of commercial vehicles • Engage in functional assessments of behaviour and collaborate in the andfor youthe are following:looking for a job which will offer excellent opportunities to progress development of behaviour management plans.

St. Hilda’s Services is seeking to appoint a Psychologist who will be responsible • Management of the behaviour support service, including day-to-day management please email CV to: of the staff team together with provision of professional and clinical supervision.

Kelly, After Sales Parts • and Provision of psychological assessment, intervention to service users as appropriate. This P.J. includes supports to ourManager • Develop implement training initiatives for parents/staff in response to Email: pj.kelly@westwardscania.com service users with intellectual disabilities presenting with a diversity of needs including Autism, mental health identified need.

• Provide assessments relating to the adaptive functioning difficulties, behaviours that are functioning, described asintellectual challenging, personal and family relationships issues, dementia and Closing date for receipt of applications is Monday, 7th February, 2022. and emotional wellbeing of servicewith users. problems associated aging, issues in relation to the development of individualised service arrangements.

• Develop interventions drawing uponof concepts and and techniques withinin the development of behaviour management • therapeutic Engage in functional assessments behaviour collaborate various therapeutic frameworks. plans.

• Work with service usersofand familiessupport to implement theincluding therapeutic • our Management thetheir behaviour service, day-to-day management of the staff team together with interventions. provision of professional and clinical supervision.

• Manage confidential data and client information. and implement initiatives for parents/staff in response to identified need.

• Attend•andDevelop participate in regular teamtraining and other meetings.

• Provide assessments relating to the adaptive functioning, intellectual functioning and emotional wellbeing of service • Engage effectively with outside agencies and advocate for the service users users. attending the service.

Administrative Assistant – Parts Department • Develop therapeutic interventions drawing upon concepts and techniques within various therapeutic frameworks.

• candidate Work with our service users and their families to implement the therapeutic interventions.

The ideal will: Westward Scania is based in Strokestown since 1959 and is the distributor of Scania l Have a Degree or Diploma equivalent) obtained with 1st or • University Manage confidential data(QQ1 and level client8 information. products in the Republic of Ireland since 1976. Scania is a leading manufacturer of 2nd class in which Psychology was taken asand a major subject and honours • honours Attend and participate in regular team other meetings. heavy trucks, bus & coaches and Scania Power Solutions engines. In addition Scania obtained that subject.

• inEngage effectively with outside agencies and advocate for the service users service. offersattending and sells athe broad range of service related products and financial services. l And have an Irish post-graduate professional psychology qualification accredited The candidate will provide operational and administrative support to the parts by the Psychological Society of Ireland in Clinical, or Counselling Psychology or The candidate will: in Educational or Psychology or equivalent from an ideal equivalent qualification sales operation with particular emphasis on meeting customer and departmental another jurisdiction validated by the Department of Health. demands in a timely and efficient manner. Working as part of a team to support l Demonstrate working adults with level intellectual disabilities sales function, applicants must be able to multi-task in a fast paced Ø Have competence a universityin degree or with diploma (QQ1 8 equivalent) obtained withthe 1stparts or 2nd class honours in which - either Psychology at least 60 days or taken equivalent clinical as part ofin that subject. environment. was as asupervised major subject andplacements honours obtained the professional qualification; or at least 60 days or equivalent post-qualification The successful candidate mustSociety demonstrate that they have: Ø And have an Irish post-graduate professional psychology qualification accredited by the Psychological of supervised work experience as a psychologist.

•Educational Proven organisational and administrative skills.

Ireland in Clinical, or Counselling Psychology or an equivalent qualification in or Psychology or equivalent l Must be eligible to work in Ireland • Have experience in customer service and admin with further education in these from another jurisdiction validated by the Department of Health. l Excellent communication skills – oral and written areas aatdistinct advantage. Ø Demonstrate competence in working with adults with intellectual disabilities either least 60 days or equivalent l Full Clean Licence – access to own vehicle supervised clinical placements as part of the professional qualification; or at least 60 days or equivalent • Excellent standard in literacypostand mathematics. qualification supervised work experience as a psychologist.

• Computer literate (Excel, Outlook, Word) with a willingness to learn new Application form and Garda Vetting Form NVB1 may Ø Must be eligible to work in Ireland specialised IT systems. be downloaded Ø Excellent communication skills – oralhere and written • Strong attention to detail and ability to perform tasks carefully and accurately. http://www.sthildas.ie/recruitment/ Ø Full Clean Licence – access to own vehicle • Ability to organise own workload and willingness to assist others if required.

Alternatively you may request them by calling 090 6475825 • Flexibility to take on new tasks and assignments.

• General warehousing and/or motor trade knowledge an advantage but not Please forward yourApplication completed Application Form, essential. form and Garda Vetting Form NVB1 may be downloaded here • Excellent customer service skills and ability to build and manage relationships.

Covering Letter and Formhttp://www.sthildas.ie/recruitment/ NVB1 • Ambitious and be focused on career progression. (marking envelope “Ref. 22/01”), Alternatively you may request them by calling 090 6475825 • At least two references required, one must be from a past employer. by the 28/02/2022 to: Attractive remuneration package and benefits available to the successful candidate.

Please forward your completed Application Form, Covering Letter and Form NVB1 H.R. Manager, St. Hilda’s Services, Central Offices, Grace Park Road, (marking envelope “Ref. 22/01”), by the 28/02/2022 Please email C.V to: Athlone, Co. Westmeath. to:-H.R. Manager, St. Hilda’s Services, Central Offices, Grace Park Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.

PJ.Kelly@westwardscania.com

St. Hilda’s Services is an equal opportunities Employer. Short-listing based on the St. Hilda’sinformation Services is anprovided equal opportunities provided may apply Closing date for applications is the Monday, 7th February, 2022. may apply Employer. Short-listing based on the information

St. Hilda’s is an equal opportunities employer. Short-listing may apply.

34

Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES O’CONNOR Patsy

Carrigeen, Knockcroghery (1st Anniversary) In loving memory of a wonderful father and grandfather who passed away peacefully on 5th February, 2021

COYLE Niall Correal, Four Roads, Co. Roscommon

(12th Anniversary) Treasured memories of a loving son, who passed away 28th of January 2010

CORCORAN Carmel & Michael Killoy, Lecarrow (19th Anniversary & 42nd Anniversary)

BRIAN MURRAY MEMORIALS • Superior Quality Headstones • Restoration work carried out • New Inscriptions added

CONTACT HAZEL

087 6758874

Until we meet again Those special memories of you Dad will always bring a smile, if only we could have you back for just a little while.

Then we could sit and talk again, just like we used to do.

You always meant so much to us and always will do too.

The fact that you’re no longer here, will always cause us pain, but you’re forever in our hearts until we meet again.

A sincere thanks to one and all for all your kindness and support during the time of our sad loss and throughout this past year Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by all of the family First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow, on Friday 4th February at 7pm.

MONTH’S MIND MASS DINEEN Breege (Brigid Catherine) In loving memory for our wonderful Wife and Mother who passed away on 25th November 2021

If we could have a lifetime wish and one dream come true, we would pray to God with all our hearts just to see and talk to you.

A thousand words won’t bring you back, we know because we’ve tried, and neither will a thousand tears we know because we’ve cried.

You left behind our broken hearts and precious memories too, but we never wanted memories, we only wanted you.

Loved dearly and never forgotten by Mam and Dad and deeply missed by Irene, Fiona, Ena, Kieran, Noelle, Brian, Edel, Aine and Niamh, brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Anniversary Mass in the Church of the Good Shepherd, Four Roads on Sunday, 30th January at 11am.

COSTELLO Ann Cloonbrackna Court, Roscommon (12th Anniversary) You can only have one mother, patient, kind and true, no other friend in all the world will be the same to you.

When other friends forsake you, to mother you will return, for all her loving kindness she asks nothing in return.

As we look upon her picture sweet memories we recall of a face so full of sunshine and a smile for one and all.

Sweet Jesus take this message to our dear mother up above, tell her how we miss her and give her all our love.

Always loved and fondly remembered by Christy and all the Dineen family.

Breege’s Month’s Mind Anniversary will be celebrated in Kilmurry Church on Sunday 30th January at 10am.

May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace that she so richly deserves.

Cherished memories of Carmel who passed away on 25th January 2003, and Michael who passed away on 7th January 1980.

Many a lovely memory Many a silent tear always treasured memories of parents we loved so dear.

Loved and missed forever by all her family.

Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Friday, 4th February at 11am.

LOCALLY OWNED ... IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

BRADY Robert Hermitage, Ballinagare, Co. Roscommon.

(3rd Anniversary) In loving memory of my dear husband Robert, father, son, brother, grandfather and uncle who passed away on the 27th January, 2019

Loved and remembered always by your sons and daughters Marie, Padraig, Annette, Seamus and Micheal, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. ~~~~~

CORCORAN Carmel (19th Anniversary) No longer in our lives to share but in our hearts you’re always there.

Lovingly remembered by your sister Phil, brother-in-law Donald and family. ~~~~~

CORCORAN Carmel (19th Anniversary)

We thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new.

We thought about you yesterday and the days before that too.

We think of you in silence, we always speak your name, now all we have are memories and a picture in a frame.

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

Deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his beloved wife Ethel and children Bobby, Michelle, Liam, Amanda and Paul, sons-in-law Junior and Eugene, daughters -in-law Breege, Louise and grandchildren.

Sadly missed along life’s way quietly remembered every day.

Sadly missed by Kitty and family.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 12th February in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery at 7pm.

MULLEN Patrick (Pat) Moher, Lanesboro.

Who passed away on the 31st January, 2018 (4th Anniversary)

HEALY Patrick (Paddy)

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

Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord.

Loved and remembered by his brothers Marty and Timmy, sisters Marion, Stella, Eileen, Tish, nieces, nephews and all the extended Brady family.

Tullyroe, Roscommon (3rd Anniversary) Silent thoughts of times together, hold memories for us that last forever.

Sadly, missed and forever remembered by the Taylor family.

3rd Anniversary Mass will be held in The Sacred Heart Church Ballinagare on Saturday, 29th January 2022 at 8pm and can also be viewed on FTFB Facebook page.

Everlasting memories of Ann, who died on 28th January 2010 Memories are a gift to treasure, ours of you will last forever.

Scrine, Athleague, www.brianmuraystone.com Co. Roscommon E: brianmurraystone@gmail.com

Silent memories keep you near as time unfolds another year, out of our lives you may have gone but in our hearts you still live on.

Treasured memories of a loving husband, dad, grandad and great grandad who passed away on the 27th January 2019.

Rest In Peace

Always remembered by Eileen, Siobhan, Lorraine, fiona, Claire and the extended family.

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

Anniversary Mass in The Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Saturday, 29th January at 7pm.

Lovingly remembered by Una and family.

Paddy’s Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Friday, 18th February at 7pm.

FAMILY NOTICES • Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance Phone: (090) 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

35

Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES MOORE Mary (16th Anniversary)

HOARE Monika 19 Hawthorn Drive, Roscommon (13th Anniversary)

HEVICAN Mary Bridget Lisnamult, Roscommon (26th Anniversary)

McRossan (nee Hevican) Josephine

Celtic Avenue, and formerly Lisnamult, Co. Roscommon.

(1st Anniversary)

In loving memory of Mary, late of Carrenterriff, Dysart, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon who died sixteen years ago on January 21st 2006.

As we move into a new year, with the joys of Spring opening up for us, your absence is as painful as ever.

Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on, and cherished memories never fade because a loved one’s gone.

Those we love can never be more than a thought apart, for as long as there is memory, they’ll live on in the heart.

Sadly missed by your loving husband George, your children, grandchildren and extended family.

NAUGHTON Gerard Melitta Park, Kildare Town.

Who died 4th February 2019 (3rd Anniversary) Rest In Peace

On the 3rd anniversary of Gerard’s death his wife Julie, children David and Sinead and extended family remember Gerard with love.

Sadly missed along life’s way quietly remembered everyday.

A Mass will be celebrated in memory of Gerard.

Treasured memories of a loving wife, mother and sister who passed away on 19th January 2009 A light went out on earth for us, the day we said goodbye and on that day a star was born, the brightest in the sky.

Reaching through the darkness, with its rays of purest white lighting up the Heavens as it once lit up our lives.

With beams of love to heal the broken hearts you left behind where always in our memory your lovely star will shine.

Harry and daughters Martha and Beth. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ MONIKA Out of our lives you maybe gone, but deep in our hearts you will always live on.

Memories of our sister Monika whose light will shine in our hearts forever.

Mary, Camilla, Paul, Ciara, Jimmy and Donal. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ MONIKA In our home she is foundly remembered sweet memories cling to her name, those who loved her in life sincerely, still love her in death just the same.

In memory of a life so beautifully lived a heart so deeply loved.

Loved always by your sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Anniversary Mass will be held on Saturday 5th February at 11 am in The Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

In loving memory of a dear mother and grandmother Mary Bridget, who passed away on the 1st February 1996 R.I.P.

They say that memories are golden maybe that is true.

We never wanted memories we only wanted you.

In life we loved you dearly in death we love you still in our hearts you hold a place no one could ever fill.

If tears could build a staircase and heartache make a lane we would walk the path to Heaven and bring you back again.

Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same but as Heaven calls us one by one the chain will link again.

Loved, remembered and never forgotten by your loving daughter Philomena and granddaughter Roseanne and family.

Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee

As we lovingly remember Josephine on the first anniversary of her passing, her daughters Roseanne, Philomena and sons Willie, John and Paul. Her sisters Margaret, Bridie. Mary, Philomena and brother Peter and family wish to extend our warmest thanks for the many kind expressions of condolences and support which we received. We are grateful to all our relatives and friends who have shown support by phone calls, leaving condolences on RIP.ie and sending mass cards.

Thanks to Josephine’s GP Dr Keenan for his care and kindness over the past number of years.

Heartfelt thanks to all the staff in the Sacred Heart Home for the care they provided to Josephine, we are grateful to you all.

Sincere thanks to Carmel and Andy who were so good to Josephine, her next door neighbours.

Sincere thanks to Fr. Douglas for celebrating the Funeral Mass and the choir and everyone who prepared the church for the ceremony.

Deepest appreciation to Smyth’s Funeral Directors for their professionalism and support.

Thank you to the grave diggers and everyone that stood out for the funeral cortege.

As it is impossible to thank everybody individually we hope that you will accept this notice as an expression of our deep gratitude and appreciation.

Sadly missed by Josephine’s family and all who knew her.

Josephine’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated at 7pm on Saturday, 29th of January in the Sacred Heart Church Roscommon.

THANKSGIVINGS THE MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. J.M. SAINT TERESA OF CALCUTTA Daily Novena Prayer to St. Teresa of Calcutta, Mother Teresa St. Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love to all. Obtain from the Heart of Jesus (here make your request). Teach me to allow Jesus to penetrate and possess my whole being so completely that my life, too, may radiate His light and love to others. Amen. J.L. ST. PEREGRINE LAZIOSI. O.S.M. Patron of malignant growths O Most glorious Servant of Mary, Saint Peregrine, who while on earth for many years patiently bore intense physical suffering, we beseech thee to intercede for us with our Heavenly Queen that she obtain from her Son the favours we seek and that one day we too may triumph through suffering and reign with her and her Son forever in Heaven. Amen. (Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be to the Father.) Die la Martii, 1969. J.L.

Rogers Funeral Directors Rooskey

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We miss you from your fireside chair your loving smile and gentle air.

Your vacant place no one can fill we miss you mother and always will.

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LENEHAN Dermot & Gertie

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Late of Dean Cogan Place, Navan, formerly Carrislira, Strokestown Dermot’s 1st Anniversary Who passed away on 3rd February, 2021

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Also remembering at this time his wife Gertie.

Memories are precious, they don’t fade away, we think of you always, especially today.

From family and friends.

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

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Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

AtYourService BLINDS

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

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Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

SportsPeople

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Horses for Courses

Power Drive with Ciara and Paul Flynn in the Dundalk winner’s enclosure.

There is racing in Ireland this week starting today (Thursday) at Gowran Park, featuring the Thyestes Chase off at 1 pm, and tomorrow on the all-weather at Dundalk away at 4.30 pm.

On Saturday, racing at Fairyhouse from 12.30 pm and Sunday at Naas from 1 pm. There is racing in Punchestown on Monday from 1.50 pm.

At Gowran Park tomorrow (Friday), the Grade 2 John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle, features Willie Mullins’ five-time Grade 1 winner Klassical Dream. At 2/9 he looks unbeatable but could get plenty from Royal Kahala, 4/1, and Gentlemansgame, 5/1. Also on the card is the Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase and last year’s winning trainer Gordon Elliott has five runners for the 3m1f test, headed by Cork Grand National winner Braeside.

There has been a lot of money for Sean Mulryan owned Longhouse Poet trained by Martin Brassil for today’s €100,000 Thyestes contest. The gelding finished second to Jandil at Naas before going on to win a Fairyhouse Grade 1 novice chase and has been backed from 25/1 into 5/1 favourite last week. The soft going will suit the mud-loving 8-YO. The Rossies to rule.

Review of the Week

Grand National hero Tiger Roll finished 14th in his seasonal return over hurdles at Navan on Saturday. Trainer Gordon Elliott was pleased with the run and now for Cheltenham and a third win in the Glenfarclas.

Willie Mullins’ Allaho and Paul Townend made all to defeat three rivals in the Grade 2 Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase at Thurles last Sunday. He will be next seen at Prestbury in March, probably in the Ryanair.

No luck for the three Irish runners at Lingfield last Friday with Emmet Mullins’ Carrarea the best in third. Both his stablemate, Sevenna Star and Sean Thomas Doyle’s Lucky Max, ran disappointingly. On Saturday, Energumene under Paul Townend for boss Willie Mullins finished runnerup to Shiskin in the Ascot’s Clarence House Chase. Gavin Cromwell’s Darver Star finished second to Brewingupastorm in the Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Hurdle which saw only three of the 12 entries run. Emmet Mullins ran So Scottish in the opening bumper and finished fourth under Alain Cawley and Gavin Cromwell’s Fameaftertheglory paid the travel expenses finishing third in the Winter Festival Novice Hurdle.

Racing on TV on Saturday is from Cheltenham, Doncaster and Prestbury Park.

Racing News

Power Drive trained in Colehill, Co. Long-

ford by Paul Flynn provided his daughter Ciara with her second winner in Dundalk on Wednesday last. Ciara, who won her first race on the horse in November, turned 21 the day before.

2022 Cheltenham Festival

Switched to Sandown last year due to a waterlogged course, Festival Trials Day takes place at Prestbury Park on Saturday. There are four Grade 2 and one Grade 3 race on the card.

The first of the Grade 2 races is the Triumph Trial Hurdle. There are 12 entries with Gordon Elliott’s Pied Piper the only Irish entry.

The Paddy Power Cotswold Chase, worth £120,000, has eight entries headed by Nicky Henderson’s Chantry at odds on. There is one Irish entry Annmarie Holden’s Ex Patriot.

The Cleeve Hurdle has a hotshot in Nicky Henderson’s Champ ridden by Jonjo O’Neill Jr. The Ballymore Novices Hurdle has eleven entries and is an open race with the market leader, Nicky Henderson’s Balco Coastal, backed from 7/2 to 13/8. They go 7/2 field with Henry Daly’s Hillcrest next in the betting.

This is an open race and again has no Irish runners.

There are 20 entered in the bumper with Willie Mullins, the only Irish trainer represented, having a 25 per cent of the entries. All five have won bumpers in Ireland when ridden by son Patrick. Riding arrangements will tell a lot.

The Grade 3 Paddy Power Cheltenham Countdown Podcast Handicap Chase has 18 entries and no Irish runners. Once again, a Nicky Henderson runner, Falco Blitz, heads a very open field that goes 9/2 bar.

On a card lacking a strong Irish entry Nicky Henderson looks to be the man to follow with four strong entries.

The Dublin Festival at Leopardstown on February 5th and 6th should be the winner and our strongest Cheltenham horses will run or school after racing.

Point-to-Point Corner

Racing resumes at Tyrella near Downpatrick in Co. Down on Saturday, with 88 entries, after last week’s blank off at 12 pm.

Racing on Sunday is in Ballyvodock outside Carrigtwohill in Co. Cork with 109 entries starting at 12.30 pm.

David Christie’s Winged Leader tipped last week duly obliged in the hunter chase at Thurles under Barry O’Neill at nice odds of 4/1. O’Neill has now ridden him to success on 12 occasions.

Michael Keena was the winner of the Gents’ 12-hole Stableford with 31 points. Other results: Cat A: Damien O’Boyle (27 points); Cat B: Adrian Sherlock (29); Cat C: Aengus O’Rourke (28); Cat D: Oran Fahey (31).

The recent AWGS competition was won by PJ Martin with 29 points.

Class 1: P. Burke (25); Class 2: P. Lennon (29); Class 3: PJ Harris (28); Class 4: E. Fayne (28). Best wishes to Peter Cooke for a speedy recovery.

The Ladies’ 12-hole competition was won by Annemarie Hynes (24 points) while Sylvia McInerney was runner-up with 22.

Yvonne Walsh topped the 97 Club leaderboard with 24 points, Cathryn Mannion (24) was second and Marion O’Shea (23) was third.

Athlone Golf Club extends its deepest sympathy to Rhona Fitzgerald and the Hannon family on the recent death of her father Denis Hannon.

Boyle Brendan Gaffney was the winner of the recent 18-hole Stableford with 38 points. Paddy McLoughlin (35) and David Wynne (35) were second and third respectively.

There will be a three-week Spring League competition next month consisting of teams of three with draw to take place this Sunday. The Drive In competition is scheduled for February 27th, returning to its usual format of a Scramble competition.

Carrick Carrick Golf Club’s AGM will take place this Sunday (30th) at 5.30 pm via Zoom (details to be sent on Friday).

The Spring League is also due to tee off and booking is now live. This competition is open to all Ladies and Gents. The league will commence on Saturday, February 5th.

Roscommon Congratulations once again to Olivia Costello on winning Golf Ireland’s Girls’ Order of Merit and also finishing fourth in the Women’s Order of Merit. Well done also to Cian O’Connor for finishing runner-up in the Boys’ U-18 Order of Merit.

2021 was a great year of golf for both golfers and continued success for 2022.

Michael Waldron won the recent Men’s competition with 41 points.

Paul Hoare (38) was second, Cathal Dineen (29) took gross and Charlie Farrell (35) was third.

The Men’s Senior results were as follows: Winner: J. Somers (36 points); Cat 1: T. Farrell (33); Cat 2: E. Smith (35); Cat 3: L. Bagnell (35); Over 80: M. O’Connor (32); Deuces: P. Kelly, P. Brady and S. Mulryan.

The Ladies’ 9-hole competitions on January 4th and 11th were won

by Gertie Spillane (17) and Marie McManus (21) respectively.

N. O’Grady won the Ladies’ Senior competition last Thursday while M. Lalor, F. Thompson, and K. Ruane finished second, third and fourth respectively.

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Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

Sports PEOPLE

OFF TO A FLIER! Roscommon’s Daniel Glynn scores the point of the match during last Saturday’s Connacht Hurling League Final between Roscommon and Sligo at the Connacht GAA Air Dome. See opposite page for reaction. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Rossies face tough league opener Allianz National Football League Division Two (Round One): Roscommon v Cork at Dr Hyde Park on Sunday at 2 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon manager, Anthony Cunningham, pictured during the recent FBD League semifinal against Sligo at the Connacht GAA Air Dome in Bekan. Pic: Mick McCormack

A new era beckons for Roscommon’s footballers on Sunday with the start of another competitive year, and with the Pádraig Pearses and St. Faithleach’s players out of the picture, we can expect to see several new faces taking the field for what is sure to be a tricky assignment.

Anthony Cunningham and his selectors have been looking at a number of young players, and the recent FBD League games, added to work-outs against Leitrim and Dublin in the past week, have brought a number of new faces to the fore.

The Roscommon manager shared an update on returning players when speaking to People Sport this week: “Brian Stack and Conor Hussey are back fit again after injuries and that’s a plus. But we are down a lot of players because of the success of St. Faithleach’s and Pearses. I’m thrilled for them and it’s great for football in the county but we want to make a good start on Sunday,” he said.

Promotion back to Division One remains Roscommon’s goal this year.

“We want to get promoted but it will be difficult. We have a lot of young players coming through and this will be a big learning curve. But the only way players will develop is by playing against the best teams and that’s what we should be aiming for,” Cunningham said.

“Cork are rebuilding and they are trying out a lot of young players. Remember, they have had a lot of success at U-21 and U-20 level over the past few years so they have plenty of talent to

pick from. They will be formidable opposition,” Cunningham added.

“It’s all about building a strong panel here in Roscommon and when we have all our players back we will be hoping to give as many of them as we can a chance to show what they can do. We are looking forward to welcoming a big crowd to the Hyde on Sunday and hopefully we will give them plenty to shout about. But it is a tough start”.

Cork will be without their St. Finbarr’s contingent this Sunday and come to Hyde Park on the back of a heavy beating in the McGrath Cup Final against Kerry (2-17 to 0-10).

Roscommon will be understrength defensively without the Daly brothers and Davy Murray, and that is an area Cork may look to exploit. Brian Hurley, a top class full-forward, will have to be watched closely.

It may not be plain sailing for Roscommon but if the home side can get a grip around the centre of the field, the Roscommon attackers can win it

and get the league season off to a flying start.

Prediction: Roscommon.

Elsewhere in Division Two… Derry v Down on Saturday at 6 pm; Galway v Meath on Sunday at 2 pm; Clare v Offaly on Sunday at 2 pm.

Sunday’s match an all ticket affair Roscommon County Board have announced that Sunday’s NFL Division Two game between Roscommon and Cork at Dr. Hyde Park is an all ticket affair.

No Tickets will be on sale on the day at the venue. Tickets can be purchased online and are available at Centra or SuperValu stores.

Roscommon GAA are also asking those attending the match to adhere to parking bye-laws and to have consideration for local residents.

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Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

SportsPeople

Hurlers claim Connacht league honours Connacht Hurling League Final Roscommon 2-27 Sligo 1-21 < SEAMUS DUKE

New Roscommon senior hurling manager, Kevin O’Halloran, said he is pleased with his side as preparations continue ahead of the National Hurling League at the start of February.

Speaking to People Sport following an excellent win in the Connacht League Final against Sligo at the Connacht air dome last Saturday, O’Halloran said: “We were very happy with our display.

We played Leitrim earlier in the week (Wednesday last) and there were a lot of gaps so we needed a big improvement. But against Sligo we upped our work rate considerably and we are definitely going in the right direction now.

“We have got great commitment from the lads and it is good to have the likes of Daniel Glynn and Padraig Kelly back in the fold.

There are a few others like Cathal Kenny, Aengus Lyons and Conall Kennelly who are playing football at the moment and we will see what happens there,” he said.

Roscommon senior hurlers celebrate their Connacht Hurling League Final victory over Sligo at the Connacht GAA Air Dome last Saturday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

The Roscommon manager says that promotion in the league and an extended run in the Nicky Rackard Cup are the aims for the current season.

“We had a slow start and we had problems with Covid, but the lads have really worked hard over the past few weeks and we are looking forward to the new season now,” he concluded.

Goals for Eoin Fitzgerald and sub Adam Don-

Soccer results TP Brennan Connacht Cup Fourth Round Ballinasloe Town 8 Fahy Rovers 2 Boyle Celtic 2 St. Bernard’s 2 AET. (Boyle Celtic won 2-0 on penalties) Dynamo Blues 2 Kilkerrin United 1 Ballina Town 0 Ballymoe FC 4 Connacht FA Shield Second Round Dunmore Town 2 Partry Athletic 1 Shiven Rovers 4 Ballygawley Celtic 1

Soccer Fixtures Friday, January 28th Norio’s Premier Division Ballymoe FC v St. John’s Athletic.

8 pm RDFL Division One Shiven Rovers v Glen Celtic. 8 pm RDFL Division Two Boyle Celtic B v St. Cuan’s Ahascragh. 8 pm

nelly helped Roscommon to a comfortable win against Leitrim with Cathal Dolan scoring 0-12 and Daniel Glynn chipping in with 0-8.

Roscommon: Noel Fallon; Matthew Comerford (0-1), Peter Kellehan, Tim Gilmore; Hugh Rooney, Conor Cosgrove, Padraig Kelly; Ben McGahon (0-1), Conor Coyle; Mickey Joe Egan, Naos Connaughton, Cathal Dolan (0-12, 8 frees); Brendan

Saturday, January 29th Norio’s Premier Division (8 pm) Moore United v Kilkerrin United Castlerea Celtic v Ballaghaderreen FC RDFL Division One Skyvalley Rovers v Roscommon United. 8 pm Sunday, January 30th Norio’s Premier Division (2 pm) Boyle Celtic v Ballinasloe Town Moylough ’79 v Cloonfad United RDFL Division One Dunmore Town v Ballinasloe Town B. 11 am Dysart FC v Ballinagare Manor.

2 pm RDFL Division Two St. John’s Athletic B v Skyvalley Rovers B. 11 am Ballaghaderreen FC B v Cloonfad United B. 11 am Roscommon United B v Ballymoe FC B. 11 am Rahara Rovers v Moore United B. 11 am Cam Celtic v Dunmore Town B. 2 pm

Creggs RFC Report

Mulry (0-1), Daniel Glynn (0-8,1 s/l), Eoin Fitzgerald (1-4). Subs: Eoghan Costello for Egan, Donal Kelly for Gilmore, Adam Donnelly (1-0), for Connaughton, J Martin for Mulry.

Note: Pádraig Pearses defeated Four Roads by 0-15 to 2-4 to win the 2020 U-20 county final which was played in Pairc an Piarsaigh last Sunday.

Hurling

Hussey the hero for CBS! A late Michael Hussey goal rescued Roscommon CBS as they battled back to a 3-8 to 2-10 victory over Colaiste Mhuire, Ballygar in the Connacht Colleges Senior Hurling Championship (Barry Burke Cup) on Monday last.

The Ballygar school had looked on course for victory in what was a pulsating encounter following excellent second-half scores from Gavin Meares and Eoin Ward. For CBS, Fionn Killion was accurate from the dead ball while

a brace of goals from Jack Fleming either side of the interval had kept the Roscommon school in touch.

Coláiste Mhuire, managed by current Galway hurler, Conor Whelan, appeared to have done enough to see out the win only for Oran’s Michael Hussey to pounce for a crucial late goal before Athleague’s Daniel Crehan sealed the win with a last-gasp point. CBS now qualify for the Connacht semi-finals in early February.

THE GAIN LINE

Creggs’ first team play Castlebar RFC on Sunday in Creggs at 2.30 pm.

Creggs are top of the Connacht J1A League and a bonus point win in this final pool game, will add topping the table to a home semi-final.

The Creggs Development team takes on Tuam away from home this Friday night in the Connacht J1C League.

Check out creggsrugby.ie and Creggs RFC Facebook page for the latest Action from last Friday’s Connacht Schools Senior Girls’ League match between Convent of Boys, Girls, Youth teams and Schools Mercy, Roscommon and Coláiste Bhaile Chlair at Corinthian Park. Convent of Mercy won the match 19 -15. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell Fixtures.

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Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

SportsPeople

Faith in Faithleach’s ‘WE HAVE GREAT FAITH IN OURSELVES’ – BURKE

AIB All-Ireland Club IFC Semi-Final: St Faithleach’s v Trim on Saturday in The Downs, Mullingar at 1.30 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

St. Faithleach’s will bounce into Mullingar for Saturday’s All-Ireland semi-final showdown with Leinster champions Trim, brimming with confidence after their sensational Connacht final win against Naomh Anna, and hoping to book their place in the All-Ireland final in Croke Park on the weekend of February 12th/13th.

There hasn’t been much time for Faithleach’s to recuperate and refocus, but the good news is that manager Wally Burke says that there were no injuries after the Connacht final.

“We have no injuries, thank God. A few very sore bodies after the extra-time (in the Connacht final) but that’s all.

The pace of the Connacht final was incredible for this time of the year but everyone is fit and

rearing to go again,” he said.

The manner of that Connacht final win means that there is a buzz throughout the Faithleach’s squad and further afield.

“There is a major buzz in the squad and a huge buzz in the community too. It was real ‘Roy of the Rovers’ stuff. Our community are very proud of this bunch of lads and what they have achieved so far. This is a team that never knows when they are beaten and that’s a great quality to have,” Burke said.

Wally and his selectors went to see the Leinster final between Trim and Clara – and he left Navan an impressed man.

“Trim are a good side. Their full-forward line scored 1-12 out of 1-16, so they are prolific. Alan Douglas is their captain and a very impressive

player and leader. They have a serious midfield of Sean Fitzgerald and Rob Bourke, and a very good goalkeeper and full-back too. What impressed me about them is their physical strength. They are a very big team with nine or ten guys over six feet tall.

“Any team who gets to this stage is a good side. I was looking at the betting this week and we are the outsiders to win the title. But we have great faith in ourselves and the Connacht final win will give us even more belief.

“There is huge interest in this match in the local community.

There are people coming home from England who were not able to come the last day and we are going to go up there and embrace the occasion and give it our best shot. I like the venue too. It’s a good pitch and perfect for a game like this. It would be great to get to a final and follow the likes of Michael Glavey’s and St. Croan’s,” he concluded.

Faithleach’s have one thing

that is so important going into any championship game – and that’s momentum.

If they are to overcome Trim it will have to be a whole team effort. Depending on Diarmuid and Ciaráin Murtagh and Conal Kennelly will not be enough. But there were good performances against Naomh Anna from Karl Nerney, Dave Rooney, Jonathan Hussey and sub Cian Glennon – amongst others – so that will give them hope.

Trim have some outstanding performers, not least Aaron Lynch at full-forward, who scored 1-7 in the Leinster final.

James Togher at centre halfback has plenty of inter-county experience.

Diarmuid Murtagh will be key man once again. When he plays as he did at times in the Connacht final, there is no defender capable of marking him. Ultimately, Faithleach’s will have to play the game of their lives to win. It might be just one step too far.

Prediction: Trim.

St Faithleach’s supporters (pictured at the recent Connacht final) will be hoping for another great performance from their team in this Saturday’s All-Ireland semi-final.

Photo: Mick McCormack

Red and white: A couple of mysterious St. Faithleach’s supporters pictured at the AIB Connacht Club IFC Final at Pearse Stadium in Galway.

Pic: Austin Waldron

“We have no injuries, thank God. A few very sore bodies after the extra-time (in the Connacht final) but that’s all”. Wally Burke, manager of St. Faithleach’s, pictured on duty on Connacht final day. Photo: Mick McCormack

41

Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

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REACHING NEW HEIGHTS!

Pádraig Pearses are preparing to go where they have never gone before this Saturday when they take on Leinster kingpins Kilmacud Crokes in the AIB All-Ireland Club Senior Football Championship SemiFinal at Kingspan Breffni Park in Cavan. Pictures: Mick McCormack Good luck Padraig Pearses from all in Dubarry

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Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

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Pádraig Pearses manager, Pat Flanagan, believes there is a quiet confidence among his charges ahead of Saturday’s AIB All-Ireland Club SFC Semi-Final against Kilmacud Crokes. Pic: Mick McCormack

Having secured a first ever Connacht club title in splendid fashion two weeks ago, Pádraig Pearses now enter the rarefied atmosphere of the All-Ireland series with a chance to appear in the biggest game in club football at Croke Park on February 13th.

Standing in their way will be two-time All-Ireland winners Kilmacud Crokes who recently won their fifth Leinster title, defeating Naas by 0-14 to 0-7 in the final.

On the face of it, this is a huge task for Pat Flanagan’s men, but Pearses have shown a gritty resilience allied to some very astute and effective play throughout this championship. They are very well organised and are certainly in with a big chance of causing an upset here.

Manager Flanagan says that there is a quiet confidence running through his squad after their Connacht title win.

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Pádraig Pearses supporters are expected to travel in large numbers this Saturday for the club’s historic AllIreland Club SFC Semi-Final at Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan. Pics: Mick McCormack

Ballinasloe THE PEARSES SENIOR FOOTBALL TEAM 087 7746349 / 090 96 43181 www.paulflynn.ie Pádraig Pearses supporters are expected to travel in large numbers this Saturday for the club’s historic AllIreland Club SFC Semi-Final at Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan. Pics: Mick McCormack

43

Roscommon People Friday 28 January 2022

SportsPeople

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achievement for this group of players to have won two county titles and a provincial title in the past three years, but I keep saying that I feel there is far more in this Pearses team,” he told People Sport.

Pat knows what to expect from the Dublin and Leinster champions: “Kilmacud are a serious team and are well able to manage a tight situation. They got out of a tight corner against St. Jude’s in the Dublin final and they were excellent against Portarlington and Naas in Leinster. They are very fit, they move the ball quickly, and they have plenty of experienced players”.

However, the Clara native says that if Pearses play to their potential it could be another big day for the club.

“I am convinced that if we can hit our best form we can compete with any team out there. On our best form it

will take a very good side to beat us”.

Pearses have been given a clean bill of health going into this game and the entire squad travelled to Breffni Park for a run-out last weekend.

Therefore, we can expect to see a familiar line-up this Saturday, backboned by the four Daly brothers, Davy Murray, Hubert Darcy and the Cartys.

Much has been made of the absence of Paul Mannion from the Kilmacud line-up but even though the six-time All-Ireland winner is a class act, the Leinster champions have several very talented players, most of whom boast inter-county experience with Dublin.

Ross McGowan at full-back and Rory O’Carroll at centre half-back are top class performers in defence.

At midfield, all eyes will be on the clash between Conor

and Niall Daly and Kilmacud’s Craig Dias and Conor Casey, while further upfield, Tom Fox, Dara Mullin, and Callum Pearson have assumed scoring responsibilities in the absence of Mannion.

Kilmacud will be heavy favourites to reach another All-Ireland decider – but if Pearses can remain in the mix until the latter stages then all bets are off.

Pat Flanagan says that if Pearses are to win they will have to play better that they have in any game in this championship so far. It could be a tall order against such quality opposition.

Going into a game like this as rank outsiders will suit Pearses perfectly – and they have a great chance.

Prediction: Pádraig Pearses.

Note: The game will be shown live on TG4.

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