29 April 2022 Roscommon People by RossiePeople

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SOCIAL PEOPLE

29 April 2022

The Local Paper

VOLUME: 781

See pages 24 & 25

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

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

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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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My husband passed away recently. I understand that he made a will prior to his death and he left his large farm to his nephew. The farm was in his name only. Our home was also in his name and he left me with just a life interest in my home and after my death it will also pass to his nephew. I am very disappointed and I feel ill-treated. Is there anything I can do? The law governing wills, namely the Succession Act, 1965, provides unique protection for spouses of the deceased in Ireland. You refer to a will and I am assuming that your late husband’s will is valid. You are entitled to onehalf of your late husband’s estate if he died having made a valid will and he had no children. You are entitled to one-third of your late husband’s estate if he died having made a valid will and he had children. This entitlement is called a legal right share. The legal right share ranks in priority after the rights of creditors of the deceased and ahead of any other beneficiary. You do not have to go to court to get your entitlement as the executor of his estate is obliged to grant this share to you where applicable. You should contact your Solicitor immediately to obtain legal advice as strict time limits apply in respect of claiming your inheritance share. I should also mention that a surviving spouse may cease to be entitled to a legal right share in a number circumstances to include legal separation or divorce. It would be usual for a spouse to renounce their legal right share as part of the terms of a divorce or legal separation agreement following the dissolution of a marriage. Contact Byrne Carolan Cunningham dedicated Wills & Inheritance Law Department in confidence for advice specific to your situation.

e l p o e WATCHING P With WithPAUL PAULHEALY HEALY

Knick-knacks and bits and pieces? It must be the car boot sale! Brilliant! Huh? The CBS! Did they win a big game? Rugby, was it? Gaelic football? No, not the school…the other CBS! Huh? The Car Boot Sale! C.B.S.! CYCLING ACCIDENT Oh I’ve heard of them, but never been to one! If you were involved in a cycling Really? Yes,accident really! contact I don’t even know what a car Byrne boot sale Carolan is…I mean, how many people Cunningham have defectiveSolicitors car boots that need replacing? You don’t seriously… Ah no, but I genuinely don’t know what goes on at one…I presume it’s a sale of… boots? You don’t seriously… Did you go? I heard there was one in town, I saw it in the People! Yes, I went…last Saturday. Excellent! And did you buy any boots? Look, a car boot sale is not a sale of boots… So WHAT is it? It’s where people come to the one location, typically with the boot of their car full of stuff they want to sell! And other people come…to buy! And what do they sell? Usually…unwanted possessions. But how can you sell possessions if they’re unwanted? Well, someone might want them, that’s the point of the sale. You want to pass on something you no longer need…but which someone else might be attracted to! Wow! Sounds…er…boring!

Endangered Species The barstool boyos

On the contrary, it’s a lovely morning, or afternoon! What…poking around some stranger’s boot? It’s not as dispassionate as that! It’s a social event too! (They pause to check if it’s safe yet to go online or look at a newspaper without seeing an Ed Sheeran-related headline; it wasn’t) So… So where was it? Huh? The car boot sale?

Oh, at Casey’s…behind Casey’s…in Roscommon. A super morning! What did you buy? Oh, odds and ends… Can you be more specific? Bits and pieces… You bought useless stuff, didn’t you? A few knick-knacks… Huh! Bits and bobs… SO…RUBBISH! No, not so! I got a nice lamp, a book, an ornamental cigarette holder… You don’t smoke! IT’S AN ORNAMENT! Also, a painting of Pope… Which Pope? The current one? No, Brent Pope, the rugby pundit… You got sucked in! You fell for it! You bought stuff you didn’t need! Not so! I got a matching vase too! Plus, like I said, it’s a social event too! Really? Yes! I met some lovely people. One chap, he’s been going to car boot sales for 40 years! Wow! What…he buys, and sells? No, he just likes looking at cars. Mmnn…whatever takes your fancy, I suppose. Now, enough of this! Are we going to Markievicz Park on Saturday? Yes! Let’s leave around 2 pm… Eh…could we leave around 10.30? 10.30???!!! Rather early? Well, there’s this car boot sale in Sligo, I’d like to fit it in if I can…I’m looking for a second vase to match that single ‘matching’ vase I bought!

What we liked… The very pleasant, sunny weather last weekend and earlier this week… more, please!

What we didn’t like…

This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor. Byrne Carolan Cunningham have offices in Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough and Galway. A person should always contact their solicitor to obtain legal advice specific to their own situation. The above column contains general information and cannot be relied upon as legal advice. * In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

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

PIC OF THE WEEK: A young soccer fan and her pet pictured at the Roscommon & District Football League Division Two match between Ballaghaderreen FC B and Cam Celtic last weekend. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

What PEOPLE are talking about Ukraine; Leo Varadkar’s DPP file; Galway defeating Mayo; The All-Ireland football and hurling action generally; Premier League

title race; French presidential election; The political fate of Boris Johnson; The weather; Ed Sheeran…

A report this week reveals that 320 people were hospitalised in Ireland in 2020 as a result of dog bites. Dogs Trust Ireland has launched ‘Be Dog Safe Week’ to help keep people safe around dogs, whether in the home or out and about. Details on DogsTrust.ie/ BeDogSafe

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

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Man charged with Sligo murders remanded in custody murder of Aidan Moffitt at 4 Carton Heights, Sligo on April 10th and with the murder of Michael Snee at 24 City View Apartments, Sligo on April 12th. The defendant is facing a separate charge of assault causing harm to a man in Sligo on April 9th. Mr. Palani’s solicitor, Gerry McGovern, told Judge Sandra Murphy that

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A man charged with the recent murder of two men in Sligo town was further remanded in custody until May 12th at Sligo District Court on Thursday last. Yousef Palani (22) of Markievicz Heights, Sligo town, appeared via video link from Castlerea Prison. The accused is charged with the

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no bail application was being made “at this time”. The court also heard that the defendant was receiving psychiatric treatment while in prison. Judge Murphy, who had granted the accused legal aid in relation to the assault charge, also assigned Mr. McGovern on Thursday in relation to the two murder charges.

Niamh Curtis, Esther Mae Bell, Fionnula Bell and Edith Curtis pictured at a Fashion Show held in The Brusna Inn recently in aid of Brusna Community Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

26/04/2022 17:25

Abbey Hotel Gift Vouchers – the perfect year round gift idea Gift Vouchers make the perfect all year round gift idea. So whether it’s someones birthday, an anniversary or indeed a wedding, a gift card from the Abbey Hotel or Abbey Health and Fitness is sure to please. Vouchers can be redeemed against dining, leisure centre memberships, accommodation or afternoon tea. You can purchase gift vouchers from hotel reception or via the website www. abbeyhotel.ie Enquiries to events@abbeyhotel. ie or Tel 090 6626240 Follow the Abbey Hotel Roscommon on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

NewsPeople Jamesie Murray monument to be discussed tonight An open meeting will take place this evening (Thursday 28th) at 9 pm in Knockcroghery Community Centre (old schoolhouse) to discuss the erection of a monument in honour of Roscommon All-Ireland winning captain, the late Jamesie (Jimmy) Murray. A post on the Project Knockcroghery Facebook page read: “While Jamesie is famed for his GAA achievements, he was above all a community man and it is hoped that the representation on the night would reflect all community groups”. Mr. Murray, who ran Murray’s Pub in Knockcroghery village, won two All-Ireland senior football titles with Roscommon in 1943 and 1944. He also won a number of county titles representing the former St. Patrick’s club in Knockcroghery. He passed away in 2007 at the age of 89.

A presentation evening was held in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on Sunday for the Roscommon team that won the 2021 AllIreland minor camogie title. Pictured is Katie Greene with special guest, Galway star Orlaith McGrath. Pic: Mick McCormack

HSE to apply for planning for Sacred Heart Hospital The HSE will submit an application for planning permission for the new long-stay facility at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Roscommon next month. In a response to a Parliamentary Question from local TD Denis Naughten, the HSE stated that planning notices are now been issued with formal

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planning permission to be sought from Roscommon County Council in May. Deputy Naughten said commitments had been given to commence work in 2021. “We are now only seeing the planning application being submitted,” he said.

“It is imperative that the planning and tendering process is completed without delay and that the project is progressed to construction as soon as possible. “This facility provides a vital long-stay service to older people, particularly those who have complex care needs, and any re-

duction in bed numbers would directly impact on our older people. “It also provides one of the best rehabilitation services of its kind in Ireland or the UK, and with our growing older population investment in a modern Sacred Heart Hospital is key to the future of health care locally”.

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

NewsPeople

Darkness into Light countdown (May 7th) Preparations are well advanced for ‘Darkness Into Light 2022’ events locally. For many people the last two years have been filled with darkness and isolation, with many of our neighbours, family and friends struggling or feeling alone. Last year, we could not gather together in the way that we normally would but this year we can. Together our goal is simple. We want to spread light and hope into every town, every

village, every home and every heart – not just in Ireland but all over the world. This year, more than ever, we want you to share the unique and powerful experience of Darkness into Light 2022 proudly supported by Electric Ireland with your loved ones, family and friends. Invite them all to take part in Darkness Into Light on 7th May, wherever they may be. It’s global! Remember, every euro you help to contribute, through your

New Chairperson of Roscommon Darkness Into Light committee, Mark Molloy (left), pictured recently with outgoing Chairperson Alec Dempsey.

registration fee or by fundraising, will help ensure that Pieta’s free, life-saving services remain available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The walk in Roscommon Town will commence at the Convent of Mercy Gym at 4.15 am. The Roscommon group’s AGM was held recently. Mark Molloy was appointed as the new Chairperson and members congratulate Mark and wish him the very best in his new role. Special thanks to outgoing Chairperson Alec Dempsey for his contribution, commitment and dedication to the Roscommon Darkness Into Light committee over several years. The Roscommon committee would like to extend an invite for new members to join. If interested, please contact Mark on 087-7801434 or Laura on 0868448927. Your support or donations are greatly appreciated. Meanwhile, in Ballaghaderreen, the committee are inviting our readers to sign up today to ensure you get your iconic tshirt in time for the event. You will also be in with a chance of winning one year’s free electricity for you and a friend from sponsors Electric Ireland. Strokestown Darkness into Light will also take place on

The Ballaghaderreen Darkness Into Light Committee 2022 pictured preparing for the annual Pieta House Darkness Into Light 5k Walk/Run on Saturday, May 7th. Pictured are Anne Carmody, Ann Gilligan, Eileen Jordan, Mary Carmody, Paul Griffin, Dympna McDonnell, Bríd Duffy and Tony Gilligan. Missing from picture are Olivia Moffat and Emma Kilkenny.

Saturday, May 7th at 4.15 am. The 5km walk will start and finish at the community centre in Strokestown. If you would like to help out please email: dilstrokestown@gmail.com Join Pieta and Electric Ireland and give the gift of hope to those impacted by suicide and self-harm. You are about to be a part of something truly extraordinary.

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Registration is now open at www.darknessintolight. ie. Prices: Adult €26; Child (6-17 years) €5; Family (2 adults and five children) €62; Concession (jobseekers/ student/seniors) €21; Baby/ Toddler (0-5 years) free.

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Thursday

Higgins, the man who put snooker into wider public consciousness with his thrilling, swashbuckling play. 40 years ago this year, Alex won his second world title, defeating Ray Reardon in the 1982 final, the memory of which is vivid in my mind. Higgins’ emotional win followed a classic semi-final against his great friend, like-minded soulmate Jimmy White.

I’ve never seen an episode of ‘Special Forces: Ultimate Hell Week’ (RTE 2), but happened to catch 15 minutes of it tonight. While I understand the show’s concept and can (just about) see its appeal, the humiliation of contestants leaves an unpleasant taste. The physical endurance and psychological tests make the programme what it is, but the ‘hooded cameo’ I saw tonight (I realise the show is now into series four in Ireland) was particularly dark. A ‘recruit’ is led into a dungeon-type room, their head fully covered with a hood, the atmosphere deliberately quite intimidating. It makes for uneasy viewing. Once the person is seated in front of the course instructors, the head covering is theatrically whisked off. Cue a quick switch from the aura of intimidation to the contestant emotionally talking about their ‘journey’, or how much this means to them, the ‘leaders’ suddenly turning empathetic, their customary shouting replaced by philosophical nodding of the head and a gentler tone. More of the contrived nonsense which reality shows thrive on. ‘Guantanamo Bay meets The X Factor’ is the phrase that popped up in my head! I can understand people wanting to push themselves to limits, but this programme has uncomfortable dimensions to it.

Sunday On the cover of The Sunday Times’ magazine, beside a photograph of the likeable former X Factor and America’s Got Talent judge Sharon Osbourne, is the headline: ‘I don’t want to be judged’ (Sharon Osbourne on race rows, facelifts and her wild life with Ozzy). I don’t want to be judged? But, but, but…

Sunday

Friday While I accept that mowing the grass in your garden is of itself satisfying, arguably even more satisfying is that moment when you get to tell someone else that you mowed the grass in your garden earlier…

Saturday I’m grateful to the indefinable Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath for introducing me to the latest rap music today while I was driving into town. Mattie was on RTE Radio, telling Damien O’Reilly about his views on Ireland taking in Ukrainian refugees. While he may have elaborated later in the programme, Mattie’s policy was summed up (by him) as follows: “We need to say hold on a minute here…we need to make hay more slowly”. For fear of what was to come, and bearing in mind the ‘Life is short’ maxim, I duly switched over to Today FM, where the rap was really quite good.

Saturday He’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but retired Dublin county footballer, Philly McMahon, is writing a mighty column every Saturday in

Leah Spratt Duffy from Ballaghaderreen pictured at the Roscommon & District Football League Division Two match between Ballaghaderreen FC B and Cam Celtic last weekend. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

the Irish Independent, one that stands out because the style of writing is so good and particularly because of its starkness and honesty. He includes a few decent anecdotes too, including this one today, when writing about trying to wind up Colm ‘Gooch’ Cooper: “…I knew he was getting frustrated. At one stage, we were coming back up the pitch, he charged at me and just hit me in the chest. Just a bump. I stopped and said ‘Did you hit me there or was that the wind?’”

Saturday Just my luck that casual channel-hopping brought me to the longest frame in the history of the World Snooker Championship (85 minutes, Mark Selby v Yan Bingtao). Sometimes, the only way to watch snooker is the highlights! Watching, I longed (a bit unfairly, as this evening’s marathon men are both brilliant players who just happened to get involved in a tight, tactical frame) for the glory days of the late Alex

Sometimes the menu in a restaurant can offer too much choice, leading to indecision, delay, and the dreaded talk of sharing courses! It was a bit like that today for armchair sports fans. There was so much to choose from, it was hard to settle on a specific viewing course. I chose Donegal v Armagh (BBC) for my starter, but had to sample a little of Chelsea v West Ham (Sky Sports), and the rather unsatisfactory England v Ireland (Virgin Media) in the Women’s Six Nations. Naturally, I also availed of a helping of Clare v Tipperary in the hurling (RTE). My main course was the Connacht semifinal between Galway and Mayo (RTE), served with a touch of a fiery LiverpoolEverton derby game (Sky Sports). Later, The Sunday Game and Match of the Day 2 wrapped up a busy sporting day on TV. I have no interest in ‘doubles golf’ as it tends to lack the competitive edge, entertainment value and drama we see in the weekly singles’ events. (The snooker was overlooked small print on today’s menu). Galway produced a tremendous third quarter to take control of proceedings in Castlebar, before Mayo donned their trusty superhumans’ cloaks and scooped five points in five minutes from their bottomless bag of tricks. No Houdini act this time, but it was close. A great win for Galway.

Monday No, it’s not a Roscommon version of Ultimate Hell Week in the county town (see ‘Thursday’). I repeat, it’s not a Roscommon version of Ultimate Hell Week. It’s just a different week, challenging yes, but something we will get used to. We will get used to that new (8.45 am) early school starting time in Roscommon town…it will be okay.

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

Roscommon County Council | Tel. 090 6637100 | Email: info@roscommoncoco.ie | www.roscommoncoco.ie All offices of Roscommon County Council are now open to the public by prior appointment 9.30am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday

DECLARATION OF PUBLIC ROADS

COMHAIRLE CONTAE ROS COMÁIN ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 11 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, PART 2 PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000 (AS AMENDED), SECTION 180 LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM ACT 2014, SCHEDULE 3 The following Municipal Districts propose to declare that the roads located within the following named housing developments to be public roads. Athlone Municipal District: • Cluain Broc, Monksland, Athlone • Cushla Grove, Monksland, Athlone • Ard Cuinne, Monksland, Athlone

Athlone Municipal District Office, Monksland, Athlone, County Roscommon. N37 W5P9

Boyle Municipal District: • Pairc Darach, Cortober • Ashfort, Croghan • Abbey Court, Frenchpark • Unnamed – Lisroyne Townland

Boyle Municipal District Office, The Crescent, Boyle, County Roscommon F52 X436

Roscommon Municipal District: • Sli na Sruthan, Ballintubber

Roscommon Municipal District Office, Áras an Chontae Roscommon F42 VR98

Maps outlining the said road may be inspected at the offices of Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town F42 VR98 and at the offices listed above Monday to Friday during opening hours for the period from 29th April 2022 to 27th May 2022. The maps may also be inspected at www.roscommoncoco.ie Objections or representations in relation to this declaration may be made in writing to the undersigned or emailed to roads@roscommoncoco.ie no later than 4 pm on 10th June 2022. Shane Tiernan Director of Services

Roscommon Decade of Centenaries 2022: Community, Continuity and Change As part of the Decade of Centenaries 2022 Roscommon Library will be hosting three exciting new online talks this May. Each of the talks will focus on different aspects of the history and heritage of County Roscommon in the 1900-30 period. On Thursday, 12th May at 7pm Genealogist Martin Curley will talk about ‘Roscommon Family Records from a Century Ago’. Martin will look at the various resources from 100 years ago available for people with family in Co. Roscommon, and will generally explore their lives at that time. Online records including census, birth, marriage and death and land ownership will be reviewed. Sources such as school records, photographs, and newspaper

reports will also be examined. The talk will discuss the major record collections which will allow a person to have a good knowledge of the lives of their ancestors at that time. On Thursday, 19th May at 7pm Mary Clancy of NUI, Galway will deliver a talk entitled ‘Women of the West: Activism, Contexts and Life-Stories’. Mary’s talk will examine themes of continuity, change and activism in the lives of Irishwomen during the revolutionary period. It will consider how organising on women’s rights, war-work and Irish independence led to different types of participation. The talk will draw upon experiences and life-stories in the West of Ireland, with a particular focus on women in Co. Roscommon.

On Thursday, 26th May at 7pm Local Historian Paul Connolly will speak about ‘Change and continuity in the ‘big house’ in County Roscommon’ where he will will look at life in the big houses in Co. Roscommon, leading up to, during and after the Revolutionary Years, examining in detail Mount Talbot, Strokestown, French Park, among others. Paul, who need little introduction, is the author of Mount Talbot: a journey through the ages (2014) and The landed estates of County Roscommon (2018). All the talks are FREE and all that is required is that people register at: www.crowdcast.io/e/ Ros2022/register

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000 (as amended) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS 2001 (as amended) NOTICE IN RELATION TO SPECIFIED DEVELOPMENT Notice is hereby given pursuant to the provisions of Section 179 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and Article 81 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) that Roscommon County Council proposes carrying out the following works: Provision of a Covered Civic Space, Market Square, Roscommon to include: •

Covered Civic Space with 2 no. roof lights and associated urban landscape elements in the area of the North Square – North of the Bank of Ireland

•

A new covering to the historic well incorporating a model display in the area of the South Square – South of the Bank of Ireland

•

New Permanent Public Seating

•

All associated Site & Ancillary Works.

An Appropriate Assessment screening report and Environmental Impact Assessment screening report in respect of the development have been carried out and are available for inspection. The reports concluded that a full EIAR is not required and that the development does not need to proceed to Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment. Where any person considers that a development proposed to be carried out would be likely to have significant effects on the environment, he or she may, at any time before the expiration of 4 weeks beginning on the date of publication of the notice referred to in article 81(2), apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have such effects.

COVID 19 Restrictions Apply

Plans and particulars and a model of the proposed development will be available for inspection at the offices of Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town. Plans and particulars will be available for purchase (at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy) from 28th April 2022 to 26th May 2022 inclusive, during office hours (subject to prior agreed appointment for collection due to Covid 19) at the offices of Community and Enterprise, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town – telephone 09066 37100. Plans and particulars of the proposed development will also be available for inspection online on the RCC website using the following link: http://www.roscommoncoco.ie/!VXSMB8:

Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated, may be made in writing to the undersigned on or before 5pm on 9th June 2022. Signed: - Majella Hunt Director of Services Áras an Chontae Roscommon Town Email: mhunt@roscommoncoco.ie Date of Notice: 28th April 2022

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

NewsPeople

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ew Frontiers is Ireland’s national entrepreneur development programme, delivered locally by Atlantic Technological University Galway-Mayo Innovation Hubs and funded by Enterprise Ireland. If you have an innovative business idea with a plan to establish your own company, or you are already at an early stage of development, the New Frontiers Programme can provide you with funding, help and support to accelerate your business development.

and early-stage capital investment networks. Access to entrepreneurship best practice – both national and international. Peer group learning from participants in this region and across the country. Access to the expertise in Enterprise Ireland through the Market Research Centre. Expertise from Atlantic Technological University and the supportive environment of the Innovation Hubs in Galway and Mayo.

How does the programme benefit entrepreneurs? Expertise in all areas of business including investment, market research & validation, business model, patenting, product development, sales and marketing. Mentoring from experienced business advisers and practitioners. Free Office space and other business incubation facilities. €22,500 tax free funding, €15,000 in the second phase and €7,500 in the third phase of the programme.

Ideally, applicants should: • Have an innovative idea • Be capable of building a new company • Create employment • Generate sales revenue • Have export potential

Networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs and business development agencies. Introductions to seed

feasibility. The Second Phase is much more intensive. Those accepted onto this phase must commit on a full-time

basis for 6 months. Office space will be offered for FREE in the ATU Innovation Hubs. €15,000 funding will be available to all eligible participants. The Third Phase is built around the business success and growth, getting to the market, exporting, generating employment and attracting investment. This will be full-time over 3 months with a further €7,500 for selected participants. Martin Flynn from www.

okwhosnext.com says: “Participation in New Frontiers has been invaluable to us. It provided insight, networking and perhaps most importantly, tools, knowledge and structures crucial in supporting our new business start-up. The calibre of mentors, presenters, tutors and consultants has simply been excellent. Regular monthly funding of €2500 gave us the runway to put optimal strategies in place. It is really essential if you are serious

NEW FRONTIERS

about taking your business idea to the next level”. The 2022 programme is now open to new applicants. Apply early as places are limited. First preference places will be offered to those who return their applications by Wednesday, May 18th. The programme will commence shortly afterwards. Further information on this exciting business opportunity is available at: www.atuihubs.ie/ newfrontiers

Tony O’Kelly, New Frontiers Manager.

NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR DEVELOPING ENTREPRENEURS

NEW FRONTIERS THINKING OF STARTING A NEW BUSINESS? NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR DEVELOPING ENTREPRENEURS

NEW FRONTIERS

NEW FRONTIERS IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FROM THINKING OF STARTING A NEW BUSINESS? NATIONAL PROGRAMME BUSINESS FOR DEVELOPING ENTREPRENEURS INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE AN INNOVATIVE IDEA

NEW FRONTIERS IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FROM THINKING STARTING A NEW INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE ANOF INNOVATIVE BUSINESS IDEA BUSINESS? NEW FRONTIERS PROVIDES: NEW FRONTIERS IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FROM

NEW FRONTIERS PROVIDES: • Support and advice on setting up a business INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE AN INNOVATIVE BUSINESS IDEA New Frontiers is Delivered in Three Phases: • Support and advice on settingPROVIDES: up a business NEW FRONTIERS • Free co-working space & facilities The First Phase will test the feasibility of the • Free co-working spaceand & facilities • Support advice on setting up a business proposition. It is the shortest • Personalised one-to one mentoring from a member of Enterprise Irelands panel phase (6/8 weeks) and will • Free co-working space &from facilities • Personalised one-to one mentoring a member of Enterprise Irelands panel be conducted on a part• Personalised one-to one mentoring from a member of Enterprise Irelands panel • €22,500 in financial support time basis. will focus •It€22,500 in financial support on the promoter, product/ • €22,500 in financial support service, market opportunity, with • Opportunity to network other entrepreneurs and investors • Opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs and investors business model and • Opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs and investors

For details see: www.atuihubs.ie/newfrontiers For details see: www.atuihubs.ie/newfrontiers For details see: www.atuihubs.ie/newfrontiers

Pictured at Roscommon Garda Station last week were (front, left to right): Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, Superintendant Fran Nicholson, Senator Aisling Dolan. Back (left to right): Senator Eugene Murphy, Sergeant Michael Walsh, Sergeant Rena Sheeran, Detective Inspector John Costello and Garda Brian Carroll.

Justice Minister’s pledge on Garda support Minister for Justice Helen McEntee was recently given a tour of Roscommon Garda Station as part of an official visit to the county. The Minister said she was committed to strenghtening and supporting An Garda Síochána. Supt. Fran Nicholson spoke about the challenges faced by a regional Garda division and the distances that have to be covered by squad cars in the event of emergency calls. Other issues up for discussion included the impact of early retirement and transfers on force numbers in Roscommon. “This was a great opportunity to see the investment in Garda stations and to meet with frontline Gardaí and thank them for their outstanding work, especially over

the past two years,” Minister McEntee said. “The Gardaí have supported so many community groups and older members of our community during the worst of the pandemic. I also appreciate the focus on rural safety measures, especially with an older community, and was very interested to hear the work underway in Roscommon in this regard. “The Community Safety Fund will be a way for community groups to identify projects to support safety in their local areas, including in rural areas”. Minister McEntee said the Government has provided funding for 800 new Gardaí and 400 Garda staff – who will free up more Gardaí for core policing duties – this year. Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan high-

lighted the imminent appointment of a Crime Prevention Officer for Roscommon. “I am happy to see that a person recruited to this position will be in place shortly,” she said. “The Crime Prevention Officer can meet with community groups, neighbourhood watch and Muintir na Tíre groups to speak on rural safety measures. “Minister McEntee spoke about a €2 million ‘Community Safety Innovation Fund’ recently launched using proceeds from crime through CAB. The target is for local not-for-profit groups to propose innovative measures for community safety, especially in rural and disadvantaged areas. It could also look at how to develop youth activities. This fund is open for applications until June 8th of this year”.

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

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D News page

Tarmon student is Agri Aware Connacht Farm Safe champion!

Tarmon NS student, Morgan O’Donoghue, was this week named Connacht Regional Champion for Farm Safe Schools.

Tarmon National School is celebrating this week after one of its students was named the Agri Aware Farm Safe Schools regional champion for Connacht. Morgan O’Donoghue, a 3rd class pupil in Tarmon National School, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, was chosen after his name was put forward for the award. Tarmon National School is currently taking part in the Agri Aware Farm Safe Schools programme which aims to kickstart farm safety conversations in classrooms nationwide. Champions are selected from each region and awarded a certificate of achievement and a family pass to Dublin Zoo, kindly sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine. Morgan has gone above and beyond and shown his passion not just for faming but also farm safety. Farm Safe Schools coordinator and AgriKids founder, Alma Jordan, explained what made Morgan stand out

from the crowd. “We received a huge volume of entries for the regional awards and it proves the ability and capability of our children to change the culture around farm safety,” she said. “From his nomination, it was obvious how interested Morgan is in farming and everything associated with farming. He looks after his own sheep and dog at home, making sure that the safety signs are evident and that the animals are cared for very well. “Morgan’s grandparents come from Inis Mór and he enjoys farming safely there too, explaining to his teacher and peers on how they farm safely on the island. “The young farmer’s other love is gardening and sowing vegetables which he does with enthusiasm in the school garden and polytunnel. “Morgan’s willingness to share on the topic of farm safety and his passion for farming is tremendous, this is exactly what Farm Safe Schools is all about”.

The Farm Safe Schools programme is a collaboration between Agri Aware, AgriKids, the IFA and is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine in Primary Schools across Ireland. Agri Aware Chairman, Alan Jagoe expressed his delight to all the regional winners. “The Agri Aware Farm Safe Schools programme sets out to create learning and understanding on the topic of farm safety to younger children,” he said. “These regional award winners are a testament to the talent, tenacity and potential our children have in creating a safer future on Irish farms. I want to thank their teachers for bringing the programme into the classrooms and for recognising the champions in their class. “I would like to thank the Department of Agriculture and Minister Martin Heydon, for their support of this dedicated farm safety programme”.

Eloise’s 10k raises over €30k for Hospice!

Kevin Flynn and Michael Corcoran from the Tibohine/Fairymount pictured with the Zoe and the Cryan family.

Heifer sale raises €1,500 for Zoe Cryan Trust Kevin Flynn and Michael Corcoran from the Tibohine/Fairymount parish recently sold a heifer at Car-

rigallen Mart and donated all proceeds to the Zoe Cryan Trust Fund. The heifer sold for €1,500 and Kevin and

Eloise McDonnell from Kilmovee was due to make her Communion on May 2nd, 2020 before it was postponed due to Covid-19. Eloise decided to turn this into a positive and set about planning a 10km run in her sister Lucia’s Communion dress. Lucia ran alongside her sister and both girls managed to raise an incredible €30,010.45 for Mayo Roscommon Hospice in memory of

their dad, Michael. Pictured are both girls and their mum Caitriona presenting the cheque to CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice, Martina Jennings. All at Mayo Roscommon Hospice wish to say a big thank you to the entire family for completing their inspiring fundraiser at the height of the Covid restrictions. It has brought much joy to the people of Mayo and Roscommon.

‘Hike for Ukraine’ raises almost €6,000

Michael presented the cheque to Zoe and her family just before they departed for Boston for treatment.

Last call for local photographers to ‘Reach for the Stars’ It’s the final call for entries to the ‘Reach for the Stars’ astrophotography competition organised by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS). The competition, seeking the best astro-photographs taken in Ireland over the period April 1st 2021 to April 30th 2022, is calling on photography and astronomy fans from Roscommon to submit their images before 5 pm this Saturday, April 30th. Entries to the ‘Reach for the Stars’ competition will be judged by Professor Peter Gallagher, Head of Astrophysics

at DIAS, along with Brenda Fitzsimons, Picture Editor of The Irish Times; John Flannery, Vice-President of the Irish Astronomical Society; and Niamh Breathnach, Director at Alice PR & Events. DIAS’s ‘Reach for the Stars’ competition is being run in partnership with The Irish Times, and is sponsored by Alice PR & Events. The Irish Astronomical Society are initiative supporters. Further information, including the competition guidelines and entry form, is available at www.reachforthestars.ie.

John Hunt and Frank Barry flying the Ukrainian flag on top of Mount Brandon for ‘Hike for Ukraine’.

The organisers of the recent ‘Hike for Ukraine’ fundraiser, which took place on April 6th, have confirmed that a total of €5,975 has been raised and thanked everyone who donated. The fundraiser saw John Hunt, his daughter Annie and his friend Frank Barry alongside former and current colleagues from the Air Traffic Control Centre in Shannon Airport and Annie’s colleagues from An Garda Síochána in the Laois/Offaly division climb Ireland’s second-highest mountain, Mount Brandon in Co. Kerry, in conjunction with Concern.

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

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Who’s saying what on Tweet Street ... Paul Healy’s take on top tweets! Mags @magsmccallig €100k over budget @ DermotBannon would be so proud!! #TheGreatHouseRevival -Mags appears to have enjoyed Sunday’s The Great House Revival on RTE, while directing a playful dig at ‘TV house show king’ Dermot ‘The Glass Feature’ Bannon…

-Another fan of the great game is signed up… Marian Keyes @MarianKeyes I’ll be on it this morning!!! Already got a hug from the LOVELY @GethincJones he smells DELICIOUS -The best-selling author promotes her appearance on BBC Morning Live (in a rather quirky manner)

Amanda Rob Richards @Pandamoanimum @robrich10 Going to sleep at night. No idea of the rules. But very Me: Gets into bed. Adjusts ROSCOMMON#Hurling HERALD TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2022 entertaining. pillows. Wonders what to do

Marian Keyes

newsbriefs Strokestown Darkness into Light update

Strokestown Darkness into Light will take place on Saturday, May 7th at 4.15 am. The 5km walk will start and finish at the community centre in Strokestown. Pre-register only at: www.darknessintolight.ie If you would like to help out on the morning please email: dilstrokestown@gmail.com

Fundraising concert for Ozanam Day Centre

A fundraising concert in aid of the Ozanam Day Centre in Ballaghaderreen will take place in St. Nathy’s Cathedral on Friday, April 29th at 7.30 pm. Tickets are €10 (Family: €20). Please support.

Roscommon Active Retirement trip

Roscommon Active Retirement Association invites you to join them for a five-day trip to the Talbot Hotel, Wexford town from Monday, May 9th to Friday, May 13th. The cost is €380 per person sharing and includes half-board, three daily excursions and coach transport from Roscommon town. To book, contact 086-1925411.

Castlecoote Tidy Towns AGM

Castlecoote Tidy Towns’ annual clean-up will take place this Saturday (30th). Please meet in the church car park at 10 am. From Muff Cross is our ‘Adopt a Road’ project and litter picking will take place there regularly. Thank you.

Rahara community clean-up on May 2nd

The community of Rahara will conduct a major clean-up of the village this Bank Holiday Monday, May 2nd, meeting at Rahara Church at 2 pm. Rahara Tidy Towns and Development Committee are calling on the entire community to join them in various activities including painting, planting, strimming, litter picking, etc. This will be followed by light refreshments. All help greatly appreciated.

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

with my arms. Too warm. Puts one leg out of covers. Worries about leg grabbing monster. Tries to sleep. Brain reminds me of every stupid thing I’ve ever done. Husband: Gets into bed. Goes to sleep. -Amanda goes public on matters nocturnal…no doubt many people can identify with her sentiments Gary Spike OSullivan @spike_osullivan Anyone interested in going to #FuryWhyte in a helicopter, I’m looking for 2 people to join us. Leaving today from Cork Airport, fly to London, have

dinner watch the fight then fly home. DM if interested, preferably someone with a helicopter and tickets, otherwise we can’t go -We see what he did there (Gary’s flight of fancy) Mark Smyth @psychpolis Carrying a sleeping toddler back to their bed without waking them up should be an #Olympics event -In fairness, it does require concentration, balance and the ability to react quickly, so yes, total support from us for this 17 proposal…ADVERTISING

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FRANK

BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique

take on life ...

Big crowd in Wembley – and Mikeen’s – for Fury’s fight night! Our man Frank on Tyson Fury’s knockout show… tentatively looking to a Galway-Roscommon Connacht final…and a scrappage ‘scheme’ with a difference! It’s Saturday night and the excitement is building in Mikeen’s as big-time boxing is once more back on the menu. The ‘Gypsy King’ Tyson Fury is about to go to war with fellow Brit Dillian Whyte in front of 94,000 excited punters over in Wembley Stadium, and here in Creggs, the bout evokes memories of the great days and nights of the world title fights of wee Barry McGuigan and Steve Collins. Fury’s battles with mental health issues are well documented, and for a while it looked as if his drug and alcohol struggles would be the defining memories of his career. Thankfully however, he managed to overcome all his problems and is now recognised as the undoubted number one heavyweight in the world.

Tyson Fury

The big crowd that turned up to watch the fight in Mikeen’s were, to a man and woman, supporting the six foot nine inches tall Fury – and he did not disappoint. The outclassed Whyte barely laid a glove on the Irish-descended fighter, and when a fantastic uppercut turned the lights out for the challenger in the sixth, most amateur judges thought he hadn’t won as much as a single round! Fury, who claims he is retiring from the ring (although there seems to be a fair bit of doubt about that now), then entertained the crowd with a rousing rendition of American Pie. While maybe not as good as Don McLean’s original version, it went down a treat with his thousands of delighted fans. Back in Mikeen’s, we too were pretty pleased with the performance – particularly one of our group who had a fiver on Fury to win in the sixth, a little flutter that returned him €60. Anyway, whatever road he takes in the future, there is no doubt that Tyson Fury is the best heavyweight boxer on the planet right now. Talking of heavyweight boxers, the other Tyson, Iron Mike, was one of the most

Galway did ‘bate’ Mayo… is a Rossie date on? As you know by now, Creggs is a border parish, pretty much equally divided between Galway and Roscommon. So on Saturday night, after Tyson Fury had done his business, thoughts (especially on the Galway side) turned to the big GAA match on Sunday. We wondered, in the immortal words of the Sawdoctors’ song, ‘Will Galway bate Mayo?’. Over the last few years the results have been very much in favour of the Mayo men, and yet – surprisingly – among the good few Galway supporters in Mikeen’s, there was an air of cautious optimism. Kerry’s demolition of Mayo in the league final a few weeks ago had shown that they were not unbeatable, and there were some grounds for hope that the wearers of the maroon and white could pull off a famous victory. Even I, always known for my pessimism when it comes to Galway (and Manchester Utd), felt that maybe this time we had a chance. As I write this now on Monday evening, we all know that we did indeed have a chance, winning the game by a single point. For all of us long-suffering supporters, it was a very welcome victory, but in the clear light of the following day I have to reluctantly say that I still believe the Ross-

ies will win the Connacht Championship. I realise they have to beat Sligo on their home pitch of Markievicz Park to get to the final – as indeed Galway have to beat Andy Moran’s Leitrim – but on all known form it should be Galway and Roscommon in the final. Creggs will once again be divided straight down the middle, but the good thing is that no matter who wins, the craic will be good coming in and going out of the final. And

Markievicz Park, Sligo.

it goes without saying that our side will be hoping for a victory for the Tribesmen. Anyway, maybe I am getting ahead of myself. Sport being what it is, it is very possible that either Leitrim or Sligo could throw a spanner or two into the works. We out in Creggs might have no divided loyalties at all. So for the moment, we will make do with the win over Mayo and wait and see what’s coming down the road.

terrifying fighters of his time, a man that anyone in their right mind would steer clear of. So when I saw that he had assaulted a fellow passenger on a recent airline flight, I wondered what had happened to cause him to hit out. Reports now say that the victim threw a bottle of water at the ex-world champion and was repeatedly provoking him. How hard Iron Mike punched him is unknown, but he did draw some blood. You’d have to say the victim, who was allegedly extremely intoxicated, must have had a death wish; I can’t imagine any sane person going out of their way to annoy the great man. I suppose one way or another it will cost Iron Mike. As the Will Smith episode at the Oscars proved, you simply can’t throw punches – no matter how much you are provoked. So we will have to wait and see what the outcome is. In the meantime, Fury, who earned £26.2 million for the biggest fight in English boxing history, celebrated with a massive buffet for friends and family on Sunday. So I suppose with all that money, he really can decide to retire if he wants to. As for Iron Mike, we will have to wait and see.

And finally… Most of us who are driving slightly ancient cars will have spent many hours going through scrapyards all over the country looking for cheap (but good quality) second-hand parts. Close to home, Kevin Leahy’s yard over in Fuerty was a godsend for just that. On numerous occasions back in the day he came to my aid by finding whatever part was required to get me motoring again. Although Leahy’s is no more, the car dismantlers are still in big demand nowadays – except everything is now online. All you have to do is key in your car registration number and whatever part you are looking for, and straight away you will have details of loads of different scrapyards that have the actual part in stock, the price, and anything else you need to know. However, all that pales in significance when compared with the scrapping of a €280 million jumbo jet, which is being scrapped after only being flown for 42 hours. The cost of doing so works out at €6.7 million for every hour it was in the air. The Saudi Royal family bought the plane for their Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, but he died before it was even delivered, so it was hardly ever used. They failed to sell it, even though it must have been in almost pristine condition, and it has now gone to America to be scrapped. I know that things like alternators, doors, bumpers, panels and various engine parts are always in demand for the older car, but I wonder how much demand there will be for the parts of a barely used Boeing 747-8. Usually if an airplane has an accident, it doesn’t be in need of any spare parts. Anyway, we will wait and see, but in terms of depreciation it must be the biggest loss of all time. Luckily enough, the Saudi Royal family seem to be reasonably well off, so they can take the hit! ‘Till next week, bye for now

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THIS WEEK...On The Political Beat mmon Herald This week, public representatives call for a ban on sex offenders’ right to be ‘forgotten’, discuss the Just Transition framework, and talks with Minister Eamon Ryan over proposed turf ban…

Correction Proof

Naughten gets Justice Rep Contact Details: Minister’s support on ONS sex offender’s lawsalanbeirne Independent TD Denis Naughten this week

Order No.: 890832 Copyline: business club Date: 26/10/2021 | Tue 08:46

called on the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee 090to support his calls for changes to current laws in6627377 order to ensure sex offenders cannot erase their past offences by changing their name. alan.beirne@roscommonherald.com Minister McEntee agreed with Deputy Naughten about the importance of ensuring sex offenders cannot take advantage of the ‘right to be forgotten’. However, she said a proposed amendment to the All eyes on the recent Easter Parade in Roscommon town (on viewing platform, from left): Barry Molloy, Deputy Denis Naughten, Patricia Mullaney, Superintendent Sex Offenders Bill which would compel those Fran Nicholson, Deirdre Kelly, Senator Aisling Dolan, Cllr. Joe Murphy (Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council), and (partly obscured) Larry Brennan, chairperson 2022convicted of offences to engage with treatment of Roscommon Easter Parade committee. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh programmes while in prison would not have the affect. energy costs on families. communities can also achieve a climate-neutral people,” he said this week. 022 desired Discussing the Bill, which has now passed the “The west is a region with an older population, economy and that the social and economic The Fianna Fáil Senator informed Minister committee stage, Minister McEntee said she which is heavily dependent on turf to heat their impacts are shared in a fair way”. Ryan that the tradition of turf cutting was slowwould also be willing to explore legislation that homes…the reality is that there is a two-year ing ebbing away and that to rush the process now would allow a victim to access a picture of their wait time for the Warmer Homes Scheme. That would inconvenience those in rural areas. attacker upon their release from prison. is for people who are most at risk of energy pov“Minister Ryan informed the meeting that erty, who may depend on a neighbour cutting the anyone with their own bog would not have any turf and where there is no other choice to receive difficulties. He also informed us that gifting of Government support to insulate their homes,” turf to a neighbour or family member would not she said. be stopped,” Senator Murphy said. Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has Senator Dolan also highlighted the recent “I also asked the Minister to take into account described a recent party meeting with Environlaunch of the ‘One Stop Shop’ with SEAI a number of young people who rear a plot of ment Minister Eamon Ryan around proposed (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland), say-(CMYK) turf to12cms help pay forxcar5cols insurance or to pay some Home,Interiors,DIY 4C Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan has called for a legislation on turf cutting as “lively but totally ing waiting times were still unclear for energy college costs”. more ‘Just Transition’ when it comes to energy respectable”. upgrades and insulation schemes. The issue around towns and villages with popuusage in the west of Ireland. Senator Murphy says he explained to the Minis- lations slightly over 500 was not resolved at the “As a region that has a high usage of turf, Commenting earlier this week, the Ballinasloeter that up to 60 per cent of people in parts of Co. party meeting but Senator Murphy said he was highly impacted by the closure of Bord na Móna based Senator said a more considered approach Roscommon still use turf to heat their homes. plants, and a high numbers of older housing “hopeful that a reasonable solution can be found was required to reduce the impact of higher “I informed the Minister that if turf cutting was stock, we need a more Just Transition so our to outstanding matters”. curtailed it would create fuel poverty for some

Dolan calls for a fairer Just Transition for Class: the west

Murphy discusses turf ban impact with Minister Ryan Colour:

Advert Size:

Registration is now open for this year’s Roscommon Town/Kilteevan Community Games Registration now open for Roscommon Town/Kilteevan Community Games Area Track and Field Event on Sunday May 8th in Athlone IT Outdoor Track. Details are as follows: Event: Roscommon Town/ Kilteevan Community Games Area Track & Field Event 2022. When: Sunday May 8th (Check in at 9.30am, Events start at 10am). Where: Athlone IT Outdoor Track. Who: All children Under 16 living in the Roscommon Town and Kilteevan parish. What: Registration must be completed by online form only – available by emailing martinafinneran@gmail.com Each athlete must be registered individually. Cost €5 per athlete (maximum of €15 per family) payable at check in on event day. Registration closes at 5pm on Monday May 2nd.

Rosary at Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon Rosary will take place at Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon at 10.00 am to 10.30 am Monday to Saturday and on Sunday 11.00 am to 11.30am.

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

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Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Why I’m goo-goo, ga-ga for my granddaughters! As a grandmother, I believe there’s no greater bond in this life than the one between a grandmother and her grandchildren. I’d go so far as to say there’s not a single, solitary thing in this world that can bring a Nana like me greater joy than having one of my babies – in this instance my first-born – having babies of her own. This joy, or these bundles of joy, come in the form of the fabulous 15-year-old Ellarose, a human being who amazes me every single day; and her long-awaited baby sister Claudia, who, at seven months, is so incredible, she literally renders me goo-goo-ga-ga every time I hold her. As parents, we choose to have our children, as in we get to plan our families, however, we don’t choose to have our grandchildren, nor do we choose the number of grandchildren we’re blessed with. But let me tell you when these little miracles do come along you feel a sense of love so overwhelming and so profound, you’d defend them with your very last breath. Well, that’s how I feel! In fact, having spent the past week in Dublin babysitting my two beauties while their parents holidayed in Rome, I can say, hand on heart, that grandmothers are possibly more emotionally connected to their granddaughters than they are to their own daughters.

That being said, despite the fact I’m a young, energetic Nana (I am!!!), I’m absolutely shattered while writing this; wrecked to the point of exhaustion. I mean, as cute as baby Claudia is, she’s also pretty demanding, keeping me on my toes 24/7. At one stage, when we were having our 4 am chat (and no, I didn’t chat to my own kids at 4 am, but as I’m a Nana who employs a ‘rules-free zone’, I’ve got an endless supply of patience where Claudia’s concerned) I did question my sanity, or lack thereof. Let me put it this way; while I’m a grandmother who can be trusted implicitly, whose heart is always bursting with love and pride, and whose handbag is always bursting with goodies, I’m no practically-perfect Mary Poppins, therefore if that baby wants to chat, even at 4 am, Nana’s going to listen and respond. Yes folks, despite the fact I’m a woman who desperately needs her beauty sleep – I’m no oil painting at 4 am – when that infant slaps my face and pulls my hair it’s akin to someone waving a magic wand that emits heart-melting fairy dust all over me and I become bewitched! Besides, in my defence, as I live in Roscommon and they live in Dublin, and I don’t get to drop in every single day, I find that playing the ‘long-distance’ card gives me a free pass

to break not one, but all of the rules at once. Yep, I’m a greedy-granny; greedy for the pleasure that being with my two wonderful granddaughters can bring; and, as my visits to them were heartbreakingly curtailed during the Covid-imposed restrictions, I fully intend to focus my energies (what’s left of them after last week) on catching up. My granddaughters (and any more grandkids that may arrive) will always know that Nana Miriam won’t just overindulge them, she’ll be one person who’ll be trusted to know the things even Mammy and Daddy may not be trusted to know. In short, she’ll be the eejit who’ll bail them out, provide them with an alibi (should they ever need one…just covering all bases here), and bury the bodies for them. Er, to be absolutely clear here, there are no bodies, I’m simply hypothesizing for the sake of poetic licence! I’d like to pay tribute to my eldest daughter by saying that, even though she’s a beautiful grown woman who has slipped seamlessly and sublimely into the role of being a wonderful mother to my grandchildren, I still manage to see that little-girl smile I always loved so much. I see it in her, and I see it in her babies. For me, this smile, this beam that illuminates

their faces and the face of my darling youngest daughter, is a clear sign that life comes full circle, and, as my once little family of two children expands into grandchildren, I know that things will also change. Those girls will get older, and so will I; probably to the extent I won’t have the energy to turn the microwave dial to defrost, never mind do a 4 am feed or nappy change. I know friends who believe being asked to mind their grandchildren feels like a burden; not for me. I feel both proud and privileged to have been bestowed with the trust, the honour and with the joyous opportunity to look after mine while their parents holidayed, safe in the knowledge that Nana (sorry, baby Claudia) was in charge. You don’t need any special skills whatsoever to be a loving, supportive and doting grandparent. Nor do you need to be familiar with the latest fashion trends, groups or smartphone apps; you simply need to unconditionally love, relate to and appreciate your grandchildren for the special, magical, extraordinary human gifts that they are. Thank you Gillian and Cathal for giving me the gift of last week…now, where’s that champagne you bought me?!

Depp/Heard high stakes ‘poop prank’ Sinister, allegations are turning my stomach! not smart! When a marriage has irretrievably broken down or when a couple can no longer stand the sight of each other, I believe in order to minimise the impact of the hurt and the utter devastation for everyone involved, a no-blame divorce is possibly the best way to go…then you both gracefully move on. However, it seems if you’re ‘A-lister’ Johnny Depp and his bit-part actor ex – okay, let’s be kind, she’s famous for her ‘supporting roles’ – Amber Heard, a pair who’re possibly Hollywood’s most litigious and childish couple, you do things very differently. By ‘differently’, I mean you submit yourselves to what has become a very public and thoroughly embarrassing high stakes drinks, drugs, threatening texts, video footage and a warts and all exposé regarding a marriage you once thought was perfect to the point of being untouchable. As someone who dealt with celebrities for more years than I care to remember, as in interviewing them and booking them for TV gigs etc., in a past career, I’ve been privy to more than a few couples’ – let’s say – private arguments and fisticuffs. Indeed, on one or two occasions I’ve even had to become a referee…no names, no scandals. To that end, I really believed I’d become immune, unshakeable even, regarding any revelations I might hear pertaining to the Depp/Heard circus currently playing out in a US courtroom. However, details of the stomach churning ‘poop’ prank, where ‘human faecal matter’ was allegedly discovered in this puerile pair’s ‘marital bed’ has proved me wrong. It turns out I’m not immune at all, rather what I am is extremely susceptible and vulnerable, and, may I add, sick to my very stomach!

Is it just me or has anyone else been hearing soundbite-style bulletins on the radio making the public aware that there are now smart glasses on the market that can take video footage of you? How very Matrix(ish) and, may I add, extremely sinister. I don’t know about you readers, but the very fact that someone could be permanently and covertly pointing a camera at you is extremely concerning, especially where young children may be concerned! Gathering and processing personal information/data and images without a person’s full consent is clearly a breach of privacy. In fact, the GDPR law includes comprehensive and detailed obligations around the collection and use of personal data; and the explanation I’ve heard contained in these adverts regarding the wearer using sounds and lights to notify those standing close by that video and audio recording is taking place won’t cut it for me…just sayin’.

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard.

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

NewsPeople newsbriefs Tribute to talented Keadue musician

The late John Doyle of Knockranny, Keadue, was a farmer, historian, and talented musician. He enjoyed playing traditional, country, and jazz music, and played many instruments, particularly excelling on the saxophone. He was a member of the Ideal Showband, Blue Ridge Country Sound, and Rocky Mountain Rangers, and brought enjoyment to so many people over the years. John also trained and managed Keadue Church Choir for many years, and was a former secretary of the St. Ronan’s Hall Committee. Sincere sympathy to Moira and family, his sister Maeve, the extended Noone family and his colleagues from the music industry.

Church gate collection in aid of Roscommon SPCA

Roscommon Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Roscommon SPCA) is holding their annual Church gate collection on Saturday, April 30th, and Sunday, May 1st, at Fairymount, Lisacul, Tibohine, Drumlion, and Aughrim Churches. Your support is greatly appreciated and all money raised goes to animal welfare in County Roscommon.

Macra na Feirme Race Night

On Sunday, the 1st of May, South Roscommon Macra are hosting a race night with a twist! There is no doubt you are well aware of the vital role Macra na Feirme plays in Roscommon. With this in mind, South Roscommon Macra are supporting two Macra members, Joey Finneran and Padraig Beattie, who are taking on The 4 Peaks Challenge in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. The 4 Peaks Challenge consists of climbing the highest peak in each province in the space of three days. The Race Night will be held in Ned’s Bar, Knockcroghery on Sunday, 1st of May (8 pm). Please come along and support a great cause.

Adam’s Fun Run to raise funds for childhood cancer

This May Bank Holiday, join Adam Reddington from Fuerty, Co. Roscommon, on a 10k or 5k fun run to raise funds for two childhood cancer charities – Childhood Cancer Foundation Ireland and Aoibheann’s Pink Tie. Adam, age 13, has himself experienced childhood cancer, having been diagnosed with a brain tumour at age five. Adam had surgery and proton therapy in Germany which was very successful for more than four years. Unfortunately, Adam’s cancer returned last year and is having a significant impact on his mobility. However, Adam, who was very sporty and active before his relapse, wanted to do something positive in his community, as his mum Elaine explains: “Adam is amazing. He decided he wanted to do a fundraiser and picked two charities that mean a lot to him and to our family. It’s given him a great focus and something to look forward to. “Adam feels he’s doing something really positive for other people who might have similar challenges to him. We’re very proud of Adam for wanting to do it and it’s been great for our family as his three siblings Josh, Tom Óg and Alannah are supporting him all the way”. Laura Cullinan, Director of Childhood Cancer Foundation Ireland, said Adam is a huge role model for anyone living with childhood cancer. “We are so proud of Adam, he’s an

Open for UKRAINE – Strokestown Golf Club to host event in aid of Ukraine

Pictured is David Dolan (CIO of Sidero, the main sponsors), busy erecting signage for the event.

inspiration. Even though he is facing his own challenges, he is thinking of other children, adolescents and young adults who are newly diagnosed or going through treatment and he wants to help make their lives a little easier. He and his siblings are doing the childhood cancer community proud”. Mick Rochford, CEO, Aoibheann’s Pink Tie, described Adam as “an inspiring young man”. “Focusing on the needs of others is a selfless act and we are honoured to be one of the recipients of the funds raised by Adam and his ‘Super Siblings’. The funds raised will enable us to buy dry suits, pay for respite days, hotel accommodation at a local hotel when a child is in treatment, fuel vouchers, food vouchers and so much more. On behalf of all the team and the families we support, a big thank you Adam and of course your super siblings Josh, Tom Óg and Alannah,” he said. Adam’s Fun Run will start at Mulhern Park, Fuerty GAA Club on Monday, May 2nd at 11 am. Please come along and show your support if you can. Registration takes place on the day, with 5k and 10k routes available. You can also make a donation online at https://www.idonate.ie/ fundraiser/11431926_adam--s-funrun.html. For updates follow @AdamsFunRun on Facebook.

Strokestown Golf Club is hosting a three-day ‘Open for UKRAINE’ event over the May Bank Holiday weekend (April 30th to May 2nd). Along with the main sponsor SIDERO, the organisers have been fortunate to have a number of other supporters and sponsors come on board to ensure a good selection of prizes. Prizes for 1 to 6 in the men’s category and 1 to 3 in the ladies will be available over the weekend. The format is singles stableford and it is open to all golfers from other clubs. The entry fee is €15. Proceeds from the event will be donated to UNICEF HAC for Ukraine. Booking times can be scheduled through the BRS system or by contacting Alex on 085 8684072 or Tony on 083 4648156. Come along and support a worthy cause!

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

CIARAN MULLOOLY

On The Back Benches Access boat is making a social impact and changing people’s lives every week To the television viewer, it’s just a shiny new boat in an ad seen on the telly nearly once a day every week that just happens to feature a few people in wheelchairs heading out onto a local lake in this part of the country. But the story of the Lough Ree Access for All Boat is one that has a much deeper significance and a far greater tale to tell – one that I thought I might throw some light upon in the column this week as we prepare for one of the most significant developments in the short history of this extraordinary social enterprise project. At this stage, most readers will know two of the main people in the ad – Dorothy Coyle and John Tobin. Well known already for many years in Roscommon, they have become more famous as the faces that now propel the message behind the Access for all boat into hundreds of thousands of family sitting rooms all over the country every month. Since the project won the national Good Causes award (organised by the lottery people) this time last year, Dorothy and John have told the story day after day of how the revolutionary design of this new vessel has made the impossible become the possible in a very short period of time – offering people who are wheelchair-bound the opportunity to go out onto the waterways for their sightseeing or their fishing for the very first time. They do so on a boat that sees its bow lowered a bit like a small car ferry and allows the passengers to ‘roll on’ and ‘roll off’ the vessel with no hassle or delay. It’s common knowledge now that this writer has been central to the creation of the project along with three or four hugely devoted community volunteers out Ballyleague way since it was first mooted away back in 2015. It was backed at that point by the Roscommon LEADER Partnership company with a grant for an EU LEADER-supported feasibility study that set it on its way as an acclaimed social impact project – and ensured it has never looked back ever since.

Barriers in society There is, of course, a very sobering explanation for the very reason the boat concept was born in the first place. People with disabilities face many barriers to full participation in society. The degree to which people are hampered by disability in their daily lives is hugely significant, and the more they are hampered, the greater the disadvantage they are found to experience. In many ways this reflects the disabling nature of our own society and its institutions. You might say it’s nothing new. Problems with the physical environment, the design of service provision, and public attitudes, have all posed barriers to people with disabilities for decades, and even though equality legislation allows positive action in relation to people with disabilities, nobody has really gone further in the last four or five decades and broken down these barriers. This is a tale that is about far more than just designing a smart boat. It has a much deeper social impact. Social inclusion means being in a position to participate fully in the life of the society

ALL ABOARD .... Lough Ree Access for All provides a vital service to people with disabilities.

one lives in. Conversely, social exclusion entails being prevented from doing so – and it’s well known that people with disabilities face many barriers to full participation and are thus likely to face a heightened risk of social exclusion across various dimensions in society. We can see it every day. Those with a disability are continuously hampered in their daily activities. They are much less likely than others to be a member of a club

“

These were the real reasons we first developed the Lough Ree Access for All boat as our community development project out in Ballyleague. We had seen the people in the wheelchairs left on the banks of the river too many times when the big fishing events or sightseeing cruises were on, and we decided as a small group that we would try and change that

or association, but the unique ability of sports and recreational activities to transcend cultural and social barriers makes it an excellent platform for strategies of inclusion and adaptation – and that’s really the acorn from which the Access for All boat first grew. The universal popularity of sport and its physical, social and economic development benefits make it an ideal tool for fostering the inclusion and well-being of persons with disabilities. Through activity and sport, persons with disabilities often acquire vital social skills, develop independence, and become empowered to act as agents of their own change. We see this now on our access boat in Ballyleague every week. Sport can teach individuals how to communicate effectively as well as dealing with the significance of teamwork and cooperation and respect for others, while sporting activity is also well suited to reducing dependence and developing greater independence by helping persons with disabilities to become physically and mentally stronger. These were the real reasons we first developed the Lough Ree Access for All boat as our community development project out in Ballyleague. We had seen the people in the wheelchairs left on the banks of the river too many times when the big fishing events or sightseeing cruises were on, and we decided as a small group that we would try and change that.

Equal opportunities It wasn’t rocket science either. We always knew that people with disabilities have the same needs for recreation and leisure as people without disabilities, however they generally accessed more structured leisure activities within disability organisations and service providers like the Irish

In association with: LOUGH REE ACCESS FOR ALL

Wheelchair Association, thereby reinforcing their segregation from the rest of the community and their friends. We are proud of the fact that by taking part in mainstream recreation and leisure pursuits on our new boat, people with disabilities are socially included for the first time on the water, and have an equal opportunity to integrate with their peers and improve their sense of worth. The provision of the Lough Ree Lake Access for All water-based experience provides an adapted integrated water-based experience for all people with disabilities to serve the needs of all disability organisations, and all sporting clubs generally, and is a major step in the direction of inclusivity. A new centre – which you will hear more about next month – will provide a unique facility in Ballyleague that will attract people from the local community, from all over Ireland, and potentially from well beyond. It is envisaged as a ‘home’ for a range of users, including Special Olympics athletes, disability organisations, national, regional and local sports clubs, primary, secondary and special needs schools, colleges, universities, and the general public. The list is endless. The new centre will cater for all levels of ability, from the novice through to the dedicated leisure enthusiast, so this story is only beginning. The best part, as Dorothy says on the TV ad every week, remains the fact that it’s not just for people with disability – it’s for everybody. The integration continues on every boat trip and you too can enjoy the experience by going online to www.loughreeboattrips.com and booking your place on board, or by telephoning 089 2625505 any day of the week. The Access boat sails from the north pier in Ballyleague seven days a week at 10 am, 12 noon and 2.30 pm. The adventure is only beginning!

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

NewsPeople

Suck Valley Way conference continues today < DAN DOONER

The inaugural two-day Suck Valley Way Conference continues today (Thursday) at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon after it was officially launched by Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, Eugene Cummins yesterday (Wednesday). This major conference, organised by the Suck Valley Way Development Co-Op, will feature talks by experts from the areas of industry, enterprise and business, manufacturing and production, tourism, recreation and sport. The aim is to highlight and discuss the opportunities present throughout the Suck Valley Way region and to promote tourism and investment in the area. Organiser, Cllr. Anthony Waldron, says the event will raise some very important questions and will highlight Co. Roscommon and surrounding areas in terms of tourism opportunities. “We have a number of guest speakers confirmed for this event which will highlight not only Roscommon and Galway in terms of the Local public representatives and participants pictured at the launch of the Suck Valley Way Conference at the Abbey Suck Valley Way region but also other surHotel on Wednesday afternoon. Pic: Mick McCormack rounding counties. This week in the Abbey

Hotel you will see seven flags representing the counties which border Roscommon. The Suck Valley Way includes not only Roscommon and Galway but also Sligo, Leitrim, Longford, Westmeath and Offaly,” he said. “I hope that we have a good turnout and that we receive a supportive response so as to use these discussions and talks as a roadmap for unlocking the potential for this region. “For more information, contact 086-7866774 or svwconference2022@gmail.com”. Among the items on the agenda for this twoday conference are ‘Regeneration in the west of Ireland’, ‘Unlocking our tourism potential’, ‘Come West Along The Road – employment and enterprise opportunities’, and ‘Building blocks of rural sustainability’. Today’s events feature MCs Paul Healy (Roscommon People Managing Editor) and Seamus Duke (RosFM station manager). Keynote speakers include: Colm O’Rourke from the world of sport, Pyers O’Conor Nash of Clonalis House, Jarlath O’Dwyer from Clare Eco Tourism, Michael Tobin (AIT) and Declan Ganley. Registration for today’s events takes place at 9.30 am and day two opens from 10 am.

surplus of Roscommon town drainage scheme Council €25k for 2021 to be completed early next year The Roscommon Town Main Drainage Scheme is expected to be completed in early 2023, according to the latest update from Irish Water this week. Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Joe Murphy said the project was a “credit to everyone involved”. “The project is moving along quickly and with

little disruption to traffic. The benefits of these works in terms of the development of Roscommon town are immense – the capacity increase in the wastewater network will support housing and commercial development. People want to live and work in their own communities and this project is supporting the growth of the town,” Cllr. Murphy said.

The complex scheme includes more than 7kms of new sewer infrastructure, new and upgraded pumping stations and storm water overflows. The project has also seen the tunnelling of a pipe under Roscommon’s railway line and River Jiggy. Irish Water’s Regional Delivery Lead, Eunan Canavan, said the project will be completed in 2023.

Roscommon County Council has reported a surplus of €25,140 for 2021 according to the local authority’s Unaudited Annual Financial Statement which was relayed to members at Monday’s monthly meeting. Acting Head of Finance, Seán Mullarkey, told members that expenditure for the previous year was €71.3 million while income from the various departments was €53.4 million. Rate payments were in line with 2020 figures at €12.5 million and Local Property Tax was €10.8 million of which the equalisation fund made up €6.9 million. Mr. Mullarkey highlighted fixed assets of €1.896 million and the purchase of nine vehicles and sixteen houses last year as well as the disposal of 14 houses. An overspend of €250,000 in the Environmental Department was also confirmed due to legal costs associated with Lough Funshinagh. Addressing the end of Covid supports, Mr. Mullarkey told members: “We are out of Covid and on our own after this but we are in a healthy position”.

Murphy welcomes removal of in-patient charges for U-16s

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien turned the sod on the Roscommon Town Main Drainage Scheme in 2021. He was joined by Chief Executive Officer of Roscommon County Council Eugene Cummins, Irish Water’s Wastewater Portfolio Delivery Manager Michael Tinsley and Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Joe Murphy.

Senator Eugene Murphy has welcomed an announcement from Health Minister Stephen Donnelly that he will draft a bill to provide for the abolition of both overnight and day case public in-patient charges for children under the age of sixteen. The overnight charge of €80 will be removed. “This is something I welcome very much,” said Senator Murphy. “It can be a major financial burden for families who have young people who’re under sixteen in the hospital. I hope such charges could be abolished by mid-summer”.

‘Coalition has failed to support rural households’ – Kerrane < DAN DOONER

Local TD Claire Kerrane has accused Minister Eamon Ryan of backtracking over plans to ban turf cutting and has criticised the Government for failing to support rural households following a Sinn Féin motion calling for the scrapping of

plans to ban the sale of turf. That motion was introduced on Tuesday evening and according to the Sinn Féin TD, “despite much talk in their constituencies, not a single Government TD backbencher was present for the debate or spoke”. “The Government submitted

an amendment which outlined a new position in relation to their plans to ban the sale of turf which now seeks to only prohibit its sale in what they refer to as ‘larger agglomerations’…whatever that means,” Kerrane said. “The Minister did not provide the clarity that we needed to see in

relation to Government plans on the sale of turf and intends to vote against our motion. “It is clear that Minister Ryan intended to ban the sale of turf outright, this was clearly stated in a reply to another TD earlier this month. The reply was categorical and did not reference any drafts or

consultations. Minister Ryan has backtracked and rightly so”. The Sinn Féin motion, which was being voted on as this publication went to press last night (Wednesday), also sought the temporary removal of excise on home heating oil and the cancellation of the Carbon Tax which is due to kick in next week.

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

NewsPeople

TAKE A BREAK

Celtic theme for Dawn Chorus 2022

Pictured (left to right) are Kieran Dowd, Treasurer, Creggs RFC, and Ann-Marie Lohan (Draw Marketing Lead), Creggs RFC, presenting Catherine Kelly, the Creggs Mega Draw winner, with her cheque for €50,000. Also pictured are Paula and Immelda Kelly (daughters of Catherine Kelly) and Joe Ryan, Chairman of the Finance Committee and Draw Lead, Creggs RFC.

Creggs RFC’s Mega Draw winner!

Congratulations to Creggs Rugby’s Development Draw winner, Catherine Kelly from Dunmore, Co. Galway, who collected a cool €50,000 last week! The club wishes Catherine and her

THE THINGS PEOPLE SAY…

family all the very best. Creggs club members also extended a massive thank you to everyone who supported the draw, and helped make it such a huge success.

“

This year’s Dawn Chorus, which will be broadcast live this Sunday from Birdwatch Ireland’s Cuskinny Marsh Nature Reserve in Co. Cork, will have a distinctly Celtic feel. Derek Mooney will present a celebration of birdsong with Niall Hatch, Jim Wilson, Éanna Ní Lamhna and Terry Flanagan. RTÉ Radio One and Lyric FM have teamed up with their counterparts in Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, the Isle of Man and Corwall for this simulcast in the early hours of Sunday, May 1st. Executive producer/presenter of the Dawn Chorus, Derek Mooney said: “In Cuskinny Marsh Nature Reserve, where we’ve done our live broadcast for many years now, that first singer is usually the blackbird, typically followed closely by the robin and then wren. No two dawn choruses are the same, however. It really all depends on where you are in the country and

which species happen to be close to you”. Programming will start on midnight, Sunday 1st and will feature a special edition of ‘Mooney Goes Wild’ as well as

“People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do” -Isaac Asimov

It’s been a GOOD week for… A relieved Emmanuel Macron, who emerged victorious in the French presidential election following a divisive campaign which reflects the fact that France – like a few other countries around the world – is an increasingly polarised society The very well drilled Galway footballers, with Padraic Joyce’s team defeating Mayo in Sunday’s Connacht Senior Football Championship semi-final The country, in terms of our ongoing battle with Covid-19, with pandemic-related hospitalisations falling to their lowest level this year, a very welcome development (though it must be said case numbers remain high)

birdsong-inspired music on Lyric FM. The Celtic Dawn Chorus will be live from 4 am to 7 am on Sunday May 1st, broadcast simultaneously on RTÉ Radio

1, RTÉ Lyric FM, BBC Radio Foyle, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cornwall and BBC Radio Scotland, and from 4 am to 6 am on BBC Radio Ulster.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Famous birthdays ... this week

The decidedly impressive Dublin hurlers, who defeated Wexford in the Leinster Championship, the Dubs firing over some exquisite points in a deserved win Ed Sheeran fans and music fans generally, with the easy-going superstar kicking off his world tour with a concert at Croke Park The ever-combative Piers Morgan, who launched a new chat show in a blaze of publicity, the colourful broadcaster landing former US President Donald Trump as his first guest, that appearance predictably leading to fireworks, with Morgan claiming Trump stormed off mid-interview, and Trump in turn defiantly protesting that a video promo of the show has been misleadingly edited

It’s been a BAD week for… Tánaiste Leo Varadkar (arguably), after it emerged that Gardaí have submitted a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions in the investigation surrounding the alleged leaking (by the Fine Gael leader) of a confidential Government document to a friend (Mr Varadkar says he’s confident that the outcome will be in his favour) Mayo’s All-Ireland winning prospects, with the ever-formidable team plunged straight into the rocky road that is the

qualifiers after an underwhelming display against Galway saw them exiting the Connacht Championship, making further progress more difficult A woman in America who fell into a toilet while attempting to retrieve her mobile phone, this bizarre and unfortunate situation only being resolved when firefighters arrived to (successfully) rescue her (the woman, who is fine now, successfully rescued her phone, albeit at this rather unpleasant ‘price’)

Penélope Cruz (Spanish actress, turns 48 on Thursday)

Willie Nelson (American musician and activist, will be 89 on Friday)

Ana de Armas (Cuban-Spanish actress, celebrates 34th on Saturday)

Jamie Dornan (Northern Irish actor, turns 40 on Sunday)

For updates, check our social channels

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

Business

Castlerea hotelier becomes first female general manager at The Westin, Dublin

Castlerea woman, Joanne Dillon, has been appointed as the first ever female general manager at The Westin, Dublin.

A Roscommon native has become the first female general manager of The Westin Hotel in Dublin. Joanne Dillon from Castlerea was most recently general manager at Dublin’s Trinity City Hotel where she oversaw several expansions and refurbishments. She has also worked at Hilton Kilmainham, FBD Hotels, and the O’Callaghan Collection. She also spent time at the five-star luxury resort, The

Fairmount Southampton, Bermuda. The mother of two, who brings a wealth of experience to the role, will replace Eamonn Casey, who has moved to Powerscourt Hotel Resort and Spa. Commenting on Joanne’s appointment, Paul Higgins, partner with MHL Hotel Collection, said the company was thrilled with the appointment.

“As a valuable member of the MHL Hotel Collection, we are thrilled to welcome Joanne to The Westin Dublin. Joanne has led many of our important development projects over the years with great style and vigour. We are delighted to welcome the hotel’s first female general manager and support her as she returns to her passion for five-star service”. Commenting on her new role,

Joanne said: “I have always admired The Westin Dublin and I am looking forward to once again working within a five-star environment. This is an exciting time for The Westin, having just completed a significant lobby refurbishment, and I am thrilled to be joining this dynamic team in welcoming domestic and international clients and guests this summer and into the future”.

Packaging firm Amcor to create 75 new jobs in Sligo Packaging company Amcor has this week announced an investment which will see the creation of 75 new jobs at its Sligo healthcare packaging facility. Amcor, which develops and produces responsible packaging solutions, announced the multi-million-euro investment on Monday. The investment will see the establishment of new thermoforming capabilities for medical packaging which is expected to double the current revenue at the Finisklin site. The developed site will feature Class 7 cleanroom manufacturing environments and state-of-the art thermoforming operations, fully certified and meeting the highest

regulatory requirements. Amcor will also create a full design studio to support product development, enabling customers to tap into local and global expertise and resources across the company’s growing network of global innovation centres and thermoforming facilities in Mankato and Puerto Rico, North America. According to Market Data Forecast, the European medical device sector, which relies on the type of packaing produced by Amcor, is expected to grow and an annual rate of more than 4 per cent, and is expected to be worth $171 billion by 2027. Welcoming the news this week, Minister of State Frank Feighan

said the announcement was a significant boost for the region. “I want to start by congratulating the plant manager, John McSharry and his team at the Sligo plant for demonstrating their ability, dedication and expertise in attracting this investment ,” he said. “I am informed that this multimillion-euro investment is expected to double the revenue of the site, increase the site’s footprint and create approximately 75 new jobs which is a significant boost not only for Sligo but for the whole region. “Amcor originally came to Sligo in 2003 and with the encouragement of the IDA, a committed management team and staff have

over that time demonstrated to its parent company its key ability to bring additional capabilities and allow Amcor to provide customers with even more differentiated and efficient solutions to meet their healthcare packaging needs of today”. Meanwhile, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade and Development Leo Varadkar said: “Congratulations to the team at Amcor on this really significant expansion which will create 75 new jobs for Sligo. This investment is a real vote of confidence in Sligo, the strong talent pool we have in the area and the existing team at the facility. The very best of luck”.

eir’s Gigabit Fibre Network passes significant milestone

Trading Online Voucher Scheme must be expanded - DBI

eir this week announced that it has passed more than 800,000 homes and businesses with its Gigabit Fibre Network. The telecommunications provider is investing €500 million into Ireland’s Fibre to the Home (FTTH) network. By 2026, the company says it will have delivered access to super-fast Gigabit broadband to 84 per cent of premises in Ireland. eir began building an urban focused FTTH network in 2019 following the completion of its rural FTTH programme, which was rolled out to 340,000 homes and businesses. On completion, eir says its high-speed Gigabit Fibre Network will “reach all corners of Ireland”, providing 1.9 million homes and businesses across the island with access to future-proof FTTH technology. Eavann Murphy, Managing Director of Open eir Wholesale, said: “Our purpose is to connect for a better Ireland, and we do this by building world-class fibre networks for the people of Ireland. We are extremely proud of the scale and pace of this FTTH network build, and I think it is particularly remarkable that approximately 400,000 of these homes and businesses were passed during the pandemic. “We are building a future-proofed network capable of delivering speeds of 2Gbps straight to the customer’s home, across all cities, every town and almost every village in the country”.

Digital Business Ireland (DBI), the country’s leading representative body for digital, ecommerce and online businesses has urged the Government to expand Trading Online Voucher Scheme in order to facilitate the growth of Ireland’s e-commerce sector. DBI says there is scope for expansion by allowing businesses that never availed of funding under the scheme to be able to do so for digital marketing purposes and building consumer trust. In its current form, applicants for the Trading Online Voucher Scheme are only eligible if they have little to no online presence. The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) scheme currently allows businesses to develop their digital footprint, through the establishment of a website, with grants of up to €2,500. The June 2020 revision of the scheme - as part of the Government’s response to Covid-19 was essential in helping many businesses make the transition online, after public health restrictions imposed significant restrictions on footfall through physical stores. Chair of DBI, Ashley McDonnell, said the Government’s National Digital Strategy must develop with the needs of businesses that have already made the transition to online and who are now looking to expand their reach. “By increasing opportunities for e-tailers in Ireland to reach new consumers, this will have wide-reaching benefits for the Exchequer,” he said. “At DBI we firmly believe that an expansion of the remit of the scheme should be seriously considered, in order to enable and empower businesses to thrive in the digital marketplace”.

Eavann Murphy, Managing Director of open eir Wholesale, Keith Hoare, open eir Front Line Manager and Colin Kennelly, open eir technician, pictured at the announcement that eir has passed more than 800,000 homes and businesses with its Gigabit Fibre Network. eir is investing €500 million into Ireland’s Fibre to the Home (FTTH) network. By 2026 it will have delivered access to super-fast Gigabit broadband to 84 per cent of premises in Ireland.

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

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Strokestown International Poetry Festival returns! < DAN DOONER

Victoria Kenneflick

The Strokestown International Poetry Festival makes a welcome return this Saturday (April 30th) following a three-year hiatus from live performances. The town has been the centre of poetry in Roscommon since the festival’s inception in 1999. Taking place annually on the first weekend of May, the event provides a worldrenowned forum for excellence in poetry. Strokestown has become famous for the large audiences in attendance for readings and workshops and other events. Poetry lovers from all over the world are drawn to the town due to its friendliness and scenery and the weekend has become an unforgettable experience as a thrilling immersion in contemporary poetry. Organisers say: “Our mission is to showcase contemporary poetry both local and international, foster the de-

Busy day of events this Saturday! The 2022 Strokestown International Poetry Festival will commence at 10.30 am this Saturday, with most events taking place at the Percy French Hotel. From 10.30 am to 12.30 pm, Luke Morgan will host a young people’s workshop exploring the world of words and language. There will be a series of interactive writing challenges and games designed to give youngsters the freedom to express and play with language. This workshop is aimed at ages 10 to 15 and places are limited. To reserve a place for your child, please email: sipfestivaldirector@gmail.com with your child’s name, age and school. From 11 am to 12 pm visitors can see a new film by Edwina Guckian and Vincent Woods. Commissioned by SIPF in 2021, ‘Hunger’s Way/ Bealach an Fhéir Ghortaigh explored the legacy of the Irish famine through poetry and images of the surrounding landscape. 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm is Lunchtime reading time with Eithne Hand and Joseph Woods at the Gazebo Tower in Strokestown Park House. Eithne Hand is a writer, radio and theatre producer who produces the weekly Poetry File on RTÉ’s Lyric FM. Joseph Woods’ fourth poetry book, ‘Monsoon Diary’, was published in 2018 by Dedalus Press. A former winner of the Patrick Kavanagh Award, he was twice a recipient of the Katherine and Patrick Kavanagh Fellowship. Poetry in the Park (see featured event) will be led this year by Gerry Boland and will take place at 2 pm at Strokestown Park House and Gardens. There will be a second showing of ‘Hunger’s

Way/Bealach an Fhéir Ghortaigh from 2.15 pm to 3.15 pm. Readings from Washing Windows Too: Irish Women Write Poetry (edited by Alan Hayes and Nuala O’Connor) will take place from 3.30 pm. The collection features 100 new poems from Irish women living on the island and beyond who are yet to publish a first collection of their own. This event will feature readings from Sorcha de Brún, Mary Rose Callaghan, Louise G. Cole, Sonya Gildea, Shauna Gilligan, Phyl Herbert, Susan Knight, Jackie Lynam and many more. 5 pm will see the launch of ‘Cyphers’ (issue 93), an occasional literature and arts journal since 1975. The launch will feature readings from contributors such as Tom French, Peggie Galllagher, Fred Johnston, Mary Turley McGrath and Ciaran O’Driscoll. The 2022 Strokestown International Poetry Festival will end with a bang at 6.30 pm on Saturday with a reading by Victoria Kenneflick and Luke Morgan. Victoria is a renowned poet, writer and teacher from Shanagarry, Co. Cork, who is now based across the border in Co. Kerry. Her first collection ‘Eat of We Both Starve’ (Carcanet Press) was shortlisted for the 2021 T.S. Elliot Prize, Costa Book Awards, Irish Times Best Poetry Book and was named as one of The Telegraph’s Best Poetry Books to Buy last year. Galway resident, Luke Morgan, will release his second collection ‘Beast’ (Arlen House) this spring and much like the Strokestown International Poetry Festival this Saturday, that is something not to be missed!

velopment of emerging writers and consolidate poetry in local culture bringing it the widest possible audience”. The festival took place virtually last year while Strokestown also took part in Poetry Ireland’s Poetry Town initiative later in the year. This year, however, the popular festival, long considered one of the highlights of the cultural calendar in Co. Roscommon, returns to Strokestown, albeit in a shortened format. Dubbed the “all in a day, mini-festival” by organisers, Strokestown’s International Poetry Festival begins at 10.30 am this Saturday with a workshop for young people hosted by Luke Morgan, and will finish at 6.30 pm with a reading by Luke and Victoria Kenneflick. All events will take place in the Percy French Hotel unless otherwise stated. Events are free, but donation boxes will be provided at events or please use the donate button on the

Strokestown International Poetry Festival website (www.strokestownpoetry.org/donate). This year’s mini-festival was made viable through the continued support of Roscommon County Council Arts Office, the Callery family, and Poetry Ireland Education.

“

Dubbed the “all in a day, mini-festival” by organisers, Strokestown’s International Poetry Festival begins at 10.30 am this Saturday with a workshop for young people hosted by Luke Morgan, and will finish at 6.30 pm with a reading by Luke and Victoria Kenneflick.

Best wishes and every success to the Strokestown Poetry Festival from

Percy French Hotel Strokestown • 071 - 9633300

FOOD S E RV E D ALL DAY

Food served daily from 9am to 8pm Looking forward to seeing you at Strokestown Poetry Festival at 10.30am on Saturday 30th April

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

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Strokestown launch tonight for Eoghan’s Tom Crosby new book

Councillor JOE MURPHY Cathaoirleach Roscommon County Council

Tel.: 0861052197

Strokestown/Boyle Electoral Area MOBILE

086 6005530 www.tomcrosby.ie

facebook.com/ tomcrosby twitter.com/cllrtomcrosby

Best wishes and every success to the Strokestown Poetry Festival from Josephine, Gary and staff

Dead & Worn -Out Animals Contact

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

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Featured event…

POETRY IN THE PARK!

One of the highlights of this year’s Strokestown International Poetry Festival is ‘Poetry in the Park’ with Gerry Boland, right, at 2 pm this Saturday at Strokestown Park House and Gardens. Poets and poetry lovers are invited to meet in front of Strokestown House where Gerry will begin the season of walks and poetry readings. This is an opportunity for all those not adverse to some verse to meet, share their favourite poems, and socialise. The event will involve a short walk (about an hour) with stops along the way for the reading of poems. Following the walk, the group will take up residence at the Percy French Hotel for refreshments (at your expense), some more poetry readings, and plenty of chat. There is no charge for this event and neither is there a requirement to book. However, it would be helpful to have an idea of numbers in advance, so do please let Gerry Boland know if you’re coming along by email (roscwir@ gmail.com). All welcome.

The local launch of a new book by Strokestown native Eoghan Egan will take place in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown tonight (Thursday) at 8 pm. ‘The Other Side of Fear’ will be launched by Paul Healy, Editor of the Roscommon People. The book is the second instalment in the Ganestown Trilogy, a crime fiction series set in the Irish Midlands. Eoghan released the first book in the series, ‘Hiding in Plain Sight’, in 2020, and has started work on the trilogy’s third and final instalment. Eoghan’s stories have been shortlisted for the 2018 Bridport Short Story Prize and Listowel’s 2019 Bryan MacMahon Short Story Award Competition, as well as having been published in various anthologies. ‘The Other Side of Fear’ launches at 8 pm in The Percy French Hotel on Thursday, April 28th, where Eoghan Egan will be in conversation with Paul Healy (author, editor, managing director of Roscommon People) and Senator Eugene Murphy. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend. See eoghanegan.com for more.

Roscommon Drama Group present ‘Bookworms’ Roscommon Drama Group are delighted to present their brand new production of the hilarious social farce ‘Bookworms’ by Bernard Farrell, running from Thursday, April 28th, to Saturday, April 30th, at Roscommon Arts Centre. This fast-paced and witty comedy of manners shines a spotlight on the upwardly mobile post-recession as they desperately try to cling to the veneer of Celtic tiger ‘notions’. Set amidst the backdrop of a suburban book club, the audience is transported into the world of this formerly well-heeled group, where the characters’ lives spill over into their opinions of the books. Directed by Con Connolly, with additional backstage support from group members, this is one Roscommon Drama Group production you won’t want to miss! To book, contact Roscommon Arts Centre on 090-6625824 or visit roscommonartscentre.ie. Tickets cost €14/€12.

Tickets for Boyle Arts Festival on sale from May 3rd! Ahead of the launch of the official Boyle Arts Festival programme in a few weeks’ time, tickets for a number of our headline events will go on sale next week. Tickets will be available to purchase online through our website www.boylearts.com from 10 am on Tuesday May 3rd. Boyle Arts Festival 2022 will open on July 14th and continue until July 23rd and feature almost 50 events, including musical performances by Soda Blonde, Something Happens, Lisa Lambe, The Wolfgang Ensemble with Lynda O’Connor, The Swing Cats, The Celtic Tenors, Sharon Carty and many others. To purchase tickets, simply visit www. boylearts.com and go to the ‘Festival’ tab. Click on the event that you would like tickets for and follow the link to ‘Buy Tickets’. The full list of ticketed events is available to view on www.boylearts.com along with full artist information, dates, times and venues.

Launch of Interconnections 4 on Friday Interconnections 4, the fourth event in an ongoing biennial collaboration between contemporary tapestry artists from Scotland and Ireland, will run at Roscommon Arts Centre from April 29th to May 14th as part of the Tapestry and Fibre Arts Festival in Roscommon. The exhibition, which features artists such as Frances Crowe, Joan Baxter, Mary Cuthbert, Terry Dunne, Angela Forte, John Brennan, Clare Coyle, and Elizabeth Radcliffe, will also feature at The Granary Gallery in Shropshire this summer. The exhibition will consist of a number of one-off hand-woven tapestries of all sizes from miniature to massive, on a large range of themes. The Tapestry and Fibre Arts Festival weekend kicks off on Thursday, April 28th with the launch of ‘Slow Time with a Butterfly’, an exhibition by the members of Contemporary tapestry artists Ireland CTA in King House, Boyle, Roscommon. Interconnections is funded by Roscommon County

Council Creative Ireland Programme 2022 and Roscommon Local Enterprise Office, supported by Roscommon Arts Centre and King House.

Workshops and symposium As part of the Tapestry and Fibre Arts Festival from Friday, April 29th to Sunday, May 1st, workshops on ‘Weaving with up-cycled materials’ and ‘The Weaving Blue’ will take place at Roscommon Arts Centre on Saturday, April 30th. Contact Roscommon Arts Centre (090-6625824) for more information. A symposium titled ‘Exploring Fine Art Textiles’, which will feature guest speakers including Alastair Duncan, Niki Collier, Joan Baxter and Uisce Jakubczyk, will also take place on Sunday, May 1st. Booking is essential through the Arts Centre box office: www.roscommonartscentre.ie.

Roscommon People Friday 22 April 2022

Your Health & Wellbeing Concerns raised over dental services for medical card holders To feature in this section, call 090-6634632 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

< DAN DOONER

Ongoing issues relating to the availability of dental services for local medical card holders were addressed at Monday’s meeting of Roscommon County Council. A number of councillors said they had been contacted by medical card holders who were

unable to access treatment at dental practices in the county. It comes after Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly announced recently that he would be carrying out a “root and branch review” of the Dental Treatment Services Scheme and that he hoped to see an increase in the number of dentists offering treatment to medical

card patients. Cllr. Tony Ward said that people were “suffering in silence” and proposed writing a letter to Minister to “keep the pressure on”. “The HSE state that the medical card covers dental treatments but dentists are entitled to accept or reject these patients,” he said.

“People who need dental treatment but who do not have the funds (to pay for it) are suffering in silence. It’s unfortunate that this is happening… one arm of the State is granting medical cards but a lot of dentists aren’t doing the work”. Cllr. Emer Kelly said she had also been contacted by a number of card holders in relation to

the issue, while Cllr. Orla Leyden said: “It’s not acceptable that you would have to travel outside the county (to receive treatment),” and suggested a Primary Care service similar to that offered to children. Cllr. John Keogh said that while he supported Cllr. Ward, the Minister for Health was currently working on the issue

and that a review would soon be underway. Cllr. John Naughten said it was unacceptable that the situation had been allowed to ensue. “I hope the outcome (of the Minister’s review) is that dentists with private practices take public patients…this needs to be addressed urgently,” he said.

People aged 65 now eligible for second Covid-19 booster vaccine The HSE has confirmed that people aged 65 and over and those over the age of 12 with a weakened immune system are now eligible for their second Covid-19 booster vaccine. Appointments for vaccination centres can be booked online and those who are eligible are also asked to check with participating GPs and pharmacies. The HSE is encouraging those who are eligible and who have already received their first booster to get their second dose when they become available. Dr. Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer, HSE, said: “We are now offering a second booster vaccine to those aged 65 years and over and those who are immunocompromised, and I am urging everyone in these groups to get this second booster dose. “People being recommended this second booster are those most at risk of severe illness from Covid-19. It is important you get your second booster to help maintain your protection from becoming seriously ill or needing hospital treatment if you catch the virus”.

Night & Day partners with Roscommon Safe Link The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI), along with their ambassadors, RTÉ stars Dáithí Ó Sé, and Sinead Kennedy are urging the people of Roscommon to host a Tea Day to mark Alzheimer’s Tea Day comeback year on Thursday, May 5th.

Countdown is on for Alzheimer’s Tea Day

There is just a week left until the first in-person Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s Tea Day since 2019 and RTÉ stars Dáithí Ó Sé and Sinead Kennedy are urging the people of Roscommon to mark the comeback year next Thursday (May 5th). Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Alzheimer’s Tea Day was held online in 2020 and 2021, and now the ASI are inviting the nation to get involved with Tea Day events in their local communities. An estimated 1,108 people live with dementia in Roscommon,

and each year more than 11,000 people develop the disease across the country. You can help Tea Day make a comeback by signing up on teaday.ie where you’ll receive your organiser’s toolkit including posters, collection boxes, raffle tickets and everything else you’ll need to make you Tea Day a success. Then, share a cuppa, a few stories and a laugh with friends and loved ones at home, in the garden, at work or in the community. All of the funds you raise will support dementia services

and help those in need. You can even share your Tea Day event on social media. Alzheimer Society of Ireland Ambassador, Dáithí Ó Sé said: “Alzheimer’s and dementia is a nationwide issue – it affects so many families right across Ireland. It reaches across generations, genders, and affects people of all kinds of backgrounds. By hosting your very own Tea Day on May 5th, you’ll be making it possible for those living with dementia and their carers to access vital supports”. TV presenter, reporter and ASI

Ambassador Sinead Kennedy added: “How and where you host Tea Day is completely up to you; you may wish to host Tea Day at home, in the garden, at work or in the community. Your Tea Day might look like a quiet cuppa with a few friends, or it might be a big party with your loved ones and neighbours! Whether it’s big or small, it doesn’t matter; it’s all about people coming together after so much time apart. Tea Day is finally back – let’s make it better than ever! For more information go to teaday.ie”.

The Night & Day Festival is delighted to announce it is partnering with Roscommon Safe Link as part of its inaugural festival this year. Roscommon Safe Link is a non-profit organisation who offer information, support and counselling to women and men who have experienced domestic violence. The Roscommon Safe Link dragonfly symbol is on the festival website, which redirects to the charity’s website. Representatives from Roscommon Safe Link will be on site during the festival, with festival-goers able to donate to the organisation and learn more about their work. You can donate to Roscommon Safe Link at idonate.ie/rsl. Speaking after the announcement of the partnership, Roscommon Safe Link Co-coordinator Anne Carey said: “We are delighted to be involved with Night & Day, which we hope will further increase profile and awareness for the general public and people who might use the service and to assist with much-needed fundraising”. Announcing the partnership, Night & Day Head of Communications Craig Hughes said: “We are really pleased to be able to highlight the really important work being done by Roscommon Safe Link and to let people who have been impacted by domestic abuse know that their services are available. “Roscommon Safe Link provide an essential service to people who have endured very traumatic experiences and we hope we can play our part in making more people know about their services. “We will be highlighting the issue of domestic and gender-based violence during our political discussions as part of the festival programme,” he concluded. The inaugural Night & Day festival will take place on the grounds of Clonalis House, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon on September 24th and 25th. *For further updates follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook at @NightDayFest.

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

NewsPeople

The harmful implications of Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover Let’s talk about ... MUSK’S TWITTER TAKEOVER (A student’s perspective)

Alannah Ita Healy On Monday afternoon, Twitter’s board of directors accepted a $44 billion takeover bid from Elon Musk, who sits at the top of the list of world’s richest people with an estimated net worth of $265 billion. Describing himself as a “free speech absolutist”, Musk maintains that his primary goal for Twitter is to create an “inclusive arena for free speech”. He said he aims to improve the platform by introducing new features, making the algorithms open-source, and promising to “defeat the spam bots or die trying!” It is undoubtedly true that Twitter has a problem when it comes to the prominence and sheer number of spam bots and trolls that occupy the platform; anyone who’s spent any sort of dedicated time on the site would attest to this. Having a Twitter account comes with the unspoken caveat of having to endure some degree of trolling or needless aggression. Nevertheless, despite its many flaws, Twitter remains

a social media goliath. The other side of the coin when it comes to Twitter being such a hotbed for debate, is that the platform has managed to cement itself, as Musk himself puts it, as a “de facto public square” for online opinion. It’s where seemingly everyone goes to share their take on the latest social and political issues, and this garners the platform a significant influence. We have seen the implications of this influence time and time again; one only need look at the role the platform played, or failed to play, in the lead-up to the storming of the US Capitol on January 6th last year – a role that even Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey has acknowledged. As we all know, one of the consequences of the riot was then-President Donald Trump being barred from the platform in recognition of the risk that more violence could be incited as a result of what was happening on Twitter. But Musk’s version of Twitter, one that upholds the tenant of free

speech above all else, would not be likely to react the same at all. The fact is, although certain things Musk is aiming towards should indeed be advocated for (like algorithm transparency and bot removal), these changes are not going to be where we see the true implications of his takeover. The most significant of Musk’s proposed changes for the platform revolves around his advocacy for ‘absolute’ free speech. In his aim of reducing the moderation of online content, Musk is ensuring that Twitter will become an even more incendiary and brutish forum. As it stands, Twitter is already struggling to stay consistent with its content moderation, and the consequences of this are seen in every instance of harassment and misinformation that occurs on the site. Twitter under Musk only promises to do more of the same. The harmful consequences of lax online moderation demonstrates the importance of having responsible people at the helm of our online platforms, but Musk’s own Twitter escapades reveal him as anything but. He’s used the platform to ridicule his critics, violate securities law, spread misinformation etc., and is notoriously a troll himself – from body-shaming Bill Gates to calling a British cave explorer who helped rescue 12 Thai schoolboys a “pedo guy”. Coupling this with his poor track record of tackling discrimination and abuse within his existing

Local clubs in All-Ireland Scór action this Sunday! All roads lead to the INEC Killarney this weekend as Roscommon GAA clubs compete in the 2022 AllIreland Scór na nÓg Final. The Primrose and Blue boasts exceptional representation at this year’s national decider, having dominated in Connacht with three title wins. First up for the Rossies is Gemma Casey from St. Dominic’s in the Solo Singing. This young competitor has won hard-fought victories at every level this year with her beautiful voice. Her club is steeped in Scór tradition and as she takes to the stage, she will be following in the footsteps of three others from St. Dominic’s in the past; Aisling Byrne (2012), Brenda Weir (2000) and her mother, Aileen O’Connor (1987, 1988 and 1989). In contrast, the Kilmore

club are making their maiden voyage to the national stage and what a journey it has been! Matthew Ffrench will make history as the first member of his club to set foot on the All-Ireland Scór stage and as has been the case throughout the season, he is sure to bring great entertainment and joy with his humorous delivery in the Recitation/Storytelling competition. Matthew will be hoping to add to the wonderful achievements for Roscommon clubs in this discipline in recent years and he follows closely on final appearances by Evan Gunn from Elphin. Kilmore are up again in the Ballad Group competition. The team of Annie Homes, Grace Collins, Joe, Shea and Cathal McKeon, have proven what a talented group they are with each round of Scór this

year. Singing ‘The Ballad of John Williams’ and ‘The Mad Lady and Me’, they will take to the stage in Killarney as worthy Connacht champions in what will no doubt be a wonderful event. Coiste Scór Ros Comáin wishes all of our fantastic competitors every good wish for the final as they represent club, county and province. We salute the efforts of their clubs and families in getting them to this top level. Most importantly, we hope they enjoy this very special occasion and do Roscommon proud. Tickets for the final will be available online through www.gaa.ie but anyone who wishes to view the competition live can do so through the TG4 Youtube channel. The event commences at 3 pm this Sunday, 1st May.

companies, and it’s hard to be optimistic about what Musk’s ‘free speech’ Twitter will be like. Musk is a technically-literate man; he understands that algorithms push controversial posts to the top, and that an ‘absolute free speech’ platform will not reflect public opinion – just the opinion of loudest and crudest shouter. Fortunately for him though, the legions of bootlicking fans that his online antics earned him are the same peo-

“

ple who would advocate for a platform that rewards trolling like this. Musk is keenly aware that his ownership of Twitter serves to benefit him greatly – giving him a space to spew anything he wants without filter, promote himself and his work, and shut down any critics who might be in the way. In buying Twitter, Musk has handed himself the world’s loudest microphone, and somehow managed to market it as a win for free speech

and democracy in the process. However, given the added emphasis lawmakers have been placing on protecting digital users in recent years, maybe there is hope yet that the full extent of Musk’s vision will not come to fruition. I hope so anyways, because in the interest of free speech, I think handing the world’s richest man the world’s largest microphone is probably the last thing free speech needs.

In his aim of reducing the moderation of online content, Musk is ensuring that Twitter will become an even more incendiary and brutish forum

Fashion Show in The Brusna Inn Miriam McGovern, Ethna McGarry, Eilish Birmingham and Patricia McGrath at a Fashion Show in The Brusna Inn recently in aid of Brusna Community Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Pamela Curtis and Nicola Quinn pictured at a Fashion Show held in The Brusna Inn recently in aid of Brusna Community Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Karlyn McGarry and Jackie and Brianna McGarry pictured at a Fashion Show held in The Brusna Inn recently in aid of Brusna Community Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

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A presentation evening was held in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on Sunday for the Roscommon team that won the 2021 All-Ireland minor camogie title. Pictured were (back) Denise Cafferkey, Margaret Haughey and Olive Kilcommons, with (sitting) PJ Cafferkey, Tom Coleman and Michael Kilcommons. Pic: Mick McCormack

A presentation evening was held in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on Sunday for the Roscommon team that won the 2021 All-Ireland minor camogie title. Pictured were Siafra Finneran, Ellen Biesty, Ava Mulry and Claire McNeill. Pic: Mick McCormack

A presentation evening was held in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on Sunday for the Roscommon team that won the 2021 All-Ireland minor camogie title. Pictured were (back) Maura Lawless, special guest and Galway star Orlaith McGrath, Ann Connolly and Ciara Connolly, with (sitting) David Bolger, Sean Mulry and Mike Connelly. Pic: Mick McCormack

A presentation evening was held in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on Sunday for the Roscommon team that won the 2021 All-Ireland minor camogie title. Pictured were Bernie Mulry, Paul and Edel Biesty, Serena and Tom O’Farrell. Pic: Mick McCormack

A presentation evening was held in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on Sunday for the Roscommon team that won the 2021 All-Ireland minor camogie title. Pictured were Sally Bolger, Niamh Fitzgerald, Ali Campbell and Sadhbh Conneely. Pic: Mick McCormack

A presentation evening was held in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on Sunday for the Roscommon team that won the 2021 All-Ireland minor camogie title. Pictured were Anna Campbell, Ciara Carr, Sinead Mannion and Orla Conlon. Pic: Mick McCormack

(Left) A presentation evening was held in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on Sunday for the Roscommon team that won the 2021 All-Ireland minor camogie title. Pictured were Sinead Scott, Mairead Lohan and Andrea Fallon. Pic: Mick McCormack A presentation evening was held in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on Sunday for the Roscommon team that won the 2021 All-Ireland minor camogie title. Pictured were Ellen Cafferkey, Ciara Kilcommons, Eimear O’Farrell and Chloe Coleman. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

NewsPeople

POLITICAL PEOPLE

Long delays expected on N5! Bypass project could take over a year to get moving < DAN DOONER

The N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramogue project is expected to be delayed for well over a year due to Roadbridge, the company initially contracted to complete the works, going into receivership. Speaking at Monday’s meeting of Roscommon County Council, Director of Services Shane Tiernan confirmed that the local authority had cancelled their multi-million euro contract with Roadbridge, that new bidders would need to be identified and that the project may need to go before Cabinet once again. Mr. Tiernan said the Council had written to Grant Thornton to advise that Roadbridge had breached the terms of the contract by entering into a receivership in March. Roscommon County Council received a total of €9 million late last year from Transport Infrastructure Ireland and €2.5 million of that had been paid to the contractor in February for work which had been carried out. Mr. Tiernan added that the underbidder for the project had already been declined and that the tendering and bidding process would now have to recommence. He said that process of identifying a new contractor would most likely take between ten and twelve months and that it was “very likely” Cabinet approval would be needed for additional funding on account of the rising costs of materials.

Lola Gonzalez hopes to give a voice to the migrant community in Carrick-on-Shannon when she runs as an Independent candidate in Local Elections 2024. Pic© Keith Nolan

Lola hopes to give a voice to migrant community in Carrick When Lola Gonzalez moved to Carrick-on-Shannon from her native Panama in Central America seven years ago, she was amazed to discover than migrant people like herself could vote in the local elections. She was, however, disappointed to see a lack of ethnic and gender diversity on the makeup of county councils around the country. That’s why, after many years of work in the community and migrant sector, she has now decided to run as an Independent candidate in the 2024 local elections. When Lola began to research the political landscape in Ireland, that’s when she discovered See Her Elected. She initially signed up for the ‘Intro-

duction to Politics’ course with See Her Elected a number of years ago and has now progressed onto more intensive workshops as she prepares to put her name on the ballot paper in the Carrick-onShannon municipal district. “I feel that migrants and migrant women in particular are lacking a voice on our county councils. We have difficult challenges, there are language barriers or cultural differences, and many migrants don’t fully understand the range of services available from their council – whether that’s around housing or environment or information about childcare. Many migrants still don’t realise that they can vote in the local elections so that’s

also a big challenge in helping to get the migrant community on the Register of Electors,” said Lola. A former chairperson of the Leitrim International Community Group, Lola previously worked in the retail sector before recently taking up a new job as an Inclusion and EU Project Specialist with Momentum Consulting in the County Leitrim town. “I want to give a voice to the migrant community and also be a voice for women. At the moment they are almost invisible in our county councils, and I want to change that,” concludes Lola.

IN BRIEF Pearse veers from the credible to the opportunist…

On RTE’s Morning Ireland, Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty was reacting to the news that a file has been sent to the DPP following the Garda investigation into Tánaiste Leo Varadkar’s leaking of a document to a friend. Pearse was adamant: on foot of this twist, Varadkar’s planned return to the role of Taoiseach in December should now be abandoned. Listeners might have been forgiven for thinking this

would be good news for Micheál Martin, in the form of an unexpected longer spell in the hot seat. Or maybe Pearse’s rationale was that Fine Gael should be given the option of proposing an alternative candidate for Taoiseach? Pearse was having none of it. He had a better idea. Not only should The Second Coming of Leo be scrapped, there should in fact be an election (presumably in, of all times, December). “Let the people decide who the Taoiseach should be” declared Pearse, perhaps unaware that his credible disquiet over Leo and the DPP was now morphing into political opportunism. After all, it’s one thing to

argue that Varadkar is compromised and should not take over as planned, but it seems downright cynical to in the same breath suggest that the Coalition should itself fold in favour of an early election.

Phoenix says Peter could rise…

I once shared the Shannonside FM studio (as a panel member) with Peter Burke, Mullingar-based LongfordWestmeath Fine Gael TD. If the latest issue of The Phoenix is on the ball, I may have been in the presence of a future party leader. The magazine features a

glowing profile of Peter, even musing that the relatively low-key Minister of State could well be a leadership dark horse. Here’s one excerpt: “… it is Burke’s can-do attitude and willingness to respond to requests from councillors as well as backbenchers that have councillors and members of the parliamentary party speaking of him as the next Garret Fitzgerald, an estimate supplemented by further compliments from colleagues about his relaxed temperament and personality”. A few months back, The Phoenix was talking up Justice Minister Helen McEntee’s leadership prospects. Obviously the two Simons (Harris and Coveney) and Paschal Dono-

hoe are also front-runners (not that we’re writing Leo off). We’ll watch this space…

Root of the problem…

A lady who contacted the Roscommon People recently with concerns about the availability of dental services for local medical card holders was certainly raising a topical issue. Councillors at Monday’s meeting of Roscommon County Council also voiced their concerns (see report in this issue). Members were told that Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly is committed to looking at the Dental Treatment Services Scheme,

and will – somewhat aptly – carry out a “root and branch review”.

Official: Salads ‘not weird’ “I do not think it is weird to enjoy a salad. I also do not think it is weird to cycle, for that matter. We need a sense of perspective and a bit of calm too” – Taoiseach Micheál Martin defends Minister Eamon Ryan from accusations of ‘weirdness’ from Cork South-West TD Michael Collins in the Dáil on Tuesday -PH

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

NewsPeople

New guidebook ‘Rathra – A Royal Stronghold of Early Medieval Connacht’ launched A major new heritage book ‘Rathra – a Royal Stronghold of Early Medieval Connacht’ by Joe Fenwick was recently launched by John Waddell, Emeritus Professor of Archaeology, NUI Galway, in the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon. This book’s research explores the date, role and significance of Rathra, a remarkable yet little-known archaeological site concealed among the hidden heartlands of rural Co. Roscommon. The distinguished NUI Galway archaeologist, Conor Newman, has declared it to be the most spectacular earthwork in the west of Ireland. Professor John Waddell summarises the site as “an intriguing combination of prehistoric burial mounds and circular embankments” and further comments that “the penetrating study undertaken by Joe Fenwick in this publication allows us a privileged insight into the intricate interactions of past and present at an exceptional place”. This handsome volume of 112 pages is printed in full colour and contains over 75 illustrations. It is described as an essential investment for anyone with an interest in the archaeology and early history of Roscommon and the greater Connacht region. Bulk copies of the book may be ordered by email from heritage@roscommoncoco.ie. It is the newest in a series of archaeological guidebooks produced in collaboration with The Connacht Project, Department of Archaeology, NUI Galway, which have been funded by The Heritage Council as an action of the County Roscommon Heritage Plan 2017-2021. The book is on sale from Rathcroghan Visitor Centre in Tulsk. It is also available worldwide through their online shop www.rathcroghan.ie/shop

Members of County Roscommon Historical & Archaeological Society pictured at the launch of ‘Rathra – A Royal Stronghold of Early Medieval Connacht’ by author Joe Fenwick, NUI Galway, at Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk. From left: Mary Dwyer, Marie Simpson, Richard Finan, Mary O’Connell, Joe Fenwick, Marian Harlow and Jim Ganly. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Pictured at the launch of ‘Rathra – A Royal Stronghold of Early Medieval Connacht’ at Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk are author Joe Fenwick, NUI Galway (centre), with Leslie Driscoll and Dr. Richard Kimball. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Cllr. Liam Callaghan and Joe Fenwick, in Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Pictured at the launch of ‘Rathra – A Royal Stronghold of Early Medieval Connacht’ by author Joe Fenwick, NUI Galway, at Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk were, from left, Professor John Waddell, Cllr. Valerie Byrne, Cllr. Liam Callaghan, Nollaig Feeney, Heritage Officer, Roscommon County Council; Joe Fenwick, author of the book, and Cllr. Joe Murphy, Cathaoirleach, Roscommon County Council. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Gospel Reflection Sunday 1 May 2022

Pictured is Siobhan Cox Carlos’s ‘ Through The Thicket’.

Pictured is Siobhan Cox Carlos’s ‘ Through the Thicket II’.

Pictured is Siobhan Cox Carlos’s ‘ Allons-y!’ (Let’s go there).

Siobhan’s ‘The Secret Garden’ exhibition at Solas Art Gallery

Pictured is Siobhan Cox Carlos’s ‘ The Secret Garden Chequered’.

Opening at 7 pm this Friday (April 29th) at the Solas Art Gallery in Ballinamore, ‘The Secret Garden’ (from the book of the same name), is a solo exhibition by Siobhan Cox-Carlos, an artist based in Co. Roscommon. This exhibition, which will be opened by Rhona McGrath (County Roscommon Arts Officer), looks at how we create our own ‘secret garden’ to cope with life when living through trauma, such as with the recent Covid pandemic. This whole body of work became a salve for this artist’s soul and she hopes it is for your’s also.

Siobhan’s work has been exhibited in Ireland and internationally and is held in many collections all over the world, as well as in public collections here in Ireland. The exhibition will run until May 21st. Solas Art Gallery is located above the Four Seasons Garden Centre on Ballinamore Main Street (N41 D2X3). Opening hours are 10 am until 6 pm from Monday to Saturday. Details of this exhibit and other events can be seen at solasart.ie. For any other enquiries, call Gail on 071-9644210.

There are two places in Scripture where the curious detail of a “charcoal fire” is mentioned. One is in today’s Gospel, where the Apostles return from fishing to find bread and fish warming on the fire. The other is in the scene in the High Priest’s courtyard on Holy Thursday, where Peter and some guards and slaves warm themselves while Jesus is being interrogated inside (see John 18:18). At the first fire, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times, as Jesus had predicted (see John 13:38; 18:15-18, 25-27). Today’s charcoal fire becomes the scene of Peter’s repentance, as three times Jesus asks him to make a profession of love. Jesus’ thrice repeated command “feed My sheep” shows that Peter is being appointed as the shepherd of the Lord’s entire flock, the head of His Church (see also Luke 22:32). Jesus’ question: “Do you love me more than these?” is a pointed reminder of Peter’s pledge to lay down his life for Jesus, even if the other Apostles might weaken (see John 13:37; Matthew 26:33; Luke 22:33). Jesus then explains just what Peter’s love and leadership will require, foretelling Peter’s death by crucifixion (“you will stretch out your hands”). Before His own death, Jesus had warned the Apostles that they would be hated as He was hated, that they would suffer as He suffered (see Matthew 10:1619,22; John 15:18-20; 16:2). We see the beginnings of that persecution in today’s First Reading. Flogged as Jesus was, the Apostles nonetheless leave “rejoicing that they have been found worthy to suffer”. Their joy is based on their faith that God will change their “mourning into dancing,” as we sing in today’s Psalm. By their sufferings, then know, they will be counted worthy to stand in heaven before “the Lamb that was slain,” a scene glimpsed in today’s Second Reading (see also Revelation 6:9-11). -Scott Hahn Ph.D., www.salvationhistory.com (courtesy of Sacred Heart Church)

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

HOMEandGARDEN

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Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

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Pictured at the Treacy Decor store in Roscommon are Mark Geraghty and Thomas Treacy. Pic: Mick McCormack

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Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

HOMEandGARDEN

Six simple steps to get your garden summer-ready!

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< MIRIAM KERINS

Get chimney sweep out!

With the May bank holiday already upon us, and the cuckoo cheerfully calling from the forest, readers will know that it’s well and truly time for us all to embrace those lazy, hazy days of a glorious Roscommon summer. Therefore, as this season usually means preparing our homes and gardens in a way that both reflects and welcomes the warmer weather, your family-friendly Roscommon People has taken the time to put together a few useful tips…

We all know how the chimney tends to become impacted during the winter months, therefore, while demand is low, get your chimney cleaned during the warm weather. Engaging the services of your local, friendly chimney cleaning specialist can significantly lower your risk of a chimney fire; in addition, it will improve the efficiency of your heating, and we all know how expensive solid fuel has become!

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area or a long driveway, or even a concrete yard area, now is the time to give them the once over and repair any broken joints, cracks or crevices. In addition, if your wooden decking or any handrails are in need of varnishing, the bank holiday weekend is the perfect time to give them a coat of paint or get them stained; that way, nobody is in danger of getting a nasty splinter!

Upcycle garden furniture

Take your bits and pieces out of storage now and give them the once-over with a cloth. If, like

mine, they have any rusty metal parts, sand them down and give them a power wash and a fresh coat of paint. In addition, if you have any fence posts, particularly around dog pens, give them a good tug to make sure they’re sturdy and firmly in the ground etc.

Prep the shed! Set aside a dry day to prep the garden shed for summer. My top tip? Remove everything… that means tools, gardening equipment, lawnmowers and barbeques etc., and fully inspect them for rust, damage, and for safety purposes in general. If they’re no longer usable, throw them out and replace them; please do not risk using any items, (especially electrical ones), that have deteriorated to the point where they’ve become dangerous. When you’re happy with your gardening items and tools, return them to the shed, placing the ones you’ll be using throughout the summer months either on shelves, on hooks or on benches located at the front – that way they’re easily accessible when needed. If your shed has an electricity supply, contact your local electrician today and make an appointment for him/her to carry out a service in order to ensure all wiring is in good working order, and all points and sockets are safe.

Energia partners with GIY to reinvigorate communities This year the Energia and GIY ‘Get Ireland Growing’ initiative aims to sow the seed of community food growing by giving away 300 community growing starter kits across Ireland (worth €42,500). If you are already part of a community group, for example, a residents’ association, a Men’s Shed, a Tidy Town Association, a parents’ association, or

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an environmental community network, now is your chance to bring food growing into your group activities. If you are not yet part of a community group, you can still take part. Bring the idea to the friend group – bring seeds along to the coffee morning or evening book club. Then, plan your activities. You could plant in each other’s gardens or host a growing morning together to swap seedlings. You could go one step further and see if there is a local vegetable patch in your community or a local star grower that you can learn from. For your local community groups, consider your local sports groups, and residents associations, and connect with your county council. To register with ‘Get Ireland Growing’ and be in for the chance of winning a Community Growing Kit that contains seeds to share with your group, please visit www.getirelandgrowing.ie.

Irish author and wellness advocate, Caroline Foran, launched the Energia Get Ireland Growing campaign for its sixth year running, to help raise awareness around the benefits and joy of community growing. This year Energia are giving away 300 community growing starter kits across Ireland (worth €42,500). Register now for your chance to win a free Community Grow Kit at GetIrelandGrowing.ie.

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

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Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

HOMEandGARDEN

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Our top tips to freshen up your home for a summer staycation < MIRIAM KERINS

Summer 2022 is officially here and we simply cannot think of a better or nicer way to spend our days than enjoying a stylish staycation in the beautiful county of Roscommon. That can include staying in your own home and taking day trips, etc! However, in an effort to shed the cobwebs left over from those long winter months, and properly spring into summer, we thought we’d share some of our own highly affordable interior top tips with our readers.

Bedrooms

If you’ve got a small space, we suggest you might consider painting the walls white and the furniture a complimentary creamy, sandy shade; the idea being to invite as much light into your room as possible while at the same time making it feel more spacious. If you feel you’re surrounded by too much white, we suggest you add some muted shades of blue or soft grey bed covers. In addition, heavier tog duvets and throws could be swapped for lighter ones to give a breezier, fresher feel. Remember, as white walls embody the perfect summer vibe,

as well as giving you a works-with-everything canvas, you can accessorise with almost any theme or colour scheme to complete your overall stylish staycation look.

Dining area

Brighten up a dark dining area with a colourful lamp, a few indoor summer houseplants (your friendly local garden centre will best advise), and make sure to pop a bowl of vibrant veglike red, green and yellow peppers and a display of summer fruits like lemons, limes and oranges on display. If you’ve got a well-worn chair, why not drape a nice throw over it and accessorise with some scatter cushions to create the perfect finishing touch.

Sitting room

As a sitting room is usually reserved for rest and relaxation, updating yours with a fresh, fuss-free look in time for the summer months is key. My tip: Use the beaming blue of a Roscommon sky as your inspiration to bring some brightness into your home. You could do this by upcycling, as in reupholstering, or simply repainting your furniture to make your

space a more vibrant and welcoming summer sanctuary.

Floors and doors

If the budget runs to it, keep the flooring and the doors neutral, as in bare floors with a nice pale rug that matches the doors will work with all rooms. This colour scheme will also give you the freedom to add some cheerful, colourful occasional tables, wall prints or a set of summer curtains or blinds.

Bathroom

Bringing a touch of summer into your bathroom can be as simple as changing your shower curtain. The addition of fresh towels, some summer scented candles and getting rid of that cracked mirror and replacing it with an illuminated one can really work wonders. Get rid of bundles of soaps, shampoos, loo rolls and anything else clogging up your bathroom shelves and only display what you use on a regular basis. Finally, as nobody likes to have their dirty laundry on display, replace your worn-out linen basket with a new one. You’re good to go!

Bord Bia announces appointment of Interim CEO

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Bord Bia, the Government agency responsible for the promotion of the food, drink, and horticulture industry globally, has announced that Michael Murphy, Organisation and Industry Talent Development Director, Bord Bia, will assume the role of Interim CEO in June. As previously announced, Tara McCarthy is stepping down as CEO in June 2022 and Mr. Murphy will work alongside the outgoing CEO until her departure. Michael has extensive experience in leading a number of Bord Bia departments over the past 20 years. He progressed from managing Bord Bia’s London office to leading its European office network and was Markets Director for nine years. He has been involved in the development and execution of strategy as part of the senior leadership since 2007. He was responsible for the development of Bord Bia’s Talent Academy including five MSc programmes with two universities. Michael commenced his career as a policy analyst in the IFA and has worked in the Departments of Agriculture and Environment.

Bord Bia Interim CEO, Michael Murphy.

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

HOMEandGARDEN

Top Home and Gardening programmes… Great House Revival The Great House Revival is a proven winner with RTÉ viewers and has also sparked thousands of debates in kitchens, living rooms and offices right across the country. The premise is simple: owners of everything from dilapidated stately homes to hulking ivy-covered mills attempt to revive their properties to former glories. Property owners face everything from the rising cost of building materials and two-year construction shutdowns to create a modern yet original home.

Room to Improve

Celebrity architect Dermot ‘Let’s put an atrium there’ Bannon is the star of another RTÉ hit. Now in its 13th season, the show sees Dermot designing new-look, modern homes (full of light!) for property owners around the country. Expect plenty of delays, disagreements, changes of heart… and revised budgets!

Grand Designs

The Great House Revival is a proven winner with RTÉ. Pictured above is presenter and architect Hugh Wallace.

Presented by Kevin McCloud since it first aired all the way back in 1999, Grand Designs is a British television programme

(broadcast on Channel 4) which features unusual and often elaborate architectural homebuilding projects. Unlike out Dermot, Kevin plays the role of admiring bystander on projects and usually does a piece to camera to highlight any unique features. Expect major home envy!

Home Rescue

Okay, so your budget doesn’t stretch as far as a 2,000 square foot utility room or to transforming your entire kitchen into a glasshouse, but you are still looking for inspiration in order to liven up your living space. Home Rescue is the show for you. The popular RTÉ series features architect and designer Róisín Murphy and builder Peter Finn as they travel around

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Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

FarmingPeople

IFA: Don’t leave farmers in limbo over inputs crisis! IFA National Farm Business Chairperson, Rose Mary McDonagh, has said that farmers cannot be left in limbo over spiralling input costs. “It’s simply just not sustainable at current levels. Farmers cannot be left in limbo and expected to carry on regardless, to simply suck up the uncertainty and take the losses to ensure food security for Irish consumers. Many operations will simply go out of business if nothing changes soon,” she said. The Farm Business Chair said more forward thinking and swift strategic action was needed from Government and right across the supply chain. “Unlike others, farm-

ers haven’t the luxury of being able to pass on the added cost of production to others, and we cannot be left to carry all the risk and cost of the energy crisis,” she said. “There’s no point investing in crops now if there’s no fertiliser to support its growth along the way, or even fuel for the agricontractors to harvest it. Detailed inventories on fertiliser, fuel, and feed stocks must be completed as a matter of urgency and priority given to farmers and contractors to preserve food and feed security”. Ms. McDonagh also called for more clarity in relation to EU funding: “We’ve been told we’re getting over €15 million from the EU Crisis

Reserve Fund and that Government can top-up to close to €50 million, but we’ve no clarity if this will happen, or what kind of supports are potentially going to be made available”. While describing the establishment of a fodder and food security group and the provision of increased TAMS investment as “important first steps”, the Farm Business Chair said further supports are needed. “Farmers had to pay upfront to secure necessary inputs this spring. Before, they may have purchased on credit and paid during peak milk; when stock were sold; or the harvest complete. Financial institutions need to take a flexible and understand-

ing approach and support those most impacted, ensuring a swift turnaround in the provision of lowcost working capital,” she added. She also called on traders and processors to offer electronic funds transfers and highlighted the ongoing withdrawal of Ulster Bank from the Irish market. “We must avoid any situation where farmers have no functional business current account/ overdraft to maintain onfarm operations. Farmers themselves will need to act and do what is right for themselves, but they need clear direction and support to make the transition or switching process as seamless as possible,” she concluded.

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ICSA sheep chair Sean McNamara has said gaining access to the US market for sheepmeat will only be a worthwhile endeavour if actually puts extra money in farmers’ pockets. “Farmers have become increasingly sceptical as to whether the opening of new markets has any real benefit for them whatsoever. In the past, such announcements

have not been followed by any strengthening of prices,” he said. “In theory, the more markets the better for farmers but the reality is that farmers have not seen tangible benefits in terms of price when it comes to the opening of international markets. Time and time again we have seen the same story play out; access to a new market followed by the same old ham-

mering of farmers on price week after week”. Mr. McNamara said that due to rising inputs costs, farmers should be able to command €10 per kg for spring lamb this year but getting a fair price remains as problematic as ever for producers. “At the present time most sheep farmers are wondering how they are going to stay in business. The

Farmers encouraged to take part in new Animal Health initiative IFA Chairman for Animal Health, TJ Maher, has said more farmers must be encouraged to participate in the Parasite Control TASAH (Targeted Advisory Service on Animal Health) initiative. TASAH includes a veterinary farm visit and two faecal egg counts and is open to all cattle and sheep farms. Funding is available for up to 40,000 farmers, however Mr. Maher says the initiative should be expanded to reward farmers taking part. “The TASAH has the potential to ensure better onfarm parasite control, but farmers must be rewarded and supported directly by Department of Agriculture for taking part in the TASAH. Direct financial support to farmers implementing the TASAH is a key aspect to increase the value for farmers and ultimately drive participation and uptake,” TJ Maher said. “A competitive supply chain is also important

for farmers. The National Veterinary Prescription System and TASAH in their current formats do not resolve the competitive supply concerns for antiparasitic products”. The IFA Animal Health Chair said that the additional time granted by Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue’s decision to defer implementation of the prescribing requirement for anti-parasitic products is running out fast.

“The deadline of June 1st is approaching and without meaningful engagement by DAFM with all stakeholders, farmers will be left without access to a competitive supply chain,” he said. TJ Maher said that IFA fully support the targeted use of all veterinary medicines, but the critical role played by veterinary pharmacies and license merchants must be recognised and facilitated in the Parasite Control TASAH.

opportunity to export to US will no doubt be great news for the processors and for all others who make money off the backs of farmers. But the fanfare associated with opening new markets is only for those who are going to reap the rewards. It is reprehensible that primary producers continually get forgotten with all the hype,” he said.

Castlerea MART WATCH Over 700 animals presented for sale on Thursday last. The heifer ring reported a very strong trade with farmer, agents and northern customers anxious for stock, the weanling rings reported extra demand also this week with the heifers weanlings topping out at €3.65 a kilo and the bulls peaked at €3.52 a kilo. The dry cow trade witnessed the top lots make up to €2,320 with a good clearance taking place. The calf ring with good numbers on offer saw prices peak at €4.30, breeding stock peaked at €2,080, and springers made up to €2,200. Cows with calves at foot made from €1,300 to €2,080 for a Limousine cow and her bull calf at foot. Young calves made from €15 to €250 with stronger lots making from €180 to €430 with better quality lots on offer this week and this was reflected in the prices on offer. There were over 200 bullocks on offer at last Monday’s sale and forward lots made up to €1,920 with quality stores exceeding €3 a kilo and a good clearance taking place. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today (Thursday, April 28th) with our weekly sale of heifers, cows, calves, runners, and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am. Sample prices for heifers: Lmx 395kgs €1310, Ch 410kgs €1200, AA 390kgs €1140, Ch 480kgs €1440, Ch 475kgs €1370, Lm 635kgs €1670, AA 520kgs €1410, Ch 525kgs €1550, AA 595kgs €1580, AA 585kgs €1620, Her 535kgs €1440. Dry cows: Ch 805kgs €2320, Lm 720kgs €2080, Lm 715kgs €2010, Hex 890kgs €1970, Hex 755kgs €1900, Sim 700kgs €1890, Fr 755kgs €1760, AA 590kgs €1390. Weanling bulls: Lm 295kgs €930, Ch 265kgs €900, Lm 285kgs €880, Ch 270kgs €860, Ch 430kgs €1240, Lm 340kgs €1160, AA 370kgs €1110, Ch 320kgs €1030. Weanling heifers: Ch 290kgs €1060, Lm 275kgs €1010, AA 280kgs €850, Ch 395kgs €1400, Ch 380kgs €1290, Lm 355kgs €1080, Ch 360kgs €1260, Lm 315kgs €1040. Bullocks: AA 490kgs €1560, AA 465kgs €1430, Ch 435kgs €1390, Lm 545kgs €1640, Ch 520kgs €1450, Lm 580kgs €1730, Ch 610kgs €1920, Ch 605kgs €1800, Ch 670kgs €1890.

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

FarmingPeople

Act now to improve feed security on your farm < DANIEL HESSION

These are key months to improve feed security on farm. While conversations at the moment are mainly dominated by predictions on milk and beef prices and availability of inputs, it is very important that farmers take whatever steps are feasible for their own farm, to improve the security of their feed stocks for the coming season and next winter. Some modest changes now can add up to significant benefits over time, so plan and act early. In this article we highlight some simple tips to improve the feed security on your farm.

Apply fertiliser to boost grass growth Sixty five percent of annual grass is grown before the end of June. Adequate nitrogen fertiliser is required to achieve the grass growth potential, so we need to act now. Purchase enough fertiliser for silage and for at least one application to grazing ground if you have not done so already. Target applications to fields that will give the best response to N; fields that have predominantly perennial ryegrass, have been recently reseeded, are drier, and have good fertility status. Apply 25-35 units of N per acre (depending on demand) as soon as possible. Protected urea is the most cost-effective source of N.

Secure sufficient silage stocks Complete a simple feed budget for next winter comparing projected win-

ter feed demand to planned silage area and feed reserves currently on farm. Ensure to build in a 3-4 week reserve. Check you have closed enough area for silage based on the fodder budget. While fertiliser is expensive it is still vital that farmers spread the required fertiliser to secure sufficient silage stocks to see them through next winter. There is not going to be a huge surplus of silage made this year and so it would be naïve to rely on purchased silage next winter to meet demand.

Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

Friday, April 29th at 11 a.m.

End of the Month Special Sale of Bullocks 52 pens of Bullocks on offer Also Heifers & Dry Cows ----------------------

Saturday, April 30th at 12 Noon

Organic Sale – Cattle & Sheep Bookings now being accepted. ----------------------

Friday, May 6th at 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Heifers Also Bullocks & Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Tuesday May 3rd

Make the best use of slurry Silage ground that received 3,000 gal/acre of good quality slurry in March or early April should have received all the P and K required for 1st cut silage. Top up chemical N should be spread from 1 week after slurry. An average first cut silage crop needs to receive a total of 80 units of N per acre including slurry. Where slurry has not yet been spread, spreading should be postponed until after first cut when it should be put out on the bare stubble before regrowth starts. If slurry is spread on silage ground late – especially where there is a good cover of grass and if a dry spell occurs – the dry slurry can stay on the grass and cause fermentation problems in the silage. In this case, hold slurry until after the 1st cut has been harvested.

(Proudly serving farmers for over 62 years)

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

Tuesday, May 10th at 4 p.m.

Special Sale of Weanlings Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 5th

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

dairy cows with high SCC or low milk yields (use milk recording data), autumn calving cows scanned not in calf and ewes that have no lambs should all be sold as soon as they are fit to do so. For herds breeding their own replacements, be more selective with the number and quality of animals you bring into the herd this year. Overall, don’t keep any unnecessary or poor performing stock.

Aim for high quality silage

Improving silage quality will increase animal perSell unproductive stock formance e.g. milk yield, live weight gain and reThis is not a year for car- duce concentrate feed rying passengers. Suckler costs over winter. Do not cows that have lost a calf,

cut back on fertiliser and rely on delaying the cutting date to make up the yield difference.

Grassland management Graze swards in rotation. Aim to have stock in the same field for no more than 5 days, 3 days ideally. This is to protect regrowths and maximise growth rates. If stock could be moved to fresh grass twice a week it would be a big improvement, both in terms of animal performance and in the total amount of grass grown in the year. Split larger fields into smaller paddocks. A lot can be achieved with a single-line electric fence and a wellplaced water trough. Skip

heavy covers and cut these as silage.

Spread lime where required Apply lime where required to grazing ground. It will release N and P from the soil. Lime can be spread year-round on grazing ground. Avoid lime on silage ground before harvest – after first cut is a good opportunity.

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

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

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

Find us on facebook

Learn to drive with

*Visit our various social media platforms for additional information and advice or speak to your local Farm Commercial Specialist. *Daniel Hession is Nutritionist and Technical Manager with Aurivo Agribusiness

ROSCOMMON DRIVING SCHOOL 087 2295551

Roscommon MART WATCH There was a good entry of top-quality cattle on offer at our sale on Friday, April 22nd, with a brisk trade all round and plenty of customers bidding at the ringside and online. Bullock numbers were small due to next Friday’s special sale, with lots averaging from €2.60 per kilo up to €2.89 per kilo. Heifers fetched from €2.86 per kilo up to €3.75 per kilo. There were over 70 dry cows on offer, with lots making from an average of €2.46 per kilo up to €3.24 per kilo. This Friday (April 29th), we will have our end of the month special sale of bullocks, and general sale of heifers and dry cows. There were good numbers on offer at our weanling sale on Tuesday, April 26th, with a flying trade all round. There was a good mix of customers

both online and at the ringside. Heifer weanlings fetched from an average of €2.77 per kilo up to €4.06 while bull weanlings made from an average of €2.72 per kilo up to €3.54 per kilo. There is no weanling sale on Tuesday, next (May 3rd). Our next sale takes place on Tuesday, May 10th at 4 pm. Bookings will be accepted until 5 pm on Thursday, May 5th. The numbers on offer at our sheep sale on Wednesday, April 27th, were slightly bigge compared to the previous week, with a similar trade for all classes. Hoggets made up to €173, spring lambs made as high as €177, and stag ewes fetched up to €220. Ewes and lambs made up to €290 for four ewes with seven lambs at foot. Our next sheep sale for lambs and

cast ewes takes place on Wednesday next (May 4th) at 11 am. The yard opens 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 heifers: Lim X 725kgs €2330, AAX 705kgs €2260, Char X 705kgs €2200, Char X 660kgs €2130, Lim X 610kgs €1990, Char X 530kgs €1990, Char X 555kgs €1720, Lim X 590kgs €1760, Char X 530kgs €1850, AAX 590kgs €1620, Char X 470kgs €1620, Char X 480kgs €1560, Char 445kgs €130, 3 Char X 441kgs €1390, 2 Char X 455kgs €1460, Char X 395kgs €1100, 2 AAX 372kgs €1100, HEX 475kgs €1230. Bullocks: AAX 610kgs €1760, AAX 605kgs €1750, AAX 675kgs €1700,

Simm X 580kgs €1640, AAX 620kgs €1600, AAX 555kgs €1590, Char X 550kgs €1560, Char X 560kgs €1500, 2 Simm X 580kgs €1300, Char X 465kgs €1220, Char X 415kgs €1160. Dry cows: Lim X 920kgs €2720, Lim X 840kgs €2620, Char X 835kgs €2400, AA 825kgs €2360, Lim X 805kgs €2300, BBX 830kgs €2280, Char X 795kgs €2240, Char X 795kgs €2240, Lim X 685kgs €1960, Lim X 655kgs €1780, 2 Lim X 647kgs €2100, BBX 480kgs €1660. Weanling heifers: Char X 480kgs €1400 - €2.91 per kilo, Lim X 415kgs €1370 - €3.30 per kilo, Lim X 375kgs €1050 - €2.80 per kilo, Char X 330kgs €1070 - €3.24 per kilo, 3 Char X 366kgs €1150 - €3.13 per kilo, Char X 360kgs €1240 - €3.44 per kilo, Char X 315kgs €1280 - €4.06

per kilo, Lim X 375kgs €1120 - €2.98 per kilo, Char X 295kgs €870 - €2.94 per kilo, Char X 320kgs €970 - €3.03 per kilo. Weanling bulls: Char X 475kgs €1450 - €3.05 per kilo, Char X 445kgs €1380 - €3.10 per kilo, Lim X 420kgs €1350, 5 Lim X 423kgs €1260 - €2.97 per kilo, Lim X 370kgs €1180 - €3.18 per kilo, Lim X 380kgs €1250 - €3.28 per kilo, 3 Char X €980 - €3.30 per kilo, Char X 290kgs €970 - €3.34 per kilo, Char X 280kgs €980 – €3.50 per kilo. Finished hoggets: 78kgs €173, 58.1kgs €167, 58.3kgs €167, 55.7kgs €164, 50kgs €155, 49.1kgs €154. Spring lambs: 52.5kgs €177, 48kgs €168, 49.6kgs €165, 42.5kgs €160, 45.8kgs €158, 41.6kgs €148.

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

NewsPeople

Pictured at the Roscommon Easter Parade in Roscommon town recently. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured taking part in the Roscommon Easter Parade in Roscommon town recently. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

South Roscommon Family Resource Centre pictured taking part in the recent Roscommon Easter Parade. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Easter Parade in Roscommon town recently. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

There was a good attendance at the 50th Roscommon Easter Parade in Roscommon town recently. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

NewsPeople

Prize winners ... and a word of thanks With the dust now settling on a successful 50th annual Roscommon Easter Parade, the committee wish to thank everyone who helped in any way to make this event and the entire festival weekend such a success. Our thanks to Roscommon LEADER Partnership, Roscommon County Council, Roscommon Town Team and

Roscommon Gardaí for all their support. Thank you to all businesses and community groups who entered floats and to all our great volunteers who helped with organising the event. A special thank you to Michael and Rita Oates of ETL Giftware Roscommon for kindly sponsoring all prizes. Our thanks also to GMC, who sponsored

the barriers in place for the parade. A big thank you to the public for attending in such large numbers. The guest parade judges wish to convey that choosing winners in the various categories was very difficult, as the standard was high, and a number of the entries came very close to being chosen for prizes. Of course

there could only be one winner in each category. The judges and the committee wish to congratulate all participating floats for their great efforts and for their excellent presentation, cooperation and good spirits on the day. The overall winner in the 2022 Roscommon Easter Parade was the Roscommon Agricultural Show

float. Winner of ‘Best Community/ Voluntary float’ was The Melting Pot, Roscommon; Winner of ‘Best Business float’ was Gannon’s Eggs & Fowl; Winner of ‘Most Environmentally Aware float’ was RosFM. Winner of ‘Best Window Display’ was Finn Electrical. Congratulations to all concerned.

Pictured taking part in the 50th Roscommon Easter Parade in Roscommon town recently. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Members of Roscommon Gaels GAA Club took part in the recent Roscommon Easter Parade. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Members of Oran GAA Club took part in the recent Roscommon Easter Parade. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Easter Parade in Roscommon town recently. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

South Roscommon Family Resource Centre pictured taking part in the recent Roscommon Easter Parade. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

PropertyPeople

PSRA Licence No: 003201

NEW TO THE MARKET

33 Abbeyville, Galway Road Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 D799 Quality 4 bedroom detached property located in this sought after mature residential development situated off the Galway Road and within walking distance to all town amenities. This spacious residence comprises entrance hallway, large sitting room with bay window, kitchen, dining room with patio doors to large rear garden, utility with w.c. off. Upstairs 4 large bedrooms all with built in wardrobes (master ensuite) together with family bathroom. This is a quality family home and early viewing is advised by the auctioneers. Price Region: € 265,000 BER Rating: C1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW TO THE MARKET

Portrunny, Ballymurray Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 EA39 Unique opportunity to acquire probably the best setting and view on the River Shannon. This residence which is in need of refurbishment has for generations looked onto Lough Ree, is located 5 minutes to Roscommon Town and 20 minutes to Athlone Town Centre at Portrunny Bay adjacent to Marina with full access to the River Shannon. Accommodation consists of sitting room, living room, kitchen/dining room, 4 bedrooms and family bathroom. Price Region: Open to offers ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW TO THE MARKET

53 Brackernagh, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway H53 VX46 Spacious 3-bedroom townhouse presented for sale in excellent condition by its current owner. The property is adjacent to Portiuncula Hospital; the location of this property is ideal with many local amenities within walking distance including schools, GAA grounds, supermarkets and within easy access of M6 motorway. Accommodation Briefly: kitchen, sitting room, living room, utility room, 3-bedrooms and family bathroom. Price Region: €110,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW TO THE MARKET c. 7.5 acres with derelict cottage

Ballydaly, Four Mile House Roscommon, Co. Roscommon c. 7.5 acres of marginal lands located 15 minutes from Roscommon Town on the Boyle route with the benefit of a derelict old cut stone cottage standing thereon. The lands benefit from frontage onto 2 roads with planning potential subject to planning permission being obtained. The said lands are attractively priced to sell. Price Region: €35,000

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

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

Quality bungalow on large site for €265k! Located at Meehanbee, Drum, Athlone, Co. Roscommon (N37 V8F8), this quality bungalow, featuring three large bedrooms, is situated just five minutes from Athlone on a large site of approximately 1.95 acres with further development potential subject to planning permission. This property, which is in a most sought after scenic residential location, is tastefully presented for sale. Features include an entrance porch, reception hallway, sitting room, three large bedrooms, kitchen, dining area, and family bathroom. The residence also benefits from a large double workshop/garage and its own private well and early viewing is advised by the auctioneer. Price region: €265,000. BER: D2. For further information or to arrange a viewing, contact Oates Auctioneers on 090-6627878 or info@oates.ie.

Meehanbee, Drum, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

New to the market with RE/MAX Team Earley This week, Cathal Meares of RE/MAX Team Earley is presenting to the market a four-bedroomed dormer bungalow in excellent condition, located at Kilmacumsy, Elphin, Co. Roscommon (F42HX68). The ground floor of the residence comprises of an entrance hall, living room, kitchen, utility, dining room, conservatory, bathroom and two bedrooms including a master with ensuite. Proceeding to the first floor,

there is a landing, two bedrooms (one with ensuite), and a bathroom. The spacious property extends to a generous 2,000 square feet (approximately). Standing on approximately 0.75 of an acre, the residence is heated via oil fired central heating and two solid fuel feature fireplaces, with double-glazed windows fitted throughout. The mature gardens cover approximately 0.75 acre of grounds, with mature lawns, a limestone wall

to the front with two entrance points, and a large detached garage with sliding doors to rear. Services include water, ESB and septic tank, and there are also boglands at Eden and Kinclare of approximately one acre. The property is located just five minutes from Elphin village on the N61, with ample amenities including primary and secondary schools, post office, pharmacy, shops, supermarket, pubs, GAA pitch and Elphin Mart.

Roscommon town can be reached within 20 minutes and Boyle is 15 minutes away. The residence has a BER rating of C3. Viewing is highly recommended for this property. For further details or to arrange a appointment to view, 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 0861409158.

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

PropertyPeople

PSRA Licence No. 004420

Cathal 086 1409158

Cormac 086 3519492

NEW TO THE MARKET

3 B/R BUNGALOW RESIDENCE

4 B/R SEMI DETACHED 2 STOREY RESIDENCE

CORBO, KILROOSKEY, CO. ROSCOMMON F42 P866

2 ASHBROOK, ROSCOMMON TOWN F42YP83

AMV: €195,000

A beautiful 3-bedroom bungalow residence of approx. 1,022 sq ft ready for immediate occupation standing on a site area of approx. 0.35 of an acre .This property comes to market in perfect condition throughout , beautifully maintained by the owner occupier. Set just approx. 7km from Roscommon Town. Comprising briefly of entrance hallway, kitchen, dining room, living room family bathroom and 3 bedrooms. this property is set on a large mature site which has a turf shed and garage. The auctioneer now invites immediate viewings and all offers to sell.

AMV: €170,000

This is a lovely Four bedroomed semi detached residence with spacious rear garden located within walking distance of Roscommon Town centre as well as Roscommon Community College, Lisnamult Sports Grounds, Train Station, Abbey Hotel, Londis Supermarket. The property is presented in excellent condition throughout. The property boasts many attractive features throughout including feature open fireplace, modern fitted kitchen. Accommodation comprises briefly of Entrance hall, sitting room kitchen/dining room with utilIty and bathroom off. On the first floor are four bedrooms including one en-suite, main bathroom & hot press. Externally, there is tarmacadam driveway to the front while a large garden to rear. This would be an ideal starter home or investment property with local services & amenities including Roscommon Community College & Roscommon Train Station are only five minutes walk from the property. This much sought after location of this property coupled with its excellent condition makes this a must view property. The Auctioneer invites viewings and all offers to sell.

NEW TO THE MARKET

3 B/R SEMI DETACHED 2 STOREY RESIDENCE

2 B/R BUNGALOW RESIDENCE STANDING ON APPROX 7 ACRES

14 ST KEVINS TERRACE, CHURCH ROAD, CASTLEREA F45XA33

DRINAGH, LOUGHGLYNN, CO. ROSCOMMON F45 YH59

AMV: €120,000

BER EXEMPT

AMV: €140,000

No.14 Saint Kevins Terrace, located in the heart of Castlerea town, benefiting from its close proximity to Schools, Shops, Train Station, Church, etc. Comprising briefly of kitchen/dining room, living room, utility , bathroom & 3 bedrooms in of approx. 968.75 sq ft. The property benefits from off- street parking along with sheds located to the rear. There is a large garden area to the rear which has been beautifully maintained by its current owner.

A fantastic 2 bedroomed bungalow residence in need of further restoration of approx. 1420.84 sq ft. Comprising briefly of Hallway, open plan kitchen cum living room, 2 bedrooms in all with ensuite and bathroom. Situated in the rural setting of Loughlynn set on 7 acres of ground this property offers huge potential and a fantastic opportunity to put your own stamp on this remarkable property. A long lane from the road ensures that the new owners will be able to set themselves in the midst of peace and tranquility.

The Auctioneer invites viewing and offers to sell.

The Auctioneer invites viewing and offers to sell

LAND TO LET: 72 acres approx. at Knockarush, Boyle, Co. Roscommmon from now until 1st January 2023. The Auctioneer invites viewings and all offers to let 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

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 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

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

‘YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR BUSINESS’ Contact Nuala

090 66 25818 086 0352849 Email: mcgacco@gmail.com Web: www.mcgowanaccounting.com

CHIMNEY CLEANING

CHIROPRACTOR

ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Telephone: 086 8433433

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

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

VHI and Laya Covered

COMPUTERS

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

Complete Chimney Services

Chimney Cleaning

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

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

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

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

Call 087 646 7322 COUNSELLING

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

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

085 2514394

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

CONSTRUCTION

web: www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

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

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

HolHolistic isic Counselling & Psychotherapy Counselling & Are any of the following issues Psychotherapy

AreImpacti any ng yourof daily lthe ife. following issues Stress, Panic, Anxiety, Depressi on, impacting your

daily OCD, Grief, life: Abuse? Stress, Panic, Anxiety, You Don’t have to deal wiOCD, th it Depression, Grief, Abuse? On your own. You don’t have to deal with Giitve yoursel onf a your gift of therapy. own Give yourself a gift of Contact: Nora therapy 0858007355Nora Contact: 085 800 7355 nj2tiernan@icloud.com nj2tiernan@icloud.com

CHIROPODIST

Kathleen’s Mobile Footcare

Provided in the comfort of your own home Kathleen Wynne MCFHP, MAFHP

Foot Care Practitioner

071 9637984 / 086 3562718

DRIVING LESSONS

Paul McStay DSA/ADI (UK) RSA

MIAM ROSPA Approved Driving Instructor Former BSM Driving Instructor and UK advanced Met. Police Driver. GIFT VOUCHER CARDS AVAILABLE Castlerea & Roscommon

EDT Lessons Available Telephone:

094 96 20099 Mobile:

086 8936012

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

FARMING

BOOM SPRAYER TESTING SERVICE • Sprayers tested on owners premises • Test report & D.A.F.M. stickers provided. • Small stock of parts available and can be fitted on sprayers

All sprayers tested in 2016/2017 are now due re-test Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090 6663069 e-mail: thomasneilan4@ gmail.com

D.A.F.M. Approved Reg No: EI000083

< FOR SALE: BB Hex LM AA SPX Bulls and Heifers. Orders now taken for calves. Call Mark: 086 1996367

FENCING/GATES

GARDENING

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD l l

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

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

Tel: 087 2172281

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

087 2346364

FOR SALE < FOR SALE: Car trailer, double axle. Tel: 086 1995780 < FOR SALE: Wooden table and six chairs, good condition, for quick sale. Price negotiable. Tel: 086 3082733

GARDENING

JOE HEALY

Tree Services

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

Phone:

087 2721193 GARDENING SERVICES Including: • Hedge Cutting • Hedge Planting • Grass Cutting • Spraying • Strimming • Weeding • Garden Tidy-ups • Planting • Gutter Cleaning, etc. Chainsaw work also available

Phone John on

087 2860428

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

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165 www.parklaw treeservices.com

GATELY GARDENING

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

CORBETT

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

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

087 6558597

www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com

PHYSICAL THERAPY

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

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

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Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

Classifieds PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL PLANNING AUTHORITY NOTICE FURTHER INFORMATION Curlew Energy Limited have applied for a fiveyear planning permission for development site in the townlands of Leam, Ballybaun, Harepark, Ardcorcoran, Grange Beg, Knockadoobrusna, Ballytrasna, Cashelfinoge and Greatmeadow, Co. Roscommon. The Roscommon County Council Planning Reference is 21595.

Significant Further Information has been furnished to the planning authority in respect of this proposed development and is available for inspection or purchase at the offices of the authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the Further Information may be made in writing to the planning authority no later than five weeks after receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority. A submission or observation must be accompanied by the prescribed fee of €20, except in the case of a person or body who has already made a submission or observation if it is accompanied by a copy of the acknowledgement of the previous submission/observation.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, John Murray am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission to construct domestic dwelling house along with domestic garage, new treatment system and percolation area and all ancillary site development works at Cornaveagh Townland, Creggs, Co. Roscommon.

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

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers

PROPERTIES TO LET/ RENT/WANTED CHAZEY PROPERTIES: We require properties for waiting tenants, we advertise, conduct viewings, arrange references, read meters, set up tenancy agreements and arrange direct debit payments straight into your bank. We charge a one off fee only if we are successful in renting your property. If not no fees are payable. Tel: 086 8212732

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Joseph and Elisha Cogavin intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to demolish existing old style semi derelict dwelling and stores to rear, construct replacement part single storey and part two storey dwelling, domestic garage, connect to existing water and sewer services on site, associated site development works and services at Suckfield, Ballinasloe, 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 Howard Abbott am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the following: 1. To demolish existing rear annex and construct new rear extension to dwelling house. 2. To install new entrance and drive and all ancillary site development works at Creggameen, Trien, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. F45 DX79

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers

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

PLANNINGS

REFLEXOLOGY

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Permission is sought to retain two minor extension areas to rear as follows; single storey extension 13.97 SqM to the west rear of existing part single part two storey supermarket, single storey extension 8.19 SqM to the east of existing two storey store, and all associated ancillary site development works at Timothy’s Londis Plus, Ardnanagh Townland, Abbeytown, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 R997 for Glowford Limited.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Further Information Planning Ref. No: 21/460; Applicant: Barry Hanly; Site Location; Strokestown Hardware, Bawn Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

REFLEXOLOGY

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Anthony and Geraldine Dolan, are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the following: 1. To construct rear extension to existing dwelling house, 2. To carry out alterations to existing elevations of dwelling house, 3. To demolish front porch and hipped roof over it and replace with flat roof, 4. To demolish existing domestic garage & to construct new domestic garage, 5. To construct new boundary walls to north, east and south boundaries, and all ancillary site development works at Ardsallagh More, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon, F42 DH34. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee, €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed:

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers

Significant further information in relation to the application has been furnished to the planning authority and is available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the ‘Further Information’ may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 not later than two weeks after receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority. There will be no fee payable on a further submission/ observation if it is accompanied by a copy of the acknowledgement of a previous submission/observation.

PODIATRIST

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

MARINA FUREY (MNRRI)

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

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 087 2264951 Find us on facebook

ROOFING

TURF AVAILABLE

TOP QUALITY TURF

Bulk bags of Turf available

10x6 Loads of Turf, saved in good weather and stored in dry shed, will deliver. Phone:

086 2721812

083 0684011 WANTED:

Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch and Whitethorn. We are safety certified and insured. Phone:

086 2437376

Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Sarah Fleming

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI at

Tullys

HSE Trained and Approved l Home visits available l

For any of your foot issues call:

094 9620009

PODIATRIST

For all foot ailments

Phone: 091 416029 Liam or Mick 085 7619827

Affordable Roofing and Gutter Repairs, we replace and install in Roscommon area. Our Services: • Roof Repairs • Gutter Repairs • New Roofs • Flat Roofs • Gutter Exchange • Lead Valley Roof • Cleaning Gutter • Cleaning

email: roofingcontractors27@gmail.com

Phone: 091 416029

TARMACADAM

< PLOTS OF TURF TO LET: Easy Access. Ballinagare/ Frenchpark / Castlerea Area. Call Owen 086 8953884 < SMITH FUELS: Turf/ Timber kindling, coal pellets, firelog delivered/pick-up available. Contact Fergal 087 9334210 < PLOTS OF TURF: Plots of good quality hopper turf for sale in Ballaghaderreen area. Contact: 087 6810849

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

SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK

< PLOTS OF TURF: To let, 10 rows, 90 yards long, Ballygar/Ballyforan area. Call Bernie: 087 2533101

Harpur Bros, Castlecole, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

• 20 years experience FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON – MOLLOYS PHARMACY (Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle & Athlone -------Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed

By Appointment Only – Tel:

087 2982214

Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

TAROT READING

Would you like to know what your future holds? Come and have a Tarot Reading with Kerry Lee

089 4256426

Based near Glenamaddy.

Tel: Donal (All areas)

Also loads of Peat bedding for livestock (delivered)

USEFUL SERVICES HANDY MAN AVAILABLE Power Washing Gutters Cleaned l Fitting Shower Doors l Bathroom Accessories l Tiling and Timber Flooring l General Gardening Maintenance and Clean-up etc. l

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, verruca, orthotics, diabetic assessments and treatment. Department of Health Approved Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea For appointment: (094) 96 21647 / (089) 4142233 • Home visits

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

< 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

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Call Mike

087 2478609 Ballaghaderreen & surrounding area

Mop & Mow

Grasscutting Garden and property services Steve and Lea Husband and wife team. The help you need at a price you can afford. Email: mopandmow@ icloud.com Telephone: 085 868 4169

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

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

Classifieds USEFUL SERVICES

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

USEFUL SERVICES

HOME MAINTENANCE Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

< PAINTER & DECORATOR AVAILABLE: For all your painting needs, keen and competive prices. Tel: Tom on 086 0815802

Carpenter Available Doors Floors l Stairs l Wall Panelling l

LOFT LADDERS Aluminium

Supplied & Fitted From

The company that can do all them small jobs

FROM

094 9373445 087 9100477

083 8838022

Phone Tommy

Established since 2005

Safe Electric Registered. Domestic and Industrial, All work considered. No Job too small.

Phone Paul 086 2553153 or email: p086255315@gmail. com

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

087 9657933

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

Contact Luke on

085 7359120 Working throughout current restrictions with full PPE equipment.

or 090 66 33084

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

FOR ALL EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR PAINTING

Tried & Trusted Since 1993

www.oddjobsolutions.ie

Electrician Available

PROFESSIONAL KITCHEN CABINET PAINTER AVAILABLE

€190

Over 30 years experience

086 8934576

USEFUL SERVICES

Phone JOHN

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

Phone Alan on:

090 6661635 or Mobile:

087 2683079

For all your decorating needs

DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED

CONTACT JOHN

COVERING ROSCOMMON AREA TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

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THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

JOB OPPORTUNITIES on COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT – 19.5 hrs p/w

CLERICAL/CARETAKER/DRIVER and

PERSONAL ASSISTANTS

to people with disabilities based at County Roscommon Disability Support Group CLG, Resource Centre, Derrane, Roscommon Also vacancies for

HOME CARE WORKERS

to include Athleague; Castlerea; Ballaghaderreen and Strokestown

Part-Time Practice Nurse Position available in a busy friendly GP Practice in Roscommon Town. Duties include: l Chronic Disease Management l Phlebotomy l Immunisations l Cervical smears RGN qualification. Previous experience as a practice nurse an advantage. Attractive terms & conditions Please email CV’s to:

reception@roscommonclinic.com

Free Training provided in QQI Level 5 Healthcare

Please contact or email Bernie Connolly on 090 6625852 ext 150 or ce@rsg.ie SITUATIONS VACANT <STAFF WANTED: For Amusement Arcade / Casino, Roscommon Town. Please send your CV and cover letter to: PO Box No 3020 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon < CHILDMINDER AVAILABLE: Primary School Teaching Student available in Roscommon Town to mind children, in childrens home. Monday to Friday for the Summer. Keen rates available. Contact 087 459 7836 <MECHANIC WANTED: General Motors, Ballinlough have a vacancy for full/part time Mechanic. Qualified/Apprentice. Five days a week. Phone: 086 0369133

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

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED PERMIT NO: WCP - MO - 09 - 0267 - 01

Appointments

086 4679798

Certified Irish Angus Producer Group Seeks to recruit a livestock inspector. This position is on a part-time basis in the meat plants of our processor partners, Slaney Foods, ABP & Kepak Responsibilities include:

Alan O’Toole

WINDOW CLEANING

Window Protection Ireland Commercial/Domestic Registered and Insured All areas covered Also protecting windows during construction see windowprotection.ie GUTTER CLEANING ALSO AVAILABLE Telephone

087 9795226

Inspection of livestock prior to slaughter. Implementation of Group's livestock policy. • Production of reports of inspections.

Essential Requirements:

• Excellent knowledge of livestock. • Computer literate. Willingness to work on own initiative. Only candidates with essential requirements need apply. Apply in writing or by email only to recruitment@certifiedirishangus.ie: Closing DateMonday Wed 9th February 2022 Closing date 9th May 2022

Certified Irish Angus, Longfield, Virginia, Co. Cavan Email: recruitment@certifiedirishangus.ie

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES HANILY Gerard (Ger) Keanspark, Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon (11th Anniversary) Who passed away on the 28th April 2011

FLYNN Leo Kilmore, Ballygar, Co. Galway (12th Anniversary) Who passed away on 30th April 2010

SWAN

(nee Lynch)

Lena

Abbeytown, Roscommon and 38 Irishtown, Athlone (23rd Anniversary occurs on the 28th of April)

KELLY Patrick (Babs)

Bailinwooley, Curraghroe, Co. Roscommon. Who passed away on 30th April 2021

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

CONTACT HAZEL

087 6758874

Scrine, Athleague, www.brianmuraystone.com Co. Roscommon E: brianmurraystone@gmail.com Just a prayer from those who love you just a memory ever true in our hearts you will live forever because we thought the world of you.

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by your loving family. Anniversary Mass in St. Acisus Church, Frenchpark on Thursday, 5th May at 7pm.

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

Sadly missed and remembered by his wife Mary and family. Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar on Saturday, 30th April at 7.30pm.

MONTH’S MIND MASS SHALLY Paddy (James)

In memory of a dear Mother How dearly we loved you and prayed you might live, but Jesus beckoned and we had to give.

Always loved and remembered by Dympna. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A silent grief that is in our hearts, no human eye can trace, for many a broken heart is hid, beneath a smiling face. Your life was one of kindly deeds, a helping hand for others’ needs, sincere and true in heart and mind, beautiful memories left behind.

Thanks for the memories, Helen and Lynne. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The family of the late Paddy (James) Shally would like to extend their sincere thanks to all who showed kindness, care and support during the sad loss of our beloved Paddy. We are deeply grateful to all those who conveyed their condolences to us by letter, telephone, online or in person through their attendance during the course of Paddy’s funeral. Thanks to those who sent Mass cards, sympathy cards and perpetual enrolments, RIP messages, phone calls and to those who travelled long distances to be with us. To the neighbours and friends who brought food and shared their memories with us. Thank you to all the staff in the Sacred Heart Hospital, Golf Links Road, Roscommon, who cared for Paddy and for their compassionate care and support to Paddy and his family in his final days. Thank you to Fr. Sean Beirne and to Fr. Eamon Conaty and Deacon Seamus Talbot for celebrating a beautiful Funeral Mass. Thanks to Michelle McCormack for the beautiful singing at the church. A special word of thanks to Smyth’s Funeral Directors for their professional and sensitive manner in which they carried out the funeral arrangements and to the grave diggers who prepared Paddy’s final resting place with such care and attention. Thanks to the management and staff at Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon for providing a beautiful meal after the funeral. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. Paddy’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 1st of May at 11am at St. Brigid’s Parish Church, Four-Mile-House.

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 a memory, they’ll live on in the heart.

You are always in our prayers and thoughts, son Patrick and daughter-in-law Elaine. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On the first anniversary of Babs death, his niece Mags, sister Masie, brother-in-law Sean, nieces, nephews and extended family would like to express our sincere gratitude to all who helped and supported us at our difficult time. Thanks to all those who sent Mass cards, messages of sympathy, phone calls, who posted condolences on RIP.ie and to those who sent floral tributes and brought refreshments to the house. Our sincere thanks to Fr. Laurence Behan for celebrating the Funeral Mass and burial. Thanks also to Enya Reilly for her beautiful singing during the funeral. A special word of thanks to the Doctors, Nurses and staff at Roscommon University Hospital, to Dr. David Harrison, Nurse Mary Kelly, to Charlie O’Brien and staff and also to P.H.N.’s Jene Kelly, Niamh Dunning and Caroline Neilan, to Babs’ carers Eileen Cox and Maura Noone, a big thank you to all. Thanks to all our friends and neighbours who stood along the route for Babs’ final journey. Thanks to Smyth’s Funeral Directors for their professionalism and attention to detail in arranging Bab’s funeral. A very special word of thanks to the gravediggers who prepared Babs’ final resting place. As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our sincere appreciation and gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. Babs’ first Anniversary Mass will take place at St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh, Kilrooskey on Saturday, 30th April at 8pm.

HURLEY John and May Kilcroan, Ballymoe. (19th and 3rd Anniversaries) Cherished memory of our parents John who passed away on May 10th, 2003 and May who passed away on April 21st, 2019.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory that no one can steal.

Forever in our hearts, granddaughters Fiona and Sorcha.

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! The most read newspaper in Co. Roscommon! The local paper!

Sunshine passes, shadows fall, loves remembrance outlasts all, though years be many or few, all are filled with remembrance of you.

Sadly missed and always remembered by your daughters Maureen and Nonie, son-in-law, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, extended family and friends. Anniversary Mass in St. Croan’s Church, Ballymoe on Saturday, 30th April at 8pm.

KILLIAN Teresa

Cullawinna, Four Roads. Who passed away on the 7th May 2021 R.I.P. (1st Anniversary)

On the First Anniversary of our much loved mother Teresa’s death, we her family, sons Joe, Padraig, David and Seamus, her daughters Mairead, Kay and Therese, daughters and sons-in-law and grandchildren wish to thank most sincerely all who sympathised with us on our sad loss. Thanks to all who sent mass offerings, telephoned, text messaged and the many who left heartfelt, meaningful and touching tributes to Teresa on RIP. ie which were a true reflection of her personality and warmth, we were deeply touched by all those lovely tributes. To our kind neighbours and friends and all those who stood out on the route of her final journey from our home to the church, outside the church for her Funeral Mass and from the church to the cemetery, your support was truly moving. Thanks most sincerely to Mr. Eldin, Geraldine Keane, Olive Cummins and all the staff of St. Brigid’s Ward, Roscommon Hospital and Dr. Martin Daly, Ballygar for their wonderful, compassionate, caring and professional care over the years and to their gentle and understanding nature throughout Teresa’s illness. To the Community Palliative Care Team especially Ursula and Caroline who provided such great care and support both to Teresa and to us as a family. It is impossible to convey in words how special you made the last few months for all of us. Thanks most sincerely to Louis Conlon, Conlon’s Chemist, Athleague for his help and support over the years. Special thanks to Fr. Francis Beirne for celebrating the Funeral Mass so beautifully and his thoughful and kind words which really captured Teresa’s nature. Thanks for your regular visits to our home which were always a joyous and comforting time for all of us. Thanks to Aileen O’Connor for the beautiful singing and Emer for the music. To Henry Hamrock, Funeral Director thank you for your friendship and professionalism and the dignified manner in which he carried out his duties. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our deep appreciation. So Rest in Peace dear Teresa, thanks for all you’ve done we pray that God has given you the crown you’ve truly won. Teresa’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in the Church of the Good Shepherd, Four Roads on Sunday, 1st May at 11am.

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES MANNION Carmel

CORCORAN Benny

Cartron, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon. 16th Anniversary 1st May 2022

Oran, Co. Roscommon (6th Anniversary) Died 27th April 2016

GREENE Billy

JOYCE Thomas

Clooneen, Athleague, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 6th May 2019.

(22nd Anniversary)

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

Rogers Funeral Directors

You can only have one mother, patient, kind and true, no other friend in all the world, will be the same to you. Sad are the hearts that loved you, silent tears that fall, living our lives without you, is the hardest part of all. You gave us years of happiness, then sorrow came with tears, you left us lovely memories, we will treasure through the years.

Loved and missed so much by daughter Sharon and granddaughter Shauna.

We are sending a dove to Heaven with a parcel on its wings be careful when you open it, it’s full of beautiful things. Inside are a million kisses wrapped up in a million hugs to say how much we miss you and to send you all our love. We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain to walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again.

Sadly missed by his wife Anne, sons Mark, Mathew and Dermot, daughter Valerie and daughtersin-law Lucy and Lorraine; son-in-law Sam and grandchildren Aoife and Ben.

May the winds of Heaven blow softly and whisper in your ear, How much we love and miss you and wish that you were here.

Sadly missed by his wife Mary, daughters Anne Marie and Angela, son Liam, son-in-law Adrian, grandchildren Elliot, Carla and Louis. Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague on Sunday, 1st May at 10am.

WARD John James & Mary Cornaveagh, Creggs, Roscommon (8th and 5th Anniversaries) In loving memory of John James who passed away on 12th February 2014 and his wife Mary who passed away on 2nd June 2017

MONTH’S MIND MASS BUTLER Eamon

Formerly of Kildare/Roscommon Who passed away on the 29th March 2022

Time may pass and fade away but silent thoughts and memories stay. Our wish is just a simple prayer God bless and keep you both in his care.

Sadly missed and fondly remembered by their son Seamus, daughter Annette, son-in-law Seamus, grandchildren Aidan, Amanda and Laura and great-grandson Jarlath. Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet on Sunday, 1st May 2022 at 11.30am.

MORAN Michael His wife Mary and family would like to thank our relatives, neighbours, friends and all who sympathised with us on our recent bereavement. We would like to thank those who have sent mass cards and also those who travelled long distances. A special thank you to the 119 Infantry Battalion South Lebanon who went above and beyond to get our son Edward home. We would also like to thank Dr. Annette Rogers and Nuala Hardiman who always showed such compassion, care, kindness towards Eamon. A sincere thank you to Funeral Director Joe Rogers for the professional and dignified manner in which he carried out his duties, our family will never forget the kindness and support he gave us all. Our family would like to thank Fr. Everistis in Roosky Church who made Eamon’s Mass a very memorable moment. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this acknowledgement as a token of or appreciation.

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

In loving memory of Michael Moran Grange, Four-Mile-House, Co. Roscommon Who died on the 26th April 2017. (5th Anniversary)

In loving memory of our dear father, Tom Joyce, late of Ballymoe, Co. Galway who passed away on 1st May 2000. DAD No special day is needed for us to think of you. Your are always in our thoughts, no matter what we do. You’re more than a precious memory, from whom we had to part. You are the light that burns within us, in the centre of our hearts.

Deeply missed and forever loved and remembered by his wife Maureen, his sons David and Andrew, his daughter Karen, his grand-daughters, Florence and Thea and the extended Moran and Lohan families.

Mobile: 087 2365453 Landline: 071 9638739 email: jrrogers40@hotmail.com

Sadly missed by his sons Mickie, Sean, Stephen and Cyril and by his daughters Maureen, Chrissie, Eileen, Carmel and Sheila, his grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family. ~~~~~~~~~~ Also remembering our brother Paddy who passed away on July 4th 2012. PADDY Time may pass and fade away, but silent thoughts and memories stay. No longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts you are always there.

Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed

~~~~~~~~~~ Also sadly missed our brother Tommy who passed away on July 13th 2021. TOMMY Your life was one of thoughtful deeds, a helping hand to others needs. Sincere and true in heart and mind, beautiful memories left behind.

Email or call for Sample Pack

Loved and remembered by all the family. Anniversary Mass in St. Croan’s Church, Ballymoe on Sunday, 1st May at 10.30am.

THANKSGIVINGS

Alone, but never quite alone, I face an empty chair, but sometimes in the silence, I imagine you are there. My companion for so many years, no longer here with me, and yet, in some mysterious way, you keep me company.

Rooskey

(Covering Rooskey and surrounding areas)

NOVENA TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days. E.M.

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

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES MONTH’S MIND MASS

A tribute to

Mike Kilcline

Bracknagh, Ballymurry, Co. Roscommon. 28 May 1964 – 29 April 2021 No more by Mary Kilcline Cody

FARRAGHER James (Jim)

Esker, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway. Who passed away on 3rd April 2022.

No more tea in the kitchen No more humming at the work No more herding stock in Gailey No more planting down the Rock.

No more brave and handsome brother None more caring, staunch or true Genuine and well-respected Decent, honest, that was you.

No more cockshots at the jackdaws No more car tracks in Rourke’s field No more swimming in the Shannon No more hives, or pike or eels.

You could not stomach hypocrites Nor deceit, nor fuss, nor guff, A sweet tooth and a cigarette Home and hearth, they were enough.

No more wearing that old jumper No more cattle, dogs or hay No more chilblained hands in winter No more smoking on the sly.

What broke your heart, what caused such pain? The questions that still burn The grief, the tearing loss and rage Your funeral watched on zoom.

No more soup up in Corbooley Nor slashing briars in Culleen No more calling in to Feeragh No more searching for the spring.

We did not know that you were suffering Something blackened at the core No chance to help or hold a hand A lonely trek to Bóthar Mór.

No more Mullagh, no more tractor No Black Forest on the fridge No more revving the Toyota No more working with the lads.

Simple things we took for granted A brother proud on his own land That dear, familiar image A smile, a wave, that hand.

No more stories from the old times No more laughing fit to cry No more helping out the neighbours No more playing twenty-five.

Your beloved fields are silent now Grief infects every waking day Village, town and county mourn you Nothing will ever be the same.

No more blue car in the driveway No more turf shed stacked and right No more building, edging, cleaning No more working day and night.

No more phone calls near our birthdays No more hugs or welcome home No more spectacles like our father Those eyes, that grin, now gone.

No more sugar left in Weekfield No more meetings at the Mart No more daily slap or riddling No more kind and gentle heart.

You were the very best of us Our anchor, breath and bone We who loved you will not leave you Though the heart has left the home.

In utter grief and love. The Kilcline Family.

SMYTH Gary

Vesnoy, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

On his first anniversary, the family of the late Gary Smyth would like to thank all those who supported us on the sad loss of Gary. Thank you to An Garda Siochana and Paramedics for their outstanding help at such a distressing time. Thank you to Pat McHugh for his professionalism and compassion and also in arranging Gary’s final journey to Lakelands Funeral Home and Crematorium in Cavan. A special word of thanks to Matt and Yvonne, Gerry, Con, Karen, Mary P, Kathleen, Noreen, Barry, Jason and neighbours and friends too numerous to mention. To all the people of Strokestown, Roscommon, Ballyhaunis, Isle of Wight, Birmingham we thank you for all your calls, mass cards and messages of condolences. Donations if desired to Croí.

KELLY Larry Feevaghmore Dysart, Co. Roscommon (25th Anniversary)

Jim’s wife Eileen, daughters Jeannette and Linda, sons Paul and Mark, their partners, his grandchildren, his brothers and sisters and extended family, would like to express our most sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone who sympathised with us on our heartbreaking loss of Jim. Thanks to the many people who called to the house, brought food, who offered their condolences, sent Mass cards, floral tributes, telephoned, left messages online in R.I.P. ie and Midwest.ie, and those who travelled long distances and made donations to the Palliative Care Team in Jim’s memory. Thanks to Damien King for live streaming Jim’s Mass for those who couldn’t be with us. Thank you to those who formed a Guard of Honour in Cloonfad on both days. A special word of thanks to Fr. Eugene O’Boyle for his beautiful and compassionate Funeral Mass celebrating Jim’s life, to Fr. Paddy Mooney and Fr. Michael Farragher (Carnacon P.P) for concelebrating the Mass and to Canon Michael Goaley for all his Masses throughout Jim’s illness. Thanks to Dr. Kasa and his staff, Williamstown, the Doctors and Nurses in U.C.H.G. especially in St. Teresa’s Ward and Dr. Silvie Blazkova, to Helen and the Palliative Care Team and the staff of The High Cross, Pharmacy, Tuam, who took such wonderful care of Jim. Thank you to Paul and Susan Gaynor of Gaynor’s Funeral Director’s and Guardian Grave Care, Castlerea, for their kindness, professionalism and guidance shown to Jim and our family in his final days, to the gravediggers Mick and Sean Giblin and Martin Keaveney who prepared Jim’s final resting place with such care and attention. Thank you to Sarah Finnegan for her beautiful music and singing in the Church, and to Flynn’s Catering, Trien, for the wonderful food and refreshments. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our gratitude and sincere appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions. Jim’s Month’s Mind Mass will be held at 7pm on Saturday, 30th April in St. Patrick’s Church, Glenamaddy. May Jim’s kind and gentle soul Rest In Peace.

Loved and remembered always. Anniversary Mass on Friday, 29th April at 7.30pm in Dysart Church.

MURPHY Bredge (nee Byrne)

Plunkett Park, Ballygar, Co. Galway 29th January 1952 - 31st of March 2022

Her husband Martin, son Adrian and extended family would like to lovingly remember her and kindly acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness shown to us since our beloved Bredge’s sudden passing. We will be forever grateful to extended family, relatives, neighbours and many friends who called with food, refreshments and supported us in so many ways. We were very touched by the outpouring of support shown to us. Our deepest appreciation to all those who assisted with such kindness and sensitivity following Bredge’s passing. A sincere thanks to Fr. Breslin for celebrating the Funeral Mass which was greatly enhanced with such comforting and meaningful music by Bernie Moran. A heartfelt thank you to all the staff in Portiuncula Hospital and Dr. Martin Daly and his team who cared for Bredge throughout the years. Also a sincere thank you to David Moran Undertakers for his professionalism, guidance and support during those first of many difficult days. Also his sensitive handling of arrangements and the grave diggers for preparing Bredge’s final resting place so beautifully. As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our deepest appreciation and gratitude. Bredge’s Month’s Mind Mass will be offered in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar on Saturday, 30th of April at 12 noon. “May her gentle soul Rest In Peace”

LOUGH Michael (Mickey) Clooncundra, Ballymurry, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 1st May, 2019 (3rd Anniversary)

SMYTH Gary Vesnoy, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. (1st Anniversary) - 3rd May 2022

A silent thought, a quiet prayer for a special person in God’s care.

FAMILY NOTICES Swiftly and quietly the years pass by, 25 years gone in the blink of an eye, The pain of loss that has eased with time, replaced by precious memories left behind.

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

Remembered with love by Kathleen and family.

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

Sadly missed by your Mam Terry, sisters Annette and Lisa, brother Dougie and nephew Dillon, Sam, friends and extended family.

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Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

Sports PEOPLE

Battle lines drawn in club championships! < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon and Connacht club champions Pádraig Pearses will face old rivals St. Brigid’s, Strokestown and Tulsk in Group C of the Hodson Bay Hotel Roscommon Senior Football Championship later in the year after the draw was

made at The Percy French Hotel in Strokestown on Monday evening. Last year’s beaten finalists Clann na nGael will play in Group B alongside Boyle, Western Gaels and last year’s Intermediate champions St. Faithleach’s, while Roscommon Gaels, with new manager

Frankie Dolan at the helm, will face Elphin, Michael Glavey’s and neighbours Oran in Group A. In the Mulryan Construction Intermediate Football Championship, beaten finalists for the past two years St. Dominic’s will have to play Shannon Gaels, St. Brigid’s and St. Aid-

an’s in Group B. Group A looks very competitive with relegated St. Croan’s, neighbours Creggs and Fuerty, and Kilmore. In Group C, Clann na nGael, Kilbride, Castlerea St. Kevin’s and Éire Óg will fight it out. In the King and Moffatt Junior Football Championship, last year’s beaten finalists Pádraig

Pearses are in Group B with Kilglass Gaels and the neighbours St. Joseph’s and Roscommon Gaels. Ballinameen will face Boyle, Strokestown and St. Michael’s in Group A, while in Group C, it will be St. Dominic’s, St. Ronan’s, Western Gaels, and St. Barry’s. The top two teams in each

group will play in the quarterfinals while the third team in each group will play off for the two remaining last eight places. The bottom team in each group will play off to avoid relegation. *The full draw can be seen on the Roscommon GAA website (roscommongaa.ie).

Minors looking to bounce back

Electric Ireland Connacht MFC (Round Two): Roscommon v Mayo on Friday at Dr. Hyde Park at 7 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

Thou shalt not pass: Gary Reynolds flies off his line to thwart Chris Dunne’s acrobatic effort during the Roscommon & District Football League Division Two match between Ballaghaderreen FC B and Cam Celtic at the Community Park in Ballaghaderreen last weekend. Cam Celtic secured a 1-0 win. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon’s minor footballers will have a chance to put last Friday night’s defeat against Galway out of their minds when they face Mayo at Dr. Hyde Park on Friday night. Manager James Duignan says his players want to bounce back following their 3-19 to 1-12 defeat to Galway in the opening round. “Galway were very strong and were better than I had thought beforehand, but having said that, our lads didn’t perform on the night. We have a lot of work done and we played well in challenge games against the likes of Armagh, Down, Longford and Tipperary…we just didn’t play as well as we had hoped,” he told People Sport this week. “We are looking forward to the challenge of playing Mayo in Hyde Park. They had a big win last week against Leitrim but Leitrim had to play most of the game with only 14 men and some of the game with only 13 men. Our lads are really looking forward to it. We know we can play better than last week and the players will relish the challenge,” James said. The Roscommon manager says his side will have a clean bill of health for Friday’s encounter, and a win would give Roscommon a real boost ahead of the final two games against Sligo and Leitrim.

Ladies receive boost ahead of Clare visit < SEAMUS DUKE

Six Roscommon players were named on the Lidl Ladies Division Three team of the year in what was a huge boost for the group ahead of the All-Ireland series which begins in two weeks’ time. Helena Cummins, Sinead Kenny, Niamh Feeney, Laura Fleming, Jen-

ny Higgins, and Aisling Hanly were the six players chosen. Meanwhile, Roscommon defeated Sligo by 4-17 to 3-3 in the Connacht championship at Dr. Hyde Park last Sunday, recovering from their opening day defeat to Leitrim. Clare are also in the Connacht championship this year and Ollie Lennon’s charges will meet the

Banner girls this Saturday in Woodmount. The Roscommon manager is hopeful for a win over Clare which will qualify the Rossies for yet another final following their league success earlier in the year. “We were happy with our display on Sunday after what happened against Leitrim the previous week. To score

4-17 was very satisfying and we are looking forward to the match against Clare now,” he said. “Clare are a very good side. They were relegated from Division Two but they have some very good players so it should be a good match. The Connacht championship is good preparation for the All-Ireland series when it starts so we would like to get

into the final,” he concluded. Groups for the All-Ireland series are chosen on the basis of how each team does in the provincial championships so there is an incentive for Roscommon to do well. Ollie Lennon says that there are no injuries in the squad ahead of the meeting with Clare so a home a win is a reasonable expectation this Saturday.

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

SportsPeople

Horses for Courses This weekend’s action

Punchestown Festival continues this week with the centre of today’s card the Grade 1 Champion Stayers Hurdle backed up by Barberstown Castle Novice Chase, also a Grade 1 race. The longest race in Ireland is also on the card, The La Touche Cross Country Chase over 4m 2f. Tomorrow, the centre of the card is the Grade 1 Champion Hurdle, the Grade 1 Champion Novice Hurdle, a Grade A Novice Handicap Chase, and a Grade 2 Glencarraig Lady Francis Flood Mares Chase, racing begins both days at 3.40 pm. There are two Grade 1 races on Saturday, the Champion 4-Y-O Hurdle, and the EBF Mares Champion Hurdle with two Grade B handicaps, the Pat Taaffe Chase and the Punchestown Hurdle, off at 2.35 pm. Racing returns to the west on Sunday with a flat card at the Cleveragh in Sligo at 2.15 pm. The Curragh, on the flat, and over the sticks at Down Royal race on Bank Holiday Monday. On Friday, ITV racing features seven races on the flat, four from Newmarket including the Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes and three from Goodwood. On Saturday, they are covering four races from Newmarket including the 2000 Guineas with 1 each, on the flat, from Thirsk and Goodwood. They are covering six more races on Sunday with four from Newmarket including the 1000 Guineas and one each from Hamilton and Sailsbury. Meanwhile in Ireland, RTÉ 2 is covering the racing from Punchestown each day starting at 4 pm and on Saturday on RTÉ 1 starting at 2.30 pm.

Racing News

The Tony Mullins’ trained mare, Princess Zoe, won a great finish to the Group 3 Longines Sagaro Stakes at Ascot yesterday under a fine ride Joey Sheridan. She showed her toughness in the closing stages as she was challenged by Hughie Morrison’s Quickthorn and Ian Williams’ Enemy. Enemy and Princess Zoe came close together and a stewards’ inquiry was called, but the popular Irish grey kept the race. There was only a head

by Tom Red

to Quickthorn, second, and a head to Enemy, third. The Sandown meeting on Saturday brought the British national hunt season to a close and the leading trainer is Paul Nicholls who ended the season with a five timer on the course. It is his 13th title, and the only English winner. The leading jockey is Brian Hughes who hails from the North of Ireland and rode over 200 winners to regain the crown. Kevin Brogan, from Kill in Co. Kildare, is the champion conditional jockey after a breakthrough season saw him partner 47 winners. JP McManus is leading owner for the 15th time.

Punchestown Review A great start to the festival for Gordon Elliott who trained the first three winners. Davy Russell rode Party Central to win the opening Mares Novice Hurdle from Instit and Bride’s Hill by 1¼l and 2¼l. The first Grade 1 went to Mighty Potter at 20/1 ridden by Jack Kennedy who beat Gatsby Grey and odds on fav Sir Gerhard, the distances were 4l and 6½l. The Grade B Handicap Hurdle also went to Elliott and Kennedy as Felix Desjy caught and passed the Closutton pair Farout and Tax For Max to win by 3/4 l and a head. In the Champion Chase, punters hit the mark as Energumene put WP Mullins and Paul Townend on the board at 4/7 beating stablemate Chacun Pour Soi by 8 ½ l with Henry de Bromhhead’s Envoi Allen 6l away in third. In the Land Rover Bumper, Declan Laverey and Absolute Notions made it four for Elliott, taking it up in the final furlong to win impressively by 6½l and 5½l from Miss Agusta and Nucky Johnson. Willie Mullins showed he has not gone away as Capodanno won the Grade 1 Champion Novice Chase in the hands of Mark Walsh for JP McManus with Jessica Harrington’s Lifetime Ambition 6½l back in second and Elliott’s Fury Road another 9l back in third. The Ladies Cup Hunter Chase was won by Ritchie O’Keeffe’s Vital Island, who held off the challenge of WP Mullins’ trained favourite Good

Crosshill, red cap, gets up under Robbie Power’s strong drive.

Bye Sam by ½l with Jim Dreaper’s Tech Talk 1¾l back in third, ridden by Benny Walsh. In the bumper, son Patrick made it three for Willie Mullins on Lisnagar Fortune, the joint-favourite, beating stablemate Vadsa Queen 4l and Elliott’s Firm Footings the other jointfavourite 4½l. Yesterday’s racing opened with the final of the Adare Manor Opportunity Series and the sponsor, JP McManus’s Guiri, last year’s winner, failed to catch Mike O’Connor on Henry de Bromhead’s Life In The Park. The Connolly’s Red Mills Auction series final was won by Peter Fahey’s Ambitious Fellow at 40/1 ridden by Sam Ewing who bets Rebel Ivy and Road to Fame by a head and 9l. He trained 14/1 shot Surprise Packet to win 12 months ago. The Louis Fitzgerald Hotel Conditions Hurdle was won by Jessica Harrington’s Crosshill with Robbie Power aboard from Classic Getaway and English raider Fils D’oudaries. The winning distances were a neck and a head. The first of the Grade 1 races, the Irish Mirror Novice Hurdle went to The Nice Guy, another winner for WP Mullins and jockey Paul Townend who beat his stable mate Minella Crooner with Danny Mullins in the saddle. Meet And Greet was third. The Punchestown Gold Cup proved that fortune favours the brave as Mullins’ Allaho, the favourite, proved that 3m was no problem to him by leading pillar to post to beat last year’s winner raider Clan Des Obeaux and Al Boum Photo with Kemboy fourth.

Punchestown Preview

Mighty Potter and Jack Kennedy jump the last.

Today (Thursday) starts with a 25-runner handicap hurdle and Harry Fry’s English raider Gin Coco, a Fontwell maiden hurdle winner, is an interesting runner. Following on is a wide-open handicap chase with 13 runners and at 3/1 the field best left alone. The longest race in the islands is the La Touche over the banks course and while there are 17

runners two ran on Tuesday. Enda Bolger supplies the favourite Shady Operator and will take beating but for e/w backers Harrington’s Neverrushacon makes appeal. My heart will be with Peter Maher’s Ballyboker Bridge but age is against him. In the first of the three Grade 1 races, the Champion Stayers Hurdle, eight go to post. Closutton’s Klassical Dream with Townend in the plate will probably start favourite but note Daryl Jacob has been booked for stablemate Concertista and the e/w punters could get value. The main danger is the raider Paisley Park. There are 25 runners and three reserves in the Grade B 3m Handicap Hurdle and again it is wide open but Elliott has booked 7lb claiming leading amateur Rob James to ride Sassy Yet Classy if you must have a bet. Only seven runners in the Grade 1 the Barberstown Castle Novice Chase where Gentleman De Mee looks to complete a four-timer and on his Cheltenham win he should oblige. His main challenger looks to be Gavin Cromwell’s Gabynako There are 12 declared for the Mares Handicap Chase, the penultimate race, with 4/1 the field, even with the small field it’s time to use the pin method. In the bumper, Mullins’ James’s Gate, owned by Sean Mulryan, has done no wrong in two runs, both on heavy, and if he goes on the better ground should win.

Dove has twice finished runner-up to Elimay giving her weight. In what is a close call, preference is given to Elimay who may prefer the ground. There are only six declared for the Champion Hurdle ant it would take a brave man to oppose Henry de Bromhead’s unbeaten Honeysuckle, 16 runs, and, at 1/5, she will not be beaten here and give de Bromhead and Blackmore an English/Irish double again. The six-runner Champion Novice Hurdle, three trained in Closutton, should go to State Man the choice of Paul Townend with the danger coming from Elliott and Russell on Three Stripe Life. Again, only six contest the hunter chase and there should be a ding-dong battle between Mullins’ Cheltenham winner Billaway and Christie’s Vaucelet, who won the Champion Novice Hunter Chase in Stratford last season. There are nine declared for the International Novice Hurdle with four from Closutton but Watch House Cross for de Bromhead with Rachel Blackmore in the saddle could upset Mullins’ plans. With two reserves, the bumper will probably have a full complement of 25 runners and Mullins and son will probably provide the favourite in the twice second Don Chalant. Martin Brassil again uses Derek O’Connor on Sean Mulryan’s Golden Wonder’s, second in Leopardstown, and is the choice.

Friday

There is a two-day meeting scheduled at Largy on Friday with an entry of 93 horses starting at 4 pm and again on Saturday with a 2 pm start and 109 entries. There are two meetings on Sunday at Dromahane in Co. Cork with 142 horses and at Stowlin in Eyrecourt near Ballinasloe with 132 entered. There is a meeting on Monday, with 157 entered at Dawstown near Blarney in Co. Cork. All three meetings scheduled for a 2 pm start.

There are 15 in the Grade A Handicap Chase where Mullins provides French Dynamite and Blue Sari. Townend rides French Dynamite, but Mark Walsh rides JP McManus owned Blue Sari. Blue Sari has the experience to prevail. The Glencarraig Lady Francis Flood Grade 2 Mares Chase throws Elimay and Scarlet and Dove together on level weights. Scarlet And

Point-to-Point Corner

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

SportsPeople Creggs RFC Report

THE GAIN LINE

Creggs and Buccs’ must do it all again

Buccaneers RFC 15 Creggs RFC 15 (Connacht U-18.5 Plate Final): Creggs and Buccaneers played out a pulsating draw in Athlone on Sunday last and now must do it all again on Bank Holiday Monday to decide the winner of the Connacht Plate for 2022. With the wind at their backs, Creggs flew out of the blocks last Sunday and ran up a 15-point lead with tries from Darren Gately and Lee Kilcoyne and a penalty and conversion from DJ Hession. Just before half-time, however, a fortuitous bounce allowed Buccaneers in for their first draw to

reduce arrears to ten points at the interval. Buccs were a different side in the second half and their bigger pack dominated the early exchanges, forcing Creggs to concede a series of penalties. Buccaneers were in for their second try after just eight minutes, which they converted to cut Creggs’ advantage to just three points (15-12). The visitors were on the back foot at this stage and only a superb defensive display kept the Athlone side at bay. The Buccaneers pressure told in the end, however and with just nine minutes remaining, Creggs

conceded a penalty for offside which slotted over. It was beginning to look ominous for Creggs at this stage but Buccs missed another late penalty and the visitors held on.

U-14s win Connacht Plate! Creggs RFC 36 Loughrea RFC 19 (Connacht U-14 Plate Final): Kaylum Curran opened the scoring with a converted try for Creggs at Dubarry Park last Sunday to give them the best possible start against Loughrea. Creggs were in top form in the first half and Cian Trimble cross

for their second try to make it 120. Loughrea responded swiftly to this setback and reduced arrears to just five points with a converted try of their own. Creggs’ player count was also reduced shortly after due to a high tackle. Despite this setback, the Maroon and White took control once more with a converted try from Cian Kiernan, which extended their lead to 19-7 before halftime. Loughrea refused to lie down in the second half and very quickly narrowed the gap to five points with a well worked converted try. Game on! Creggs were always that bit

stronger and played impressive rugby to once again pull away with tries from Curran, Dan Kelly and Trimble. Loughrea got in for a late consolation try but the Creggs lads finished strongly to clinch the Connacht Plate.

Youth Rugby This May Bank Holiday Monday will see the conclusion of the Youth Rugby calendar with the U-18.5s taking on Buccaneers in the replay of the Connacht Plate Final in Creggs at 3 pm. All support would be greatly appreciated for this one!

Inter-Pro stars!

Handball

All-Ireland defeat for Rossies Roscommon’s Siobhan Treacy and Laura Mannion were soundly beaten in their bid to win the 40x20 Ladies Junior ‘B’ doubles All-Ireland title last Sunday. They squared off with Laois sisters Una and Aoife Brophy in Kingscourt, Co. Cavan as part of the All-Ireland doubles weekend. Siobhan and Una were quite familiar with each other, as they met in a thrilling Covid-delayed U-17 All-Ireland final won by Siobhan only last December. The result this time round was different however, as the powerful Brophys took charge from the off and their well coordinated teamwork meant the result was never in doubt. Although the Roscommon pair tried hard they were beaten 21-7, 21-9.

Soccer results

Congratulations to Creggs RFC players (left to right) Brian Donohue, Shane Purcell, Mark Purcell, Aidan Leech, Brian Diffley (Captain) and Aodha Hession, and Eoghan Coyle (missing from photograph), who played their part in Connacht’s 19-17 win over Munster in the Inter-Pros in Killarney last Saturday. Brian Diffley led from the front, Aidan Leech and Aodha Hession scored crucial tries and Shane Purcell kicked two conversions.

Soccer

Ballinasloe Town through to Connacht final! Roscommon & District Premier Division side Ballinasloe Town pulled off a great win away to a fancied Castlebar Celtic side and are now through to the Connacht Cup final. The hosts were the better side in the first half and well worth their 1-0 halftime lead courtesy of Jordan Loftus. The visitors, however, made a couple of changes at the break and were much improved on the resumption. Goalkeeper Aidan Fallon was relatively

untroubled in the second half while Jordan Carr tormented the Castlebar defence. Carr’s goal ten minutes into the second half brought Ballinasloe level and that’s the way it remained until the final whistle. In the first period of extra-time, Carr struck again and Ballinasloe held out comfortably for a deserved victory. The RDFL side will now face Salthill Devon or Athenry in the final.

Online Amateur Licence Course The FAI and Roscommon County Council will deliver an FAI Adult Amateur Licence Course online on Saturday, May 7th from 10 am until 5 pm. This course is for coaches working with adult teams. The cost of the course is €45 and a link with more information and booking is available through the event calendar at www.fainet.ie.

Women’s Social Soccer in Kilbride

Social Soccer for women will commence at Kilbride Community Centre, Fourmilehouse this evening (Thursday, April 28th) at 7 pm and run for six weeks. The event is being run by Roscommon Leader Partnership and the FAI and a female coach will be present for all sessions. The cost is €20 for six weeks and this is just for fun and a chance to get out and get active.

C’mon The Town In association with the

Both the U-18s and U-16s boys’ sides lost out to Skyvalley last weekend. The U-18s were beaten 1-0 while the U-16s lost out 2-1 with Tommy Naughton grabbing the goal. The U-16 girls’ team lost away to Kilkerrin while there was mixed fortunes for the three U-14 teams. Town I won 4-1 away to Ballymoe with Cian Kiernan scoring a hattrick. Town II grabbed a point at home to Glen Celtic. Scott Duda’s free-kick earning a sharing of the spoils. Town III lost away to St. Cuan’s with Phellipe Carvalho on target.

At U-12 level, Town suffered a heavy defeat away to Ballaghaderreen while Town II beat CP Ajax in Lisnamult. The U-12 girls’ team was beaten at home to Dysart while the U-9 girls’ team enjoyed their run out at St. John’s Athletic. The boys’ U-9s and U-11s had a free weekend while the U-7s commence soon.

Up for a Cuppa... This season, supporters (home and away) have the opportunity to avail of refreshments in the clubhouse during games. Thanks again to our club members who volunteer to provide

this hospitality on match day.

Skill Zone - Passing You need three things for a good pass (TAP): Time - You have to pass the ball at the right time. Accuracy - Is the ball on target to go to your teammate? Pace Did you pass the ball hard enough to reach your teammate?

Wise Words... Every game may not be good but there is something good in every game.

Fixtures Friday, April 29th Norio’s Premier Division (8 pm) Castlerea Celtic v Ballinasloe Town Kilkerrin United v Cloonfad United RDFL Division One CP Ajax v Ballinagare Manor United. 7 pm Shiven Rovers v Roscommon United. 8 pm

Sunday, May 1st

(Roscommon Town Youth Soccer)

On the Field...

Connacht Cup Semi-Final Castlebar Celtic 1 Ballinasloe Town 2 AET Joe’s Bar Challenge Cup Quarter-Finals Shiven Rovers 1 St. John’s Athletic 1 AET (Shiven Rovers won 3-1 on penalties) Kilkerrin United 0 Boyle Celtic 4 David Kelly Shield Quarter-Finals Dunmore Town 2 Rahara Rovers 0 RDFL Division One Ballinasloe Town B v Ballinagare Manor United, postponed. CP Ajax 4 Roscommon United 3 RDFL Division Two Ballaghaderreen FC B 0 Cam Celtic 1

Player Profile... Name: Tommy Naughton Team: U-16 and U-18 Position: Striker Skill strength: Dribbling Skill weakness: Defending Favourite team: Man United Favourite player: Jadon Sancho Favourite Irish player: Callum Robinson Best stadium in the world: Bernabeu Messi or Ronaldo or Neither: Messi PlayStation or XBox or Neither: PlayStation Favourite film: Infinity War Favourite song: Erase your Social - Lil Uzi Vert Favourite book: The Barcelona Legacy What makes me happy: Playing sport Person you admire the most: Jamie Vardy Hopes for this season: To win the league!

Norio’s Premier Division St. John’s Athletic v Moore United. 11 am RDFL Division One (11 am) Ballinasloe Town B v Dysart FC Dunmore Town v Skyvalley Rovers RDFL Division Two Cam Celtic v Cloonfad United B. 2 pm

Monday, May 2nd Norio’s Premier Divison (2 pm) Ballinasloe Town v Boyle Celtic Kilkerrin United v Moylough ‘79 RDFL Division One Ballinagare Manor United v Glen Celtic. 11 am RDFL Division Two Roscommon United B v Rahara Rovers. 2 pm

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

SportsPeople

Hurlers still on track after Donegal draw < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon’s senior hurlers will face a crunch tie against Tyrone at Dr. Hyde Park on Saturday week where a win will ensure a Nicky Rackard Cup final appearance for Francis O’Halloran’s charges. That’s following a very credible 3-16 to 1-22 draw with Donegal in Letterkenny on

Sunday last, a result which maintains Roscommon’s unbeaten record in the competition so far with two wins and a draw. Roscommon Hurling Board PRO Padraic Mulry says Roscommon kept their composure to come away with a result last time out. “It was a very good draw in the end; we had a very bad start to the match and did

not play well in that first half…but the second half was excellent and the three goals were vital,” he said. “It was a great result considering Conor Coyle got a fairly harsh red card as after just 48 minutes. It would be great for the team and for the county to get to Croke Park. “With the U-20s going well too, things are

positive in Roscommon hurling at the moment and that’s great to see,” he concluded. The next test for this impressive Roscommon team is a showdown with table-toppers Tyrone on Saturday, May 7th before they complete their programme away to Fermanagh. Expectations are high for Francis O’Halloran’s men as they enter the business end of the Nicky Rackard Cup.

Rossies support ‘Addiction 2 Recovery’ fundraiser Amanda Fahy, partner of Roscommon goalkeeper Enda Lawless, works as an addiction counsellor at the Cuan Mhuire Addiction Centre in Coolarne, Co. Galway.

The centre is holding a 120km fundraising walk, ‘Addiction 2 Recovery’, from Roscommon Racecourse to Cuan Mhuire in Coolarne, Athenry from Thursday, May 5th to Sunday, May 8th.

The fundraiser has received the support of Roscommon senior hurlers and management and all donations would be greatly appreciated at www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/addiction2recovery.

GAA Results

Sidero AFL Division Four (Section A) Fuerty 3-6 Western Gaels 1-12 St. Faithleach’s 4-6 Boyle 2-10 Elphin 3-12 Tulsk Lord Edwards 2-9 Sidero AFL Division Four (Section B) Oran 2-16 St. Joseph’s 0-7 Kilmore 1-9 St. Croan’s 1-2 Cora Systems AFL Division Five (Section A) Pádraig Pearses 2-17 St. Aidan’s 3-7 Shannon Gaels 3-13 Ballinameen 0-7 St. Dominic’s 2-12 Oran 1-13 Cora Systems AFL Division Five (Section B) Strokestown 1-12 Kilglass Gaels 0-9 St. Michael’s W/O Fuerty Michael Glavey’s 1-13 Clann na nGael 1-10 Cora Systems AFL Division Five (Section C) St. Brigid’s 8-17 St. Barry’s 1-7 Kilbride W/O Creggs Roscommon Gaels 1-16 Éire Óg 1-6

GAA Fixtures

The Roscommon senior hurling team is supporting Cuan Mhuire’s Addiction 2 Recovery fundraiser which takes place next week.

Peter Kellehan and Padraig Kelly pictured with Cuan Mhuire’s Amanda Fahy at Dr. Hyde Park recently.

s t t u p t r Sho Athlone

This May Bank Holiday weekend sees another Open Singles competition from Saturday (April 30th) to Monday (May 2nd). Entry fee is €25 and this is open to all golfers with a WHS handicap. The Barton Shield team enjoyed a three-hole win over Athenry recently. Captain Thomas O’Connor and Barry Ruane recorded a six-hole win at home while James Joyce and Paul Costello went down by three away. Well done all. Anne Evans was the winner of the Women’s weekly competition with 39 points while Clare Campion won the 9-hole competition with 21. Marion O’Shea’s score of 29 points earned her first place in the 97 Club. Meanwhile, Mark Rowe topped the leaderboard in the recent men’s competition with a terrific score of 44 points. Thomas O’Connor took gross with 38 points. Other results: Cat A: Dermot O’Connor (35); Cat B: Padraig O’Boyle (42); Cat C: Stephen Cloonan (41); Cat D: Dan Clarke (40). The winners of the Easter Monday Scramble were Mark Lennon, Declan Dowling, Joe Naughton and Kenny Noonan with 57 while Gerry Brennan won the Wednesday Open with 39 points.

Boyle Adam Daly was the winner of the 18-hole Stableford in Boyle on April 10th with Dessie Murphy second and Charlie O’Donnell third. Adrian King won the gross prize. Mark Feehan, Lochlainn Conboy, Liam Whyte and Vincent Egan won the club fundraiser competition over the Easter weekend. The team of Adrian King, Pat Conroy, Paddy McLoughlin and Gerry Nerney finished in second place. The Men’s Thursday competition was won by Michael McHale with Paddy McLoughlan second, and Pat Brogan third. All three golfers had 21 points and were separated on count back. The 2s club was split three ways between Cillian Doyle, Paul Brown and Lochlainn Conboy. It certainly was a week to remember for Michael McHale who won the Men’s Thursday competition before going on the secure top spot in the Voucher to claim the most valuable prize of the season, a year’s free membership. Tom Kearney was runner-up in the Voucher and Ross Andrew won both the gross prize and third place. All three golfers finished on 63 nett. Commiserations to the Men

(News from local golf clubs)

who lost out in the Castlerea’s first inter-club match of the year against a strong Ballaghaderreen side in the Connacht 9-hole club competition.

Carrick Over 100 Gents took part in the recent Easter Open competition with Brendan Boyle coming out on top with a score of 41 points. Paddy Murray was second, also with 41, while the gross prize was won by Dylan Beirne with 37 points, and Fiachra Neary finished in third place with 39. The Cryan’s Hotel competition was won by Enda McDermott last weekend with 41 points. Hugh Bracken was second (also 41), Sean Bohan took gross (38), and Paul Kelleher finished third (40). Carrick’s National Fourball team fell to a 4-1 defeat to 2021 All-Ireland winners Enniscrone last weekend. Commiserations to captain Fiachra Neary and his team.

Castlerea The winner of last weekend’s competition was S. Naughton with 66 nett. L. Walsh was second with 67, Cat 1: K. Kenny (68), Cat 2: P. Gilmore (68), Cat 3: S. Keegan (74). The previous weekend’s competition was won by M.

Pictured is Michael McHale being congratulated by Boyle Golf Captain Gabriel Lavin on winning the Voucher competition. First prize is free membership for the year.

McGovern with 40 points with Tony Reilly second on 39. Other results: Cat 1: J. Joyce (34); Cat 2: C. McLoughlin Gilmore (35); Cat 3: M. Creaton (36).

Roscommon The Ladies’ 18-hole competition in Roscommon on April 19th was won by Anne Quirke with 33 points. Jacqui McCormack was second with 32.

Meanwhile, Josephine Connaughton won the Ladies’ 9-hole on April 19th with 20 points. The Senior Ladies’ competition was won by M. Farrell. M. O’Gara, M. Lennon and T. Smyth were second, third and fourth respectively. Finally, the recent qualifying round for the President’s Prize to the Men saw Tommy Grehan finishing as leading qualifier with 67.

Friday, April 29th AFL Division Three (Tansey Cup) At Ardcarne Park: St. Michael’s v Pádraig Pearses. 7 pm AFL Division Four (Section A) At Tulsk: Tulsk Lord Edwards v St. Faithleach’s. 7.30 pm At Abbey Park: Boyle v Fuerty. 7.30 pm AFL Division Four (Section B) At Kilronan Park: St. Ronan’s v Oran. 7.45 pm AFL Division Five (Section A) At St. Dominic’s: St. Dominic’s v St Aidan’s. 7.30 pm AFL Division Five (Section B) At Kilglass: Kilglass Gaels v Michael Glavey’s. 7 pm AFL Division Five (Section B) At Athleague: Fuerty v Strokestown. 8.15 pm AFL Division Five (Section C) At Lisnamult: Roscommon Gaels v St. Brigid’s. 7 pm Saturday, April 30th AFL Division Five (Section A) At Woodmount: Pádraig Pearses v Ballinameen. 6 pm Sunday, May 1st AFL Division Four (Section A) At Western Gaels: Western Gaels v Elphin. 12 pm AFL Division Four (Section B) At Enfield: St. Croan’s v St. Joseph’s. 2 pm AFL Division Five (Section A) At Croghan: Shannon Gaels v Oran. 12 pm AFL Division Five (Section C) At Mulhern Park: Creggs v Éire Óg. 1 pm Monday, May 2nd AFL Division Five (Section B) At Johnstown: Clann na nGael v St. Michael’s. 6 pm Junior Hurling Championship (Group A) At Four Roads: Four Roads v Tremane. 6 pm

<< Weekend Rewind

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

Compiled by PAUL HEALY

The

GAA Studio

Weekend Fast-forward

Mayo’s early exit, but back door awaits

Mayo find themselves in the unusual position of being the first of the five Connacht counties to exit the provincial championship, with Leitrim and Sligo having already defeated ‘exiles’ London and New York respectively. It creates a unique situation whereby Galway, Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo can all still aspire to winning the Connacht title, while Mayo are out. However, Mayo are still very much in the AllIreland race, as the ‘back door’ – briefly rested during the pandemic – is back this year. And while Mayo were for the most part unimpressive against Galway on Sunday, they still only lost by a point, and the fighting spirit they displayed in the closing stages should act as a reminder to all that James Horan’s team could yet be as formidable as ever when it comes to the qualifiers. Write them off at your peril – I certainly won’t.

Clerkin on Cathal…

In Saturday’s Irish Times, the experts had their say on the race for Sam. Here’s the long established Malachy Clerkin on our lads: “As ever, they (Roscommon) get roundly ignored in the shadow of the Connacht big two. But they’ve won more provincial titles than Galway since 2010 and have nothing to fear in this year’s decider once they deal with Sligo next day out. Few of the mid-rank teams have as many quality forwards as the Rossies, with Sigerson star Cathal Heneghan a fine addition”.

Experts hot and cold on Rossies…

In Saturday’s Irish Times, none of Sean Moran, Jim McGuinness, Malachy Clerkin or Darragh Ó Sé chose Roscommon as their choice to win Connacht (Mayo: 3 Galway: 1) but Leitrim man Moran and Clerkin both included the Rossies as All-Ireland quarter-finalists.

I work for RTE, but… (Michael’s fair point)

Former Offaly great Michael Duignan – a brilliant speaker when guesting at a Roscommon GAA function in the Abbey Hotel some years ago – got quite a reaction when expressing his frustration on Saturday with the fact that the day’s hurling fare had been unavailable to most TV viewers. Michael’s tweet began with the now RTE pundit asking for people not to accuse him of conflict of interest, and continued thus: “That game (Limerick v Waterford in the hurling) should be free to air. Totally wrong that so many of our volunteers, older members and young players didn’t get to see that because of a paywall. It’s just not right”. As ever with Twitter, the responses were varied. Many people agreed with Michael, while many more availed of the opportunity to criticise RTE’s GAA coverage.

Team of the weekend

Genius and Albert Einstein on Mayo misses… You can’t argue with genius… Mayo incurred the disapproval of Pat Spillane – and, by extension, Albert Einstein – after a score-shy second-half performance against Galway. On the RTE panel with Cora

Staunton for live coverage of the big Connacht SFC semi-final showdown – won by Galway – Spillane didn’t want to hear any talk of perennial challengers Mayo regrouping for the qualifiers. Pat even evoked “Einstein’s

theory of insanity” – Pat’s phrase – and explained that both he and the other great man (Albert) felt that doing the same thing over and over again is insanity. In this instance, Pat was referring to Mayo’s alleged old

Donegal were quite impressive in dispatching Armagh, while Louth and Wicklow both hit five goals (v Carlow and Laois respectively). Wicklow’s win over Laois was unexpected, and Wexford also raised eyebrows, defeating Offaly. However, and with apologies to Wicklow particularly, we’re going to give the coveted ‘Team of the Weekend’ honour to our neighbours, Galway, partly because of the maturity and quality of their actual performance, but also because their win over Mayo was very significant, given that it was Padraic Joyce’s Now for the championship! Young supporters pictured at a recent Roscommon NFL game. Photo: Mick McCormack first victory in the fixture as manager.

failing of not converting enough chances/“making the same mistakes”. They’ll never win an All-Ireland, he rather unkindly concluded. It’s anyone’s guess whether or not Einstein would have agreed.

Opening of Frank Kelly Memorial pitch Ballaghaderreen GAA will host the official opening of the Frank Kelly Memorial training pitch this Sunday (May 1st). President of Connacht GAA, John Murphy, will cut the ribbon at 7.30 pm following an underage exhibition from 6 pm to 7.20 pm. An exhibition featuring past players will take place at 8 pm. Refreshments will be served at the clubhouse and a social will follow in Durkin’s Bar & Restaurant. Everyone is welcome to join for what is hoped will be a very enjoyable evening.

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

Roscommon GAA’s Super Saturday Best of luck to both Roscommon teams from

Lanesboro Street, Roscommon

Tel: 090 662 6898 AFTER HOURS/24 HOUR EMERGENCY

087 2596055 You must call in advance to order repeat prescriptions

Please ring to make an appointment for the small animal clinic.

Young hurlers hoping to pass All-Ireland test All-Ireland U-20 Hurling ‘B’ final: Roscommon v Down at Kingspan Breffni Park on Saturday at 1 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon’s U-20 hurlers can continue a good year for the game in the county when they take on Down in the All-Ireland U-20 ‘B’ final in Cavan this Saturday. Mike Fallon of Four Roads is the Roscommon manager and he and his selectors have presided over a team that have been very impressive in their wins against Mayo (3-26 to 1-8) and Wicklow (2-15 to 1-9) . Speaking to the Roscommon People at a team training session last week, Mike Fallon praised the effort being put in by the players. “The lads have done very well so far.

Against Mayo we asked them to go out and set a standard for themselves and they did that and played very well. Any day that you score 3-20 from play out of 3-26 is a great return…you would have to be very happy with that”. Mike says that there has been great cooperation among the clubs not only at U-20 level but in underage hurling in general. “I’ve been involved with the U-17s over the past couple of years and I know all these players because they came up through the ranks so we know the calibre of hurlers that we are dealing with”. The manager says that it is vital for the future of hurling in the county that these underage players are looked after and developed. “We are looking at winning an All-Ireland, but a by-product of that would be that they are prepared to move on into the senior ranks”.

Best wishes to both Roscommon teams from

The Peppermill RESTAURANT

Golf Links Road, Roscommon.

Tel. 090 6634980 or Sean 087 9074637 • E. sean.peppermill@gmail.com

Some facts and figures!

OPEN 7 DAYS: Monday - Saturday 9am – 5pm & Sunday 12 – 5 pm

– Outdoor catering specialists – Best of luck to both Roscommon teams from

Crean & Co

Accountants & Tax Consultants

Lanesboro Street, Roscommon. Tel. (090) 6626680 Email: info@creanaccountants.ie

Mike says that Down will be very tough opposition on Saturday. “We will certainly not be underestimating Down. They have a great calibre of player and we know that from playing against them at U-17 level”. The manager reports that there are no major injuries in the squad. “We have a few niggles but nothing serious – and let’s hope everyone is in top form on Saturday”. Roscommon have been very impressive in their two matches thus far, with James Dillon, Naoise Coyle and James Mannion excelling in defence. Jack Dowling and Mikey Lohan form a very solid midfield partnership. Up front, Patrick Fallon, Adam Donnelly and Ryan Conlon have all been in terrific scoring form. Down have had a perilous journey in this competition. In round one they pipped Armagh by a point (2-12 to 1-14) and then in the semi-final last Thursday night they ended level with Derry after extra-time (2-21 to 1-24) before winning the ensuing penalty shootout on a 2-1 scoreline. It’s very difficult to read the form of teams in this competition but in the games that have been played so far Roscommon have looked a very strong team and if they can get their attack playing as well as they have done against Mayo and Wicklow they should win what would be a badly-needed All-Ireland title – and provide a great boost for the game in the county. Prediction: Roscommon.

Naoise Coyle (pictured in action for his club, Four Roads) will be a key player for Roscommon U-20s on Saturday. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon U-20s…in All-Ireland B victory quest this weekend.

The Richie McElligott Cup (U-20 and U-21) has been played for since 1998. Roscommon have won the title twice. They first won it in 2007 when they beat Kerry by 0-13 to 0-8. That team was captained by Michael Kelly of Four Roads. Roscommon won the title again in 2012, beating Kildare 3-17 to 3-15 in a thrilling final. On that occasion current Roscommon senior player Peter Kellehan from Tremane was the Roscommon captain. Roscommon have also been defeated in two finals, in 2009 by Kerry, and in 2014 by Kildare. Down have never won this particular title. They were beaten by Kerry in the final in 2019. Kerry in fact lead the roll of honour with ten titles at this grade, followed by Meath on four.

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

Roscommon GAA’s Super Saturday Best wishes to both teams from

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Best of luck to Richard Hughes and both Roscommon teams from all at

Roscommon Gaels GAA Club Best wishes to both teams from

Clancy’s

Roscommon manager Anthony Cunningham. Photo: Mick McCormack

Cautious Cunningham wary of Sligo challenge < SEAMUS DUKE

If one was to sum up the attitude of Anthony Cunningham in the run-up to Saturday’s match in one word, it would be ‘caution’. Roscommon will go into the game as very warm favourites, but despite an excellent league campaign, the Roscommon manager is expecting Sligo to provide a tough examination of his team’s credentials. “The league campaign was great for the confidence of the players and morale in the squad is high after it. It was great that we put in a good display in Croke Park as well, but this is a new competition and we have to be cautious and pay full attention to this game because I’m certain it will be a difficult assignment”. Roscommon have had a good year so far in terms of minimising injuries, for which the manager is grateful. “We have had a good run recently but Richard Hughes is still a doubt. He has a back injury and that (injury) takes a while to clear up. Everyone else is fine”.

The Roscommon manager played down any suggestion that Sligo were unimpressive in New York, commenting that it’s not easy to get a win in Gaelic Park. “New York have given Mayo, Roscommon and Leitrim a lot of trouble out there in recent years. I watched the match between Sligo and New York and was impressed with the way Sligo went about their business. They have some really fine players and the likes of Sean Carabine, Niall Murphy, Pat Hughes and Darragh Cummins would get their place on any team. They have 70 minutes of championship football under their belts and that will be a big benefit to them so we will have to be on top of our game to win”. It’s been a surreal period in Sligo GAA circles, something the Roscommon manager alluded to. Noting that Sligo’s recent Connacht U-20 title win is a big boost to the GAA in the county, Mr. Cunningham reiterated his sympathies to the family of Red Óg Murphy, a rising star of Sligo GAA, whose tragic death occurred recently.

Best wishes to both Roscommon teams from all at

Roscommon have had a very settled team over the past few months and although there probably won’t be too many selection surprises this weekend, Anthony Cunningham has been emphasising the importance of a strong squad for the season ahead. “We have had a settled team but we have got game time into players like Cathal Heneghan, who was coming back from injury. Lads like Ciarain and Diarmuid Murtagh and the Pearses players are back fully fit so we need to have as many options as we can”. As to the fate of his team on Saturday, the Roscommon manager says that if Roscommon can produce a performance in harmony with their recent form, they can emerge victorious. “We know that unless we are at the top of our game, we won’t be winning on Saturday. But if we play to our strengths we would be hopeful that we can be victorious…but I can assure you that this game will be a lot closer than many people think. I just hope we come out the right side of it”.

LAST 5 CHAMPIONSHIP TILTS… 2016: Roscommon 4-16 Sligo 2-13 (Connacht semi-final) 2015: Sligo 1-14 Roscommon 0-13 (Connacht semi-final)

Tel.: 090 6490242

2010: Roscommon 0-14 Sligo 0-13 (Connacht final)

Dublin Road & Monksland, Athlone

2007: Sligo 0-13 Roscommon 2-5 (Connacht semi-final) 2004: Roscommon 2-16 Sligo 1-15 (Connacht quarter-final replay)

Hollytree Pub Abbey Street, Roscommon Town

Best wishes to Colm and Conor and both Roscommon teams from all at

Éire Óg GAA Club

Roscommon People Friday 29 April 2022

Roscommon GAA’s Super Saturday

Hannon’s HOTEL Best wishes to both Roscommon teams from

A heartfelt thank you to everyone as I celebrate my 50th year as a barber in Roscommon town The very best of luck to Anthony and the boys as they head over The Curlews on Saturday evening and also to the U-20s Roscommon Hurlers from

PADDY JOE The Barber Church Street, Roscommon. Tel. 086 811 5363

Cllr. NIGEL

DINEEN INDEPENDENT

Attacking flair can secure final spot for Roscommon Connacht SFC semi-final: Sligo v Roscommon on Saturday in Markievicz Park at 5 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon senior footballers travel to Sligo this Saturday as hot favourites to win a place in the May 29th Connacht Final decider against either Leitrim or Galway. In the long history of Roscommon football the

mantle of being favourites has never rested easily on the shoulders of the primrose and blue, but that’s what they will have to deal with going into this match on Saturday. Most of the form guides and any assessment of statistics will point to the likelihood of a Roscommon win. Unbeaten in the league, and with an impressive Division Two final win against Galway in Croke Park behind them, Anthony Cunningham’s men have been going very well and have played some tremendous football so far in 2022. Sligo, under Tony McEntee, have improved this

BALLINTOBER, CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON Phone: 086 2130723 Email: nigel.dineen@hotmail.com Best wishes to both teams from Brian, Aoife and all at

CAR SALES & SERVICE Email: Sales@centrepointautos.ie Website: www.centrepointautos.ie

Best wishes to both Roscommon teams from

ROSCOMMON TYRE CENTRE Props: Aaron & Colin Mullally

Circular Road, Roscommon

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One of Roscommon’s key men, Niall Daly…the accomplished Pearses man is likely to be marking Niall Murphy. Daly is the epitome of concentration in this photograph from the recent Allianz National Football League Division Two final between Roscommon and Galway at Croke Park. Pic: Ray McManus (Sportsfile)

year, although they failed to gain promotion from Division Four, missing out by a point after winning five games and losing two. Sligo do have the advantage of having a championship game under their belts as they were given a very tough test by New York two weeks ago before emerging victorious by four points (116 to 0-15). Roscommon will have to concentrate their minds on this game – and this game only – and not let their focus wander to possible final dates in Salthill or anywhere else. But the reality is that if Roscommon apply themselves correctly they should win this semi-final with a bit to spare. There are very few injuries in the Roscommon squad (except in the case of Richard Hughes) and the return of the Murtagh brothers and the Pearses players to full fitness has given the squad a further boost over the past while. The fact that Roscommon have had a settled midfield this year with Ultan Harney and Eddie Nolan doing well in that sector has also improved the team. It is up front where Roscommon have really been shining this year. The Roscommon attacking stats compare favourably with those of any team in the country, with very few wides being kicked and Cunningham’s forward division arguably one of the best around. Sligo’s dramatic win against Mayo in the U-20 Connacht final last week has given the county a boost, although a dark cloud remains following the tragic passing of the very talented young player, Red Óg Murphy. Roscommon have been playing at a much higher level than Sligo and have answered almost every question posed to them so far in 2022. Championship football is more intense and less forgiving than the league, but Roscommon have been improving as the year has gone on and the decision to adopt a more attacking style of play has been paying dividends. Preparations for the championship have gone well and the word from recent challenge games has been very positive. I’d expect Sligo to give Roscommon plenty to think about. This could be a much closer game that many are expecting. But in the end, the likes of Enda and Donie Smith, Cathal Heneghan, Conor Cox and Diarmuid and Ciarain Murtagh will make the difference. Roscommon to win by four or five points. Prediction: Roscommon.

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Seamus Duke’s 3 to watch (Sligo)

Seamus Duke’s 3 to watch (Roscommon) Enda Smith The multi-talented Boyle man has been playing his best football in 2022 and has led the Roscommon attack brilliantly. His clash with Darragh Cummins will be crucial to the outcome. Power and pace are the hallmarks of his game. Niall Daly In Niall Murphy, the accomplished Pearses man will have a very tough opponent on Saturday, but Daly has plenty of experience in dealing with good players throughout the years and will be relishing this weekend’s challenge. Diarmuid Murtagh The big question is – will Diarmuid start against Sligo? He has shown in recent games that he is back to his best and that match-winning goal against Galway in the league final will certainly be a candidate for ‘Goal of the Year’. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, he’s a class act. •

Ciaráin Murtagh (pictured during the Allianz National Football League Division Two final between Roscommon and Galway at Croke Park) will be a key attacker for Roscommon on Saturday. Pic: Ray McManus (Sportsfile)

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Niall Murphy The Coolera/Strandhill man has had his problems with injury and was also travelling abroad in recent times. He is one Sligo player who would challenge for a place on any team in the country. Strong, quick and with a great eye for a score, whether he is selected at centre half-forward or fullforward, Roscommon will have to give him full attention. Sean Carabine The Castleconnor man has progressed quietly on the Sligo team in recent years and is now a very competent midfielder who loves to attack. He was one of their key players against New York, scoring 1-3 in the fourpoint win. Darragh Cummins The captain of the Sligo U-21 team from 2017 has settled well into his new role at centre half-back. He showed great leadership during this year’s league and especially against New York in the recent championship encounter .

MOLLOY’S

Phone: 087 0664568 Email: emerk1999@gmail.com Facebook/Instagram/Twitter: Cllr Emer Kelly

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