29 March 2024 Roscommon People

Local politicians have pleaded with the Government to act to address the ever-worsening crisis at Lough Funshinagh, where several days’ constant rain has further endangered local livelihoods.

Independent councillor Laurence Fallon has called on the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and leader of the Green Party to all visit the area as he says the ongoing emergency situation has now reached crisis point.

Cllr Fallon said: “There are homes at high risk of flooding, farmyards and land destroyed, and the rain is continuing to pour and the water levels continuing to rise.

“Water levels are now 200ml higher than in 2021 with no sign of the

rains to stop. The community around the Lough is living in fear with elderly home-owners fearing for their houses if levels continue to rise or if pumps fail”.

Sinn Féin TD Claire

Kerrane said: “The crisis at Lough Funshinagh has been allowed to drag on and on while families, farmers and an entire community are left in a disaster zone”. See page 14.

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Personal Injury

I was involved in a road traffic accident few weeks ago and I sustained some injuries to my neck and back. My sister was driving and the accident was entirely her fault. Please advise me of my rights. Does the fact that the accident was my sister’s fault matter?

Claims involving personal injuries can be a lengthy but not necessarily complicated procedure. A good Solicitor will guide you through the process and help you secure the maximum award you can achieve.

Your solicitor will require details of all of your injuries and symptoms (physical, psychological or emotional). Medical reports from your GP, medical consultants etc. will form an essential component in determining the extent and implications of your injuries.

All out of pocket expenses must be calculated including loss of earnings if you were out of work as a result of your injuries, medical expenses, travelling expenses etc.

It is not enough to show that you were involved in an accident or to have suffered injury in order to obtain compensation. You must demonstrate that the other party was to blame for the accident and the injuries that you have suffered.

Under the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003, anyone seeking compensation for a personal injury must make an application to a body called The Injuries Board before legal proceedings may be issued. However, the alleged negligent party must agree to have the matter assessed before the Injuries Board

The Injuries Board does not determine liability (who is at fault) and will not make any finding regarding fault or negligence. Its role is limited to valuing claims and making awards. If the award is rejected by either party then the injured party may issue legal proceedings. Your case will then proceed in the normal way. It may go to a full hearing before a Court or it may settle prior to this stage.

The fact that the accident was your sister’s fault does not prevent you from claiming against her insurance company. The same would apply to other passengers in the car.

With PAUL HEALY

Wow! What a week in politics! Leo gone! Josepha gone! But I see Nina’s running now!

Huh?

Nina Carberry, she’s running in the race… Nah, she’s a jockey, you might be mixing her up with…

I don’t mean RUNNING as an athlete! I KNOW she’s a jockey! She’s running in the European Elections! For Fine Gael!

Okay…

She was endorsed by Simon at a convention in Athlone on Sunday. Nina’s in! I heard it from the horse’s mouth!

Oh, right!

A celebrity candidate!

The parties should run more celebrity candidates…

Yeah, they could take inspiration from the selection of Nina. They could start with her world!

Huh?

We need more people who can take the reins and overcome any hurdles; people who don’t mind mucking in; people who are flexible, strong, have a winning mentality, will use the whip where necessary… That reminds me! I had a missed call from Michael Healy-Rae!

(They pause to lament Roscommon’s relegation from Division One)

Tell me more!

Huh?

Your missed call from Michael Healy-Rae, what was that about?

Well, I don’t know, do I? I MISSED IT! You tell me about Nina, you mentioned hearing it

Endangered Species

Thebarstoolboyos

from the horse’s mouth…

Well, I was in Athlone on Sunday.

Okay…

We had vouchers for that cruise on the Shannon…

Oh yeah…

Next thing, Simon Harris just appears… He can walk on water?

Not quite! We were pulling in for refreshments – to Sean’s bar…

Sounds nice!

Suddenly, there’s smiling Simon four

What a week! I met Simon… then had a missed call from Michael Healy-Rae!

feet away from me!

Wow!

… he was in Athlone for the FG event, but first he was pressing the flesh on the streets. So we had a chat, and he confirmed Nina’s in the race!

So you’re on first-name terms with our next Taoiseach?

Yes! And the pint in Sean’s bar was lovely!

(They pause to check if they can mow their respective lawns, but the grass, sadly, is too wet)

Now tell me about Michael Healy-Rae… you must have an idea why he was calling?

Well, you know our secret plans to set up a political party?

YOUR secret plans!

I asked a friend to run it by the Healy-Raes! Word is they’re not too happy about Michael Fitz joining up with Independent Ireland! Are they interested in joining OUR party?

That’s what I’m hoping! My source reckons the Healy-Raes would insist on us recruiting some celebrity candidates in these parts! Let’s get working on it!

(To be continued)

So…

By the way, when you were on that boat in Athlone, did Simon ask if you’d give Fine Gael candidates a vote?

Of course! Especially when I told him I was a FLOATING voter!

It’s been a GOOD week for…

Simon Harris, who became the new leader of Fine Gael –and Taoiseach-in-waiting

The hurlers of Clare and Kilkenny, who qualified for the Allianz National Hurling League final (at the expense of Tipperary and Limerick respectively)

David Potts, who won the 2024 series of Celebrity Big Brother, with Ireland’s Louis Walsh finishing fourth

It’s been a BAD week for…

Roscommon senior footballers, with a heavy defeat away to Derry confirming their relegation to Division Two of the Allianz National Football League

PIC OF THE WEEK: Connacht players Jordan Duggan, Darragh Murray and Santiago Cordero pictured trying out the latest products from Clarins during the recent announcement of a 3-year skincare partnership between Connacht Rugby and French beauty giant. Pic: Brian McEvoy

Modular homes plans to be scrapped

Controversial plans to house up to 700 refugees in hundreds of modular homes in three major towns in County Roscommon now look certain to be scrapped.

The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) had sought to accommodate Ukrainian refugees in modular homes at locations in Roscommon Town, Ballaghaderreen and Boyle.

However, Roscommon County Council is now indicating that the proposed sites are “not appropriately zoned”.

The initial plan envisaged a combined 120 modular homes in Roscommon Town and Boyle and a further 47 in Ballaghaderreen. The 167 homes were to accommodate up to 700 Ukrainian refugees.

In Roscommon Town, there were plans for 50 units in Lisnamult and a further 20 closer to the town centre. There were plans for 50 buildings at Greatmeadow in Boyle, and for 47 in the Little Oaks area of Ballaghaderreen.

It has now been confirmed that LGMA has established that the earmarked sites do not have the appropriate residential zoning.

Roscommon County Council said on Thursday that it had

received notification via the Local Government Management Agency that sites that do not have a residential zoning or commercial with a mix of residential will not be progressed under this modular programme. “Sites at Greatmeadow, Boyle; Lisard, Roscommon; and Centre Point, Roscommon are not appropriately zoned for this modular programme and therefore will not be progressed under this modular programme” the Council said.

Later last week, it was confirmed that the proposed site in Ballaghaderreen was also deemed to not have the appropriate zoning.

Recently, a fiery public meeting in Ballaghaderreen saw a number of contributors speak out about the plans to construct modular homes for refugees in the town. People at the meeting made the point that Ballaghaderreen had already done more than its fair share in terms of providing accommodation for immigrants and that the focus of the Government should now be on delivering services to the town.

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane welcomed the news and said she wished to commend everyone who played a positive role in making submissions to Roscommon County Council.

Local traditional  music session tonight

The regular Roscommon Town Comhaltas branch music session will be held in Beár an Ráille, Abbeytown, on this Thursday night from 8 pm (sharp) to 10.15 pm.

Admission is free and all are welcome. These popular sessions are held on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of every month.

MND table quiz

On Friday, the 26th of April, a table quiz organised by members of Roscommon County Council’s staff Social and Sports Club will be held in the ballroom of the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, from 8 pm. Proceeds raised will go towards a special ‘GoFundMe’ page to support Nicola Murphy, who was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Tables of four are priced €40. A raffle will also be held on the night, with great prizes on offer. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Ms Ireland Church Gate collections

The County Roscommon voluntary branch of Multiple Sclerosis Ireland is holding its annual Church Gate collections this weekend (30th/31st of March) at churches throughout the county. All donations gratefully accepted.

Man who hacked MEP’s social media to do community service House fire victims mourned locally

The town of Swinford in County Mayo, along with the communities of Castlerea and Ballaghaderreen in County Roscommon, have been shocked this week by the tragic deaths of well-known local couple Tom and Eileen Mahon.

The husband and wife, who were both natives of County Roscommon, ran Mahon’s Furniture & Flooring in Swinford for over 20 years.

‘MING’ PLEASED TO CLEAR HIS NAME

 EMMETT CORCORAN

In Brussels this week, Diarmuid Hayes (34), from Dublin, who once worked for MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, was ordered to serve 150 hours of community service.

This punishment comes after he hacked Flanagan’s Twitter account and posted an inappropriate comment relating to Saoirse McHugh, a past candidate of the Green Party.

The incident occurred on 28th of September 2020, when Hayes tweeted a false claim that McHugh was photographed skinny dipping: “Sapirse [sic] mchugh photo skinny dipping”.

Tom Mahon’s family used to own a foodstore in Ballaghaderreen, while his wife Eileen (née Cooper) was originally from Castlerea. The couple were found dead in their bedroom in the early hours of Tuesday morning after a fire at their home at Deerpark in Swinford. It is suspected that they died from smoke inhalation. Their bodies were removed to Mayo

The 34-year-old Dublin native confessed to the deed in the Belgian court last month, describing it as a spur-ofthe-moment prank.

Beyond his community service, Hayes must also pay Flanagan €5,000 for damages and cover the court costs. This ruling helps Hayes avoid a possible 15-month jail term.

The investigation into the incident spanned four years, initiated by Flanagan’s complaint. At the time of the incident, Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan was in Ireland due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Hayes managed to post the tweet using TweetDeck, a third-party application, having retained access after he stopped being Flanagan’s assistant in 2019.

Impact and closure

The judge, Isabelle Jacquemin,

University Hospital for post-mortem examinations.

Tom (63) and Eileen (61) have two daughters, neither of whom were in the house at the time of the fire.

Speaking about the tragedy, local councillor John Caulfield said: “The community is just in shock, our thoughts and prayers are with their family at this time”.

On Tuesday night, the new leader of

noted Hayes knew the potential harm his actions could cause to Flanagan’s public image.

According to the MidlandsNorth-West MEP, the situation greatly troubled him and his family, causing his daughters to feel uneasy about going outside due to negative attention.

Flanagan has voiced his satisfaction with the trial’s outcome, expressing his readiness to move forward and the importance of clearing his name. He believes the community service sentence was appropriate.

After the trial, Flanagan said he looked forward to spending a day with his family, highlighting the closure the judgment brings to this extended legal issue.

Fine Gael Simon Harris, also referencing the deaths of three people in a road traffic accident in Mayo on Tuesday, said: “It is a devastating day for the people of Mayo. Thinking of the families and friends of the woman and two girls who have lost their lives in Castlegar and of Tom and Eileen Mahon, who died in a fire in Swinford. “A dark day. I know the community will rally to support all those grieving”.

Western Gaels fans Ryan Hluchy and Sean Casserly pictured at last Saturday’s North and West Championship Final against Boyle in Nash Park in Frenchpark. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

SLIMMING WORLD MINI EGG CHEESECAKE

With Slimming World, there’s no need to miss out on a tasty treat. This creamy cheesecake has a crunchy biscuit base and a sprinkling of mini eggs to make your Easter celebration all the sweeter!

Ingredients

• 10 digestive biscuits

• 50g low-fat spread

• Low-calorie cooking spray

• 4 sheets of leaf gelatine

• 600g fat-free natural Greek yogurt

• 150g extra-light plain soft cheese

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 level tbsp sweetener granules

• 10g milk chocolate, grated

• 10 Cadbury Mini Eggs, roughly crushed Method

Line the base of a 20cm non-stick loose-bottomed tin with baking paper. Put the biscuits in a food bag, seal and bash with a rolling pin to make ne crumbs.

Melt the spread in a saucepan over a low heat, then stir in the biscuit crumbs. Spritz the tin with low-calorie cooking spray, spoon the crumbs into the tin and, using the back of the spoon, press them down to cover the base evenly. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Soak the gelatine in a bowl of cold water for 5 minutes, or until softened. Remove the gelatine, squeeze out excess water and put it in a small saucepan with 200g of the yogurt. Stir continuously over a low heat for 1-2 minutes, until the gelatine has melted into the yogurt. Leave to cool.

Put the remaining yogurt, soft cheese, vanilla extract and sweetener in a large mixing bowl. Add the gelatine mixture and beat everything together until well-combined and smooth. Stir in the grated chocolate, then spoon the mixture over the biscuit base and smooth the top. Chill for at least four hours, or overnight if possible.

Carefully remove the cheesecake from the tin, discarding the baking paper, and put it on a serving plate or cake stand. Evenly scatter over the mini egg pieces and cut into 10 equal slices to serve. Enjoy!

Slimming World CASTLEREA

O’Rourke GAA Centre, Castlerea

Wednesdays, 7pm

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Slimming World Castlerea and Roscommon

Local weight-loss experts say you can have Easter treats and still lose weight

For many people, Easter’s festival of chocolate is one of the most challenging times of the year. But there’s good news, according to local weight-loss experts from Slimming World.

Pauline Bliss, who runs the Slimming World group in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon, says slimmers can still enjoy Easter treats without guilt: “Easter can be an extremely tempting time for people trying to slim down in time for summer, as Easter eggs line the supermarket shelves, and adverts for chocolate treats dominate TV screens.

“So often we think that losing weight means going hungry and giving up all of our favourite foods – after all, that’s what so many diets tell us to do!” she says.

“But it is possible to have your cake and eat it this Easter, and start this summer looking and

feeling great. Members who join Slimming World to lose weight discover that we’re not about dieting and deprivation. We help each other to make healthy changes to the way we shop, cook and eat and learn to make healthy choices”.

Trish Keegan, who runs the groups in Gleeson’s, Roscommon, and in the GAA Centre in Castlerea, says, “Every week at group, we share tips and ideas

and support each other to overcome challenges. One great example of this is our Slimming World Mini Egg Cheesecake. At just six ‘syns’ a slice, members can enjoy a delicious treat without all the extra calories one would expect from a regular cheesecake! This recipe (along with thousands of others) is available now on our Slimming World blog.

“Slimming World’s famous

Food Optimising eating plan allows slimmers to satisfy their appetite on filling, lower calorie foods like pasta, rice, potatoes, fruit and vegetables, lean meat, poultry and fish. At Slimming World, these foods are called Free Foods because members can enjoy them freely to satisfy their appetite without weighing, counting and measuring”.

Breanne Farrell, who runs the group in The Sports and Community Centre in Strokestown, says, “Our plan also encourages members to enjoy a little bit of what they fancy, whatever that may be, meaning they don’t have to give up any of their favourite treats – including chocolate – to lose weight.

“This is a very exciting time to join us. We have a gorgeous Easter giveaway. Every member who joins our groups between the 24th of March and the 13th of April will get free membership and up to two weeks free, when they commit to a six or a twelve week countdown course.

“Everyone’s welcome at our Slimming World groups. For more information, including delicious recipes, visit slimmingworld.ie.”

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Slimming

THURSDAY/FRIDAY

The leaving of Leo…

If Leo Varadkar was expecting to receive gracious tributes from political opponents following his shock resignation announcement, he was in for a rude awakening. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, Labour leader Ivana Bacik and Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns had no intention of putting their swords down.

In a break with long-standing tradition on such occasions, the outgoing Taoiseach’s adversaries of the day declined to pay the customary generous tributes to a departing leader. This rather petty approach didn’t cost many of the angry X/Twitter brigade a second thought; but for many of us, it was an ungracious, ill-judged response by Varadkar’s opponents. It was the same story from Michelle O’Neill, the new Northern Ireland First Minister.

This has nothing to do with the political record of the retiring Taoiseach; it has always been seen as common decency to acknowledge the achievements of the person who is on the way out, and indeed to speak warmly of them on a human level.

We appear to have come some distance from the day former Fine Gael Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave said of Charlie Haughey, on the latter’s retirement: “He did more than his critics did”.

SATURDAY

All about the grassroots…

This afternoon, in an act of extraordinary (and misguided) optimism, I took the lawnmower from its slumber in the shed. Naturally, it wouldn’t start. So then I went to the car and got the jump leads out.

When I sat into the car and turned on the ignition, Minister Neale Richmond and Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett were going on and on about the state of the country (they weren’t passengers in my

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

car; they were on the radio). Anyways, the jump leads got the lawnmower started; happily, it drowned out Minister Richmond and Deputy Boyd Barrett (nothing personal, but 72 hours of political blah blah is more than enough).

Suitably motivated, Ibegan to cut the grass, which was silly of me, as it wasn’t dry enough, meaning the mission had to be abandoned. I returned the lawnmower to the back of the house and returned the car to the front of the house.

The grass was still much too long –and Minister Richmond and Deputy Boyd Barrett were still bickering.

SUNDAY

Ring-o Star!

It isn’t just Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan and fellow rockers who are still going strong/touring with their greatest hits. Michael ‘The Boss’ Ring hasn’t gone away, you know: he was in fine form on RTE Radio 1’s ‘This Week’ programme today.

Addressing a perceived rural/urban and liberal/conservative divide within Fine Gael, Ring called on new leader Simon Harris to lead his party back to “core values”. Unimpressed with the prioritising of social issues, Deputy Ring said Fine Gael is “too left, too long”, before memorably adding that the party had rescued the economy at a time when “the Troika was running the country from the Shelbourne Hotel”. Deputy Ring, all whimsy aside, is an excellent constituency TD who always tends to have his finger on the pulse of rural Ireland.

*The ‘lesser spotted’ Fianna Fáil veteran Willie O’Dea is also on a ‘Greatest hits’ tour, most recently appearing live on Virgin Media’s Tonight Show.

MONDAY

In praise of Pryor

Despite all the streaming options, I still enjoy some of the ‘old stuff’ which is regularly repeated on what we might call the ‘quirky’ channels. TV channels

like Gold, Dave, Comedy Central, Sky Arts and BBC 4 offer up many gems. I’m unashamedly nostalgic for some of the TV of the 1970s and ‘80s (and other eras)… even the shows that are by now very dated can be enjoyable to watch again.

Comedies like Yes Minister, Only Fools and Horses, and even Last of the Summer Wine are all worth a watch from time to time. I’ve always enjoyed Tales of the Unexpected; Alfred Hitchcock Presents, while very dated, can be entertaining. Recently, I’ve been watching live recordings of the great American comedian (and actor) Richard Pryor. Many readers probably discovered him in movies, along with the great Gene Wilder. When I first saw Pryor starring in films such as Stir Crazy and See No Evil, Hear No Evil, I had no idea that he was a stand-up superstar. He is often spoken of now as the greatest stand-up comedian of all time. These shows (regularly repeated on Comedy Central) showcase how brilliant he was. “The Picasso of our profession” the writer and comedian Jerry

Seinfeld said of Pryor, who died in 2005. An intelligent and original performer, he was a naturally funny man.

TUESDAY

Willie Collins (RIP)

After almost 900 editions of the Roscommon People, this week’s is the first one ever to hit the shops without the keen eye of Willie Collins following its fortunes.

Even on the very rare occasions that Willie might have been away, he would have been anxious to be reassured that deliveries of the paper had gone smoothly in his absence. In reality, Willie was on top of everything week after week, month after month, year after year. Conscientious and ever-obliging, he was a pleasure to work with. He loved his work, and was in his element meeting people.

Willie, his son Ian and family, have been distributing the Roscommon People ever since the newspaper was founded back in 2007.

We were deeply saddened to hear of Willie’s passing today, following a period of illness. I first got to know him over 30 years ago, when we played indoor soccer together. Later, when Willie began working for the People, he became a valued friend.

Rarely, if ever, have I encountered anyone as committed to and dutiful about their work as Willie was. He was extremely popular with everyone he dealt with in the towns and villages of County Roscommon on his deliveries. I know that Willie was a valued member of staff at the Sacred Heart Hospital for many years.

A true gentleman, he will be greatly missed throughout the county. We will certainly miss his smile, friendliness and obliging nature on his regular visits to our office.

Deepest sympathy to Willie’s wife Bernadette, daughter Claudette, son Ian, grandsons Evan and Alan, son-in-law Eamon, Ian’s partner Emma, sister Kathleen, extended family and friends. Rest in peace, Willie. naturally

Family fun lined up for 2024 Roscommon Easter Festival

This year’s Roscommon Easter Festival will take place over two days in Roscommon Town, starting on Saturday, March 30th and running until Sunday, March 31st (inclusive).

There will be a range of family-friendly activities and attractions, including Roscommon’s renowned annual Easter Parade. Live music at The Square will be a feature of the event.

Saturday (March 30)

The 2024 Roscommon Festival will begin on Saturday, March 30th at 4.30 pm in The Square with music by the wonderful Roscommon Men’s Choir who were a big hit with the public during the Christmas Festival last year. Following the Men’s Choir, Vinegar

Tulsk History Society news

Bill will take to the stage at 5.30 pm. After their performance, the evening’s very special attraction will perform, namely the world renowned County Roscommon-born flautist Matt Molloy (and friends). They will entertain the crowds from 7 pm until 9 pm. Face-painting and hair braiding will be available during the evening, ensuring that all ages are catered for on a familyfriendly evening.

Sunday (March 31)

On Sunday, March 31st, proceedings will begin early, with Lady Betty providing music at the Square from 11.15 am. The Roscommon Easter Parade will

Tulsk History Society will hold their AGM on Thursday, 4th of April at 8 pm at Tulsk Macra Hall. All are welcome to attend. Membership is now due for renewal. The society was founded in 2021 and while there are over 20 members at present more are invited and encouraged to join. A number of projects have been carried out including the ongoing surveys of the cemeteries of the parish and the regeneration of Ogulla Shrine.

Publications include the quarterly Tulsk Morning Howl paper bulletin and the (also quarterly) e-newsletter.

This year the society awaits the results of two grant funding schemes, which will contribute to the ongoing promotion of history and heritage in the parish, should they be successful. You can read back all of the society’s output, with regular updates, on the website tulskhs.com.

Spring Clean starts in Four Roads!

Volunteers needed! In association with Four Roads Healthy Club (hurling, camogie & ladies football clubs) and Four Roads Tidy Towns, our ‘An Taisce National Spring Clean 2024’ begins in Four Roads on Easter Monday.

Litter pickers will meet at 10 am on Monday, 1st of April 2024 in the carpark of the Community Sports Park. Bags & gloves will be provided. Please bring a high vis vest. This will be an opportunity to meet your neighbours while doing something for your community and the environment!

Roscommon Town ICA Guild meeting

Roscommon Town ICA Guild will hold its monthly meeting in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon on Tuesday, 2nd of April at 8 pm. New members are always welcome.

Professor Anne-Marie O’Dwyer to visit Roscommon Library

Anne-Marie O’Dwyer is a clinical professor at Trinity College, Dublin, and a psychiatrist with almost four decades of clinical experience.

Her recently published book, The Cancer Guide, is a de nitive and inspirational book designed to help patients, partners, family and work colleagues navigate the trials and di culties associated with cancer and its treatment. She highlights the person at the heart of every treatment, providing helpful advice and shared experiences that are able to destigmatise any shame, fear and denial faced by those a ected by cancer.

As part of the Healthy Ireland at Your Library programme, Professor O’Dwyer will visit Roscommon Library on Thursday, April 18th, at 6 pm. Contact Roscommon Library to book your place – email library@roscommoncoco.ie or phone 090 6637277.

commence at 12.30 pm, starting in Abbeytown and finishing at The Square (in front of the reviewing stand).

There is no entry fee for floats in this year’s parade. Entries are currently being accepted. The overall winner will receive €500, with the runner-up receiving €250.

There will be a sensory section in this year’s parade, beginning in front of the Sacred Heart Church on Abbey Street and continuing to the roundabout at the top of Church Street.

Amusements will be available in the Square all day, and a display of fireeating by the Fire and Circus act will take place immediately after the parade (at the Square)

Hat-trick for TUS Athlone in National Accounting Competition

A student at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Athlone Campus, has secured first place in the prestigious 2024 National Accounting Competition, held in association with Quitch and CPA Ireland.

Chenlu Lin, a third-year student pursuing a BA (Hons) in Accounting with Finance, has not only claimed victory for herself but has also propelled TUS to its third consecutive win in the national competition.

This impressive feat marks the sec-

ond triumph for Chenlu in the competition, having also won first place last year, and solidifies TUS Athlone’s position as a dominant force in accounting education.

In recognition of this achievement, TUS Athlone received a prize of €500 for being the winning college for three consecutive years, while Chenlu was awarded €1,000 for her outstanding performance.

Eamonn Siggins, CPA Ireland CEO, extended his congratulations to

Chenlu, highlighting her dedication and hard work in securing victory for TUS Athlone for the third year running.

The competition, which attracted participants from universities across Ireland and Northern Ireland, featured weekly accounting challenges delivered through the Quitch app. Participants were evaluated based on the accuracy and timeliness of their responses, with points allocated accordingly.

‘Patient Communications Passport’ launched

Portiuncula University Hospital (PUH) and Community Healthcare West (Galway, Mayo and Roscommon) have introduced the new ‘Getting to know what matters to me’ Communication Passport for people living with dementia.

The communications passport is a resource designed to reduce communication barriers and enhance the overall experience for people with dementia who utilise both hospital and community services. It can also be adapted to suit any individual who has difficulty communicating.

National and international research confirms that admission to an acute hospital can be distressing and disorientating for a person living with dementia and is often associated with a decline in their cognitive ability and levels of functioning.

The Dementia Quality Improvement Committee at Portiuncula University Hospital implemented the initiative in response to recommendations outlined in the Irish National Audit of Dementia Care in Acute Hospitals Report.

The aim of the passport is to assist an individual who is receiving professional care and is unable to effectively disclose information about themselves,

especially if they have special requirements or preferences.

The person, along with their family or carers, are asked

to record information in the communications passport that will help them communicate, such as their personal history,

Pictured are Brendan McLarney (Lecturer in Accounting), Adam O’Reilly (Business Development Officer, CPA Ireland), Chenlu Lin (3rd Year, BA in Accounting and Finance), and Bernard Tao Cui (Head of Department, Accounting and Business Computing). Pic: Nathan Cafolla.

likes and dislikes, important people or places in their lives, and normal routines and abilities.

The passport is a valuable tool for patients transitioning from one care environment to another and meeting new people.

It should travel with the person and be available for use when the person is experiencing any episode of care.

Pictured at the launch of the Patient Communications Passport initiative at Portiuncula Hospital were (l-r) Angela Donnellan, Senior Staff Nurse, St Joseph’s Ward, PUH; Sharon Donoghue, Patient Advice Liaison Service Coordinator, PUH; Emily McElroy, Clinical Nurse Manager 2, St Joseph’s Ward, PUH; Paula Noone, Assistant Director of Nursing, Dementia Quality Improvement, Saolta Group; John Brennan, Dementia Coordinator, Community Healthcare West; Paula Daly, Clinical Nurse Manager 1, St Joseph’s Ward, PUH; Anita Blake, Senior Occupational Therapist, PUH; Siobhan Coen, Senior Occupational Therapist, PUH, and Maura O’Connell, Assistant Director of Nursing, Medical Division, PUH.

Tributes to young woman after body found

The search for a County Roscommon woman who had been reported missing on Friday was stood down following the discovery of a body on Saturday.

Niamh Hand had been reported as having been missing from her home in Rooskey since Friday, March 22nd.

Local GAA club Kilglass Gaels and members of the wider community had responded by arranging search teams, but on Saturday last, Gardaí confirmed that a body had been recovered in the locality and the appeal was therefore stood down.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Gardaí said: “Following the discovery of a woman’s body earlier today, the missing person appeal for Niamh Hand (41) has been stood down”.

Gardaí thanked the media and the public for their assistance during the search.

In an online tribute, Donna Fahy, founder of People Helping People said: “It is with a heavy heart that we receive the heartbreaking news that Niamh’s search has been stood down. Niamh was one of a kind and the most beautiful caring person, and I’m so glad we had the pleasure of knowing her and working alongside her.

“We as a group are devastated and heartbroken for her family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time. We will be closing the group for the weekend as a mark of respect. RIP Niamh… hope you have the best bed in Heaven”.

Martina nominated for Businesswoman Award

Martina Jennings, CEO of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, has been nominated for a PwC Businesswoman of the Year Award in the category of Social Entrepreneur of the Year for a Charitable Organisation.

The IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards is an opportunity to celebrate the success, talent and accomplishment of female business peers across a wide arc of industries, professions and communities.

Martina became CEO of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation in 2017. She was awarded Mayo’s Most Inspirational Woman in 2015 and won Mayo Person of the Year in 2020.

She said, “I’m thrilled to have been shortlisted for the IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Award. It is truly an honour to be nominated among remarkable individuals who are dedicated to making a positive impact in our communities.

“I look forward to the event and sharing experiences within the sector

with my fellow nominees. I also want to extend my thanks to IMAGE and PwC for the opportunity”.

Pictured is Martina Jennings, CEO of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, who was recently nominated for a PwC Businesswoman of the Year Award in the category of Social Entrepreneur of the Year for a Charitable Organisation.

This year’s awards take place in The Clayton, Burlington Road, Dublin on Friday, May 10th.

Roscommon Castle’s south-west tower to welcome visitors at Easter

The Office of Public Works (OPW) and Roscommon County Council are delighted to welcome visitors to the southwest tower of Roscommon Castle as part of the Easter celebrations.

In advance of the summer opening in June, the south-west tower will open to the public this Sunday, March 31st 2024, from 10 am to 7 pm. Access is free and is on a first-come, first-served basis. This gives members of the public an excellent opportunity to view the works undertaken on the south-west tower by OPW skilled stonemasons and carpenters that facilitate access to the top storey of the tower. The stairs, inserted into the original mural passageway, enables visitors to view the surrounding historic landscape, the rectangular walled enclosure and the impressive remains of the fortified house from the top of the tower. Why not take a walk in the nearby Loughnaneane Park, explore the 14acre recreational area and let the kids navigate the on-site playground!

Callaghan proposes €3m package to tackle Ballaghaderreen housing

Cllr Liam Callaghan has proposed that the Department of Housing provide a €3 million stimulus package for Ballaghaderreen to tackle dereliction and unfinished estates, calling for a regeneration of unused housing in the town.

Cllr Callaghan was speaking at a re-

cent Boyle MD meeting in relation to the proposal to build modular homes at locations in County Roscommon, including Ballaghaderreen. While the proposals are now not likely to proceed, the controversy has placed a spotlight on the issue of infrastructure and facilities in Ballaghaderreen, in particular. At the meeting in question, Cllr Callaghan said there was a strong feeling that the modular homes development in Ballaghaderreen would not go ahead due to “lack of services and the long-term plan for the upkeep of the modular homes”.

He added: “There are a large number of unfinished estates and empty houses that, if upgraded, could provide lovely homes for local needs, and this would be a much better investment for the town both from a regeneration and integration point of view”.

Cllr Emer Kelly: ‘We have to fight for rural Ireland’

Cllr Emer Kelly has confirmed her candidacy for the upcoming local elections on 7th of June 2024. When she was co-opted in place of Ivan Connaughton in May 2021, she became one of the youngest councillors in the country at just 21 years of age. She is also the only female representative in South Roscommon.

Cllr Kelly is currently serving as the Cathaoirleach of the Athlone Municipal District and will contest the local election for the Athlone Electoral Area of Roscommon.

“I know what it is like to live and work in rural Ireland. I grew up farming and I have worked in both the public and private sectors. Ordinary working people are hit again and again and there is a growing frustration among people.

“We are the ones who are unable to afford to buy a house, we are unable to get planning permission, and soon we will be forced to move into towns with the direction national policies appear

Stating that she is thrilled to confirm that she will contest the upcoming local election, Cllr Kelly said her background of community involvement has stood to her.

to be taking. We need a strong voice”.

Cllr Kelly added: “Rural Ireland is slowly being forced into non-existence. Bus services are being cut, funding is shifting towards towns and centre first policies, planning regulations are making it impossible for people to build on their own land, farmers are being shown no support at all, and young people are being driven out of the country.

“We had to fight to ensure children were granted school bus tickets in Ballyforan and Dysart and fight to keep our county town post office open. Our

current system is not working. We need to see a change in our representatives or rural Ireland will continue to disintegrate”.

Cllr Kelly said that the pressing issues locally include housing, healthcare, agriculture and environmental issues, roads and social concerns.

She concluded: “Looking locally, we need an urgent solution to the crisis at Lough Funshinagh. It is disgraceful that people are waking up each morning not knowing if today is the day they will be forced to leave their home. Our government need to take action”.

Cllr Emer Kelly

Cllr Liam Callaghan

Pictured right is Roscommon Castle, whose south-west tower will welcome visitors this Sunday, March 31st, as part of Easter celebrations.

Maria and Nina under starter’s orders for European Elections

The

Maria

“I am proud to stand as a progressive candidate with a proven track record over the past five years. I hope to continue my work in progressing healthcare, rural development, the economy and equality into a second term in Brussels. In particular, I hope to deliver the first ever EU Mental Health Action Plan if re-elected”. MEP Walsh extended a warm welcome to her “running mate, Nina Carberry” whom she described as “a fantastic candidate”.

Nina Carberry said: “Having spent two decades travelling the country, I understand the challenges faced by communities spanning

rural, urban and commuter belt areas. I want to support the work of farmers and small business owners and to open doors for more educational opportunities for our young people.

“I am excited for the chal-

lenge of this campaign and am confident in my ability to deliver for Fine Gael and for this constituency”.

Fine Gael’s European Director of Elections Minister Simon Coveney, who chaired the conven-

tion, said: “Over the last five years, Maria Walsh has shown herself to be a dedicated and skilled representative of the people of Midlands-North-West in the European Parliament.

“Politics needs new faces

and new voices and I’m delighted Nina Carberry is entering the fray. Nina is a champion in sport but she’s also at the heart of her community and family and ready to work for them in Brussels”.

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

It really is time to give Kate Middleton and her family privacy and peace

Our man Frank on the Kate Middleton story; The pressures of being one-third of a Junior B side’s management team; The old-aged pensioner with the hammer;

And on not being a Swiftie…

It’s Monday afternoon as I write, and Simon Harris is all over our newspapers. As a man who is soon to become our youngest ever Taoiseach, he is well entitled to all the coverage, and despite my lack of enthusiasm towards our mainstream politicians I wish him well and hope we don’t see a General Election until March 2025.

However, it’s the other major story of the week that has attracted most of my attention. That is the news that Kate, the Princess of Wales, is undergoing preventative chemotherapy treatment after being diagnosed with cancer recently. She apparently had major abdominal surgery for something that they thought was non-cancerous, but which was subsequently found to be malignant, and has recently been undergoing chemotherapy.

Now it is said that no family isn’t touched by cancer in some form or other, and in the last couple of years three members of my immediate family circle have all been affected. However, for ordinary families there is no huge media interest, and people can go about their daily business, receive treatment, and choose whether or not they want to make their condition public.

But the royals are no ordinary family, and for the last couple of months there have been all kinds of conspiracy theories (some bordering on the insane) doing the rounds regarding the princess’s health. Dealing with chemotherapy is a very difficult thing to do, and patients can be very sick while on the treatment. When you add in all the speculation, it really makes things very tough.

I don’t know why the royals didn’t just announce details of Kate’s diagnosis right from the start, instead of keeping the media guessing, but even now, after the Princess of Wales finally releasing a video in which she addressed her health issues, there has been all kinds of stuff posted on social media, including claims that the video is fake – and basically suggesting that the public is still not being told the truth.

On the right road (eventually) with Junior B team…

It’s Friday morning as I write, and we are heading to Galway for a 12.30 pm appointment in NUIG Hospital. Being the cautious (some would say slow) driver that I am, I left early and we were at the designated location at exactly midday.

Now, as the newly-appointed onethird portion of the management team of our Junior B footballers, I was keeping one eye on the clock, as we had our first league match later that evening up in Woodmount against Padraig Pearses. As throw-in was timed for eight o’clock, I wasn’t remotely worried.

However, as the day went slowly by, I did begin to worry about making it in time. Eventually, at about ten past five in the evening, we were given the all clear and could head for home. A woman who was waiting for a lift home increased my stress levels to almost breaking point by telling me traffic was

extremely busy, and her son, who was coming to pick her up, had been delayed for ages. Her son arrived for her at last, and on his arrival he informed me that traffic was almost at a standstill and that it would take hours for us to get from the hospital to the Tuam Road. I was fully convinced that I would miss out on my maiden voyage as part of the Junior Bs’ management crew.

However, remarkably, by the time we eventually got away traffic was actually quite light for a Friday evening. It seemed to me that the ‘Junior B God’ must have intervened, and a bit like the parting of the Red Sea (although that was Moses), he must have ordained that our way would be cleared so I could make it to Woodmount in time.

I got home, grabbed a bag of chips and a couple of battered sausages in the local Hot ‘n’ Tasty chip shop, jumped

(that’s an exaggeration, more like fell) into Paul’s car, and made it to Pearses with time to spare. It was all worth it when our lads had a four-point win, meaning the new management team of Ciaran Browne, Alan Curley and myself have a proud 100% record!

I know we have several more games to go, but it was great to start with a win. You might remember (I honestly don’t think you will) that I told you my ambition is to manage the Galway senior football team, so this could be the first step on the ladder. Padraic Joyce mightn’t feel under pressure just yet, particularly after surviving in Division One last weekend, but if I was him I’d be looking over my shoulder.

On the local front, our intermediate team beat Strokestown in their O’Gara Cup game (in Strokestown) so all in all it was a good weekend for our little club.

One of the points the conspiracy theorists make is that the cancer was supposed to have been found after major surgery was performed – with all the scans and MRIs that would certainly have been conducted prior to surgery, you would have to wonder how the cancer was missed.

In any event, the princess should be allowed to continue her recovery without constant unsavoury speculation from the press. I suppose when you are in the hugely privileged position that the royals are in, there is a price to pay, but it’s bad enough to be ill and trying to recover without all that stuff going on.

I am one of those people who believes Kate Middleton is genuinely undergoing chemotherapy treatment, and having seen the effects of it up close, I can only wish her well and hope she has a full and speedy recovery.

Row over flower pots takes a strange turn

One of the things that my wife greatly enjoys is her garden – there is no better therapy than spending time with one’s flowers and plants and shrubs. Carol absolutely loves tending to all the different things that she has growing in it.

Now even I know that the year so far has been a disaster, and the almost constant rain has held back a lot of the growth that you should see at this time of year. Only today, I couldn’t get over how wet the lawn was. On a lawn that is usually dry, I couldn’t get over how squelchy it was – it was like walking on a wet sponge.

However, despite the bad weather, harmony and peace usually reign in the garden, the singing of birds adding to the tranquillity, and it would be the last place in the world you would expect to find a good row. And yet, up in Dublin, among (of all things) a senior citizens’ group, a row broke out about flower pots between two women. This fracas led to a 67-year-old pensioner named Bernadette Murphy taking a hammer to a man’s car and causing €10,000 worth of damage to the vehicle.

The car belonged to the father of the lady Ms Murphy was rowing with. After he intervened in the row, Ms Murphy took matters into her own hands. The lady, who arrived in court with the aid of a walker, hit the car’s roof, bonnet, and sides with the hammer.

Judge Martin Nolan described it

as “a very odd situation” and wondered did Ms Murphy usually travel around with a hammer? Anyway, he ordered the woman to pay €600 to the injured party (I don’t know who will pay the other €9,400) and sentenced her to eighteen months in jail, which he suspended in full.

Recently I brought home a few spring plants for Carol to put into the ground – if I see her coming with a hammer I’ll agree totally with wherever she thinks they should be put!

And finally…

I make no secret of the fact that I don’t know even one song by the world’s biggest music star, Taylor Swift, and I am not a member of her fan group ‘The Swifties’ (and never will be), but it seems that the ground shook so much during her recent concert in California that it almost caused an earthquake!

Apparently the 70,000 fans present caused an amount of seismic activity up to nine miles from the SoFi Stadium where the superstar was performing, and it wasn’t far off causing a real live earthquake. Thank God for Wee Daniel – I don’t think we need worry about the earth ever moving here!

Alma Monaghan, John Dunne and Frances Monaghan pictured at the Roscommon Drama Festival awards night held recently in the Roscommon Arts Centre. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Liam and Aisling Stephens pictured at the Roscommon Drama Festival awards night held recently in the Roscommon Arts Centre. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Landmark High Court decision for local family

In a significant legal development, the High Court has sanctioned a substantial interim settlement amounting to €1.7 million.

This decision comes in light of a distressing medical negligence case involving a four-year-old girl, Rehmah Shafiq, who endured brain damage due to a delayed diagnosis of sepsis immediately following her birth at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, County Galway.

The hospital has extended an apology to Rehmah and her mother, Amna Shafiq, acknowledging regret over certain aspects of the care they received in July 2019.

Strokestown

Details from the courtroom reveal a troubling delay; it was two days postbirth before Rehmah was administered antibiotics, despite her mother exhibiting signs of infection during labour. This delay led to the development of early-onset postnatal sepsis and meningitis, resulting in a brain injury that has altered the course of Rehmah’s life.

Legal proceedings brought forward by the Shafiq family pointed out several failures in the hospital’s response, including the lack of immediate broadspectrum antibiotics for Amna Shafiq during her labour on 8 July 2019 and the failure to preemptively treat the

Easter Parade takes place on Sunday

The annua Strokestown Easter Parade, organised by Strokestown Community Development Association (SCDA), will take place on this Sunday, the 31st of March, kicking off at 3 pm.

Each year, local businesses and community groups enter floats of varying degrees of novelty and hilarity, and a number of well-known bands from across the country lead the musical component of the parade

new-born or recognise the symptoms of early onset postnatal sepsis.

Admission and apology

The court heard from Senior Counsel Bruce Antoniotti that the hospital admitted to recognising signs of infection shortly after Rehmah’s birth and conceded that antibiotics should have been administered, considering the condition of her mother.

Despite these challenges, Rehmah has met many of her developmental milestones but faces difficulties with hyperactivity, safety awareness, and is prone

– and this year is set to be just as exciting as previous years!

Following the main event, awards will be given out to the best float in each category.

All entries to the parade are free. If you would like to enter, please contact 071 9633759 or 087 1668775.

For more information and to keep updated, visit Strokestown.ie or find ‘Strokestown’ on Facebook.

to falls. Future neurological issues remain a concern and are yet to be fully diagnosed.

A family’s struggle

The settlement comes as a crucial support for Rehmah’s family. Amna Shafiq, a Pakistani native who relocated to Ireland in 2015, has faced significant challenges since her daughter’s birth. Having to leave her position as a developmental scientist to provide full-time care for Rehmah, she has encountered exhaustion and a lack of support, particularly after being discharged from primary care pediatric services in 2022. The family’s circumstances are further complicated by their living situation in Athlone, which is described

as “totally unsuitable” for their needs.

Looking forward

The High Court’s approval of the settlement, deemed “fair and reasonable” by Mr Justice Paul Coffey, is a pivotal moment for the Shafiq family. This financial support is designed to cover Rehmah’s needs for the next five years, at which point the court will reassess her condition and requirements.

Solicitor Dolores Gacquin emphasised the profound and lifelong implications of Rehmah’s brain injury, highlighting the importance of this settlement in ensuring her wellbeing. As the case adjourns for five years, the community and the Shafiq family hope for continued support and awareness of the critical importance of timely medical care.

Folúntais d'Oifigigh Chléireachais Shealadacha i Sligeach

Tá an Roinn Coimirce Sóisialaí ag lorg Oifigigh Chléireachais Shealadacha (OCSanna) a earcú ina gcuid oifigí i Sligeach.

For further information, please visit gov.ie/dspcareers to access the Candidate Information Booklet and Application Form.

A Curriculum Vitae is not required and should not be submitted.

Le haghaidh tuilleadh faisnéise, tabhair cuairt le do thoil ar gov.ie/dspcareers chun rochtain a fháil ar an Leabhrán Faisnéise d’Iarrthóirí agus ar an bhFoirm Iarratais. Níl Curriculum Vitae ag teastáil agus níor cheart ceann a chur isteach.

The deadline to apply is 3pm on Monday 8th April 2024.

Is é an spriocdháta le hiarratas a dhéanamh ná 3pm Dé Luain an 8 Aibreán 2024.

Vacancies in Co. Sligo

The Department of Social Protection is seeking to recruit Temporary Clerical Officers (TCO’s) in their offices in Sligo.

The County Roscommon IRA Commemoration Committee will mark the 108th year of the 1916 Rising at the IRA memorial at Shankill, Elphin, Co Roscommon on Easter Sunday, March 31st.

After last Mass in Elphin, a colour party will march

to the memorial ,where a wreath-laying will take place at 1 pm. The 1916 Easter Proclamation will be read and the Roscommon Roll of Honour will be called out.

This year, the commemoration committee are especially remembering Vol-

unteer Thomas Flannery and Citizen Army member William Partridge of Ballaghaderreen.

Following the Elphin ceremony, wreathes will be laid on the graves of Flannery and Partridge in Kilcolman cemetery, Ballaghaderreen.

For further information, please visit gov.ie/dspcareers to access the Candidate Information Booklet and Application Form.

A Curriculum Vitae is not required and should not be submitted.

The deadline to apply is 3pm on Monday 8th April 2024.

Management and sta of Éabha’s Street Kitchen in Carrick-on-Shannon pictured receiving their award for Roscommon’s Innovator of the Year during the recent Connacht Regional Irish Restaurant Awards held in Knockranny House Hotel in Westport. Pic: Paul Sherwood

Rehmah Sha q pictured with her mother, Amna Sha q, (formerly Racecourse Road, Roscommon town), and their solicitor Dolores Gacquin, Byrne Carolan Cunningham LLP, Solicitors. Picture credit: RTE.

Lough Funshinagh crisis…

Call for Government leaders to make emergency intervention

Independent councillor Laurence Fallon has called on the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and leader of the Green Party to all visit the area of County Roscommon affected by the Lough Funshinagh crisis.

Cllr Fallon said that the ongoing emergency situation has now reached crisis point.

“The situation at Lough Funshinagh is now at crisis point,” stated Cllr Fallon.

“There are homes at high risk of flooding, farmyards and land destroyed, and the rain is continuing to pour and the water levels continuing to rise.

“Water levels are now 200ml higher than in 2021 with no sign of the rains to stop. The community around the Lough is living in fear with elderly homeowners fearing for their houses if levels continue to rise or if pumps fail.

“If we continue on the current path to a solution, it will be too late to save homes and farms around Lough Funshinagh.

“This is an emergency and it needs emergency intervention. The three Government leaders – the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and the leader of the Green Party – need to come and visit Lough Funshinagh for themselves and find an immediate solution to the devastation that is unfolding here”.

Cllr Fallon continued: “There is no doubt that this

is also an environmental disaster. A Special Area of Conservation has been decimated and there is a growing risk of pollution extending over a wider catchment area.

“The incoming Taoiseach, Simon Harris, was just a few miles away from Lough Funshinagh last weekend when he stated that Fine Gael will be the party of the rural community. I urge him to make Lough Funshinagh his first rural community visit when he is appointed Taoiseach and witness the fear and devastation, and the horrendous conditions people are living in, for himself”.

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin

TD Claire Kerrane has accused Tánaiste Micheál Martin of giving an “indifferent response” to the long-running crisis at Lough Funshinagh when she raised

the matter in the Dáil recently.

“Five houses are under immediate threat, another farmyard has been destroyed, older residents are seeing their life’s work ruined and young couples with high mortgages are unable to let their children out the gate” she said.

Deputy Kerrane said that the Tánaiste’s response was to say that while he knew the specifics of the

case, he wanted her to come up with a remedy that he could go to the relevant minister with.

Deputy Kerrane: “The remedy is there (but) it is being blocked… that is the problem and that has been the problem for a long time. The Tánaiste knows this.

“In my contribution I made it clear that the message I received along with my colleague Chris Mac-

Owners’ delight at Bastion K2tchen awards double!

Josie and Shane Colleran, owners of Bastion K2tchen on St Patrick’s Street, Castlerea are pictured with the two awards, Best Customer Service and Best Sustainable Practices, that their business won at the Connacht Regional Irish Restaurant Awards which were held recently in the Knockranny House Hotel in Westport.

The couple are thrilled to have won the two awards and would like to say a special thank you to their team and their amazing customers for all their support. See more on awards on page 18.

newsbriefs

Manus MEP and members of the Lough Funshinagh Flood Crisis Group from the EU Commission Director for Biodiversity, when we met him last month (was that) there is nothing in the Habitats Directive preventing a Member State from having emergency legislation in place where livelihoods are at risk.

“Livelihoods as well as lives have been at risk at Lough Funshinagh now for years, so it begs the question: what are the Government waiting for?

“The crisis at Lough Funshinagh has been allowed to drag on and on while families, farmers and an entire community are left in a disaster zone. This is outrageous and the Government now need to look at emergency action allowable under the Habitats Directive and get the remedy that is sitting there in place immediately”.

David’s ‘10k a day’ for Irish Cancer Society

David McKenna from Boyle is walking/running ‘10k a day’ for the Irish Cancer Society throughout the month of March. He has already completed over 300,000 steps. As there was no Daffodil Day in Boyle this year, David is hoping people will support him in his efforts to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society. David can be reached on Facebook, or you can support others in your area by supporting his initiative. Every single cent raised is forwarded to the Irish Cancer Society and your support is truly appreciated.

Mental Health AGM

The Roscommon branch of Mental Health Ireland are having their AGM on Thursday, the 4th of April, from 7 pm to 9 pm at Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon. All are welcome, including new members. More information can be found on www.mentalhealthroscommon.ie

James Cooke from Roscommon met Deputy Barry Cowen, Fianna Fáil candidate in the upcoming European Elections, on the occasion of his address to party supporters in JJ Harlow’s, Roscommon last Friday morning.

The L-2005 road at Ballagh has been closed for over a month to allow the council to put additional temporary flood protection in place due to the rising water levels at Lough Funshinagh. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Pictured on Wednesday, the water levels at Lough Funshinagh are at their highest this year due to the unprecedented amount of rainfall over the past number of weeks. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Pictured on Wednesday, the water levels at Lough Funshinagh are at their highest this year due to the unprecedented amount of rainfall over the past number of weeks. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Josie and Shane Colleran, owners of Bastion K2tchen on St Patrick’s Street, Castlerea

Boyle IRA Easter Commemoration to honour Volunteer Terrence McGlynn

Boyle’s annual IRA Easter Commemoration will take place at 5 pm this Easter Saturday, March 30th

This year, Volunteer Terrence McGlynn (18931921) is being especially honoured, and the event is taking place at his grave in Ardcarne Cemetery, Boyle (F52RR97). The main speaker on the day will be local Sinn Féin TD, Claire Kerrane.

Terrence McGlynn was from Drumshinneyin, Cootehall, Co Roscommon. His family is recorded as living in this location since pre-famine times. His parents were Thomas McGlynn and Elizabeth McGlynn, neé Logan. Terrence was the fifth child. He had three brothers, Joseph, John Charles and Patrick, and his sisters were Mary Ellen and Winifred.

He was employed as a grocer’s assistant. Firstly, he worked in King’s of Ballyfarnon (now Shivnan’s) and later in Harold’s of Longford. Terrence then went to Dublin and worked in Lynch & O’Brien’s of Dun Laoghaire. This incidentally was the same place Paddy Moran was employed. He became an active member of G Company, 3rd Battalion, Dublin Brigade.

On the 6th of April 1921, an attack on a British Military lorry at the corner of Harcourt Street and Harcourt Road, Dublin took place. Several bombs were thrown at the lorry and an exchange of fire between the attackers and the occupants took

place. Volunteer Terrence McGlynn was the Irish soldier killed at this battle.

He died from wounds received when a hand grenade exploded prematurely during the ambush. But it is recorded that even when wounded, he continued fighting.

Terrence was taken to the Meath Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. He died of shock and haemorrhage caused by multiple bullet wounds. His remains were brought back to Boyle by train and from there to Cootehall. Terrence is interned in the family plot in Ardcarne Graveyard.

Suaimhneas síoraí Dó (Rest in Peace).

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Fleadh returns home to Elphin

County Fleadh takes place over Easter Weekend

One could say that Elphin town is the home of the Fleadh in County Roscommon. Elphin is no stranger to hosting county Fleadhanna – its design alone is suitable for visitors to walk the street and to survey the music in the local pubs.

Elphin has hosted approximately eight Fleadhanna over the last 15 years. The local Comhaltas Ceoltoiri na hÉireann branch was revived in 1997 and guided by local man John Gildea. Since 2008 the Fleadh has returned numerous times to the town, bringing musicians from the local areas and visitors from further afield to the festival.

This year will be no different. The Fleadh committee predicts a vibrant festival of music, song, dance and celebration of our native language.

Good Friday

Festivities will commence on Good Friday at 6 pm in the Four Provinces (The 4Ps), Rathallen, with a Youth session led by the branch tutors. This will be an opportunity for the county’s youth to enjoy an evening of music and song while being guided by All-Ireland winning tutors.

The Session will be followed by a Set Ceili with music by this year’s All-Ireland winning Ceili Band from County Mayo, The Pipers Cross Ceili band. The band brings an electric vibrancy to their music and their rhythm will have you on the floor for

RSPCA collection in Strokestown

The Roscommon branch of the SPCA charity will hold their annual street collection at the end of March at various locations throughout the town of Strokestown.

This collection takes place all day, on both Friday, March 29th, and Saturday, March 30th. Your support would be greatly appreciated, with all donations collected going directly to animal welfare in the county.

Easter Bingo in Ballinaheglish

Easter Bingo takes place this Friday night, the 29th of March, from 8.30 pm in Ballinaheglish Community Centre. There will be lots of spot prizes and extra raffle prizes up for grabs!

Profit from the night goes towards the running costs of the centre, so your support would be greatly appreciated.

Good Friday National Holy Face Public Prayer Vigil

A Good Friday National Holy Face Public Prayer Vigil will be held at Tesco Car Park in Roscommon Town on Good Friday.

A public prayer vigil is being held in each county in Ireland at 12 noon-1 pm on Good Friday, 29th of March 2024 to make reparation to the Holy Face of Jesus, and for the protection of life, faith and family in Ireland.

Pope Francis has asked that we “return to the Face of Christ”.

the night. Admission €12 with refreshments on the night.

The Elphin Comhaltas branch is delighted to spread the Fleadh festivities throughout the community this year. Using this approach going forward, other traditional events can be held when they revive the Dr John Stafford traditional festival in 2025, an event which was a tremendous success before Covid.

Easter Saturday

Saturday, 30th of March will be an educational day for young people of County Roscommon and surrounding areas.

The members of The Pipers Cross Ceili Band will hand on the tradition on various instruments in Elphin Community College, starting at 10.30 am. Instruments catered for will be button accordion, fiddle, tin whistle, flute, and harp.

This will be a wonderful day for everyone involved, running from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm and followed by a singing workshop at 2 pm. The singer is the renowned Leitrim artist Fionnuala Maxwell.

Fionnuala will be joined by Seamus Brogan at 4 pm in the Central Bar for a youth singing session and a talk by Declan Coyne from the South Roscommon Singers Circle at 5.30 pm. Young and old alike are welcome to the Central Bar for a singing session from 6.30 pm. Saturday night will see an array of music in all public houses in Elphin with local and visiting musicians in attendance.

Elphin will be alive with music and song from early on Saturday evening.

Easter Sunday

Sunday, 31st of March will be a busy day for our dancing community. All dancing competitions will be held in An Bothar Rua, starting at 2 pm. Elphin will be host to numerous music sessions once again on Easter Sunday afternoon and night.

Easter Monday

Easter Monday (April 1st) will be the busiest day of all. Fleadh competitions will be held in Elphin Community College, commencing at 10 am. Competitors from under ten years of age to senior will compete to qualify for the Connacht Fleadh in Strokestown this July and hopefully make their way to the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Wexford town in August.

On Monday evening at 5 pm we are

having the ‘Roscommon gathering’ of all Comhaltas branches and musicians of Roscommon in An Bothar Rua. This event it is hoped will bring members from all seven branches in the county together for a Seisiún Mór of music, song, and dance. All musicians, singers and dancers are welcome.

Committee’s thank you

The Fleadh committee would like to extend a huge thank you to our sponsors and to our local publicans for their support in hosting this wonderful event. Now that the Covid years are behind us we know that Elphin will be home to many more festivals.

*For live updates follow us on Facebook and Instagram @CCÉElphin.

Bridgie celebrates her 90th!

Roscommon CBS ‘Class of 1969’ reunion

It is proposed that a reunion of the 1969 CBS Roscommon class be arranged during the course of this year. Any students from that year, or those repeating from 1968, are most welcome to be involved.

It is a special occasion at which to exchange stories of school time and converse on how class friends have got on over the years. It’s a time also to reminisce on school friends and teachers who have passed away (RIP).

We know that there is sufficient interest already to make this event a social success, but any further names would be a great bonus.

We would like feedback from any school friends of the 1969 class, not already contacted, to register their interest in this reunion by contacting either of the two movers of this proposal: Albert Siggins (Castlestrange, Fuerty), who can be contacted by email on albertsiggins@hotmail.com, by phone on 090 6663856, or by mobile on 089 2428328, and Michael Finneran, who can be contacted by email on Michael.Finneran39@icloud.com.

THE BRIDGE CLUB

The most recent results from the local bridge clubs are as follows:

Happy ‘71 Bridge Club – In the Club Pairs Competition, 1st: Phyllis O’Shaughnessy and Judy Adamson; 2nd: Mary and Terry O’Kee e; Gross: Joan Donnellan and Margaret Gillen; 3rd: Tresina Murphy and Larry Shine. 1st Session: Mary and Pearse Mellett; 2nd Session: Kathleen Kelly and Chris McGrath. On March, 21st, 1st: Mary McDermott and Ann Kildu ; 2nd: Phil and Seamus Cooney; Gross: Mary and Vincent Brennan.

St Coman’s Bridge Club – 1st: Ann Shine and Agnes Murray; 2nd: Susan Farrell and Evelyn Curley; Gross: Maria Hickey and Gertie Spillane.

Kilbride Bridge Club – 1st: Moira Farrell and Eileen Dowling; 2nd: Gertie McDermott and Ann Igoe; 3rd: Annette Ga ney and Jane Hunt.

Sean and Eamonn O’Donoghue present the Joe O’Donoghue Memorial Cup to County Board representatives.

Pictured (left to right) at the Fleadh launch were John Keaveney, Catherine Hanly and Michael Guihen.

TOP: Bridgie Lyons from Castlerea, who celebrated her 90th birthday at Castlerea Golf Club last Sunday, pictured with her four sons and two daughters during the celebrations.

LEFT: Bridgie Lyons from Castlerea celebrated her 90th birthday at Castlerea Golf Club last Sunday.

Fleadh Cheoil Ros Comáin 2024

Fleadh Cheoil Ros Comáin 2024

Elphin

Elphin

6pm (free)

FRIDAY 29th MARCH – MONDAY 1st APRIL

Friday 29th March

JUNIOR SESSION led by tutors of CCE Elphin: Four Provinces, Rathallen, F52T660

All beginners and improver musicians from around the County are invited.

9pm (€12)

Reigning All Ireland Ceili Band Champions

“The Pipers Cross Ceili Band” will play for a Set Ceili in our Community Fleadh event at the Four Provinces, Rathallen. Eircode F52T660

The Four Provinces has a exciting history of hosting Ceili’s and we hope that some familiar dancers will return. Refreshments will be served.

10.30am – 1.30pm

Saturday 30th March

MUSIC WORKSHOPS will commence in Elphin Community College.

Button Accordion – Davóg Freyne

Concertina – Edel Walshe

Fiddle – Eoghan Hughes

Harp – Caoimhe Kilkenny

Flute – Conor Maheady

Tin Whistle – Cian Kilkenny

2pm – 3.30pm

Members of The Pipers cross Ceili Band will teach and hand on their musical knowledge and tips to rising musicians.

SINGING WORKSHOP

We are delighted that renowned Leitrim traditional singer Fionnuala Maxwell will be our tutor for our singing workshop. Fionnuala is a Stallworth in the Singing circles and a super teacher of the tradition.

4pm. The Central Bar (free)

JUNIOR SINGING SESSION

hosted by Tutor Fionnuala Maxwell and Local singer Seamus Brogan. Young singers are welcome to join the session and share their song or songs with the gathering. This promises to be a wonderful evening and it will be followed by Special guest Declan Coyne and members of the South Roscommon Singers Circle for a singing session for the night.

5.30pm Talk by Declan Coyne on the singing tradition in County Roscommon

7pm SENIOR SINGING SESSION with Declan Coyne and members of The South Roscommon Singing Circle and Local singers. Everyone is welcome.

9pm MUSIC SESSIONS IN ALL PUBS with Local and visiting Musicians, singers and Dancers.

Saturday 30th March

Easter Sunday 31st March

2pm All Dancing Competitions

An Bothar Rua will host all Dancing competitions from 2pm Music sessions scheduled to commence from 4pm, 6pm and 8pm around Town

Easter Monday 1st April (Elphin Community College)

10am All Music, Singing and Comhrá competitions

5pm: “The Roscommon Gathering” Members of all Comhaltas branches in Roscommon are invited for a Seisiún Mór. An evening of Music, Song and Dance and of course the Cupla Focal. An Bothar Rua 5pm Easter Monday

Local success at Connacht Regional Irish Restaurant Awards 2024

List of Roscommon winners…

Local

Best

Best

Best

Best Customer Service – Bastion K2tchen Castlerea

Best Wine Experience – The Old Stone House Restaurant

Best Newcomer – The Coachman’s Inn, Roscommon

Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine – Keenan’s Hotel Bar & Restaurant, Tarmonbarry

Best Gastropub – Hester’s Golden Eagle Bar and Restaurant, Castlerea

Best Casual Dining – Athlone Golf Club Restaurant

Pub of the Year – J Beirne’s, Strokestown

Employee Excellence Award – Lauren Walsh, Regan’s Gastro Pub and Restaurant, Roscommon

Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant – The Douglas Hyde Restaurant at Kilronan Castle

Best Restaurant Manager – Michele Montis, The Waterfront Restaurant

Best Chef – Martin Du y, Athlone Springs Hotel

Best Restaurant – The Purple Onion Kitchen

There was plenty of local success at the Connacht Regional Irish Restaurant Awards 2024 as winners from around the county were unveiled during the award ceremony held at the Knockranny House Hotel in Westport on Wednesday, March 20th.

Rogue & Co Café in Roscommon Town won the award for Best Café while J. Beirne’s Bar in Strokestown took home the Pub of the Year award.

Hester’s Golden Eagle from Castlerea won Best Gastropub and the winner of Roscommon’s Best Restaurant went to The Purple Onion Kitchen in Tarmonbarry. The full list of Roscommon winners can be found below.

Following the completion of all regional events and the announcement of county winners, attention will turn to the unveiling of Regional and All Ireland winners at the prestigious All Ireland Awards Gala Dinner, set to take place at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road, Dublin on May 4th.

Michele Montis from The Waterfront Restaurant in Boyle pictured receiving his award for Roscommon’s Best Restaurant Manager during the recent Connacht Regional Irish Restaurant Awards held in Knockranny House Hotel in Westport. Pic: Paul Sherwood

Frankie and Breege Hester from Hester’s Golden Eagle, Castlerea pictured receiving their award for Roscommon’s Best Gastropub during the recent Connacht Regional Irish Restaurant Awards held in Knockranny House Hotel in Westport. Pic: Paul Sherwood

Management and sta from Bastion K2tchen Castlerea pictured with their awards for Roscommon’s Best Sustainable Practices and Roscommon’s Best Customer Service during the recent Connacht Regional Irish Restaurant Awards held in Knockranny House Hotel in Westport. Pic: Paul Sherwood

Mandy and Mike Moran from The Coachman’s Inn in Roscommon Town pictured receiving their award for Roscommon’s Best Newcomer during the recent Connacht Regional Irish Restaurant Awards held in Knockranny House Hotel in Westport. Pic: Paul Sherwood

The sta from My Kitchen by Sham Hanifa pictured receiving their award for Roscommon’s Best World Cuisine during the recent Connacht Regional Irish Restaurant Awards held in Knockranny House Hotel in Westport. Pic: Paul Sherwood

Mike Waldron from Waldron Family Meats pictured receiving his award for Roscommon’s Local Food Hero during the recent Connacht Regional Irish Restaurant Awards held in Knockranny House Hotel in Westport. Pic: Paul Sherwood

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

Official opening of Glenamaddy Theatre Festival

(Left) Special guest, RTÉ broadcaster Nuala Carey and Glenamaddy Theatre Festival PRO Tracey Comer-Burke pictured at the official opening of the Glenamaddy Theatre Festival last Friday. Pic: Donal Healy

(Right) Peter Keaveney, Chairperson, Glenamaddy Theatre Festival and Nuala Carey, RTÉ broadcaster and special guest pictured at the official opening of the Glenamaddy Theatre Festival last Friday. Pic: Donal Healy

Pictured at the official opening of the Glenamaddy Theatre Festival last Friday were Paddy Farrelly, Glenamaddy Theatre Festival Adjudicator; Nuala Carey, RTÉ broadcaster and special guest; Patricia Keady, Glenamaddy Theatre Festival President, and John Donlon. Pic: Donal Healy

Pictured at the official opening of the Glenamaddy Theatre Festival last Friday were joint secretaries Ann Davis, Seamus Donohoe and Patricia Walsh showing off the Glenamaddy Theatre Festival 2024 programme. Pic: Donal Healy

Members of the Gunn and Fallon families pictured at the recent Ballintubber St Patrick’s Day Parade. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Members of the Mullins family from Williamstown pictured during the recent St Patrick’s Day parade in Glenamaddy. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Nathan Crehan, Alan McLoughlin, Anita Vruneteau, Kate Flynn, Anne Marie Crehan and Noah Crehan pictured during the recent St Patrick’s Day parade in Glenamaddy. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Members of the Garvey and Jolley families from Glenamaddy pictured during the recent St Patrick’s Day parade in Glenamaddy. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Jenny Mahe, Katie Griffin, Molly Cunniffe and Charagh Higgins pictured during the recent St Patrick’s Day parade in Glenamaddy. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

Local artist Death Milkshake announces new single and debut EP launch show

Ballaghaderreen community rallies for new music video

County Roscommon-based live looping artist Death Milkshake released his third single and music video, ‘Algorithm’, on March 20th, and has also announced the release date for his debut EP and details for its upcoming launch show at Edmondstown House.

‘Algorithm’ is available now on major streaming services, and as a digital download from deathmilkshake.com and Bandcamp. The music video premiered on YouTube at 9 pm on Wednesday, March 20th.

The song was written and recorded in the artist’s home town of Ballaghaderreen, and the video was shot entirely in the town with the entire crew and cast being based there.

The crew consisted of Death Milkshake (director), Marek Petrovic (DOP), Stephen Browne (1st AD) and Evelyn Byrne (makeup and BTS), and the all-local cast includes Lorna Duffy as the main character, with David Drake, Tuesday Whitfield, and Julie Sharkey in supporting roles.

Businesses in Ballaghaderreen kind enough to offer their premises for the shoot were Kelly TV, Duffy’s SuperValu, The Little Oak charity shop, and Spells Bar.

“I am overwhelmed by the support this project received locally with every business being really enthusiastic about being involved, so I have to give them all a massive thanks”, said Death Milkshake.

“Likewise to the amazing crew and cast, and of course the 25 or so extras who showed up in Spell’s bar to be part of the last scene. I feel like this was a real community effort and I am so thankful to everyone involved”, he concluded.

In keeping with the energetic, beat-driven style of the two previous Death Milkshake singles (Shiny Thing and Megaphone), the song finds a comfortable space between the electronic and alt-rock genres. The lyrics are a comment on the divisive nature of what the internet has become, and a

Ballintubber native ARLENE releases new single ‘Longshot’

Arlene Feeley, who hails from Ballintubber, or ARLENE as she’s now more commonly known as, has recently unveiled her latest single, ‘Longshot’.

The song has quickly captured the attention of radio stations in the UK and Canada, earning a spot in the Top 20 Charts of London’s ‘Prospect Radio’ and has been reviewed in numerous online articles, with ARLENE being described as the next “Irish indie pop newcomer”.

Produced by Adam McNamara, mixed by Mikey Rodgers, and mastered by Ruairi O Flaherty, ‘Longshot’ features ARLENE’s raw vocals intertwined with lively guitar melodies, delivering a distinct pop-rock feel.

At the age of 25, ARLENE is poised for a promising year ahead, with more releases in the pipeline and plans for upcoming performances at gigs and festivals.

Make sure to listen to ARLENE’s latest single ‘Longshot’ on all major streaming platforms, and stay updated by following her on social media.

reminder that the various algorithms we encounter every day can shape our thoughts and feelings in ways we wouldn’t have thought possible in the past. The video reflects that in showing the journey of one person’s day through the town.

Algorithm will be included in the Debut Death Milkshake EP, which will be Titled ‘Shiny Things’. The EP will be released on CD, and as a digital download from Bandcamp or deathmilkshake.com. The release date is Wednesday, April 17th.

Death Milkshake will celebrate his EP launch with a one-off home town EP launch show in the historic Edmondstown House, Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon, on Saturday, the 20th of April 2024. Tickets are priced at €10+BF and are available from deathmilkshake.com/ shows.

For more, visit deathmilkshake.com or find Death Milkshake on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

Roscommon Solstice Choir AGM reflects on

The AGM of the Roscommon Solstice Choir was held on Sunday, the 25th of February, in the Community Centre, Kilbride. The meeting was preceded by a celebration of Mass by Fr Pravin, who praised the members for all their efforts and dedication towards helping others in the community. He said they had brought so much joy and happiness into people’s lives and “enriched them accordingly”.

Mr John F Hanley (chairperson) referred to the wonderful achieve-

2023 milestones

ments of the choir during 2023, as it celebrated its 10th anniversary with a series of high profile concerts, a dinner dance, and journal launch. He praised Andrew and Eimear Reynolds for all their hard work as musical directors and all the choir members for the unselfish and generous contribution of their time. He also commended all the musicians who had supported the choir and the excellent committee of the Kilbride Centre.

Mr James Hoban (PRO) thanked all members of the media for their

excellent support of the choir, saying they had “contributed in no small way to the fantastic success of the choir over the years”. He also thanked the management and staff of Triest Press, Roscommon, who had produced a wonderful magazine highlighting the choir’s history over the past ten years.

The following officers were elected for the coming year –Chairperson: John F Hanley; Vice-chairperson: Marie Lough; Treasurer: Siobhan Menton; Secretary: Jeanette Foley; Liaison

Officer: Catherine Murray; PRO: James Hoban.

A wide range of activities is planned by the choir in the coming year including a series of concerts in June. There will be more details of these at a later stage.

In the meantime, the choir wishes to thank everyone who supports us as we bring the joy and happiness of music and singing into your lives. Remember the famous words of Ella Fitzgerald: “The only thing better than singing is more singing!”

The Solstice Choir performing at their special 10th Anniversary Concert last November in the Sacred Heart Church in Roscommon town. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Minister announces €25m scheme for dairy beef sector

Minister Charlie McConalogue has announced the opening of a new support measure for dairy farmers producing calves destined for beef production.

The new support measure is the Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme (DBWS). It has a budget of €25 million over four years and is co-funded by the EU as part of the CAP Strategic Plan. It comes as part of the implementation of the recently published ten-point action plan to support the development of a dairy beef sector in Ireland.

Welcoming the announcement, Fianna Fáil Senator Murphy said, “I welcome the opening of this new support measure. DBWS gives clear advantages for both buyers and sellers as it provides a market outlet for dairy beef calves and an

alternative option for beef farmers. It will provide confidence to participating beef farmers in Roscommon when purchasing dairy beef calves for finishing.

“It will support greater integration of beef and dairy herds, from which

both dairy and beef farmers will recognise there are gains to be made”. Applications for the scheme can be lodged through agfood.ie until the closing date of May 15th. The full terms and conditions of the DBWS are available on gov.ie.

Attended Mountbellew Agricultural College open day…

ACRES deadline extension for hedgerows the right call – IFA

“It’s good to see some common sense applying to the situation,” he said. “We had raised this with the Department and made a case for extending the deadline.

“Farmers who are part of ACRES

IFA Rural Development chair John Curran said the Department decision to extend the deadline to plant hedgerows under ACRES until March 2025 is the right call. He said farmers have faced a number of obstacles to carrying out the work, including the lack of native supplies and very poor weather conditions.

and who identified this measure want to establish hedgerows that will bring benefits. That hasn’t been possible because of the conditions”.

John Curran said IFA would continue to monitor farm schemes and bring forward practical suggestions to change regulations, if they are needed.

The new deadline applies to Tranche 1 of ACRES and covers the following: planting a new hedgerow, planting a traditional orchard, planting trees in riparian buffer zones, tree belts for ammonia capture from farmyards, and tree planting.

Larger numbers presented for sale on Thursday last, March 21st, with over 800 lots on offer. Despite little improvement in weather conditions, trade and prices remained very strong for all classes presented for sale. Bullocks peaked at €2460, heifers hit €2370, while the dry cows peaked at €2580. The weanling rings reported a similar tone, with exporters, feedlots, and strong farmer activity resulting in bulls peaking at €4.51 a kilo, while the heifer weanlings made up to €4.64 a kilo. Breeding stock made up to €2940, while the calf ring reported a good clearance with a variance in price depending on quality. Bullocks, sample prices: Ch 445kgs €1700, Lm 475kgs €1650, BA 490kgs €1640, Ch 540kgs €1900, Lm 545kgs €1880, Ch 505kgs €1640, AA 555kgs €1720, Ch 555kgs €1900, Ch 605kgs €1980, AA 640kgs €1940, Chx 765kgs €2460, Lm 700kgs €2140, AA 710kgs €2070, and Her 715kgs €1940.

Heifers, sample prices: Ch 425kgs €1570, Lm 420kgs €1440, Ch 410kgs €1340, AA 460kgs €1780, Ch 483kgs €1750, Ch 465kgs €1740, Ch 815kgs €2370, Lm 580kgs €2080, Ch 555kgs €1900, Lm 565kgs €1890, Lm 605kgs €1870, and Lm 565kgs €1860.

Dry cows, sample prices: Lm 870kgs €2530, Lm 850kgs €2500, Lm 805kgs €2380, Lm 780kgs €2270, Fr 495kgs €830, Her 445kgs €790, Her 485kgs €1080, and Fr 705kgs €1350.

Cows with calves at foot made from €1760 to €2940. Springers made from €1260 to €1350. For calves, bigger numbers were presented, with dairy breed calves making from €1 to €125 with Hereford and Angus crosses making from €65 to €300 and continental calves making up to €400.

Weanling bulls, sample prices: Lmx 290kgs €1310, Ch 270kgs €1140, Lm 280kgs €1100, Ch 285kgs €1010, Ch 345kgs €1270, Ch 310kgs €1200, Ch 315kgs €1200, Lm 495kgs €1870, Ch 400kgs €1610, Lm 410kgs €1520, and Ch 350kgs €1360.

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart every Thursday.

Roscommon Community College students Katelyn Shally, Shauna McDermott and Orla Dwyer attending the recent Mountbellew Agricultural College open day. Photo: Mike Shaughnessy

Students Ciara Brennan, Julia Kosciolek and Anna Hunt from St Nathy’s College, Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon pictured at the recent Mountbellew Agricultural College open day. Photo: Mike Shaughnessy

Students Luke Kennedy, Lee McGowan and Conor O’Gara from St Nathy’s College, Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon pictured at the recent Mountbellew Agricultural College open day. Photo: Mike Shaughnessy

Students Callum Horgan and Callum Coleman from St Nathy’s College, Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon pictured at the recent Mountbellew Agricultural College open day. Photo: Mike Shaughnessy

Auctioneers,

Auctioneers,

Ring 1:

CATTLE SALES

CATTLE SALES

Friday, 29th March at 7.00pm

Friday 30th Sep. at 7.00 pm

Ring 1: Dry Cows, Sucklers and In-calf Cows

Ring 2: Weanling Heifers and Dry Heifers

Ring 3: Weanling Bulls and Bullocks

Thursday, 28th March at 7.00 pm

Store and Fat Lambs and

Ifac – Ireland’s farming, food and agri-business specialist professional services firm – is reminding farmers across Roscommon that the closing date for the next tranche of the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS III) is the 12th of April 2024. The next tranche will open on the 13th of April.

The grants available under TAMS III are 40% of €90,000 and this increases to 60% if an applicant is a Young Trained Farmer. Registered farm partnerships also allow for an increased ceiling of a grant claimable on a total spend of up to €160,000.

Tommie Fallon, Partner at Ifac’s Roscommon office, said, “The Low Emissions Slurry Equipment grant is another grant that is often forgotten about. The grants available here on certain slurry spreading equipment are 40% of €40,000 and this increases to 60% if an applicant is a Young Trained Farmer (must apply through YFCIS). And, registered farm

partnerships are allowed an additional ceiling with a total spend of up to €60,000.

“But the key advice is not to rush the decision on investment for the sake of meeting a deadline – this could be far more costly than delaying your application and making the right investment for your farm. Always get expert advice

to help you plan for the future”. The following are three key areas when looking at capital investment.

Should you make the investment?

*Will the capital expenditure give a return on investment?

Cash flow pressures

*Have you adequately financially planned the investment?

*If borrowing, have you the required borrowing capacity?

Tax planning issues

*Consider the value added

tax (VAT), income tax and capital repayment trap.

A top-ten accountancy firm with a thirty-office footprint and a dedicated team of 500 professionals, Ifac has been committed to serving its farming, food, and agri-business clients across the country for the past 49 years.

Farmers need support as bad weather conditions persist – IFA

IFA Deputy President Alice Doyle has said the ongoing weather conditions are placing farmers under serious pressure and adding to stress levels for families.

“The level of rainfall has made it impossible to move livestock; planting and sowing is way behind; and bills are mounting as farmers struggle to keep on top of their work”.

St Patrick’s Day is seen as a turning point in the farming calendar, but ground is saturated due to wet conditions that stretch back to the middle of last year. Alice Doyle has appealed

to everybody in the sector who interacts with farmers to take this into account and to give whatever support they can.

“For the Department of Agriculture, it could mean stepping down inspections for the moment and also redoubling their efforts to ensure the timely payment of funds from farm schemes,” she said. “Any change to terms and conditions that allows maximum flexibility should also be considered”.

The IFA Deputy President said processors and banks also have a role to play: “Every

cent that’s in the marketplace has to make its way back to farmers. Banks should apply leniency for anybody who’s battling to meet repayments”.

IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs chair Teresa Roche is asking farmers to support their neighbours and offer help if it’s needed.

“Most farmers operate as sole traders and the persistent weather conditions may overwhelm them. I would encourage anybody who is feeling isolated to seek support,” she said.

€40,955 provided for local agricultural

A total of €40,995 is being provided to support five agricultural shows in County Roscommon this summer.

Boyle Summer Show, Castlerea Agricultural Show, Elphin Agricultural Show and Roscommon Agricultural Show (all of which are set to take place in August) and also Strokestown Show (which will happen in September) are set to benefit from Government fund-

ing announced on March 22nd.

In total, the Government has announced investment of €1 million to support some 122 shows across the country in 2024. Shows will receive a grant of €6,000-€11,000, depending on their size.

Welcoming the funding this week, Senator Eugene Murphy said, “I’m delighted to see five local shows benefiting from the Government’s agricultural show

shows

funding for 2024. This funding will allow each committee prepare for their upcoming summer show season.

“Agricultural shows bind local communities and act as a great place for local producers to showcase their wares. They deserve to receive this investment”.

The funding brings the total allocated to agricultural shows since 2018 to over €4.3 million.

Fit farmers: A float in the recent St Patrick’s Day Parade in Ballintubber. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Cllr Anthony Waldron (centre) pictured with some of the Suck Valley Way Conference guest speakers (from left) Teresa Roche, Chairperson of the IFA Family and Social A airs Committee; Tristan Auret, owner of TN Media; Ronan Bilbow, Roscommon Social Prescribing Coordinator; and Louise Weir, Adjunct Lecturer in the Geography Dept. at NUI Galway. The event was held at Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Pictured at the Suck Valley Way Conference, held in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon recently, were Ryan (left) and Nathan (right) Gill, who performed a sketch at the event. They are pictured with Cllr Anthony Waldron, Chairperson of the Suck Valley Way Development Co-Op. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Cllr John O’Malley (Mayo) and Senator Eugene Murphy pictured at the Suck Valley Way Conference which was held in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Pictured at the Suck Valley Way Conference, which was held in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon recently, were Cllr Tony Waldron (Chairperson, Suck Valley Development Co-Op) and Louise Weir, one of the conference’s guest speakers, who is Adjunct Lecturer in the Geography Dept. at NUI Galway. Pic: Kieran Croghan

FARMING & RURAL LIVING

Recent conference focussed on loneliness

The third annual Suck Valley Way Conference, held over the course of two days earlier this month in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon, was addressed by a number of distinguished guest speakers.

The conference, hosted by the Suck Valley Development CoOp – and the brainchild of the group’s chairperson, Cllr Anthony Waldron – is a platform for discussion and debate on how the Suck Valley Way area, which encompasses parts of counties Roscommon and Galway, can

be further developed for the economic, social, sporting/recreational and tourism benefit of the region.

The theme of the 2024 conference was ‘The rise of loneliness in Ireland’ – How community development and planning may be the remedy’.

Amongst the guest speakers were Roscommon County Council Chief Executive Shane Tiernan; Martina Earley, CEO of Roscommon LEADER Partnership; former RTE Midlands’ Correspondent Ciaran Mullooly; Ronan Bilbow of Roscommon Social Prescribing; Frank Dillon, Head of Communications with ALONE; John Higgins, Chairperson of An Bealach; Lisa Joy, Roscommon Tourism Officer; Senator Martin Conway; John Neary, Galway Tourism Officer; Louise Weir, Adjunct Lecturer in Geography Department at NUI Galway; Teresa Roche, of IFA; Karen McHugh, CEO of Safe Home Ireland, and Gillian McGarry, EU Just Transition Tourism Activator for Co Roscommon.

ICMSA calls for 2024 Fodder Support Scheme

With cattle housed in many parts of the country since last September and in most areas since early October, ICMSA has called on the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine to immediately introduce a Fodder Support Scheme for all farmers to address what has been an exceptionally long and wet winter period, necessitating prolonged housing and the obvious need to replenish stocks as the year progresses.

The ICMSA President, Denis Drennan, said that the winter period has placed an enormous mental strain on farmers from a financial and personal perspective and farmers were doing their utmost to manage their way through

an extremely difficult spring. Regulators need to recognise this, he said, and acknowledge the real and difficult challenges currently facing farmers and act accordingly.

Mr Drennan also called for inspections to be “put aside” for now in recognition of the exceptional difficulty weather and ground conditions with which farmers are dealing.

“We know from communications and contact with our farmer members and the wider industry that cashflow at farm level is extremely tight”, he said. “And it’s also becoming clear that jobs that would normally be complete at this stage of the year have not even commenced

across all farm sectors.

“Farmers are weeks behind in their work schedules and we think that a clear priority at this stage must be to provide guidance and assistance to farmers until animals get to grass and then support them in rebuilding fodder stock for the 24/25 winter”, said the ICMSA President.

Pointing out that the minister had a fodder scheme in place in 2022 and 2023 and that it was already obvious that 2024 would require another such scheme, Mr Drennan stressed that this year’s scheme must cover all farmers and that last year’s “unfair and unacceptable” exclusion of dairy farmers could absolutely not be repeated.

Pictured at the Suck Valley Way Conference held in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon recently was Cllr Anthony Waldron (front row, third from left) along with Master of Ceremonies Paul Healy (second from left, front), guest speakers and some attendees. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Local projects receive water quality improvement funding

Funding for three local water quality projects in Co Roscommon has been confirmed.

Kilteevan Tidy Towns, Clooneigh will receive €7,000 for a river bank stabilisation study, Mount Allen Residents Association have been granted €1,500 for Arigna river bank management project, while Ballyleague Tidy Towns/Village Renewal will receive €600 for the Queen Maebh Statue project exploring whether a multifunctional statue in Lough Ree is possible.

In total, €1.2 million has been allocated to fund 155 projects in 26 counties under the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO)’s Community Water Development Fund.

Welcoming the funding, Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy said, “I’m delighted to see three local projects in Co Roscommon among the 155 projects nationwide receiving funds to improve water quality. This investment is vital for the delivery of projects and benefit water quality and biodiversity.

“These local community projects are hugely important. Not only do they protect our water bodies, they also raise awareness of the need for everyone to take steps to protect our environment”.

Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) works on behalf of Ireland’s 31 local authorities to protect and restore good water quality in our rivers, lakes, estuaries,

ground and coastal water through catchment science and local community engagement. LAWPRO was established to fulfil re-

quirements under the European Union Water Framework Directive and is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and

Heritage. LAWPRO coordinates the efforts of local authorities and other public bodies in the implementation of the River Basin Management Plan.

Attended Mountbellew Agricultural College open day…

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

Lambs & Cast Ewes

Each Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m.

Gates close at 10 a.m. ************

Sheep Scanning Service

Next Scanning Date Wednesday 10th April

Continues Every Fortnight 8.30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

************

Saturday, 6th April at 12 Noon

Organic Sale

Bookings now being accepted

There was a larger entry of stock on offer at last Friday’s Special Sale of Bullocks. Bullocks fetched an average of €3.17 per kilo up to €3.81. There was also a good entry of dry cows and they made an average of €2.42 per kilo up to €3.01 per kilo. There was a good attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.

We had a very large number of sheep on offer at our weekly Sale of Lambs and Cast Ewes. Prices for finished lambs made up to €230. We had a small number of spring lambs

and these topped out at €210. The tops for stag ewes fetched €214. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID Tag set. Next sale of lambs and cast ewes is next Wednesday, March 27th at 11 am. Yard opens at 8 am. All stock must be penned by 10 am. Sale can be viewed live on www.livestock-live. com.

Sample prices for dry cows: CHX 830kg €2,500, LMX 765kg €2,040, LMX 685kg €1,590, CH 675kg €1,880, CHX 615kg €1,350, LMX 510kg €1,230.

Bullocks: CHX 710kg €2,500, CHX 695kg €2,640, CHX 725kg €2,420, CHX 630kg €2,400, CHX 610kg €2,280, LMX 600kg €2,190, CHX 581kg €2,140, CHX 560kg €1,860, LMX 575kg €1,870.

Finished lambs: 74kgs €230, 75kgs €229, 71.3kgs €227, 55.0kgs €219, 52kgs €214, 50kgs €212, 45.5kgs €202, 43.2kgs €155, 42.5kgs €145. Store lambs: 40.3kgs €138, 38kgs €124, 37.2kgs €130, 36.0kgs €105, 34.0kgs €100. Cast ewes made from €80 to €214 per lot.

Students Martin McKeon, Conor Taheny, Gordon Casey and Fionnan McCann from St Nathy’s College, Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon pictured at the recent Mountbellew Agricultural College open day. Photo: Mike Shaughnessy

Naughton Auctioneers

complete sale of Roscommon residence

Local auctioneer Sean Naughton has confirmed that he has completed the sale of a three-bedroomed detached residence in Roscommon Town, having recently advertised the property in the Roscommon People.

Reporting “another successful sale” this week, Sean Naughton Auctioneers confirmed the sale of No. 78 Hawthorn Drive, Roscommon, said property being a three-bedroomed detached residence with garage.

For details of other properties on the books of Sean Naughton Auctioneers, call 090 6625080/6625864, or 087 2479486, and/or email seannaughton@eircom.net.

LOCALLY OWNED ... IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Remax Team Earley completes sale of Frenchpark residence

Cathal Meares of RE/MAX Team Earley is pleased to advise that he closed the sale this week of a three-bedroomed semidetached residence located at 21 Abbey Court, Frenchpark, Co Roscommon.

This property, boasting three generouslysized bedrooms and three modern bathrooms, is in turn-key condition, having been meticulously maintained. Remax Team Earley are now looking for

similar-type properties in the Frenchpark area for disappointed underbidders who are cash clients or mortgage-approved. For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact Remax Team

Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon on 090 66 26579, call Cormac on 086 3519492, Cathal on 086 1409158, Keith on 086 0848590, email teamearley@remax.ie or log on to www.teamearley.ie.

Email:

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

 ALCOHOLICS

ANONYMOUS: Roscommon Town Group, Castle Street, Roscommon. Eir Code: F42 RP21 (1st Floor).

Meetings: Tuesday 8pm to 9pm, Wednesday 1pm to 2pm, Thursday 8pm to 9pm, Friday 8pm to 9pm, Saturday 8pm to 9pm, Sunday 12 noon to 1.pm.

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Complete Chimney Services

CHIMNEY CLEANING

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

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods

CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS

• Firebacks replaced and ues repaired

• Can be cleaned from the bottom up

• Chimney cowls and crow guards tted Power washing and gutter cleaning services.

Telephone:

087 2798704

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Creighton Chimney Cleaning Fireplaces, Stoves, Ranges etc. Modern Rotary Chimney Cleaning equipment used from the bottom up. Much cleaner than brushes, CCTV check if required.

Areas covered: Castlerea, Strokestown, Elphin, Castleplunkett, Tulsk, Lanesboro, Roscommon Town, Killashee, Carrickon-Shannon, Scramogue, Rooskey, Kenagh, Tarmonbarry, Ballymahon and all surrounding areas. No climbing on roofs, tiles or slates, no mess, no fuss.

Fully Registered.

Call Dave on 085 8888833

COUNSELLING

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

Are you a ected byAnger Issues, Bullying, Bereavement, Con dence/self-esteem issues, OCD, Stress, Depression, Eating disorders Panic/Anxiety, Relationships, Exam pressure, Sexual Abuse

Contact: Billy 094 96 59966

Mobile: 086 0675433 or visit www.billybrogan.com

Stephen Casey

● General Building

● Extensions & Roo ng

● Groundworks

● Renovations

● Chimney CCTV Inspections

● Chimney Repair

- Insurance Claims

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon 087 9268424

stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

NO

Are

Such

FARMING

 FOR SALE: 60 Bales of Silage, Carrick on Shannon area. Phone: 086 8179799 or 086 8436182

FOR SALE

 FOR SALE: Round bales of silage/haylage.

Roscommon Town area. Phone: 086 2580950

Online

Have you

BOOM SPRAYER TESTING SERVICE

• Sprayers tested on owners premises

• Test report & D.A.F.M. stickers provided.

• Small stock of parts available and can be tted on sprayers

All sprayers tested in 2020/2021 are now due re-test

Contact: Thomas Neilan

on 087 2395171

or 090 6663069

e-mail: thomasneilan4@ gmail.com

D.A.F.M. Approved

Reg No: EI000083

DANCING

 SOCIAL DANCING:

night with Glen Flynn, dance 9.00pm til late.Tel. 087 9809432

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Michale Craven and Enda Tully are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct domestic dwelling house along with domestic garage, new Treatment system and percolation area, and all ancillary site development works at Lisfelim, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a

not

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Noel Deane am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct a terrace of 4 No.3 Bed houses and connect to existing services on Sites 5-8 Fortlands, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee, €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed:

Signed:

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0851299470

E: james@jlce.ie & elaine@jlce.ie

Web: www.jlce.ie

Planning & Design Consulting Engineers

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Deeney Engineering and Planning Services, are applying to Roscommon County Council, on behalf of Neil Foley, for Retention Permission for retention of:

1.

2. Existing lean-to extension to existing garage.

3. Existing sauna building as constructed.

4. Revised nish to front elevation of existing garage to that granted under Planning Ref PD/12/324.

5. Post and Rail fence as constructed at roadside boundary.

6. Site entrance as constructed and all ancillary site works, at Cross South TD, Co. Roscommon. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the Planning

A

weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application

Signed: Deeney Engineering and Planning Services Tel: 086 2503109

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0851299470

E: james@jlce.ie & elaine@jlce.ie

Web: www.jlce.ie Planning & Design Consulting Engineers

ROSCOMMON

COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Pat and Dee Hussey, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council Planning Authority for Full Planning Permission for the construction of a bungalow type dwelling house (on a site previously granted planning permission under planning le reference: PD/05/922), connection to public foul/storm sewer, alterations to existing entrance, new boundary walls and piers and all ancillary site works at West bank, Ballyleague Td, Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon. The Planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed:

Eamon Sheridan

M.Arch, B.Arch ESarch Ltd

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I Liam Wallace intend to Apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to re-locate and upgrade existing septic tank with a new treatment plant, to provide secondary and tertiary treatment, to EPA 2021 code of practice and all associated works, at Culliagh Lower, Scramogue, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed:

Gerry Hynes Architect MRIAI

White Cottage, Doon, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

Phone: 087 2527290

Market House, Main Street, Arvagh, Co. Cavan Tel: 049 432 8493

Podiatrist/Chiropodist Sarah

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI

Sarah will be in Tullys Totalhealth Pharmacy, Castlerea on Monday and Friday and Boyle Totalhealth Pharmacy on Tuesdays.

●

●

Corns,

Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons)

Department of Health Approved Kearney’s Chemist

Main Street, Castlerea

For appointment:

Phone: (089) 4142233

SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A

FROM KNOCK

• 20 years experience

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

Catriona

HEWITT Paddy

Slevinagee, Roscommon Town (formerly of Ennis, Co. Clare)

Who passed away on the 23rd March 2023. (1st Anniversary)

On Paddy’s First Anniversary, his wife Angela, sons Joe, Sean and Kieran, daughter Marie and family members would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for the support and sympathy shown to us on the passing of our much loved husband, dad, grandad, brother and uncle.

Thank you to all who attended the Funeral Parlour and Funeral Mass and to those who telephoned, sent Mass cards and messages, posted online condolences and who shared their kind words and special memories of Paddy.

Many thanks to family, friends and neighbours who came to the house bearing gifts of food and who sat with us in our sadness. Thanks to the people who cared for Paddy including Dr. Keenan’s Medical Practice, as well as sta at Roscommon, Tullamore and Portiuncula Hospitals and Oakwood Nursing Home sta . Your kindness and care was very much appreciated.

Thanks to Pat of Smyth’s Funeral Directors for his professional and caring service which was so helpful at this di cult time. Thanks to Fr. Joe Fitzgerald for his moving and thoughtful service at Sacred Heart Church and to Roscommon Golf Club for their Guard of Honour. That would have meant so much to Paddy, who loved his golf.

Thanks to Shannon Crematorium for the service held there and to Fr. David Carroll for his prayers as we laid Paddy’s ashes to rest at Drumcli e Cemetery, Ennis, Co. Clare, alongside his beloved mother and father. As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, we hope this notice expresses our appreciation and gratitude for your thoughts and care at this sad time.

Paddy’s First Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday, 7th April at 11.30am in The Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

RAFTERY Fionán

Hyde Court, Roscommon

In loving memory of Fionán who passed away on the 18th of April, 2011 (13th Anniversary)

Your smile was made of sunshine, your heart was made of gold, thanks for the precious years and the memories that we hold. May the winds of love blow softly and whisper for you to hear, we will always love and miss you, no matter how many years.

Loved and missed every day by Siobhan, Eamon, Leanne and Darragh.

Fionán’s Anniversary Mass takes place on Wednesday, 3rd April at 11am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

Also remembering our recently deceased mum, Betty.

SWEENEY Michael

Francis

Lanesborough Road, and late of Corrigeen, Strokestown. (18th Anniversary) Who passed away on the 29th March 2006. R.I.P.

Time may pass, and fade away but silent thoughts and memories stay. Will those who think of Michael today a little prayer to Jesus say.

Remembered always by Angela, sons, daughter, sonin-law and grandchildren. Masses o ered.

LYONS

Maisie

Runnamoat, Roscommon. (1st Anniversary)

In loving memory of Maisie Lyons who passed away on 31st March 2023.

In our hearts you will always stay, loved and remembered every day. Happy memories we will always treasure, they will stay with us forever.

Always remembered by your daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

Anniversary Mass on Easter Sunday, 31st March 2024 in Ballinaheglish Church at 11am.

BEIRNE

Annie

Ballyglass, Ballymacurley, Co. Roscommon Who died on Monday, 3rd April, 2023 (1st Anniversary)

Along the road of suffering, you found a little lane, that took you up to Heaven and ended all your pain. We may be world’s apart, but you are always in our prayers and forever in our hearts.

Loved and sadly missed by her husband Michael, children Gerard, Majella, Alan, Kenneth, Ray and extended family.

Anniversary Mass for Annie will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballinaheglish on Friday, 5th April at 7pm.

EDWARDS

Chrissie

Croydon, London (formerly Cloonru , Ballymoe, Co. Galway)

Who passed away on 27 March 2021 (3rd Anniversary) R.I.P.

Our lives go on without you, but nothing is the same. We have to hide our heartache, when someone speaks your name. Sad are the hearts that love you, silent are the tears that fall. Living without you is the hardest part of all. You did so many things for us, your heart was so kind and true and when we needed someone, we could always count on you. The special years will not return, when we were all together. But with love in our hearts, you walk with us forever.

Always loved and sadly missed by your sisters Mary and Anne, brothers Tom, Jack, Tony, EJ and Larry, nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Croan’s Church, Ballymoe on Easter Saturday night, 30th March 2024 at 9pm.

KELLY

Marty

Roscommon & London (8th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Marty who passed away on the 23rd of March 2016

Always remembered by his family and friends. Also remembering his parents Tom and Teresa.

FALLON

Teresa

Ballagh, Kilrooskey, Roscommon and formerly of Crossmaglen, Armagh

In loving memory of Teresa who passed away on 7th April 2022 (2nd Anniversary)

In our Hearts

We thought of you today, but that was nothing new, we thought about you yesterday and days before that too. We think of you in silence, we often speak your name, now all we have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is our keepsake, with which we’ll never part, God has you in his keeping, we have you in our hearts.

Sadly missed and loved by her husband Frank and children Niall, Frank, David, Patrick and Aisling.

Second Anniversary Mass will be held on Satuday, 6th of April at 8pm in Ballagh Church.

NOVENA TO ST JUDE AND THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glori ed, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on us, St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, on the 8th day your prayer will be answered. Never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. S.D.

NOVENA TO ST. MARTHA

Oh Saint Martha, I resort to thee and to thy petition and faith. I o er up to thee this light which I shall burn every Tuesday for nine Tuesdays. Comfort me in all my di culties through the great favour thou didst enjoy when our Saviour lodged in thy house. I beseech thee to have de nite pity in regards to the favour I ask. Interceed for my family that we may always be provided for in all our necessities. I ask thee St. Martha to overcome the dragon, which thou didst cast at thy feet. Say one Our Father and Three Hail Mary’s. Light a candle every Tuesday and the above prayer made know with the intention of spreading devotion to St. Martha. This Miraculous Saint grants everything before the ve days are ended, no matter how di cult. S.G.

NEILAN

Kathleen

Muff, Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon (9th Anniversary)

You were always there with a willing hand to listen, advise and understand.

Your pleasures were small, and wants were few, if your family were happy, so were you.

Sadly missed by her husband Christy and family.

Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague on Saturday, 6th April at 7pm.

MANNION

Eileen

Castlestrange, Castlecoote, Roscommon

Who passed away on the 26th of April 2014 (10th Anniversary)

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

Deeply loved and never forgotten by Martin and family.

Eileen’s Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Donamon Castle at 10am on Sunday, April 7th.

Divine Mercy Sunday.

THANKSGIVINGS

KILCLINE Michael

Weekfield, Roscommon

Who passed away on 30th March 2014 (10th Anniversary)

A daily thought a silent tear, a constant wish that you were here. Although I smile and make no fuss, no one misses you more than me. And when old times I do recall, that’s when I miss you most of all.

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by your brother John.

Anniversary Mass for Michael in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilteevan on Sunday, 7th April at 10am.

FEENEY

Tommie

Ballyglass, Ballymacurley, Co. Roscommon (28th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Tommie Feeney who passed away on 31st March, 1996 R.I.P.

You gave us years of happiness, then sorrow came with tears, you left us lovely memories, we will treasure through the years.

Always remembered by his wife May and family.

Anniversary Mass in Ballinaheglish Church on Sunday, 7th April at 11am.

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Dear Sacred Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours, this time I ask You this special one (mention favour). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within Your own broken heart, where our Father sees it, then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days and promise publication and the favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. C.S.

Harris-Maloney Maria

Creggs

HARRISMALONEY

MOYLAN

Jackie

MURRAY Séamus

Maria Creggs

27th March 2014

Who passed away on 27th March 2014 (10th Anniversary)

10th Anniversary

A silent grief that’s in our hearts, no human eye can trace. For many a broken heart is hid, behind a smiling face. Remembered every day by your loving husband Mickie.

Grange, Tulsk, Co Roscommon (3rd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Jackie, who passed away on the 24th March 2021

A silent grief that’s in our hearts

No human eye can trace: For many a broken heart is hid

Behind a smiling face

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone, for part of us went with you the day God called you home.

Lisphelim, Knockcroghery & Galway Road, Roscommon. (36th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Séamus who passed away on 30th March 1988.

Memories of you never grow old, they are locked in our hearts in letters of gold. Flowers may wither and the sun will set, but the hearts that loved you will never forget.

Thinking of you every day Maria is easy, we do it every day. But missing you is heartache, that never goes away.

Lovingly remembered by his wife, Annie, and family, Patricia, Michael, Sean, Fionuala, Thomas, Jody, Colm and Adrian, daughters in law, son in law and his 16 beloved grandchildren.

Remembered everyday by your loving husband Mickie

Loved and remembered dearly by Phil and Fiona.

Rest In Peace.

Thinking of you everyday Maria is easy We do it everyday

Always remembered by mom Bina, Olivia, Richard, Eve, Stephen, Sean, Jackie and Kieran.

But missing you is heartache That never goes away.

Anniversary Mass will be o ered in Tulsk Church, on Sunday, 21st April at 11.30am.

Your actions were always kind, a generous hand and an active mind. Anxious to please and loath to offend, a loving brother and faithful friend. Still miss you so very very much.

Always remembered by mom Bina, Olivia, Richard, Eve, Stephen, Sean, Jackie & Kieran

Remembered fondly by your sister, Geraldine.

LARKIN

Anthony

St. John’s, Lecarrow. (14th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Anthony who died on 31st March 2010

Out of our lives you may be gone, but in our hearts you will always belong.

Sadly missed by his family.

APPOINTMENTS

SITUATIONS VACANT

 CLEANER: Lady required to clean house, 4 hours per day, 3 days per week and some cooking, Castleplunkett area. Tel: 087 4162251

LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB?

Thelocalpaper!

TELEPHONE: 090 66 34633

EMAIL: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

PlanningEXTRA

PLANNINGS PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Candidate must be highly motivated and interested in working in care of the Older Person. Successful candidate must ensure that the highest standard of person centred care is delivered.

• Must have FETAC Level 5 and relevant quali cation

• Good knowledge of HIQA Standards

• Relevant Experience Shifts are rostered Monday-Sunday.

Please send Curriculum Vitae with Cover letter to: Director of Nursing

Abbey Haven Care Centre & Nursing Home, Carrick Road, Boyle, Co. Roscommon Or email: manager@abbeyhaven.ie

No telephone enquiries please

We Are HIRING

Are you looking for a new career with full training and support working with a great organisation?

Tailte Éireann are inviting applications for full-time, permanent positions of Digital Mapping Officer (DMO) in Roscommon.

CLOSING DATE: 8th APRIL 2024

Find out more information on our website: www.tailte.ie/en/careers/

To

THE

OUR

IS

We, Conlon Consulting Engineering Ltd, on behalf of our client: Timothy Barnard, intend to apply for permission and retention permission for the site located at: Carrownular Td, Elphin, Co. Roscommon. F45HY84. The development will consist of:

A. Retention permission of single storey extension to the side of the property.

B. The proposed demolition of one chimney to the existing dwelling house

C. The proposed construction of a rst- oor extension to the side of the property, and all necessary ancillary site works.

D. The proposed demolition of existing front porch and the construction of a new larger front porch.

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

Signed: Conlon Consulting Engineering Ltd (Agent) on behalf of Timothy Barnard..

We, Conlon Consulting Engineering Ltd, on behalf of our client: Noreen Fallon, intend to apply for Retention Permission for this site, located at: Barnacullen, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon, F42 TW35. The Development (Permission for Retention) consists of:

● Retention permission for the removal of dormer windows on front roof elevation which was granted under planning register reference: PD03116 and their replacement with roof lights which follows the contour of the roof.

● Retention of as constructed garage with revised elevations to that which was granted under planning register reference: PD03116

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

Signed: Conlon Consulting Engineering Ltd (Agent) on behalf of Noreen Fallon.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Eoin Mulheir am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission and retention permission to:

1. Retain as constructed extension, which di ers to that granted under PD/19/120di erence includes: building size and elevations.

2. Permission to construct new boundary wall and to close existing vehicular and pedestrian site entrances and all associated site works at Drumatemple, Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon, F45 PW52.

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

Signed:

Eoin Mulheir

Drumatemple, Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon, F45 PW52

Tel. 0863521640

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

TEL:

I, Bryan O’Gara seek retention permission for alterations at Cruby Hill B & B, Cruby Hill House, Galway Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon, F42 FX53, to include changes to internal layout and all associated site works in order to accommodate an eight bedroomed guesthouse. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed:

Bryan O’Gara

We Rathcroghan Designs intend applying for Retention Permission on behalf of Richard Togher and Edward O’Connor to retain existing building used in conjunction with the existing piggery containing workshop o ce space, wash room and sta area, together with all associated site works at Largan Td, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within a period of ve weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed:

Martin Dowd

Rathcroghan Design, Ballyconboy, Ballinagare, Co. Roscommon Phone: 086 2328484

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Sports PEOPLE

Nugent earns last-gasp draw

Eirgrid Connacht U-20 FC (Round 2)

Sligo 0-9 Roscommon 0-9

 SEAMUS DUKE

A pointed 43-metre free from Bobby Nugent in the dying seconds of injury-time gave Roscommon their second draw of the Connacht U-20 Football Championship as they finished level with Sligo (0-9 apiece) after a dour struggle on Wednesday evening (last night) at Markievicz Park.

Following last week’s draw against Mayo (Roscommon 1-13 Mayo 3-7) at Dr Hyde Park, Roscommon were outsiders going into this game against a Sligo side looking to win their third Connacht title in row.

Sligo played with the strong wind at their backs in the opening half, but with Senan Lambe, Conor Ryan and Shane Walsh doing well for Roscommon, the visitors were very competitive. The scores were level at 0-2 apiece after 15 minutes with Shane McGinley and Rory Carthy on target for Noel Dunning’s men.

Sligo upped their game in the second quarter and two long-range points from Rossa Sloyan helped the home side into a 0-6 to 0-2 half-time lead.

On the resumption, Roscommon played their best football, kicking six points without reply to lead 0-8 to 0-6 by the 47th minute, with Shane McGinley (2), Eoghan Carthy, Rory Carthy, Conor Ryan and Rory Hester on target.

The game ebbed again with Sligo taking over

Creggs Rugby Club launches major new draw

Top prize of €20,000!

A new draw has been launched by Creggs RFC finance committee with a top prize of €20,000.

Creggs are now in their 50th year and the club has over 600 playing members. This draw is being run solely for the purpose of finishing the new development consisting of four dressing rooms, containing individual changing and showers areas designed for women, a 35-metre four-lane sprint

track which is used during fitness testing, a fully equipped gym and a club room available to seat over 100 people. A video of the development is available to view on our Facebook page. Our 4G pitch has been used by most clubs in Connacht at this stage and will hold the Connacht v Leinster Junior Interpro over the May bank holiday weekend. The club also open their grounds to other sports including inter-county Gaelic football, hurling and camogie.

The draw takes place on the 6th of May 2024. In addition to the top prize of €20,000, other prizes include tickets for the England and France Six Nations games in Dublin in 2025 and the All Blacks match this autumn. The building is almost ready for use and the funds from this draw will support the kitting out of the facility and finishing it for use in the new season starting in the autumn. Tickets can be purchased from club members or online on www.creggsrugby.ie.

in the final 10 minutes during which they scored three points without reply to lead by one going into injury-time.

Roscommon had the final two attacks of the game in those closing minutes. In the 62nd minute Nugent was short with a long-range free but the same player made no mistake two minutes later from the same distance to earn his side a share of the spoils.

Roscommon have a bye next week and will probably have to beat Galway and Leitrim if they are to reach the Connacht final.

Roscommon: Sean Allen; Eden Kerins, Daniel Casey, Tommy Morris; James McGreal, Senan Lambe, Eoghan Carthy (0-1); Conor Ryan (0-1), Shane Walsh; Rory Hester (0-1), Bobby Nugent (0-1, free), Robert Heneghan; Shane McGinley (0-3, 1 free, 1 mark), Rory Carthy (0-2), Conor Harley. Roscommon subs: Daniel Hagney for Hester (51), Oisin O’Flaherty for Walsh (53), Ryan Dowling for R Carthy (56), Ryan Conlon for Harley (59), Niall O’Donnell for McGinley (60).

GAA results

Connacht U-20 FC

Roscommon 1-13 Mayo 3-7

Allianz NFL Division One

Derry 2-19 Roscommon 1-9

Lidl Ladies NFL Division Three

Roscommon 4-6 Antrim 1-14 VERY Camogie League Division 3A

Armagh 0-15 Roscommon 0-9

Shane McGinley (in action against Mayo in Dr Hyde Park last week) scored three points in Roscommon’s draw with Sligo last night. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Best

All set for Fairyhouse Easter Racing Festival

Horses for Courses

Irish racing was to start this week on Thursday with a national hunt meeting at Clonmel, but the meeting has been postponed until this day week due to waterlogging.

Tomorrow (Friday) is a day of rest before the start of the 3-day Easter Racing Festivals at Fairyhouse and Cork. Saturday racing at Fairyhouse features the Listed RYBO Handicap Hurdle which starts at 5.05 pm. Sunday sees two Grade 1 races down for decision, the EBF Honeysuckle Mares Novice Hurdle, and the WillowWarmGold Cup. On Monday the Irish Grand National, backed up by three Grade 2 races, will go to post.

On Saturday, Cork race on the flat featuring the Listed EBF Cork Stakes. On Sunday racing is over the jumps featuring the Easter Handicap Hurdle and on Monday, the first three races are confined to riders that have not ridden more than 10 winners and the other five, three Hunter Chases and two bumpers for point-to-point horses, to amateur riders.

Big money at Fairyhouse

All 23 races at the Fairyhouse Easter

Soccer fixtures

Thursday, March 28th

RDFL Women’s Division Castlerea Celtic v Shiven Rovers. 8 pm

Saturday, March 30th

RDFL Reserve Division Skyvalley Rovers v Ballinagare Manor. 12 pm Roscommon Utd v CP Ajax. 12 pm

Moore Utd v Dunmore Town. 12 pm

RDFL Second Division Cup Semi-Final Cloonfad Utd v Cam Dysart. 7.30 pm

Sunday, March 31st

RDFL Premier Division Cup

Semi-Final

Castlerea Celtic v Boyle Celtic. 2 pm

Shiven Rovers v Moore Utd. 11 am

RDFL Premier Division Ballinasloe Town v Ballaghaderreen. 2 pm

RDFL First Division Cup Semi-Final Skyvalley Rovers v Moylough or Ballinagare Manor. 11 am Dunmore v Glen Celtic. 11 am

RDFL Second Division Cup

Semi-Final St Cuan’s Utd/Ahascragh v Kilkerrin or Roscommon Utd. 11 am RDFL Women’s Division Cam Celtic v Boyle Celtic. 2 pm

Second legs of Darts semi-finals

It’s all still to play for as the first leg of the Roscommon Darts League Shield and Cup semi-finals took place last weekend.

Here are the results – cup semi-finals: An Bothar Rua 2 McDermott’s 5; The Holly Tree 5 Spell’s 2. Shield semifinals: Cosy Bar 5 Village Inn 2; Hollywood 5 Flanagan’s 2. The second leg of each of these games will take place this coming weekend, as follows: McDermott’s v An Bothar Rua; Spell’s v The Holly Tree. Shield semi-finals: Village Inn v Cosy Bar; Flanagan’s v Hollywood Bar.

Festival are fully sponsored with over €1.5 million in prize-money up for grabs at the three-day meeting from March 30th to April 1st. The Irish Grand National sponsored by BoyleSports is Ireland’s most valuable National Hunt race with prize money of €500,000 on Monday, April 1st.

There are two Grade 1 races on Sunday, March 30th with the WillowWarm Gold Cup and the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Honeysuckle Mares Novice Hurdle, both worth €100,000.

RYBO continue their long association with the feature on Saturday with the RYBO Handicap Hurdle worth €100,000.

On Friday the feature is the RYBO Handicap Hurdle worth €100,000 where Daddy Long Legs is the only one of WP Mullins’ five entries who did not go to Cheltenham and will be fresh if you fancy a punt.

David Christie has three in the Hunter Chase and should win it with whatever Barry O’Neill rides even though both Elliott and Mullins have strong representation.

On Sunday there are two Grade 1

by Tom Red

races, the Honeysuckle Mares Novice Hurdle and the WillowWarm Gold Cup Chase. In the Hurdle, Elliott’s Brighterdaysahead leads the betting with the Mullins’ supported Jade De Grugy next. Again, both ran in Cheltenham and Jessica Harrington’s Jetara runs fresh and could beat them both if they have not recovered fully from their travels. In the chase, I like the look of Tactical Move looking for a hat-trick.

On Monday there are 23 entries in the Irish Grand National and Mullins trains the favourite, Nick Rockett.

With the going most likely to be heavy, it will bring the light weights into play giving Where’s Frankie, who always runs well on this track, a chance at 33/1.

In the Rathbarry and Glenview Studs Hurdle Brewin’upastorm, trained in England by Olly Murphy, who served his time as assistant to Gordon Elliott, hopes to give Murphy his first win on Irish soil. The 11-year-old meets Grade 1 winners Sir Gerhard and Asterion Forlonge and Champion Hurdle 4th Zarak The Brave, all trained by Mullins, and he has an each-way chance.

Racing News

There were 22 horses, including the Shark Hanlon trained top weight Hewick, scratched from the Aintree Grand National on Tuesday, leaving 58 entries. With only 34 runners allowed, at the moment 29 of them are Irish trained with only 5 British trained runners and the next two reserves are also trained in Ireland. Trained in Scotland by Linda Russell, last year’s winner Corach Rambler leads the betting at 9/2 with 8/1 bar.

On TV

Coverage of racing on television be-

gins on Friday with coverage of 11 races on the all-weather on ITV.

On Saturday there are four races on the flat from Musselburgh and three races over the jumps from Haydock.

On Monday there are six races on ITV with four on the all-weather from Kempton and one over the jumps from Plumpton and the Irish Grand National from Fairyhouse.

RTE is covering racing from Fairyhouse on Sunday including the Honeysuckle Novice Hurdle and the Gold Cup, both Grade 1 contests. RTE are at Fairyhouse again on Monday covering three Grade 2 races and the Irish Grand National.

Short putts

BALLAGHADERREEN

Ballaghaderreen Golf Club have got their golfing year off to a flying start with Lady Captain Sarah McDonagh and Men’s Captain Danny Browne leading the way with a Captain’s Drive-In and social scramble last Sunday.

Ballaghaderreen Golf Club will host an introductory evening for ladies wishing to try out golf for the first time. Light refreshments will be provided along with all you need to know as a new recruit. No equipment required initially and all your queries will be answered in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. This event is on Monday, April 8th at 7.30 pm.

We are looking forward to welcoming new ladies on the night.

CARRICK-ON-SHANNON

Carrick-on-Shannon Golf Club

Masters 2024 online competition is about to start again, giving you an opportunity to use your golf knowledge to win €1000 as well as other cash prizes.

As in previous years, you enter teams of seven players: one team for €10, three teams for €25 or five teams for €40. Click on the blue button on our website www.carrickgolf.ie for more information.

As soon as The Masters starts, this link will become an online leaderboard which allows you

to compete with friends and family. Hopefully it will make the first major of the year just that little bit more enjoyable while also supporting a worthy cause.

The senior season got off to a start last Thursday after a long wet winter recess with a ninehole competition. The winner was Robert Donaldson with 19 pts while Michael Keville came in second place with 17 pts.

The Lotto Jackpot is €2,750 and this week’s winner of €30 was John McCarthy.

The club would like to thank all the members who have paid their subscriptions for 2024.

The club office is open every Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm if any member would like to call in and pay.

(NEWS FROM LOCAL GOLF CLUBS)

Daddy Long Legs and Paul Townend win at Thurles in November.

Ballaghaderreen Golf Club Lady Captain Sarah McDonagh and Men’s Captain Danny Browne pictured during the Captains Drive-In recently.

Members of Ballaghaderreen Golf Club enjoying a scramble at the recent Captains Drive-In to begin their gol ng schedule/calendar.

THE GAIN LINE

U-18 girls defeat Sligo in cup

Creggs RFC U-18s girls played Sligo RFC in their second game of the group stages of the U-18s girls cup last Saturday in miserable conditions in Creggs. The home team came out on top 31-12 in a tighter encounter than the scoreline suggests.

Sligo took an early lead but Creggs were playing with the wind in the first half and made that advantage count, scoring three converted tries to give them a 21-5 half-time lead.

The start of the second half was a very even affair and although Sligo went over for a converted try, Creggs began to pull away. They scored two more second-half tries, which were unconverted, leaving the final score 31-12 to Creggs.

Girls U-16s: The Creggs U-16 girls secured top spot in their group after their third win from three games and they have now secured qualification for the U-16 girls cup semi-final with a comprehensive victory over Corinthians/Galwegians in Creggs on Saturday last.

This was a dominant team performance from start to finish. The girls led 33-5 at halftime and the second half was similar with the more powerful Creggs side scoring five more tries. Creggs now move into a

semi-final away to the winners of Westport v Claremorris.

Girls U-14s: Creggs U-14s girls travelled to Ballina last Saturday for their cup quarterfinal. The game was played in wet conditions but some good handling was on show from both teams. Creggs came out on top in the end with the final score being 17-12 in Creggs favour.

Boys U-16s: Creggs Boys U-16s travelled to Monivea for the last round of the group stages in the cup last Sunday. A win would have seen the Creggs team into a cup final but a Monivea penalty in the last minute of the game meant that Creggs lost out by a heartbreaking 1-point margin on a scoreline of 20-19.

In very difficult conditions the half-time score was only 3-0 in favour of Monivea. In the second half it was the home team who scored first again, to lead 10-0. At this stage Creggs started to come back into the match and scored three tries without reply to leave Creggs 19-10 in front going into the final few minutes.

Monivea hit back with a try and conversion to bring the score to 19-17, but there was another twist to the game when Monivea won a penalty and

slotted it over for a 1-point win. Final score: Creggs 19 Monivea 20.

Boys U-15s: On Sunday afternoon, Ballinasloe visited Creggs to play round 3 of the cup. Despite missing a number of players through injury and illness Creggs were strongest on the day, defeating Ballinasloe 45-22.

This was a very good team performance even though we only had 18 fit players. Our next outing is away to Loughrea in the final pool game this weekend.

Congratulations: Three of Creggs RFC’s U-18 girls’ panel have been selected for Ireland’s U-18s team, namely Jemima Adams Verling, Sarah Purcell and Siofra Hession. They have made a small rural club extremely proud.

Lotto: Our Jackpot was not won and now lies at €12, 700. The lucky dip winner was Michael Keane. Please join the lotto to support our club whose membership is now over 600.

Creggs Minis: Creggs mini section travelled to the Connacht versus Lions rugby match last Saturday evening in the Dexcom Stadium. 150 children travelled along with coaches and parents. Thanks to the coaches and parents for making this day special.

Buccs meet UCC in final game of season

Buccaneers’ final away match of this season’s Energia All-Ireland League sees the squad head south to Cork where they face University College Cork at The Mardyke on Easter Saturday. Kick-off for this Division 1B game is 2.30 pm.

Buccaneers lose to Highfield: As had been the case in Cork earlier in the season Buccaneers were out-muscled by a bulkier Highfield outfit in their Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B encounter at Dubarry Park last Saturday when the visitors won by 24-7.

The bonus point victory by the Cork team keeps them firmly in the promotion playoffs’ hunt. However, defeat for the Pirates (and a bonus point secured by Queen’s University) means that the midlanders are now

inevitably destined for 2A next season.

Buccaneers U-20s: Buccaneers U-20s’ season ended in controversial fashion when they went down 16-13 to De La Salle Palmerston in a sometimes fractious Purcell Cup quarterfinal contested at Dubarry Park on Sunday. Buccs had come out on top when these sides met in the league in Athlone just two weeks ago, but on this occasion the visitors edged the verdict in a contest between two much-changed teams.

Buccaneers opened the scoring with an 18th minute penalty but Palmerston drew level six minutes later. Both teams went over for a try before half-time but Buccs missed their conversion which left the score at the interval at 10-8 to Palmerston.

Buccs played well in the second half and

went over for another unconverted try but two more penalties from the Dublin team edged them 16-13 ahead.

In the closing stages Buccs felt that they should have been awarded a penalty try but, mystifyingly, the referee blew the final whistle, leaving the final score 16-13 to De La Salle Palmerston.

Youths’ round-up: Buccaneers U-15s welcomed Carrick-on-Shannon to Dubarry Park last Sunday and won 34-10 in the Connacht U-15s Cup.

Buccaneers U-16s travelled to near-neighbours Ballinasloe last Saturday to play their last group game in the Connacht U-16 Cup. Conditions were good for Buccs’ free-flowing rugby. The final score was 67-14 in favour of Buccs.

Best wishes to Castlerea St. Kevin’s from

Best wishes to Castlerea St. Kevin’s from BUCCANEERS RFC

Brendan Fagan is presented with the Audi Athlone Man of the Match award by Buccaneers President Brendan Wilkins after last Saturday’s Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B game against High eld at Dubarry Park.

The Creggs U-16s girls team pictured ahead of their match against Corinthians/Galwegians last Saturday. Pic: Steve Fahey

The Creggs U-16s boys team pictured ahead of their match against Monivea last Sunday. Pic: Steve Fahey

The Creggs U-14s girls team pictured ahead of their match against Ballina last Sunday. Pic: Steve Fahey

SPORTS DESK

Paul Healy

The league table never lies…

Ultimately, Roscommon ‘deserved’ to be relegated. The league table never lies, and all that…

Oddly, given Roscommon’s lacklustre 2024 National Football League campaign, there was still hope of a great escape as late as the early stages of the second half of game seven of seven.

I didn’t get to Celtic Park last Sunday, instead tuning in to Shannonside Radio. A few minutes into the second halves of Derry v Roscommon and Kerry v Galway, it was plausible to hope/ believe that Davy Burke’s men might actually avoid the drop into Division Two.

Kerry were moving clear of Galway, and Roscommon had scored three points in a row to draw level against Derry. A Roscommon win combined with a Galway loss would have seen Davy Burke’s team safely on the shore as the ‘relegation boat’ sailed towards Division Two. Game on? It was not to be.

After a good first-half showing, Roscommon continued their pattern of wilting badly in the second half of games. As Derry turned the screw on the Rossies, on Shannonside, Willie Hegarty and co-commentator Nigel Dineen bemoaned Roscommon’s shot selections. Entering the fourth quarter, Derry ruthlessly pulled away. In the end, the margin was a bit of a shocker. It finished in a sobering 13-point defeat that exposed a gulf in class between the teams.

There’s no shame in being relegated from the top flight; after all, Roscommon famously ‘yoyo’ between the top two divisions. We are used to this trans-division travel, and can make the return journey. What’s worrying is how flat, lacking in energy and indeed in imagination Roscommon are at present.

Burke’s men have lost their last three games (Derry, Kerry and Mayo) by a combined total of 25 points, i.e. an average of more than eight per game. Roscommon are conceding fairly heavily, and are currently utterly unconvincing in attack, scoring a mere 2-29 in those three games.

Roscommon may well be a different proposition in the championship, but for now they look very much out of sorts. A huge amount of work

needs to be done over the coming weeks. It was a poor league campaign, but the big one is still to come – and hope springs eternal!

John O’Shea’s Republic…

There’s something very likeable about John O’Shea. A magnificent footballer, he was a versatile star for Manchester United, a great servant for the Republic of Ireland too. Off the pitch, he always came across as a modest gentleman.

The appointment of O’Shea as interim manager of his country – for two friendly internationals –reminded me that the Waterford man could well have a career in management ahead of him. He has played under some top managers. His versatility as a player must have given him great insights. Players will both like and respect him. He is a good communicator.

Unfortunately, Ireland’s familiar goal-scoring problem continued during O’Shea’s two games in charge. On Saturday night, the Irish team played well in a 0-0 draw with an understrength Belgium. On Tuesday night, they lost 1-0 to Switzerland. The search for a new manager goes on, with O’Shea now a possible contender.

Welsh woe…

It’s always a big disappointment when any of the countries from the UK (as with ourselves in the Republic of Ireland) miss out on a major soccer

tournament. Sadly, that fate befell Wales on Tuesday night.

On a night of heartbreak for Welsh supporters, Wales drew 0-0 with Poland (after extra-time) in the Euro 2024 play-off final. Poland went on to win the penalty shootout 5-4.

Fast finishers!

Everybody has an ego… so I imagine that German footballer Florin Wirtz was particularly chuffed when he scored after just seven seconds to give Germany the lead against France in an international soccer friendly on Saturday evening.

Every player feels a warm glow when they score; one can only imagine how delighted Wirtz must have been when he netted one of the quickest goals in the history of international football.

It was his first ever international goal too. It was also Germany’s fastest ever goal. A milestone moment for young Mr Wirtz, one that guaranteed him top billing at the football trending end of social media on the night.

Well, you would presume so. Problem was, a little while later that same Saturday evening, something even more unusual happened in the friendly between Austria and Slovakia. Straight from the kick-off, Austria’s Christoph Baumgartner took the opposition by surprise, waltzing past several players before driving a shot to the net for a goal… after just six seconds. Six seconds beats seven seconds. In fact, the Austrian’s solo strike is now the fastest recorded goal in the history of international football.

You can only applaud it. Well, unless you’re Florin Wirtz…

The eagle landed…

Ah, those special sporting moments that suddenly illuminate the ordinary…

With Irish golfer Seamus Power near the top of the leaderboard in the third round of the Valspar Championship on Saturday evening, I tuned in to see the closing stages, just as Mackenzie Hughes moved to -9, one ahead of Power.

Keith Mitchell, on -8, lined up his second shot at the par 4 18th. He sent it on his way. “Does he like it?” the commentator asked, sounding a touch doubtful, ball in air. Mitchell didn’t know whether to like it or not, as some grass from a divot had landed in his face. He was still wiping his eye when the roars went up, Mitchell oblivious to where the ball had landed. Where it had landed was in the hole. Eagle on the 18th, and a birdie, birdie, eagle finish to his round. New tournament leader: Keith Mitchell. The magic of sport…

*On Sunday, there was a very special finish to this tournament, with American Peter Malnati enjoying his first PGA win in almost nine years (since 2015), the new champion becoming very emotional as the reality hit him.

Another win for Padraig

The great Padraig Harrington recorded his seventh win on the PGA Tour Champions (seniors) circuit when winning the Hoag Classic title in California on Sunday.

One shot ahead starting the final round, Harrington overcame two double bogeys – including on the 16th – before dropping a birdie putt on 18 to win by a single shot.

Endrick does trick…

The goal itself wasn’t particularly special, but the fact that it came from the boot of a 17-year-old thrown in at the deep end for Brazil against England at Wembley has understandably captured the public imagination.

He’s no ordinary 17-year-old of course. Touted as ‘the new sensation of Brazilian football’, Endrick joined the Palmeiras youths at the age of 11, and made his senior club debut in 2022, aged just 16. He will join Real Madrid this summer.

In Saturday’s international friendly against England, Endrick came off the bench to earn his third cap. After just nine minutes on the pitch, he scored the winner as Brazil defeated Gareth Southgate’s side 1-0. There was nothing that special about the goal, but Endrick’s movement, confidence and energy impressed. It will be fascinating to see how his career develops.

Boyle claim the rst silverware of the season by defeating Western Gaels 1-10 to 0-10 in Saturday’s North and West Championship Final. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Vincent Pearse from Ballymurray supporting Roscommon in their recent Allianz NHL Division 2B game against Donegal in Dr Hyde Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

SportsPeople

Rachel to the rescue

Lidl NFL Division Three Roscommon 4-6 Antrim 1-14

Table-toppers Roscommon were made to fight all the way by Antrim at Lamh Dhearg in last Sunday’s Lidl NFL Division Three contest.

Roscommon’s win propels them into the Division Three final for the second time in three years, when they will hope to regain the title they won in 2022 against Wexford.

Antrim knew that only a win would do for them against Roscommon, as they were under threat of relegation.

The home team started in whirlwind fashion and found them-

selves 0-4 to 0-2 ahead after 14 minutes.

Roscommon responded with a goal. Sinead Farrell looked to be shooting for a point, but instead laid off to Shauna Walsh who fisted the ball to the back of the net.

From there on Antrim started to take control of the half and began attacking Roscommon in waves. Helena Cummins was called into action, saving a goalbound shot from Lara Dahunsi.

Then came another timely Roscommon goal, Sinead Farrell chipping the Antrim goalkeeper five minutes before half-time.

It kept Roscommon in touch, Antrim 1-9 to 2-3 ahead at the break.

Roscommon, who had been rotating players following their promotion the previous weekend, made six half-time substitutions. Lauren Shanagher and Aoife Gavin kicked early second-half scores for the visitors, Roscommon now awakened from their slumber.

Still, the hosts moved 1-12 to 2-6 ahead in what was turning into an absorbing contest. Roscommon responded with an Aisling Hanly goal, after she was set up by Lisa O’Rourke. Antrim went ahead again before Roscommon struck with a late, late goal, the game’s decisive score. Rachel Fitzmaurice finished to the net on the stroke of full-time.

Roscommon’s win – by the narrowest of margins – meant they finish the league campaign

unbeaten. They will now face Clare in the divisional final on Saturday, April 6th. Despite their

Camogie minors edged out of championship after thrilling draw

Electric Ireland Minor Camogie A Shield All-Ireland Championship Roscommon 0-12 Clare 0-12

In what was a crucial match in Round 3 of the Electric Ireland Minor Camogie A Shield All-Ireland Championship, the Roscommon and Clare minor camogie teams battled it out to a tense draw at Ogonnelloe GAA grounds in Co Clare. The stakes were high for the Roscommon girls, who needed a win to stay in the championship. They started strongly, with Hazel Kelly scoring an early free after Tara O’Brien was fouled. Kelly and Caitlin Egan quickly added two more points, showcasing some fantastic

forward play, particularly through Siofra Hession and Alannah Sutton.

A pointed free, this time by Siofra Hession, meant that Roscommon led by 0-4 to 0-2 by the 15-minute mark and two more quick scores by Roscommon put them ahead by four points.

However, as the first half neared its close, Clare found their rhythm. Their key playmaker Aoife Murphy and the two corner-forwards converted halfchances into valuable points, scoring four without reply to level the game.

Hazel Kelly’s point just before half-time gave Roscommon a narrow lead at the break, 0-7 to 0-6.

Clare turned up the heat in the second half, momentarily edging ahead.

As the game neared the finish it be-

came a nail-biter, with both teams trading scores, Roscommon’s points coming from Hazel Kelly and Siofra Hession while Eabha O’Driscoll put a handful of frees over the bar for Clare.

Clare held a one-point lead in the closing stages, but with just seconds remaining, Roscommon equalised and the match concluded in a draw, leaving the young Roscommon team with mixed emotions.

It was a hard-fought battle, played under challenging conditions but marked by good sportsmanship.

These were two very closely matched teams, each contesting every ball with fierce determination throughout the game.

Even though the draw means that Ro-

scommon’s journey in this year’s championship concludes, the team’s display of skill and tenacity promises a bright future for camogie in the county. Their Division One performance, resilience and the development potential of these young athletes hint at exciting times ahead for Roscommon camogie. Roscommon: Andrea Fallon; Deborah Finneran, Shauna McDermott, Anna Hussey; Grace Geraghty, Lily Murray, Aideen O’Brien; Caitlin Egan (0-1), Ciara Killeen; Hazel Kelly (0-8), Alannah Sutton, Siofra Hession (0-3); Tara O’Brien, Hannah Murray, Emma Connaughton. Subs used: Celine Gacquin for Connaughton; Holly McDermott for Ciara Killeen; Julianna Moore for Anna Hussey.

very gallant effort last weekend, Antrim are relegated back to Division Four.

Roscommon: H Cummins; A McGrath; E Irwin, A McAuliffe; E Hagan, A McGrath, M McKeon; L O’Rourke, S Fleming; S Walsh (1-0), A O’Connor (0-3, two frees), S Farrell (1-0); A Gavin (0-2), N Fleming, A Shanagher. Subs: E Thompson, A Hanly (1-0), J McDermott, K Nolan, R Fitzmaurice (1-0), S Wynne, L Shanagher (0-1), C Cregg.

Antrim scorers: E Murphy (11), L Dahunsi (0-3), A Taggart (0-4, 3 frees), C Taggart (0-2, 1 free), T Mellon (0-2), B Ní Cahail (0-1), C Logan (0-1). Referee: Brendan Rice.

Roscommon defeated in semi-final

Very Camogie League Division 3A semi-final

Armagh 0-15 Roscommon 0-9

The Roscommon junior camogie team lost their Very Division 3A League semi-final by six points to a strong Armagh outfit last Saturday at Middletown GAA grounds in Armagh.

Even though all four sides in the division qualified for the semi-final stages, Armagh were given home advantage due to their second-place finish in the group.

These sides played out a high-scoring game when they met each other in the group stages, with Armagh coming out on top then too, but this was a much more defensive affair.

The first half was tightly contested with Roscommon only trailing by two points at half-time, but unfortunately the second half was a bit different as Armagh scored seven points while Roscommon could only manage three. That left the final score at Armagh 0-15 Roscommon 0-9.

Armagh now move on to play Laois in the league final while Roscommon have a two-month wait for the championship to get underway.

The Roscommon minor camogie players and subs prior to their draw with Clare last Sunday in the Minor Camogie Division 1 Shield Championship.

The Roscommon ladies team (and subs) that faced Antrim in their final league game last Sunday. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Roscommon’s Aoife Gavin being tracked by Carla McKenna of Antrim during last Sunday’s LIDL Ladies National Football League game in Belfast. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

‘The plan now is to bounce back for championship’

BURKE COUNTING ON ‘EXPERIENCED DRESSING ROOM’

< SEAMUS DUKE

Despite the disappointment of a heavy defeat and the resulting relegation from Division One, it was an upbeat Roscommon manager Davy Burke who spoke to the local media after Sunday’s game against a red-hot Derry side.

“We collapsed in the final 15 minutes, unfortunately. We came out (after halftime) three points down and we got back level with three points in a row, but from the 50th minute or so we ran out of steam a little. We are delighted with our display up to that point.

“Some of our players haven’t played

football for two years and we were up against a team who are in year five of a plan. The wheels came off for us towards the end but we were going for goals and you pay the price against teams like Derry.

“We told the players to have a cut at it today and we missed a few chances and probably left too much out there in the first half. I think the first 50 minutes today was our best performance of the seven games in the campaign.

“This is a really tough place to come and people don’t realise the work Rory Gallagher did here for four years, and now Mickey Harte is here. This Derry team is a machine and we are trying hard but we still have a lot of work to do”.

Davy quickly turned his focus on the championship which will start for Roscommon in a few weeks’ time.

“It’s championship now. In fact today was an extra championship game as it was a must-win encounter and that’s the way we approached it. Ah look, Derry were very good today. They scored 2-19, which is massive, but actually I thought we defended well for long periods but they got a lot of scores there towards the end of the match.

“The plan now is to bounce back in the championship. We have an experienced dressing room. Those lads are used to setbacks. Last year we were third in Division One and were brilliant, and then we got knocked out of the championship in the last 12 so maybe we could do it a bit differently this year.

“We haven’t asked too much of the lads so far but now it’s championship and we will be fully focussed on preparations for that and we will leave no stone unturned” he said.

Roscommon urgently need key players back

Burke’s men need to play with more positivity

< SEAMUS DUKE

The league table doesn’t lie (unfortunately in this instance), and as such Roscommon deserve to be heading back down to Division Two of the National Football League after the 2024 campaign.

Still, now that it’s all over, there will be a few obvious missed opportunities to reflect on. The games against Tyrone and Galway were very winnable. Three points from those games – instead of the one achieved against Galway – added to the two against Monaghan would have seen our status in the top tier maintained.

Certainly when one reflects on Roscommon’s relegation there were mitigating factors, with injuries to a host of players and the absence of the St Brigid’s contingent early on being factors to consider. But the pattern of regular second-half fade-outs cost Davy Burke’s men in almost every league game. Whether it was the fact that they had put so much energy into the first half of games or whether the real training is yet to come isn’t clear, but that will most likely reveal itself in the next few weeks. If the current trend continues, it will be a short championship season.

In terms of how players are operating, our best performers in the league are familiar names. Enda Smith and Brian Stack were excellent, for the most part.

Eoin McCormack was probably our most consistent player while Diarmuid Murtagh was our best attacker.

Hopefully Ben O’Carroll will be back soon and we need to see more from

the likes of Daire Cregg and Cathal Heneghan. Newcomers like Paddy Gavin and Niall Higgins have done well too.

We are still having problems in the middle of the field. Hopefully Ultan Harney will be match-fit for the championship and we need a fit Keith Doyle too. Put simply, Roscommon will need the majority of their players available for the championship.

The good thing about the new shorter season is that the team will have to park the disappointment of relegation

quickly as the championship is coming up very soon. With all due respect to New York, I expect that Roscommon will face Mayo in Dr Hyde Park on Sunday, April 21st. One would have to say on current form this will be a very difficult assignment for Roscommon. Roscommon have not beaten Mayo in the championship in Dr Hyde Park since 2001. Such records are all there to be broken, but Kevin McStay’s side will be the hot favourites to advance to the Connacht final.

Roscommon will hope for a favourable draw in the championship round robin. Last year was very disappointing, with losses to Kildare and Cork. It followed a superb league season when the team finished third on the table. This year, maybe a poor league campaign can be followed by a positive championship outing. Let’s hope so. The hope will be that Roscommon can play with more positivity in the championship than we have seen in this league campaign. There were times in the first half against Derry and in

the first halves of many of the other matches when it was evident that if Roscommon ‘have a go’ and get their talented attackers into the game they can be a scoring threat of note.

Looking at the wider picture, Dublin look the best team around, with Derry following behind and Kerry next. Despite the disappointing league campaign, Roscommon are as good as any of the rest of the top teams on their day. A couple of good championship wins and this miserable league campaign will soon be forgotten. 2024 is not over yet!

Roscommon manager Davy Burke, pictured here with selector Lar Wall, will be hoping his team can move up a number of gears when the championship begins.

File pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Pictured during the launch of the 2024 Connacht GAA Football Championship at the Connacht GAA AirDome in Bekan on Wednesday were: (l-r) Jack Casey of Leitrim, Diarmuid O’Connor of Mayo, John Daly of Galway, Conor Hussey of Roscommon and Keelan Cawley of Sligo. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

After the fall, Roscommon must now rise to championship challenge

DERRY CONFIRM DROP FOR ROSSIES

Allianz NFL Division One

Derry 2-19 Roscommon 1-9

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon will head for the familiar surroundings of Division Two of the Allianz National Football League in 2025 after this 13-point defeat by Derry at Celtic Park last Sunday. It’s Roscommon’s fourth relegation from the top division in eight years, and looking back on this campaign in its totality it would be hard to argue with the demotion this time around.

The relegation may have been confirmed last Sunday, but the earlier games against Galway and Tyrone were eminently winnable. Roscommon missed opportunities to secure Division One status long before this trip to Derry.

At Celtic Park last Sunday, the sides were level after 41 minutes of play – at 1-8 apiece – but another second-half fade-out by Roscommon facilitated the home side outscoring Davy Burke’s men by 1-11 to 0-1 for the remainder of the game. In truth, Derry won pulling up in the end. In fairness to Roscommon, who knew that they had to win to have any chance of avoiding the drop, they gave it a real go early on, but the class of Derry eventually shone through. Some of the Ulster side’s attacking play in the second half was out of the very top drawer. In fact, 2-18 of their total came from play, and Mickey Harte’s men will be relishing their chance to take on the Dubs in the National League final this Sunday.

So, what of Roscommon? It was another very disappointing result and certainly not the first time in this campaign that they have found the going tough in the second half of a game. The focus will now turn to the Connacht semi-final meeting against Mayo or New York on April 21st. Davy Burke and his management team will now have to lift the players for that test and for the subsequent championship campaign.

On a perfect day for football, in a game played on an excellent surface, the first half was lively and well contested. With Derry leading by 0-2 to 0-1, we saw two goals within 30 seconds.

In the 10th minute, Conor Carroll’s poor kickout was intercepted, allowing Declan Cassidy to drive the ball to the Roscommon net. On the resumption of play, a long ball bounced over the head of the Derry goalkeeper Odhran Lynch and Donie Smith nipped in to fist to the empty net.

Eoin McCormack, Brian Stack, Diarmuid Murtagh and Enda Smith were doing well for Roscommon, and by the 25th minute the sides were level at 1-5 apiece. Roscommon had created two clear goal chances late in the half, but Enda Smith and Brian Stack both miscued when in excellent positions. In fact Roscommon created at least four clear goal chances in the match, but their finishing was poor, to say the least.

In contrast, Derry were far more economical up front and points from the excellent Lachlan Murray, Ethan Doherty and Shane McGuigan saw the home side ahead by 1-8 to 1-5 at the interval.

Roscommon came out all guns blazing in the second half and played some great football early on. Diarmuid Murtagh pointed a free, and when Enda Smith (another goal chance) and Murtagh pointed from play, Roscommon had levelled

the game at 1-8 apiece after only six minutes of play.

Derry went through the gears from that point on, stamping their authority on proceedings. With Glass and Rogers in control at midfield, they tacked on several excellent points from a variety of angles, Roscommon now struggling. With eight minutes to go, ‘man of the match’ Lachlan Murray ran in along the endline before shooting low past Conor Carroll for an excellent goal, a score that sealed a very easy win for Derry.

At least Roscommon had a go, but they were outclassed on the day by what is a very good Derry side. Harte’s charges are definitely in the top three in the country just now.

With the championship coming up in just over three weeks, Davy Burke will want to get all his players back training and ready for the campaign. Ben O’Carroll, Keith Doyle and Cathal Heneghan will certainly add to the panel but Roscommon will need to play with more positivity if they are to do well this season.

The first-half display here showed what might be achieved if Roscommon can throw off the shackles and make use of the talent that they have, in attack in particular.

Whatever the championship brings, it has to be said that this relegation is very disappointing. Division One has the big crowds, the leading referees and the best standard of football, but I don’t think there is anyone involved in Roscommon GAA who will claim that the team earned a right to stay up this time around.

This league campaign must be parked now. The championship beckons. Maybe there are a few major performances still left in the locker in 2024. We will all certainly hope so. Note: Just a note to thank the officials and stewards in Celtic Park for their kindness and cooperation last Sunday. I have been doing this job for well over 30 years and the people we met in Derry last Sunday were as obliging and as friendly as I have come across over all those years. Thank you one and all.

Teams & scorers

Derry: Odhran Lynch; Conor McCluskey, Chrissy McKaigue, Diarmuid Baker; Gareth McKinless, Eoin McEvoy (0-1), Donncha Gilmore; Conor Glass (0-1), Conor Doherty; Ethan Doherty (0-4), Declan Cassidy (1-0), Paul Cassidy (0-2); Conleth McGuckin, Shane McGuigan (0-4, 1 free), Lachlan Murray (14). Subs: Brendan Rogers for G McKinless (8), Ciaran McFaul (0-1) for D Cassidy (h/t), Niall Toner (0-1) for C McGuckian (h/t), Shea Downey for C Doherty (56), Matthew Downey for Glass (62), Cormac Murphy (0-1) for L Murray (63). Roscommon: Conor Carroll; David Murray, Brian Stack, Patrick Gavin; Niall Daly (0-1), Niall Higgins, Eoin McCormack (0-1); Enda Smith (0-2), Ultan Harney; Dylan Ruane, Ruaidrhi Fallon, Ronan Daly; Daire Cregg (0-1, free), Diarmuid Murtagh (0-3, 2 frees), Donie Smith (1-0). Subs: Cian Connolly for D Cregg (49), James Fitzpatrick for D Smith (53), Conor Hussey for Higgins (53), Conor Cox (0-1) for Fallon (61), Ciaran Lennon for Harney (61).

Referee: David Gough (Meath).

Stat Attack

Wides: Derry 6 (5, first half); Roscommon 6 (3, first half)

Red cards: 0

Black cards: 0

Yellow cards: Derry 0; Roscommon 3 (Ultan Harney, Cian Connolly, James Fitzpatrick)

Attendance: 3,712

Man of the Match: Lachlan Murray (Derry)

Eoin McCormack scored a point for Roscommon during last Sunday’s defeat to Derry. File pic: Bernie O’Farrell