02 April 2021 - Roscommon People by RossiePeople

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IVAN: Dáil run ‘unlikely’ QUITS COUNCIL OVER ‘RED TAPE’ < PAUL HEALY

Ivan Connaughton says his position “at the present time” is that he has no plans to run for the Dáil in a future General Election. In an exclusive interview with the Roscommon People Cllr. Connaughton has confirmed that he is to resign from his role as a county councillor due to “disillusionment” with the local government system.

Asked if his decision to quit local politics is a prelude to running for national parliament, Cllr. Connaughton indicated that this was highly unlikely. “At the present time I would be ruling it out. I was never going to be a career politician…I got involved in order to help the people of my community”. Cllr. Connaughton, elected to Roscommon County Council in 2014 and re-elected in 2019, says he is frustrated that he isn’t in a position to serve this full Council term. However, he has become increasingly

disillusioned – and says he is saying out loud what most of his Council colleagues are saying privately. “The reason I’m resigning is because I am disillusioned with all the red tape…with the slow manner in which local government operates, often in relation to matters of great importance”. He confirmed that his frustration over the failure of the political system to resolve the Lough Funshinagh flooding saga was “the last straw”. The process of nominating a successor to Cllr. Connaughton is already underway. See full story on page 8.

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ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT DO’S AND DON’T’S If I am involved in a road traffic accident with another motorist what should I do or not do. Please advise. Do 1. Ensure that you and the other people involved in the accident are not injured. If anyone is injured call an ambulance. Be courteous and polite to others involved in the accident regardless of who is at fault. 2. Call the Gardai. Depending on the seriousness of the accident they may or may not attend the scene. 3. If it is a serious accident do not move your vehicle and ask the other motorist involved in the accident not to move their vehicle either until the Gardai arrive. If it is a minor accident and if it is not possible to leave the vehicles in the crash position due to the fact that the crashed vehicles are obstructing the road and holding up traffic then simply move the vehicles to the left of the road in a safe position. Try to take good photographs of the accident scene noting the position of and damage done to the crashed vehicles. 4. Take details of all vehicles involved in the accident to include: insurance details; vehicle registration numbers; names, addresses and phone numbers for all drivers. 5. Take names, addresses and phone numbers of independent witnesses who witnessed the accident. 6. Take note of the name and station of the Garda who attends the accident scene. DON’T 1. Don’t admit liability at the scene of the accident. It is a condition of many insurance policies not to admit liability following an accident. If you are obviously at fault it is simply best to exchange insurance details and tell the other party that you will report the matter to your insurance company. 2. Don’t leave the scene of the accident until particulars have been exchanged. 3. If the other motorist tells you that he is going to move his vehicle and return to the scene, don’t believe him. Make sure that all details are exchanged before anyone leaves the scene.

People WATCHING With WithPAUL PAULHEALY HEALY

Hotel guests – and Irish players – reported missing! A NIGHTMARE! Oh dear, you’re not still having those Covid dreams, are you? DREAMS?? DREAMS! I couldn’t even SLEEP on Saturday night…I didn’t even get a chance to dream! Why, my friend? Because of the NIGHTMARE! But in order to have a nightmare…you have to sleep! I’m confused… The nightmare was when I was awake! On Saturday evening! What happened? It all unfolded on the TV! A horror show… Have Bernard and Marty got a new show? Was it a repeat? Is it Dermot Bannon? Are Daniel and Majella on the road again? Are Daniel and Majella moving in with Bernard and Marty, while Dermot renovates all their houses? What happened? Tell me! The match! A disaster! A nightmare! Oh, THAT! (They pause to reel off the names of great Luxembourg players from the past, and stop abruptly) I blame Kenny! Pat Kenny? Did he hype us? He loves the hype! No! Kenny Cunningham? Is it Kenny Cunningham? He’s everywhere! Is it Kenny? No! Stephen! Stephen Donnelly? Did he lock some of the players up in a hotel? No! Stephen Kenny, the manager of the team! Oh, I feel sorry for him! It’s unbelievable! Losing at home to Luxembourg! Never thought I’d see the day! I tell you, it’s Stephen Kenny’s fault!

Endangered Species The barstool boyos

But he doesn’t have the players! And we have to give him time! No, we’ve no time to give him time! It’s not the players, it’s the formation, that’s our problem! What’s wrong with the formation? We need to be playing a 1-3-2-2-2-2 formation! Eh…that’s 12 players! You’re only allowed 11! I’m still working on it, give me time! (They pause to fondly recall the days before football jargon went into overdrive, when eleven players just went out on to the pitch and tried to get the ball into the opposition net) So, any news, my friend?

Nope… Did the Luxembourg nightmare not spoil your Saturday night too? Ah no….Ireland’s uncrowned Queen was on TV later on Saturday, she really cheered me up! Who is it? Miriam O’Callaghan? Is it Claire Byrne? It must be Miriam! No! Anne Doyle…Anne was on with Tommy Tiernan! Anne Doyle! Wow! Now that is a great name from the past! How was Anne? Oh she was mesmeric, mercurial, magnetic! Had SHE any news? Nope, she retired from reading the news years ago! Wise guy! So, that’s all the news from the past few days….Ireland lose to Luxembourg, and Anne Doyle charms Tommy – and you! Well, you heard about those three people who went missing in Dublin on Saturday night? Look, leave the Republic of Ireland defenders alone, they may have gone missing for that goal, but they deserve some support… No, not the Irish defence! The three hotel guests who were meant to be in quarantine! Oh yeah, shocking…what gets me is… the rest of us would love to have a hotel break…and that privileged trio break out! So ungrateful! In other news…that ship that got stuck in the Suez Canal… Over-hyped! Huh? I mean, how hard can it be to turn a vessel that’s stuck and going nowhere… around? Well…ask Stephen Kenny!

What we liked…

The glorious weather of recent days. Life almost seems normal…

What we didn’t like…

Republic of Ireland 0 Luxembourg 1. Our World Cup qualification hopes appear to be gone after just two group games (and two defeats). This was an absolute shocker from Stephen Kenny and his team.

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

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PIC OF THE WEEK: Brothers Sean and Tom Rocke (stonemasons) pictured in Kilnamanagh, Frenchpark on Tuesday evening. Picture: Mick McCormack

Minimal easing of Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions; A superb, deeply moving documentary on the late Jack Charlton (‘Finding Jack Charlton’); The Republic of Ireland’s shocking defeat to Luxembourg in a World Cup qualifier…

Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

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Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

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Lismoil NS, Curraghboy is now enrolling! Lismoil NS, Curraghboy, is now enrolling new pupils. The happy, family-friendly school has small class sizes, individualised programmes for children with special needs, football, hurling, swimming, soccer, aistear (structured playtime for the junior room), arts, crafts, knitting, recorder lessons, the Junior Entrepreneur programme and the Green Schools programme. Lismoil NS is situated in the heart of the countryside, halfway between Curraghboy and Four Roads. It is a two-teacher school which offers all that a bigger school can! Currently, junior infants to 3rd class are in the junior room, and 4th-6th class are in the senior room. There is an SNA based in the junior room, and a Special Education teacher is based in the school for more than half the school week. With only seventeen pupils on roll at the moment, the children get one-on-one attention continually. The school is extremely well equipped. Presently, each child in the senior room has a chrome book to work on, and each child in the junior room has an iPad. Each classroom has an interactive white board, a standalone computer and an additional laptop for children to work on. We have a store of PE equipment, which the children get to use at breaks, and a large variety of educational resources, books and games to enhance learning. The school was recently renovated. During normal times, we have soccer, Gaelic, swimming and hurling training. To see more, visit the school’s website on lismoilns.scoilnet.ie/blog/. If you are interested in enrolling your

child at Lismoil NS, phone 090 6623373/087 3477610 or email lismoilschool@gmail.com to make an appointment. A week in the life of Lismoil NS The children of Lismoil NS recently had a very exciting week, full of fun and educational activities. The children are currently working on the ‘Incredible Edibles’ project – a healthy eating initiative for primary school pupils. It encourages schools across the country to get busy growing carrots, lettuce, potatoes, strawberries, turnips and herbs. So on Monday, school bags were put to the side as the children came to school equipped with shovels and gloves. All had a busy morning, as not only did the children plant the vegetables provided through the ‘Incredible Edibles’ project, but they also planted wild flower seeds, narcissus bulb, peas, radishes, and beetroot. Not fazed by a busy morning gardening, the children went on a spring nature walk and a ‘Walk for Water’ later on Monday. As they are working on global citizenship and the marine environment theme for Green Schools, the staff and pupils decided to get involved in a walk for water. The children, from 2nd to 6th class, took turns carrying four litres of water on a 4km walk to literally walk in the shoes of our poorer counterparts in the developing world. Wednesday was spent decorating hard-boiled eggs for an egg-rolling competition on Friday. Thursday involved a virtual tour to a rooftop farm in Cork. Finally, on Friday the eggrolling competition took place, along with a treasure hunt. Pictured above are pupils from Lismoil NS, Curraghboy.

Lismoil LismoilN.S. N.S. Curraghboy Curraghboy Now enrolling Now enrolling

Call us on 090 6623373 or 087 3477610 Email: lismoilschool@gmail.com Call us on 0906623373 or 0873477610 to make an appointment Check out our website on Email lismoilschool@gmail.com http://lismoilns.scoilnet.ie/blog Come and see our happy family friendly school. We toclass make anindividualised appointment have small sizes, programmes for children with special needs, football, hurling, swimming, soccer,out aistear for Check our(structured websiteplaytime on junior room), arts, crafts, knitting, recorder lessons, the Juniorhttp://lismoilns.scoilnet.ie/blog Entrepreneur Programme and the Green Schools Programme.

Come and seemotto: our happy family friendly school. We have small class Our sizes , individualised for children I willprogrammes be the best that I with canspecial be needs, football, hurling, swimming, soccer, aistear (structured playtime for junior room), arts, crafts, knitting, recorder lessons, the Junior Entrepreneur programme and the Green schools programme. Our motto: NOTICE IS HEREBY

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Kiltoom AED Group thanks public for support of fundraiser Kiltoom AED Group have had an immensely successful fundraising event with their 5K Family Fun Run over the St. Patrick’s Holiday weekend. The purpose of the fundraising was to raise the necessary finance to purchase four Automated Electronic Defibrillators (AED), for placement at strategic locations throughout the area. The target funding was €10K and the group reported that the drive generated well in excess of this. The money will be used immediately to purchase the AEDs and their associated cabinets. It will also fund installation and maintenance costs. One generous donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, actually donated a further new AED device, and cabinet, for the area. The group are now in the process of purchasing the units

and exploring the logistics of installation at the agreed locations throughout Kiltoom. These locations, when finalised, will be published by way of a map of the area, which will be widely available to the public. When the current Covid-19 pandemic is over, the group hopes to offer Basic Life Saving (CPR and AED) training to anybody in the area who wishes to undertake these worthy and necessary skills. The group now wishes to acknowl-

edge and thank sincerely all those who donated to this initiative, and also wishes to recognise the wide generosity of the various parish organisations and general public in this regard. It is also acknowledged that the two existing AEDs in the area were donated in the past through a similar generosity of people of like mind – the Tony Parker Memorial Fund, who recognise the importance of these life saving devices, and how important it is that they are freely available to the public of the area. Thanks also Collins Spar Shop on whose wall one of the AEDs is located, and to those in the community who maintained the upkeep of these devices to date. Once again, well done to all the friends and families of the Kiltoom area.

Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

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Gardaí: No gun produced during Kiltoom incident < DAN DOONER

Gardaí have said that no firearm was produced during an incident on the N61 near Kiltoom on Thursday last, which left a young motorist badly shaken. Local Fianna Fáil councillor John Keogh had taken to Facebook last Friday to alert road users of a possible car jacking or attempted robbery at Kiltoom Cemetery at around 10.30 pm the night before. In his post, Cllr. Keogh said that he had been informed that a motorist was flashed by a vehicle travelling behind him and when he pulled in was approached by two men, one of whom was armed with what appeared to be a firearm. It has also been claimed that a blue flashing light, similar to one used in Garda patrol cars was used during the incident. The young motorist, a man in his 20s, was accompanied by a passenger and managed to leave the scene immediately. This week, however, Gardaí released a statement confirming that investigations were ongoing but that no firearm had been produced during the incident. The statement read: ‘An Garda Síochána can confirm that at no time during this incident was a firearm produced. ‘Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have information or who may have witnessed the incident to come forward to them. Anyone who was travelling in the area between 10.15 pm to 10.45 pm and who may have camera (dash cam) footage, is also asked to contact Gardaí. ‘Anyone with any information should contact Roscommon Garda Station on 090-86638300, the Garda Confidential Line 1800-666 111 or any Garda station’.

‘Final stretch’ as lockdown to ease from April 12th Five new cases in Roscommon < DAN DOONER

The Government this week announced that lockdown measures will ease from April 12th with the extension of the five-kilometre exercise limit to a county-wide limit and the return of all school students to the classroom. There will also be a partial resumption of construction and two fully vaccinated people will be permitted to meet indoors with two households allowed to meet outdoors. Inter-county GAA will return to training and National League action will also resume, however outdoor sports such as golf and tennis will not resume until April 19th. The month of May will see a phased return of personal services such as hairdressers, retail and ‘click and collect’ services as well as the remainder of construction. The resumption of religious services on a staggered basis will also be considered. At the briefing on Tuesday, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “We are on the final stretch of this terrible journey. This summer, our businesses and public services will safely reopen. “We will finally be meeting and enjoying the company of friends and family once again. We will be able to travel within and enjoy our beautiful country again. Jobs and livelihoods will be restored”. Meanwhile, there were five further cases of Covid-19 in Roscommon yesterday (Wednesday), bringing the total number to 80 in the last 14 days. The five-day moving average for the county now stands at two. There were no confirmed cases in the county on Tuesday. Nationally, there were six further deaths and 411 new cases yesterday with all of the reported deaths occurring in March.

VACCINATED: Eileen Connolly pictured with daughter Bernie Connolly (Four Roads) and Dr. Valerie Morris at the Roscommon Primary Care Centre. Picture: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor Friday Having a soft spot for Scotland isn’t a choice; it’s a feeling. We holidayed there in the 1990s, and quickly fell in love with Scotland’s raw beauty and its welcoming people. There’s a natural affinity between the Scots and the Irish, something I also experienced when mingling with Scottish supporters at rugby internationals. Edinburgh is a very charming city, easy to fall into the embrace of. A fond memory is of a lazy afternoon in a bar in Princes Street, reading Eamon Dunphy’s evocative biography of Sir Matt Busby. Mostly though, our fondness for Scotland is based on its people…welcoming, generous of spirit, resilient, stoic too, while brimming with character and love of life. Nightlife in Edinburgh and Glasgow was great; in rural villages and towns – some of them delightfully charming, others, by contrast, austere in appearance and vibe – there was always a heartwarming authenticity about locals who instinctively had an affinity with visitors from Ireland. It’s never hard for me to celebrate a Scottish success. That soft spot is well embedded. Tonight, much as I also love France and its people, I enjoyed Scotland’s thrilling win in the final game of what has been an engrossing Six Nations rugby tournament. The odd extravagant, swashbuckling season aside, Scotland tend to hover between ‘nearly men’ and ‘wooden spoon contenders’ each year. A late try tonight gives them a rare win in Paris. It’s a sensational finale to the match, and to Scotland’s season. The unexpected win also secures the title for Wales. There are a lot of happy people in Wales and Scotland tonight, very few of whom are publicans.

Saturday Legend has it that there are only two certainties in life…you must pay taxes, and you will die. Of course the first presumption has been challenged by some upstarts. When I was younger, there was a third, less publicised certainty: any self-respecting international soccer team would always beat Luxembourg.

Not any more. Tonight, the Republic of Ireland lost a crucial World Cup qualifier at home to Luxembourg. Such a result was unimaginable throughout my entire life…up to a few minutes ago. In historical terms, it is pretty catastrophic. When Stephen Kenny was appointed Ireland manager, I was sceptical…perhaps unfairly. My main quibble was with the media consensus. The Irish soccer media seemed to hero-worship Kenny, and I felt one effect of that was an unseemly haste to denigrate (and ultimately usher away) Mick McCarthy. Now, no thanks to the soccer media, I feel some sympathy for Kenny. He’s had wretched luck (restricted by Covid, injuries, etc). He just hasn’t been lucky. If his six numbers came up in the Lotto last week, he’d still be ripping the couch apart, desperately searching for his ticket. Kenny may have made mistakes, and he may yet prove to be out of his depth at this level, but he really hasn’t got a break yet in this role. And ultimately, the players must bear much of the responsibility for a long winless run. Tonight, we were pedestrian and predictable. After we’d huffed and puffed in customary manner, Luxembourg – spinning all we’ve ever known on its head – struck with a late winner. Humiliation for us, history for them. The great cliché is ‘We don’t have the players’. Certainly we don’t have the quality of old. But losing at home to Luxembourg really is unforgivable. I say that with respect to Luxembourg, who have certainly improved, and were well worth their win. Tonight, the unthinkable came to pass. We lost at home to Luxembourg. It will haunt us. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to watch the Eurovision voting again…

Sunday The hype, over several days on Virgin Media, proved to be entirely justified. Tonight’s documentary on Big Jack (‘Finding Jack Charlton’) was a stunning film. I actually recorded the programme and watched it on Monday night (when it also aired

paul@roscommonpeople.ie beautiful at the same time. This extraordinary documentary was extremely sad at times, but also a celebration of a wonderful man. Jack had his flaws, but his sense of humour, bluntness, self-belief, eccentricity and great humanity shone through. His wife, Pat, came across as a truly wonderful lady. The programme was a stark insight into the terrible impact dementia can have on sufferers and on their loved ones.

Monday

Pictured are Liana and Ronan McCrann, Sheepwalk. Picture: Mick McCormack

on BBC). I won’t be deleting for some time; it was magnificent, and deeply moving. This documentary was beautifully shot. Featuring remarkable access to Jack in the final months of his life, it was a highly sophisticated and incredibly poignant portrait of the life and times of a sporting hero. A great footballer with Leeds United, Charlton won the World Cup with England in 1966, playing alongside his brother, Bobby. After some success in club management, and what Jack considered to be rejection of him as a prospective England manager, came his incredible transformation into

Irish folk hero. Jack led the Republic of Ireland to unprecedented heights. The documentary revisited Ireland’s glory days under Jack – with some wonderful footage of singsongs in the Irish camp. However, the programme was largely about Jack’s struggle with dementia. In the months before his death last July, Jack could remember little or nothing of his career. All the more poignant then was that emotional moment when a very ill Jack suddenly recognised Paul McGrath while watching footage on a laptop. ‘Paul McGrath’ Jack mumbled, before breaking into a smile. It was heartbreaking and

It’s probably not a great time in a journalist’s career to be writing a diary. It’s not like there is much variety to life these past 12 months or so. I cannot, for example, write descriptively and passionately of holidays, day trips, social gathering, sports’ events attended. I mean, how riveting is your diary? There is, of course, still the social outlet of…the shop. When queuing for the checkout, we are all playing a modern form of Hopscotch, or maybe it’s more like a dubious new version of Riverdance. I refer to those of us who are vigilant about the two-metre rule. In our mundane shopping mode, we dutifully ensure that we’re standing on the yellow ‘marker’, while gritting our teeth when someone breezes in and stands much too close to us, disregarding their marker. Meanwhile, I paid a rare visit to Lidl the other day, because I was looking for something in particular, and had heard a voice in my head saying ‘Try Lidl’. I couldn’t find the item (no reflection on Lidl; you have to admire a place where you can buy a hedge trimmer and a head of cabbage). My mission not accomplished, I was faced with the challenge of trying to exit Lidl after buying nothing. Usually it takes a moment or two to work out the exit route, especially if there are long queues at the checkouts. I sometimes fear, if not a burly security man’s hand on the shoulder, that a buzzer might go off as, laden down with no goods, and having contributed nothing to Lidl’s considerable profits, I nervously make my escape.

Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

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Who’s saying what on Tweet Street ... – Viewers were full of praise for a magnificent documentary on the late, great Jack Charlton

Paul Healy’s take on top tweets!

Martin Kemp @realmartinkemp #FindingJackCharlton Just so beautiful!!! Congratulations everyone involved in this!!! – The real Martin Kemp tweeted his admiration after the film was shown in the UK on Monday night

Paul Sommerville @PaulSommerville Just been for walk by coast – absolutely packed, large groups everywhere. No masks no social distancing. Small speed boat passed with 12 lads belting out “Sweet Caroline” at top of lungs. Seems many have decided #Level5 is over. #Gov has lost the dressing room. – Sobering tweet from Paul

Mark McCadden @markmccadden Losing an hour tomorrow with the clocks going forward doesn’t seem like such a big deal anymore, considering we’ve already lost an hour and a half tonight #IRLLUX – Mark makes his point as the Republic of Ireland lose to… Luxembourg

EIMEAR KELLEHER @eimearkelleher_ Does the Government realise that not everybody in this country plays GAA? That shouldn’t be topping the priority list. #LockdownIreland – Cue splutters from GAA folk country-wide Roy Curtis @RoyCurtis68 Watching the Luxembourg game on a neverending reel would be more palatable than Taoiseach’s plate of waffle. The white flag of surrender is Ireland’s new standard. Government policy, dictated by NPHET: Go hide under a rock until time immemorial. And hope dies. #LockdownIreland – Roy’s not impressed with the latest update from the Taoiseach

Sonja McLaughlan @Sonjamclaughlan I love the #SixNations – Sonja enjoyed France v Scotland #FindingJackCharlton ... Martin Kemp enjoyed it! Kevin Daly @_Kev_Daly Every church, pub, restaurant, barber, hairdresser, shop, should all open up their doors, ensure social distance and hand sanitize

and wear your mask. We are a democracy not a dictatorship and we didn’t elect NPHET to steal and take away our lives. #LockdownIreland – This tweeter’s had enough too…

Jacqui Hurley @jacquihurley What a beautiful, but heartbreaking documentary #FindingJackCharlton. We were privileged to grow up watching Jack & that team.

Kevin Kilbane @kdkilbane77 Embarrassing. Awful. Out worked, out fought, out passed & outclassed by LUXEMBOURG. Another WC without qualification. #IRLLUX – Kevin did not enjoy Ireland v Luxembourg

Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

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Ivan Connaughton to resign from Council < PAUL HEALY

High profile councillor Ivan Connaughton is resigning as a member of Roscommon County Council and has already begun the process of seeking a replacement. Yesterday (Wednesday) Cllr. Connaughton wrote to the Council executive, his fellow councillors, and his supporters – informing all concerned of his decision to quit local politics.

Cllr. Connaughton is currently an Independent member of Roscommon County Council, having previously served as a Fianna Fáil councillor. He first ran for the Council in May 2014 – as a Fianna Fáil candidate – and was elected in Athlone Area, having commanded an impressive first preference vote of 1,414. Five months later, Connaughton was the Fianna Fáil candidate in the Roscommon-South Leitrim by-elec-

tion which was necessitated by Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan’s election to the European Parliament. Cllr. Connaughton was initially the favourite to win the vacant Dáil seat, but it went instead to a new political force, Michael Fitzmaurice. It later emerged that major tensions had arisen between Cllr. Connaughton and Fianna Fáil HQ during the by-election campaign. By December 2014 there was no healing of the

wounds, and Cllr. Connaughton stated, via an interview in the Roscommon People, that he would not run for Fianna Fáil again as long as Micheál Martin was party leader. In that interview, Cllr. Connaughton called on Micheál Martin to resign. Subsequently, Cllr. Connaughton left Fianna Fáil. Cllr. Connaughton contested the 2019 local election as an Independent. He was re-elected with an enhanced share of the vote.

What happens next? The process of seeking a replacement for Ivan Connaughton on Roscommon County Council has begun. Cllr. Connaughton, an Independent, has a committee behind him. Anyone seeking to succeed him can go before a three-person committee (which does not include Cllr. Connaughton himself). After an interview process, a candidate will be chosen. That person will then be formally nominated for co-option to Roscommon County Council. In his correspondence to the Council executive, his fellow councillors and his supporters, Cllr. Connaughton wrote: “In accordance with the process for filling a casual vacancy in relation to nonparty candidates, I have a structure in place whereby my replacement will be nominated for co-option to the Council”.

‘I was never going to be a career politician’ ‘Councillors are powerless’ – Connaughton walks away, disillusioned with red tape < PAUL HEALY

Cllr. Ivan Connaughton

REQUEST FOR TENDERS Roscommon County Council invites tenders for: • The provision of Dog Control Services in County Roscommon. The tender notice was published on eTenders on Monday, 29th March, 2021 The closing date for receipt of tenders is 4.00pm on Monday, 26th April, 2021 • The provision of Temporary Veterinary Inspector Services at Slaughterhouses in County Roscommon. The tender notice was published on eTenders on Monday 29th March, 2021 The closing date for receipt of tenders is 4.00pm on Monday, 26th April, 2021 Full particulars and information are available at www.etenders.gov.ie/ Pat Murtagh Acting Director of Services Roscommon County Council Áras an Chontae Roscommon F42 VR98

Ivan Connaughton says his position “at the present time” is that he has no plans to run for the Dáil in a future General Election. Cllr. Connaughton has confirmed to the Roscommon People that he is to resign from his role as a county councillor due to “disillusionment” with the local government system. Asked by the Roscommon People if his decision to quit local politics is a prelude to running for national parliament, Cllr. Connaughton indicated that this was highly unlikely. “I was never going to be a career politician…I got involved in order to help the people of my community. You’re asking me if I would run for the Dáil again (Cllr. Connaughton ran for Fianna Fáil in the 2014 Roscommon-South Leitrim by-election). At the present time I would be ruling it out”. Pressed as to whether or not he was definitively closing the door on politics, Cllr. Connaughton indicated that he was, but added: “Well, if politics changes, my decision could change”. Cllr. Connaughton, elected to Roscommon County Council in 2014 and re-elected in 2019, says he is frustrated that he isn’t in a position to serve this full Council term. However, he has become increasingly disillusioned – and says he is saying out loud what most of his Council colleagues are saying privately. “The reason I’m resigning is because I am disillusioned with all the red tape…with the slow manner in which local government operates, often in relation to matters of great importance. If the local authority doesn’t want to fast-track something, councillors are power-

Cllr. Ivan Connaughton pictured after his re-election in 2019. Picture: Mick McCormack.

less. Councillors’ powers have been greatly reduced. We are only ticking boxes and rubberstamping (decisions of the executive)”. Cllr. Connaughton said that councillors end up attending meetings and passing matters without having any real opportunity to make amendments. He says concerns which are raised by councillors in relation to important matters – such as the upcoming County Development Plan – are largely ignored. Recently, Cllr. Connaughton vented his frustration over the Lough Funshinagh flooding saga. He offered to invite an expert to

address the Council – at Cllr. Connaughton’s own expense – but this offer was rejected. “Yeah, the Lough Funshinagh situation is really the last straw for me. I find that the buck gets passed between local authorities and other agencies…such as the OPW”. Cllr. Connaugton (38) says his resignation will take effect once his supporters have selected a prospective replacement. “I am confirming that I will be resigning…there is no question about that. Once the selection process (for a replacement) is completed, I will step down. I

need to ensure that the seat does not go back to Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael…” Cllr. Connaughton, an auctioneer and farmer, is from a very wellknown family in Athleague. His father, Martin, was a Fianna Fáil councillor for many years. Cllr. Connaughton said that he wants to thank the thousands of people who have supported him over the years. “It has been an honour to represent these people and I thank them for their support. I believe the best way for me to contribute to my community now is in a voluntary capacity”.

Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

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A French Vision To substitute the word Truth in Amos’ quote above for Word on our front cover, is not by any means a major leap of the imagination nor is it playing around with semantics. Word and Truth are indistinguishable and go deep into the spiritual and psychic make-up of our very being. From the beginning our witness to truth begins when we first open our eyes and ears which either is confirmed, distorted, or denied later in answer to our asking. Children ask only to hear the truth. To misinform is devastation. The answer(s) ingrained, are stored to form a foundation, and out of such stock, together with an education, contemplation, and action, we are. The language, in which Amos drew was Hebrew; the Hebrew translation of word is dabhar, which not only means ‘word’, but is also understood as a deed or thing accomplished. Word and deed then become synonymous with each other, the ‘deed’ being the consequence of the basic meaning inherent in word. The saying ‘you are only as good as your word’, the word deep within oneself as distinct from the uttered word, is one such example of how embedded word and truth are in our spiritual make-up. The word being the noblest function of the self and for that reason became identical with the action. The word was the axiomatic principle by which life was/is ordered, and by which an individual establishes his/her household and by succession their community and ultimately society. If we develop this notion further we see that one’s outer creation is a manifestation or reflection of the inner self. This outer creation does not necessarily have to be a work of art, a magnificent painting, but may be expressed in the day-to-day order of one’s life; a simple act of kindness and so on. Book of Amos, 8:1 The very first sentence of the book of Genesis reads, ‘In the beginning God created the Word (and The Word created) the Heavens and the Earth’. In the remaining part of the sentence we are informed why this was necessary, ‘because the earth was formless and void and darkness covered the face of the deep’. In other words, the Word established order amidst chaos. The Word being the axiomatic principle through which the world itself was ordered and through which we came into relationship with the Transcendent. So how do we translate this understanding of the Word today into our world to make it more meaningful? How can this understanding of the Word, play any part in our secularised world today? In other words, how do we bridge this gap between us and the Transcendent? It is worthwhile to think in terms of a raised language or series of words, sounds, that are of a higher vibrational level than our normal day-to-day use of words and language. It is one of the reasons why we need interaction, another might visit and say something pleasant which takes us out of the moment; the momentto-moment self-destructive dialogue of the ego, that goes on incessantly within us all. Immediately we are lifted, our consciousness is raised, the negative thoughts waylaid, and life

begins all over again. By using language of gratitude or if, as the song goes, ‘we start counting our blessings one-by -one, while we still have time’, our demeanour alters. The vibration of this raised language – poetry, music, prayer, whatever – resounds within us and our immediate space around us lightens; the longer it is sustained the richer the consciousness, a reconnection with the Ulterior begins and a new creation commences. A famine of the Word/Truth then does take on a new meaning today, especially with the widespread closures of places of worship, where for the first time in Ireland, since the penal laws, attendance at Mass is forbidden. This is depriving its people of both receiving the sacraments and of hearing the Word. ‘Receiving the Eucharist is, the bread of life and an antidote to secularism, according to Chad Hatfield2 who argued that secularism was always about ‘eclipsing our sense of God in the world’.

The days are coming, when I will send a famine through the land, says the lord, – not a famine of bread or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the Word.1

The 13th Percy French Festival

A FRENCH VISION

3. Healing Humanity: Confronting Our Moral Crisis The negation of worship or denial of communal assembly –either in celebration, gratification, or adoration – is inextricably linked to the undoing of one of our most important resources as human beings. Our internal and external resources, where we live, where we work, what we do in other words, are intrinsically linked to each other, and contribute synergistically to our physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. If our immune system is strong then the body can withstand; if love is our disposition compassion informs our language; if prayer is our murmur then solitude derails loneliness. Factors which combine to contribute to the mental and physical well-being of the self; undermine one of these for long enough, we become vulnerable. Isolation or loneliness is an everincreasing problem in our consumerdriven society. Despite the massive increase in social media outlets, we are becoming increasingly lonelier all the time. People attend fewer gatherings, fewer club meetings, fewer dinner parties, eat dinner less together as a family, and are much less connected to their neighbours than ever before. We are becoming more and more isolated and spend more time watching TV on our own, or on our phones, despite our intrinsic nature to belong. Continued isolation leads to a deterioration in health because we all simply have an innate desire to belong. We want to be an inherent part of something, something greater, more challenging, and bigger than ourselves. It is a fundamental human motivation and drive, that if not met will have severe mental consequences. If we do not feel that we belong, the language of loneliness informs our understanding of ourselves and its continuation will lead to mental health issues. The absence of hearing or reading the Word is not just an issue confined to its liturgical context, more importantly encountering the word/ truth in an ever-increasing aggressive secularised world, is becoming more and more difficult. It certainly is no longer to be encountered in the traditional institutional

a famine upon the land, ‘I willnotsend of bread or thirst for water, but a famine of the Truth ’ Castlecoote House 21st ,22nd , 23rd , july 2021 pillars of our society whose very existences presupposed the Word as its guiding principle. Simple common decency does not inform the language of the banks, the insurance companies, stockbrokers and so on. The dehumanising of this sector of essential services, together with the electricity, phone, and gas companies, all add to the isolation and loneliness people feel today, not to mention the negative vibrational level, that particular building and its language is creating in a community. The result is further isolation of ordinary decent people, whose hard-earned money put them there in the first place, leading to more loneliness which is now a major cancer in society. The Church has a big responsibility in this respect and its lack of contact with their parishioners during these trying times has to be examined. The

founder of their faith never had any difficulty meeting with the sick, the lame, and the lepers in society. The one thing that sustained the isolated, the lonely, and the poor-in-spirit, in these really trying times has now been taken away from them – making life even more difficult, and reducing their belief, trust, hopes, and pride in the clergy, legislators, and their own faith to meaninglessness. The church’s stewardship of the Word also has to be examined in this down-period and further, the question needs to be asked: is the big church experience of Mass on Sunday enough to sustain the faith today? Is it too anonymous or is there a more personal and Christ rooted faith required? The transmission of the truth/word today, although facing multiple challenges at every level of society,

It is one of the reasons why we need interaction, another might visit and say something pleasant which takes us out of the moment; the moment-to-moment self-destructive dialogue of the ego, that goes on incessantly within us all.

never did have an easy passage into consciousness. Many of the great manuscripts depict these challenges in a very colourful and vivid fashion. While the centre of the pages of the sacred texts were adorned illustriously, with beautiful hand-crafted, gilded words, the margins were, however, ‘populated by creatures from a subversive countercultural world, attacking what was written on the page itself.3 Serpents and beasts of the underworld were illustrated along the margins of the sacred texts, not only to undermine or challenge what was written in the text itself, but also to demonstrate the close proximity of the demonic. It was an understanding which also permeated the architecture of its day, the inclusion of gargoyles and monsters on buildings was there to highlight the proximity of the evil attacking the sacred space within. Whereas the ancient and medieval minds were well aware of the existential threat of the profane on the sacred space, any reference to such an existence today is deemed preposterous. The ancients were very conscious of the duality of existence, our fallenness and the constant threat to the order of things. Yet if we

look at the bigger picture today, we find a scene not too unremoved from what was painted in the margins of the great medieval parchments. In conversation with Professor Philipp Rosemann One such countercultural institution today has to be our educational system as a whole, including the universities. Traditionally education revolved around a curriculum that included the Liberal Arts – rhetoric, logic, grammar, music, and so on – where we were taught how to search for the good, the true and the beautiful in society; how to be human, in other words. And as for an Irish Catholic education, it has been removed entirely from the curricula – not to mention religion as a topic in itself. Today instead our educational system is entirely focused on providing graduates for the high-tech industries that now dictate so much of our world(s). Almost entirely absent from the Irish educational prospectus for the future is respect for tradesmen and women: nurses, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, seamstresses, butchers, and so on. These are amongst the most important people in any ordered civilisation and there is no governmental policy to redress the imbalance. Because we failed to catechize and endow our young in the values of our vast and rich Judaeo–Christian heritage and moral values, they are without the vocabulary to confront and deal with the onslaught of secularism forced on us by a militant media, the EU, and by succession our government. Together with restrictions, curtailments on movements, absence of mental health assistance, closure of places of worship, we submit to the onslaught. We become culturally and spiritually exhausted, ripe for capitulation, and the implementation of a ‘soft totalitarianism’. And why have we, the Irish, ‘the fighting Irish’, whose ancestors fought tooth and nail for everything we have today, become such cowards, so mentally, physically and spiritually weak? Why have we, the Irish, ‘the indefatigable Irish’ as our national poet, WB Yeats once called us, rolled over so many times to every single whim that is imposed upon us by the EU and thus by succession our government? Why? Well, this is after all a spiritual warfare and it may very well be because ‘there is a famine upon our land’, a great hunger in other words and not a hunger for bread, nor a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing, and receiving the Word. March 2021 If you would like to discuss any of the issues raised, please email info@percyfrench.ie.

Notes 1. Book of Amos, 8:1 2. Chad Hatfield, ‘The Eucharist as Antidote to Secularism: Insights from a Twentieth-Century American Orthodox Perspective’ in Healing Humanity: Confronting Our Moral Crisis, ed. AFC Webster et al, Holy Trinity Publishers, New York, 2020 3 Author in conversation with Professor Philipp Roseman

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‘Best Dressed’ Orla set for Miss Ireland Finals! < DAN DOONER

Roscommon town native, Orla Quinn, was recently crowned ‘Best Dressed Lady’ at a virtual event organised by ‘The Hat House’ in aid of Belfast City Cystic Fibrosis Unit, which was judged by a panel of four leading industry experts. The 25-year-old, who was crowned Miss Sligo last August, having moved to the

town to begin a new career with Bank of Ireland, said she was “over the moon”. Dressed in a vibrant pink Savida suit, adorned with red accessories and Lulu Guinness clutch bag, Orla’s outfit was crowned with a unique headpiece, which was designed and crafted by Roscommon milliner, Laura Hanlon. Laura Hanlon’s headpieces have been success at numer-

Angie Mezzetti will present a documentary entitled ‘Dear Giddy Brat/Saucy Mistress Boldface’ this Sunday on Lyric FM. The programme is based on letters written by the Bishop of Elphin, Edward Synge in the 18th Century which were presented to Trinity College in the late 1990s.

ous high profile events in recent years and the winning combination of two Roscommon locals proved to be a wonderful advertisement for the town and county. Next up for Orla is the Miss Ireland Final, which takes place later this summer. As one of the earliest qualifiers, Orla will be hopeful of going on to represent Ireland in the Miss World Finals in Puerto Rico at the end of the year.

As part of her campaign, she has introduced a charity element whereby she has been raising much-needed funds for Crumlin Children’s Hospital by completing a vast array of challenges. With her roots firmly established in Roscommon town, Orla is looking forward to hosting the grand finale of her fundraising drive in the town with an event to announced in due course.

The Kilmurray Committee members have thanked Castlerea Gardaí for successfully locating the missing Rathmoyle Cemetery gates which had been reported stolen on St. Valentine’s Day. Pictured are Tom O’Connor, James Rogers, Cllr. Liam Callaghan, Eithne Lavin, Sarah Lavin, Michael Finan, Sean Raftery, Tommy Kearney and Joe Keigher.

18th Century letters from Bishop of Elphin to feature in radio documentary < DAN DOONER

A radio documentary based on letters written by the Church of Ireland Bishop of Elphin from 1746 to 1751, Edward Synge to his daughter Alicia will be broadcast this Easter Sunday evening at 6 pm on Lyric FM. ‘Dear Giddy Brat/Saucy Mistress Boldface’ is produced and presented by Angie Mezzetti, who spoke to the Roscommon People earlier this week. “The name might sound provocative but these were pet names the Bishop addressed his daughter in letters and his words had a different tone in those days,” she explained. “The letters had been safely kept and later donated to Trinity College by one of her descendants, Marie Louise Legg. Every corner of the letters was written on, afterthoughts often written into the margins. There was zero waste of paper”. Angie said the letters give us “remarkable little insights into life in Roscommon during Georgian times in the 1740s and 50s”. Actor Simon Coury lends his voice to the extracts as part of the documentary which illustrate the Bishop’s deep affection for Alicia, his only surviving daughter of six children. Angie added: “Dr. Jane Maxwell gave a talk in Trinity in 2019 entitled ‘Dear Giddy Brat’ to friends of the library and women graduates. “The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland put out a call for radio documentaries on women’s stories so this was a good story fit for the Lyric Feature. “The Bishop’s letters give an insight into Alicia’s life throughout her adolescence. Her education, what she thinks about, the books she is reading, what she ate and wore, and her various ailments are revealed through her father’s side of the correspondence. “He also talks about his servants and particularly his housekeeper, a Mrs. Heap in Roscommon, who, according to the Bishop, ‘lies about all day pretending to darn’. Dear Giddy Brat/Saucy Mistress Boldface will be broadcast this Easter Sunday (April 4th) at 6 pm as the Lyric Feature on Lyric FM.

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‘Be safe on the water over Easter break’ Lough Ree RNLI is urging any members of the public who are using the River Shannon and Lough Ree to be safety conscious as they make the seasonal return to the waterway this weekend. In line with Covid-19 protocols, the volunteer crew at Lough Ree RNLI has returned to the water for training, and are ready for the new season on the water. With the combination of

Easter holidays, a possible extension in travel limits, and the hope for better weather over the next few weeks, it’s expected that Lough Ree and the River Shannon will attract large numbers of local visitors – both on and off the water. Jude Kilmartin (Lough Ree RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager) said: “We are asking everyone that is planning on taking to the water over the

holiday period to refresh their safety procedures, check that all safety equipment is in working order and remember never to go on the lake or river without lifejackets”. The volunteer crew of Lough Ree RNLI looks forward to working with the local community and serving those in Longford, Westmeath and Roscommon who avail of the local amenities over Easter.

ROBERT FLYNN

THE SQUARE, CASTLEREA, ROSCOMMON - Tel: (094) 9620028

Spring has arrived: Buy early and don’t be disappointed. Vegetables Just arrived - Early seed potatoes, onion sets, shallots, red onions, vegetable plants, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, leeks, and turnips. Vegetable seeds loose half the price of pre-packed seeds. Wild flower seeds.

Potatoes Early seed potatoes – Kerr Pinks, Records, British Queens, Rooster, Golden Wonder – all available at Flynns Castlerea

Firearms Fully licensed firearms dealer - No longer want to license your firearm? We can store or destroy it for a small fee. Shotgun cartilages, bullets, clay pigeons, and all accessories are available. Animals 2021 fishing season permits - large range of fishing tackle, rods, reels, spinners and spoons. Weak or orphaned lambs, you need Frisky by the bag or by the pound. Bottle tops, biestings, infra-red lamps. Wild-bird care, wide selection of peanuts, wild-bird seed, robin and songbird mix. Special offer: 25kg peanuts only €49. Bird tables and feeders.

Garden Flower seeds and wild flower seeds - Hayseed acres and ½ acres, lawn seed, sulphate iron, or lawn sand for moss in lawns, all available. Summer flowering bulbs, gladiolus lily, and dahlia available. Clean your hands! Pictured are Roxboro National School pupils Dara, Adam and Sean. Photograph by Mick McCormack

Family programme… for better mental health within families

South Roscommon Family Resource Centre (FRC) is running a programme aimed at families with children aged seven and up, thanks to funding received from the Bank of Ireland Begin Together fund, administered through the Community Foundation of Ireland. The aim is for families to come together around their kitchen table and discuss their understanding of mental health, constructive strategies for better mental health within the family, and how nutrition and exercise play a part in everyone’s mental health. Topics that will be explored by families in the programme include ‘our family; our mental health’, parenting and mental health; both of which will be facilitated by Emily Garavan, who has been working in the area of mental health for the last twenty years, and as a child and adolescent psychotherapist for the last eight years. Nutrition for positive mental health will be explored with Arlene Molloy from the Tusla Home

Management Advisory Service. Exercise for positive mental health will be facilitated by Trisha McDermott, with thanks to Roscommon Sports Partnership. Due to current restrictions, this programme will run on the Zoom platform, beginning on April 15th, for ten weeks. Families will be given materials to use for activities with their family as part of the programme, so sessions will be of a ‘hands on’ nature. Families with a mental health issue will be given priority, as places are limited. The programme is free, and materials – including the ingredients for the cookery sessions – will be given to all families beforehand, in line with public health guidance in relation to Covid-19. Don’t let the programme being on Zoom put you off – support on how to work Zoom is available from FRC staff before the programme begins. For more information, and/or to register for the programme, please contact Sarah Brennan in

South Roscommon Family Resource Centre on 090

6628621 or email southrosfrc@vitahouse.org.

Keycutting service available for all types of keys – cylinder, mortice, padlock, etc. Watch battery and strap replacement service also offered, as well as a photocopying service.

All at Robert Flynn, the Square, Castlerea. 094 9620028.

A Family Approach to Mental Wellness

Programme includes: Understanding mental health and ill-health Cooking and exercising as a family Constructive strategies for dealing with mental ill-health Sessions will be creative and engaging, aimed at families with children aged 7+ “Myself and my daughter really enjoyed the course. Cooking together continued and we had lots of discussion after each session.Fantastic Experience.”

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Thursdays, 5 -- 7 pm pm Thursdays, FreeZoom Free, via via Zoom April 15th 10 weeks, beginning For information Formore more information and yourinterest, interest, andtotoregister register your call 090 6628621 or email call 0892378241 or email southrosfrc@vitahouse.org familysupport.srfrc@vitahouse.org “All the family really enjoyed the programme. Some weeks before class I questioned why Ihad signed up, but after each class I was delighted I did. It showed me that we need to schedule time for family”

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FRANK

FRANK BRANDON’S

BRANDON

unique take on life ...

A sporting Saturday to forget! Our man Frank on Seamus Coleman’s dignity; another TV milestone for a local man; 100 years in business for O’Rourke’s…and a passing reminder of the day he thumbed a lift with a 20lb turkey…

For all of us who like sport, it has definitely been one of the great methods of escape from the reality of Covid-19 and its cripplingly horrible restrictions. However, on this very wet, windy, miserable Sunday morning, having watched our soccer team’s performance last night against the supposed whipping boys of Luxembourg, I wonder if the restrictions are that bad after all! I am not one of the most

committed of our soccer supporters, and since the Jack Charlton era I have been lukewarm at best. But even in my worst nightmares I never thought we could lose a World Cup qualifier at home to Luxembourg. It’s hard to see where our journey takes us from here. However, in this darkest of hours, the honesty of captain Seamus Coleman – in what must have been a very difficult post-match interview – certainly shone through.

This is what makes a village tick… Speaking of Creggs, I was thinking recently about what makes a village tick. From a young age, I realised that the old saying – ‘The savage loves his native shore’ – holds a lot of truth. Even when I worked all over the country I would thumb home on a Friday evening to play football for Creggs, or to go to one of the many carnivals that took place around the area, heading back again on Sunday evening (well, most Sunday evenings). I was a half-middling footballer back then, and even though it’s hard to believe now, I was asked by a good number of GAA clubs to transfer to them, but it never crossed my mind to do so. In my thumbing life from Listowel, Dublin, Ballinrobe and Dundalk – among other places – I was involved in two car crashes, and one attempted robbery (I had a knife held to my throat before the perpetrator got sorry for his actions and actually drove miles out of his way to leave me at my front door in Listowel). On another famous occasion, I thumbed all the way from Dundalk with a 20lb turkey slung over my shoulder.

In the meantime, I have been back living in Creggs for well over 40 years, and today, the recent Pride of Place competition made me appreciate the enormous improvements that have taken place here during my lifetime. We now have a beautiful village that has been transformed by the hard work of the Tidy Towns committee. We have one of the most progressive national schools in the country, a rugby club that remains the envy of bigger clubs all over Ireland, and a GAA club that has embarked on an ambitious development programme to make it a match of any club in the county. Throw in the host of other amenities available in Creggs and you begin to realise all the village has to offer. However, the older I get the more I realise that the most important part of not just Creggs, but of every village or local community, is the people; it’s the people that make any place what it is. Last Tuesday we had a special event take place in our little village, when O’Rourke’s celebrated 100 years in

Creggs. To think that the same family have served our community for a century is mind-boggling. In so many ways, their contribution to the welfare of our friends and neighbours can’t be overestimated. Five generations of the O’Rourke family have, at one time or another, been behind the counter in the shop and bar, and if circumstances had been different I’m sure the celebrations would have befitted such an occasion. Not many businesses, particularly ones in the rural Ireland of today, are able to survive for 100 years – it is some achievement to do so. On my own behalf, and I would think all the people of the parish and further afield would agree with my sentiment, I would like to thank Michael and Carmel and all the generations that have gone before them, along with their always-pleasant staff (especially Clare and Bridie), for their continued service to our community. Just as for Martin Logan, here’s to the next 100! Unless there is a huge medical development, someone else will be recording that event.

The manner in which he addressed what he called “an embarrassment”, was a credit to him. His face said it all, and the fact that it meant so much to him at this stage of a stellar career was the only saving grace of an awful evening. I have no idea if Stephen Kenny will keep his job or not, but ten games without a single win says it all. Throw in Munster’s anaemic display earlier in the day against the all-conquering Leinster in the

final of the Pro14, and I have to admit that a day I had been so looking forward to in a sporting sense actually turned out to be most disappointing. As I write this – the rain pounding off the kitchen windows – I think fondly of the glorious weather we had this time last year as we headed into our first lockdown, and I can only console myself with the thought that things can’t get much worse. The only way is up.

‘The Irish in the UK’ – Martin hits TV show milestone! Over the past year or so I have told you about our own Mount Mary (our local mountain) native, Martin Logan. Martin, with his wife Annette, produces the hugely popular TV show, ‘The Irish in the UK’, and just this week they celebrated a major milestone when they presented the 200th edition of the show. The show, which presently goes out each Thursday evening at 7.30 pm on Showcase TV, Sky channel 191, is instrumental in keeping the Irish diaspora in touch with each other in all parts of Britain, and also with the happenings back home in Ireland. It has been an enormous success, and on the occasion of the 200th edition, President Michael D Higgins took time out to send them a beautiful message in which he talked about the historical connections between the two countries, the enormous contribution the Irish have made in the development of the UK, and the importance of the programme in keeping the traditional spirit of Ireland alive. Down through the years, the show has always brought forward all kinds of stories – from intimate and private personal ones, to coverage of festivals, fairs, and other fun-filled events – and has featured our own Seamus Grady a few times. A number of our biggest music stars – like wee Daniel, Nathan Carter, Johnny Brady, Mary Duff and Imelda May – all sent recorded messages of goodwill to Martin, Annette, and their team, as all of those musicians and singers benefit greatly from the exposure the show gives them across the Irish Sea. In my opinion, one of the benefits of coming from a little village like Creggs, or any other similar small place, is the pride we all take in the success of one of our own, no matter what field it’s in. It is great to celebrate the huge contribution that Martin has made to our fellow Irishmen and women over in the UK, and even if I’m not as big (well I am bigger in one way) as Michael D or Nathan, it gives me great pleasure to add my name to that earlier list and congratulate Martin and his team on a wonderful success story. Here’s to another 200! Martin did promise me that when circumstances permit, he will come home and show the village of Creggs off to the world.

Creggs native, Martin Logan, who produces ‘The Irish in the UK’ with his wife Annette.

And finally… Easter Sunday is fast approaching, and while everyone is looking forward to the usual over-indulgence in Easter eggs/chocolate, out here in Creggs we are looking forward to the big GAA draw, the biggest one in the long history of the club. The draw is set to take place on Easter Sunday, and boasts fifteen prizes worth €15,000, with a top cash prize of €5,000. There are still tickets available at creggsgaa. ie or in O’Rourke’s shop, Dowd’s of Glinsk and Oscar’s in Castlecoote. So, if you have any Creggs connections, have ever had a pint in the village, drove through it any time, or just want to win a great prize for yourself, get a ticket and help a small rural GAA club to stay alive and face the future with confidence. Best of luck on Sunday, I hope you win a prize and make it an Easter Sunday to remember!

‘Till next week, bye for now

Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

NewsPeople

Removal of vaccine priority for school staff slammed < DAN DOONER

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has this week criticised the Government for “pushing teachers and special needs assistants to the back of the queue”, as part of changes to Covid-19 vaccine rollout. Deputy Kerrane said the Government’s approach to the rollout was “chaotic”. “The plans have been

chopped and changed several times, and the latest plan will see staff on the frontline – special needs assistants, teachers and childcare workers – going to work every day, left waiting. “It doesn’t make sense that someone without an underlying condition, who is able to work from home, could get the vaccine in advance of teaching staff,

who must go to work every day and support our young people,” she said. Deputy Kerrane said that she had urged Education Minister Norma Foley to engage with the HSE and NIAC (National Immunisation Advisory Committee) to see if school staff could be prioritised. “It is shocking that not only did the Minister fail

to secure this greater priority, but she has allowed her Cabinet colleagues to strip

school staff of any priority at all,” Deputy Kerrane added.

The Sinn Féin TD called for urgent clarity around the vaccine rollout for

school staff, describing the current situation as disgraceful.

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Miriam’s MUSINGS Vaccine rollout akin to winning a Willy Wonka Golden Ticket (for some) Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Following what has been weeks of uncertainty and criticism regarding AstraZeneca’s unreliable delivery dispatch policies, Ireland is now apparently on course to receive ‘a large volume’ of vaccines ‘in the coming weeks’. Well whoop-de-doo, I’m delira’ for us… so long as the vaccines are distributed to people who desperately need them, not to a gaggle of greedy guts who seem to think they’re winners of a Willy Wonka Golden Ticket, guaranteeing them access to a magic serum!

Yes readers, I’m referring to the story regarding the Beacon Hospital, who last week admitted it had given ‘leftover’ Covid-19 vaccines to teachers at a private school… a school which, by the way, is attended by its CEO’s children! I’m sure while readers will agree with me that it’s very important we employ a zerowastage policy when using these vaccines, they’ll also understand that this latest controversy surrounding the method in which they were administered is not just an absolute

disgrace, it’s also out of line with the HSE’s sequencing guidelines. I mean come on, it screams of the healthy and the wealthy being prioritised during what is a time of extreme vaccine shortages. I can only imagine what those who are lying helpless and vulnerable in their sick beds are thinking of this scandalous queue-skipping behaviour. Callous is a word that springs to my mind! We’re in the midst of the greatest health threat our nation has ever faced, yet there appears to be a cohort of indi-

Keep those paws off the choccies Regular readers will know all about my love for animals; I adore them. They’ll also know how much I love pulling out my soapbox, hopping on it, and offering any advice I can regarding their health, happiness and welfare. Therefore, as we all prepare to celebrate yet another Easter in lockdown, can I please give you a gentle reminder about the extreme danger posed by chocolate and other Easter treats to our furry friends. If you’re a pet owner, you should know that chocolate contains a toxin called Theobromine – it’s a chemical used during the manufacturing process. Now I don’t want anyone to panic, because this type of toxin is perfectly harmless to us humans, for the simple reason that we have the capacity to break it down so quickly that it cannot act as a poison in our systems. However, our poor dogs are unable to do this; they metabolise it much slower, meaning that eating/ ingesting any kind of chocolate treat can have a detrimental, possibly fatal, effect on your fur babies. So this Easter, if your precious pooch is around chocolate and displaying any of the following symptoms – or if you’re concerned – please call your vet as a matter of urgency. Do not wait to see how they are feeling in the morning. A few of the tell-tale signs that immediately spring to my mind

are excessive thirst, diarrhoea, drooling, high temperature, hyperactivity/ appears to be over-excited, if they vomit and it contains blood, if they are having an epileptic-type fit, etc. But chocolate is not your only worry folks, keep those pooches and kitties away from the hot cross buns. You see, raisins and sultanas are toxic to both Fido and their feline friends. Your fur baby can suffer kidney failure from eating only a small amount of the type of fruits contained in a hot cross bun, so keep them away from curious noses. Let me remind you readers – I’m not a vet, and if you’re in any doubt regarding my guidelines, I’m sure your own vet will be happy to not only confirm them – they’ll likely add a bit more cautionary advice to it. Have a lovely Easter.

viduals who’re happy to completely disregard the needs of the elderly and the most vulnerable in our society. To that end, I find the actions of both the recipients and the administrators of the Beacon’s ‘leftovers’ to be self-centred and shameful. They’ve managed to (for want of a better word) ‘sneakily’ secure one of our country’s extremely scarce and critical lifesaving resources for themselves – and to hell with everyone else! However, I also feel that in cutting the queue and under-

mining our country’s rollout, these selfish people have shone a spotlight on the glaring inequities in our healthcare system – so maybe they’ve kind of done us a favour of sorts. We’ve all suffered disproportionately during this pandemic, therefore we should all have equal access, and equal entitlement to vaccines – should we choose to accept them. However, the so-called privileged should never, ever, be prioritised over the vulnerable, just because they

know someone who knows someone – in this case Michael Cullen, the Beacon’s CEO. I’m sure last week’s scandalous incident is not an isolated one, and the question remains – how many more queuejumping vaccine cheats are hiding out there? To put things in perspective readers, it’s alleged that the fees for pupils attending the school at the centre of the controversy run to €7,500 a year. If that’s not an example of two-tier elitism, I don’t know what is!

Fáilte go hÉireann – arrive, explore, abscond! Our government finally got its act together (about a year too late in my opinion) and, at 4 am on Friday, March 26th, put into effect our Covid-19 quarantine rules. However, following what was only a matter of hours later, three individuals who entered this country from a high-risk Covid location, in quarantine in the Crowne Plaza hotel in the Santry area of Dublin, decided the rules didn’t apply to them, and so they er, legged it. Yes folks, there’ll be no lifting of restrictions, there’ll be no haircuts,

and there’ll be no meeting up with families, etc. However, on the plus side, if you fly in from some farflung, Covid-ridden country, you can disregard those rules and enjoy your great escape! No need to bother yourself about our government’s paltry €2,000 fine or a month in prison, these little formalities only apply to the law-abiding suckers, sorry citizens. This blatant disregard for our laws not only weakens our standing on the world stage, making us a laughing stock, it also provides us tax-

paying voters with clear evidence of a chronic decline in our Justice Minister’s capacity to hold those who commit these crimes accountable. It seems to me that while quarantining in a hotel may well be comfortable (and I don’t know about you, but I could do with a few days’ kip at a luxury location with all meals handed to me), it’s most definitely not secure. Perhaps Fáilte Ireland’s new tagline should be Fáilte go hÉireann – arrive, explore, abscond!

Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

NewsPeople Pieta – ‘Darkness Into Light Sunrise’

Join Pieta and Electric Ireland for a special ‘Darkness into Light Sunrise’ on May 8th, and give the gift of hope to those impacted by suicide and self-harm. Join in any way you can – walk, swim, cycle or simply share your sunrise moment.

Join now by visiting darknessintolight.ie and signing up. The cost is €21 for adults, €16 for jobseekers/students/seniors, €5 for children, and €52 for family. You can also make a donation via the website, and support Pieta’s lifesaving intervention and bereavement services.

Lisacul online bingo – on April 10th!

Pictured in Boyle recently were Declan O’Sullivan, Declan Garavan and Sam Roddan. Picture: Mick McCormack

Brightsparks Preschool and Lisacul Community Development have come together to raise much-needed funds for the local community centre and preschool in Lisacul. An online bingo fundraiser has been organised, and will take place at 8.30 pm on Saturday, April 10th, with lots of great prizes to be won. The game will be live-streamed on YouTube, and is available to play via Whatsapp. There are €500 worth of prizes up for grabs, including a guaranteed jackpot of €200. To play, the cost of books (three games) is €8, or two for €15. Books can be purchased on the ‘Lisacul Online Bingo’ Facebook page, or by texting 083 0121395. Payments made in cash and via Revolut will be accepted. Books can be collected, delivered or emailed. All are welcome, so play for a chance to win and to support a worthy cause.

Gospel Reflection Sunday April 4 2021 The tomb was empty. In the early morning darkness of that first Easter, there was only confusion for Mary Magdalene and the other disciples. But as the daylight spread, they saw the dawning of a new creation. At first they didn’t understand the Scripture, today’s Gospel tells us. We don’t know which precise Scripture texts they were supposed to understand. Perhaps it was the sign of Jonah, who rose from the belly of the great fish after three days (see Jonah 1:17). Or maybe Hosea’s prophecy of Israel’s restoration from exile (see Hosea 6:2). Perhaps it was the psalmist who rejoiced that God had not abandoned him to the netherworld (see Psalm 16:9–10). Whichever Scripture it was, as the disciples bent down into the tomb, they saw and they believed. What did they see? Burial shrouds in an empty tomb. The stone removed from the tomb. Seven times in nine verses we hear that word – “tomb”. What did they believe? That God had done what Jesus said He would do – raised Him up on the third day (see Mark 9:31; 10:34). What they saw and believed they bore witness to, as today’s First Reading tells us. Peter’s speech is a summary of the gospels – from Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan to His hanging on a tree (see Deuteronomy 21:22–23), to His rising from the dead. We are children of the apostles, born into the new world of their witness. Our lives are now “hidden with Christ in God,” as today’s Epistle says. Like them, we gather in the morning on the first day of the week – to celebrate the Eucharist, the feast of the empty tomb. We rejoice that the stones have been rolled away from our tombs, too. Each of us can shout, as we do in today’s Psalm: “I shall not die, but live”. They saw and believed. And we await the day they promised would come – when we, too, “will appear with Him in glory”. – Scott Hahn, salvationhistory.com (courtesy of Sacred Heart Church).

Work at Ardsallagh Woods, Roscommon town.

McDermott welcomes Ardsallagh Woods roadworks Fianna Fail councillor Marty McDermott has welcomed confirmation of the commencement of works in Ardsallagh Woods, Roscommon in relation to road resurfacing and kerbs. “Following discussions with Roscommon County Council, I am happy to say the first stage of kerbing and resurfacing works will begin next week in Ardsallagh Woods. Due to the huge cost involved, they will be completed in different stages over the next three years”, commented Cllr. McDermott. “This is an issue that was raised with me by the residents of Ardsallagh Woods, before and after the local elections. “I would like to thank the County Council for their support on this very important issue”, he concluded.

• €500,000 for Mote Park recreation trails • €1m for Ballyforan Greenway • Strong reps made for funding for Strokestown/ Elphin • €200,000 for Portrun recreation amenities

Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

NewsPeople

Creggs GAA draw drives ambitious development plans

For the past century, Creggs GAA has been at the heart of sporting life in the area. Now, the local club has ambitious plans to further develop facilities and amenities, and ensure that the growing number of young people involved in Gaelic games in the locality have top class coaching and facilities available to them. Central to the club’s ambitious development plans is a major draw that is currently underway, culminating on Easter Sunday when the main prizes, including a top prize of €5,000, will be drawn. The club’s facilities have been developing steadily over several years. Most recently, throughout 2019 and 2020, there was a huge local voluntary effort put towards upgrading the club’s dressing rooms. Club PRO Gerry Keegan notes that the recent upgrading work provided the impetus that club members needed to put in place a longer-term plan, ensuring that local sporting enthusiasts had 21st century GAA facilities available in their local area. “The recent upgrading work led to some conversations at committee meetings about putting a plan in place to develop the facilities further over the next five years. A number of ideas for developments were put forward. “The pitch has deteriorated in recent years, with compaction leading to problems with waterlogging, so improving the playing surface is obviously a priority. In conjunction with this, we will develop a training area that can accommodate some of the heavier winter training and warm-ups, etc.,

which will allow us to keep the pitch in the best possible condition for matches. We also wanted to improve facilities for club supporters, and the addition of a scoreboard and stand are also included in the five-year plan”. A finance group was put together to come up with ideas

to raise the funds required to make the plans a reality. This group has put a huge amount of work into researching fundraising ideas and have devised a very impressive plan. Part one of the plan is the €15K monster prize draw, which will culminate on Sunday. The top prize of €5000 in cash will in-

stantly grab people’s attention, but looking down through the fifteen prizes, it’s clear that it is an excellent prize pot overall. The club is grateful to all the local businesses that continue to support the club financially. Ward & Burke have been the club’s main sponsor for many years.

“We are acutely aware of the very difficult year many businesses have had, and feel we must mention our two local pubs (Roarke’s and Dolan’s) who, despite having to close their doors for the past year, have sponsored prizes in the draw. “The draw is well on the way

to being a great success, and we want to thank all who have supported the club by entering. The support from within our own community is always so strong, but we have also received great support from our neighbouring clubs and communities, with many entries coming from Glinsk, Fuerty, Tremane, Athleague, Oran, Glenamaddy, Ballygar and GAA people across Roscommon and Galway. “The club has also had significant donations from the Keegan and Kenny families in the USA. These donations to the club in memory of the recently deceased Jimmy Kenny and Christy Keegan have once again proved that Creggs may be a small village, but it has very deep roots. “We should note that this is not the first time the club has endeavoured to raise large sums of money to develop facilities. Times were very tough in 1986 and ‘87, but nonetheless, the community got behind the club to fund the purchase of the pitch, with huge fundraising efforts ranging from large social nights in Creggs, Dowd’s in Glinsk and – famously – The Galtymore of Cricklewood in London. Parishioners were asked to give interest-free loans from £20 to £100 to the club. Many families refused to take back the money they proffered when it was offered to them some time later”. The draw takes place on Easter Sunday, so please get your ticket before the deadline of midnight on Easter Saturday to be in with a chance of winning one of fifteen great prizes and support a small rural GAA club in the process.

Creggs GAA overcomes lockdown challenge to unlock local potential Running a major club fundraiser can be a daunting task at the best of times, but doing so during a global pandemic and Level 5 lockdown presents a unique set of challenges. It’s fair to say that some of those involved in the Creggs GAA fundraising draw, which culminates on Sunday next, may have been a little apprehensive about launching one of the biggest fundraisers the club has ever undertaken during such a time. However, the fundraising team (consisting of Cathy O’Roarke, Tom Fleming, Karen Hanley, Niamh Brandon, John Keegan, Colin Canny, Michael O’Roarke and Gerry Keegan) have met the challenge head on and turned many of potential pitfalls into positives.

Club Secretary Eugene Hanley noted that while the pandemic provided many logistical headaches, the switch to virtual meetings and sharing of documents allowed club supporters who are not living locally to be centrally involved in the fundraising, and opened up a new pool of talent for the club. “The use of virtual meetings and sharing documents online was largely unheard of outside of business environments before the pandemic, but it really allowed the club to change our traditional mindset of needing people to be based locally to get involved in committees. This opened up a pool of very talented people who were willing to get involved and drive the fundraising initiatives.

“When we launched the draw in early December, we thought that the worst of Covid was behind us and hoped we would be able to drive ticket sales through traditional means in the New Year. However, even at this point it was obvious that social media promotion and online ticket sales would play an important role. “One of the worries we had in relation to having to rely on online sales so heavily was that people might delay getting their ticket until the last minute, or simply forget to get their tickets in time. A series of early bird draws were devised to avoid this situation. In all, there has been three early bird draws at Christmas, St. Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day, and each one has gen-

erated a bit of excitement and driven ticket sales. Many of the prizes in the early bird draws were also sponsored, with some great and interesting prizes from home heating oil, bales, sheep nuts and a year’s supply of muffins, to name just a few! “While we would acknowledge online promotion and sales are excellent tools, it is important to remember that many people will like to show their support for the club by buying their tickets directly from a club member or our local shop, Roarke’s, so it was important to be able to accommodate this in a safe way also. “Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter are now integral to our club communication, but it would

be a mistake to assume everyone can, or wants to, engage with these platforms, so we also introduced a new club newsletter initiative before Christmas, which delivers club news and features directly into every house in the parish. So far, three issues have been circulated, and we aim to deliver a new newsletter every two to three months. This balance of embracing new technology while maintaining our traditional methods has been very well received”. So, the message is don’t delay – get your tickets for the draw before the deadline of Saturday night and you might just be eating your Easter Eggs while deciding how to spend the top prize money of €5,000!

Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

NewsPeople

Remembering Conor and Kathleen As the club drives forward with this development, we remember all those who have gone before us who did so much for the club. In the week of his first anniversary, Conor and all the Connelly family are at the forefront of all our thoughts.

For well over a decade Kathleen McKeague was so very involved in the club and all our fundraising efforts; it feels so strange that she is not with us now. We know Kathleen is looking down on us with pride and excitement.

Increasing participation The underlying goal for the club in improving and developing our facilities is to increase participation in GAA sports in our area for all levels of ability. The men’s team have competed well at intermediate level in recent years, and we can continue to improve at this level. While we have fielded a B team on occasion over the years, we have often struggled to retain the players to keep it going. We are committed to entering a B team this year (once restrictions have eased), and to put a bigger focus on keeping the B team going consistently from year to year in order to

allow players at any level to enjoy games and represent the club. The tradition of ladies football is very strong in Creggs, with great success in the 1980s and early ‘90s. It has been magnificent to see the numbers involved with St. Ciaran’s ladies in recent years, and we hope that more girls from the Creggs side of the club will be encouraged to take a full and active role in St. Ciaran’s, with improved facilities here in the village. St. Ciaran’s underage continues to thrive, and, after nearly thirty years in existence, can be

classed as one of the most successful underage amalgamations in the country. We want our facilities to complement the already excellent facilities in place in Mulhern Park, Fuerty, and Athleague and Tremane pitches, to support the continued success of the underage girls’ and boys’ teams. We acknowledge our local girls who have contributed to the recent successes of Athleague camógie, and also the hurlers in the area playing with Tremane. Improved facilities can support the growth of hurling and camógie in the Creggs area.

Enda Conneran (Creggs) pictured in action against Cathal Meares (St. Aidan’s) during an Intermediate Club Championship match at Creggs in 2020. Photograph: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Noel Gately (Creggs) pictured clearing under pressure from Cathal Kelly (St. Aidan’s) during the Intermediate Championship game between Creggs and St. Aidan’s in 2020. Photograph: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

NewsPeople

‘Walk in’ test centres to open in Athlone and Ballinasloe on Good Friday < DAN DOONER

As part of the HSE’s enhanced Covid-19 testing for local communities, two ‘walk-in, no appointment necessary’ testing centres will open at the Athlone Regional Sports Centre and the Town Hall/

Library carpark in Ballinasloe on Good Friday (April 2nd). The test centres can be used by anyone over the age of 16 living within 5km, who doesn’t have symptoms of Covid-19 and who hasn’t been tested for Covid-19 in the past six months.

Members of the public are asked to bring a photo ID with them when attending the centres and provide a mobile phone number to testers in order to receive their results. Social distancing rules will apply at the test centres which will op-

erate from 11 am to 7 pm for five days in Athlone and three days in Ballinasloe. Those with symptoms of Covid-19 are asked not to attend and to instead report to their GP. For more information, see www.hse. ie.

McDermott welcomes resurfacing and drainage works Fianna Fáil councillor Marty McDermott has welcomed the completion of roadworks between Oran Cross and Clooneycolgan/Lisaniskey, saying he is “delighted” to see the resurfacing and pipe drainage works finally finished. Cllr. McDermott highlighted the need for such works in the area, noting: “This stretch of road has been badly hampered in the past by flash flooding, making it impossible for motorists to pass through. “This is an issue that was raised during my election campaign, and again when I was elected. “I would like to thank the County Council and the relevant engineer for addressing this very important issue”. Meanwhile, Cllr. McDermott has identified the need for new road markings at Henry Street, Roscommon.

Cllr. McDermott said he first raised the issue at an MD meeting in November 2019, noting that speed

was a major concern and that children’s safety was potentially being put at risk.

Macra online bingo night in aid of Roscommon SPCA

While everyone is looking back at what has been a year like no other, Roscommon Macra (a youth organisation for young people aged between 17 and 35) is reviewing how we took on this challenging year, and how we have adapted to the new normal like so many other organisations had to. Even though we spent most of it apart, this year we have kept going, changing how we do things to make the best of what we can in the situation. While in a normal year you could be gone almost every weekend to a Macra event if you wanted to, this year there has still been plenty to do – even if a lot of it is over Zoom. When it was safe to meet, we had social events like bowling, and trips to Bay Sports. We even teamed up with Roscommon Tidy Towns to plant a PositiviTree across from the county council building. In-person national competitions were limited this year, but any that we could attend (such as Poc Fada and Farm Skills), we did. Roscommon members made it to the national finals of Macra’s short story competition and general knowledge quiz. Along with keeping up our monthly meetings, we embraced all we could with the online world of interacting, with a virtual farm walk, quizzes, game nights and video compilations. Our next event is an online bingo night in aid of Roscommon SPCA at 8.30 pm on Saturday, April 3rd. It’s a fiver for three games, with prizes and craic guaranteed on the night. To support this, you just need to go to our Facebook page to find the PayPal link. The link to the meeting and your bingo card will be sent out to your email address before it starts. All proceeds from the night will be going to Roscommon SPCA, so any donation – big or small – is greatly appreciated. The Roscommon Macra executive would like to say a massive thank you to all the members who made this year what it was. If you would like to learn more, visit Macra.ie or find us on Facebook or Instagram.

Cam Defibrillator Group 5K Walk

Fianna Fáil councillor Marty McDermott has welcomed the completion of roadworks between Oran Cross and Clooneycolgan/Lisaniskey.

The Cam Defibrillator Group is hosting an Easter Healthy Heart 5k Walk from April 3rd to April 5th. The proceeds will go towards the maintenance and upgrade of the group’s defibrillators. All are welcome to participate in this worthy cause. Please follow all public health guidelines. Contributions are welcomed via our GoFundMe: gofund.me/eab8aa06.

Easter traditions around the world < BILLY HEALY

Here in Ireland, kids and some adults too are given chocolate eggs to celebrate Easter. Kids get their Easter eggs from the Easter bunny. From a Christian view, Easter eggs are said to represent Jesus’ emergence from the tomb and resurrection. Some families celebrate their Easter by having a roast. However, when it comes to celebrating Easter in other countries, many have their very own traditions. For example, in France on Easter Monday every year, the residents of Haux crack 4500-plus eggs into a huge pan to make a massive Easter omelette that feeds over 1000 people. Each family cracks their eggs in their homes in the morning time and at lunch-time, the families all join in the main square where the eggs are cooked. They are cooked for lunch, dinner and even for breakfast the following day. Over to Greece, where they are known for their red eggs, com-

pared to other places around the globe who have multi-coloured decorated eggs. Red is the colour of life, as well as representation of the blood of Christ. From ancient times, the egg has been a symbol of the renewal of life, and the message of the red eggs is victory over death. The egg’s shell is meant to symbolise the empty rock tomb, from which Jesus arose after his crucifixion. The eggs turned red when they were soaked with Mary’s tears. Across the world now to South America, specifically Argentina, where some residents of Buenos Aires will go off to Tierra Santa Theme Park for Easter. Here you’ll find a religious theme park that has been made to look like early Jerusalem. Visitors can watch reenactments of the Last Supper, the trial of Jesus, and his resurrection. In Argentina’s Patagonia region, the town of Bariloche hosts an annual chocolate festival over the Holy Week, where you’ll find an

entire street devoted to chocolate. In previous years, they have featured a giant nine-metre tall chocolate egg as well as offering up the world’s largest chocolate bar. They usually put on concerts and chocolate Easter egg hunts as well. Elsewhere, people will be enjoying locro, a stew made of corn, beans, and pumpkin soup. They will also be making sweet breads called Pan Dulce and enjoying meatless empanadas that are packed with tuna, vegetables and cheese. In the United States of America, they have similar traditions to Ireland and other countries around the world, such as the Easter bunny, which is a fairly common tradition in most countries. Other traditions that the USA has are Easter parades, Easter cards, the Easter lilies (a fairly new tradition) and dresses. No one can really say when this tradition started. In medieval times, it was considered bad luck not to wear something new at Easter, even if it was just a ribbon.

(Above) The residents of Haux, France, celebrate Easter by cooking a massive 4500-egg omelette. (Left) Tierra Santa Theme Park in Argentina, a religious theme park that has been made to look like early Jerusalem, hosts re-enactments of Holy Week events during Easter time.

Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

NewsPeople

Conversations we’re missing…(Week 2: ‘At funerals’) Continuing this occasional series (last week: GAA), PAUL HEALY laments another of the absent conversations of…the last twelve months. This is what we’ve been missing! The scene: Outside a funeral home (two men queuing) Not a bad evening… No, grand…and I wouldn’t mind, but there was rain promised… Well, as long as it holds off while we’re here, we’ll be happy enough! I left an umbrella in the car… Same here! How are ye all in (insert townland/town)? Ah sure we’re grand, not getting any younger… None of us are! I see ye are still in the

football… Oh just about! Who are ye playing next? Clann, we’ve Clann on Saturday evening. Won’t be easy! No, but sure we’ll turn up… This man (the deceased) was some character… Ah…a great bit of stuff… What age was he? I don’t know. A few of us were talking about that…sure he had to be in his late 60s…? I’m nearly that myself! I heard 72 mentioned. Too young these days. Was it three sisters and two brothers he had? Yeah, I think so…two of them are in England, and Teresa is in Mayo and… …the two brothers are married to two sisters…

* A MAJOR GAA EXCLUSIVE

“

(Second man steps into funeral home; first man nudges a neighbour) Sorry Mike, got caught up there. That fella I was talking to…I can’t for the life of me put a name on him… (Mike): Ah sure he’s Johnny…oh what’s his second name? From near Boyle…sure you know him well… Oh sure I know him well to see, I was chatting to him about football and everything. I played along anyway, made him none the wiser! What’s this he does? He’s a bit of a carpenter, I think… Ah, a grand fella… Oh, the finest. What age would he be? Is he married?

TAKE A BREAK

#RoscommonPeopleTogether

Check out our latest video from 1 pm TODAY on Roscommon People YouTube channel

That’s right, you have it in one! Great people… Oh, the finest…did you see him lately? Do you know something, I don’t think I saw him in about two years… Sure everyone’s so busy these days… Yeah…we hardly know our neighbours any more… I know, one time you’d know everyone on your road… Ah, it’s all changed. At least this is moving along fairly nicely now… Ah not too bad, another few minutes and we’ll be inside… God be good to him anyway… Well now you said it…a pure gentleman… anyways, great chatting you… Good man, enjoyed the chat! Best of luck against Clann!

The column that smiles through lockdown!

The things people say…

We will finally be meeting and enjoying the company of friends and family once again…”

“We are on the final stretch of this

– Taoiseach Micheál Martin finishes his address to the nation (delivered on Tuesday) with an air of positivity which we all hope is well founded

terrible journey. This summer, our businesses and our public services will safely reopen.

Pictured with her new free book and a lollipop at ‘The Book Lady’ in Boyle is Katy Casey. Picture: Mick McCormack

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO… Famous birthdays today

(April 1 2021)

Mackenzie Davis (actress, 34)

Phillip Schofield (presenter, 59)

Throwback Thursday! Over the coming weeks, your favourite local newspaper will be publishing old photographs, both in the newspaper and online. (Watch out for #ThrowbackTuesday on our social media platforms). This fabulous shot of Main Street, Roscommon, complete with local characters, is very evocative. All feedback to paul@roscommonpeople.ie very welcome! Photo from Micksie Farrell Collection, courtesy of Pat Hughes & Sean Browne

Debbie Reynolds (actress, 1932-2016)

Asa Butterfield (actor, 24)

Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

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Fr Kevin: ‘We might be suffering but a resurrection is on the way’ < DAN DOONER

r. Kevin Fallon was

born in Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK but moved to County Sligo with his parents at the age of 12. A love of music and Newcastle United Football Club has followed him

through secondary school, the seminary, and to the parishes of Castlerea, Roscommon, and Kilglass/ Rooskey/Slatta. “It’s ten years this summer since I left Roscommon town after first serving here,” he said this week. “I was always told

never to slam a door in case you needed to walk back through it again!” Fr. Kevin started to play Irish music at a young age as part of the Irish community on Tyneside and went on to learn guitar in the seminary, where he also first started singing. He even released a CD ‘Twice the Catch’ in memory of his late mother Philomena in 2015. “I have done very little singing during lockdown and that’s something I really miss. I look in at the room full of musical instruments at times and feel quite sad. “But then I remember that there are people who make a living from music and who have been unable to do so since this pandemic began. It has been very tough on those people,” he said. Fr. Kevin arrived in

“

Castlerea in 1993 and remembers his first few days very well. “I was only there a week when Alan McLoughlin scored his famous equaliser against Northern Ireland up in Windsor Park to send us to America for the World Cup! “I spent a lovely ten years there before moving to Roscommon in 2003, where I remained for eight years. I then moved on to Kilglass/Rooskey/ Slatta, so this summer I’m celebrating the tenth anniversary of my leaving Roscommon town…by returning!” The devoted ‘Magpie’ has found a year of ‘lockdowns’ quite difficult and understands how upsetting it has been for local parishioners. “It’s very difficult in this parish because it has a huge population (com-

Holy Week is about suffering and moving into resurrection. Of course we are all suffering at the moment, but we are doing so in order to keep others safe

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Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

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TOGETHER Positivity in a pandemic

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Roscommon-Galway Constituency

Vótáil

Eugene

Murphy Senator

Eugene Murphy

Real Solutions for Rural Ireland “I am committed to helping to improve the quality of life for people in rural Ireland which has largely been left behind- we need to build a future where people can live, work and enjoy the many benefits of rural living”

Shop Local An Ireland Support Local for all Stay Safe

Eugene Murphy No 2: Orla Leyden

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Working with your local Fianna Fáil team: Cllr Michael Connolly, Cllr John Cummins, Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice, Cllr John Keogh, Cllr Orla Leyden, Cllr Marty McDermott, Cllr Joe Murphy

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(compared with rural parishes). It was easier when the churches were open during the week and anyone who wanted to come along could do so. We could seat 80 in (socially distanced) sections at Mass. The weekends are a problem though in a big town. I’ll be glad to see us exit out of this pandemic,” he said. In a message to parishioners, Fr. Kevin said Easter Week marks the suffering of Jesus Christ, but also heralds a resurrection and the dawn of brighter days. “Holy Week is about suffering and moving into resurrection. Of course we are all suffering at the moment, but we are doing so in order to keep others safe. It is not easy for priests or parishioners but we must realise that this is only temporary,”

he said. As for the current restrictions, Fr. Kevin says webcams and live streaming give some level of comfort, particularly during times of grief, but are no substitute for the real Mass-going experience. “I still think there will be social distancing and restrictions for the foreseeable future so it probably won’t be ideal. I think it might be a while before we see full churches again but I certainly hope I’m wrong about that. “Webcams are great, but it’s not the same. We all miss the coming together to celebrate Mass, and that’s even more keenly felt around important celebrations such as Easter,” he said, before wishing all parishioners a Blessed and safe Easter period.

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Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

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‘The Book Lady’ can’t wait for new chapter < DAN DOONER

native, Mary O’Donoghue moved to Ireland fifteen years ago before opening her popular bookshop in Boyle in September 2012. She has since become known far and wide as ‘The Book Lady’ and claims her shop is the smallest of its kind in Ireland. “I opened a number of years ago out of desperation really,” she told the Roscommon People this week. “I was struggling to find work at the time and I really wanted to do irmingham

something I was passionate about. I needed somewhere to go and something to do”. Mary said she wanted to set a good example for her son, Cory (21), at the time and knew she was capable of running a bookstore. “It worked out better than I ever could have thought and most importantly it made my son proud when I became known as The Book Lady around Boyle,” she said. The bookstore proved a lifeline for Mary, who had felt the effects of rural isolation after her move from the UK. “It gave me a life! I sud-

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reopen until everyone else does at this point. “I just think my bookshop would be one of the safest places to be. There’s only room in there for one person at a time really so when a customer does call I can step outside. The door and windows are open all the time so it’s like being in the open air anyway. I also have hand sanitiser at the door and the shop is kept very clean at all times. It’s quiet enough during the day anyway so I would definitely consider it very safe,” she said. Despite her frustration with the ongoing closure, Mary doesn’t blame the authorities for their cautious approach to reopening. “It’s because of the EU vaccine rollout,” she says. “Realistically, if they were to open everything up now without vaccinating those most at-risk then we would be back to where we were before Christmas. I think it will be June by the time we are ready to reopen, that’s what everyone seems to be expecting anyway. “I can’t wait to welcome customers back again, and when I do reopen there will be special offers and great value across the shelves for the first few weeks!”

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denly had people to talk to every day and something to keep me occupied. I’ve been to places like Spain and parts of the UK and people will say ‘You’re the book lady!’ It became a source of pride,” she added. The Book Lady has been closed to the general public throughout the Covid-19 ‘lockdowns’, however, and Mary believes it’s a big loss to the community. “I can’t prearrange pick-ups and collections and because there is no ‘click and collect’ here and most of the business I did was face to face. But I can still keep books aside for people if they contact The Book Lady Facebook page. “This is the toughest year I’ve ever had. It’s just such a shame because reading has been proven thousands of times over to be good for mental health,” she said. Mary says the age-old pastime offers a means of escape which is healthier than TV, Netflix, or the Internet, and that it should be considered in the same bracket as some health and wellbeing businesses. “If acupuncturists and massage therapists can reopen then I think bookstores such as mine should be allowed to reopen too. But I don’t think we’ll

Pictured at her store in Boyle is Mary O’Donoghue, owner and manager of ‘The Book Lady’, Ireland’s smallest bookstore. Picture: Mick McCormack

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Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

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Contact me with any issues on 086 3325839 or cllrlcallaghan@roscommoncoco.ie Pictured at her store in Boyle is Mary O’Donoghue, owner and manager of ‘The Book Lady’, Ireland’s smallest bookstore. Picture: Mick McCormack

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Roscommon-Galway Constituency

Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

Vótáil

RoscommonPeople

Eugene

Murphy

No 2: Orla Leyden

To advertise here, call 090 66 34632 Email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Constituency Offices:

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Leas-Cathaoirleach, Roscommon County Council Working with your local Fianna Fáil team:

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‘Our Rural Future’ transform counties < DAN DOONER

he Government has launched an ambitious five-year blueprint for the development of rural Ireland and counties like Roscommon, which includes 150 commitments such as the development of remote working hubs, an extension of services at post offices, and financial supports to encourage people to live and work in rural areas. ‘Our Rural Future’ was unveiled in the teeth of the Covid-19 pandemic by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and by the Minister for Social Protection, Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, who said it was

aimed at “reimagining the type of rural future we want for our young people and seizing on the opportunities created by the pandemic such as remote working”. Among the proposals are plans to increase the number of public sector employees working from rural areas, ‘significant’ investment in remote working, the use of rural pubs as community spaces, and an expansion of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Minister Humphreys, who compared the plan to the rural electrification scheme, added: “Our Rural Future is about creating opportunities for our rural citizens, young and old. It’s about creating good quality jobs.

It’s about allowing people to live and work in their own communities. A huge focus of this ambitious policy is remote working…the benefits are huge; reduced commuting times, more time spent with family, increased footfall in rural towns, and most importantly – a better quality of life for people”. Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan said the plan, which includes developing a network of 400 remote working facilities across the country, would also support economic recovery in County Roscommon. “The policy reflects the unprecedented change in living and working patterns during Covid-19, and the significant opportunities this presents

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Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

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promises to like Roscommon for rural communities – from remote working and revitalising our town centres in County Roscommon, to job creation, developing a green economy and enhancing our outdoor amenities. “For decades, we have seen the global trends where young people leave their local communities in Roscommon to live and work in larger cities. As we emerge from Covid-19, we will never have a better opportunity to reverse that long-standing trend,” she said. Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy said the new plan would put rural Ireland at the centre of the country’s recovery from the impact of Covid-19.

“This blueprint gives us a great opportunity to harness all the skills and talents of rural communities. Hopefully by placing a major focus on attracting remote workers to rural communities, we can continue to keep people in rural Ireland and make it a great place to live and work,” he said. Meanwhile, Independent TD Denis Naughten praised the new strategy but questioned whether ‘Dublin decision-makers’ would deliver on it. “If delivered it will give families a real option of living in their own home in a rural community…the challenge remains those decisionmakers in Departments and agencies who will perceive this strategy to

be an afterthought rather than a key plank of Government policy to ease the infrastructure and congestion challenges in Dublin and other cities,” he said. Deputy Naughten added that that there were more than 50,000 vacant houses in the country and that this should be the very first step in helping to ease housing pressure. ‘Our Rural Future’ will be underpinned by the rollout of broadband in rural areas and Deputy Naughten said: “I’ve consistently said we must capitalise on the delivery of highspeed broadband to every home in Ireland. This was never about Netflix but about relocating jobs and reducing transport emissions”.

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Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

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To advertise here, call 090 66 34632 Email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie Independent Community Councillor

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Wedding promotion at the Abbey Hotel Roscommon Book your 2022 wedding and get 10% off our top package

ituated in the heart of the Irish

Midlands in County Roscommon, the 4-satr Abbey Hotel is an award-winning, charming, familyrun, 18th-century castle manor property. With an outstanding reputation for providing exceptional seasonal cuisine, the Abbey can accommodate every wedding ceremony, from small, intimate gatherings to larger traditional wedding celebrations (when restrictions are eased). Discover the romance and magic of a bygone era, set in beautifully manicured grounds, boasting a proud heritage for generations of brides. We offer the following for all weddings booked, with 10% off our top package for a limited time only. Enquiries to Lisa on 090 66 66211, or email weddings@abbeyhotel.ie. - Dedicated wedding co-ordinator to advise and assist you in planning your day. - Guests will be provided with complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits upon arrival. - We will provide complimentary Chiavari design chairs, large vintage lanterns in our porch, and the large abbey vintage mirror (provided for guests’ table plan). - Choice of two bespoke designed display cake, centrepieces, night

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perfect wedding day I could have ever imagined. I cannot praise you all enough, from the very beginning, to the wedding day itself. You were the most amazing group to deal with in every way, and I honestly couldn’t recommend you enough. The day itself blew me away. The food was just out of this world, and above all, the staff was fantastic, and so friendly. Everyone that attended has commented on how beautiful the whole reception was, and everyone complimented the fantastic food and how friendly and lovely you all were. Ye were so easy to deal with and couldn’t do enough for us. Ye did everything at such ease – so professional but so enjoyable every time I met ye. I didn’t worry or stress for one minute at any stage, cause I knew I was in very safe hands, but actually it was above all expectations. I honestly couldn’t thank you all enough. I’ll be forever grateful that I had the pleasure to meet and deal with you all, and that I made the perfect decision by having the wedding in the beautiful Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. I’ll recommend you constantly. Wishing you continued success. Thank you so, so much again. – Paula and Mark Shine, Athlone

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Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

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Dress your best for Cancer Care West – and post about it! L

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Cllr. Anthony Waldron Shop local and support your local economy

ocal fashion and lifestyle blogger Geraldine Grealy is getting behind the ‘Gorgeous Gúna’ campaign for Cancer Care West, and inviting you to join in the fun and raise money for this very worthy charity. “Ladies, why not raid your closets and get dressed up in one of your gorgeous gúnas to support Cancer Care West this Easter weekend. Cancer is something that has touched the lives of so many families, and has touched me personally with the loss of my mum. Charities need our support now more than ever, so I’m happy to get involved in helping to promote the Gorgeous Gúna campaign”, explained Geraldine. TV personality Grainne Seoige has shown her support of the initiative and is also inviting ladies to take part in this feel-good campaign in support of Cancer Care West. So, over the Easter holidays, why not dress up in your favourite outfit, post a pic on your social media with the hashtag #cancercarewest and then nominate five of your friends to do the same.

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Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

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Renovate your home with Roscommon Credit Union S

pring is officially here – and the change of season is one of the best and most popular times of year for home improvements. Bernie Moran (CEO, Roscommon Credit Union Ltd) explains: “Home upgrading is more popular than ever, and in light of the pandemic, homeowners are looking for new and better ways to improve their homes as they spend more time than ever in them”. With the recent Government announcement that all residential construction is to restart from April 12th, Roscommon Credit Union Ltd. are anticipating a

surge in loan enquiries for home improvement projects, from painting and renovating interiors, to larger projects, including kitchen extensions and energy upgrades. For many, renovating their home is not only about creating a warmer, brighter home, but the only affordable option if they find they have outgrown their home and need more space for the family. Many households that are planning on renovating their home understandably would not have the spare cash to hand. Bernie explains why a home improvement loan from Roscom-

mon Credit Union Ltd is a solid choice for those wanting to renovate their home without incurring unnecessary debt: “We offer flexible home improvement loans of all sizes. We currently have a Promotional Home Improvement loan rate of 8% (Apr 8.3%), available until April 30th, 2021. “Members can borrow from €3,000 to €75,000 and spread the cost over ten years! So, it’s a very cost-effective option. Not only that, but members can apply online from the comfort and safety of their home, with a fast and efficient approvals process, so you can get started on those

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renovation plans right away! “We are also happy to offer our loans to brand new members – there is no requirement for new members to have saved in advance with us before they can avail of the loan”. Other benefits to the home improvement loan include the willingness of Roscommon Credit Union to work with each individual borrower to structure repayments in a way that will suit their individual circumstances. There are no hidden fees or administration charges. Borrowers are also free to repay the loan early, should they wish, without

any penalties. We also offer loan protection insurance at no additional cost to the member. “So, whether your plans include building on an extension, overhauling the kitchen, laying new carpets or floorboards, or just giving your home a new lick of paint, talk to us here at Roscommon Credit Union Limited. You’ll find we are happy to provide flexible loans of any size to suit your grand design plans!”, Bernie said. To learn more, or to become a member of Roscommon Credit Union, please visit roscommoncu.ie or call 090 6626657.

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Just Transition Commissioner needs a more active role – Fitzmaurice Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has said the Just Transition Commissioner, Kieran Mulvey, needs to be given a more active role by the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan. “One would have to wonder has the Government sidelined the Just Transition Commissioner, because we rarely get to hear what he is working on,” he said this week.

“Can Minister Ryan clarify exactly what he is supposed to be doing? Is the commissioner going to get a just transition for the ordinary people who have for years taken plots of turf on BNM bogs, or the peat operators who supply the horticultural sector – which will be craving peat in the coming months. “As I understand it, there is a peat consultation group which has been established. One would imagine

that the Just Transition Commissioner would potentially be chairing this group; but he is not even involved. “The Just Transition Commissioner should be dealing with all of the fallout from BNM’s decision to distance itself from harvesting peat. “Given Commissioner Mulvey’s experience of dealing with conflict in the Workplace Relations Com-

mission, he is ideally qualified to assist in resolving the current standoff between BNM and the ordinary people who take plots of turf on BNM bogs. “Everyone keeps talking about a ‘just transition’ but funnily enough, the only ones to have benefitted so far are BNM – who got in excess of €100 million – but the ordinary people have been left high and dry”.

St. Teresa’s in urgent need of emergency accommodation < DAN DOONER

St. Teresa’s Special School in Creagh, Ballinasloe is in urgent need of emergency accommodation ahead of September enrollment, according to principal Anita O’Reilly. The school, which is dedicated to the education of children with moderate, severe and profound special needs and autism, requires two large classrooms as well as accessible toilet and bathroom areas. Ms. O’Reilly said: “We know how important it was to families when we were able to open our doors to welcome back students. This school and its teaching staff give vital life-affirming supports to children. “The immediate need for additional accommodation in September is two large classrooms, accessible toilet and bathroom areas for a 3-5 year period or we won’t be able to meet

the needs of new student enrolments now”. Ms. O’Reilly’s plea for help has received local support in the form of local Senators, Aisling Dolan and Eugene Murphy. Senator Dolan said that ten children who wish to enrol in the school this September will have no place. “It is proposed to locate the two temporary classrooms in the area opposite the school where it is currently co-located with Ballinasloe Area Community Development (BACD) in the Ballinasloe Enterprise & Technology Park in Parkmore, Creagh. The BACD board and chair Seamus Duffy have confirmed 100% support for the school to use the grounds,” she said. The Fine Gael Senator described the current situation as unacceptable and said that two major building projects are currently under review by the

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has said his party is addressing the “neglect of the western region over the past ten years” and accused local members of opposition parties of ‘jumping on the funding bandwagon’. Senator Murphy said: “In recent weeks alone we have seen a massive €14m investment for Roscommon town which will make the county town a vibrant place to live and work as well as being

a catalyst for economic growth in the region. “We also have seen €500,000 in funding for recreation trails and cycle links at Mote Park, €200,000 for Portrun and €1 million for the Ballyforan greenway. I am also confident that funding will be secured in due course for the Strokestown and Elphin area as I have been working hard on representations from this part of the county. “Previous Governments totally neglected this region and isn’t it ironic

Over €1 million to improve N5 at Rathcroghan Transport Infrastructure Ireland funding of over €1 million has been allocated to improve the road surface on the N5 from Rathcroghan towards Ballinagare. Local Fine Gael Cllr. Liam Callaghan welcomed the news this week: “This stretch of road at Rathcroghan onto Moneylea has become very dangerous with both the surface and road edges very frayed and dangerously uneven. “Local councillors have highlighted the issues over the past number of years and this allocation will see works resume on the west side of Tulsk through Rathcroghan towards Ballinagare”.

Roscommon schools part of Hot Meals Programme Strabaggan NS, SN Lasair Naofa and Ballyforan NS in Co. Roscommon are now included in the Hot School Meals Programme following an extension to the programme by Minister Heather Humphreys. The hot meal will replace the cold lunch option that had been in place in these schools previously and will continue throughout the Easter holidays. The hot meals will be available to all pupils enrolled in these schools, which do not have canteen or kitchen facilities for the preparation of hot meals on site. Schools will be expected to provide a menu choice of at least two different meals per day plus a vegetarian/vegan option and an option that caters for students’ religious and cultural dietary requirements. Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan welcomed the news this week. “The funding for the School Meals Programme throughout the entire school terms and holidays offers a security for many vulnerable schoolchildren by ensuring that participating schools can provide food parcels benefitting pupils during this time,” she said.

€30,000 for Old Tuam Road safety measures

Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan, Principal Anita O’Reilly, Deputy Principal Geraldine Clarke, pictured at St. Teresa’s Special School, Ballinasloe.

Department of Education, including plans for a new school building. Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy also met with Ms. O’Reilly and deputy principal Geraldine Clarke. He said the school had been left in limbo. “St. Teresa’s Special School was established in

2008 and they do wonderful work in catering for children with moderate to profound special needs with over 30 students (enrolled),” he said. Senator Murphy called on the Department of Education to approve the emergency accommodation as soon as possible.

“Plans for a permanent school on a green field site for St. Teresa’s Special School are still at site acquisition stage which means that this emergency classroom accommodation is vital in the interim to ensure the long-term viability of the school,” he concluded.

Murphy: Opposition ‘jumping on funding bandwagon’ < DAN DOONER

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that some of those same people are now jumping on the bandwagon and trying to take the credit for a number of recent funding announcements when in fact they had nothing to do with it. “Contrary to what some opposition TDs claim, this Government is very pro farming and pro-rural Ireland. I am a strong advocate for the farming community, and I have a real voice into Government and a direct line to the Fianna Fáil Minister for AgFianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy. riculture”.

The allocation of €30,000 for safety improvement works on the Old Tuam Road has been welcomed by Fine Gael Cllr. John Naughten. “This has been an ongoing issue for residents in the area that I have raised on a number of occasions,” said Cllr. Naughten. “While Roscommon County Council has made significant investment in upgrading the road infrastructure such as footpaths and lighting and reducing the road width there is still a problem with the issue of speeding traffic. “It is hoped that this additional funding will go some way to addressing speed issues that continue to occur on this road by slowing traffic and improving safety for local residents and road users”.

€17m scheme to boost outdoor dining capacity Fine Gael Cllr. Aisling Dolan has welcomed the announcement of the Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme by Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin, which will see the development of outdoor dining capacity nationwide. The €17 million scheme will be delivered in partnership between Fáilte Ireland local authorities across the country and will provide funding for individual tourism and hospitality businesses to develop and increase outdoor seating capacity. Cllr. Dolan said: “This will be a boost for hotels, cafés, restaurants etc., especially as we move towards a safe reopening in the next few months. “It will be wonderful in the summer months to have more options for outdoor seating in our towns across Roscommon”. The funding programme has two parts: Applicants can firstly apply for a grant of up to €4,000 for outdoor dining accessories while the second part will see local authorities apply for up to €200,000 to develop medium to large-scale permanent public dining spaces.

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Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

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Immediate action required on ‘unfair’ beef price cuts – Fitzmaurice Immediate action is required following the sudden and unfair beef price cuts recently imposed by processors, according to independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice. Following processors’ recent decision to drop beef quotes by 5c/kg, Fitzmaurice said: “When you look at market reports and the price of beef in the UK, the decision to drop prices here are totally unjustified. The market reasoning given so far

to explain away the cut has been wholly unsatisfactory. Supplies of finished cattle are tight at present, and some factories are only killing three days of the week. “I believe the minister must intervene and hold the processors accountable, particularly since a €100 million capital investment scheme was made available to them as a result of the potential impacts of Brexit. As well as this, the

Beef Market Taskforce needs to be called back as a matter of urgency. “Additionally, I am calling for all future meetings of the taskforce to be broadcast live online, as committee meetings are in Leinster House. This would ensure complete transparency and give farmers across the country the opportunity to watch the discussions for themselves. Farm organisations are doing their best to hold the other

stakeholders to account, but there is no reason why all farmers should not be given the opportunity to see what is going on with their own eyes. “The taskforce needs to meet at least once a month. The technology is there to hold the meetings virtually and broadcast it live. Farmers deserve transparency when it comes to decisions around their livelihoods,” Fitzmaurice concluded.

Call for information on curlew sightings The curlew is an iconic Irish bird with an unmistakable ascending ‘cur...lee cur...lee’ call that was once commonly heard in the Irish countryside. Sadly, in recent years they have suffered a drastic decline. 96% of the Irish breeding population has been lost since the 1970s, and a national survey carried out between 2015 and 2017 found that only 138 pairs remain in the Republic of Ireland, with an estimated 250 additional pairs in Northern Ireland. Inappropriate forestry planting, peat extraction and intensification of farming have all led to the demise of the curlew. To try and reverse this

decline, the Curlew Conservation Programme was established in 2017 by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, which identified nine core breeding areas in the country. The Curlew Conservation Programme works with landowners and communities across the country to try and save the last remaining curlews. One of the areas included in the programme is East Mayo and North Roscommon, where the Curlew Action Team are currently working to identify where breeding pairs occur within the region. The aim is to locate nest sites and employ nest protection measures to give the bird the best

chance of breeding success. Curlews start to come back to their breeding grounds in late March/ early April, laying their eggs between mid-April and mid-May. Usually, four eggs are laid, and incubated for 27-30 days. All chicks hatch by May/June, and are fledged by midJuly. They breed on upland and lowland bogs and on wet and unimproved grassland. In general, they avoid areas close to trees and scrub, which can provide cover for predators. To help the local Curlew Action Team identify nest sites, we are asking the public to report any sightings or calls of curlew

Pictured is an adult curlew bird. Picture courtesy of Joe Shannon

over the next few weeks in counties Mayo and Roscommon. Please contact James Owens (083-831747213) or Brian Hughes (0892280381) from the Curlew Conservation team in East Mayo and North Roscommon. You may

also email our national project manager Hubert (curlewccp2021@ gmail.com). Sightings can also be reported on Facebook (facebook. com/Curlew-Conservation-Programme-EastMayo-North-Roscommon-101634802030252).

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Roscommon farmers considering an application to the Organic Farming Scheme have until the 30th of April to do so, following the re-opening of the scheme earlier this month with an additional budget of €4 million for 2021.  This additional funding was confirmed by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett when she confirmed the continuation of the scheme last month.

1,460 farmers participated in the last scheme, and it is envisaged that approximately 500 more may be successful in their application this spring.  Philip O’Connor, Head of Farm Supports at Ifac said: “Applications for the scheme must be made online through the Department’s online system at agfood. ie. I would encourage every farmer to inform themselves of the opportunities that the Organic Farming Scheme offers and give

it full consideration”. Payments of up to €220 per hectare are available for farms undergoing conversion to full organic status, a process that takes two years, or €170 per hectare for farms that have obtained that status. Higher payment rates are available for organic horticulture and tillage farmers.  The minimum farm area allocated is three hectares for dairy, dry stock and tillage, or one hectare for horticulture, with rates of pay-

ment decreasing for horticulture farms over six hectares, tillage farms over 20 hectares and all farms over 60 hectares.  All applications must be processed through agfood.ie, and to be eligible, farmers must submit an annual Basic Payment Scheme application and must be registered with one of the two Organic Control Bodies that certify land-based organic operators; The Irish Organic Association and Organic Trust CLG.

Farmland integral to the viability of farm families - IFA An IFA delegation recently met with the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and the Minister of State for Law Reform, James Browne, to discuss the ongoing reform of the Personal Insolvency Act. IFA Farm Business Chairperson Rose Mary McDonagh welcomed the Personal Insolvency (Amendment) Bill as it removes the requirement for debt to have originated prior to 2015 in order to be considered relevant debt under the Personal Insolvency Act. The Bill was debated in the Seanad last week and it is expected to be implemented without delay.

Minister McEntee outlined that the general scheme of a more comprehensive amendment Bill will be introduced towards the end of this year. IFA conveyed to the Minister that debt secured by farmland should be considered relevant debt under personal insolvency legislation. Ms. McDonagh said that farmland is intrinsically linked to farm family homes: “Farmland is more fixed than typical business assets. The socalled vulture funds seek to immediately sell land belonging to farmers in arrears, which would have a devastating impact on a farm’s po-

tential to generate revenue”. Ms. McDonagh said that Personal Insolvency Arrangements (PIAs) are a welcome aid for farmers in financial distress. “PIAs are another option and will offer a solution to some farmers in arrears. The legislation is playing a vital role in rebalancing the relationship between borrowers and the so-called vulture funds,” she said. Ms. McDonagh concluded by saying that IFA will work with the Minister and her Department to explore if a distinction can be made for farmland in the legislation.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee

Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

FarmingPeople EU Commission accused of ‘playing fast and loose’ over Mercosur IFA President Tim Cullinan has said it is astonishing that the EU Commission would attempt to proceed with a Mercosur deal without a full assessment of the deal. He was reacting to a decision announced by the EU Ombudsman on the EU Commission’s approach to the trade deal.

“The Ombudsman is correct when she says that EU projects its values through its trade deals,” he said. The Ombudsman went on to say concluding a trade agreement before its potential impact has been fully assessed risks undermining those values and the public’s ability to debate the merits of the deal. The IFA President said there was an onus on the

Commission to publish the Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) without delay. “The question arises now as to what is in the SIA and what was the motivation for failing to complete it. Farmers will be curious as to why the Mercosur trade deal is the only time this has happened,” he said. The IFA President said the approach of the

Taughmaconnell, Dysart and Brideswell Karst Farming Group says thanks Taughmaconnell, Dysart and Brideswell Karst Farming Group would like to sincerely thank all those who attended our first meeting on March 25th. Over forty farmers, members of the local community, as well as Roscommon County Council repDerrycahill McMahon (Kinvara, Co. Galway) When travelling through Galway, the Orient side I took; I longed to see Roscommon that lies beyond the Suck My route was straight from Ahascragh and on by Dalysgrove, The latter place looks charming, on sunny days to rove. The trees were decked with foliage and the birds were singing nigh, The turbary was plentiful as I passed by. Shrathluachair lies just North ahead where the Galway land doth end And there I got a bed and food from a good kind-hearted friend. The night passed on and morning came, Roscommon was in view. To John Glynn’s wife I gave my thanks and bade her fond adieu.

resentatives, participated online, while several more were unable to attend. The group aims to secure funding for sustainable farming initiatives to protect the unique biodiversity of the area and the important groundwater source. I crossed upon a bridge of planks to Derrycahill ground And these are they who doth reside, their names by chance I found... Two Farrells first upon the line, one Moran, Brodle, Flynn, Two Cruises and one Lally, and Stones, the best of men; One Finnerty with Connor, the latter number two, And Kellys number seven, most plentiful to view; Five Fallons and six Lynches and add these please in line, And these lived in Derrycahill in 1909. May they live in peace and plenty in their happy neat abode, With a passage yet to Ahascragh, I mean a public road. And now to end my ditty, it was on an Autumn day And the River Suck looked pretty whereby I wrote this lay.

Castlerea MART WATCH Numbers of stock presented for sale continue to grow as trade and prices are holding very strong again this week with farmers, exporters, and Northern demand driving the trade. The heifer ring saw prices peak at €3.03 a kilo while the weanling rings reported good clearances as farmers were anxious this week to source stock. The dry cow trade and breeding stock are also in strong demand while the calf trade was good for the quality lots. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today (Thursday, April 1st) with our weekly sale of heifers, cows, calves, runners, and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am and Covid-19 Level 5 restrictions remain in place. Sample prices for heifers: Lmx 420kgs €1080, AAX 415kgs €1010, Lm 340kgs €1000, Ch 490kgs €1300, BBX 480kgs €1190, BBx 580kgs €1760, Ch 640kgs €1520, AAx 505kgs €1370, Ch 580kgs €1410. Dry cows: Lmx 790kgs €1650, Lm 675kgs €1210, Ch 720kgs €1350, Six 750kgs €1400, Lm 655kgs €1480, BBX 600kgs €1290, AA 830kgs €1500. Calves: AA hfr €240, AA hfr €260, AA bull €300, AA hfr €280, Mox bull €400, Hex bull €360, Fr bull €80. Weanling bulls: Lmx 285kgs €920, Ch 270kgs €890, Lm 265kgs €850, Ch 325kgs €960, Ch 305kgs €960, Ch 405kgs €1170, Chx 460kgs €1180. Weanling heifers: Lmx 260kgs €880, Ch 290kgs €870, Lm 275kgs €860, Lm 315kgs €1030, Ptx 345kgs €1020, Ch 405kgs €1120. Bullocks: AAx 470kgs €1260, Ch 470kgs €1190, Ch 540kgs €1360, Lm 510kgs €1330, Lm 515kgs €1310, Lm 575kgs €1380, Lm 615kgs €1500, AAx 695kgs €1670.

Local artist captures Crooksyfinn Hill Local published artist Nicola Bowes has completed an oil painting of Crooksyfinn Hill, which is located between Dysart and Taughmaconnell. Nicola Bowes commented on her working on the piece, saying: “The emotional journey undertaken by everyone over the course of this past year took a different path for me. I was asked to revisit my childhood, where I stepped many times through the rocks and karst landscape of the triangle between Brideswell, Dysart and Taughmaconnell, with the summit of Cooksyfinn, and its druid-era stones, keeping a watchful eye on me on the journey. “My wonderful memories of visiting my grandparents as a child flooded back, and I transferred them into a painting of the lush green landscape, surrounded by the beautiful white hawthorn trees, and its unmistakable limestone rock. “These are the same rocks St. Patrick may have passed through on his journey, whose presence kept generations of

(Proudly serving farmers for over 61 years) Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

Covid 19 Level 5 – Mart Restrictions All sales shall be ONLINE ONLY on our LSL App Buyers must register to view stock prior to sale. Sellers must drop off their livestock and leave. Animals will be sold subject and Sellers will be informed of their prices by telephone. ----------------------

NO SALE Friday, April 2nd – Good Friday ----------------------

Friday, April 9th at11 a.m. Queen Maeve and Cuchulainn observe Crooksyfinn Hill. An oil painting by local artist, Nicola Bowes.

our own ancestors alive – from the mysterious drills of potatoes lacking soil, to the main school used to teach priests in Connacht how to do rock masses – at a time that saw the deaths of 40% of Irish people (1650s). “Visitors would have been met with many stories and legends of times gone by in this beautiful nostalgic place in Ireland”.

Roscommon MART WATCH There was a large entry of top-quality cattle on offer with a solid trade for all classes resulting in a good clearance at our sale on Friday last. Bullocks averaged from €2.45 per kilo up to a high of €3.41 per kilo. Heifers averaged from €2.35 per kilo up to €3.00 per kilo. Dry cows fetched from €1.81 per kilo up to €2.42 per kilo. Again, this week there was a good demand from both farmers and agents. There is no sale this Good Friday but next week’s sale (Friday 9th) is a special sale of bullocks, heifers and dry cows. There was a larger entry of weanlings on offer at Tuesday’s sale with a good trade for both bulls and heifers. Prices for weanling heifers ranged from an average of €2.49 per kilo up to €3.25 per kilo. Weanling bulls averaged from €2.46 per kilo up to €3.50 per kilo. Both farmers and agents were actively sourcing stock. Bookings accepted up to 5 pm today (Thursday 6th) for next week’s weanling sale. All visitors to the mart must wear a facemask.

Commission undermines its credibility to act on behalf of member states. “The Commission’s stance on Mercosur is at odds with its other policies on Farm to Fork and the Green Deal. Agreeing to extra beef imports while imposing greater restrictions on European and Irish farmers is deeply contradictory,” he said.

Sample prices for dry cows: Char X 820kgs €1890, Lim X 850kgs €1840, Lim 905kgs €1820, Lim X 835kgs €1770, Lim X 895kgs €1750, Char X 825kgs €1600, BBX 730kgs €1550, AAX 720kgs €1300, Lim X 655kgs €1540, Char X 655kgs €1300, Char X 730kgs €1550, Lim X 720kgs €1570. Heifers: Char X 560kgs €1680, Char X 565kgs €1620, AUX 580kgs €1560, Char X 685kgs €1440, Lim X 545kgs €1380, Lim X 540kgs €1370, Char X 460kgs €1360, Lim X 420kgs €1240, Lim 475kgs €1270, PTX 485kgs €1170, Lim X 390kgs €1050, Sim X 420kgs €1070, Lim X 425kgs €1120, Lim X 360kgs €980, 2 SAX 415kgs €1010, Lim X 360kgs €980. Bullocks: Lim X 800kgs €1930, Char X 755kgs €1850, Lim X 785kgs €1830, Lim X 730kgs €1820, AA 800kgs €1770, Char X 665kgs €1760, 3 Char X 640kgs €1640, Char X 595kgs €1610, 3 Char X 640kgs €1640, AAX 695kgs €1560, AAX 640kgs €1550, 2 Lim X 555kgs €1550,

BBX 560kgs €1460, Char X 530kgs €1420, 2 AAX 572kgs €1360, 8 Char X 321kgs €1100, Simm X 485kgs €1110, AA 490kgs €1180. Weanling heifers: Char X 395kgs €1130 - €2.86 per kilo, Char X 410kgs €1090 - €2.65 per kilo, Char X 410kgs €1000 - €2.43 per kilo, Char X 350kgs €1000 - €2.85 per kilo, Lim X 340kgs €990 - €2.91 per kilo, 3 Char 351kgs €900 - €2.55 per kilo, Char X 280kgs €880 - €3.14 per kilo, Char X 270kgs €880 - €3.25 per kilo, Simm X 290kgs €790 €2.72 per kilo, AAX 250kgs €680 - €2.66 per kilo. Weanling bulls: Char X 395kgs €1220 - €3.08 per kilo, Char X 490kgs €1180 €2.40 per kilo, Char X 375kgs €1150 €3.06 per kilo, Lim X 340kgs €920 - €2.70 per kilo, Char X 290kgs €910 - €3.13 per kilo, Char X 260kgs €900 €3.46 per kilo, AAX 280kgs €620 - €2.21 per kilo, Lim X 295kgs €800 - €2.72 per kilo, Simm X 290kgs €790 - €2.72 per kilo, AAX 2550kgs €680 - €2.66 per kilo.

Special Sales for Bullocks & Heifers Also Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 6th ----------------------

Friday, April 16th at 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Heifers Also Dry Cows & Bullocks Bookings accepted up to 11 a.m. on Monday, April 12th

--------------------Tuesday, April 6th at 4 p.m.

Special Sale of Weanlings Also Suckler Cows Bookings accepted up until 5 o’clock on Thursday, April 1st ----------------------

Tuesday, April 13th at 4 p.m.

Extra Special Sale of Weanlings Also Suckler Cows Bookings accepted up until 5 o’clock on Thursday, April 8th ----------------------

Lambs, Cast Ewes, In Lamb Ewes & Ewes with Lambs at foot Stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m. - Each Wednesday at 11 a.m. ----------------------

Date for your Diary Organic Sale – Cattle Saturday April 24th at 12 Noon

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

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

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Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

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EARLEY

LAND FOR SALE

PRIME LANDS CONTAINING APPROX. 11.6 ACRES LOCATED AT

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D L SO The said lands also have the benefit of commanage of one undivided 18 th part of approx. 27.2505 hecares/67.33 acres and one undivided 9 th part of approx. 5.8781 hectares/ 21.93 acres

Earley’s seek properties across Roscommon This week, Property Partners Earley Roscommon are seeking houses in all areas of the county for cash clients and disappointed underbidders. Houses in the general Roscommon town, Knockcroghery and Lecarrow areas are of particular interest, with a number of properties having been sold in these areas in the past few weeks. Property Partners have been selling

property for generations and offer a nationwide network of offices offering exceptional local knowledge. With an extensive computerised database of active buyers, Property Partners Earley are best placed to advise on all you property matters. They offer a professional marketing plan, designed to deliver their goal of selling your home for the highest price possible.

Additionally, they have now launched a 360-degree virtual tour service at no extra cost, and have sold a number of properties this way to overseas clients who are unable to travel due to Covid-19 restrictions. Your property will be listed on all major websites, to include propertypartners.ie, daft.ie and myhome. ie. With over 3,000 unique hits on

David Diffley’s ‘Sale of the Week’ This week, David Diffley of Property Partners Earley is pleased to advise that he has closed the sale of a quality, four-bedroomed, two-storey residence with garage of approximately 2,200 square feet, located at the Galway Rad, Roscommon town, Co. Roscommon, for a very satisfactory price. David describes the property as being “a most impressive, fourbedroomed, two-storey residence, standing on a beautifully mature site area of approximately 0.42 of an acre. The said property was presented for sale in excellent condition throughout”.

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FINAL OFFERS INVITED

A LUXURY 3 B/R BUNGALOW RESIDENCE OF APPROX. 1,500 SQ.FT LOCATED AT

CORSKEAGH, FRENCHPARK VILLAGE, CO. ROSCOMMON Price Guide: €150,000.

A most attractive 3 B/R bungalow residence finished to a very high standard and conveniently situated in the heart of Frenchpark village beside all local amenities. The said residence stands on a beautifully mature site area of approx. 0.27 of an acre with spacious garden area, sanded driveway extending to the front, side and rear and a decorative stone wall to the road front. This is a property that must be viewed to be fully appreciated and the auctioneers now invite immediate enquiries and final offers to sell.-BER D1

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NEW TO THE MARKET Approx. 16.4 acres at

CARROWKEEL/DONAMON CREGGS

Prime roadside lands , watered and fenced, all in grass for which the Auctioneer invites all offers to sell Legal: John Cuddy, Mountbellew, Galway Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon Email: jearley@propertypartners.ie www.propertypartners.ie of Professional ipav Institute Tel: (090) 6626579 / 6626796 Auctioneer & Valuers Fax: (090) 6625405 PSRA Licence No. 001481

the Property Partners’ website each day alone, your property will be marketed to the forefront. Local knowledge, nationwide. For further details, or to arrange a free consultation, please contact either John Earley (FIPAV) or David Diffley (MIPAV) of Property Partners Earley Roscommon on 0906626579 or email jearley@propertypartners.ie.

David further commented: “We have experienced a very busy selling period, with quality properties attracting strong interest in all areas. Due to demand, we are now seeking properties in all areas for disappointed under bidders and cash buyers. We welcome all submissions and offer a free appraisal service”. For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact David Diffley (MIPAV, TRV) at Property Partners Earley Roscommon on 090-6626579, email ddiffley@propertypartners.ie or log onto propertypartners. ie.

Detached two-storey residence in Athleague On the market with Connaughton Auctioneers is Number 27, The Paddock, Athleague – a spacious, two-storey residence that has been finished to a very high standard. The property is located in a good, low-volume residential estate in the village, and situated within walking distance of all amenities. On the ground floor, accommodation includes the reception hallway, which features good quality tiling and a stairwell to first floor. The sitting room, which is located on the right of the hallway, overlooking the green areas to the rear of the estate, has a feature cast-iron, open fireplace, with marble surround and wooden flooring. The room also boasts double doors that can be opened for maximum space and open plan living, which lead into the large kitchen/ dining room. The kitchen is fully-fitted in cream with integrated

appliances and wooden flooring. There are double doors off, leading into the conservatory/sun room. The utility room is a good size, and features wooden flooring, fully fitted units, an indoor ‘Grant’ oil fired boiler and a UPVC door to rear of the property. The guest WC is off the utility room, and has tiled flooring, a toilet and a wash hand basin. There is also a bedroom to the front, with wooden flooring and a large bay window that affords plenty of light. On the first floor, this residence does not disappoint, with four large bedrooms, all with very good quality wooden flooring. There are two ensuite bedrooms, both fully tiled with toilet, wash hand basin and shower units. The main bathroom is located off the landing, and has a bath, separate shower with enclosure, toilet and wash hand basin, and is fully tiled from floor to ceiling.

Externally, the driveway to this superior home is fully tarmacadamed, with a raised patio area in Indian sandstone to the rear. There is a large, fully enclosed garden to the rear of the property with laid lawns.

This is an opportunity not to be missed to purchase a modern property within walking distance of all of Athleague’s facilities, which is also a short distance from Roscommon town or Athlone.

For further information and virtual viewing, please contact Connaughton Auctioneers on 090-6663700, email info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie or contact Deirdre on 086-1713417.

Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

PropertyPeople

For sale by private treaty at Killiaghan and Gort Auctioneer Sean Naughton is delighted to offer to the market approximately twelve acres of good quality lands. The lands are located on the N61, convenient

to the beautiful village of Lecarrow. The property is a short drive from Lecarrow Harbour and only fifteen minutes from Athlone town centre. The price guide for this

property is €84,000. For further details, please contact Sean Naughton Auctioneers on 090-6625080 or email seannaughton@eircom. net.

New to the market: Four-bedroomed residence in Castlecoote New to the market with Connaughton Auctioneers, situated in the heart of the ‘Tidy Towns’ awardwinning village of Castlecoote, is this sophisticated, four-bedroomed dormer bungalow. Teach na hOlla is a unique property with an abundance of character, individuality and style. Decorated to a high standard internally, the layout of this residence maximises the use of space and light. Upon entering the property, the reception hallway is impressive, with both tiled and wooden flooring, and stairwell to first floor. The sitting room located to the right, and is a large room with an open fireplace and wooden flooring. The open-plan kitchen/ dining room is to the left of reception hallway, with beautiful wooden flooring, a decorative wooden centre island with storage,

fully fitted kitchen units with integrated fridge/ freezer, a dishwasher, oven, hob and an extractor hood. This room is flooded with light and has the addition of a wood burning stove at the dining room end, with wooden mantle and tiled hearth. Wooden flooring continues into the rear hallway, which houses both a guest WC (with a fully-tiled wetroom shower area) and the utility room (with built in storage cupboards, a sink and plumbing for washing machine and dryer). On the first floor, there are four bedrooms: two to the left of the stairwell and two to the right. Each room overlooks the front of the property and has carpeted flooring. The master bedroom contains a fully tiled ensuite bathroom. The main bathroom is off the landing area with tiled flooring, part-tiled

residential, commercial or agricultural properties. They offer a comprehensive pre-auction (online and newspaper) marketing

Sean Naughton of Sean Naughton Auctioneers has paid tribute to the late Jim Fahy, a wellknown colleague who was based in Athlone. Sean says: “Jim was a well-known and wellliked estate agent based in Athlone. In fact, he was the leading auctioneer in the midlands for over five decades, from the 1960s up until 2010. “I must say that I was very privileged to have been a very good friend of Jim’s for many years. I learnt a lot from his wisdom and wit over the years. His stories and good humour are legendary across the midlands”. Sean says he is honoured to present for sale two properties which are part of the estate of the late Jim Fahy.

Sean Naughton MIPAV COMMISSIONER FOR OATHS, AUCTIONEERS, VALUERS, ESTATE AGENTS THE SQUARE, ROSCOMMON TEL: (090) 6625080 (office (office)) Mob: 087 2479486 — Fax: (090) 6627161 Ads: Ads: Email: seannaughton@eircom.net PRSA no. 001821

For Sale by Private Treaty For Sale by Private Treaty – FORStreet SALEAthlone BY PRIVATE TREATY – Mardyke

Mardyke Street AthloneATHLONE MARDYKE STREET

walls, toilet, sink and electric shower. This property is within walking distance of the River Suck (renowned for fishing), a local shop, pub and church and has a host of features including a fully tarmacadamed driveway with both vehicular and pedestrian access

Forthcoming online multiauction at Earley’s Property Partners Earley are presently listing properties for their forthcoming national, online multiauction and welcome all

Remembering Jim Fahy

campaign, as well as nationwide market exposure, using their network of partner offices. Additionally, all properties can avail of a 360-degree walk through virtual tour and drone aerial imagery at no extra cost. To have your property listed, or to arrange a free consultation/free market appraisal, contact John Earley (FIPAV) on 086-2551380 or David Diffley (MIPAV, TRV) on 086-8952283 at Property Partners Earley, Roscommon. Contact the office by phoning 0906626579 or emailing jearley@propertypartners.ie.

gates, mains water, septic tank and oil fired central heating. There is also a block wall to the front and side with ample parking. Seldom does such a prestigious property come to market in a much soughtafter area such as Castlecoote, which is just five miles from Roscommon

town. The property is decorated to a high standard and ready for immediate occupation. For further information and virtual viewing, please contact Connaughton Auctioneers on 090-6663700, email info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie or contact Deirdre on 086-1713417.

PUBLIC NOTICE LICENCING OF GRAZING LAND BY SEALED TENDER St. Brigid’s Campus, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

The HSE are inviting Offers for the grazing of land around St Brigids Hospital, Ballinasloe, Co Galway. The proposed Licence period will be 1st May 2021 – 30 November 2021 and Sealed Tenders are to be submitted by 12 noon, Thursday 15th April 2021. The Lots on Offer are as follows: Lot 1: 7.28 ha (18 Acres) Lot 2: 3.4 ha (8.4 Acres) Lot 3: 8.09 ha (20 Acres) Lot 4: 3.64 ha (8.99 Acres) Lot 5: 4.40 ha (10.88 Acres) Lot 6: 3.4 ha (8.4 Acres) Lot 7: 8.08ha (20 Acres) Lot 8: 25.49ha (63 Acres) Lot Maps, Sealed Tender Form and further details are available from:

ROTHWELL STAUNTON & ASSOCIATES Auctioneers 6 Dunlo Street, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway Phone: (090) 9642258 (PSRA Licence number 002041) Email: rothwellauct1@gmail.com

Tenders may be hand delivered or posted by registered post to the Auctioneers. Closing date for receipt of Tenders is Thursday, 15th April 2021 at 12 noon. Terms & conditions apply.

Sean Naughton is delighted to offer to the Market 3 Sto Sean Naughton is delighted to offer to the Market 3 Comprising briefly 750 is sq. ft. of ground space with apa Naughton delighted to floor offer to StoreySean Commercial Building Comprising briefly 750 sq. ft.the Marke of ground floor front space with apartments Ground floor entrance office &space at thespace rear of Comprising briefly 750was sq. main ft.and of similar ground floor on the other two floors Ground floor front entrance was Firstmain floor 2 apartments with bathrooms office & at front the rear of the office Ground floor entrance wasa bedsit. main office & at the First floor 2 apartmentswith withbathrooms bathrooms Second floor 2 2apartments First floor apartments with bathrooms Second floor 2 apartments with bathrooms Sideentrance entrance is shared withother two other premises for refuse Side is shared two premises for refuse Second floor 2with apartments with bathrooms Originally the property only. was the offices of The Late Jim Fahy Side the entrance shared with oftwo premises for Originally propertyiswas the offices Theother Late Jim The Property is convenient to the New Athlone Town Shopp Fahy Auctioneer. Originally the property was the offices of The Property is convenient to the New Athlone Town The Late J The area offersCentre superband parking locations. Shopping the Sheraton Hotel. The Property is convenient to the New Athlone Tow arearegion offers superb parking locations. OffersThe in the of €175,000 Offersoffers in the superb region ofparking €175,000 The area locations. Offerson on or or before thethe 29th29th April 2021 FinalFinal Offers before April 2021 Offers in the region of €175,000

For------------------------------------------------------------------further details please contact Sean Naughton Auctione

FinalSALE OffersBYonPRIVATE or before the 29th– April 2021 – FOR TREATY

For further details pleaseLands contact Prime Development at Sean Naughton A

For Sale by Private Treaty ATHLONE CORNAMADDY Prime Development Lands at Cornamaddy Athlone (Op (Opposite Dept. of Education)

For Sale by Private Treaty Prime Development Lands at Cornamaddy Athlo

Sean Naughton Naughton isisdelighted to to offer to the Market 15 15 acres Sean delighted offer to the Market acres of Development Lands. Comprising Circa 15 Acres Comprising Circa 15 Acres convenient to Athlone convenient to Athlone Town Centre Lands Zoned for Town Ce Residential and Social amenities. Copy Mapsamenities on request Lands Zoned for Residential and of Social Offers in the region of €800,000 Sean Naughton is delighted to offer to the Market 1 Copy of Maps on request Carriage of Sale for both these properties is Hugh J Campbell & Co, House, Custume Athlone, to Athlone T Comprising Circa 15 AcresPlace, convenient Offers in Shannon the region of €800,000 Co. Westmeath. Tel 09064 72015 Lands details Zonedplease for Residential and Naughton Social amenities For further contact Sean Auctione

For Viewing Information the above properties contact Copy& of Maps onofrequest the Auctioneer Sean Naughton M.I.P.A.V. The Square, Carriage of Sale for both these properties is Hugh J Ca Offers inCommissioner the region for of Oaths, €800,000 Roscommon. Auctioneers, Valuers & Estate Agents Athlone, Co Westmeath. Tel 09064 72015 For further details please contact Sean Naughton A PSRA License No: 001821 Tel: (090) 6625080 Mob: 087 2479486 Fax: (090) 6627161 Email: of seannaughton@eircom.net Carriage Sale for both these properties is Hug “Buying, selling, renting or needTel a valuation? Athlone, Co Westmeath. 09064 72015 I can be contacted at any of the above details”

Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

Business

Surveying for national broadband plan continues across Roscommon National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company rolling out the new, high-speed, fibre broadband network under the Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP), have announced that surveying works in several areas of Roscommon are well underway. Surveying-NBI contractors have been on the ground across the country for thirteen months, and over 196,000 premises nationwide have been surveyed to date. This will enable network design solutions for the provision of a fibre network to every premises in the Intervention Area – a map of over 544,000 premises nationwide, identified by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communication – as not being served with adequate broadband speeds. The first premises have been successfully connected under the NBP in parts of Cork and Cavan. In Roscommon, there are 19,126 premises in the Inter-

vention Area, which includes homes, farms, commercial businesses and schools. This equates to 49% of all premises in the county. Under the National Broadband Plan, Roscommon will see an investment of €76 million in the new high-speed fibre network. This will enable e-learning, remote monitoring of livestock or equipment, ehealth initiatives, better energy efficiency in the home and facilitate increased levels of remote working. NBI crews have made substantial progress in Roscommon, where the following areas are being surveyed: Castlerea, Frenchpark, Lissalway, Castleplunket, Ballintober, Ballinlough, Carrowbehy, Loughglinn, Moyne, Fairymount, Castlecole, Ballinagare, Clegernagh, Tibohine and Carrowcrin. Since May 2020, NBI crews have commenced with surveying works for townlands outside Athleague, Castlecoote, and Kilroosky.

All NBI contractors will also carry official ID cards and essential worker letters, and have received training on adhering to all Covid-19 guidelines. They will have vehicles, PPE and signage with both their own and NBI logos. In advance of the fibre to the home rollout, the NBP provides for the delivery of Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) nationwide. 152 of these sites are now ‘live’ and have both internal and external broadband access. These facilities – which include sports clubs, community centres and tourist sites – will provide public access to free, high-speed Internet in the rollout area. Locations of Broadband Connection Points in County Roscommon will include Marian Hall Community Centre, Tulsk Digi Hub, Creeve Community Centre, and Tawnytaskin Community Centre. NBI chief executive Peter Hendrick said the company was pleased with the progress being

made: “Survey designs are an important part of mapping out how every home and business will be connected, and these will provide the blueprint for how the NBI fibre is laid. The BCPs are also a key milestone in delivering access to highspeed Internet in the Intervention Area, and we’re delighted

to see these being connected for access, internally and externally, right across the county”. NBI’s website, nbi.ie, has a search tool to enable the public to check whether their premises is within the rollout area, and to show indicative dates for areas being surveyed. There is also a facility to register for updates

on this. Detailed designs for the fibre area network are drawn up following these surveys. The network build has started in parts of Cavan, Cork, Galway and Limerick. NBI’s contact centre can be reached by phoning 0818624624 (lo-call) or emailing contactus@nbi.ie.

€2.4 million funding boost for local active travel projects < DAN DOONER

County Roscommon is set to benefit from funding of €2.4 million for the development of local cycleways and pathways as part of National Transport Authority funding under the Active Travel Scheme.

Some of the projects to receive funding in this round include: €200,000 allocated to developing the cycle route in Athleague; €240,000 towards improvements to walkways in Loughglynn; and €240,000 for a footpath link in Elphin.

Meanwhile, Lisnamult in Roscommon town will receive €200,000 for public lighting as well as wider footpaths and Knockcroghery is set to receive €200,000 for a segregated cycleway. Ballyleague will benefit from €50,000 for footpaths and Cootehall

Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan and Cllr. Liam Callaghan have responded positively to news that Roscommon is set to receive €2.4 million under Active Travel funding.

will receive €200,000 for a cycleway while Ballaghaderreen will receive €23,000. There will also be an investment of €100,000 in footpaths at Bealnamulla as well as €110,000 in a shared cycle and footpath route at Creagh, Ballinasloe. Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan said it was “an amazing injection of investment”. “In most of our towns within a kilometre in builtup residential areas we don’t have footpaths. “These projects will take place over the next year and I would like to pay tribute to our engineers and roads team at Roscommon County Council who took the time to make strong submissions and ultimately win over €2 million for communities,” she said. Independent TD Denis Naughten described it as a “very positive develop-

ment” adding that he was “delighted to have been able to assist” local communities in securing this investment in conjunction with both Roscommon and Galway County Councils. Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy said it was a significant announcement for both Roscommon and east Galway. “Galway County Council has been allocated €6.2 million which includes €770,000 for footpath improvements in Ballinasloe town and €348,000 for footpath improvements in Mountbellew amongst many other projects,” he said. The Fianna Fáil Senator went on to say that this level of funding would help encourage people to switch to walking or cycling as a sustainable form of transport. Minister of State and TD for Sligo Leitrim and North Roscommon, Frank

Feighan, also welcomed the announcement. “This funding has a particular focus on rural Ireland; underpinned by Government’s commitment to spend almost €1 million per day on walking and cycling projects, this funding will support the rollout of high quality active travel infrastructure in rural towns and villages right across Roscommon and indeed the country,” he said. Commenting on funding for projects in the Boyle Municipal District, Fine Gael councillor Liam Callaghan said: “This investment of over €100,000 in a cycleway in Cootehall and €23,000 in Ballaghaderreen will make these towns safer for people to walk and cycle. “It is good to see Government commitments to all of our county towns. I’d like to encourage community groups and resident associations to come forward with ideas for

their areas for future applications especially for funding programmes such as Clár and Towns and Villages,” he said. Fianna Fáil councillor Orla Leyden said the funding for works in Lisnamult would make the area safer: “This funding will provide the necessary infrastructure to connect Roscommon Community Sports Park and Roscommon Gaels’ pitch to the town, making it easy and safe for children and adults to walk and cycle to the sports facilities. “We have incredible facilities in Lisnamult developed by the community and this funding will make them even more accessible to everyone. “This is an issue that I have continued to highlight and I would like to thank John Mockler, Acting Senior Roads Engineer, Roscommon County Council, for his great work”.

Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

Classifieds

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‘YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR BUSINESS’ Contact Nuala

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PODIATRIST

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

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

085 1503353 086 8538404

Email: m.kilgallon23@gmail.com

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

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

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

By Appointment Only –

087 2982214

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Tullys

20 years experience treating babies to adults. Everyday aches & pains to sports injuries.

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

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Fergal 086 1016899 CONSTRUCTION Stephen Casey

Construction l

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Physical Therapy CranioSacral Therapy Medical Dry Needling Prescription Orthotics Pilates – Small Classes

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

CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS • Firebacks replaced and flues repaired • Can be cleaned from the bottom up • Chimney cowels and crow guards fitted Power washing and gutter cleaning services. Telephone:

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Movement Matters

Chimney Cleaning

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods

PODIATRIST

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

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Clinics also in Ballaghaderreen and Castlebar

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

087 9268424

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NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

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

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

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

VHI and Laya Covered

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

COUNSELLING

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

085 2514394

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

https://www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

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

Paul McStay

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

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

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

EDT Lessons Available Telephone:

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This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

GARDENING

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Tree Services

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

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l l

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FARMING < ABATTOIR SERVICE AVAILABLE: Cattle, lambs and pigs. Ready for freezing. Home Cured and Honey Dry cured traditional bacon (not pumped with water) now available. Tel: Webb’s Butcher’s, 094 96 20005 or 086 4094715 < CALVES FOR SALE: Angus, Herefords, Continental, large selection. Tel: 086 1996367

GARDENING

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

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www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com

GATELY GARDENING

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

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

Phone John on

087 2860428 TREES FOR SALE All types of trees and hedging for sale. Can be delivered.

Contact Tommy: 087 4177148

Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

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

PLANNINGS

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

086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Michelle Walsh and John Ryan intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the demolition of existing dwelling house and domestic garage/fuel store, construction of a replacement dwelling house, domestic garage/fuel store, proprietary treatment system, percolation area and associated works at Cornaseer, Kiltoom, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €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: Stephen Blake, M.R.I.A.I., Registered Architect Trihill, Ballinamore Bridge, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. T: 090 6624681 M: 087 635 8949 E: sblake2006@gmail.com

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Strokestown Pharmacy Ltd t/a McDonnells Pharmacy intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to demolish existing stores on site, refurbish and extend existing pharmacy to rear, at Bridge Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I Arthur Croker am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission for construction of a 5 bedroom 1.5 storey detached dwelling, packaged waste water treatment system and raised percolation area to EPA CoP 2009 guidelines (P.I.A. approved) to En12566-3 Standards, construction of a one-car garage/fuel store, entrance gates and front roadside wall, gravel driveway and all required associated site works, including connection to existing water mains on my property at Kanefield Townland, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the office 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: Vincent Durkin Design Ltd. Architectural Home Design & Planning Consultants, Building surveyors & Site Suitability Assessors. Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim. Tel: 071-96-22-129 Mob: 086-83-72-933. Email: Vincent@DurkinDesign.ie Web: www.DurkinDesign.ie

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Andrea McDermott am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission to construct dwelling house along with domestic garage, new treatment system and percolation area and all ancillary site development works at Carrownderry, Kiltoom, Athlone Co. Roscommon.

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

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road, Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 090 6634365 Mob: 087 8228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers

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

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road, Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 090 6634365 Mob: 087 8228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying for planning permission for erection of dwelling house and domestic garage, with sewerage treatment plant and percolation area, and ancillary site development works at Coolagarry, Curraghboy, Co. Roscommon.

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We Rathcroghan Designs intend applying for planning permission on behalf of Connor Beirne to construct 2 No. agricultural sheds together with all associated site works at Grange T.d., 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 offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within a period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission Signed: Martin Dowd, Rathcroghan Design, Ballyconboy, Ballinagare, Co. Roscommon. M: 086 2328484

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We Eric and Noelle Bruton intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to Retain conservatory at ground level, garage and store at lower ground level and alterations to porch at ground and lower ground level to the rear of our dwelling house, and all associated works, at Cartron (Hartland) Td. Kilmore, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20, within a 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 subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed : Eric and Noelle Bruton.

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Ben Gingell intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the demolition of existing rear extension totalling 29.35m2 in area and proposed construction of new extension to the rear of retained part of dwelling house totalling 50m2 in area which shall encompass a new kitchen/ dining room, utility, W.C and circulation hallway along with all other ancillary site works at Clooncraff, Hillstreet, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Andrew Burnett intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct an extension to the side of an existing single storey domestic dwelling which shall encompass a granny flat. Proposed works shall include connections to all existing site services on site, use of existing vehicular access provided and all other ancillary site works at Laghtcausk, Elphin, Co. Roscommon.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Colin Dolan, of Moneen, Co. Roscommon am making an application for planning permission to move vehicle access to the property from the N63 to the L6110.

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission on behalf of Karen Grehan and Declan Murray to construct a dwelling house, garage, waste water treatment system and associated siteworks at Curry, Brideswell, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Seamus Murray, Project Managers, Engineers & Surveyors. Ph: (087) 2222874 The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, APK Architects and Engineers, intend to apply on behalf of Sinead Benedetti and Ken Kearney for permission for development at this site: Golf Links Road, Slevinagee Td, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of: construction of dwelling house, connections to existing services and carry out all ancillary site works.

Cloontrask, Castlerea, F45WV81, Co. Roscommon. M: 086 2102190 P: 090 6665832 E: adam@apk.ie

USEFUL SERVICES < HANDYMAN SERVICES: Do you need odd jobs doing around your home/yard? Have no time to do them yourself? Don’t want to contact a specialised tradesman to carry out these tasks? l Gardening l Stonework l Clean up/Tidying l Concrete repairs l Fence repairs l Pointing/Repointing l Cutting/Chopping firewood. Honest Service Provided at a Reasonable Rate. Phone: 087 2176205

USEFUL SERVICES

Francis Rock Quality Kitchens & Wardrobes

Without the Showroom Prices Ph: 087 444 3192 Roxboro, Roscommon. Email: francisrock.ie@gmail.com

TUITION

ROSCOMMON

MATHS GRINDS

Spaces available for 3rd, 5th & 6th year students First Grind absolutely FREE Contact by phone/text:

Lorraine Beirne 086 3688302

EMAIL: roscommonmathsgrinds @gmail.com

TRUCKS WANTED

Trucks wanted Daf CF75, CF85 Tractors units. Box body, Curtain sider, Cab & Chassie, Tipper 6 & 8 wheelers DAF XF 95 & 105 Tractor Units - up to 2005 Volvo FL6 18, FL7, FL 220 any body type, Box body, Tipper etc. Merc 814, SK 1824 Actros and bigger Old MAN Trucks Old Scania and Hino Tippers Mitsubishi Canter 7.5 Ton up to 2001 Toyota Hilux, Dyna, Nissan Cabstar up to 2005 Renault Trucks up to 1999 Renault Premium 6x2 up to 2013 Lexus GS300-350 Lexus RX petrol up to 2006 Nissan Micra up to 2003 Toyota Yaris, Corolla and Avenisis up to 2005 Any old truck considered BOUGHT FOR EXPORT AND RESALE

Tel. 087 1922154

140mm x 2 cols = €140 + vat

160mm x 2 cols = €160 + vat

37 Job code ZHR50101 re Request for Tenders Op Code J000 To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie re Curator & Tour-Guides, King House Roscommon 02 April 2021 JobPeople CodeFriday G4020001.

Classifieds SITUATIONS VACANT < RELIABLE CARER REQUIRED: For three over night stays per week, for elderly lady in Castlerea area. Tel: 087 0654772

SITUATIONS WANTED

USEFUL SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AVAILABLE FOR ALL EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR PAINTING

Production Operative REQUEST FOR TENDERS Service Matters is Ireland’s largest independent provider in the Roscommon County Council for: Managed Workwear and Hygiene Rentalinvites sector. tenders We are currently recruiting for the following role:

Tried & Trusted Since 1993

Phone JOHN < EXPERIENCED BABY SITTER AVAILABLE: Kind, reliable, trust worthy, 18 year old girl, available for full-time and part-time, all areas. Tel: 083 0446148 < MAN AVAILABLE: For gardening, painting, powerwashing and clean-ups etc. Tel: 086 2200520

PERSONAL < WANTED: Wonderful lady to keep me company. Tel: 087 2327295

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

086 2437376

TURF AVAILABLE Tel: Donal

086 2721812 (All areas) < THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Bags of seasoned firewood only €2 per bag• Bags of turf only €2.50 per bag, buy 20 get 2 free • Tonne bags firewood/turf €35 per bay, or buy tonne firewood + tonne turf + 2 bags coal 20kg all for €80 delivered. • Stove coal 40kg bags only €14, buy 10 bags get 1 20kg bag coal free. • 8x4 trailer load firewood only €90. All includes free delivery. Contact Tom: 086 2628439 < TOP QUALITY TURF: 10x6 Loads of Turf, saved in good weather and stored in dry shed, will deliver. Phone: 083 0684011

SHEDS < AGRI SHEDS WASHED: Primed and painted, all work guaranteed. Phone: 086 8770711

APPOINTMENTS

083 8838022 SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED PERMIT NO: WCP - MO - 09 - 0267 - 01

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

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

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

Contact Luke on

085 7359120 Working throughout current restrictions with full PPE equipment.

• The provision of Dog Control Services in

P’Nuts Powerwashing Service • Driveways • Cobblestones • Slatted Sheds • Footpaths • Patios • Yards NOW DOING Drain Cleaning and Unblocking

Residential, Commercial & Agricultural Call Padraig

086 602 7509

Evo Roofing & Guttering Experts CONNAUGHT AREA

Call on 090 6400177

evoroofing122@gmail.com

• All types of roof repairs • Gutter cleaning from €49 • PVC fitted • Roof moss removal • Chimney repairs • Power washing • Ridge Piping • Lead valley repair • New tiles • Quality work, guaranteed

No job too big or too small

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

• The provision of Temporary Veterinary

Professionalism with regards to attitude and Professionalism with regards to attitude and performance Inspector isServices at Slaughterhouses in performance essential. is essential.

County Roscommon. The tender notice was published on eTenders Please email CVs to: recruitment@servicematters.ie on Monday 29th March, st 2021 by Wednesday 317th March by Wednesday April2021. 2021 The closing date for receipt of tenders is Golf Links Road Roscommon 26th | F42 DW26 662 7477 4.00pm on| Monday, April,| 090 2021 www.servicematters.ie

Full particulars and information are available at www.etenders.gov.ie/ Pat Murtagh Acting Director of Services REQUIRE Roscommon County Council Áras an Chontae Roscommon F42 VR98

CHILDCARE ASSISTANT Must have FETAC Level 5 Apply with CV to:

sunflowermontessori@outlook.ie

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

Phone Alan on:

090 6661635 or Mobile:

087 2683079

Temporary Curator

18 Months Fixed Term Contract King House, Boyle, Co Roscommon And

Casual Part Time Tour Guides Temporary Positions King House, Boyle, Co Roscommon

Application form and full particulars may be obtained from the Human Resources Department, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, F42 VR98. Web: www.roscommoncoco.ie E-mail: recruit@roscommoncoco.ie Telephone: (090) 6637144 Candidates may be shortlisted on the basis of information supplied on application form. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 4.00 pm on Thursday 15th April 2021 Canvassing will disqualify. Roscommon County Council is an equal opportunities employer. Is fóstóir comhionannais deiseanna í Comhairle Chontae Roscomaín

ADMINISTRATOR / RECEPTIONIST Required for busy Estate Agency, Castlerea area. Applicants must have excellent communication skills, be computer literate, proficient in all Microsoft Office applications and be able to carry out basic accounts. Experience and references essential. Apply with CV to: Box

No: 2052 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB? To have your advert seen by

Phone Paul 086 2553153 or 090 666 3053 or Email p0862553153@ gmail.com.

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR

086 4679798

4.00pm on Monday, 26th April, 2021 Evening Shift work. c.40 hours per week

Full-time/Part-time

PAINTING & DECORATING

CONTACT JOHN

Production Mats Operative will assist inco-ordination the The tender notice was on eTenders Production Mats Operative willpublished assist in the co-ordination and production ofensuring the mats area,and and on production of29th the mats area, quality Monday, March, 2021 ensuring quality and maximum efficiency levelsmaximum are attained.efficiency levels areThe attained. closing date for receipt of tenders is

SUNFLOWER MONTESSORI

PAINTING & DECORATING

For all your decorating needs

County Roscommon. PRODUCTION OPERATIVE

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for inclusion on a panel for the positions of:

over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

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

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

Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

AtYourService CHIMNEY REPAIRS

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

WINDOWS/DOORS

Chimney Problems

SHOWROOM:

Racecourse Road, Roscommon

Dooley Chimney Repairs • Lining

We SUPPLY & FIT Double & Treble Glazed Windows & Doors, Patio Doors, French Doors, Porches and Conservatories WIDE RANGE OF COMPOSITE DOORS

uPVC Window and Door Locksmith We are the only Licensed Window and Door Locksmith in Roscommon

• Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection

Cathal Dooley 087 6579064

20 Years Experience Free Insurance Quotes Nationwide Service Stoves and Ranges Fitted All Work Guaranteed

Telephone: 090 66 33026 www.roscommonwindows.ie

WINDOW AND DOOR REPAIRS

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

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

Contact David Martin on 087 9959417 WINDOW AND DOOR SERVICE

- CCTV Camera Inspection

DOOR & WINDOW SERVICE

For Professional For Professional Advice Contact Advice Contact: John Hibbitt:

Supply and fit uPVC Doors and Windows ONLY TOP QUALITY PRODUCTS USED Composite Doors, French Doors, Patio Doors in a wide range of styles and colours Also various styles and colours of uPVC Windows

Tel: 090

9673336 Mob: 086 2678350

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

Email: info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

REPAIRS & SERVICING ALSO CARRIED OUT

BLINDS

Contact Pat Hanley on

Email: pjmhanley@gmail.com

Also Wooden Venetians, Velux Window Blinds. Tel: 090 66 30521 Mobile: 086 8115928

Chris’s Window Service

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

Te l : 0 8 5 2 1 9 1 2 3 4

email: chrislocksmith.162@gmail.com

INSULATION

RECYCLING

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

Ballybane Industrial Estate, Unit 2, Ballybrit Industrial H91 P5k5 BlockEstate, 12, Galway Galway

091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie

www.ecowise.ie

All NCT Failures Destruction Certs Issued l Sale of Second Hand Parts l Contracted to all Major Car Companies l Farm Machinery, Old Gates l Metals, Iron Baths l Old Cooking Ranges l Weighbridge on Site l l

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

M: 086 3912396 Ph: 090 66 62892 INSURANCE CLAIMS

RECYCLING OF END-OF-LIFE VEHICLES

C astlerea ELV Recycling Ltd ., Cloonkeen, Castlerea Kevin & Martina Keenan Tel: 094 96 21250 Mob: 086 2522231

LANESBORO STREET, ROSCOMMON Tel: 090 662 6898 AFTER HOURS/24 HOUR EMERGENCY

087 2596055

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

Loss Assessor/Claims Management

Martin Hibbitt CDIP LA, APA-PL

Certified Dip in Loss Adjusting Approved Product Adviser Member of the PSAG-GI Member of the Insurance Institute of Ireland

M: 087 9818153 E: info@icr.ie

T: 091 380900 W: www.icr.ie

Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

FARMING

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE (090) 96 88830 or (090) 96 87651

SELLING A USED CAR? Don’t let your advert get lost in the Web!

You have a better chance of selling a reasonably priced used car within your own county! An advert in the Roscommon People will be seen by over

80,000 LOCAL people every week!

Lowest price guaranteed Daily collection

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAIN JETTING SERVICE

Contact Maurice on 086 2538169 or Kenneth on 086 8044030 Gannon Environmental Services Ltd.

Tel: 090

6621220

DRIVING LESSONS

RECYCLING ALL TYPES OF METAL

ALL CREATURES VETERINARY

While on the premises we ask all customers to observe the 2m rule at all times.

TEL: (090) 96 88606

086 6002721

to discuss your requirements

BRENDAN DOOLIN

S tephen H oare

VETERINARY

ROSCOMMON Driving School Phone 087 2295551 Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor

Telephone: 090 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES KENNY Henry Cloontuskert, Roscommon / Newtowncashel, Longford (1st Anniversary)

In loving memory of Henry Kenny whose first anniversary occurs on 6th April 2021. God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be so He put his arms around you and whispered ‘come to me’. Your life was love and labour your love for your family true you did your best for all of us we will always remember you. You always had a smile to share a laugh, a joke and time to care a beautiful life came to an end you died as you lived, everyone’s friend. Your resting place we visit we place some flowers with care but no one knows the heartache as we turn and leave you there.

Deeply cherished, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Mary, sons and daughters, grandchildren and extended family. ‘Grandad’ To us you were so special and always full of love so Angels take this message to our Grandad up above Tell him how we miss him and send him all our love.

Treasured memories of a loving husband, father and grandfather. Forever in our hearts. Henry’s First Anniversary Mass will be streamed from Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Tuesday, 6th April at 10am. and can be viewed on www.churchservices.tv/ballyleague

MURRAY Séamus Lisphelim, Knockcroghery & Galway Road, Co. Roscommon. (33rd Anniversary)

No verse, no flowers, no tears can say how much you are loved and missed every day. You always had a smile to share, a laugh, a joke and time to care. Your wonderful nature, warm and true, these are the memories we have of you. As we look upon your picture, sweet memories we recall, of a face so full of sunshine and a smile for one and all.

Remembered dearly by Phil and Fiona. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dearest Seamus I often sit and think about the years that have passed by. and of the happiness and joy, that was shared by you and I. I think of all the laughter, the smiles and all the fun, and before I even know it, my tears have once again begun. For, although it brings me comfort, to walk down memory lane, it reminds me how, without you, life has never been the same.

HIGGINS Rosaleen

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

SHANNON Philomena

Celtic Avenue and formerly Tubberconnor, Rahara Co. Roscommon Who died on 4th of April, 2018 (3rd Anniversary) Rest In Peace

10 The Spinney, Abbeytown (6th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Séamus, who died on 30th March 1988

Beautiful memories remain forever. Remembered always by your sister, Geraldine.

Submit your Classified online

KENNY Joan

Ballyforan, Co. Roscommon (3rd Anniversary) who died 6th April

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be so he put His arms around you and whispered “Come to me.” With tearful eyes we watched you and saw you pass away although we loved you dearly we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands to rest God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best. St. Therese Prayer There is no night without a dawning, no winter without a spring; and beyond death’s dark horizon our hearts, once more, will sing For those who leave us for a while have only ‘gone away’ out of a restless, careworn world into a brighter day.

Loved and missed always by John Patrick, Susan, Lisa, Richard and Elaine; grandchildren Thomas, Sarah, Nikita, Kacey, Joshua, Noah and Ethan. Anniversary Mass will be held at a later date.

McCRANN Patricia Killerney, Roscommon (2nd Anniversary) In loving memory of Patricia who passed away on 5th April 2019

CONTACT HAZEL

087 6758874

Your life was love and labour, your love for your family true, you did your best for all of us, we will always remember you.

Always loved and remembered by your husband Tony, sons Anthony and Paul and extended family.

Will those who think of her today, a little prayer to Jesus say.

Sadly missed by your sister Marie Healy, nieces and nephews. Anniversary Mass on Tuesday, 6th April in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon at 11am.

COONEY Sean Cruby Hill, Galway Road, Roscommon and Clonee, Co. Dublin (7th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Sean Cooney, who died 5th April 2014. R.I.P. Those we love don’t go away they walk beside us every day, and when old times we do recall it’s then we miss you most of all.

Masses offered.

THANKSGIVINGS

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by Des and family.

Will those who think of her today, a little prayer to Jesus say.

Always remembered by her family Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Monday, 5th April at 11am. Mass in private.

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

R.I.P.

Always remembered by his loving family.

In our hearts your memory lingers, sweetly tender, fond and true, there is not a day, dear Rosaleen that we do not think of you.

BRIAN MURRAY MEMORIALS

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

Scrine, Athleague, www.brianmuraystone.com Co. Roscommon E: brianmurraystone@gmail.com

HOPKINS Charlie Arigna, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on the 1st April 2020

(1st Anniversary)

As I lovingly remember Charlie on his first anniversary he is also remembered by his heartbroken cousins, nieces nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, I would like to acknowledge each and every person who has helped me out in any way. I want to thank all who telephoned, sent messages and Mass Cards, all who attended Charlies burial on April 2nd 2020. My deepest gratitude to all the medical staff at UCHG and Roscommon Hospital. Thanks to Dr. Padraig Fallon and his staff for all their help and kindess, also Janet Dillon, Pharmacy, Carrick on Shannon. Thank you to Tommy Cox who carried out the Funeral arrangements in such a caring, dignified and professional manner. I wish to thank sincerely Fr. Evertus for cerebrating his memorial mass on 10th October 2020. Thank you to Lisa McGowan for the beautiful singing and music at the Mass. A special thank you to Cox’s Steakhouse, Dromod for the delicious food that was served on the day. Thank you to the CEO Mr. Eugene Cummins RCC for the beautiful framed photo which he sent me and to all the staff of Roscommon County Council for all their kind words. Thank you to all my neighbours in Rooskey who have helped me so much. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. Sincerely Joan Hopkins. Anniversary Mass for my dear husband Charlie Hopkins will be arranged as soon as possible.

THANKSGIVINGS PRAYER TO ST. EXPEDITE For urgent need... Our dear martyr and protector, Saint Expedite, you who know what is necessary and what is urgently needed. I beg you to intercede before the Holy Trinity, that by your grace my request will be granted. (Clearly express what you want and ask him to  find a way to get it to you.)  May I receive your blessings and favours. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. If Saint Expedite grants your request, place fresh flowers beside his statue in your home or in the church. Also place an ad in the newspaper thanking Saint Expedite, so that his name and fame will grow. N.T. PRAYER TO ST. PADRE PIO O God, You gave Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, Capuchin priest, the great privilege of participating in a unique way in the passion of your son, grant me through his intercession the grace of ...... which I ardently desire; and above all grant me the grace of living in conformity with the death of Jesus, to arrive at the glory of the resurrection. Glory of the resurrection. Glory be to the father... (3 times). A.K.

Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

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FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES KELLY Annie (Nancy)

Cloontuskert, Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 2nd April 2020.

MURPHY Peggy Feeragh, Ballymurry Co. Roscommon (1st Anniversary) In loving memory of Peggy who died on 5th April 2020.

WALSH MICK

LYNCH Kathleen

(27th Anniversary) In loving memory of a dear husband, father and grandfather - Mick Walsh, Moher, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon who died on the 30th March 1994

Mote Park, Roscommon (21st Anniversary)

KELLY Martin (Marty) Tonlagee & Abbeytown, Co. Roscommon (33rd Anniversary) In loving memory of Martin who died on 31st March 1988

LARKIN Anthony St. John’s, Lecarrow. (11th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Anthony who died on 31st March 2010 On the First Anniversary of our mother’s death Annie (Nancy) Kelly, the family wish to express our sincere gratitude for all the kindness, support and sympathy to us on the recent sad loss of our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Thank you to those who telephoned, sent text messages, put condolences/prayers on rip.ie, sent tributes/sympathy cards, gave the family floral tributes and letters. Thank you to our dear neighbours and friends who lined up to pay their respects on the morning of her removal from Cloontuskert. Thanks to Fr. Dusmanta Mahanayak for celebrating mothers Funeral Mass and delivering a beautiful Homily. Thanks to all the people who stood outside their houses from Ballyleague Church to mother’s final resting place to pay their respect. To Cloontuskert Cemetery Committee for organising a Guard of Honour, which was much appreciated by the family. Thanks to the doctors and nurses in Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe, Palliative Care Nurses and the Renal Unit in the University Hospital Galway, for looking after mother in her final weeks. To Dr. Colm Farrell and staff and also to Orla O’ Brien for their care and support they gave mother over the years. To Siobhan, Padraig and Anthony Brehon for bringing mother to Galway. To Pat and John McHugh Undertakers with your help we gave mother the best send off possible during COVID restrictions. To the gravediggers Pat Joe, Owenie and Keelan who prepared Nancy’s final resting place. To Monsignor Senior Kevin Flangan (New York) for saying the Month’s Mind Mass. Thanks to the neighbours and friends who provided food. To those who helped in any way your contribution made our loss more bearable. It is impossible to thank everyone individually. We hope that this acknowledgement conveys our sincere thanks and gratitude. Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by all her family. First Anniversary Mass Sunday, 4th April at 10am in Ballyleague Church. Mass can be viewed on www.churchservices.tv/ Ballyleague

THANKSGIVINGS UNFAILING NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY Oh Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (request). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the ‘Saint of Miracles’. O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Publication promised for a great favour received. A.M.K. THANKSGIVINGS O most holy apostle, Saint Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honoureth and invoketh thee universally, as the patron of hopeless cases, and of things almost despaired of. Pray for me, who am so miserable. A.K. Most holy Apostle, Saint Jude Thaddeus, friend of Jesus, I place myself in your care at this difficult time. Help me know that I need not face my troubles alone. A.K. Heavenly Father, I am desperate, please hear my prayer. With man, this may be impossible, but with God all things are possible. Please make all my plans succeed, clear away these obstacles and make my path smooth. Thank You for answering all my prayers, and taking action to bring me victory with Your great power. I boast in the name of the Lord my God. Amen. A.K.

No matter how life changes no matter what we do a special place within our hearts is always kept for you

Always loved and sadly missed by her husband Des, daughter, sons, daughtersin-law, son-in-law and grandchildren. Anniversary Mass in St.Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Saturday, 10th April at 7pm.

TARMEY Martin Cloontuskert, Lanesboro, Roscommon In loving memory of Martin who died on 4th April 1971 (50th Anniversary)

No special day is needed, for me to think of you. You are always in my thoughts, no matter what I do. Your resting place I visit and say a little prayer. But no one knows the heartache as I turn and leave you there.

Forever loved and missed more every day by your loving wife Mary. -----------There is a road called remembrance where thoughts and wishes meet. We walk that road with love today to the ones we cannot greet. No words we write will ever say how much we miss you everyday

Forever loved and missed more every day by your sons Michael and Seamus, daughters Martina and Georgina, Declan, Marian and grandchildren.

CRONIN Margaret You went away so suddenly, no time to say goodbye. In our hearts lies a memory of a beloved Husband and Father we loved and will never forget.

Always loved and remembered by his loving wife Phil, sons Jimmy, Sean (Jack), Martin, daughters Mai, Bea, Elizabeth, sonsin-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, family, friends and neighbours. Anniversary Masses will be celebrated.

Mote Park, Roscommon 21st Anniversary 6th April 2000

Out of our lives you may be gone, but in our hearts you will always belong. Loving memories never died, as years roll on and days pass by. In our hearts a memory is kept of a dear Mother we loved and will never forget.

Always remembered and sadly missed by your loving family.

HYNES Peter Joseph (P.J.) Jamestown Hill, Ballyforan, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon (3rd Anniversary)

Cherished and loving memories of my dear husband who passed away on the 5th April 2018 It’s so lonely here without you I miss you more each day, life is not the same for me since you were called away. I see you when your crying, I feel your loss and pain. So be happy in your heart, we’ll be reunited once again

Forever loved and remembered by your wife Maureen. Remember me at Mass and Holy Communion. A special day, another year, a loving thought, a silent tear.

Always remembered by her husband Sonnie and family. Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Monday, 5th April in private.

~~~~~~~~~~~ BROTHER Out of our lives you may have gone but in our hearts you still live on.

Remembered by your sisters, brother, sisters-inlaw, brothers-in-law and their families. May P.J. Rest In Peace

Anniversary Mass in Dysart Church on Sunday, 4th April at 9.30am.

You did so much for all of us, your heart was kind and true and when we needed someone, we could always count on you. Although we always miss you, we know we are not alone, for you are watching over us from a place you now call home.

Lovingly remembered by your sister Marie, brother Michael, nieces, nephews and extended family.

Sadly missed by his family.

THANKSGIVINGS THE MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this you for this special favour. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Say for three days and promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. M.S.

Notice re. Memoriams and Anniversaries If you wish to place acknowledgements, memoriam notices, birthday and anniversary remembrances, please email them to advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie or call us on

086 8054227 or by post, along with your name and contact details, to

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

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Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

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FAMILYNOTICES ....

House rebuilding costs rose by 6.5% in Roscommon over past 18 months

APPOINTMENTS EXTRA VITA HOUSE

Vita House Family Centre Counselling and Psychotherapy Services

A place of welcome for all. Vita House invites applications for the post of

Director of Services

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed

The Director of Services is responsible for the directing and developing of the services in response to changing needs and the vision of the organisation. The role includes clinical governance and supervision and leading a diverse team of highly committed people. The successful candidate will have: • Bachelor’s degree with experience in a human services field, with post-graduate diploma/degree in Family Therapy qualification recognised by the Family Therapy Association Ireland. • Must be qualified to deliver clinical supervision, and guidance. • Experience in case management, community collaboration or related field in human services an advantage. • Relevant management experience. • Experience of the community and voluntary sector. • Personal attributes should include leadership, self-motivation, initiative, resilience, communication skills, high level of diplomacy, confidentiality. This is a permanent 35-hour week post which needs to be worked flexibly in line with the needs of the service. For further details, please email mkeigher@vitahouse.org. Letters of application, with curriculum vitae, to mkeigher@vitahouse.org no later than 2pm Monday, 12th April 2021. www.vitahouse.org

Email or call for Sample Pack

Charity Registration Number: 20075385

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

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THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

Decorating Easter eggs While Ireland has long favoured chocolate Easter eggs, decorated, hollowed eggs remain quite popular in America, Canada and many Slavic countries. Though the tradition finds its roots in dyeing eggs red to represent the blood spilled by Christ, nowadays the custom is often regarded as a light-hearted, enjoyable activity,

especially for young children. How to hollow out and decorate you own Easter eggs: 1. Wash and dry your eggs. 2. Using a large needle, pierce a hole at the top and at the bottom of each shell. It is important to ensure that you stick the needle in deep enough to break

newsbriefs

the egg yolk. 3. Twist the needle in a circular motion to widen the hole on the bottom of the egg. 4. Hold the egg over a bowl, and blow into the top until the raw egg comes out through the bottom. 5. Gently rinse the eggs to get rid of any residual egg inside, and leave to dry before decorating.

6. For the dye, mix half a cup of boiling water with a teaspoon of vinegar and 10 to 20 drops of food colouring. 7. Submerge the eggs in dye for 5 minutes, remove with a slotted spoon, and leave to dry. 8. Once the eggs are dyed and dried, use acrylic paints to get creative and decorate as you see fit.

The latest Guide to House Rebuilding Costs, published by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI), shows that national average re-build costs have increased by an average of 7.3% over the past 18 months. The Guide to House Rebuilding Costs, which is used by homeowners to calculate the rebuilding costs of their home for insurance purposes, shows the increase in rebuild costs ranges from 5% in Dublin to 9% in the North West. The average increase in Roscommon across all house types was 6.5%. Tomás Kelly, Chair of the Quantity Surveyors Group in the SCSI, who is based in Galway, said the main reason for cost increases was compliance with new Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) standards requirements and an increase in the cost of building materials.

St Ronan’s Hall (Keadue) Super Draw winners! The results of the St. Ronan’s Hall Super Draw, which was held on St. Patrick’s Day and livestreamed on Keadue Facebook page, are as follows: The first prize of €1000 (sponsored by Kilcom Broadband, Loftus Insurance, John Healy, Keadue Development, Pilates, Anonymous) was won by Lorraine McMorrow from Drumkeeran. The second prize, a €500 fuel voucher sponsored by Arigna Fuels, was won by Padraig Regan in New York. The third prize, a one night’s Bed & Breakfast stay and evening meal (sponsored by Kilronan Castle) was won by Emmanuel McCormack from Rosses Point. The fourth prize, a €200 voucher for Ocean Sands Hotel, Enniscrone (sponsored by Sean Flanagan) was won by Tom McCabe from Keadue. Fifth prize, a €200 voucher sponsored by Ardcarne Garden Centre, was won by Pauric Keane from Drumshanbo. Sixth prize, a €200 voucher sponsored by Joe Simon, Boyle, was won by Lisa Stead from Arigna. Seventh prize, a tumble dryer sponsored by King & Moffatt, was won by Pat Compton from Strokestown. Eighth prize, a Tower Airfryer/set of Alexandra Mugs sponsored by Micheal & Maria Guihen, was won by Noel McGuire from Drumkeeran. St. Ronan’s Hall Fundraising Committee wish to thank the sponsors, ticket sellers, and businesses that sold tickets, as well as all the people, near and far, that bought tickets online. Thanks also to the local newspapers and parish newsletter for the publicity. Thanks to Garda Catriona McGrath, Terry Layden and Paul Noone for conducting the draw. And a special word of thanks to the local community for the great support and encouragement.

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Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

Sports PEOPLE BACK IN THE GAME

New faces in squad as Cunningham prepares for National League < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon senior football manager Anthony Cunningham, pictured above, has welcomed the announcement made by the Government on Tuesday confirming that inter-county training can resume on April 19th. It is now likely that the National Football League will start in the middle of May and be followed by the All-Ireland Championship over June, July and August, with the club season to run later in the year. The GAA will announce its revised fixture list for 2021 within the next week. Meanwhile, the Roscommon manager is thrilled that there is a date for the return to action. He said: “Everyone is anxious to

get back out in the fresh air and inter-county players are no exception. We welcome the announcement. We thought it might be a bit earlier, but we have the date now and we can plan ahead. “We really are collectively looking forward to getting back. We will have three or four weeks, and then it’s into the National League. I would imagine that the GAA will stick with the smaller groups that they planned for, and if that’s the case, we will be playing Dublin at home, Galway away and then Kerry at home in Division One, with promotion and relegation play-offs after that”. Anthony expects that the GAA will go ahead with the inter-county championship straight after the league campaign. “There may be a break of one Sunday, but I expect that the champion-

ship will come up very quickly after the league”. It looks like the championship may well be played on a knockout basis this year, however Anthony can see merit in giving first round losers a second chance: “Maybe it might be worth looking at first round losers getting another chance with the result on the day; extra-time and penalties if needed. It would mean every county would have at least two championship games. I think most counties would welcome that”. The Roscommon players have been training away on their own over the past number of months, and their manager says that everyone who was on the panel last year is still included. There are also three new faces. “Paul McGrath (St. Brigid’s), Peter Gillooly (Roscommon Gaels),

and Niall Higgins (Elphin) have come in from the development squad. Because it’s such a short season, we will need numbers (on the panel) because once the season starts, it will be every Sunday, and injuries will take their toll. “The lads have done great work. It’s very difficult to have to train on your own, having been used to training with a group. I can definitely say that all the players are really looking forward to getting back on the pitch. I’d say every young girl and boy are the same all around the country”. Stephen Poacher has been a high profile appointment to assist Anthony in the backroom team, and he will be a new voice in the dressing room this year. Anthony Cunningham: “We are looking forward to working with Stephen. He brings a huge depth

of experience and coaching talent, and along with Iain Daly and Mark Dowd (selectors), our goalkeeping coach Dara Bruen and our new strength and conditioning coach Gary Flannery, we have a strong backroom team. Gary has done great work giving the players training programmes over the past couple of months. He has been a great find for us”. The Roscommon manager says that there is palpable excitement among everyone involved ahead of the return to training and matches. “We know how much the players want to get back, and the work they want to do. We know the enjoyment that people get from watching matches, and we will be especially looking forward to the games when they come around”, he concluded.

Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

SportsPeople

Horses for Courses by Tom Red

Shor t putts (News from local golf clubs)

Castlerea Golf Club The winning bonus ball number in the Castlerea Golf Club lotto for March 24th was number 7. Winners of this week’s lotto were Padraic and Valerie Rabbitt, Elizabeth Devine, Helen Naughton, and Joe McHugh. Each receive €100.

sportsbriefs Robbie a nominee for Player of Six Nations

David Egan riding Mishriff wins the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic.

Racing in Ireland this evening is in Clonmel, first race off at 4 pm. Friday is a blank day on the calendar but there is a flat meeting at Cork on Saturday from 1.25 pm. Saturday also sees the first day of the national hunt Fairyhouse Easter Festival with the first at 1.45 pm. Both Sunday race meetings are over the jumps, at Cork at 1.30 pm and Fairyhouse at 1.50 pm. Next Monday sees the highlight of the Easter racing with the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse first race at 2.05 pm, with a bumper and hunter chase point-to-point meeting in Cork at 1.50 pm. David Egan rode his first Group 1 winner on the John and Thady Gosden trained Mishriff on Saturday in the

Longines Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan. The 4-Y-O was given a perfect ride by Egan to get the distance, the pair were winning for the second time in the Middle East in just over a month, to beat the Japanese pair Chrono Genesis and Loves Only You by a neck and the same. Connections won the Saudi Cup, the world’s most valuable race but not a Group race, in Riyadh last month. The Gosden father and son team sent out their first winner at Lingfield on Friday, on Saturday won the Lincolnshire at Doncaster and had a double at Kempton making it a great start for the fledgeling training team. Egan’s uncle, Niall Egan from Creagh in Ballinasloe,

trained Wonder Elzaam to win the final handicap race at Naas on Sunday and will now look for black type for the mare. The former Ellmarie Holden trained Jonbon, who cost JP McManus £570,000, lived up to the huge billing that preceded him, winning the bumper at Newbury on Saturday for Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville easily. The full brother to the brilliant Douvan who won a point-to-point by 15 lengths at Dromahane last November beat Flying Demon and Top Of The Bill by 4¼l and 6½l. Mick Winters’ Chatham Street Lad stamped his class in winning the Grade 3 Hugh McMahon Memorial Novice Chase at Limerick on Sunday, ten days after finishing fourth

in the Grade 1 Marsh Novices’ Chase. Darragh O’Keeffe was aboard Mick Winters’ stable star and beat Defi Bleu and Full Time Score by 11l and 48l.

Racing News On Tuesday, it was announced that point-to-pointing is to resume in Ireland in a restricted format from April 10th. The full details on the return of point-to-points will be finalised on Wednesday, but it is understood that races for four-year-olds and fiveyear-olds can take place from Saturday week. The first meeting of the season at Roscommon on the evening of Monday, May 10th

has been transferred to an afternoon meeting on Tuesday, 11th. Eight evening meetings in May have been transferred to afternoon. Amateur riders were welcomed back in Britain on Monday meaning good news for the leading Irish amateurs, including Patrick Mullins, Jamie Codd, Derek O'Connor, Barry O’Neill etc. who will be free to ride at Aintree having been forced to sit out the Cheltenham Festival. There will be a similar set-up, to that in Cheltenham, with an Irish bubble in place for Aintree with the only change Irish stable staff will stay at Haydock and will make the 20-mile commute each morning. We will look at the Aintree cards next week.

Fairyhouse Festival Preview The festival kicks off on Saturday with an eight-race card featuring the Grade A RAYO Handicap and the Grade B I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle Series Final. There are two listed races for mares, a hurdle race and a bumper. The O’Reilly Memorial Hunter Chase and the Ladies Grand National are also on the card. It Came To Pass is hoping for compensation after Cheltenham but Jury Duty is a class animal and could give Foster a win. There is a very strong card on Sunday with two Grade 1 races with the Gold Cup and Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final, a Grade B Novice Chase, and two Grade 2 races both for novice hurdlers, a maiden and handi-

cap hurdle and finishes with a bumper. Unbeaten in last five runs, Willie Mullins’ Energumene, who missed Cheltenham, is odds on to win the Gold Cup with stablemate Asterion Forlonge and Paul Nolan’s Last Exhibition, who will probably run in the Grand National, the main opposition. Monday sees the return of the Grade A Irish Grand National after missing out last year due to Covid and not being rescheduled as was hoped. There are three Grade 2 races on the card, a juvenile hurdle, a conditions hurdle and a chase with two hurdle and a chase handicap races making up the seven-race card. There are 60 horses left in the Irish Grand National following yesterday’s forfeit stage with Sneezey

Foster’s Tiger Roll, Paul Nolan’s Latest Exhibition and Joseph O’Brien’s Sempo heading the antepost betting. They will be included in 30 highestrated horses and are guaranteed a run after tomorrow’s declaration stage. Three horses will also be included as reserves at that time and will only line up if there are non-runners announced before 10 am on Saturday. Sneezey Foster has six in the top 30, Willie Mullins has five, Joseph O’Brien has three, Paul Nolan has two and there is one British raider Jerrysback from Philip Hobbs stable. Latest Exhibition has finished runner-up to Monkfish in his last two runs and avoided meeting him at Cheltenham. Tiger Roll will be the popular selection, but Latest Exhibi-

tion runs very consistently and is the fancy. One that catches the eye at a nice price is Enjoy D’allen trained in Mullingar by Ciaran Murphy, who knows what it takes having been associated with the 2013 winner Liberty Councel trained by Dot Love. Tiger Roll’s trainer Denise Foster also has Coko Beach, Escaria Ten, Farclas and Run Wild Fred among those to have secured a place while, in addition to Latest Exhibition, Discorama is safe for Paul Nolan and Home By The Lee and Mortal will get in for Sempo’s trainer Joseph O'Brien. Both Barry Connell’s Espanito Bello and the Denis Hogan-trained Moyhenna stand their ground and remain prominent in ante-post list.

Robbie Henshaw put in another storming performance as Leinster defeated Munster to win their fourth successive Pro14 final at the RDS on Saturday. Leinster’s 16-6 winning margin did not reflect their utter dominance, as they were held up over the line a couple of times and also squandered a number of clearcut try opportunities. Once again, the Athlone man was in magnificent form, constantly making ground with ball in hand, tackling demonically from start to finish, and eclipsing World Cup winner Damien de Allende in the process. In a statement, Buccaneers RFC said: “Congrats Robbie on your latest success, and hope you keep your momentum going in the Champions Cup game at home to Toulon on Friday evening!” Meanwhile, Henshaw is one of four Ireland players named in the Six Nations team of the year. Tadhg Beirne, Tadhg Furlong and Jonathan Sexton complete the quartet. Robbie is also one of six contenders for the Guinness Six Nations Player of the Championship.

The late Donal Hynes The death has occurred of Donal Hynes, past president of Athlone Rugby Football Club. Donal was the club’s second president in season 1970/71 and a lifelong member. Predeceased by his wife Marty, deepest sympathy is extended to his son Healy, daughter Donna, and the wider Hynes family. May Donal rest in eternal peace. Buccaneers RFC officers and members held a socially distanced Guard of Honour (complying with all Covid-19 guidelines) for Donal as his funeral cortege passed the club grounds.

Roscommon People Friday 02 April 2021

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