30 June 2023 Roscommon People

Eleanor and Oscar Harney from Cootehall pictured at the Luna stage during the Music Generation Roscommon performance at the Night and Day Festival, Lough Key Forest Park on Sunday. Pic: Brian Farrell

A nightmare weekend!

Why so?

As you know, I keep notes for our work every week…

Pity the RTE management didn’t do the same…

So yes, I jot down the week’s key topics ahead of publication every week…

Road Traffic Accident –Dos and Don’ts

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.

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

A person should always contact their solicitor to obtain legal advice specific to their own situation. The above column contains general information and cannot be relied upon as legal advice. * In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS

Telephone Central Line 090 6478433

info@bccsolicitors.ie www.bccsolicitors.ie

If you were involved in a cycling accident contact Byrne

Carolan Cunningham Solicitors

Ah, jot down! How gloriously quaint. Do you send our column in by carrier pigeon, or have you advanced to email yet?

Huh! Point is, I am meticulous! I jot down notes!

(Editor: Give me a break! A proper Woodward and Bernstein I’m dealing with here!)

And, as I look at my weekend notes, all I can see is a gigantic ‘R’ on my notepad! A big R – followed by about ten exclamation marks!

So a big R sums up last weekend for you?

YES!

I have it! Rebellion – of sorts – in Russia?

NO!

Ah, of course, the big ‘R’ is for the Rossies! Don’t worry, we’ll be back!

Huh?

That big R! I presume you mean Roscommon’s heartbreaking exit from the All-Ireland race?

NO! The big R is for the RTE scandal.

It also stands for Ryan!

(Editor nervously begins to pay attention)

So, Ryan was paid at least €440,000 a year, often much more!

Well, that’s what was published… But he got a secret extra annual payment of €75k a few times…

Yes, Renault paid the €75k one year; then they withdrew from the agreement, and RTE paid it!

Scandalous!

Point is, there were secret payments. Trust is broken. Heads must roll!

(Editor: Enough, guys! I can’t afford any legal attention!)

Thank God for the GAA!

Yeah, but such a shame our lads were pipped at the post by Cork!

A strange game! We dominated the first half hour, missed a goal in both halves, finished brilliantly, but just got done at the end!

So close to the quarter-finals… Hard luck to our lads, and thanks for everything this season!

Agreed! And a big shout out to all our Rossie readers in Ballaghaderreen following Mayo’s win over Galway!

(They pause to watch Elton John at Glastonbury)

By the way, I met the Editor out walking this morning… AGAIN? REALLY?

Yeah! Just by chance. Don’t tell me ye got talking about our contract talks again… without me! ACTUALLY… he muttered something about ringing Renault this week.

Wow! Is he finally looking into company cars for us? Or a deal with Renault on personal appearances by us? Let me check my diary!

No, he said from now on either Renault or some other company is going to have to cover our fee – or else we’re goners!

It’s been a GOOD week for… ☺

Mayo footballers, who recovered from their unexpected loss to Cork to get their season back on track by winning Sunday’s all-or-nothing clash with neighbours Galway (Mayo now play Dublin in the All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals, while Galway make an early exit)

Galway hurlers, who found form at just the right time, qualifying for the All-Ireland SHC semi-finals with an impressive win over Tipperary

Anyone who attended (or watched) Glastonbury 2023, where Elton John’s storming set on Sunday night was one of the highlights of the annual festival

Veteran golfer Padraig Harrington, who played the back nine in just 28 shots to win for the fifth time in 12 months on the PGA Champions Tour

It’s been a BAD week for… ☹

RTE management and star presenter Ryan Tubridy, with a major scandal erupting over secret payments having being made to the former Late Late Show host

Dee Forbes, who resigned as RTE director-general on Monday as the fallout from the RTE payments’ scandal continued

Roscommon senior footballers, with a single-point defeat away to Cork ending their championship season prematurely, this after so much promise earlier in the campaign

PIC OF THE WEEK: My ball! Roscommon’s Tara O’Brien tries to wrestle the ball from Sligo’s Sinead Walsh during Monday’s Connacht LGFA U-16 Championship B Final at the Connacht Centre of Excellence in Bekan. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

N61 Tulsk project subject to judicial review

Roscommon County Council

Chief Executive Shane Tiernan confirmed this week that the N61 Tulsk to Clashaganny road project is currently subject to a judicial review in the High Court.

Addressing Monday’s meeting of the local authority, Mr Tiernan said the judicial review was sought by an individual following approval of the project by members last February.

The project involves the realignment of a 4.5km section of the

N61 national secondary route from Tulsk to Clashaganny.

Director of Services Greg

O’Donnell read the following statement: “In light of this (judicial review) and rather than finding the progression of the road safety works delayed for a lengthy period of time,

it was decided to agree to an order in the proceedings setting aside the resolution of the Council reached on the 27th of February 2023.

“While it is disappointing that the timeframe for the delivery of the road project has increased due to this legal action, Roscommon County Council remains fully committed to the objectives of the County Development Plan, the progression of N61 Tulsk to Clashaganny Road Project, and the resolutions associated with the seriously deficient section of the N61”.

Councillors expressed their dismay at the news with Cllr Liam Callaghan saying that it was the members’ understanding that all issues had been dealt and that there had been a feeling of general goodwill from the public towards the proposed project.

Mr O’Donnell said the application had been “thorough” but that in the current legal environment, there was no such thing as a “watertight plan”. He said stepping back from the project was the most prudent course of action.

Members were told that there would be no “substantial” changes to the current scheme following the legal process but that the project would have to go to Part 8 once more for approval.

Retailers express concerns over Strokestown plan

< DAN DOONER

Retailers and residents in the Church Street and Bawn Street areas of Strokestown have expressed serious concerns over planned regeneration works as part of the Town Centres

First initiative.

At a pre-planning meeting with members of Roscommon County Council and the contractors, residents highlighted safety concerns, a lack of available parking, the addition of a

cycle lane, the maintenance of proposed green areas, the location of bus stops, access to local businesses and homes, disabled parking, and fears that the town’s historic streetscape would be affected. Some of those present called for scaled-back works to be considered.

However, those in attendance were told that a funding application was not likely to be successful unless “major design changes” were proposed.

Director of Services Majella Hunt,

who chaired the meeting, added that the Council would take on board issues raised and that submissions could also be made at the public consultation phase.

Many of those present on Monday night vented their frustration around a perceived lack of consultation with business owners and residents, with some accusing the Council of implementing changes that weren’t needed or desired in Strokestown.

3 PIECE SUITS FROM €199

Cam Defibrillator Group Church gate collection

Cam Defibrillator Group are having their annual Church gate collection for the maintenance and upkeep of the 15 defibrillators locally, on Sunday, July 9th, from 9.30 am, to coincide with 10 am Mass in Curraghboy. All support much appreciated.

Multiple Sclerosis Ireland Church gate collection

On Sunday, July 2nd, MS Ireland’s local branch will hold its Annual Church Gate Collection at Glinsk Church (at Mass-time). The branch would like to extend a word of gratitude to everyone who supports us and also to our loyal Church Gate collectors and their helpers.

Pictured at Roscommon County Council’s AGM on Monday were Cllr Laurence Fallon (previous Leas Cathaoirleach), Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr John Cummins, Chief Executive Shane Tiernan, Cathaoirleach Cllr John Keogh, and Cllr Tom Crosby (previous Cathaoirleach). Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

< DAN DOONER

Roscommon County Playday is this Saturday

be holding their annual County

on Saturday, July 1st, in association with Roscommon County Council and with support of local agencies. This year’s County Playday will take place in two separate venues in Roscommon: Somers Park, Castlerea

(11 am-1 pm) and Loughnaneane Park, Roscommon (3 pm-5 pm).

There will be music, sports, fun and games for children to support the theme of the day, ‘Wonder and Discovery’. There will be arts and crafts, music generation workshops, outdoor play workshops, FAI Football and Roscommon Sports Partnership workshops, Lego block building for babies, storytelling, face-painting and a nature photo competition for teenagers. All these workshops/activities are free once registration is completed at our registration table, and all children must be supervised by parents/ guardian.

“Outdoor play is vital to supporting children’s development, learning and wellbeing. It encourages a sense of adventure and discovery, helping young minds to better understand the world around them through fun and creative ways,” commented Roscommon County Childcare Committee CLG Co-ordinator/ Manager, Irene Cafferky.

“This National Playday is an opportunity for local authorities to invite children and their families to come together in their communities and take part in a range of fun and exciting activities that everyone can enjoy.

“It is great to be able to once again coordinate and deliver Roscommon County Playday face to face in such lovely outdoor venues. The theme of the day will promote wonder, discovery and recreation for children, which supports child development. The activities planned will provide opportunities for children to explore, participate play and have fun. We look forward to seeing families and children enjoying the day”. For more information, please contact Roscommon County Childcare Committee CLG on 094 9622540. A schedule of the events of the day is available on Roscommon County Childcare Committee CLG Facebook page.

TUESDAY, 4TH JULY, (E)

FIRST RACE: 5.20PM

• SAFARI TRAIN

• TOY RIDE CAROUSEL

ADMISSION COSTS:

Adults: €15.00 / Students and OAP:€10

(up to date ID cards must be produced on the day)

DISCOUNT ON GROUP BOOKINGS

SPECIAL FAMILY ADMISSION:

2 Parents and Children under 16 for just €20.00

SPECIAL VOUCHER €40.00 to include admission, race card, two course meal and €10.00 bet

Family Day at Roscommon Racecourse this Tuesday

Racing returns to Roscommon Racecourse

on Tuesday, the 4th of July (Family Day), with the feature event on the day being the Listed Lenabane Stakes, which is over a mile and a half. It’s the most valuable and most prestigious flat race run at Roscommon, and every year a high class winner comes out on top. As is the case for all fixtures, all the major flat yards will have runners on the course next Tuesday, and with the recent rain, there is a beautiful racing surface.

Roscommon Racecourse have been delighted with the feedback they’ve been receiving from the racing professionals, as they trialled running the chases and hurdles on the same track for the last fixture – there are mobile fences and hurdles, and everyone seemed happy. It helps save time on repairing the ground, which is very labour intensive, and instead of having to water two tracks, Roscommon could concentrate on just the one.

All Enquiries: 087 220 3288

Email: contact@roscommonracecourse.ie

Web: www.roscommonracecourse.ie for updates

Looking further ahead, the big day is coming up soon on the 10th of July: that’s the very popular Ladies Day fixture.

Roscommon Racecourse wish to extend a huge thanks as always to all their loyal sponsors, which include The Irish EBF,

Diageo, Dermot Hughes Car Sales, Sweeney Oil and Colm Markey, MEP.

YK Signs have also kindly sponsored the best turned out prizes. There will be music in the main bar under the grandstand after the second last race. Also, as Tuesday is Family Day, there is free entertainment for the children. There is also a special family admission price of just €20 for two adults and children under 16. For admission tickets and Ros Special tickets, as well as information on all ticket offers, visit roscommonracecourse.ie.

There is a 10% discount on admission tickets online but cash and card payments are also accepted at the gate.

A list of remaining fixtures and all other information can be found

on roscommonracecourse. ie. For enquiries email contact@ roscommonracecourse.ie or phone 087 2203288. Roscommon Racecourse: come for the racing, stay for the craic!

As part of Family Day at Roscommon Racecourse, free entertainment will be provided for the children.

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

A column by Roscommon People editor paul@roscommonpeople.ie

THURSDAY/FRIDAY

RTE scandal

A big story breaks. It’s all over the national airwaves, and Twitter is shaking with anger, indignation and shock (nothing new there I suppose).

On foot of an audit, RTE has admitted it has misled the public for a number of years on star presenter Ryan Tubridy’s earnings. There have been secret payments, a previously undisclosed cosy deal, shady goings-on. This is sensitive stuff for the Irish public – given the long-term disquiet over what RTE pays its ‘top people’ –that and the fact that we’ve just come through a pandemic, during which there was much forced collective belt-tightening (not to mention some condescending lecturing on the part of ‘Tubs’). It is also very much an issue of trust.

At the Roscommon People office, the first of a flurry of supposedly remorseful statements from the RTE board pings into our email inbox (they never used to call, but there you go). It’s the same for all media outlets. Ping, ping, scrambled update upon scrambled update. Even in drip-feed, the statements are pretty sensational. To quote what I consider to have been an ill-judged response by former President McAleese when Queen Elizabeth broke into as Gaeilge… wow!

We learn RTE has misled the public on Ryan Tubridy’s earnings. The RTE star was paid €345,000 more since 2017 than was publicly declared. The organisation made secret payments of €75,000 a year to him after a deal with a commercial sponsor fell through.

Why does all of this stink? Because we are entitled to expect high management standards, transparency and honesty from Ireland’s public service broadcaster (which we fund). RTE always publishes the earnings of its ten highest paid ‘stars’ – and that is information which the public must be able to trust. The public (and the Government) was unaware of the existence of secret payments. The Tubridy ‘top up’ was paid at a time

when RTE made much play of having secured significant pay cuts with its top stars. Were we taken for fools?

At its heart, this story is about RTE breaching trust with the public, about unacceptable governance standards, and an alarming lack of accountability and transparency.

If Tubridy’s bulging bank account was topped up in secret, what else has been going on? What else might we say ‘wow’ to?

SATURDAY Cancel culture

One could talk about the RTE scandal until the cows come home; in fact, even after the cows were in safely, you could continue the debate. Ryan Tubridy, through his agent, had to know that he was engaged in an unusual arrangement. In two key respects, Tubridy has let down the Irish public. Firstly, he chose to allow false declarations (by RTE) of his annual salary to go unchallenged. Secondly, it was disingenuous of him to allow a

false narrative to exist in public about how far he had gone on the issue of a pay cut.

But I don’t approve of the cancel culture that is sweeping through every aspect of our lives. And Twitter pileons are horrible. Tubridy is not the prime villain here. Kicking someone when they’re down is wrong. Tubridy has questions to answer, he really needs to show humility too, but cancelling his career would be a completely disproportionate response. I’ll be returning to this subject, as events unfold.

SUNDAY Out, not down

With ten minutes to go today, it looked like Roscommon – rocked by Cork’s second-half showing – had left themselves with too much to do. A tame exit loomed.

To their great credit, our lads – trusting in the ‘system’ (to use that awful phrase) – dug deep. What followed was quality in a crisis. Five great

points, born of courage and class. Suddenly, remarkably, Roscommon were level.

Into injury-time, and Davy Burke’s team had momentum. Nervous wrecks by now, we watched every move, willing the ball to stay in Roscommon hands, or the clock to usher in extra-time. In a blink, it was over. Cork’s day, a last-gasp winner hijacking Roscommon’s dreams. Our lads made good strides this season, and supporters are delighted with the commitment of the entire squad, and with the new management too. It was a pity that Enda Smith saw red at the end. Enda has been at his brilliant best this season, leading Roscommon heroically, game after game. We are indebted to Boyle’s modern-day Gaelic Chieftain.

MONDAY Off the front page

There is absolutely no truth in the rumour that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Housing Minister Darragh

O’Brien both sent thank you cards, flowers and champagne to the RTE board, formally thanking them for commanding all media attention in recent days. It’s just not true (to the best of my knowledge).

TUESDAY School’s out…

Back to the real world… and, just like that, another era ends!

Hundreds of families in County Roscommon experience what we experienced today – one of those ‘phases of life’ milestones that creep up on you. For us, two came on the same day.

Our third eldest (second youngest?) finished up in secondary school, completing her Leaving Cert with ‘Politics’. Also today, our youngest completed his primary school education.

It doesn’t seem that long since we photographed them as they stepped out our front door and into their brave new worlds. Today, the phones were out again, this time to capture the end of an era. It’s been a similar experience in many households locally.

St Coman’s Wood Primary School has been a big part of our lives for 20 years. It’s the same with the Convent of Mercy, where our three daughters have now completed their secondary school education.

We are blessed with the quality of our schools in Roscommon town and its environs. The principals, teachers and all staff in these schools have given great service to their community with their commitment to the education and wellbeing of thousands of children over the years.

WEDNESDAY

Mattie strikes again Deputy Mattie McGrath compared the RTE board to Putin today. To paraphrase the late Hugh Leonard, he’s a contender for Gobshite of the Year (McGrath).

Táin Bó Cúailnge or the Cattle Raid of Cooley Friday 7th & Saturday 8th

The Táin Bó Cúailnge or the Cattle Raid of Cooley, is the story of a cattle raid reputed to have taken place during winter sometime about the time of Christ. It is a story of Queen Medb, fearless warriors, kings and prize bulls. The epic story started and finished in Rathcroghan, one of the Royal Sites of Ireland.

The Táin March Festival was established in 2011 as a community walking festival to celebrate and promote the epic tale of Táin Bó Cúailnge. The Táin March Festival 2023 reaches Co. Roscommon on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th July with FREE events in Roscommon, Rathcroghan & Tulsk.

On Friday 7th July events take place in Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk from 9.15am until 4.30pm with the ‘Táin March 2023 Drawing Competition’, a children’s artwork exhibition.

Later that evening, why not come down to Rathcroghan Visitor Centre to hear the stories of Queen Medb, Cúchulainn and An Táin Bó Cuailnge - The Cattle Raid of Cooley- our national epic tale - re-told in all its glory at 7.30pm. Free but places are limited so booking is required by email on info@rathcroghan.

ie Saturday 8th July events start at 2pm in the Square, Roscommon Town with a performance of Meet the Táin March and Queen Medb’s Army for a performance

of a new short play based on a story from the Cattle Raid of Cooley.

Events continue at 5pm in Rathcroghan when visitors can meet the Táin March and Queen Medb’s army at Rathcroghan car park, for another short performance based on a story from the Cattle Raid of Cooley epic tale.

Don’t forget to pop in to Áras an Chontae in Roscommon to view the fantastic ‘Threading the Táin’ fibre artwork which depicts Queen Medb starting out from Rathcroghan on the Táin Bó Cúailnge’.

The Táin March Festival, including delivery of an annual associated schools programme, is funded by the Roscommon County Council Creative Ireland Programme 2023, as an action of the Co. Roscommon Heritage Plan. For more information, see https://tainmarch.ie/ or follow #TáinMarch on social media.

Celebrate the Epic Tale of The Cattle Raid of Cooley

Free Events in Tulsk, Roscommon & Rathcroghan

Friday 7th July

Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk: 9.15am - 4.30pm

‘Táin March 2023 Drawing Competition’ Exhibition

Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk: 7.30pm

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Hear the stories of Queen Medb & An Táin Bó Cuailnge - The Cattle Raid of Cooley - re-told in all their glory.

Free, but booking required on info@rathcroghan.ie

Saturday 8th July

The Square, Roscommon: 2.00pm

Meet the Táin March & Queen Medb’s army for a short performance based on a story from the Cattle Raid of Cooley

Rathcroghan Mound Car Park: 5pm

Meet the Táin March & Queen Medb’s army, for a short performance based on a story from the Cattle Raid of Cooley

NOTICE PUBLISHING COMMENCEMENT OF AUDIT Roscommon County Council

Notice is hereby given that the audit of the accounts of the above-named local government organisation for the financial year ended on the 31st day of December, 2022 will be commenced by Ms. Mary Keaney Local Government Auditor, on the 10th July 2023.

In accordance with article 17 of the Local Government (Financial and Audit Procedures) Regulations 2014, objections to any matter or matters contained in the said several accounts will be considered by the Local Government Auditor during the audit.

Written notice of any proposed objection, setting out the relevant particulars and grounds on which it is to be made, should be sent to the above Local Government Auditor c/o Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon within ten days of the commencement of the audit.

The annual financial statement will be available during office hours at the reception desk at Áras an Chontae for the inspection of all persons for a period of seven days prior to the commencement of the audit.

Dated this 23th day of June 2023.

Shane Tiernan, Chief Executive Officer, Roscommon County Council

Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended)

Planning and Development and Foreshore (Amendment) Act 2022

Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended)

Planning and Development (Section 179A) Regulations 2023

Local Authority: Roscommon County Council

Development Location: Main Street, Elphin, Co. Roscommon.

Notice of Development: Pursuant to the requirements of the above, notice is hereby given that

Roscommon County Council intends to commence works at Main Street, Elphin, Co. Roscommon, under Section 179A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2000 (as amended).

The proposed development will consist of: Change of use and alteration of existing Courthouse building, for the provision of 2no. townhouses; demolition of existing derelict dwelling house, and construction of a replacement dwelling; demolition of existing derelict shed to rear of site, construction of 1no. bungalow residence to the rear; including upgrade of pedestrian entrance onto site and all associated site works

Plans and Particulars of the proposed development may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy from 30/06/2023 during public opening hours at the offices of the Housing Department, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon County Council, Roscommon.

Plans and particulars can also be viewed online on the Roscommon County Council website.

An Appropriate Assessment Screening and Environmental Impact Assessment Screening report of the proposed development has been completed in accordance with Articles 81A (5) and 81A (6) respectively and is available for inspection. It has been determined that an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) is not required, and that an Appropriate Assessment is not required. Any person may question the validity of any decision of the planning authority by way of an application for judicial review.

Signed: Fiona Ní Chuinn, Acting Director of Services

Date: 29/06/2023

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75

ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12

Roscommon County Council hereby gives notice of its intention to close the road referred to hereunder for the period and the reason specified.

Road to be closed: The L-6045 road at Parkowen, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon shall be closed for 210 metres between the junction with the R368 road Elphin Street to L-6405 Caslin Way.

Period of Closure: Monday, 24th July, 2023.

Works will take place from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm.

Reason for Road Closure: To facilitate works being undertaken by Uisce Eireann involving replacement of a sewer vent stack.

All necessary approach signage and diversion signage shall be used at the required locations as per the Traffic Management Plan. Mapping showing the proposed closure and diversion is available on www.roscommoncoco.ie

Objections may be made in writing to the undersigned in respect of the proposed temporary road closure to arrive not later than 4pm on 3 July 2023.

Water Services Section, Roscommon County Council, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon, F42 VR98.

Signed: Caitlin Conneely, Director of Services

Public invited to local Climate Action consultation

Roscommon County Council is currently preparing a Climate Action Plan for 2024 – 2028 and want to hear from members of the public to have their say on the future of their local environment.

A public consultation campaign will be launched on Friday July 7th at 10.30am in Roscommon County Library and will run to August 4th. The wider community will be able to participate through an online survey and will also be able to make submissions via the Roscommon County Council website.

At the launch staff from Roscommon County Council’s Climate Unit will be present to discuss the Climate Action Plan with members of the public. The process will enable the public have their say to help formulate the climate actions it is felt should be taking place across County Roscommon.

The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Amendment Act 2021 is helping to mainstream positive climate action in the lives of all citizens. The Act out the statutory process that all local authorities are obliged to prepare and implement.

With the effects of climate change all too apparent, Ireland has committed to cutting green-

house gas emissions in line with our international agreements. Roscommon County Council shares this determination to fulfil its obligations as part of a wide ranging and action based Climate Action Plan as part of a wide ranging consultative process.

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12

Roscommon County Council has decided to close the roads set out in the schedule hereunder for the period and the reason specified.

Road to be closed: L-6556 & L-6551 from its intersection with L-6556 for a distance of 180 metres north at Demesne, Castlerea

Period of Closure: 7.00am to 6.00pm on Monday 7th August 2023

Alternative Routes: Via R361, L-1616 & L-6551

And Vice Versa

Reason for Closure: To facilitate the Castlerea Agricultural Trade & Craft Show 2023

Greg O’Donnell, A/Director of Services

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12

Roscommon County Council has decided to close the roads set out in the schedule hereunder for the periods and the reason specified.

Road to be closed: L7055 Ardsallagh Woods Road from Hannons Hotel to Golf Club

Period of Closure: 9.30am to 2.00pm on Saturday 1st July 2023

Alternative Routes: via N61, N63 & L1812

Road to be closed: L7081 Turville from Galway Road Junction to Rahara Road Junction

Period of Closure: 11.15am to 12.45pm on 1st July 2023

Alternative Routes: via L1812, L7126 & N63

Reason for Closure: To facilitate Roscommon Harriers Club Road Race

Greg O’Donnell, A/Director of Services

Castlerea Pool reopens

Roscommon County Council are delighted to announce Castlerea swimming pool has reopened for the 2023 summer season. The pool will be open until Sunday 3rd September inclusive.

Public opening hours are from Wednesdays to Saturdays from 11am to 1pm, 2pm to 4pm and from 5pm to 7.30pm. On Sundays, the facility will

be open from 2pm to 4pm and again from 5pm to 7.30pm. Entry fees are adults €5 with a concession rate for students and OAP of €4.50. Child are €4 with a family of €18. Classes for Aqua Aerobics cost €7 –these classes take place on Wednesdays and Fridays at 11.15am. Cards are also available to purchase by buying five swims with a sixth swim free.

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12

Roscommon County Council has decided to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the periods and the reason specified.

Road to be closed: R371 Ballyleague to Scramoge

Period of Closure: 9.30am to 3.30pm on 8th July 2023

Alternative Routes: N63 Ballyleague to Roscommon/N61 Roscommon to Four Mile House/R368 Four Mile House to Farnbeg And vice versa

Reason for Closure: To facilitate Cycle Event associated with The Two Provinces Triathlon.

Greg O’Donnell, A/Director of Services

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12

Roscommon County Council has decided to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the periods and the reason specified.

Road to be closed: N5 at its junction with the N61 in Tulsk to its Junction with the R361 in Frenchpark

Period of Closure: 10th July to 28th July 2023

Alternative Routes: Via N61 to its junction with R361 at Greatmeadow (Boyle) to junction of R361/N5 at Frenchpark and vice versa.

Reason for Closures: To facilitate road resurfacing works on the N5 at Frenchpark to Bellanagare

Greg O’Donnell, A/Director of Services

The newly-appointed Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr John Keogh, pictured with family and friends. Pictured (front, left to right): Cormac Nolan, Cllr. John Keogh and Pat Keogh. Back: Tom, Geraldine, Michael, Estella, Maria and James Keogh. Picture: Ger O’Loughlin

The newly-appointed Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr John Keogh, pictured with family and friends. Pictured (left to right): Kathleen Shine, Cllr. John Keogh, Anne Kelly and Róisín Carlin. Pic: Ger O’Loughlin

Bingo back in Athleague on 4th July

Bingo is returning to Athleague Community Centre every Tuesday night at 8.30pm from 4th July next. A Jackpot is being reintroduced and a few minor changes from the Bingo pre Covid to allow a potential increase in the prize money. All Bingo Goers can put the Tuesday 4th July in their diaries and the bingo committee look forward to welcoming you all (both previous and new players). Draw on the first night for a Hamper and tickets are on sale in Keane’s Centra, Athleague from today.

STARTING 4th JULY

A weekend in Roscommon?

You’d better move fast!

< DAN DOONER

Those planning a weekend break in Roscommon this July need to move fast as, according to a number of well-known booking sites, rooms in the county’s hotels are at a premium.

While average prices per twonight stay (€317.20) compare favourably to those in cities such as Dublin and Galway, only a handful of rooms remain over the next five weekends.

This coming weekend (July 1st) sees the Roscommon Harriers’ hugely popular 10-Mile race taking place in the county town so it should come as no surprise that there was just one room still advertised on booking.com this

week (the Roscommon People recommends checking availability with providers).

There is a similar trend from July 8th to 10th and while there is slightly more availability from July 15th to 17th, supply is fast running out.

Visitors will find there is a slight increase in availability towards the end of next month, but many online booking sites are warning that over 80 per cent of places to stay in are already unavailable. So, if you are planning a weekend break in Roscommon in July, avoid disappointment and book now. It’s always worth a quick phone call to the hotel/guesthouse too when checking availability and rates.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY

Notice is hereby given that the 64th Annual General Meeting of the above-named Society will be held at the Society’s Registered Offices, Circular Road Roscommon on Thursday 20th July 2023 at 8 pm.

AGENDA

1. Minutes & Matters Arising

2. Chairman’s Report

3. General Manager’s Review

4. Adoption of 2022 Accounts & Auditors Report

5. Appointment of Accountant

6. Appointment of Auditor

7. Declaration of Election Results

8. Declaration of Dividend (if any)

9. Any other Business incidental to the Meeting.

By order of the Board

newsbriefs

Gordon Pennick Secretary

Kilteevan Graveyard Mass on Saturday

The 30th annual graveyard Mass will be celebrated in Kilteevan Graveyard next Saturday, July 1st, at 7.30 pm, weather permitting. Otherwise, Mass will be celebrated in the Church. The annual maintenance collection will also be held, with a donation box available. Sunday Mass continues as usual on July 2nd at 10 am.

Ballaghaderreen Swimming Pool AGM

The Ballaghaderreen Swimming Pool AGM will take place in Durkin’s, The Square on Wednesday, July 12th at 8 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Healing Mass in Curraghboy

A Special Mass for Healing will take place at Our Lady Star of the Sea Prayer Centre, Curraghboy, Athlone on Friday, July 7th, commencing at 8 pm. The celebrant will be Fr Tony Emeka, originally from Cameroon and currently based in the Philippines. Fr Tony, who has a powerful Healing Ministry, returns to Ireland for one month’s holiday in July after five years in the Philippines. Confessions will be available from 7 pm, and the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet will be recited at 7.30 pm. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Individual Blessings for Healing will take place after Mass. All are most welcome to attend. The Eircode is N37W704.

Roscommon Credit Union launches

Roscommon Credit Union officially launched their ATM service on Thursday, 22nd of June 2023 at all four branch offices, i.e. Roscommon Town, Ballaghaderreen, Elphin and Strokestown

David Malone, CEO of the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) was on hand to officially launch this new community service, along with Bernie Moran, CEO of Roscommon Credit Union, John Devaney, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Will Caffrey and Marin Boskovic from Cennox, board members, staff, local representatives and – importantly – credit union members. Special guests on the day included the very first members of each of the branch offices, each of whom marked the occasion with a symbolic ATM withdrawal.

‘Fantastic addition’

Bernie Moran, CEO, Roscommon Credit Union believes the ATMs will be a fantastic addition to their service offering, and will immediately add to the success and vibrancy of our local towns, which aligns with the credit union’s vision of supporting members 24/7 to meet their ever-changing financial needs.

Speaking about the importance of credit unions and their role in the provision of community financial services, David Malone, CEO, ILCU noted now more than ever access to cash is needed for social inclusion. He went on to say as a progressive credit union, Roscommon CU is not only serving its valued members, but indeed all sectors of society with the introduction of an ATM service. This new service compounds the credit union ethos of service and care to its members and the wider communities it serves.

On the day, the first member in each of the branches was invited to make the first transaction, withdrawing funds from the newly launched ATM. Mary Shanagher started the withdrawals in Strokestown, with Fr. Johnston transacting in Ballaghaderreen, Marie Lee was up next in Elphin, and finally Derry O’Donnell was welcomed to our Roscommon office to mark the occasion.

John Devaney, Chairperson, Roscommon Board of Directors noted how marvellous it was to be joined by the credit union’s first member from each branch office and to cel-

ebrate this wonderful day in our history.

Local representatives

Local representatives were present on the day to join in the celebrations. ThenCathaoirleach Cllr. Tom Crosby highlighted the need for ATM services in rural areas, noting cash transactions are still very much part of daily life. He commended Roscommon CU for providing such a service, noting both Elphin and Strokestown were left devastated by the removal of ATMs on their main streets with the withdrawal of the banks.

Senator Eugene Murphy thanked CEO Bernie Moran and the board of directors of Roscommon Credit Union for continuing to invest in rural areas, not only for its members but also the local communities. Councillor Valerie Byrne thanked Roscommon CU for installing the ATMs. She spoke of the need for cash once retailers close, giving an example of how taxi drivers had to bring people to other towns to access cash before appointments or nights out once the bank left their town, leaving Elphin and its people feeling neglected.

The machines in the four towns are located to the front of the credit union offices, ensuring members and the wider community have convenient access to cash withdrawals 24 hours a day. The ATM machines accept debt and credit cards from all financial service providers.

Promotional loans at Roscommon Credit Union

To meet member needs and demand, Roscommon Credit Union have introduced three new promotional loans for a limited time, a ‘GREEN’ loan for energy-efficient home upgrades and additions, including new windows and doors, insulation, and solar panels.

The GREEN loan also covers electric vehicles and charging units. At a rate of 6.3% (Apr 6.49%), it’s the lowest rate for green loans currently on the market and is available to our

Pictured at the launch of Roscommon Credit Union’s new ATM service at the Roscommon town branch were Kevin McDonagh (RCU Director), Mary T Molloy (RCU Director), John Devaney (Chair, RCU), David Malone (CEO, ILCU), Derry O’Donnell (first member), Shane Tiernan (Acting CEO, Roscommon County Council), Cllr Tom Crosby (then-Cathaoirleach, Roscommon County Council), Bernie Moran (RCU CEO), Brenda Corrigan (RCU), Alec Dempsey (RCU Director), Catherine Nugent (RCU), Valerie Gunning (RCU), Sinéad Fannon (RCU), Agnes O’Sullivan (RCU), Mags Gallagher (RCU), Patrick Meleady (RCU) and Katie Nugent.

Pictured at the launch of Roscommon Credit Union’s new ATM service at the Elphin branch were Bernie Moran (CEO, RCU), Anthony Lee (Director, RCU), Cllr Valerie Byrne, John Devaney (Chair, RCU), Annie Bracken, Marie Lee, Cllr Tom Crosby (then-Cathaoirleach, Roscommon County Council), David Malone (CEO, ILCU), Mary Flynn (RCU), Lorna Tully (RCU), Veronica Quinn (RCU), Marin Boskovic (Cennox), Senator Eugene Murphy, Will Caffrey (Cennox), and Sinéad Fannon (RCU).

Pictured at the launch of Roscommon Credit Union’s new ATM service at the Strokestown branch office were Sinéad Fannon (RCU), Cllr Joe Murphy, Mary McDermott, Bernie Moran (CEO, RCU), Senator Eugene Murphy, David Malone (CEO, ILCU), Cllr Tom Crosby (then-Cathaoirleach, Roscommon County Council), Will Caffrey (Cennox), John Devaney (Chair, RCU), Marin Boskovic (Cennox), Mary Shanagher (first member), Mary Flynn (RCU), Cllr Valerie Byrne, Lorna Tully (RCU), Mary T Molloy (RCU Director), Veronica Quinn (RCU), Anthony Lee (RCU Director), and members.

Pictured at the launch of Roscommon Credit Union’s new ATM service at the Ballaghaderreen branch office were Eoin Buckley (Director, RCU), Declan Donoghue (RCU), Marin Boskovic (Cennox), Kelly Kerrane (RCU), Will Caffrey (Cennox), Bernie Moran (CEO, RCU), David Malone (CEO, ILCU), John Devaney (Chair, RCU), Cllr Tom Crosby (then-Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council), Senator Eugene Murphy, Cllr Michael Mulligan, Fr Johnston (first member), Anthony Lee (Director, RCU), Katrina Gallagher (RCU), Mary Saunders, Brian Mulligan, and Maura Towey.

Promotional LOANS

Community ATM service

members until the end of September.

Bernie Moran, CEO, Roscommon Credit Union, said non-members can join and apply for any of their promotional loans straight away.

(Apr 6.7%), being extremely popular with members.

Members can also calculate repayments with their online loan calculator on the website. While the launch day was all about the ATM service, we cannot forget the host of FREE services and benefits, including

“There is no waiting or saving period required. Simply visit us in branch, call us or visit our website www.roscommoncu.ie to learn more”.

Bernie also noted the popularity of car loans at Roscommon Credit Union, with the latest car offer of 6.5%

free loan protection, a free make a will service, online services the credit union offers which include electronic collection of your loan and not to forget the credit union’s bi-annual member only cash prize draw which takes place on

The credit union have reintroduced their educational loan at a preferential rate of 6% (Apr 6.17%) for parents and third-level students to ease the burden of attending college.

Information on all Roscommon Credit Union’s loans are available on the www.roscommoncu.ie website or by emailing loans@roscommoncu. ie. Members can also calculate re-

Thursday July 13th, 2023 – make sure you are in to win! Roscommon Credit Union is going from strength to strength, Bernie credits this to their members, who through their loyalty and support, continue to

payments with their online loan calculator on the website. While the launch day was all about the ATM service, we cannot forget the host of FREE member services and benefits, including free loan protection, a free make a will service, online and mobile banking services, allowing members to apply and download a loan electronically and importantly our bi-annual member only cash prize draw which takes

grow month on month, and avail of loans. Over the last few months alone, we have lent over €1 million to our members each month, both Bernie and the Board of Directors would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the members for

place on Thursday, July 13th, 2023, with a first prize of €10,000 and 10 cash prizes in total to be won. Entry in branch only; please call us on 090 6626657 to check if you are already entered.

their continued trust and loyalty.

Finally, a special word of thanks to our growing staff from all four branch offices, who provide a friendly, personal and professional touch to everything we do. They are the people who meet you

From strength to strength Roscommon Credit Union is going from strength to strength. Bernie Moran (CEO) credits this to 15,000+

our members every day with a smile and put Credit Unions where it is as at the top for the 8th consecutive year in a row topping the Ireland Customer Experience Report list for customer experience.

members, a figure which, through their loyalty and support, continues to grow month on month, and avail of loans. Over the last few months alone, we have lent over €1 million to our members each month. Both Bernie and the Board of Directors would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the members for their continued trust and loyalty.

A thank you

Finally, a special word of thanks to our growing staff from all four branch offices, who provide a friendly, personal, and professional touch to everything we do. Credit unions consistently rank number one in both the Ireland RepTrak® and the Customer Experience annual studies, which measures public trust and sentiment towards hundreds of Irish organisations.

Fannon RCU, Cllr Joe Murphy, Mary McDermott, Bernie Moran RCU, Senator Eugene Murphy, David Malone CEO ILCU, Cllr Tom Crosby, Will Caffrey Cennox, John Devaney Chair RCU, Marin Boskovic Cennox, Mary Shanagher, Mary Flynn RCU, Cllr Valerie Byrne, Lorna Tully RCU, Mary T Molloy Director RCU, Veronica Quinn RCU, Anthony Lee Director RCU and members.

Bernie Moran believes it’s the friendly manner of the staff our members deal with on a daily basis that ensures credit unions remain in first place as they have done for the past eight consecutive years.

The first ATM transaction taking place by Roscommon Credit Union by the first member Marie Lee at the Elphin branch.

The launch of the ATM services by Roscommon Credit Union at the Elphin branch.

L-R: Bernie Moran CEO RCU, Anthony Lee Director RCU, Cllr Valerie Byrne, John Devaney Chair RCU, Annie Bracken, Marie Lee, Cllr Tom Crosby, David Malone CEO ILCU, Mary Flynn RCU, Lorna Tully RCU, Veronica Quinn RCU, Marin Boskovic Cennox, Senator Eugene Murphy, Will Caffrey Cennox and Sinead Fannon. The first ATM transaction taking place by Roscommon Credit Union by the first member Mary Shanagher at the Strokestown branch.

The launch of the ATM services by Roscommon Credit Union at the Strokestown branch.

L-R: Sinead

The first ATM transaction taking place at the Roscommon Credit Union branch office by the first member, Derry O’Donnell.

The first ATM transaction taking place at Roscommon Credit Union’s Elphin branch office by the first member, Marie Lee.

The first ATM transaction taking place at Roscommon Credit Union’s Ballaghaderreen branch by the first member, Fr Johnston.

The first ATM transaction taking place at Roscommon Credit Union’s Strokestown branch office by the first member, Mary Shanagher.

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

Community push for a better future brings back memories of old school days

Our man Frank on a community campaign for more facilities for adults with additional needs; Reflections on last weekend’s GAA action… and a tale of 40 cars (or so)…

It’s Thursday evening of last week as I write, and I find myself heading to Creggs to attend a public meeting called by Ger Dowd, chairperson of the Creggs Care Association, to discuss the provision of future facilities in our area for adults with additional needs.

I have to admit that I was surprised at the huge crowd that turned up, and not for the first time I appreciated the great benefit the big school hall is to the area. As the people all gathered in, I was struck by the large number of politicians who had made their way to Creggs. We had Minister Anne Rabbitte, as well as three more TDs, several senators and county councillors. As the evening wore on, they all pledged to back the ambitious project and to give it every possible support.

The project itself, which Minister Rabbitte told us will run to between €6 million and €8 million, will no doubt be well covered in this newspaper by the attending Dan Dooner, but as I listened to all the very deserved tributes paid to Ger Dowd and his excellent staff for the wonderful developments that have taken place in Creggs National School over the last

ming pool, and a staff room, is rightly regarded as one of the best in the region and is certainly a long way removed from the school that I attended all those years ago. Back then we had two classrooms, heated by a pathetic potez

heater that was so useless the damp used to run down the walls in the winter. We had outside toilets at the end of the schoolyard with no running water and a flat board (about a nine by two) as the toilet seat. There were also shelters with a roof to keep us dry from the rain (but which were otherwise totally exposed to the wind and cold). We used these as football pitches if the conditions were too bad to facilitate play outside. We had a football pitch behind the shelters, and the games that took place out there were, even then, not for the fainthearted.

Funnily enough, we always had different entertainers calling to the school. We had magicians, Punch and Judy puppeteers, musicians and singers – all visiting and making our school days more than bearable.

My father Bill was the principal in those days. As I pondered on school life back then, I wondered what he and all the other teachers who have passed through Creggs since would make of the place as it is today! I have to say that I doubt if any of them would believe what they’d see, so amazing have been the improvements that have taken place.

Anyway, everybody spoke about the great community spirit there is in Creggs, and all the politicians promised to back the vitally important provision of facilities for the most vulnerable section of our society. So now all they need to do is back up their words with actions, and in a couple of years or so we will have something here that may change the disability landscape in the entire country.

And finally… 40 cars

later…

A young friend of ours is presently looking to buy his first car, and as I heard about his ongoing search, I thought back to my younger days and my own very first one, a VW Beetle. Then I went back over all the cars that I can remember having to date in my life.

After the VW, I had a most beautiful two-tone Sunbeam Vogue with a wonderful real walnut dash. Unfortunately, that car sadly met a bad end when I tried to drive it up a tree after a night out in Dundalk RFC. My next one was an ex-squad car, a Hillman Avenger, which was so out of line that one of the front tyres had to be a good deal bigger than the other three to balance it. It too came to an unfortunate end when I parked it on top of a wall on my way home from a rugby club buffet in Roscommon.

I must have improved as a driver after that though, be-

cause the Ford Escorts, Granadas, Cortinas, Capri, Fiestas and Scorpio that I had at various times all made it through unscathed. However, the two Ford Sierras that I had weren’t so lucky; both ‘met their maker’ against two different, but very unforgiving, walls.

There were also a couple of Opel Asconas, Toyota Carinas, a Morris Ital, an Austin Allegro, several Volvos, a Nissan Maxima, a number of VW Passats, a Vauxhall Viva, an Opel Corsa and a few Hillman Hunters – the last of which followed the previous trend as I left it balancing precariously on a neighbouring farmer’s wall.

The prince of all the cars that I had was an automatic Renault 30, which had as much power as a turbocharged jet fighter, and which (don’t tell anyone) a friend of mine once claimed to have driven to Ballinasloe in 19 minutes. I don’t know if that’s true or not, but I’d have to say the car would have been capable of doing it in that time.

And so, as I looked back over my motoring history, the first thing I realised is that I am very lucky to have survived so many accidents without as much as a scratch. As my young friend embarks on his driving life, I have to tell him the road is now a very dangerous place, so be careful, obey all the rules of the road, and simply take care.

All told, I have had about 40 different cars during my life, nearly all of which are long since obsolete, so when he gets his new one, if he follows my example, he’ll have another 39 to go! I hope he gets sorted as soon as possible.

I don’t really want to finish this week’s piece by mentioning last weekend’s football games, but whether we are on the Galway or Roscommon side of the border this Monday morning makes no difference, as we are both out of the race for this year’s Sam Maguire.

A one-point defeat was the heartbreaking outcome for both teams. I didn’t see the Rossies play so I don’t know whether or not they were hard done by, but the sad news for us Galway folk is that our lads were simply not good enough.

Too many easy misses from scoreable positions cost us dearly, and the harsh truth is that we are as far away from an All-Ireland as we ever were – last year’s final appearance was great, but realistically it had to be won – as it’s not easy to get back again the following year.

The quarter-final draw had thrown up some brilliant fixtures, with Mayo likely to be licking their lips at the thought of taking on the Dubs. For Roscommon and Galway, the race is run, and there can be little doubt that while the Rossies went forward in 2023, sadly the conclu-

sion must be that the Tribesmen went backwards.

However, our hurlers at least are still in it after beating Tipperary in as poor a game as I have seen in a long time.

But, as Henry Shefflin said, Galway didn’t want a free-flowing, open game as that would have suited the Tipp men. Limerick will be red-hot favourites in the semi-final, but there just might be something more to this Galway team than we have seen so far.

Anyway, it was a sad weekend for all our footballers, and it’s now left to Mayo to carry the western flag. Four teams from Ulster making it to the quarter-finals says a thing or two about the strength of the game in that province, but Dublin and Kerry will both feel they can go the whole way. I haven’t mentioned Cork as possible winners as they face a very formidable Derry in their next game, and it may prove a bridge too far for the Leesiders.

The only good news for us is that we have a big weekend of games to look forward to! (Hopefully they’re not all on GAAGO!).

Minister Anne Rabbitte pictured speaking at the Creggs public meeting last Thursday. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin fifteen years or so, I found my mind drifting back to my own school days, now over sixty years ago. The school, which now boasts three or four classrooms along with the big hall, the famous Sunshine Room, an all-weather pitch, a swim-

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Roscommon improves in latest IBAL rankings

The latest nationwide survey by Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) shows that Roscommon town has improved to 16th position in the anti-litter league and is considered ‘Clean to European Norms’.

The county town was languishing in 32nd position in the rankings this time last year and was judged to be

‘Moderately Littered’.

A spokesperson for An Taisce, who carry out the surveys for IBAL, commented: “A very strong result for Roscommon with seven out of the ten sites surveyed getting the top litter grade. These included the residential area of Hyde Court, Tesco and the two shopping streets, Goff Street and Main Street. The latter was particularly freshly pre-

sented with lovely paving, planter boxes, seating, bollards, etc.

“The two most heavily littered sites are laneways – the laneway at Matrix Gym and laneway to the rear of Casey’s Circle K and close to Roscommon Fire Station”.

Over 90 per cent of towns surveyed were deemed clean compared with just 28 per cent of city areas.

Maynooth won out ahead of Mal-

Two incidents of criminal damage at property in Boyle

Gardaí have confirmed that they are investigating two separate incidents of criminal damage this month at a property in the Forest View area of Boyle.

The first incident is believed to have occurred some time between June 1st and 3rd and involved the spray-painting of graffiti on a vehicle which was parked outside the house.

The second incident, which occurred between 9 pm on Monday, June 19th and 9 pm on Tuesday, June 20th saw a number of tyres slashed on a separate vehicle.

Gardaí are appealing to any witnesses or anyone with information to contact them at Boyle Garda Station on 071-9664620 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111.

low, Kilkenny, Clonmel and Ennis. Dundalk, ‘seriously littered’ at the very foot of the table, and ‘moderately littered’ Tralee, were the sole towns to miss out on clean status. Waterford and Galway were once again our only clean cities. The survey also showed that PPE litter has not disappeared entirely, with masks found in 7 per cent of sites. There was a slight drop in the

prevalence of alcohol cans and bottles, but coffee cups were present in 20 per cent of sites, which, IBAL maintains, backs up the need for a coffee cup levy. There was also an increase in cigarette butt litter, the survey showed.

Meanwhile, vaping devices were included as a litter type for the first time and were evident in 6 per cent of sites.

Sinead and Maureen Lally pictured presenting the proceeds of Paddy Lally’s 80th birthday party, held at the Glencastle Lounge in Glinsk, to David O’Donnell of Cancer Care West.

Coffee Morning to celebrate new services at Eurona Brisknet (7 July)

Eurona Brisknet: Customer service and technical expertise in Roscommon

< DAN DOONER

Based on the Golf Links Road in Roscommon town, Eurona Brisknet was first established in 2007 alongside Cavan-based Eurona Arden with a particular focus on delivering reliable rural broadband services across Ireland.

General Manager Barry Wilson says the company has come a long way in the past 16 years or so.

“Originally, there was a company there in 2006 which provided up to 3 megabit broadband but we’ve now got to the stage in the fixed wireless side of things that we can provide up to 60mb broadband” he said.

“We have an affiliate company called Eurona Arden up in Cavan who we work hand in hand with, providing National Broadband Ireland broadband that can go up to 2GB”.

Barry says Eurona’s operations extend right across Roscommon and into neighbouring counties.

“Eurona Brisknet in Roscommon serves the local community, as well as the wider district including the entire county, and into Longford and east Galway,” he explained.

“We started out at a very low level but over the years we have grown to be able to provide a more resilient, reliable service at a speed people require. We are constantly evolving because we can see the business growing and growing on the fixed wireless front. We are also doing this at a price that’s affordable”.

Technical expertise and customer service are at the very heart of what drives Eurona’s dedicated staff.

“Speaking to us here in the office, it’s someone you know, someone who’s local and someone who can converse with people on a local level. That’s totally intrinsic to what we do here. It’s what we specialise in,” Barry said.

“We’re on your doorstep providing a different type of product which is more accessible, more friendly, and more available…when someone has a problem our guys will pop out to get it sorted as quickly as possible. That’s the type of service we are striving to provide.

“At the moment we are doing a 60mb product and we have a new entry level subscription of €22.50 for the first 12

A focus on ‘Mesh’ WiFi systems…

Among the most popular products on offer at Eurona Brisknet are Mesh WiFi systems, which are designed to deliver consistent broadband from one end of your home or business to the other.

Barry Wilson explains: “The range extenders and Mesh systems are kind of critical at this stage. We hear from a lot of customers that they are experiencing a drop in connectivity in certain parts of the house. Mesh systems are the solution these days rather than moving the router around!”

The systems, produced by world-renowned TP-Link, come in all shapes and sizes and at prices to suit all customers.

“What we’re supplying here are the ‘Deco’ systems which are rock-solid. They provide stability and resilience and come in three different versions,” Barry says.

“The first version offers up to 100mb throughput, another is up to 1GB throughput, and the third is a very discreet, ceiling-mounted version. There’s something there for everyone really”.

months which is brilliant in the current market.

“That’s us: we’re here to give people a choice, and to provide a different option in

the market because we feel it’s something that people need in the current environment”. To enquire about the

broadband options on offer at Eurona Brisknet or for advice on a wide range of Smart products, visit the store on the Golf Links

Road, Roscommon, Freephone 1800-885522, call the office on 090-6634319, email info@eurona.ie or log on to www.eurona.ie

Coffee Morning in aid of Hospice

Eurona Brisknet will host a Coffee Morning on Friday, July 7th at its premises on Golf Links Road, Roscommon town in aid of Hospice. Everyone is welcome on the day, with all proceeds going towards Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation. The event begins at 10 am and all support would be gratefully appreciated.

Eurona: Doing ‘Smart’ business across the region and beyond!

As part of further expansion into the Irish tech market, Eurona Brisknet has unveiled a new range of Smart products, both online and in store at its premises on the Golf Links Road in Roscommon town, headed up by manager, Hazel Lannon, whose technical knowledge and attention to customer care are driving this new endeavour.

General Manager Barry Wilson says the company is responding to customer demand across the region.

“We’ve been here (on the Golf Links Road) since around 2012 and we were concentrated on fixed wireless broadband but what we’re initiating now is a whole range of smart products to complement what we’re doing already,” Barry said.

“Basically, what we’re finding is that our own customers, and indeed customers of other broadband providers, are looking for the likes of smart bulbs, smart plugs and other products

that can lead to a more sustainable existence”. A range of products including energy monitoring Smart plugs, indoor and outdoor security cameras, Smart bulbs, TP Link home mesh WiFi systems, video doorbells, and kinetic switches is available in store and at www. eurona.ie

“We stock a wide range of products in store here as part of a revamp which we believe enhances our presence in Roscommon,” Barry added.

“We also have a very convenient online sales mechanism which really works well with the physical store here. Our range of smart products also enables us to draw attention to what we already offer in terms of broadband.

“We are a local company and we’re encouraging people to come to us when sourcing their smart products. We also supply both locally and nationally”.

Barry Wilson, Hazel Lannon and Jan Pazitka from Eurona Brisknet in Roscommon pictured in their newly-refurbished premises on the Golf Links Road in Roscommon Town. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Some of the Broadband products now on sale in the newly-refurbished Eurona Brisknet premises on the Golf Links Road in Roscommon Town. Pic: Kieran Croghan

The newly-refurbished Eurona Brisknet premises on the Golf Links Road in Roscommon Town. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Why did we invest more in the submersible than the migrant ship?

gers, get a sense of who they were and empathise with them, than it is to imagine the true scale and scope of the tragedy that occurred off the coast of Italy, especially when so much less is known about who those on board were.

Alannah Ita Healy

By now, we all know the sad fate of the passengers who were aboard the Titan submersible. The revelation late last week that debris belonging to the vessel was found on the seafloor has all but confirmed what had begun to look more and more likely – that is that the sub had suffered an instantaneous implosion the same day it disappeared.

But until we learned of the debris’ discovery, there was still a chance of a happy ending, of an against-all-odds twist in which all five passengers would be found safe and well. This lingering possibility – that everything could yet turn out okay for the lost passengers – is no doubt what spurred most ordinary people to keenly follow the story, hopeful of an endof-the-survival-movie outcome – like we saw earlier this month with the four children who were found alive after surviving a plane crash and spending weeks fending for themselves in the Amazon jungle. After all, it’s only human to root for the happy ending, however slim the chance of it may be.

And in truth, it would’ve been hard to avoid following the story anyways, so non-stop and widespread was the coverage of it. The story absolutely dominated front pages and social media day after day. News outlets dedicated entire subsections of their sites to live updates – ‘Titan submersible disappearance’ a category all its own alongside the usual categories covering broader topics like ‘politics’, ‘sport’, etc. Then there was the massive international response from governments, which involved the efforts of four separate countries and reportedly cost in the realm of several million dollars. However, as people have begun to point out, the sub’s disappearance was far from the only maritime tragedy to occur recently – nor was

it even close to the most fatal. The Wednesday before the Titan story erupted, one of the biggest tragedies to ever take place on the Mediterranean Sea occurred when a boat carrying about 750 people (including 100 children) capsized on its way to Italy. At the time of writing, it has been reported that over 300 of those on board have died, in what is quite literally one of the deadliest maritime disasters to occur in Europe in decades.

And yet, this tragedy did not receive even a fraction of the media coverage, nor anywhere close to the millions in resources, that we saw go towards finding the submersible. Hundreds more people were affected, hundreds more lost their lives or were missing or were seriously injured, and yet the response, comparatively, was utterly scant. Why?

The key reason many have cited for this disparity comes down to who was on the respective

vessels. The people aboard the boat that sunk in the Mediterranean were migrants, mainly Pakistani and Afghan. Meanwhile, the passengers on the Titan were billionaires and multimillionaires (to give you an idea of how well off they were, their admittance onto the sub alone cost $250k a head). Knowing this, it’s hard not to conclude class played a major role in why the responses to these tragedies were so different, and why the incident which claimed by far the most lives received a fraction of the attention the other did.

When it comes to public interest though, I do think there are other factors for why people invested less into the story of the migrant ship than that of the submersible. We’ve all heard the phrase, ‘the death of one man is a tragedy but the death of a million is a statistic’; it’s a lot easier to read the bios circulating about each of the Titan passen-

I think too that people were more drawn to the submersible story specifically because of its link to the Titanic. Many have commented on there being significant parallels between the fate of the Titan and that of the Titanic itself – considering some of the details to come out suggesting the sub didn’t meet safety standards in the first place, many have rushed to point out that both stories share elements like the hubris of the wealthy, cut corners around precautions coming back to bite, and humans ultimately being powerless against the natural world.

It’s a point of interest for people, these parallels, just as it was a point of interest being able to find out who the people on the sub were, and (as mentioned earlier) having to wait to find out whether the story would have a happy or tragic ending. All of this did, I think, contribute to people’s fascination with the story. But at the same time, while there are a few understandable reasons the public might be more drawn to the submersible story, it’s still hard to reconcile the disparity between the attention given to each tragedy, and specifically, the response from governments (and other agencies) and the media.

Both of these incidents are tragedies. Both impacted more than those on board the vessels; their loved ones too are affected. And I recognise I am kind of comparing tragedies, which is always a messy business, but it sort of seems like the world already has compared the two and decided which one it cares most about – and they’ve chosen to care about the known-to-be-dangerous trip the rich folk went on for recreation, not the trip made out of desperation by hundreds of less well off people.

We have room to care about both tragedies, and we have the resources too. We need to be mindful of when important stories don’t receive enough attention. And we need to try and make sure that resources and coverage aren’t attributed to just the most ‘sensational’ story of the week, but in fact distributed fairly, and where they are most needed.

Successful fundraiser for Joseph’s Journey at Runnamoat NS

Recently, a large group of people, both young and old, gathered in the village of Ballinaheglish to take part in a walk in aid of Joseph’s Journey organised by the staff of Runnamoat National School.

The Joseph’s Journey Gofundme campaign was set up by Michael and Aoife Belton, parents of nine-year-old Joseph Belton, who was diagnosed with a neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer, in September 2021.

The money raised will help Joseph undergo newly-emerging treatment, in the form of a cancer vaccine trial. He is currently being treated in Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York.

Following a recent jam-packed Active School Week, the school and local community came out in force to support the walk which was led by acting principal Claire Casey.

Organisers are very grateful to both stewards and local Gardaí from Castlerea who assisted on the day and kept everyone safe.

After the walk all participants were invited into the resplendent grounds of Runnamoat NS for refreshments, organised by the school’s Parents’ Association.

To date, a total of €1,425 has been raised for Joseph’s Journey. Molly and Anne-Marie Belton spoke on the day and thanked all involved with the fundraising. They informed the assembled crowd that Joseph had started his treatment and that it was going very well.

The great turnout for the Joseph’s Journey fundraiser and the fantastic amount raised show that community spirit is alive and well in Ballinaheglish. All in Runnamoat National School wish Joseph and his family all the best during the course of his treatment.

The OceanGate Titan submersible.

Andrew, Aoibheann, Odhran and Fiona Belton pictured at the recent fundraiser for Joseph’s Journey at Runnamoat National School.

Cllr Anthony Waldron and Bernie Condron pictured at the recent fundraiser for Joseph’s Journey at Runnamoat National School.

Mary Concannon, Claire Casey, Mary Crowley, Michael McCormack, Marion Kelly and Fiona Geraghty pictured at the recent fundraiser for Joseph’s Journey at Runnamoat National School.

‘Families abandoned, voices floating into the abyss’

Aresident of the Lough Funshinagh area has described the ongoing ordeal being experienced by people there as “a humanitarian crisis”.

In a letter to the Roscommon People (below) Avril Dowd-Cloonan writes: “The nightmare is now ongoing since 2016, with families living on a continual sword edge and voices floating into the abyss”.

Expressing concern for wildlife, she says it is “quite depressing to see the number of wildfowl dwindle as a result of being left homeless”.

On the wider issue of the fate of residents in the area – arising from the flooding crisis – she says: “The local media flurry has now died off, and the families along the shorelines feel abandoned”.

Rahara, Athleague, Co Roscommon

Dear Editor,

I sit here writing this letter as the rain beats against the kitchen window. One cannot but wonder what is to come next. The saga continues. The saga of the flooding along the shores of Lough Funshinagh, Rahara, Co. Roscommon, that is.

One family were forced out of their home over two years ago because of the flooding, and their home was demolished shortly thereafter. The only evidence of them ever having lived there is a remaining boundary wall and a pink cabbage rose, which stands firm.

The nightmare is now ongoing since 2016, with families living on a continual sword edge and voices floating into the abyss. We are informed by government officials that the matter must go through Europe, which could take between three and five years. I am afraid that will be too little, too late. At that stage, there will be three houses lost, with the possibility of up to seven, dependant on rainwater levels. This is a humanitarian crisis. We have had meetings after meet-

ings, with no glimmer of hope or relief in sight.

As an avid nature lover who runs the shoreline most days, it is quite depressing to see the number of wildfowl dwindle as a result of being left homeless. Our resident hooper swans are depleted from flocks of twenty or thirty, to seven or eight maximum. The local media flurry has now died off, and the families along the shorelines feel abandoned.

As a concerned resident and nature lover living along the shoreline, I will be most grateful if you would include my letter and poem in your next edition as a means of keeping our voices alive.

Yours sincerely,

Avril Dowd-Cloonan

Lough Funshinagh Grá

Avril Dowd-Cloonan

She arouses an awe with a hive of sur-veil-lance, So tall and so slender with a stature so delicate. Albeit disguised with a tension so brave, To mention the hooper on the shoreline so faint.

Burning fiercely bright with caution of rising tide, A mother calls children – stand firm with neighbourly aid. Care and respect to the water with an eye on con-niving raid, We fight for our Lakelands where the bleating nare fades.

Courageously red and rising relentlessly above, The love of the land feeds abundance of love. When the lake will recede craves a village of peace, Arc of fields for the wildfowl, we’re the voice that they breathe.

Plough on precious poppies and flutter the breeze, Lough Funshinagh our beast will come to an ease. The cobwebs are falling and soon a great light, All standing together in this persistent great fight.

The land will return when the blackbird soars strong, Burning souls’ choir together as the rhythm lives on. Won’t the suits lose the red tape and join our great plight. Céad míle fáilte from Rahara, but hurry, it’s such a sad sight.

Pictured is Ciara Hourigan, Athleague National School Student of the Year, being presented with the Fr Leogue Memorial Cup by Rev. Fr. Eugene McLoughlin and Principal Avril Hickey.

Avril Dowd-Cloonan pictured with her dog Oscar, beside Lough Funshinagh on Wednesday. Pic: Kieran Croghan

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Minister commits €250k for design and feasibility study for new additional needs centre in Creggs

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Minister of State Anne Rabbitte has announced that €250,000 will be allocated for the design and feasibility study for a proposed residential and day care facility for young adults with additional needs in Creggs.

The Minister of State at the Department of Health made the announcement at a public meeting in Creggs National School on Thursday last.

The meeting was organised by Creggs Care Association, who, along with Ability West, has been running the Avondale Centre at the local rugby club in the village since 2021.

Creggs Care Association Chairperson

and Creggs NS Principal, Ger Dowd, who has been at the forefront of efforts to improve services for those with additional needs in the village, said the plan was to build a day centre for young adults which would include a respite centre for families as well as a community enterprise hub.

Addressing the meeting, Minister Anne Rabbitte said the overall project could cost up to €8 million but would be seen as a ‘centre of excellence’ in the provision of services to those with additional needs.

Minister Rabbitte said the study would be complete by mid-September but the overall project would take a number of years to complete.

She urged local councillors and other public representatives to get the project ‘over the line’ once it reached the planning stage.

“I don’t want anything I commit to to be tied up in bureaucracy, I need the job done. So tonight, I’m committing €250,000 for a design and feasibility study,” she said.

“I want it done now because I need to head into an estimates process knowing what this would cost. My time is limited…so I have to make sure I have a design study done so this is on a Capital plan”.

Creggs has long been considered a centre of learning for children and adolescents with additional needs and the

Sunshine Room at the local national school has provided a warm and caring learning environment for children for the last number of years.

Ger Dowd said the new facility, which would be built on land donated by his brother and Tarmon NS Principal Kieran Dowd, was vital as children reached school-leaving age.

“15 years ago, we started the special class in Creggs NS and it has developed from there. We have two classes now, but a lot of the children are now moving on to secondary school and adult services and this is something that we have to address…we want our families living and growing up in their own community,” he told last Thursday’s meeting.

Strong local support for new facility

There was a large turnout for last Thursday’s public meeting at Creggs National School to discuss the development of a new centre to provide services for adults with special needs. Those in attendance were addressed by each of the local TDs and senators, and a number of local councillors, as well as HSE Area Manager John Fitzmaurice and Ability West CEO Audrey Pidgeon.

Independent TD Denis Naughten said the services developed in Creggs would be of benefit to children and young adults in surrounding areas, including Roscommon.

“Having the community behind it shows the commitment here and I think Creggs should be used as a pilot and a template. If we can develop it here then we can see the ‘Creggs model’ being used in other communities around the country,” he said.

Fellow Independent Michael Fitzmaurice said

the project was “above politics” adding that every parent wishes to look after their child as long as possible at home, but that ‘follow-on’ facilities and services were needed.

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane praised the huge amount of work being done in Creggs around the provision of services. She also called on Minister Rabbitte to roll out a project currently available in Louth and Dublin for 16-24-yearolds in order to offer further education.

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy described the meeting as “a statement of intent” from the local community and said what had been achieved so far at Creggs NS was phenomenal.

“I’m sure all of my political colleagues will give this 100 per cent and I will too as long as I’m in office,” he said.

Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan said Government funding delivering such services in rural areas was at the heart of balanced regional development.

“We fight for our budget and we have to make

sure these services happen in our local areas. Here, thanks to a community coming together and land being offered to provide this facility, this is what we see happening now,” she said.

Ballygar GP Martin Daly described Creggs as “an outstanding community” and said services for those with additional needs had come a long way in past decades but would need to be safeguarded for future generations.

“We see a lot of elderly people coming to our clinic every day worried about the future of their intellectually or physically disabled adults and where they’re going to go,” he said.

“We really have to plan and it’s not a negative sum game…it’s absolutely important we keep them in the heart of our community and give them that care in those communities”.

The meeting also heard statements of support from local people including Aidan Farrell of Creggs Rugby Club, John Hanley of Creggs GAA, and a number of county councillors from both Roscommon and Galway.

Mr Dowd paid tribute to both Ability West and Creggs Rugby Club for their support of Avondale Centre, adding that the hub for young people with additional needs was providing “care and joy” to families.

Meanwhile, Head of Service at Community Healthcare West, John Fitzmaurice, highlighted the proposed centre’s importance in terms of future HSE community services. He welcomed the local community’s support for the project. Audrey Pidgeon, CEO of Ability West, also addressed those present, and paid tribute to the efforts of Ger Dowd and those involved in the provision of local services through Creggs Care Association.

Pictured at the recent Creggs public meeting were Minister Anne Rabbitte, Audrey Pidgeon (CEO, Ability West), John Fitzmaurice (Chief Officer, CHO2 HSE) and Ger Dowd (Chairperson, Creggs Care Association). Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Senator Aisling Dolan and Cllr Tony Ward pictured last Thursday with Eilish and Larry Kilcommins at the public meeting in Creggs. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

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Parent Mary Moore pictured speaking at the recent public meeting in Creggs. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Mindfulness for Adults

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Decluttering Workshop with Fiona Hall, originally scheduled for Thursday, June 29th, at 6 pm, will not go ahead as planned. This workshop will be rescheduled for a later date. A Mindfulness for Adults event with Avril Mullally will take place instead. For further information, please email Roscommon Library at library@roscommoncoco.ie.

Free herb walk in Roscommon

A free herb walk will take place in Roscommon Town on Monday, July 3rd, at 11 am with herbalist Paula Sharkey, courtesy of the Roscommon LEADER Partnership Company. Booking is essential, so to confirm your place, contact Teresa O’Brien on 086 029 1215.

Keogh ‘honoured’ to take Cathaoirleach role

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Cllr John Keogh was elected as the new Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council at Áras an Chontae on Monday afternoon and immediately called for the upgrade of the N61 to a national primary route.

The Fianna Fáil representative for the Athlone Municipal District, who succeeds outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Tom Crosby, proposed writing a letter to the Minister for Transport to upgrade the road from a national secondary route.

Cllr Keogh said it was “an honour and a privilege” to be elected Cathaoirleach and thanked both Cllr Cummins and Cllr John Naughten for putting his name forward.

He said the year ahead

would be a busy one but that he looked forward to embracing the role and representing the people of County Roscommon at local, national, and international level.

“I thank my family, friends and supporters for their unwavering support over the years. I fondly remember all those who started the journey with me many years ago but have since gone to their eternal reward, especially my later mother and father, Celia and Michael,” he said.

“Most of all I thank the people of South Roscommon who placed their faith in me by electing me to Roscommon County Council in 2009 and again in 2014 and 2019. My election to this position would not be possible without your support”.

The Fianna Fáil councillor, who became Cathaoirleach for the first time, won the vote by eleven votes to five ahead of Independent councillor Kathleen Shanagher.

Independent Valerie Byrne and Sinn Féin’s Michael Mulligan had abstained from the vote.

Cllr John Cummins was elected as Leas Cathaoirleach, suc-

Gospel Reflection

Sunday July 2nd

ceeding Cllr Laurence Fallon. Cllr Cummins, a representative in the Boyle LEA, is set to step down from local politics at the next local election next year.

Street Auction and Cake Sale in Strokestown!

Strokestown Community Development Association are holding a Street Auction and Cake Sale this Friday (30th) in aid of Strokestown Community Playground. The event takes place from 12 noon on Bawn Street in the town and items for auction are still being accepted. There will also be live music on the day and a book sale. All are welcome to attend and all donations will be very gratefully received.

The liturgy this week continues to instruct us in the elements of discipleship. We’re told that even the most humble among us have a share in the mission Christ gives to His Church.

We’re not all called to the ministry of the Apostles or to be prophets like Elisha in today’s First Reading. But each of us is called to a holy life (see 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:3).

At Baptism, our lives were joined forever to the Cross of Christ, as Paul tells us in today’s Epistle. Baptized into His death, we’re to renounce sin and live for God in Christ Jesus. We are to follow Him, each of us taking up our personal cross, as Jesus says in today’s Gospel. That doesn’t mean we will all be asked to suffer a martyr’s death. But each of us is called to self-denial, to the offering of our lives in service of God’s plan.

Jesus must be elevated to first place in our lives – above even our closest bonds of kinship and love. By Baptism, we’ve been made part of a new family: the kingdom of God, the Church. We are to proclaim that kingdom with our lives, bringing our fathers, our mothers, and all men and women to live as little ones under the fatherhood of God and the kingship of the Holy One.

We do this by opening our hearts and homes to the service of the Lord, following the Shunnamite woman’s example in today’s First Reading. As Jesus tells us, we’re to receive others – not only prophets but also little children, the poor, and the imprisoned – as we receive Christ Himself (see Matthew 18:5; 25:31-46).

As we sing in today’s Psalm, we are to testify to His favours and kindness in our lives.

We’re to hold fast to the promise – that if we have died with Christ, we shall also live, that if we lose our lives for His sake, we shall find our reward and walk forever in His countenance.

-Scott Hahn PhD, salvationhistory.com (courtesy of Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon)

10-year-old Maggie Keane from Glinsk NS pictured with Cllr Liam Carroll of Galway County Council (now the new Cathaoirleach), receiving her cert and prize for an Anti-Litter Poster Competition she took part in.

Pictured is three-year-old Fiadh Hanley, Loughglynn, visiting her uncle Jonathan Hanley in Scoil Ghrainne, Dublin, where he is Principal, with a total staff of over 70 people. Jonathan is son of Tom and Rosanna Hanley, Aughaderry and past pupil of Loughglynn NS and St Nathy’s College, Ballaghaderreen.

Superfans unite: Legendary Roscommon fan Kevin Farrell from Elphin meets legendary Cork fan, Cyril Kavanagh, last Saturday when the Rossies fell to a Rebel ambush in the AllIreland Preliminary Quarter-Final at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

The newly-appointed Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr John Keogh, pictured with family and friends. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Pictured at Roscommon County Council’s AGM on Monday were Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr John Cummins, Chief Executive Shane Tiernan, and new Cathaoirleach Cllr John Keogh. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

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Night and Day organisers thank acts and fans for ‘brilliant weekend’

The large crowd of festival-goers that descended on County Roscommon last weekend were delighted as they basked in the sunshine and the wonderful family-friendly atmosphere at the Night and Day music festival which took place in Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle. The two-day music festival, which is now in its second year, was a great success. Music acts such as Emma Langford, The Eskies and Dublin-based band, The Pillow Queens took to the stage on Saturday while Mercury Rev and

the Hothouse Flowers were among the headline acts on Sunday.

Music Generation Roscommon performed on the Luna stage on Sunday morning which gave all the young people involved a fantastic opportunity to get the experience of playing a music festival.

In a post to their social media channels on Monday afternoon, the organisers wrote: “And that’s a wrap! We can’t believe Night

and Day 2023 has come to a close. Much love to all our fantastic acts, who set the tempo for a brilliant weekend; to our amazing creatives, activity providers, vendors, and sponsors who helped keep us entertained and equipped; to @loughkeyforestpark for providing us with our dream festival backdrop; and to everyone who came along and danced, sang, and celebrated the weekend with us and filled it with life. Hope to see you all again soon x”

Beezneez comedy in Arts Centre tonight

Playwright John McDwyer was watching the Six One News one evening when an item caught his attention. This set in train a thought process which resulted in him writing his latest play, ‘The Pension Plan’, which takes to the stage at Roscommon Arts Centre this evening, Thursday, 29th of June, at 8 pm.

It coincided with a wish on his part to write a high-comedy/farce. ‘The Pension Plan’ makes no demands on an audience, and Beezneez invites people to just enjoy the madcap situation delivered in the play. McDwyer, who also directs the play, has assembled what he describes as a ‘Champions League’ squad, with Pat Feeley, Valerie Traynor, Gerry Farrell and Barry Deignan all featuring in the cast.

In the play, the bachelor Flanagan brothers live a life of peaceful contentment on their hillside farm, disturbed only by the persistent efforts of their spinster neighbour, Ann Catherine, to marry either or both of them. Their tranquil existence is thrown into disarray by a visiting stranger who brings news that threatens to turn their world upside down. Salvation may come from an unlikely source, but at what price? Who is the stranger? What disturbing news does he bring and how will the brothers extricate themselves from a very tricky situation?

The Pension Plan comes to Roscommon Arts Centre at 8 pm tonight, Thursday, June 29th, as part of a national tour. Tickets are €18/16 and are available now from box office on 090 662 5824 and from roscommonartscentre.ie.

Derryglad Folk and Heritage Museum celebrates 25 years in great style

€3,515 raised for Hospice

On Sunday, the 18th of June, Derryglad Folk and Heritage Museum marked their 25th anniversary, hosting a large crowd at the museum grounds to celebrate the milestone. There was music, song, dance, and storytelling at the event. The music was provided by Sean and Lucy Nally of Clonown, Ronan Hanrahan from Taughmaconnell, and Nigel Tully of Clontuskert, while internationally known storyteller Vincent Pierse from

Knockcroghery had the crowd in fits of laughter. Kevin Cunniffe from Taughmaconnell, a man of many talents, gave several demonstrations of Séan Nós dancing, and Batty O’Brien from Knockcroghery entertained on the trumpet.

The big attraction on the day was the old-style country butter-making demonstration by the Carter family from Co. Laois.

The celebration cake was cut by Helen O’Brien from Miltown, and it was another piece of history for the museum as it was her late mother who cut the cake at the original opening 25 years ago.

On the 14th of July 1998, the museum was officially opening by local singing star Brendan Shine. He sent his apologies for being unable to attend the 25th anniversary event as he is currently on tour. The event doubled as a fundraiser for Mayo-Roscommon Hospice. Owner Charlie Finneran thanked all in attendance on the day for their donations, as well as all those who were unable to attend but who still contributed. He also gave a brief history of the museum and the collection there. The amount raised on the day for Mayo-Roscommon Hospice was €3,515.

Malachy Finneran (Clondalkin), Shelia Carney-Finneran (Ballaghaderreen), Charlie Finneran (museum proprietor), Nuala Gately-Finneran (Four Roads), and Paddy Finneran (Derryglad) pictured at Derryglad Folk Museum’s 25th anniversary celebrations.

Ruby O’Sullivan performing with the Hyperzonics, a Music Generation Roscommon band, pictured on the Luna stage at the Night and Day Festival, Lough Key Forest Park on Sunday. Pic: Brian Farrell

Rory Branagan, vocals and lead guitarist with Totem, a Music Generation Roscommon band, pictured performing on the Luna stage at the Night and Day Festival, Lough Key Forest Park on Sunday. Pic: Brian Farrell

Pictured is James O’Neill with the Botanics, a music Generation Roscommon band, performing on the Luna stage at the Night and Day Festival, Lough Key Forest Park on Sunday. Pic: Brian Farrell

Shay Noone of The Botanics, a Music Generation Roscommon band, pictured performing on the Luna stage at the Night and Day Festival, Lough Key Forest Park on Sunday. Pic: Brian Farrell

Isobel Boucher performing with the Hyperzonics, a Music Generation Roscommon band on the Luna stage at the Night and Day Festival, Lough Key Forest Park on Sunday. Pic: Brian Farrell

GOING OUT

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Performers pictured in action on June 10th in Somers Park, Castlerea, for Roscommon Cruinniú na nÓg, a day of free music, theatre, circus and all sorts of creative activities for children. Pic: Brian Farrell

Scenes from Somers Park, Castlerea, on Saturday, June 10th, where this year’s Roscommon Cruinniú na nÓg was held. Pic: Brian Farrell

Pictured at the Roscommon Races recently were Robbie McConn (Roscommon Racecourse) and Aidan Gately of Gately Building Stone who sponsored the best turned out horse of each race. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races recently were Gillian Owens and Margaret Lynch. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Ivan Connaughton pictured with the Northeast Syndicate after their horse ‘Priortise’ won the Ivan Connaughton Auctioneers Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at the Roscommon Races recently. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

David Mannion and Ian Connelly from Kepak presenting the prize to Finbar Crotty and Susan and Tony Gannon after their horse ‘Rebel Rose’ won the Kepak Handicap Hurdle at the Roscommon Races recently. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Ivan Connaughton pictured with Robbie McConn from Roscommon Racecourse at the Roscommon Races recently. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Awards ceremony celebrates Ballygar students’ achievements

In a memorable event held on May 25th at the Mattie McDonagh Centre, the Leaving Certificate Graduation and Awards Ceremony showcased the remarkable accomplishments of students at Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar. The ceremony honoured their outstanding performance in academic and extracurricular pursuits, highlighting the dedication and hard work of the school’s Student Council, Leaving Certificate Prefects, and various subject departments throughout the Senior Cycle.

Sinéad Scott and Ben Coyle (the Head Girl and Head Boy) were highly commended for their exceptional leadership and representation of the school as ambassadors. Liam Óg Coyle was also

recognised for his remarkable achievement in hurling, having reached the All-Ireland U-20 hurling final with Roscommon.

One of the most prestigious awards of the evening, the Brian Devine Community Service Award, sponsored by Monsignor Michael Devine, was presented in memory of his late brother, who dedicated his life to serving the Ballygar community. This year, Sinéad Scott received the award, accompanied by a generous prize of €1,000, in recognition of her significant contributions to the school, parish, and wider community.

Leon Boyd was the deserving recipient of the Moira Gilleran Humanitarian Award. This accolade

celebrated Leon’s exceptional character, which shines brightly even in the face of adversity.

The Leaving Certificate Above and Beyond Award recognised individuals who had displayed extraordinary engagement, participation, effort, and dedication in pursuit of their best, whether in academics, extracurricular activities, or cocurricular endeavours. Sinead Scott received this prestigious award for her exceptional commitment. Similarly, Doireann Downey was honoured with the LCA Above and Beyond Award.

Bartlomiej Ozga was presented with the LCA World of Work Award, a testament to his outstanding performance and readiness for the professional world.

The Cara Award, which embodies friendship and inclusivity, was determined through a vote among Leaving Certificate students. Christopher Moore emerged as the worthy recipient of this recognition. In addition,

Ben Coyle was honoured with the Coláiste Mhuire School Spirit award, acknowledging his exemplary behaviour and attitude, which align closely with the school’s values and ethos.

Among the other notable recipients, Piotr Wandzel was awarded the Leaving Certificate Applied Student of the Year, while Oisín McDonnell received the title of Leaving Certificate Student of the Year. Congratulations to both students for their exceptional achievements.

Pictured with Principal Emma O’Malley is Sinéad Scott, who was the recipient of this year’s Brian Devine Community Service Award.

Pictured with Principal Emma O’Malley is Leon Boyd, who was awarded the Moira Gilleran Humanitarian Award.

Pictured with Principal Emma O’Malley is Ben Coyle, who was awarded the School Spirit Award this year.

Pictured with Principal Emma O’Malley is Christopher Moore, who was awarded this year’s Cara Award.

Pictured is Sinéad Scott, who was the recipient of the LC ‘Above and Beyond’ Award.

Pictured with Principal Emma O’Malley is Doireann Downey, who received the LCA ‘Above and Beyond’ Award.

Bartlomiej Ozga was the recipient of this year’s World of Work award, which is given to the student who has excelled in their Leaving Certificate Applied work experience.

Pictured with Principal Emma O’Malley is Oisín McDonnell, who won LC Student of the Year.

Pictured with Principal Emma O’Malley is Piotr Wandzel, who won LCA Student of the Year.

Principal Emma O’Malley pictured being presented with flowers at the recent Leaving Certificate Graduation and Awards Ceremony for Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar.

Deputy Principal Anne Gilleran pictured being presented with flowers at the recent Leaving Certificate Graduation and Awards Ceremony for Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar.

Preparing for your Grad Dance, Ladies Day at the Races, or other big occasions?

Some key dos and don’ts for ladies!

Preparing for your graduation is a busy process, but a fun one! Likewise, many ladies locally are looking forward to Ladies Day at Roscommon Races, coming up on July 10th. And there are many more social occasions to look forward to this summer. At the Roscommon People, we’re urging our readers to support local businesses as they prepare for the peak social season!

From finding your dress to deciding on hair and make-up, there’s so much to think about. Here’s some tips…

DO…

Buy your outfit way in advance

It’s always best to buy your outfit at least a couple of weeks in advance. You might be super chill, and that’s great, but leaving your outfit until the last minute could lead to unnecessary stress. You may need to have your clothes altered and so it’s important to give yourself enough time for that to be done seamlessly (no pun intended).

Trial your look

Once you have your outfit you can start to think

about the other pieces. Accessories, make-up, and hair all compliment your look and so you should begin giving those some thoughts in the weeks and days leading up to your big event. Search apps like Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration and put together a virtual mood board. If you’re being your own glam squad, spend an afternoon trying out your hair and make-up in your room. Or if you’re paying for a professional to do it, enquire about a trial run beforehand so you can iron out any issues and get it right on the day.

Prep your skin

If you’re planning on wearing fake tan or would just like that soft skin glow to compliment your look, give your skin some prep beforehand. This means exfoliating while you’re in the shower and lathering on some moisturiser afterwards. It’s recommended that you do that 1-2 weeks prior so your skin will be in tip-top shape come the day.

DON’T…

Test out new products on the day New beauty products should only be tried and tested in the long run-up to your big social event. For example, if you have a new face moisturiser you’ve been dying to try but your grad is mere days away, or worse still, the next day, leave it.

Preparing for your Graduation Dance

The debs dress

It may be time to hit the shops and begin to get a feel for the style of dress that would best suit you. Don’t worry if you don’t find anything straight away – by leaving yourself plenty of time you will have lots of opportunities to find the perfect gown.

Who to ask?

Start giving some thought as to whom you will bring along as your date for the night. Is it a friend or a partner? You will want to pick someone who you know you can rely on and have fun with. Don’t be shy in asking someone to come along with you; most people will be delighted at the thought of a good night out!

The accessories

Once the dress has been organised, it is time to add the finishing touches to your outfit. Remember that a very plain, simple dress may be transformed through the addition of a statement necklace or clutch bag.

The shoes

Think about what kind of footwear you will choose for the big night. The key here is to choose a shoe you know you will be

comfortable in. No one wants to have to opt out and head home early due to aching feet!

Hair and make-up

You should consider whether you will style your own hair and make-up or go to a professional. If having your hair or make-up done professionally, you will want to book at least one month in advance so as to secure your date.

Tan

If you are looking for a healthy bronzed glow, consider booking a spray tan for the night before the celebrations. This shouldn’t be seen as necessary however, as we Irish ladies are well able to rock our distinctive pale skin.

FOR THE LADS…

While the Debs may be considered less of an occasion for the boys male debutantes should be considering tux hire and whether they will opt to wear accessories such as a waistcoat or braces. Also consider asking their date for the colour and style of their attire, so as to order an appropriate corsage.

Credit: Schooldays.ie

The same goes for new make-up too. Always test out your make-up before the day comes, this way you’ll know what you’re working with and avoid any potential reactions or disasters.

Buy uncomfortable accessories

When we say accessories, we mainly mean shoes. It might be tempting in the run-up to buy the highest pair of heels you see to give you some height in your photos, but when the day comes you won’t thank your past self. Play it safe with accessories. Buy shoes that you know you’ll be comfortable in for the day/night, and better still break them in during the lead-up. Strut around your house in your shoes with a pair of fluffy socks and come the big day you’ll be flying!

Put too much pressure on yourself

Specifically on grads…it’s easy to get swept up in the planning of your grad, but it’s important to remind yourself too that not everything has to be, nor will it be, perfect. Ask anyone who has done their debs if it was perfect and they’ll likely give you a list of ways it went terribly wrong. You don’t need to look ‘perfect’ nor do you need to act ‘perfect’, your grad is a time to have fun and celebrate the five/six years of hard work you’ve put into your education before you move off on your next journey. Bear that in mind when you’re preparing for it.

Courtesy of Kiss.ie

Special Sale of Bullocks

Also Dry Cows, Heifers & Weanlings

Friday, 7th July at 11 a.m.

64th Anniversary Special Sale of Heifers

Also Dry Cows and Bullocks

Bookings accepted until 5 p.m. on Monday, 3rd July

Friday, 14th July at 11 a.m.

64th Anniversary Special Sale of Bullocks

Also Dry Cows and Heifers

Bookings accepted until 5 p.m. on Monday, 10th July

Tuesday, 11th July at 4 p.m.

64th Anniversary Sale of Weanlings

Bookings accepted until 5 p.m. on Thursday, 6th July

Lambs & Cast Ewes

Each Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m. – Gates close at 10 a.m.

New farm safety measures announced

IFA Farm Family & Social Affairs

Chair Alice Doyle said new farm safety measures announced by Minister Martin Heydon will support farmers in safeguarding themselves while working.

The measure will provide a financial contribution to participating farmers covering 60 per cent of the eligible cost of quad bike helmets and Power Take Off (PTO) shaft covers.

Making the announcement, Minister Heydon said: “This new €1.5 million National Farm Safety Measure will help protect farmers and everyone involved in operating PTO-powered equipment and quad bikes on farms from serious and fatal injuries.

“Investing in safety provides for better working conditions and reduces the risk of injury or fatality. This measure is designed to drive a change in behaviour and address unsafe practices such as operating a quad without a helmet, or operating machinery with defective or missing PTO shaft covers”.

The maximum amount of aid under the measure is for two quad bike (ATV) helmets and four PTO shaft covers.

The grant aid will be at a rate of 60 per cent subject to a maximum eligible cost of €100 per PTO shaft cover and €150 per quad bike (ATV) helmet. The measure will be open until September 29th next.

Increased numbers of stock presented for sale this week, and lighter store quality remained an excellent trade with a good attendance of customers present.

The forward heavier lots have noticed price adjustments in line with beef prices but demand remained strong for quality lots.

The dry cow with more store lots on offer this week noticed a good clearance. The weanling rings witnessed heifer weanlings make up to €4.16 a kilo while the bulls topped out at €3.53 a kilo.

Cows with calves at foot made from €1,650 to €2,440 for a Blonde d’Aquitaine cow and her Limousine heifer calf at foot. Springers made from €1,400 to €1,540 per head.

Dairy cross calves made from €10 to €50 while Aberdeen Angus cross and Hereford cross made from €150 to €340. Runners made from €180 to €850 for continental lots. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today (Thursday) with our weekly sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners, and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am.

Sample prices for bullocks: Lmx 465kgs €1440, Ch 475kgs €1440, Lm 445kgs €1400, Lm 545kgs €1490, AA 525kgs €1450, AA 575kgs €1680, Lm 580kgs €1660, BBX 615kgs €1780, Lm 625kgs €1770, Lm 630kgs €1760, AA 640kgs €1660.

Heifers: Lmx 355kgs €1200, Ch 340kgs €1160, AA 395kgs €1240, Lmx 485kgs €1450, Ch 435kgs €1390, Ch 450kgs €1350, Ch 765kgs €2150, Lm 625kgs €1980, Sax 565kgs €1710, Sim 600kgs €1600.

Dry cows: BBx 875kgs €2220, Lm 745kgs €2010, Ch 765kgs €1960, Lm 640kgs €1780, Lm 455kgs €1020, Fr 490kgs €720, Her 670kgs €1630.

Weanling bulls: Lm 325kgs €1150, Lm 220kgs €800, Lm 250kgs €720, BBx 420kgs €1350, BBx 365kgs €1000, Ch 305kgs €920. Weanling heifers: Lm 260kgs €900, Lm 285kgs €910, Lm 300kgs €1250, Lm 350kgs €1230, Lm 305kgs €1200, Ch 305kgs €1100, Lm 310kgs €1110.

Nature Restoration Law in doubt after EU vote

ICSA president Dermot Kelleher has described the outcome of this week’s EU Environment (ENVI) Committee vote on the proposed Nature Restoration Law as a “sensible decision given what is at stake”.

Speaking from Brussels, Mr Kelleher said: “It is time to pause this and reflect. ICSA has been steadfast in its opposition to the Nature Restoration Law in its current format due to the genuine concerns of Irish farmers on what it would mean and how it would be implemented, and the abject failure of those concerns to be acknowledged or addressed”.

The vote was split 44-44 amongst MEPs on the ENVI Committee with no agreement reached on any of the proposed amendments that had been put forward.

As it stands there is therefore no agreement on how to move forward with the Nature Restoration Law. The original Commission proposal will now go to the EU Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg in July.

Ryan’s NRL comments criticised

IFA President Tim Cullinan has criticised recent comments made by Minister Eamon Ryan concerning compulsory purchase orders in the context of the proposed Nature Restoration Law.

“Minister Ryan’s failure to rule out the use of compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) as a means of achieving the targets in the proposed EU law

has confirmed farmers’ fears that the Minister actually wants to confiscate their land under the cover of the proposed law,” he said.

“Minister Eamon Ryan was asked directly by the Today with Claire Byrne programme on RTÉ whether land would be subject to CPO. He said ‘he was neither in favour nor against CPOs’”.

The IFA President said this type of comment was contributing to the deep concerns that farmers have about proposed legislation such as the NRL.

SCEP ‘a key contributor’ to incomes

IFA National Livestock Chair Brendan Golden said the SCEP is a key contributor to the income of suckler farmers, providing the equivalent of over €150 on the first 22 cows and €120 on all remaining cows, and it is vital all farmers who applied to the scheme are paid in full on all of

their eligible animals.

A key scheme requirement is membership of SBLAS by October 16th and continued participation for the duration of the programme.

Brendan Golden said the Department of Agriculture and Bord Bia must ensure all farmers who applied for the SCEP meet the SBLAS requirement by the 16th of October.

The IFA National Livestock Chair reminded farmers who are not currently SBLAS approved they must contact Bord Bia to have their farm approved before the deadline.

Calls for action on sheep attacks

Following another dog attack in Kerry recently, Hill Farming Chair Pat O’Shea said Minister Charlie McConalogue and the Department must act now in relation to dog control legislation to ensure attacks like this don’t continue to carry devastating consequences.

“Unfortunately, we are left asking questions of the Minister and the Department on where the much-needed stronger dog control legislations are following a horrific attack in Kerry,” Pat O’Shea said.

“IFA have been tirelessly working for dog control laws to be strengthened up, but the Minister has failed to move quickly and we continue to see attacks like these devastate more farm families,” he said.

Stronger regulations were brought before Government Cabinet in the past few months which IFA recognised as a step in the right direction but no more progress has been made to prevent dog attacks on livestock.

The IFA are again appealing to all dog owners to be extra vigilant of their dogs and their whereabouts at all times.

Castlerea

Kepak in partnership with William J & James Fitzmaurice invites you to a Farm Walk & Information evening with a strong line-up of speakers

• Finance & Tax Tips: Philip O’Connor & Tommy Fallon - IFAC

• Energy Initiatives: Barry Caslin - Energy & Rural Development Specialist, Teagasc,

• Farm Safety: Thomas Cassidy - Agri Inspector, HSA

• Health & Wellbeing: Laura Tully - The Movement Mentor, Founder & Facilitator of Fit Farmers

• Soil Health: Paddock Grazing & Multi-Species Display

William J Fitzmaurice - Suckler to Beef & Sheep Farmer

Dr. Thomas Moloney - Project Manager, DFL Seeds

Date & Time: Thursday 27th July, 4-8 pm

Location: Lisnasillagh Athleague, Co. Roscommon, F42PW71

Contact Queries: Kepak Athleague +353 90 666 3200

FREE

ENTRY WITH LIGHT REFRESHMENTS & TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT IN PLACE

Roscommon farmer stars in new NDC ad campaign

The National Dairy Council (NDC) has recently launched a new nationwide marketing campaign which aims to introduce the Grass Roots Movement to consumers across Ireland.

The campaign runs across TV (starting June 24th) and social media and features Roscommon dairy farmer and NDC Ambassador, Miriam Gunn. The Grass Roots Movement is said to bring together the strength of Ireland’s dairy industry, creating a united front on environmental sustainability to ensure a successful future for Irish dairy.

The movement aims to forge a link between farmers and consumers, sharing the stories of changing farming practices, of technological innovation and tangible results, of commitment to today’s targets coupled with the appetite to do more.

Produced by creative Agency, The Brill Building, the creative

SHEEP

SHOWS & SALES

WEANLING

ROSCOMMON MART WATCH

There was a good entry of stock on offer at last Friday’s special heifer sale with a very strong trade for all classes. Heifers fetched an average of €2.76 per kilo up to €3.34 per kilo. There was a good entry of dry cows and they made an average of €2.27 per kilo up to €2.87 per kilo. There was a good attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.

We had a large number of sheep on offer at our weekly sale of lambs and cast ewes. Prices for spring lambs made up to €170. The tops for stag ewes fetched €176. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID Tag set. Next sale of lambs and cast ewes is next Wednesday, July 5th at 11 am. Yard opens at 8 am. All stock must be penned by 10 am. Sale can be viewed live on www.livestock-live.com.

concept of the marketing campaign focuses on Ireland’s natural biodiversity and grassbased farming system revered all over the world.

Directed by Brian Williams, it features two of NDC’s farmer ambassadors, Miriam Gunn, mother of four and proud dairy farmer from Co Roscommon and Gearoid Maher, a fourth-generation dairy farmer from Cappamore in Co Limerick, whose family have been farming the land since the mid-1800s.

Roscommon farmer

Miriam Gunn said: “I am really proud to be part of this campaign.

As a farmer and proud mother of four, I am passionate about farming more sustainably, to nurture the land and to ensure a positive future for the next generation – this is the heart of the Grass Roots Movement.

“I want everyone to know about this work and know that they can continue to be proud of the Irish

dairy – which as we all know is globally renowned.

“Farming is all too often portrayed negatively, particularly when it comes to environmental impact.

The full story of Irish dairy farming is one that needs to be communicated and understood as the national discourse continues to target dairy farming as an environmental challenge, without reference to the work that is already ongoing by myself and thousands of Ireland’s hardworking farmers”.

Sample prices for dry cows: Lim X 860kgs €2,280, Lim X 790kgs €2,250, Char X 735kgs €1,900, Char X 645kgs €1,850, Lim X 695kgs €1,770, Char X 795kgs €1,850, Lim X 700kgs €1,620, SIX 800kgs €1,750, Lim X 695kgs €1,680. Heifers: Char X 350kgs €1,170, Lim X 580kgs €1,850, Lim X 545kgs €1,730, Char X 555kgs €1,740, Char X 405kgs €1,250, Lim X 425kgs €1,340, Char X 640kgs €1,900, Char X 635kgs €1,860, Char X 625kgs €1,810, Char X 565kgs, €1,610 BBX 475kgs, €1,420 AAX 490kgs €1,370, Char X 450kgs €1,325, Lim X 335kgs €1,010, Lim X 320kgs €980. Springs lambs: 55.4kgs €170, 48.3kgs €161, 47.5kgs €158, 44.3kgs €154, 43.5kgs €146, 42.2kgs €146, 43.3kgs €135, 42.4kgs €135, 42kgs €135, 40kgs €130, 39.2kgs €127, 34.3kgs €112.

Miriam Gunn, mother of four and proud dairy farmer from county Roscommon.

German travel agents

‘Insta-ntly’ fall for Roscommon

A group of German travel agents have been exploring Roscommon and Ireland and sharing their experience here with their followers on social media. The travel agents work with DERTOUR Reisebüro, one of the largest tour operators in Germany, and are visiting as guests of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland.

Carrick-on-Shannon overall winner of Ireland’s Best Kept Town competition 2023

Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim, is the overall winner of Ireland’s Best Kept Town competition 2023. The results were announced on Tuesday, June 20th, at an awards ceremony at Farmleigh House. Carrick-on-Shannon also won the Best Kept Small Town category. Enniskillen (County Fermanagh) won the Best Kept Large Town category, Blackwater (County Wexford) won the Best Kept Village category and Antrim (County Antrim) won the Best Kept Large Urban Centre category. Ireland’s Best Kept Town is an all-island

competition in which some of the best towns in the SuperValu TidyTowns competition compete against their counterparts in Northern Ireland’s Best Kept competition.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, commented, “I want to congratulate all of the winners and nominees in the all-island Best Kept Town competition, and in particular Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, for winning the overall title along with the title of Best Kept Small Town”.

The aim of the travel agents’ visit is not just to familiarise them with Ireland and our superb tourism offering, but also to help them capture stunning images and videos here – which they can then share on their social channels. Before they came here, the travel agents attended a social media content creation workshop in Düsseldorf, where they learned how to create topperforming travel content for social media.

German influencer Sarah Ploss (@grossstadtklein) is accompanying the group, to show them how

they can put their learning into practice and showcase some of the many things to see and do here as effectively as possible on their social media channels. Sarah is also capturing lots of stunning content here and sharing with her 13,300 followers on Instagram. The group’s actionpacked itinerary included kayaking at Baysports.

Nadine Lehmann (Tourism Ireland’s Manager

Germany) said, “Tourism Ireland was delighted to invite this group of German travel agents to Ireland, to experience at first-hand the wealth of things to see and do here for German holidaymakers. They’ve been sharing lots of great images and videos with their followers on social media. We’re also delighted that they’ve been joined by German influencer Sarah Ploss, who is also high-

lighting her time in Ireland to her followers on Instagram.

“Our aim is that the travel agents will be more enthusiastic than ever about the destination when they return home, helping to secure a greater share of their business for Ireland in 2023 and beyond. Working with the travel trade is an important element of Tourism Ireland’s promotional activity in Germany”.

Roscommon windows to remain open

< DAN DOONER

It has been confirmed that Roscommon town business, Roscommon Windows, is set to remain open following the untimely death of founder and owner, Donal Haughey last month.

A statement on the company’s Facebook page read: “After a few very hard weeks, we, the Haughey

NBI: Further 3,600 Castlerea premises ready to connect by 2024

National Broadband Ireland has said that 3,600 properties in the rural surrounds of Castlerea will be able to order or pre-order broadband on its highspeed fibre network by the end of 2023.

A total of 19,000 premises in County Roscommon are included in the State’s Intervention Area, which will see NBI deliver minimum speeds of 500

megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools.

Described as “the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification”, Roscommon will receive €76 million in Government funding

Build works are currently underway in the Castlerea deployment area where 3,612 homes, businesses and farms will be able join

the National Broadband Ireland network. National Broadband Ireland expects these works to be completed by the end of this year. Works have already been completed in other parts of Roscommon and there are 7,697 premises able to order or pre-order highspeed, reliable broadband across the county, with 2,108 connections already made to the network.

family, have made the decision to keep the business, Roscommon Windows, open. It is our intention, that all orders, new and old, will be completed. Donal’s extremely high standards of service and customer care will be accomplished with every job, old and new.

“We would like to introduce you to Trevor Mahon, who will be taking over where Donal left off. Tre-

vor has over 25 years’ experience in the window business and maintains the same ethos and customer service approach as Donal.

“So please call into the showroom on the Racecourse Road or contact the office by email or phone for any enquiries.

“Thank you for your patience and support during this difficult time”.

Fáilte Ireland host Oireachtas Information Clinic on local tourism

Fáilte Ireland recently held an Oireachtas Information Clinic for TDs and Senators to hear first-hand about the work Fáilte Ireland teams are doing on the ground in Roscommon and Galway to drive sustainable tourism, grow visitor numbers, increase tourism revenue and to support jobs across the constituency and region.

According to the National Tourism Development Authority, Fáilte Ireland’s investment and development in Roscommon and Galway includes outdoor enhancement projects, digitalisation, business and skills supports, festival funding and promoting tourism as a career across Roscommon and Galway and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

German travel agents pictured during their visit to Ireland with Viktoria Albrecht of Tourism Ireland (front, second right) and German influencer Sarah Ploss (back, second right).

Mary Hurley (DRCD) and Doeeen Muskett (MBE Northern Ireland Amenity Council) pictured at the 2023 DRCD SuperValu Tidy Towns Awards in Farmleigh House, Dublin, with Jim Byrne (representing Carrick-on-Shannon, Small Town award and overall award winner). Pic: Julien Behal Photography

Senator Aisling Dolan pictured with Fiona Dunne (Fáilte Ireland) and Tony Dawson (Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands) at the recent Fáilte Ireland Oireachtas Information Clinic. Pic: Shane O’Neill (Coalesce)

PropertyPeople

FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY

PRIME ROADSIDE LANDS OF APPROX 46.42 ACRES SET OUT IN 2 LOTS LOCATED AT LISSALWAY, CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON

PRELIMINARY NOTICE OF FORTHCOMING ON LINE AUCTION

RENOWNED CHARACTER 7 DAY RESIDENTIAL LICENCED PREMISES

‘GARVEYS OF BALLINTUBBER’ ON WEDNESDAY 19TH JULY AT 12 P.M.

LOT 1 - 38.07 ACRES

LOT 2 - 8.35 ACRES

AMV: PRICE ON APPLICATION

FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY

77 ACRES APPROX RESIDENTIAL DAIRY FARM

KEELOGUES, WILLIAMSTOWN, CO. GALWAY F45 RX24

AMV: €295,000

DUE TO CANCELLATION

ATTRACTIVE FILLING STATION AND 2 B/R RESIDENCE STANDING ON APPROX 0.74 OF AN ACRE BARNACOR, LANESBORO, CO. LONGFORD N39V3Y6

Lot 1 - Entire

Lot 2 - residence on approx. 1 acre

Lot 3 - Farm on 76 acres with site + farm buildings

Lot 4 - Option to buy 2 acre site with FPP

AMV: PRICE ON APPLICATION

PRICE ON APPLIATION

MEADOW TO LET: 8 acres approx at Lissalway, Castleplunkett and 10 acres approx beside Castleplunkett Vil-

New to the market: Charming bungalow in Lanesboro

This week, Keith McLoughlin of RE/MAX Team Earley is proud to present to the market this charming, fully-renovated, three-bedroom residence, located at Clonfower, Lanesboro, Co Longford (N39 ER82).

This property is in turn-key condition, sitting on a large site of approxiamtely 1.2 acres, and located conveniently just 4kms from Lanesborough and less

than 10 minutes from Longford Town. This beautiful home was fully renovated in 2020, when the house was gutted and renovation works were carried out to a very high standard, to include an extension to the rear, upgraded electrics, plumbing, heating system and tripleglazed windows to name a few. The high standard of renovation is evident throughout the

house, where no expense has been spared. You are greeted into the home by a bright spacious entrance hallway. All the internal doors are good quality, solid oak doors and two have glass panels to allow light flow from all angles. The sitting room has semi-solid oak flooring with the benefit of a solid fuel stove.

The modern, open-plan kitchen/dining/living room has been very cleverly designed, and offers great versatility for the way we live today. There are so many features to this open area, which include an abundance of kitchen units, an island, tiled splashback, Quooker tap for instant boiling water, and a tiled wall feature. A vaulted ceiling to the extension, which incorporates a skylights, adds natural light to the area and offers a real spacious feel to the whole area.

From here, there are French doors connecting the living space to your outside patio area

and gardens. There are also three well-proportioned sized bedrooms, with the master bedroom having the benefit of a spacious ensuite. The utility offers more storage and laundry services, while the attic is partially floored for any additional storage needs.

Externally, there is beautiful, mature lawns, secured with a

post and rail fence to the front, and a kerbed gravel driveway. The well-positioned patio offers an area for relaxation or entertaining guests. There are numerous outbuildings in the courtyard, which have the potential to be developed for an array of uses. Also incorporated in the site is a large sand arena. The BER rating for this prop-

Price of average Roscommon three-bed semi up 8%

The price of the average threebedroomed, second-hand semidetached residence in County Roscommon has risen to €210,000, up 8 per cent from €195,000 in the last year, according to a national survey by Real Estate Alliance (REA).

Across the county, this quarter has seen the average time taken to sell increase by two weeks to an average of seven, the Q2 REA Average House Price Index shows. Agents in the county reported that this quarter, 50 per cent of properties were purchased by first time buyers, with buyers from outside the county making up 25 per cent of sales. This quarter, agents also found that 25 per cent of sales were directly linked to landlords leaving the market.

The price of the average secondhand semi-detached residence in Roscommon town stands at €250,000, and Castlerea prices are currently €170,000.

“Enquiries remain constant, with supply of properties at an all-time low,” said Seamus Carthy of REA Seamus Carthy.

“Despite this, property prices have not increased in the last quarter”.

The REA Average House Price Index concentrates on the actual sale price of Ireland’s typical stock home, the three-bedroomed semi, giving an accurate picture of the second-hand property market in

towns and cities countrywide. The actual selling price of a three-bedroom, semi-detached house across the country rose by 1.3 per cent over the quarter to €297,056 – representing an annual increase of 6.6 per cent.

The price of a three-bed semi in Dublin city has hit €500,000 for the first time, rising by by 0.3 per cent in the past three months. They are now 14 per cent ahead of their €431,000 Celtic Tiger peak level,

with demand being largely driven by first-time buyers in an otherwise cautious market.

Time taken to reach sale agreed nationally has risen to six weeks as REA agents reporting that pricing levels are key in a sensitive market. Cities outside Dublin experienced a 1.53 per cent rise to an average selling price of €315,000 – an increase of 8.9 per cent in the past twelve months.

Commuter areas rose by 0.4 per cent to €315,389, with 41% of buyers coming from outside the county, a large proportion of them from the capital, with 72 per cent of sales to first-time buyers. The highest three-bedroomed semi price rises came in the country’s main towns which rose by 2.24 per cent in the past three months to an average of €216,517, with time taken to sell at five weeks.

Areas that attract holiday home buyers have noted an increase in UK or cross border interest, with

erty is B3. The auctioneer highly recommends viewing of this ready-to-go property. For further details or to arrange an appointment to view, please contact RE/MAX Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon, on 090-6626579 email teamearley@remax.ie or log onto teamearley.ie, or contact auctioneer Keith on 086-0848590.

examples such as Bantry and Bundoran both recording €5,000 average increases in the past three months.

Year-on-year fall in national housing prices

Nationally, housing prices in the second quarter of 2023 were 0.5 per cent lower than a year ago, according to the latest Daft.ie House Price Report released this week.

This marks the first time since mid2020 that prices have fallen in yearon-year terms. Looking at the second quarter compared to the first, prices rise – and by an average of 2.4 per cent nationally. The average listed price nationwide in the second quarter of 2023

was €309,648, up 2.4 per cent on the average for the first quarter but slightly lower than this time last year and onesixth below the Celtic Tiger peak.

In Roscommon, prices in the second quarter of 2023 were 5 per cent higher than a year previously, compared to a rise of 14 per cent seen a year ago. The average price of a home is now €197,000, 22 per cent below its Celtic Tiger peak.

Meanwhile, the number of homes

available to buy on June 1st stood at just over 13,000, up 5 per cent on the same date last year but well below the 2019 average of 24,200. In all parts of the country, the rate at which availability has increased has slowed in recent months.

“Looking at the second quarter compared to the first, prices rise by an average of 2.4 per cent nationally. This is not a trivial increase, almost matching the average quarterly increase in

the covid surge between mid-2020 and mid- 2022. And it is the first time since mid-2022 that prices have increased quarter-on-quarter”, said Ronan Lyons economist at Trinity College Dublin and author of the report.

“The change in market conditions over the last twelve months is clear from the figures in this latest report. A year ago, double-digit inflation in housing prices was still prevalent across much of the country. Now, very few markets are see-

ing prices more than a percentage point or two higher than a year ago – and those increases largely reflect increases seen March-June last year.

“But while demand has weakened, the post-covid recovery in supply also appears to be weakening, in both new and second-hand segments. Thus, while this year is unlikely to bring any substantial increases in housing prices, underlying issues stemming from housing shortages will persist”.

Clonfower, Lanesboro, Co Longford (N39 ER82).

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< ALCOHOLICS ANONY -

MOUS: Roscommon Town Group, Castle Street, Roscommon. Eir Code: F42

RP21 (1st Floor). Meet-

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

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Complete Chimney Services

Chimney Cleaning

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

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods

CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS

• Firebacks replaced and flues repaired

• Can be cleaned from the bottom up

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

Telephone: 087 2798704

Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for non-publication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Creighton

Chimney Cleaning

Fireplaces, Stoves, Ranges etc.

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

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

Fully Registered. Call Dave on 085 8888833

CHIROPODIST

Kathleen’s Mobile

Footcare

Professional and friendly footcare in the comfort of your own home.

Kathleen Wynne MCFHP, MAFHP Foot Care Practitioner 086 3562718

kathleenwynne63@gmail.com www.kathleensmobilefootcare.ie

COUNSELLING

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

Are you affected byAnger 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

Everyone wants it Everyone reads it 80,000 PEOPLE READ OUR

FARMING

GARDENING

GATELY GARDENING

Four Roads, Co. Roscommon

• Landscaping

• Timber Decking

• Patios

• General Maintenance

Contact Liam on 086 8749550 or 090 66 27496

FRANCIS

e-mail: thomasneilan4@ gmail.com

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

FOR SALE

LTD

l GLAS Fencing

l Grant Fencing

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• Dangerous Tree Removal

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GARDENING

GARDENING SERVICES

Including:

• Hedge Cutting

• Hedge Planting • Grass

Cutting • Spraying

• Strimming • Weeding

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Cleaning, etc.

Chainsaw work also available Phone John on 087 2860428

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

Thelocalpaper!

Roscommon 087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

Kelly Fencing Over 20 years in business

GF Ground Works

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Footpaths

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Telephone Ger: 086 8745180

• Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped

CORBETT TREE CARE

GARDENING

& LANDSCAPING

Lawn cutting and feeding services. Call 087 4357682

For a quote today

Lawns cut, (none too big, none too small) hedges trimmed, general garden maintenance ... and it won’t cost you the earth!

Roscommon/ Lanesboro area.

Call John 085 108

6215

GARDENING

Rahara Gardens

A warm welcome from the heart of the country. Assortment of flowers and hedging for sale. Gladioli - perennial’s towering from 4ft in pots to 6ft The ultimate garden show - stoppers providing a mass of colour from late June to October.

Hardy Horse Chestnut Trees 3ft, assortment of carpet flowers for excellent coverage and weed maintenance. Fireman’s Chief Scabiosa. Cosmos sitting on lacey foliage. Lupins, Lilies, Petunias, Tomato plants, Raspberry plants, Ornamental Grass - Pony’s tail, Lavender, Dahlia’s, Begonia’s, Large Geranium and much more. Located on the scenic Balla Road overlooking Lough Funshinagh. Call Avril on: 087 7697108

IRONING

We have moved

To all my customers, I have moved my Ironing Service to Athlone Road, Roscommon (beside Foxe’s Pub)

OPEN FROM 1ST OF JULY Eircode: F42 AW 98

Call Leah on: 085 1039327

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Planning permission is being sought for alterations and change of use of part of the existing ground floor of domestic premises to a shop unit at Bawn Street, 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 and submissions or observations in relation to the application can be made to the planning authority in writing, on payment of the prescribed fee, within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Signed: Frank Hanly, Hanly’s Spar Supermarket Ltd.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Tommy and Joan Furey, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for permission and permission for retention for development at Newtown East TD, Clonown, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. The development consists of planning permission for the upgrade of an existing septic tank and retention permission for two existing sheds and a change of site boundary previously granted under PD/89/17760. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the planning authority in writing 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 submissions or observations may 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: Tommy & Joan

Furey

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

PLANNINGS

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Maura Hughes intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to upgrade existing septic tank with a new treatment plant, to provide secondary and tertiary treatment and all associated works, at Carrigeen, Kilglass, 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: Maura Hughes

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Brendan Cooney am applying to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission for the following:

1) Demolish two derelict dwelling houses and existing commercial premises and construct new commercial premises.

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Seamus McGuire, of Lisdaly, Croghan, Boyle, Co. Roscommon F52

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY

COUNCIL

We, Louise and Damian Earley, intend to apply for Permission for the following;

(a) the demolition of an annex to the side and a canopy structure to the front of an existing dwelling house

(b) internal renovations and elevational changes to the existing dwelling together with the construction of a single storey extension to the side and rear of the existing dwelling house and new canopy structure to the front (c) along with all other associated site works at 2 River View, Ballytoohey Townland, Tarmonbarry, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed:

Murtagh Engineering Chartered Consulting Engineers, Tarmonbarry, Co Roscommon.

I, Mark MacDonagh, intend to apply for Retention Permission and Permission for the following; Retention Permission is sought to retain and complete foundations and sub floors previously installed for an extension. Permission is sought for (a) the demolition of 2no. annexes to the north west of an existing dwelling house (b) the demolition of an attached outbuilding annex to the south west of the existing dwelling (c) the demolition of an existing domestic shed (d) internal renovations and elevational changes to the existing dwelling together with the construction of extensions to the north west, south west and north east elevations of the existing dwelling house (e) proposed garden room (f) closure of existing vehicular entrance to form a pedestrian entrance together with the construction of a vehicular entrance in a new location (g) along with all other associated site works at Culleenaghamore Townland, Kilglass, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed:

Murtagh Engineering Chartered Consulting Engineers, Tarmonbarry, Co Roscommon.

Ph: (086) 3490965

www.mbeprojects.com

I am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission on behalf of Pat and Michelle Dolan to construct a dwellinghouse, garage, waste water treatment system and associated siteworks at Lowtown Kilcashel, Ballydangan, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Seamus Murray, Project Managers, Engineers & Surveyors.

Ph- (087) 2222874

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

2) Demolish existing storage sheds and construct new storage shed and carryout all ancillary site development works including carparking and landscaping and utilise existing connections to water and waste water services at M. Cooney & Sons Ltd, Main Street, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, F45E266. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee, €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed:

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529

E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

FURTHER INFORMATION

Martin Fallon has applied to Roscommon County Council for permission; Planning Ref.: PD/22/674; at Clooncah, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon; To retain an existing extension to the side of an existing dwelling; to retain an existing shed/store; new site boundaries and alterations to an existing site entrance. Significant Further Information has been furnished to the Planning Authority in respect of this proposed development, and is available for inspection or purchase at the offices of the Authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the Further Information may be made in writing to the planning authority within the statutory time limit. A submission or observation must be accompanied by the prescribed fee of €20, except in the case of a person or body who has already made a submission or observation.

Signed: JN_Jacqueline Naughton, Athleague, Co. Roscommon.

M: 087 403 7803

E: jacquelinenaughton@outlook.com

A896 intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission for installation of a new septic tank and percolation area to EPA CoP 2021/SR66. 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 the public opening hours Monday - Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by Roscommon County Council 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 (Agent). www.DurkinDesign.ie Architectural Designs Tel: 086 83 72 933

•

Our

Tullys

Sarah Fleming

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI

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

For any of your foot issues call: 094 9620009

For all foot ailments Corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, verruca, orthotics, diabetic assessments and treatment.

Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I. Department of Health Approved Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea

Tel: Tom on 086 0815802

USEFUL SERVICES

Corlack Mechanical Maintenance Services Ltd

Ballintober, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon F45Y320 Phone: 086 - 8944363 or 086 - 0872166

l Hydraulic Cylinder Repair and Testing

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l Oil/Grease Lubricants

l OEM Hydraulic Components and Spares

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or 086 1997815

LIFE COACHING

CAROLINE

For

FAMILYNOTICES ....

MONTH’S MIND MASS

DAVIS John

4 Plunkett Park, Ballygar, Co. Galway

Who passed away on 4th June 2023.

SCALLY Martin (Matt)

Cloonbunny, Loughglynn, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. In loving memory of Matt who passed away on 3rd July 2022 (1st Anniversary)

HANLON (nee Hamill) Irene

St. Ciaran’s Park, Roscommon & Cloonslanor, Strokestown 8th July 2020 (3rd Anniversary)

KILCOMMONS Martin

Kilbegnet, Creggs (5th Anniversary)

MURRAY Andrew (Andy) Kilclough Newbridge

We, the family of the late John would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to all those who sympathised with us, supported, and comforted us on the recent sad loss of my husband and our father, John. We will be forever grateful to our extended family, neighbours and friends who called to the house, and to all of those who attended the Funeral, sent Mass cards and flowers, who made phone calls and sent text messages. To all those who wrote messages of condolence online and to those who donated to the Oncology Unit in Portiuncula

We would like to express a special thank you to all the medical professionals who looked after John during his illness. We would especially like to mention the Oncology Department in Ballinasloe, and the Palliative Care Team in Roscommon who provided such support and care to John and to ourselves throughout John’s illness. We will be forever grateful to them.

We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to Fr. Douglas who visited John at home and in the hospital, for keeping him in his prayers for the few days before his passing and for being so kind and thoughtful over the days of the Funeral.

Thank you, Fr. Douglas. Fr. Christy McCormack and Fr. Ollie Maher for making the Mass so special and for your kind words. Thank you also to all those who participated in the Funeral Mass, the readers and to Tomas, Denise, Bernie, and all in the choir who provided the beautiful music. We especially want to thank his God-daughter Denise for the beautiful song at Dad’s graveside.

We would like to thank David Moran, the Funeral Director, for his guidance during such a difficult few days and for handling the Funeral with such care and professionalism.

To our wonderful neighbours, friends and family who provided food and refreshments throughout the Funeral and to those who prepared Dad’s final resting place, thank you.

Finally, as it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgment as an expression of our deep appreciation.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

May John’s soul Rest In Peace. John’s Month’s Mind Mass will take place on Saturday, 1st July at 12 noon in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar.

Matt’s wife Mary, sons Brendan and Christopher, daughters Ann-Marie and Imelda, their partners, Crenguta, Danica, Jim and Andy, grandchildren, Karina and Sienna, brothers, sisters and extended family members, neighbours and his many friends who remember him at this time. We wish to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to all our neighbours and friends who have supported us with your gestures of kindness, shown to us over the past year.

Perhaps you sent a lovely card, or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent a funeral spray, if so, we saw it there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, as any friend could say. Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us on that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts, we thank you so very much, whatever the part.

Gone from our home, that smiling face, those cheerful, happy ways. The heart that won so many friends, in bygone, happy days.

Matt’s 1st Anniversary Mass will be celebrated at 11.30am on Sunday, July 2nd in the Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Loughglynn.

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

Loved and always remembered by her husband Noel, children Nicola, Tómas and Catherine and extended family.

Anniversary Mass on Thursday, 6th July at 11am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

GREHAN Stephen

Killeglan, Taughmaconnell

Who passed away on July 1st, 2019 (4th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Martin who passed away on July 3rd 2018

Until We Meet Again

Those special memories of you will always bring a smile. If only I could have you back for just a little while. Then we could sit and talk again just like we used to do. You always meant so very much and always will do too. The fact that you’re no longer here will always cause me pain. but you’re forever in my heart until we meet again.

Sadly missed by his wife

Ballinasloe

Who passed away on the 4th of July 2021

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. Una

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. B.F.

Rogers Funeral Directors Rooskey

(Covering

We often sit and think of you and think of how you died, to think you could not say goodbye before you closed your eyes. So many things have happened, since you went away. So many things to share with you had you been left to stay.

Sadly missed by his mother Mary Eilen his brothers and sisters.

Anniversary Mass for Stephen in St. Ronan’s Church, Taughmaconnell on Sunday, 2nd of July at 11am.

Bridie, sons, daughters, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, brother and sisters-in-law.

~~~~~~ A Heart of Gold

A heart of gold stopped beating, working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. Leaves and flowers may wither, the golden sun may set, but the hearts that loved you dearly are the ones that won’t forget.

Always loved and remembered by his grandchildren and great-grandchild

Anniversary Mass for Martin will be in Kilbegnet Church, on Sunday, 2nd of July at 11.30am.

UNCLE

If I could write a story, it would be the greatest ever told, of a kind and loving Uncle who had a heart of gold. I could write a million pages, but there’s one thing I would say, just how much I love and miss you every single day. You were a firm foundation, through all the storms of life, a sturdy hand to hold onto, in times of stress and strife. A true friend I could turn to, in times of good and bad. One of life’s greatest blessings, the best Uncle I could have had.

Always missed by his sister-in-law Anne, his nieces Noreen and Martina and their families and his nephew John.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday, 2nd of July in St. Patrick’s Church, Newbridge at 11.30am.

COX

Laura Anne Strokestown and Curraghroe (8th Anniversary)

Who passed away on 6th July, 2015

BEATTY

Millicent (Millie) and Michael Main St., Castlerea, Co. Roscommon and Liscarbin, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim.

FALLON

Raymond (Ray) Monksland, Athlone, Late of Lisnasillagh, Athleague, Co. Roscommon. Who passed away on the 30th June 2021 (2nd Anniversary) In loving memory of Raymond

MONTH’S MIND MASS

DONNELLY (née Lawlor)

Teresa (Tessie)

Four Roads, Roscommon

In loving memory of Teresa who passed away on the 6th June 2023

A ray of sunshine came and went a beautiful treasure only lent in God’s keeping quietly sleeps this daughter and sister we loved but could not keep.

Sadly missed by Mammy, Daddy, James, Shane, Daniel and Zoe. Laura’s 8th Anniversary Mass will take place on Sunday, 9th of July at 10am in St. Cecelia’s Church, Curraghroe.

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

Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

COYNE Harry

Sandfield, Knockcroghery (19th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Harry who passed away on 7th July 2004 R.I.P.

Millicent (Millie)

(1st Anniversary) Michael (son Mick)

In loving memory of Millicent who passed away on 2nd July 2022 and her son Michael who passed away on 5th January 2022 R.I.P.

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear.

Just a prayer for the family who loved you, just a memory found and true, in our hearts you will live forever, because we thought the world of you.

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by their families.

Millicent’s First Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Patrick’s Church, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon at 12 noon on Sunday, 2nd July.

HOARE

Owensie, Annie & Tom Son (TP) Racecourse Road, Roscommon

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

Always remembered by his loving wife Phil, sons Michael and Ciaran and their families.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 1st July at 7pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery.

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

Always remembered by Owen, Maude, Sarah and Anne.

You lived your life with little needs, full instead of selfless deeds, for everyone you did your best, may God grant you Eternal Rest. Comforted by so many memories. Sadly missed by Kathy, Fiona, Michelle, Niall, Cathriona, Niamh and Ciara. Anniversary Mass will take place in Ss Peter and Paul’s Church on Sunday, 9th July at 12 noon.

CASSERLY (née Flaherty) Geraldine

Tullycartron, Elphin, Co. Roscommon (10th Anniversary) In loving memory of Geraldine who passed away on 3rd July 2013 R.I.P.

We Tessie’s family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all those who sympathised, supported and comforted us on the sad loss of Tessie. Thanks to all those who sent cards, messages of sympathy, flowers and to those who travelled long distances.

A special thanks to our neighbours and friends who helped us at this sad time.

We want to thank all the staff at Roscommon Hospital who were so kind to Tessie and to us in her final weeks there. We would also like to thank all the staff at the Millennium Medical Centre for the care given to Tessie over the years.

Thanks also to Michael Dempsey Funeral Directors for guiding us through this difficult time and handling the Funeral with great professionalism. Thanks also to Fr. Michael Donnelly and concelebrant Fr. Francis Beirne on making Tessie’s Mass so special. Thanks also to the beautiful choir who enchanced the Mass. Thanks to the gravediggers that prepared Tessie’s final resting place in Tisrara Cemetery. As it is impossible to thank everybody individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our gratitude. Mass will be offered for all of your intentions.

Tessie’s Month’s Mind Mass will take place on Friday, 7th July at 8pm in the Church of the Good Shepherd, Four Roads, Roscommon.

Send

or alternatively call 090

There is always a face before us, a voice we would love to hear, a smile we will always remember of Geraldine, whom we loved so dear.

Deep in our hearts lies a picture, more precious than silver or gold, it’s a picture of Geraldine whose memory will never grow old.

Remembered today on her 10th Anniversary with love by her husband Gerard, daughters Caroline and Elaine, sons John and Brian, beloved nine grandsons, daughter-inlaw, son-in-law, the Casserly family and her brothers and sisters.

Sports PEOPLE

Final heartache

Road to club hurling glory begins!

2023 SHC Schedule…

Group

(Sunday)

Round two (July 8th/9th)

Athleague v Roscommon Gaels

Four Roads v Oran St Dominic’s v Tremane

Round three (July 15th/16th)

Athleague v Pádraig Pearses

Four Roads v Tremane

St Dominic’s v Oran

Round four (July 29th/30th)

Pádraig Pearses v St Dominic’s

Roscommon Gaels v Oran

Round five (August 12th/13th)

Athleague v Oran

Four Roads v Roscommon Gaels

Tremane v Pádraig Pearses

Quarter-finals (August 27th)

Semi-final 1: Third v Sixth

Semi-final 2: Fourth v Fifth

Semi-finals (September 10th)

First v winner of semi-final 2

Runner-up v winner of semi-final 1

< SEAMUS DUKE

The long road to glory and the Mickey Cunniffe Cup begins again this weekend as the Roscommon club hurling championship gets underway.

Four Roads are in the box seat once again and remain the team to beat. Shane Curley has taken the reins this year and the former county star has plenty of young talent to add to an experienced panel.

Tremane and Athleague have appeared in finals in recent years and they clash in the opening game of the championship on Saturday night at 7 pm. Gary Fallon will be hoping to go one better in 2023 with Athleague and if he can get his best team out on the field they have to be considered as serious contenders.

Tremane will operate from a small panel, but in recent years they have proven extremely competitive and with the likes of Niall Kilroy and Peter Kellehan on board they can never be ruled out.

There is genuine hope in the Roscommon Gaels’ camp this year that they can break through the glass ceiling and make it to the

ROSCOMMON SHC THROWS IN THIS WEEKEND

play-off stages after many years in the wilderness. Ronan O’Meara has been making great strides with the town side and they have already beaten this weekend’s opponents Pádraig Pearses, (Sunday at 7 pm) to reach the league final.

Pearses will always have a say in the destination of the title and under new manager Colm O’Meara and with several talented young players in their ranks, they will be hoping for a extended run in this year’s championship.

Champions Four Roads will open their campaign against St Dominic’s on Sunday (12.30 pm) with the Knockcroghery side hoping to cause an upset. Manager Martin Beirne will be hoping that the likes of Mickey Joe Egan and Naos Connaughton can provide the leadership they need this year.

Oran are free this weekend. Kieran Farrell remains at the helm and they will be hoping to make the semi-finals at the very least. The championship retains the format of recent years with five rounds of games reducing the number of teams from seven to six with the top two heading to the semi-finals at that stage and the other four teams playing off to see who joins them.

GAA Results

Leydon Bros London Division Two O’Gara Cup St Croan’s 2-8 Strokestown 1-11 Sidero AFL Division Four St Faithleach’s 2-9 Michael Glavey’s 0-7 Boyle 3-21 Fuerty 1-6 St Brigid’s W/O Elphin Roscommon Gaels 1-14 Kilmore 1-7

Cora Systems Division Five (Section A) Ballinameen 1-17 Éire Óg 0-10 Tulsk Lord Edwards 1-15 Shannon Gaels 0-6 St Ronan’s W/O St Barry’s

Cora Systems Division Five (Section B) St Aidan’s 2-9 Clann na nGael 0-8 St Croan’s 6-5 St Dominic’s 2-12 Oran W/O Roscommon Gaels

Pádraig Pearses 5-18 Creggs 1-8

Kepak Senior Hurling League Semi-finals Four Roads 0-25 Athleague 1-16

Roscommon Gaels 1-20 Pádraig Pearses 1-16

GAA Fixtures

Friday, June 30th

Cora Systems AFL Division Five (Section A) (8 pm)

At Croghan: Shannon Gaels v Strokestown

At Ardcarne Park: St Michael’s v St Ronan’s

At Kilglass: Kilglass Gaels v Ballinameen

At James Timothy Park: Éire Óg v Tulsk Lord Edwards

Cora Systems AFL Division Five (Section B) (8 pm)

At Creggs: Creggs v Roscommon Gaels

At Woodmount: Pádraig Pearses v St Aidan’s

At Enfield: St Croan’s v Kilbride

At Knockcroghery: St Dominic’s v Oran

Saturday, July 1st

Kepak Senior Hurling Championship

At Athleague: Athleague v Tremane. 7 pm

Sunday, July 1st

Roscommon’s Roisin O’Brien looking for a way past Caoimhe Crawley of Sligo during Monday’s Connacht LGFA U-16 Championship B Final at the Connacht Centre of Excellence in Bekan. Despite a brave performance, Roscommon’s young guns were defeated on a scoreline of 2-10 to 2-6. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Rachael Blackmore made Honorary MBE

Horses for Courses by Tom

It was announced on Wednesday that Rachael Blackmore, winner of the 2021 Grand National and 2022 Gold Cup, has been made an Honorary MBE for services to sport. The Irish jockey was the first female rider to win the biggest prizes in national hunt racing and was crowned BBC World Sports Star of the Year in 2021.

An Honorary MBE is to recognise those from overseas who excel in their field in Britain. Rachael joins Frankie Dettori, who was made an honorary MBE in 2001for contribution to horse racing.

Weekend action…

Racing starts tomorrow evening (Friday) wit the three-day Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby meeting. The Apprentice Derby is away at 5 pm and highlights from the rest of the weekend include the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes (Saturday) and the Derby on Sunday.

There are 11 left in the Derby headed by odds-on favourite Auguste Rodin at 1/3. It is very difficult to see the favourite beaten and Aidan O’Brien, who trained his first winner, Desert King in 1997 should train his 16th winner of the race.

Athlone

Roscommon races again on Tuesday evening featuring the listed Lenebane Stakes while there’s national hunt racing in Tipperary.

Royal Ascot

King Charles’ colours were carried to victory for the first time on Thursday by Desert Hero in the King George Stakes.

Meanwhile, the ‘King of Royal Ascot’, Frankie Detorri, was aboard Courage Mon Ami for the Gosdens as he won his ninth Group 1 Gold Cup. O’Brien and Ryan Moore were on the mark again with Warm Heart in the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes while there was a shock in the Norfolk Stakes as 150/1 shot Valiant Force struck a blow for the small man.

Detorri had his third winner of the meeting aboard the Donnacht O’Brien-trained Porta Fortuna in the opening Albany Stakes on Friday, and brother Joseph O’Brien was on the mark in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes with Okita Soushi ridden by Ryan Moore.

Other highlights included an Irish treble in the Group 1 Coronation Cup as Dermot Weld trained Tahiyra was carried to victory by Chris Hayes. The Gosden trained filly Coppice then

Red

gave Detorri his fourth winner of the meet and 81st Royal Ascot triumph overall.

Gavin Cromwell was off the mark on Saturday with Snellen ridden by Gary Carroll, who beat the favourite and Aidan O’Brien trained Pearls and Rubies in the Chesham Stakes. O’Brien then got revenge with 22/1 shot Age of Kings in the Jersey Stakes.

The final race, Queen Alexendra Stakes, went to Joseph O’Briend with Dawn Rising giving Ryan Moore his sixth winner of the meeting. The meeting was a dream for bookmakers with just eight winning favourites out of 35 races. Aidan O’Brien was leading trainer with four of the Irish record haul of 12 winners. He also overtook Michael Stoute as all-time leader with 85 wins. Ryan Moore’s six wins were enough to earn him leading rider for the tenth time. Now on 79, he just just two behind King Detorri.

Racing News

Detorri lodged an appeal against the nine-day ban he received on the opening day but was hit with an eight-day whip ban on Tuesday meaning he will miss Newmarket’s July Cup, the only British Group 1 races missing from his CV.

Competition Corner

Kay Regan, Ballinasloe, Joe Gaffney and Bernie Heavy, Athleague, knew Stealthy Tom won the Connaught National and won tickets for Roscommon on Tuesday, July 4th featuring the listed Lenabane Stakes. Last chance to win tickets for Family Day in Roscommon on Monda, July 10th and to win: Which horse won the Prince of Wales Stakes at Royal Ascot on the second day? Answers please to The Roscommon

People, Abbey Street, Roscommon or by email to tomred17@gmail.com by 5 pm on Wednesday next (5th). Don’t forget to include your name, address, and a contact phone number with all competition entries. Tickets will have to be collected in the office in Abbey Street, Roscommon.

We also have tickets for Kilbeggan on July 14th, Midlands National Day, but you will have to wait until Sunday for the answer. Which horse won the Irish Derby? Entries as above by July 12th.

SPORTS DESK With Dan Dooner

Aoife one fight from Paris 2024!

(News from local golf clubs)

Short putts

Congratulations to the Intermediate Cup team who had a great win over Loughrea on Wednesday last. They now face Portumna in the Connacht semi-final.

Captain Michael McBrearty’s prize to the Ladies was won by Imelda Sheeran last weekend with an impressive score of 69. Yvonne Walsh was runner-up with 70, Nora St John was third with 71, and the gross prize went to Ann Geoghegan (82). Full results on club website.

Mary O’Neill, meanwhile, won the 9-hole competition while Eleanor Larkin topped the recent ’97 Club leaderboard with 30 points.

Boyle

The Lady Captain’s Prize (Maura O’Farrell) was won by Michelle Quinn, claiming her first major. Michelle edged out Mary O’Hara by one shot while Tish Perry won the gross prize. Fiona Keenan made her first podium appearance in a major, finishing in third place. See club website for other prizewinners.

Kevin O’Connor (45 points) won the Lady Captain’s prize to the men with Mark O’Donoghue second, Owen Garvin third and Charlie O’Donnell taking the gross prize.

Jonathan Egan has been in fine form this past month, winning the two most recent Men’s competitions. Last Thursday, he shot 31 points to claim the win by four ahead of Jim Callery in second place.

A final reminder that the club’s annual Open Week commences on Monday, July 10th with 9-hole competitions for Men and Ladies. Ladies’ Day takes place on the Tuesday, there will be a Mixed Rumble on Wednesday, Thursday is Men’s 18-hole singles day and the week wraps up with a Scramble including music and presentation on the Friday.

Carrick

Well done to the Challenge Cup team on a fantastic win

over Gort. The team is now through to the final with date still to be confirmed. The Jimmy Bruen team was beaten 3-2 in their quarter-final against Tubbercurry while the Barton Shield team bowed out in the first round in Castlebar.

A very successful Senior outing took place at Slieve Russell recently. The overall winning team was: Tommy Mulvey, Dermot Monaghan and Liam O’Malley with an excellent score of 51 points. Runners-up were Albert Hogg, Barry Donnellan and Jim Newcombe with 46 points, and in third were Reggie Carroll, Paddy Dillon and John Burke CK with 46 points.

The overall winner of last Thursday’s competition was Eamonn Costello with 37 points. Other results available on club website.

Roscommon

Congratulations to Michael Sharkey (137 nett) who won the President’s prize to the men for the second year in a row recently. Runner-up was Charlie McDonnell with 139 while Paul McNally was third (140), and Jack Sharkey took the gross prize with 156.

The respective senior competitions last Thursday were won by Geraldine Hoban and Tony McManus while last Sunday’s Men’s competition was won by P McGarry with 41 points.

Last Friday’s Men’s Open was won by Cian Duggan with 39 points while the Ladies’ competition last week was won by Ruth Lennon with 37 points and the 9-hole went to Paula Miley with 20.

In team news, the Barton Shield team lost out to Claremorris in the semi-final in Castlerea last weekend. This weekend the club will host an Open Weekend of golf which commenced yesterday evening (Wednesday) and will continue until Sunday. See club website for more.

Finally for this week, ‘Play in Pink’ in aid of Breast Cancer Research takes place on Thursday, July 6th Please support.

Castlerea boxer Aoife O’Rourke has gauranteed herself at least a bronze medal at the European Games and is now just one fight away from a place at the Olympics in Paris next year following her victory over Love Holgersson in Krakow last night.

O’Rourke defeated the Swedish boxer by unanimous decision in the 75kg bout and will now face old foe Elzbieta Wojcik in the semi-final on Friday. Should she win that she will not only secure a silver medal but also book her ticket to Paris 2024.

Su Carthy appointed to World Rugby board

Castlerea native and Creggs RFC member, Su Carthy, has been appointed to World Rugby’s Executive Board, which is run by PwC Switzerland.

Four candidates were nominated for the election to fill two vacant seats which took place remotely.

Carthy and Ada Milby (Asia Rugby) were subsequently elected to fill the seats on the board.

Castlerea cyclists lead the way

Two Castlerea Cycling Club members are currently fighting it out at the top of the Sligo Cycling League.

Daniel O’Neill and Marian Lally have put in some sensational performances over the last few weeks and were in first and and second in the rankings up to this week.

Daniel was in action on Wednesday evening while Marian had a free week. There are still four rounds to go including one time trial with both still very much in contention. More on this next week.

Diarmuid named in GAA ‘Team of the Week’

Roscommon forward Diarmuid Murtagh has been named in the GAA.ie ‘Team of the Week’. The St Faithleach’s man scored

six points, including three from play, during last Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC Preliminary quarter-final defeat to Cork.

Buccs appoint new coaching team

Following Eddie O’Sullivan’s departure Buccaneers RFC have appointed Paul Byrne as Head Coach assisted by Benny Gilligan and David Henshaw, and with Craig Milling returning as Senior Manager. Meanwhile, Damien Shine takes up the reins at Director of Rugby while kit manager Martin Webster is a key back-up member as are physios Joe Smyth and Thomas ‘Jack’ Mannion.

Training commences on Tuesday, July 11th ahead of the new campaign, which kicks off on October 7th away to St Mary’s College.

Rounders champions!

The winners of the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Rounders competition were revealed following the recent finals at Michael Glavey’s GAA Club.

Castleplunkett emerged victorious in the two-teacher schools even following their narrow 9-8 win over Clooneyquinn NS. Carrick NS pulled off a remarkable double in the 3 and 4-teacher event as both boys’ and girls’ teams were crowned champions. The girls beat St Ronan’s of Taughmaconnell in a repeat of last year’s final while the boys were just too good for Athleague.

St Coman’s School emerged winners in the larger schools’ boys’ competition after defeating Cloonfad NS 18-15 in what onlookers described as an “epic battle”.

The girls’ competition saw previous winners Glanduff NS face off against first-time finalists Abbeycartron NS. Despite a brave performance from the north Roscommon side, Glanduff came out convincing winners.

Cumann na mBunscol Ros Comáin has thanked referees and Michael Glavey’s GAA Club for their support in hosting the events.

It was announced on Wednesday that Rachael Blackmore, winner of the 2021 Grand National and 2022 Gold Cup, has been made an Honorary MBE for services to sport.

Farney defeat condemns Ladies to relegation play-off

TG4 All-Ireland IFC (Round 2)

Monaghan 0-16

Roscommon 0-10

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon Ladies footballers’ miserable season continued at Smithborough last Sunday when Ollie Lennon’s side were knocked out of this year’s championship by the home side who pulled away in the second half to win convincingly in the end.

It was a ‘must win’ game for both sides and Roscommon were competitive for most of the way, and particularly in the first half, but Monaghan’s attacking threat, particularly from Jodi McQuillan and Chloe McBride who between them scored 11 points, proved too much for Roscommon in the end.

On a very warm day, the sides were well matched for most of the opening half. Rachel Fitzmaurice, Roi-

sin Wynne, Laura Fleming and the returning Aisling Hanly were most prominent. Roscommon led by 0-4 to 0-2 after 14 minutes with Wynne, Hanly and Fleming (2) on target. But Monaghan scores from McQuillan (2) and McBride saw the home side ahead by the 20th minute.

In the 25th minute, Monaghan were awarded a penalty and Jodi McQuillan’s shot was brilliantly saved by Helena Cummins. Late points from Rachel Fitzmaurice and team captain Fleming ensured that there was only a point between the teams at half-time: Monaghan 0-8 Roscommon 0-7. But Roscommon were not as competitive in the second half and the home side gradually pulled away. They led by 0-12 to 0-8 after 42 minutes and despite Roscommon reducing the gap to just two with points from Hanly and Fleming (both frees), Monaghan reasserted their control and closed out the game with late points from Leanne Maguire (2) and McQuillan.

So relegation in the league and an early championship exit has been Roscommon’s lot this year but it must be said that the effort put in by the players and management has been huge. However, the situation where many of the best players are not involved with the county team will have to be resolved going forward if Roscommon want to make any progress at inter-county level.

Ollie Lennon’s side will now play Louth in a relegation play-off.

Roscommon team and scorers: Helena Cummins; Erin Hagen, Ellen Irwin, Saoirse Wynne; Judy McDermott, Rachel Fitzmaurice (0-1), Niamh Feeney; Caoimhe Cregg, Niamh Fitzgerald; Aisling Shanagher, Laura Fleming (0-4, 3 frees), Roisin Wynne (0-1); Aisling Hanly (0-3, 2 frees), Aoife Gavin, Aisling Feely (01). Subs: M. Hagan for Gavin (37), Lauren Shanagher for McDermott (37), Ruth Cox for Fitzgerald (48), Ella Thompson for A Shanagher (58).

Camógs qualify despite heavy defeat

Roscommon’s camogie side are through to the quarter-finals of the Glen Dimplex Premier Junior AllIreland Championship despite a heavy 3-19 to 0-5 loss to Clare in Ballyforan last Saturday.

Roscommon had already defeated Tyrone and Louth so last Saturday’s game decided who finished top of the group and it was the Banner girls who were comfortable from the first whistle. They led by 1-11

to 0-3 at half-time. The visitors added 2-8 to their score in the second half as they ran out very comfortable winners. Roscommon will play in the quarterfinals on July 8th.

C’mon The Town

(Roscommon Town Youth Soccer)

In association with the

Harriers’ annual 10-Miler on Saturday

Over 500 runners under starter’s orders!

< DAN DOONER

The 8th annual Roscommon Harriers 10-Mile Road Race is set to take place this Saturday, July 1st from Hannon’s Hotel in Roscommon town.

The race is part of the Peugeot Race Series in conjunction with Pop Up Races and attracts top-level runners from right across Ireland. The current course records are held by renowned Irish athletes Mick Clohisey (48:47) and Anne Marie McGlynn (55:22).

Peugeot are offering €500 in bonuses if those times can be beaten this weekend. All participants this Saturday will receive a medal while a new-look singlet has been given to the first 500 entries.

Prizes on the day will include a trophy and cash prize for the overall winner as

Up for the cup!

Roscommon Town had two teams in finals in Newbridge last weekend.

The boys’ team overcame Dunmore in the U-14 decider. Two goals from star player Eoin Naughten, his ninth and tenth of the season, and further strikes from Lewis Smyth and Lucas de Sousa ensured it was Ben Dolan lifting the cup for The Town.

Later that evening, the boys’ U-18 side suffered an agonising loss to Glen Celtic in their Shield final. The Town missed a number of chances before going behind.

A Leo Anic strike brought

the final to extra-time and Adam Hannon gave The Town the lead before Glen Celtic levelled soon after. Glen then snatched a dramatic winner in the final minute before Town hit the post in the dying seconds.

A superb effort, led by star player Enzo Bueno, which just came up short for The Town. Congratulations to Glen Celtic.

On the pitch…

Two of our U14 sides were on the road on Monday. Atletico travelled to Dunmore while Real were in Ballymoe. Luiz Fellipe da Silva scored three for a young Real team but it

wasn’t to be as Ballymoe scored a late penalty to claim a point. Star Player: Luiz Fellipe da Silva.

Atletico were 3-1 down at one stage but a stirring renaissance saw them claim the three points. Cian Connaughton, Ruairi Kerr, Yurii Shumyhora and Yunas Magomayeva netted for the Town. Star Player: Cian Connaughton.

On Tuesday evening, our Town 1 U12 side played away to Moore while Town 2 made the short journey to Lecarrow.

On Thursday, there is a doubleheader in Lisnamult. Our U16 Town 1 team host Glen Celtic while Town 2 welcome Shiven Rovers. Our U18 side re-

new acquaintances with Glen Celtic in the League on Saturday evening.

Player Profile

Name: Enzo Bueno

Team: U-18

Position: Winger

Three words that describe

me: Boldness, Joy, Faith

Skill strength: Dribbling

Skill weakness: Tracking/

Marking

Favourite team: Santos

Favourite player: Neymar

Best stadium in the world:

Vila Belmiro (Santos)

Messi or Ronaldo or

Neither: Messi PlayStation or Xbox or

well as male/female and age category prizes.

The race commences at 11.30 am from Hannon’s Hotel, taking in a flat scenic course before finishing back at Hannon’s. Food and refreshments will be served to participants after the event. This week the organisers have expressed their deep gratitude to all sponsors, race HQ Hannon’s Hotel, race marshalls, medical staff, and all those who continue to make the event an outstanding success. They have reminded local motorists that the road between Hannon’s Hotel and Roscommon Golf Club will be close prior to and during the event. For more information, check out www. popupraces.ie/race/roscommon-harriers10miler-2023.

Neither: PlayStation

Favourite film: Creed

Favourite food: Hamburger

Favourite song: God’s Plan

Favourite book: Bible

What makes me happy:

Playing soccer

Person you admire the most: My father

Why I play soccer: Because I feel happy on the field.

* Enzo is a recent arrival to our club and country. His debut in the final entertained those of us present and we look forward to seeing him progress with The Town. Bem vindo Enzo!

Pictured ahead of the Roscommon Harriers annual 10 Mile Road Race on Saturday, July 1st were Bernard Leavy (Roscommon Harriers), Loretta Dowd (Roscommon Harriers), Jim McCausland (Casey’s Roscommon, main sponsors), and Frank Murphy (Roscommon Harriers).

Roscommon Town RDYSL U-14 Cup winners 2023.

GAME ON…

Small margins claim big price in season of promise

< PAUL HEALY

The manner of last Saturday’s championship exit by Roscommon was heartbreaking for players, management and supporters. It had echoes of the unfulfilled potential of some recent seasons, but the disappointment this time around is offset by many positives over the course of the year.

Ultimately of course, there is an immediate sense of having underachieved. Only a few weeks ago, there was a view that Roscommon should have an All-Ireland semi-final as their goal this season (and why stop at that?). Certainly there was a consensus that Roscommon realistically had to at least reach the quarter-finals to avoid the season possibly being deemed an anticlimax. The general view would have been that after such a strong league campaign, and excellent championship displays against Mayo and Dublin, not making the quarter-finals (at least) would have been seen as a significant setback, worthy of that unwelcome ‘underachieving’ status.

In strictly statistical terms, the season has indeed ended tamely, and with a huge sense of what might have been; for all the positives of recent months, Roscommon failed to make the business end of the championship, instead being marooned in the no-man’s land between the round robin and the last eight. It’s not where we want to be.

The cold facts are that since Roscommon’s great Connacht quarter-final win in Castlebar, we have won just one of the five championship games that followed. That expected (and fairly routine) win over Sligo was sandwiched between the following: defeat to Galway, draw with Dublin, defeat to Kildare, defeat to Cork. Roscommon had no luck last Saturday – and were still so close to reaching the quarter-finals – but there is a message for us all in that winless streak versus Galway, Dublin, Kildare and Cork (as impressive as Roscommon were at times in those games). Ultimately, Roscommon didn’t deliver enough of the ‘small percentage moments’ needed to get them into the last eight.

Luck – or tiny margins at least – comes into it. Roscommon had goal chances against Cork which, had they been taken, might have finished their opponents off. In injury-time, Davy Burke’s team seemed to have the momentum to conjure up a late winner, or to secure extra-time at least. It was not to be.

When you go out of the championship by a single point, self-evidently you are dealing with small margins. Eight or nine times out of ten, Roscommon would have created a scoring opportunity with that last play on Saturday.

Ultimately, it’s a hugely disappointing end to the season, but our hearts go out to the players and management on the nature of the exit (while giving full credit to Cork). And it is fair to say that the cold facts of that unusual championship odyssey this season can’t really overshadow the many positives this year, or the promise of what can be achieved with this management and these players.

The Division One League campaign was a big success. The new management has acquitted itself impressively and a number of players have developed very well. The powerful championship performances against Mayo and Dublin – and aspects of Roscommon’s displays against Galway, Sligo, Kildare and Cork – clearly show that progress is being made. Roscommon can now be expected to be competitive against any team in the country. It’s small margins now. Small margins. Sometimes they elevate you to great heights, sometimes they just toy with your dreams.

Rebels halt Roscommon advance!

BURKE HAILS POSITIVES AFTER HEARTBREAKING LOSS

All-Ireland SFC Preliminary Quarter-Final Cork

1-14 Roscommon 0-16

< SEAMUS DUKE

Davy Burke has promised supporters that Roscommon will bounce back from this year’s agonising championship exit and return refreshed and ready for a new season.

Speaking in the immediate aftermath of a dramatic one-point defeat away to Cork, Burke said the players and management were “gutted”. Roscommon controlled the first half of the game, and when they later lost the initiative, Burke’s team recovered from five points behind to draw level. Just when extra-time seemed on the cards, a controversial refereeing call led to a last-gasp Cork winner, ending Roscommon’s hopes of reaching this weekend’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals.

Burke said: “It’s so very, very disappointing. We are all gutted in that dressing room. The control we had

in the first half was excellent and we should have gone in a couple of points more in front. That was merited I thought on the balance of play. We let Cork back into it”.

As to that ultimately unrewarded late surge, the manager said: “When we went five points down after 59 minutes I thought we showed great steel, great resolve and great character and I have nothing but huge pride in my group. They are a marvellous group of lads”. Pledging to bounce back, he sounded an optimistic note on an evening of devastating disappointment.

“I have no doubt that we are making progress. I know it doesn’t look like that this evening because we have only got as far as we did last year. But I have no doubt in my mind that we are moving forward here. It’s a project, and it is going to take us time. We will lick our wounds and go away for a while and we will be back again”.

The history books will show that Roscommon were beaten by a

point by Division Two opposition in the last 12 of the All-Ireland SFC for the second year in a row, but the story behind this latest calamitous defeat is of a game in which nothing went right for Davy Burke’s men. Saturday’s match was one that Roscommon should never have lost.

Two clear goal chances missed, the concession of several cheap turnovers, and a truly bizarre incident in the 73rd minute that led directly to Cork’s winning score, were just some of the key moments in a rollercoaster of a match. That latter big call saw Conor Daly being deemed by the referee to have fouled the ball when Roscommon were in the middle of patient buildup play. Then there is the fact that Roscommon only went in at halftime a point in front despite having totally dominated the first-half exchanges.

Roscommon took control from the first whistle. Enda Smith was magnificent once again, while

Diarmuid Murtagh and brother

Ciaráin were not far behind. With Roscommon comfortably ahead, a key moment came in the 21st minute when Enda Smith burst through on goal. His powerful shot was well saved by Mícheál A Martin. As it was, Roscommon were in front 0-7 to 0-3 by the 26th minute and full value for that lead.

Finding inspiration from somewhere, Cork kicked three points in four minutes before the break, via Stephen Sherlock, Tommy Walsh and Matty Taylor. At half-time they were just 0-7 to 0-6 behind.

After Rory Maguire levelled the scores on the resumption, Roscommon missed an open goal in the 38th minute. Sub Conor Cox set up Diarmuid Murtagh. The St Faithleach’s man would normally finish the chance in his sleep, but Martin brought off another great save.

The Rebels then seized the initiative, and a tremendous battle ensued. The home side pushed up on Roscommon’s kickouts to immediate effect. When Enda Smith and Diarmuid Murtagh

Ciaráin Murtagh… had another excellent game for Roscommon last Saturday. File photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Dylan Ruane… lined out for Roscommon against Cork last

pointed from long distance within a minute, the sides were level at 0-10 each after 48 minutes.

Cork kicked on with points from Luke Fahy and Stephen Sherlock. Daire Cregg scored a great point from a mark in the 53rd minute, before Cork pounced with a crucial 57th minute goal. Sean Powter did the spadework and Conor Corbett squeezed the ball in off a post. A point from sub Chris Óg Jones left them up by five with only 11 minutes left on the clock.

It looked grim for Roscommon, but they dug in and responded magnificently, scoring five points without reply. Diarmuid Murtagh (who had a super match) kicked three, and Daire Cregg and Ciaráin Murtagh contributed one apiece. With four minutes of extra-time to be played, the sides were level again.

Patiently probing for an opportunity to go for a winning score, Roscommon played ‘keep ball’ – then came a cruel twist. Conor Daly seemed to throw the ball up while unmarked; referee Brendan Cawley awarded what many considered to be a very dubious free. Cork promptly went downfield and sub Kevin O’Donovan fisted over the winner.

Just when Roscommon thought their day couldn’t get any worse, Enda Smith (once again the best player on the field) was shown a red card for a clash with Tommy Walsh. Seconds later it was over and Roscommon’s dreams were shattered once more.

There were reasons beyond hard luck for this loss. The two missed goal chances were crucial, Roscommon’s kickout strategy imploded in the second half, and they were totally beaten in the middle of the field for most of the match. It was only when Keith Doyle came on in the last twenty minutes that

CORBETT PUNCHLINE FLOORS ROSSIES

PAUL HEALY View from GAAGO

I couldn’t get to Cork last Saturday, only the second of Roscommon’s thirteen big games this season that I’ve missed. It was time for my GAAGO debut, forking out €12 while wondering how it came to this (i.e. paying RTE and the GAA to see Gaelic football) –and where it will all end.

1.30 pm, and the preliminaries for the ‘preliminary’ went smoothly. Email address. Password. Payment. Confirmation that I’m not a robot. A break then, to fret about our fate. As throw-in neared, a few friends texted their thoughts. While confident Roscommon would win, I decided against replying – for fear of creating hostages to fortune. My thought process? Texting back and saying ‘Roscommon to win with a bit to spare’ might actually jinx us. So much for that strategy.

Just before 3 pm, I logged back on to GAAGO. Full disclosure: I’ve never won a ‘technological whizzkid’ award – never even been shortlisted. So, when confronted with a glitch, I predictably struggled with what we will now call GAANOGO.

where

the tide started to turn in that sector.

At the end of the day the brutal reality is that Roscommon are out of the championship. Still, it has been a good year. Roscommon have Division One football to look forward to again in 2024. Davy Burke has brought fresh impetus and energy to the set up, which is superb. What a pity that it will be seven months before we are in competitive action again.

Teams & scorers

Cork: Mícheál A Martin; Maurice Shanley, Rory Maguire (0-2), Tommy Walsh (0-1); Luke Fahy (0-1), Daniel O’Mahony, Matty Taylor (0-1); Colm O’Callaghan, Ian Maguire; Brian O’Driscoll

lost,

(0-1), Ruairí Deane, Killian O’Hanlon; Seán Powter, Stephen Sherlock (0-5, 4 frees), Eoghan McSweeney. Subs: Chris Óg Jones (0-2) for McSweeney (34), Conor Corbett (1-0) for Deane (44), Kevin O’Donovan (0-1) for Shanley (47), Tom Clancy for Fahy (59), John O’Rourke for O’Hanlon (70).

Roscommon: Conor Carroll (0-1, ‘45); Conor Hussey, Brian Stack, David Murray; Niall Daly, Conor Daly, Eoin McCormack; Eddie Nolan, Enda Smith (0-2); Ciaráin Murtagh (0-5, 3 frees), Cian McKeon, Dylan Ruane; Donie Smith, Ben O’Carroll, Diarmuid Murtagh (0-6, 3 frees). Subs: Conor Cox for Donie Smith (34), Daire Cregg (0-

BURKE HAILS FANS

Roscommon manager Davy Burke has paid tribute to the great support received by the players and management during a rollercoaster season when saw the team retain its Division One status and experience highs and lows in the course of a new-look championship campaign.

“The Roscommon supporters have been unbelievable all year and they were there in force again today” Burke said in Cork on Saturday.

“It took us four and a half hours to get here yesterday on the bus, so I know what sacrifices they (supporters) are making. When you consider the cost of living and everything else, they have been fantastic. I have been blown away by Roscommon people this year”.

2, 1 mark) for Ruane (45), Keith Doyle for Nolan (52), Cian Connolly for Hussey (60), Richard Hughes for Niall Daly (64).

Referee: Brendan Cawley (Kildare).

Stat Attack

Wides: Cork: 8 (4, first half); Roscommon 2 (1, first half)

Red cards: Cork 0; Roscommon 1 (Enda Smith, 74)

Black cards: 0

Yellow cards: Cork 1 (Tommy Walsh); Roscommon 0

Man of the Match: Enda Smith (Roscommon)

Attendance: 14,294

The great Tommy Cooper told a story of being shortchanged by a barman. Turning to his drinking buddy, Cooper quipped: “It’s not the principle, it’s the money”. By 3.15 on Saturday, I was getting zero value from GAAGO for my €12. Highly frustrating, but to be fair (to me), it wasn’t the money, it was the principle.

Eventually we got connected. Roscommon appeared to be coasting, three points ahead. This was textbook Davy Burke era, Roscommon retaining possession comfortably, picking off nice scores, frustrating Cork, the home team reduced to ill-advised shot selection.

Then the first worry that Roscommon might experience one of those painful days where a team fails to maximise its dominance came when Enda Smith’s goal attempt was parried by Cork goalkeeper Mícheál A Martin. Next, Cork finally found some rhythm, producing a flurry of scores. It was a sickener to be only one ahead at the half-time break.

Later, hearts sank further when Roscommon missed another goal, Diarmuid Murtagh’s low shot smothered by the Cork ‘keeper. Despair for Roscommon in this game of small margins – and a momentum booster for a home side growing in belief.

Cork now had their best phase. Pressing high on Roscommon, they wrestled control of the game. Cork pressure yielded several turnovers. Suddenly, Conor Carroll must have felt the pitch had shrunk, his kickouts being swarmed on by raiders in red, the Roscommon goalkeeper scrambling to find the open spaces that were no longer there. Sensing Roscommon’s unease, Cork hunted down another kickout and struck for the game’s only goal. Conor Corbett’s deft shot trickled in off the post, slowly, mercilessly, as if to drive home the scale of its significance.

When Roscommon went five down to a now buoyant Cork, all seemed lost. But Davy Burke’s team, to their immense credit, picked off five great scores, sensationally turning matters around. Level in injurytime, they played keep ball, presumably intent on timing a scoring strike when it would be too late for Cork to respond. The approach made sense, but backfired when Conor Daly was adjudged to have fouled the ball. Cork attacked, and Kevin O’Donovan’s score was felt in Roscommon hearts everywhere. This season, the light shone brightly for so long for Roscommon. Suddenly, cruelly, the curtain fell.

“It’s so very, very disappointing. We are all gutted in that dressing room” – Roscommon manager Davy Burke. File

‘Conor Corbett’s deft shot trickled in off the post, slowly, mercilessly, as if to drive home the scale of its significance’

weekend,

Davy Burke’s team unluckily

1-14 to 0-16. File photo: Bernie O’Farrell

photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Heartbreaking end to a positive year BURKE WILL AIM TO ADD TO PANEL

< SEAMUS DUKE

After all the positivity and excitement generated since the start of 2023, it is heartbreaking for Roscommon to go out of the championship in the manner witnessed last Saturday. One-point defeats to Kildare and Cork in the space of six days (games that should not have been lost) have left most Roscommon fans wondering just what happened. The joy of that superb performance against Dublin, the win over Mayo and a series of excellent league displays are now a distant memory.

However, it is very important to point out that, disappointment at a premature championship exit notwithstanding, this has been a very positive year for the Roscommon senior football team. Davy Burke and his management team have brought new energy to the set up this year and have been a breath of fresh air since taking over.

It should be noted that in thirteen league and championship matches this year, the biggest margin of victory against Roscommon was four points (Galway). Despite the two agonising one-point defeats in the past week, Roscommon are now a team to be respected and

feared and well established in Division One.

With a full 12 months to prepare, Davy Burke will have plenty of time to plan for the 2024 championship season. We probably need a few new players to freshen things up and hopefully they will emerge in the forthcoming club championships.

Certainly in 2023 several players have blossomed under the new management. Newcomers who spring to mind include Conor Car-

roll, Ben O’Carroll, Daire Cregg, Colin Walsh, Richard Hughes, Keith Doyle and Dylan Ruane.

We have top class performers in Ciaráin Murtagh, Diarmuid Murtagh, Brian Stack, Conor Daly and Enda Smith, the latter having had his best year in a Roscommon jersey (a possible All Star?). The arrival of Davy Burke has also given a new lease of life to the likes of Niall Daly, Davy Murray, Niall Kilroy, Donie Smith and Cian Connolly.

SEASON… at a glance

Roscommon probably need to unearth some new players, particularly in midfield. Hopefully Colin Walsh can progress as he is needed at fullback because Brian Stack is a fantastic player who would arguably be of greater value if played beyond the full-back line. What a fantastic leader he has been this year.

The truth is that the team struggled at midfield this year and only came to life in that department last weekend when Keith Doyle arrived from the bench. The loss of Ultan Harney, Tadhg O’Rourke and Sean Mullooly has been deeply felt in that sector.

The bottom line is that a Roscommon senior football team has not reached an All-Ireland semi-final in 32 years and that wait is now prolonged due to last Saturday’s crushing setback. Like many Roscommon GAA fans I am so disappointed at how the year has ended. But it’s not all doom and gloom. We are a county that punches above its weight year after year. Davy Burke is a young, ambitious manager and his enthusiasm will ensure that Roscommon will be back. Davy and his men will take a break, lick their wounds, and come back again freshly energised in 2024. Last Saturday was a tough day, but we have cause for optimism.

Stand by our men: Roscommon players line up prior to this year’s Allianz National Football League game versus Mayo. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Davy Burke and Eddie Lohan. File picture: Bernie O’Farrell.