30 September 2022 Roscommon People

LITTER DISPOSAL

I live in a busy residential area and sadly I have noticed a dramatic increase in the level of littering surrounding my home and local ity in recent months. This littering includes everything from chewing gum, fast food wrap ping and even dog faeces. Please explain the general laws dealing with litter disposal. Also, my friends neighbour has allowed rubbish to pile up in his front garden, is this legal?

The Litter Pollution Act, 1997 (as amended by the Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2001 and the Protection of the Environment Act 2003), governs litter pollution and introduced heavy penalties in Ireland to help combat the problem. Litter is defined as a substance or object, when deposited in a place other than a litter receptacle, is or is likely to become unsightly, deleterious, nauseous or unsanitary, regardless of its size or volume.

Your local authority is responsible for imple menting the litter laws and is obliged to prepare a litter management plan for its own area. It is responsible for the prevention and control of litter and has the power to take enforcement action against people who break or ignore these laws. It is responsible for keeping public places that are under its control clear of litter as far as is practica bly possible. Gardai also have the power to issue on-the-spot fines for litter offences.

Leaving or throwing litter in a public place is an offence and may attract an on-the-spot fine of €150 or €3,000 if you are convicted in the Dis trict Court. If an offence continues after convic tion, the person concerned is guilty of a further offence and is liable to a fine of up to €600 euro for each day during which the contravention continues.

Dog owners are obliged to remove their pets’ waste from public places including, public roads and footpaths and the immediate area surround ing another person’s house, and dispose of it in a proper manner.

As regards your friend’s neighbour, any outdoor area on their property which is visible from a public place must be kept free of litter. Failure to do so may result in the owner or occupier being fined or prosecuted by the local authority.

WATCHINGPeople

With PAUL HEALY

FANCY TAKING A MINIBUS TO THE DÁIL ON BUDGET DAY!

What a week!

Yeah, exactly…what a week. Fancy launching your election campaign just like that…at such short notice!

Element of surprise, my friend!

Element of farce, more like it!

Huh! If you persist with such negativity, I may drop you from my team!

I may not want to be on your team!

On the contrary, you will be appalled if I don’t select you as my Director of Elections!

I don’t even know if you plan to run in the local elections or the general election, you haven’t told me!

Element of surprise, my friend! Huh!

(They pause to see if it’s safe to turn on the radio without hearing some Budget analysis)

Point is…

Point is you drove me mad all week!

How so?

First we went to Castlerea… Day and Night!

Night and Day! I keep telling you, it’s the Night and Day Festival!

Sorry!

You were embarrassing there…

How so?

Trying to be cool with the kids, to impress the young guns!

That was just Minister Simon Harris, I’ve met him before!

Don’t talk to me. Any time you saw a politi cian at the festival you dived in for a photo-op!

Yeah…proves I’m serious about this politi cal run!

Endangered

(They pause to select which photos they’ll send to the Editor in the vain hope he will publish)

So…

SO…after the festival in Castlerea, you cart ed me off to the Ballyforan Fair!

All’s fair in love and war! Politics is a competitive business! I had to press the flesh!

And then insisted I drive you to Ballinasloe on Sunday for the Horse & Agricultural

Show…

A great success! Keep them guessing! They’re all wondering if my ambitions extend beyond the local elections – if I in tend to run in Roscommon/Galway! They know I’m a dark horse!

More like a not very bright donkey! Huh!

(They pause in stunned silence as Armenia score twice in two minutes against the Re public of Ireland)

You can’t say I’m not increasing my pro file…

We haven’t even spoken yet about that dra matic excursion on Tuesday!

What??

My friend, you insisted on us travelling to Dublin on Tuesday for the Budget!

Oh, that!

SO embarrassing!

It was only a minibus…

Yeah, with a huge banner, and only a hand ful of passengers. Including the pub bore, of course! He’d do anything for a free pint…

What was wrong with the banner? BBBB is catchy! Boyo’s Big Budget Bus!

Fancy protesting outside the Dáil, that was a bit much…

Not at all!

Mind you, I will admit you got a prime spot outside the Dáil gates, where you made your speech. Danny Healy-Rae and Mattie Mc Grath weren’t a bit happy. How did you get them to move out of shot of the cameras?

EASY! I got the pub bore to distract them…they never recovered. ELEMENT OF SURPRISE!

Monthly meeting

PIC OF THE WEEK:

October 4th at 8 pm in Hannon’s Hotel. New members welcome. For more information email: rostownica@gmail.com.

Paschal Donohoe & Michael McGrath

The ministerial duo unveiled a heavy-leaked Budget 2023 on Tuesday (we have reaction in today’s issue)

Giorgia Meloni

For most of us, it was a case of ‘Giorgia Who?’ – but that will now change.

Widely described as a “far-right politician” she is set to become Italy’s first female Prime Minister after her party won 26% of the vote in that country’s general election

Stuart Lancaster

It has been announced that the popular former England coach is leaving Leinster at the end of the season to join Racing 92.

Lancaster enjoyed great success with Leinster during his six-year term as senior coach with the province

Kwasi Kwarteng

He was only appointed UK Chancellor earlier this month, stepping in as Boris Johnson stepped out as PM.

Now, hot on the heels of being accused of laughing during the Queen’s funeral, Mr. Kwarteng is in the news again after his economic plan/budget sparked a dramatic nosedive in the value of sterling

CYCLING

were involved in a cycling accident contact Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors

Kwasi Kwarteng

Residential services for children

locally all ‘compliant with standards’

Tusla have welcomed a recent HIQA Inspec tion report for Galway/Roscommon which found the area’s residential service compliant in all standards when it came to placements for children in residential care.

Reacting to the report this week, John Donnel lan, Tusla area manager, said: “Our staff work exceptionally hard to support the children and families we work with, and this report high lights just some of the good work that takes place in the area day to day.

“We continuously strive for improvement across the service, and we will continue to work

towards providing the best possible service for children, young people and their families in the area”.

The HIQA report noted that all of the children currently in residential care had an allocated so cial worker and up to date care plans.

Care plans were generally found to be comprehensive and outlined the supports to be provided to the child, the residential centre and parents, where appropriate. The report also noted that children were consult ed and encouraged to participate in the de velopment of plans for their care, and their

views and wishes were represented in their care plans.

Inspectors found good practice in relation to multi-agency working and professional collab oration which helped ensure that children ex perienced good quality care and that they were safe and supported.

Care plans reviewed by inspectors recorded the therapeutic, educational and health supports provided for children, as well as inter-agency working for children with complex needs, which included mental health, disability and other specialist services.

Tom is new Roscommon Drama Group chair

Following a very successful AGM on Tuesday, Septem ber 27th, Roscommon Drama Group will stage a three-act play – which will be entered in the Connacht Cup in the New Year – and will hold readings on Friday, October 7th, in Hannon’s Hotel at 7.30 pm.

All new members are welcome, so if you have any in terest in the stage do come along and join us. You will receive a warm welcome.

The committee for the coming year, elected on the night is: Chairperson Tom Holian; Secretary Majella Flanagan; Treasurer Steve Gregory; PRO Dermot Cox. The follow ing were elected to the committee: Aidan Flanagan, Con Connolly, Martha Gregory, Mary Cox, Tom Costello, Bernie Maher and Bernadette Stapleton.

After following Roscommon Racecourse on Facebook for many years Roscommon Racecourse welcomed Americans Corine Noonan, Mary Ann Scaffidi, Rosie Lonergan and Maureen Hanly on Monday. They are pictured with Racecourse Manager Michael Finneran. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Leitrim record label to showcase four bands

‘The Knock’ is an independent Leitrimbased record label, and they will be host ing an event featuring four of the bands on their roster in The Dock in Carrick-onShannon on Saturday, October 1st

The event will be a celebration of re leases to date and a preview of the label’s latest project, ‘Watched Kettle’ featuring singer Susan Rowland. The acts behind the previous two releases on the label in 2019 and 2020, Bedlam Suitcase and Those Nervous Animals, will also per form, as will Foxford-based chanteuse Suzette Ruane.

The label is committed to original writ ing and high production values. The com

mon thread is the songwriting of Pádraig Meehan, who also runs the label. The performance is funded by Leitrim County Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

The Dock hosted the launch of the 2020 Bedlam Suitcase album. That was de scribed as an excellent gig, the record re ceiving praise in both the national and in ternational media. The Dock are delighted to be able to support this local indepen dent record label again. With four bands playing excellent original music, it is sure to be a great event.

Tickets are available now on thedock.ie or on 071 9650828.

Female entrepreneurship celebrated in Galway

Women from across the west and northwest at tended a celebratory event in Salthill last Friday (September 23rd), marking the completion of ‘EMPOWER II’, the female entrepreneurship programme delivered by Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Innovation Hubs (iHubs).

Chaired by Susan Hayes Culleton CFA, bet ter known as ‘The Positive Economist’, the event was attended by female founders who completed both the START and GROWTH pro grammes. Keynote speakers were Galway na tives Ailbhe and Isabel Keane of Izzy Wheels, an Irish company creating stylish wheelchair wheel covers.

The Keane sisters have won over 20 inter national awards, including the EU Prize for

In the Chamber

Women Innovators 2021, Forbes 30 Under 30, and the Accenture Leaders of Tomorrow Award. Ailbhe Keane spoke about Izzy Wheel’s journey to success and shared valuable insights into life as female founder. Isabel Keane spoke about working with a disability and gave advice to employers on the language to use and actions to take to support people with disabilities in the workplace.

Other speakers included Nadine McCarthy (Transformative Leadership Coach), Niamh Ryle (HomeCheck) and Catherine O’Grady Powers (Glen Keen Estate). Both Niamh and Catherine are past participants of the ‘EMPOW ER I’ cycle, and now run successful national and international businesses.

Calls to reopen local power stations fall on deaf ears

Cllr. Anthony Waldron told Monday’s monthly meet ing of Roscommon County Council that he was “ex tremely disappointed” that a letter sent to Minister Ea mon Ryan regarding the reopening of Lough Ree and Shannonbridge power stations following a Council motion last October had apparently fallen on deaf ears. The Independent councillor has once again called on the Minister for Environment, Climate and Commu nications to reopen the power stations in light of the recent energy crisis.

Cllr. Waldron’s motion received support from across the Chamber with a number of members questioning the decision to close the stations before an alternative plan had been put in place.

Cllr. Donal Kilduff described the decision as “mad ness” and called for the stations to be converted into biomass generators.

Kilduff urges significant solar investment

While addressing the local authority’s efforts around energy saving measures at Monday’s meeting, Cllr. Donal Kilduff called on the Council to embark on a programme of investment to support micro-generation of electricity by using “every available roof space” for solar panels.

The Independent councillor said he was disappointed with the local authority’s reply to his motion, confirm ing that it was committed to reaching national targets and that an audit of buildings was underway to identify energy saving projects in the county.

Cllr. Kilduff said: “I’m not talking about token invest ments, I’m talking about investment of hundreds of thousands of euro in solar panels. I don’t think it needs an energy audit to conclude that that would be a good investment in light of the current energy situation”.

The motion received unanimous support in the Chamber with Cllr. Orla Leyden echoing calls for every available public building to be used to generate solar power, while Cllr. Emer Kelly urged the Council to take the lead on the matter.

The Council executive confirmed that solar panels were currently in use on Áras an Chontae, Roscom mon Fire Station and the local swimming pool and that it was committed to further investment in the future.

Tributes to departing Chief Executive

Members paid glowing tributes to the outgoing Ro scommon County Council Chief Executive, Eugene Cummins, at Monday’s meeting.

Mr. Cummins, who was appointed to the role in 2015, will officially step down this Friday, having started his career in the local authority over forty years ago. See page 15.

Pictured at the ‘EMPOWER II’ event in Salthill last weekend are female founders Helen Nolan (Spraoi agus Spórt, Donegal), Denise Rocks (Little Green Growers, Galway), Asumpta Gallagher (Best Practice, Galway), Rita Oates (Rita Oates Artist, Roscommon), Suzanne Carney (Anatomy Physiotherapy, Mayo), Emer Flannery, (Kocoono, Mayo), who previously completed the EMPOWER GROWTH 2020/2021 programme.

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Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening were Caoimhe, Cathal and Michael Ryan. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Council has ‘no plans’ to reopen Castlerea Fire

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Hopes of Castlerea Fire Sta tion being reopened were dealt a significant blow at Monday’s monthly meeting of Roscommon County Council when the local authority’s executive dismissed calls to carry out a review of the service.

Fianna Fáil councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice, however, told the meeting that he would not give up on his efforts to have the local fire service reinstated.

The Council executive referred to a report carried out in 2020 which stated that Castlerea had an “efficient and effective fire ser vice” following the closure of the station in 2017.

Addressing Monday’s meeting, outgoing Chief Executive Eugene Cummins warned members that a new review could result in the closure of other fire stations in the county.

Cllr. Fitzmaurice expressed his disappointment with the Council’s response and said there had been a number of incidents in Castlerea over the years where serious fires were only prevented by the quick actions of local people.

Cllr. Fitzmaurice said Castlerea was a growing town with growing industry and that a lot of people in the town were still affected by a

serious fire which claimed the life of one person in 1970.

He said he didn’t accept that response times from fire sta tions in surrounding areas were appropriate and suggested that full-time firefighters was a pos sible solution to ongoing staff ing issues.

“When it comes to fire it’s so important to have that service. Sta tistics are no good and I think it’s totally inadequate for us to be ex pecting a fire service to travel from

Ballaghaderreen, Ballyhaunis or Elphin or Roscommon,” he said.

Incoming Chief Executive Shane Tiernan said the local authority’s decision was based on “facts and figures and the fact remains that Castlerea has an adequate and ap propriate fire service”.

He said the required response time at national level was 30 min utes and Roscommon had “set the bar higher” at 20 minutes.

Cllr. Nigel Dineen called re sponse times into question, while

Cllr. Fitzmaurice said Castlerea was the only town of its size in Roscommon without a fire service.

Citing incidences of fire in the town in recent years, Cllr. Fitz maurice asked: “If everything is so perfect why would people have to come out (and tackle fires) with fire extinguishers?”

Shane Tiernan, however, cited a reduction in the number of callouts in the Castlerea area in recent years and said the local authority was meeting its standards.

Castlerea Fire Station

Thursday

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

A column by Roscommon People editor paul@roscommonpeople.ie

The drive from Roscommon to our hotel near Sneem is scheduled to take over four hours.

We stop for lunch in a pub in Newmarket-onFergus, where two friendly customers at the bar counter treat us to the full ‘Locals staring at stranger(s) suddenly arriving into our pub’ treatment. After offering a friendly hello, their curiosity reluctantly wanes as we amble towards the lounge area. There, an elderly man with wispy hair cradles a pint of Guin ness and his thoughts.

After a nice lunch, it’s on with our journey (man at bar counter with arms folded turns slowly, nods purposefully, makes full eye contact, emits a routine ‘good luck’ – and then appears to be wrong-footed when I begin some small talk with a reference to the weather).

We drive from the home of All-Ireland hurling champions Limerick into the home of All-Ireland football champions Kerry, but not before being delayed for 45 minutes or so due to traffic jams on the approach to Adare. There’s lots of time (a bit too much) to again admire this gorgeous village.

This trip to Kerry for a weekend break is to celebrate our wedding anniversary, an end-of-summer treat, post-pandemic and all that! Parknasilla Resort & Spa is a beautiful location, the venue busy but very relaxed. In the great Kerry area tradition, there are quite a few American visitors, stepping in and out of coaches, weaving through narrow roads and along beautiful hills. There are lots of Irish people staying here too; in these difficult economic times this is quite an encouraging eye-opener, but then Kerry is Ireland’s tour ism capital.

The hotel, located in the heart of the Ring of Kerry, offers residents breathtaking scenery. It nestles in the bosom of a sensational tap estry of mountains, nature walks and inlets, all overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, beauti ful beaches stretching into the distance. To paraphrase the irrepressible Eamon Dunphy, this is world class scenery, baby!

Friday

While enjoying the peace and calm (and hotel facilities), an afternoon spin into nearby Sneem still can’t be resisted. It’s such a quaint village. The people are very friendly. The lady in the book store is chatty and wel coming; the man in the gift shop – he has a very distinguished long beard – talks Covid, brooches and life.

At the village green, and four years on since our last encounter with them, the old man and his goat are still there. Some readers will be familiar with the duo; the man sits for

most of the day by a stone wall, accompanied by his companion, a mountain goat with a long ‘beard’ and spectacular horns. Many of the tour ists disembarking from coaches for a stop-off in Sneem take photos and make a donation to the man’s ‘collection box’. ‘Puck the goat’ and his gentle owner are quite the tourist attraction.

He has a long beard, a friendly disposition, and an air of serenity in the face of charmed onlook ers (this description applies to both the man and the goat).

At 4.30 pm, after the last tourist bus has left, the man slowly packs the day’s ‘takings’ into his rucksack. Then our friend and his mountain goat rise and walk into the heart of the village, their day done. He waves (the goat stares/poses) as they set off into the evening.

Friday evening

In the hotel dining room, the couple at a nearby table are discussing what wine to choose.

“You know every French wine gives me a mi graine” the man (politely) mutters to his partner as they browse the list.

Oh give me a break! Every French wine gives him migraine! Maybe we’re in the presence of a world class wine connoisseur (or connois seurs), but more likely it’s an outbreak of acute pretentiousness. It’s time to stop eavesdropping, for fear it will give me a migraine…

Later, a young father follows his toddler daugh ter as she zigzags up and down the hallway. I

sit for a few minutes by the inviting open fire, a Kerry man across from me. He’s just past middle-age, well, depending on where middleage is (for some of us, it’s movable). The Kerry man is immersed in his smartphone, but when an English couple emerge from the dining room, he springs from his chair. The lady has a big hello for him, and a smile. In contrast, her partner, a very straight-backed man in a black suit, is aloof. The Kerry man had obviously met them earlier; he may be a tour guide. He recommends Muckross House and various other attractions. The lady is grateful, delighted even. The straightbacked man leaves all the talking to the woman. A pianist in the corner plays The Tennessee Waltz, beautifully. A few minutes later Fiona and I relax in the bar, where two musicians are start ing up. The friendly staff behind the bar counter don’t take cash; it’s card only. Changing times (with no change).

Saturday

After enjoying some of the lovely walking trails, it’s time to move on to another beautiful hotel, still in Co. Kerry. Forgive all this people watch ing, but doesn’t everyone do it? In the dining room, a party of eight or nine American visitors are seated. At one stage they begin playing the ‘Rose and thorn’ game, whereby each person says what their best (Rose) part of the day was, followed by the most disappointing (thorn). They’re nice people. Dinner is fabulous.

Later, the atmosphere is very relaxed, a gentleman playing beautiful music on a violin in a very plush adjoining lounge, laden with antiques, easy chairs and even a touch of mystique.

When the violinist finishes a song, one of the Americans is all questions to him. Which is fine.

“Are you Irish…where are you from?” (The violinist reveals he is actually also an American, but has been living in Ireland a long time).

The violinist resumes playing.

American guest, a few moments later: “Where was the violin made?” (Answer: Germany).

The violinist plays Nessun Dorma. It’s not our normal Saturday night, but it’s a lovely treat in a stunning hotel, and we’re enjoying it.

Next question. “What is a violin made of?” (Answer: Balsa, bit of spruce…eh…“but dif ferent violins are made of different woods…”

“Is that one made of balsa?”

And my thorn is…

Sunday morning

It’s a fancy spot for sure. At breakfast, the marmalade/jams are presented in tiny, very quaint jars. I am suddenly tempted to take one home with me. After all, if I used all the marmalade on toast/bread there and then, the jar ends up empty anyways. Of course if they actually refill the jars, maybe I shouldn’t take one!

Later, and after three lovely days in two beautiful venues, we check out. Reality looms. It’s been great. I place the receipt in my coat pocket, beside my newly-acquired very quaint marmalade jar.

“In the great Kerry area tradition, there are quite a few American visitors, stepping in and out of coaches, weaving through narrow roads and along beautiful hills”

Moll’s Gap, Kerry.

With the cost of living rising, these days we are all trying to make our money go a little fur ther. However, eating healthily doesn’t have to break the bank.

Every week in group, Slim ming World shows you how you can eat well for less – and still lose weight – all while cooking delicious and filling dishes. If you’re feeling inspired to em bark upon your own weight loss journey with Slimming World, or to get back on track, pop along any Wednesday morning to Gleeson’s Restaurant or any Thursday evening to Hannon’s Hotel. In the meantime, here are some of Slimming World’s tips for how to drop the pounds –while hanging on to your euro!

Shop smarter! Plan your meals in advance, so you’re not left with unused produce in the fridge. Go for supermarket own-label products where possible, as they’re usu ally cheaper and often taste just the same. Be wary of ‘buy one get one free’ and ‘two for one’ offers – they can encourage you to buy more expensive products and leave you with more than you need. Butchers, markets and farm shops can be great places to find economical cuts of meat and veg. Buy whole lettuce, car rots, peppers, mushrooms, etc., instead of ready prepared pack, as they’re often twice the price!

Buy in season and local! Vegetables that are in season are cheaper than imported veg. In winter, make the most of local or Irish-grown Brussels sprouts, swede, leeks and parsnips.

Slimming World’s money-saving tips to help your bank balance – and your weight loss!

Perfect your prep!

Save on fuel bills by making double the amount of things like lasagne, and using both oven shelves to cook them (then just portion up and freeze the rest).

Get your money’s worth from any leftovers too, by taking them to work for lunch the next day, and bumping them up with chickpeas or lentils to make them go further.

Fake a takeaway! Research shows that our mem bers don’t spend any more on food than people who aren’t try ing to lose weight. In fact, swap ping takeaways for lower-Syn fakeaways makes financial and slimming sense!

Get savvy about staples! Stocking up on store cupboard staples means you’ll always have the makings of a meal. In the long run, it will save you both money and Syns, because since dried rice and pasta and canned veggies have a long shelf life, you can buy them in bulk and use them as the basis for a whole host of meals. For example, a large batch of basic sauce made from canned toma toes and tomato purée can be frozen in portions and used in various meals.

Buddy up and get those steps in!

Meet up with friends or col leagues for a walk or exercise class and enjoy a catch-up and support each other.

Dig out your slow cooker! Slow cookers use far less ener gy than electric or gas cookers, even though they’re on for lon

ger. Cheaper cuts of meat (vis ible fat removed) and good-val ue veggies (the harder stuff, like root veg) are perfectly suited to slow cooking – they’ll come out melt-in-the-mouth tender and intensely tasty.

Boost your fitness for free! Did you know that dog walkers cover up to 36 miles a week on average? Take advantage of lo cal walkways and cycle tracks while the autumn weather is still good.

Veg out! Meat, poultry and fish can be pricey, so buy them in smaller amounts and bulk out dishes with lots of vegetables. Add lots of chopped carrots, celery, mushrooms or lentils to lean mince for a healthy, filling and delicious bolognese-style pasta sauce.

Soak up support!

For a commitment boost that will also save you money, you could consider a Slimming World Countdown course. Buy a six-week Countdown block and you’ll get one of those weeks for free, or double up and get twelve weeks for the price of ten. You’ll also get a free recipe book worth €7.95 filled with 68 delicious, healthy soup recipes.

Next week, Slimming World launch their ‘12 weeks to Christmas’ package, which will give support and strategies to steer members through the fes tive season. Slimming World Members also avail of 10% off all their shopping in the Iceland shop here in Roscommon until October 16th

Enjoy a delightful four course meal with a complimentary glass of house wine in the Abbey Hotel’s award-winning restaurant for six people for only €225!

This fantastic offer is valid Thursdays and Fridays until 27th October 2022. The Abbey Hotel is perfect for celebrating a special occasion or family get together.

Booking is essential, please call 090 6626240 or email restaurant@ abbeyhotel.ie

Pictured at Roscommon Races on Monday were Michael Finneran, Robbie McConn, Adrian, Rob and Joe Murray, Evelin Barkley and George McCourt. Pic:

Michelle Hughes Walsh

NewsPeople

At the Roscommon Races

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening were Evelin Barkley and Liam Rogers. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening were Frank Kenny and Geraldine Murray. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening were Michael Murray and Rochelle Mullaney. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening were Ellie Moran and Éadaoin Walsh. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Jockey Simon Torrens pictured after Black Hawk Eagle won the Boyle Maiden Hurdle at the Roscommon Races on Monday. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Tommy Cuddy pictured making a presentation to owner Robert Guiry after Lily Light Foot won the Class Grass Handicap Hurdle at Roscommon Races on Monday. Also in the picture are Anita, Padraig and Ava Cuddy. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Evelyn Dolan pictured making a presentation to trainer Barry Connell after Low Style won the Leo Dolan Memorial Handicap Hurdle at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening were Margaret Greene and Vincent Comer. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening were Seamus Rogers and Reddy Beirne. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Racecourse on Monday were Anthony and Colette Tarmey.

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening were Tom and Carmel Cox and Donnie Brennan. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Vets John O’Rourke and John Gilmore pictured making a presentation to jockey PJ Cody after Quaresome won the Roscommon On-Course Vets Flat Race at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Friday is Make Way Day 2022

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Make Way Day 2022, a national campaign by the Disability Fed eration of Ireland and run locally by Roscommon Access Group, takes place this Friday (30th) in a bid to raise awareness around the needs of people with disabilities in public spaces.

Speaking at the recent launch of the campaign in Roscommon

town, Ciaran Mullooly of Ro scommon LEADER Partnership SICAP, called on members of the public to share photographs and videos this Friday highlighting some of the daily obstacles they face.

Campaigners have highlighted a ‘Terrible Top Three’ of obsta cles which can impede those with disabilities on footpaths and in public areas following

a survey last spring. These in clude cars parked on footpaths, illegally parked bicycles and bins left on footpaths.

Mr. Mullooly said the campaign would help to focus minds and raise awareness as to the difficul ties those with disabilities face in public areas.

Campaign organisers, the Disa bility Federation of Ireland (DFI), have also developed an online tool

campaigners can use to test and rate their local area along with using Make Way Day stickers to highlight issues being faced by the public.

The tool will be available at www.makewayday.com and can be downloaded to a phone. It has been circulated widely on the campaign’s social media plat forms ahead of Make Way Day this Friday.

Ensure your payments aren’t interrupted

Ulster Bank is closing, and from 8th October all customers whose accounts have passed their six month closure notice period will no longer be able to use them.

Ensure your payments aren’t interrupted if you are receiving social welfare payments like Pensions, Child Benefit, Carer’s or Disability Allowance, or if you are making any Nursing Home payments. Ensure your payments are not interrupted by switching your account now.

Need extra support? Call our Vulnerable Customer Line on 1800 656 001

Switch in branch or at ulsterbank.ie

Call costs may vary and calls from mobiles may not be free. Ulster Bank Ireland DAC is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Pictured at Ballyforan Fair & Festival on Saturday were Donnacha Finneran, Thomas Kelly, Harry Dolan, Mathew Fallon and David Thompson. Photo: Mick McCormack

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G DThe page

Roscommon Special Olympics and local Gardaí to meet in rematch!

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Roscommon Special Olympics soc cer team will put their title on the line as they face off against Garda members from Roscommon town in a highly anticipated rematch at the Community Sports Park, Lisnamult on Friday, October 7th at 6 pm.

It was the local Gardaí who paid the penalty following last year’s epic

match as Roscommon Special Olym pics came out on top following a shootout.

Training for both teams resumed im mediately after the final whistle last year and there have even been uncon firmed reports of a Garda surveillance operation in the Community Sports Park area on Special Olympics train ing nights as they bid to gain a tactical advantage.

The Gardaí have also signed with a new kit supplier this year as they at tempt to put last year’s defeat behind them.

Last year’s historic win was one to remember for Roscommon Special Olympics and they have been training hard for another special night and an other chapter in this friendly rivalry.

As the players look forward to meet ing the Gardaí once again, they have

expressed their gratitude to all those who have made this event possible. In particular, they are extremely grateful to coaches Paul Duignan, Olympia, Michaela and John Hannon from Ro scommon Youth Soccer.

2021 saw a fantastic display of sportsmanship from both sides and more of the same is expected on Oc tober 7th.

The organisers wish to say a big

thank you to the Roscommon Sports Park committee for the use of their facilities and thanks also to Sergeant Ronan O’Meara and Inspector David Cryan for their help and support in or ganising what promises to be a won derful night’s entertainment.

All are invited and welcome to at tend the Rematch at Roscommon Community Sports Park on Friday, October 7th.

€715 raised from coffeeHospicemorning

Well done to Ann Cullen Walshe and herfamily, neighbours and friends who raised atotal of €715 for Mayo Roscommon Hospicefrom their Coffee Morning for Hospice inLecarrow recently.

Striking new mural in Knockcroghery

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Visitors to the village and those passing through Knockcroghery in recent days may have noticed a colourful new addition on the gable wall of the former Widow Pat’s pub.

The mural, which was completed by Waterford-based ‘The Walls Project’, was commissioned by Project Knockcroghery in association with Roscommon County Council.

The artwork features a number of scenes and characters from Knockcroghery’s past. The burning of the village by the Black and Tans is prominent while so too are Mary ‘The Widow’ Murray and her son Pat, former proprietors of the popular local public house.

Mrs. Murray was by all accounts fiercely determined that the Black and Tans would

not burn her home in 1921. It is believed she stood in the door with her six children and refused to leave the thatched pub.

Her son Pat would later grow up to run the pub which would become known as ‘The Widow Pat’s. He is depicted smok ing a Knockcroghery clay pipe.

Other symbols include a pocket watch, representing time and history. 1 am is shown to mark the start of that fateful 1921 attack on the village.

The first line of a song about the village, penned by Peader Kearney, who wrote Amhrán na bhFiann, also features. The swift reflects on the local relationship with nature and the land. The matches are meant to signify the starting of the fires or the lighting of the clay pipe while the post age stamp symbolises date of the Black and Tans’ attack and also the local post office.

Deirdre

O’Kane is coming to The Dock

We could all do with a laugh at the moment. Timely then that Deirdre O’Kane is bringing ‘Demented’, her hilarious new stand-up show, to The Dock in Carrick-on-Shannon on Sunday, October 9th.

The show has been described as a comic tour de force, with O’Kane winning over the audi ence from her very first words and setting up a rhythm of her own that, when she exits the stage, results in “the applause following her all the way down the street”, according to one UK critic.

There are limited tickets left, so grab yours now and come on down to The Dock for a night of “demented laughter” and fun with your friends. You can book on thedock.ie or by calling 0719650828.

A new mural on the wall of the former Widow Pat’s pub in Knockcroghery.

A Family Fun Day in aid of Cystic Fibrosis took place in Ballinagare last Saturday, with Jillian McNulty (Cystic Fibrosis Ambassador) attending as guest speaker. Also attending were Garda Deirdre Coleman, Laoise Moran, Lily Caulfield and Ava Cullinane. Photo: Mick McCormack

Ballinasloe Horse

Horses and riders pictured at the Ballinasloe Horse & Agricultural Show on Sunday. Pic: Mick McCormack

Eva and Kacey McCann pictured with Perry and Kerry at the Ballinasloe Horse & Agricultural Show on Sunday. Pic: Mick McCormack

Beonia Heras, Trish and Charlotte Burns and Loretto Bernal pictured at the Ballinasloe Horse & Agricultural Show on Sunday. Pic: Mick McCormack

Patrick Duffy, Colm O’Donnell and Hubert Cunniffe, East Galway Hunt, pictured at the Ballinasloe Horse & Agricultural Show on Sunday. Pic: Mick McCormack

Stephen Bourke and Robert Rosbotham pictured at the Ballinasloe Horse & Agricultural Show on Sunday. Pic: Mick McCormack

Aisling Hughes and Cuchulainn pictured at the Ballinasloe Horse & Agricultural Show on Sunday. Pic: Mick McCormack

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

Train tension! Heuston, we got a problem (with pre-booked seating)!

In a busy column this week, Frank muses on travelling by train; celebrates one woman’s resilience and courage; advises on matchmaking(!)… and highlights some local fundraisers and events

It’s Monday morning, and I am heading off to St James’ Hospi tal for a check-up (well, it’s my new pacemaker that’s due to be checked).

I decided to let CIE do the driv ing – as they used to say in an ad years ago – and booked seats on the 8.37 am train from Roscom mon to Heuston Station in Dublin. Because I don’t get out too often (only joking), Carol decided to go with me to make sure I don’t get lost. And so we both arrived in Roscommon station in good time to get the morning train.

We had our seats pre-booked and

Supporting Michael’s Golf Classic

On Saturday last, at about 9.10 am, the quartet of Richard Smyth, Ger Dowd, my brother Duff (Sean) and I headed off to the beautiful golf course in Mountbellew to take part in the Golf Classic that Michael Nolan was running for the orphanage in Haiti.

The weather was absolutely smashing, and we had a re ally enjoyable outing. Remark ably, though we were nowhere near the winners’ enclosure, we didn’t play that badly. All three of the other team members got at least one birdie each, with Rich ard getting two. Sadly however, although undoubtedly the best golfer there, I failed to get even a single par.

However, as vice-captain of our team, I am safe from any se lection problems, as Duff and I are always guaranteed a starting place. Dowdy and Richard need our votes to keep their places, but for the moment, their week end birdies keep them in pole position. What the future holds for them however is fairly un certain!

were looking forward to a nice journey to the city, but when we arrived at our reserved section, we found our seats were already oc cupied – even though our names were quite clearly displayed above them. So, what do you do then?

We told the occupier that we had the seats booked, but there was no great enthusiasm on either side to get them to change, so we headed off and found a different pair of seats. However, there was a book ing number above them as well, so we were on tenterhooks all the way for fear the people that had them booked would turn up! What would we have done then?

I am writing this somewhere the far side of Tullamore, and thankfully we are all still happily seated (so far)…that’s all of us in seats that have been pre-booked by other people, but all still heading for the capital. It makes me wonder what is the point of booking in advance, but I suppose if the train was completely full, we would have claimed our seats, thereby setting in motion a type of musical chair scenario (and prob

Geraldine weathers the storm…

ably causing World War 111). Anyway, all’s well that ends well and it looks as if we might just make it without any fuss at all.

Monday evening

It’s now Monday evening, and my pacemaker is still in good working order.

The cardiology team in James’ have checked me out and told me I’m good to go, so I’m on the train back. Hopefully I will still be around for my next check-up in six months’ time.

I have to say that James’ is an amazingly busy place, and accord

ing to everything I hear, it’s very hard to get parking anywhere near it. But the train service and a couple of Luas stops makes it much more accessible, and as long as they keep looking after me, I will always travel compli ments of Irish Rail.

A note from Paddy When I got home from Dublin, I received a note from Paddy Lally, formerly of The White Heather Boys, telling me that he is celebrating his 80th birthday in The Glencastle Lounge in Glinsk on Saturday, October 8th, with music by The Lancers. There will be a raffle on the night and Paddy will be donat ing all proceeds to Cancer Care West.

Put the date in your diary, head for Dowd’s, get out your danc ing shoes (they probably need to be polished after so long) and show your support for Paddy and his family. Make it a night to remember and support a great cause, one which touches so many of us. I definitely hope to see you there!

Matchmaking musings

As I passed through Tullamore on Monday, my thoughts turned to my good friend Der mot Moore over in Cabo Roig in Spain.

Now readers…a story of resilience and courage. Back in 2013, Geraldine Lavelle, a good friend of our daughter Lisa, was out for a routine cycle one evening when she was involved in a horrific collision, leaving her with a spinal cord injury that left three-quarters of her body paralysed. Overnight, she had to adapt from being an independent, physically active young woman, to being totally dependent on others to help her do even the most basic things.

Such an ordeal would have overcome the strongest of people, but in the last nine years Geraldine has come to terms with the cruel blow that suddenly hit her, and has become a powerful and strong voice for people with disabilities in Ireland. Geraldine has a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Masters of Neurosci ence from NUI Galway, and, since acquiring her disability, she has worked in Ab bott Diagnostics, lectured in Health Science and Physiology in IT Sligo, and has also qualified as an SNA assistant. She is a passionate advocate for people liv ing with disabilities and has contributed regular articles to local and national media outlets.

And so it is a source of great pride to Geraldine and all her family and friends that next Tuesday, October 4th, at the Wild Atlantic Words Literary Festival 2022 in Castlebar, Geraldine’s book ‘Weathering the Storm’ will be launched.

The book is the story of her strength, resilience and courage in dealing with life’s harshest storms, and is an inspiration to all of us who can struggle at times with much lesser problems. The launch is happening at 7.30 pm in the Festival Dome, Bridge Street, Castlebar (F23 PN20), but if you can’t make it, you can or der a copy of ‘Weathering the Storm’ from Mayobooks.ie.

It really is a heartwarming story, and as friends of Geraldine for a long time now, we couldn’t be more proud of her.

A true Rhode man, I’m sure he would have celebrated his club’s fantastic win in the Of faly county final over the aforementioned Tullamore. Normally I wouldn’t be watch ing the Offaly county final, but because of Dermot’s passion for Rhode, I did so – and the truth is I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Rhode were powered by a number of play ers in their 30s, including 37-year-old Niall McNamee, who kicked the winning point. McNamee’s winner came right at the end of a pulsating affair, and sealed a 31st title for the Rhode club – some record for a small enough rural club.

The second half was full off all the things that can make Gaelic football great; high fielding, lots of long kick-passing, good point-scoring, near-misses, and great dra ma. Offaly football has been in the dol drums for a good while now, but under John Maughan they’ve made great strides in the last few years. Having won the U-20 All-Ireland in 2021, things are definitely looking up for them.

Over in Spain, I suspect Dermot might be celebrating this week after his beloved Rhode’s historic win. That is before he puts his mind to organising next month’s match making festival.

Last year, as you may recall, I had a world scoop for the Roscommon People when I broke the news that Lisdoonvar

na’s famous matchmaking festival was moving to Cabo Roig, and Willie Daly himself (the renowned Lisdoon match maker) travelled out for the week to launch what proved to be a very success ful event. The good news is that Dermot tells me it’s on again this year, and I will give you all the details in next week’s column!

You still have time to book your flights, get over to Cabo Roig, and if you are lucky, meet the woman, or man, of your dreams. Just tell them Dermot or I sent you, and you are sure to be on a winner!

And finally…

Maria Fitzmaurice tells me that the very busy ladies of the Glinsk Ladies Club are organising a bus trip to Knock on Sunday, October 9th, leaving Glinsk at 12 noon. Carvery lunch and refresh ments on arrival is only €25, which seems great value to me.

All are welcome, but if you want to go you have to tell them by the time of their next meeting on Tuesday, October 4th, in the Glencastle Lounge at 8 pm. You can ring Maria on 086 3035766.

I have to say I love Knock, so I hope ye have a lovely day’s excursion. If you can, say a prayer for me – I think I could do with all the help I can get.

Active Age meeting in Athleague

Athleague Active Age will hold its first meeting this year on Monday, October 3rd at 7.30 pm in the newly-refurbished Athleague Community Centre. All members (both new and old) are welcome.

Church Gate Collection for RSPCA

The Roscommon Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Roscommon SPCA) is holding their annual Church Gate Collection on the 1st and 2nd of October in Frenchpark and Ballinagare. Your support, as always, would be greatly appreciated.

Castlerea ICA meeting

A meeting of the Castlerea ICA Guild will be held in D Gaff, Barrack Street, Castlerea on Tuesday, October 4th at 8 pm. New members welcome on the night.

Book launch at Fr Flanagan Centre

‘The Joys of a Second Rattle at Life’, a book of poetry by Willie Tiernan, will be launched on Saturday, October 8th at 8 pm at the Fr. Flanagan Memorial Centre in Ballymoe. All welcome. Anyone interested in forming a Badminton Club or being part of a ‘Writer’s Circle’ at the centre is asked to email Mike at mikehballymoedevelopment@gmail.

com. The Fr. Flanagan Memorial Centre in Ballymoe will be a hive of activity in coming weeks with a number of classes and services on offer. Contact the centre for details.

PTAA to hold Annual Mini Vigil in Knock

The Connacht Provincial Activities PTAA will hold the Annual Mini Vigil in the Parish Church, Knock this Friday (30th) commencing at 8.30 pm.

The ceremony begins with an Introductory Talk by Canon Joseph Delaney, Spiritual Director, and will be followed by The Stations of the Cross, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Hour.

The Rosary and will conclude with Mass at 11 pm. This vigil is not confined to members of the Pioneer Association, and everybody is welcome to attend.

Harvest Thanksgiving in St Coman’s

A Service of Harvest Thanksgiving will take place at St. Coman’s Church of Ireland, Henry Street this Sunday (October 2nd) at 4 pm. All welcome.

Information fair for young people with disabilities

An information fair for young people with a disability and/ or their families is taking place on Wednesday, October 19th from 12 pm to 3 pm.

The venue is the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon (F42 F992).

Contact Deborah Brady on 087-4515961. All welcome.

RWN celebrating upcycling enterprise

Join Roscommon Women’s Network in celebrating their textile upcycling social enterprise, ‘CycleUp’, at an event being held at The Riverside Centre, Athleague (F42 K685) from 11 am to 1 pm on Friday, September 30th

The event will showcase how CycleUp Textiles is raising awareness, providing training and creating local employment in the circular economy. Light lunch will be provided and no admission fee will be charged. The keynote speaker for the event is Dr Sarah Miller (CEO, Rediscovery Centre, Dublin).

To RSVP, phone RWN on 09496 21690/086 8099154, or email cycleup@rwn.ie.

Mobile Library monthly services resume

Roscommon Mobile Library will restart monthly visits to Keadue, Ballyfarnon, Rooskey and Tarmonbarry in the coming weeks.

The monthly stop will resume on Main Street, Keadue on Thursday, October 13th from 1 pm to 1.30 pm and continue every fourth Thursday thereafter.

The Mobile Library will visit the church in Ballyfarnon on Thursday, October 13th from 2 pm to 3 pm and every fourth Thursday thereafter.

The service will return to Rooskey (opposite the church) on Thursday, October 27th from 1.30 pm to 2 pm and continue every fourth Thursday thereafter.

The library will also resume at Barry’s Court, Tarmonbarry on Thursday, October 27th from 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm and every fourth Thursday thereafter.

Road safety issues raised at Roscommon MD meeting

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Cathaoirleach of Roscommon Mu nicipal District, Cllr. Marty McDer mott has called for an urgent review into road markings on sections of the N61 and N60, claiming it is only a matter of time before there is a fa tality on the routes.

This month’s meeting of the Ro scommon MD heard that a turning lane was needed at the Strokestown turn-off of the N61.

“There should be continued double white lines and a right-hand turning lane on approach to the Strokes town turn,” Cllr. McDermott said.

“The current lay-out is totally inad equate and it’s only a matter of time before there is a fatality”.

Cllr. McDermott also called for continuous double white lines to be installed on a section of the Race course Road at Ballindal.

“These are two extremely busy roads, and I would be very famil iar with them, driving them myself most days. These are issues for Transport Infrastructure Ireland and I’m pleading for them to take action before someone is killed,” he said, confirming that a letter had been sent to TII.

The Fianna Fáil councillor added that a number of residents had also raised concerns regarding flooding on the Galway Road and that Ro scommon MD members had high lighted the issue with Roscommon County Council.

Miriam’s MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Need some mammo-motivation ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Read on…

We’re approaching October, a time which not only hails the arrival of Halloween, it also hails the onset of Breast Cancer Aware ness Month.

Therefore ladies, as the risk of breast cancer increases when we get older, those of us who are between the ages of 50 and 69 will be getting our invitations to undergo that routine mammogram every two years. I had mine last October, (following a long delay due to the pandemic), and, two weeks later, I was extremely grateful and relieved to get my ‘all clear’ letter.

BreastCheck is a free service, and, as someone who has a family history of breast cancer as well as ovarian cancer, it’s one which I’m extremely grateful to avail of. For anyone attending for the first time who’s not familiar with a mam mogram, let me explain that while it’s nothing more sinister or more complicated than having an X-ray of your breast, it’s also the most effective way of detecting signs of early breast cancer.

While a lot of women, (me included), experience what I call ‘mamo anxiety’ worrying about the appointment the second that invita tion arrives, even as our concerns are perfectly valid, I know that as this procedure forms a major part of maintaining our physical health and wellbeing, it’s vital we all keep our appointments.

In

However, let me say, that while, according to Breast Cancer Ireland, ‘one in nine women will develop breast cancer in the course of their lifetime’ – making it the second most common cancer in women in this country – early detection will greatly increase our chances for successful treatment.

While I do know that many

women may use the excuse they don’t need to attend for a mam mogram due to having no familial risk, my advice is to think again… while you’re doing it, think of those closest to you, those who matter and those who love you. I mean, doesn’t your partner, your kids, your grandkids, your fam ily, your parents, and your pets

deserve to have you around?

The answer is yes. Therefore, as my mouth is not a bakery and I never sugar-coat anything, my ad vice is pull up your big girl pant ies, push past that anxiety, and keep that appointment (bring a friend along with you on the day) and get on with it. Why? Because, put simply, you’re worth it, and, if

you’ve reached that ‘certain age’ it’s best you get used to slotting in your mammograms, and, not just as a routine part of your life; but as a necessary part…kind of like having those dreaded dental check-ups.

When you’re all done and dusted, reward yourself with a nice flavoured coffee and a scone, or some other treat you enjoy. Oh who am I kidding, order yourself a takeaway, grab a bottle of your favourite tipple – and I don’t mean aqua-hol, I mean alcohol –as in, a drop of the ‘hard stuff’.

If, like me, you partake of a bevvie, then you indulge and you enjoy that pick me up, ladies! For those who don’t approve of alcoholic fortification, or who advocate for teetotalism – as is your right – I’m going to do my bit and add the following…always drink alcohol responsibly, etc., etc., etc.

Still need some mammo-moti vation? Maybe this statistic will persuade you – according to the HSE’s website www2.hse.ie ‘most breast lumps (90%) aren’t cancer ous’. However ladies, if you do feel a lump, a bump, a dimpling, or notice anything different about your breasts, consult your doctor as soon as possible to have them examined.

In the meantime, check that your name is on the BreastCheck regis ter, or Freephone 1800 45 45 55!

Why is Meghan

I’m always grateful to receive letters from my readers. In fact, because I sincerely appreciate your feedback and value your insights, I wel come your correspondence in all of its forms; (even if it’s – on rare occasions – uncomplimen tary)!

However, this week, (because this lady gave me permission to print her name), I’d like to mention a lovely letter I received from Helena Madden-Feeney and say thank you so, so much for taking the time to put pen to paper and tell me about what has been happening in your life.

Firstly Helena, I’m much obliged to you for reading my column ‘every week’, and I’m so glad my musings provide you with some com fort; especially regarding one particular subject I addressed.

You also gave me permission to print the con tents of your letter, but I won’t, because it’s a private correspondence. However, what I will say is this Helena…may God bless you and your husband for being so kind-hearted to offer not just a loving home, but a safe haven and a sanctuary to that helpless little abandoned kit ten.

I’m not a religious person, but I believe in guardian angels; and I’m willing to bet your precious deceased fur-babies Marley and Max

were working their magic the night that cruel individual ‘stopped their car’ and dumped the poor little pet in your garden before ‘taking off at high speed’.

This kitten could have been jettisoned any where that night; but he wasn’t. It’s my be lief that fate, and the little creature’s guardian angels, (your King Charles Cavalier and your Golden Lab) managed to intervene from over Rainbow Bridge. Indeed, (and call me silly), but it seems to me that the cowardly individual who dumped this baby did him a major favour be cause now a once cold, hungry, frightened and orphaned little feline has, quite literally, landed on his feet!

The little guy not only gets a five-star home where he’ll never again want for anything, he’ll reward you, his guardian angels’ grieving mam my and daddy, with a love and a loyalty so pure and so unconditional, it’ll enrich your lives in ways you never dreamed possible.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you He lena and John for your kindness and for hon ouring the memory of Marley and Max by opening up your hearts and your home to this much-deserving fur-baby. I’d also like to offer my sincere condolences to you Helena on the loss of your darling parents.

I’m no fan of Meghan Markle or her hubby Harry, but, as I know what it’s like not to get on with some of your in-laws, (or in my case some of my former in-laws), I have to say I sympathise with her.

During the Brits’ ten days of pomp, ceremony and period of national mourning for their deceased monarch, i.e. her grandmother-in-law, Meghan not only became the subject of obsessive speculation; she also became public enemy number one!

We all know the second we marry our partners, we’re also marrying their family, and

more than

while the addition of some in-laws can be a blessing, it’s true that others wouldn’t even prove useful enough to make up the numbers at a family game of Trivial Pursuit.

Okay, I get it; Meghan flitted off to LA to embrace sunnier climes, a rumoured deal with a high profile streaming ser vice and a podcast; taking the Brits’ precious Harry and the couple’s kids with her.

Nevertheless, while King Charles has expressed his ‘love’ for the pair, it seems the majority of the British pub lic are a bunch of bitter bid dies with #GoHomeMeghan

trending all across social me dia.

This latest development has led me to ask why is it that a woman, who hasn’t really done much wrong (other than spill her guts to Oprah), is de spised more than her unclein-law Prince Andrew, a man who settled a civil (albeit al leged) ‘sex abuse’ case filed against him for a reported $20 million?

I don’t know about Meghan Markle, but I believe it’s an awful pity we can’t edit our in-laws in the same way as we can edit our friend list! Just sayin’.

News

Concerns raised over ‘dangerous’ local road

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Residents have raised serious concerns over winter driving conditions on a local road, just off the N61 in Roscommon town, following a number of minor accidents in the area in recent years.

Motorists living in the area say a section of the L1802, which joins the N61, the main Roscommon to Boyle route, has seen a number of incidents due to slippery winter con ditions.

In particular, residents have highlighted surfaces ap proaching the roundabout linking the L1802 and the N61 and have called on Roscommon County Council to grit this section of the road to prevent a major accident.

Cllr. Anthony Waldron told the Roscommon People this week that a review of road surfaces in Oran and at the L1802 had been carried out.

“Reports are due soon on these road surfaces following road works on the N60 and N61. I do realise the serious ness of this and it’s something I have raised a number of times,” he said.

The issue of gritting local roads was discussed previously at a meeting of Roscommon County Council in December of last year following a motion placed by Cllr. Waldron.

At the time, the Council confirmed its Winter Service Plan is reviewed on an annual basis but that it was necessary to prioritise vital and strategic routes in the county. It said funding did not allow for more roads to be added to the plan and that it could not grit roads on an “ad-hoc” basis.

Council CEO to step down this Friday

Roscommon County Council has confirmed that Chief Ex ecutive Eugene Cummins’ res ignation will come into effect from this Friday (30th) with Director of Services Shane Tiernan taking up the role on a temporary basis.

A native of Ballygar, Mr. Cum mins, was appointed Chief Ex ecutive in 2015, and had previ ously served four other local authorities – Limerick, Galway, Meath and Monaghan – over forty years.

The outgoing CE had previ ously served as Director of Services with Meath County Council and more recently as CE of Monaghan County Coun cil, prior to his appointment as Roscommon’s Chief Executive.

Speaking prior to his departure, Eugene Cummins paid tribute to the hard work and dedication of his management team and the entire staff of Roscommon County Council for their com mitment and delivery of service to the citizens of the county.

“I would like to pay particular tribute to the members of Ro scommon County Council, both past and present throughout my seven years as CE, as well as our Oireachtas representatives.

All of the members, irrespective of political persuasion or

none at all, have been a source of great support, working with great dedication for the people they serve,” he said.

“I would like to wish my suc cessor, Shane Tiernan well in his new role. Shane and I have worked on many projects and I leave Roscommon County Council in very safe hands. To the staff of Roscommon County Council, both past and present, my sincere and heartfelt thanks.

“I would also like to thank the many agencies and organisa tions who Roscommon County Council supports and is sup ported by. Without collabora tion, teamwork and coopera tion, this fine county would be a lesser place. I would also like to thank the local media for their fair and balanced coverage throughout my tenure as CE.

“I will miss my colleagues

for their energy, their passions and their initiative. I have been privileged to serve with a man agement team and colleagues who have always had the best interests of Roscommon and its people at heart. I would like to commend my colleague for their ceaseless efforts through out my seven years as CE.

“In conclusion, I would again like to acknowledge the many community and voluntary groups throughout Roscommon who have inspired and encour aged me in my term of office. Their sincerity and passion is an inspiration, not just for me, but for the people of the county as a whole.

“The people of this county are nothing short of extraordi nary – they are friendly beyond description. They are warm, welcoming and their hearts are huge. The people of Roscom mon have been a consistent and loyal support to me.

“Roscommon people’s pas sion, energy and commitment have always impressed, in spired and indeed humbled me. I’ve always had a great sense of Roscommon people taking great pride in their com munities, in working towards a better today and tomorrow. It’s that spirit and energy that augurs well for the future of this fine county”.

Cummins ‘gave selfless leadership’

Speaking on Monday, on confirmation that Council CE Eugene Cummins is to step down this Friday, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Tom Crosby, said it was a “sad day” for the local authority.

Cllr. Crosby said Mr. Cummins had given “selfless, dignified and honour able leadership” during his tenure and that his loss would be keenly felt.

“For Eugene, I trust this is not merely an ending but the beginning of many more new chapters in his life. I know that whatever challenges or tasks Eu gene takes on in the future, there are groups and individuals who will ben efit from his leadership and knowl edge,” he said.

The Cathaoirleach added that the outgoing CEO adopted an “open door policy” and this was evident in the leadership he had shown in dealing with the flooding crisis at Lough Fun shinagh.

“The CE literally did all that was pos sible to find a solution, but was frus trated at every turn. Nevertheless, his courage and dedication in attempting to find that solution spoke volumes for the type of person that he is,” Cllr. Crosby said.

Concluding, Cllr. Crosby wished Mr. Cummins’ successor, Shane Tiernan, well in taking up the role before add ing: “Having worked in five local authorities, it’s fitting that perhaps Eu gene finishes his local authority career with us here in Roscommon, having started his career in our county.

“Finally, to Eugene and his family may I wish him long years of health and happiness. I wish to thank you for your legacy of achievement and deliv ery, which is a testament to your fine leadership and hard work”.

Keadue to celebrate Entente Florale win this weekend

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The entire community will come together this Saturday (October 1st) to celebrate Kea due’s Gold medal win at this year’s European Entente Florale finals, which took place in Bu dapest, Hungary last weekend.

The victory celebration will take place at 8 pm in St. Ronan’s Hall in Keadue and all are wel come to attend on the night. The north Roscommon village was selected alongside Dalkey in South County Dublin to rep resent Ireland at the event.

Keadue Tidy Towns described winning the Gold medal as a “massive achievement”.

“This was the result of com bined effort between local groups and volunteers led by the Keadue Tidy Towns, Roscom mon County Council, Coillte, Roscommon LEADER Partner ship, Kilronan Castle, Ardcarne Garden Centre, the Rural Social Scheme, Scoil Chill Ronain, local businesses and the entire community,” the group said.

Keadue had previously won a

silver medal in this competition in 2003 and is a twice past win ner of the SuperValu National Tidy Towns Award, claiming it in 1993 and 2003.

Cathaoirleach of Roscom mon County Council, Cllr. Tom Crosby, who accompanied the local committee to Budapest last weekend, extended his con

gratulations at Monday’s meet ing of the local authority.

“Myself and my wife Pauline accompanied them to Budapest for what was a great occasion for County Roscommon,” he said.

“This is the European Champi onships of Tidy Towns and the second occasion on which Kea

due has been acknowledged, having won a silver medal in 2003”.

Cllr. Crosby paid tribute to the hard-working Keadue com mittee including Chairperson Paraic Noone as well as Coun cil staff.

“This is a great honour not only for the village of Keadue

but for Roscommon as well and will surely inspire other Tidy Towns committees throughout the county,” Cllr. Crosby con cluded.

Other members of the Coun cil were also keen to praise the Keadue Tidy Towns com mittee with Cllr. John Cum mins congratulating the group

on reaching the “Holy Grail”.

“This is something that has not been achieved lightly,” he said before highlighting the work of indoor and outdoor staff at the local authority.

Cllrs. Liam Callaghan and Joe Murphy also extended their congratulations, with Cllr. Mur phy adding that the win had “put Keadue on the European map”.

Meanwhile, local Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy also offered his congratulations to those involved.

“This international event is very prestigious and Co. Ro scommon should be so proud of Keadue’s success,” he said.

“Roscommon has many posi tive success stories and many positive groups and Keadue is one of the best. This success shows once again what can be achieved when people get up and go. Keadue has always had that get up and go”.

The celebration night this Sat urday at St. Ronan’s Hall will include food and music and the Tidy Towns committee has ex tended an invitation to all.

Keadue won the Gold medal at the European Entente Florale Finals which took place in Budapest, Hungary last weekend.

Motorists living in the area say a section of the L1802, which joins the N61, the main Roscommon to Boyle route, has seen a number of incidents due to slippery winter conditions.

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Eugene Cummins

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

Organisers

‘blown away’ by reaction to Night and Day Festival

< DAN DOONER

Organisers of the inaugural Night and Day Festival, which took place last weekend on the grounds of Clonalis House, say they were ‘blown away’ by the positive reaction from revellers and artists alike.

Organiser Craig Hughes said the event passed off without incident with visi tors enjoying live music and political debate.

“The response has been overwhelm ing so far to be honest. The atmosphere was amazing across the weekend. There were no arrests and it all passed off safely which is the most important thing,” he said.

“We could have sold more tickets but these things take time to grow – but overall we were blown away by the response. It was great seeing all the smiles on people’s faces and to be able to bring the Night and Day Festival to Castlerea was amazing”.

Festival-goers converged on the pic turesque surrounds of Clonalis House from Saturday afternoon, with many

camping over the weekend.

Visitors last weekend were treated to political discussion on the Sol Stage with local TDs as well as Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and Minister Simon Harris, while there was live music on the Queen Medb and Luna Stages throughout both days.

Local artists FEEF and Arlene joined acts such as Villagers, John Grant, The Mary Wallopers, Junior Brother, The Zutons, Orla Gartland and Cathy Dav ey across the weekend while the Sol Stage provided entertainment late into the night on both Saturday and Sunday.

“The festival was filmed by TG4 for a five-part series which will be aired at the end of October/beginning of No vember so we are looking forward to seeing it on the small screen,” Craig said.

“It was a great weekend and even the bands really enjoyed it. A Smyth, who performed on Sunday night, said it was one of the best gigs he’s ever had.

“We’ve spent this week getting the site back in the condition it was given to us and then we’ll digest it all before look ing ahead to next year,” he concluded.

Jessica Reid and Darren Coen of the musical group ‘The Living Daylights’ pictured at the Night and Day Festival held in the grounds of Clonalis House, Castlerea, last weekend. Pic: Mick McCormack

Cllr Tony Waldron and Pat Bruen pictured last weekend at the Night and Day Festival, held in the grounds of Clonalis House, Castlerea. Pic: Mick McCormack

Up the Rebels! Pictured are Patrick, Mary and Una Collins, who travelled up from Cork last weekend to attend the Night and Day Festival which was held in the grounds of Clonalis House, Castlerea. Pic: Mick McCormack

Brendan Murphy and Noeleen Tyrrell pictured at the Night and Day Festival in Castlerea last weekend. Pic: Mick McCormack

Pictured at the Night and Day Festival in Castlerea were Andy and Martina Quinn. Pic: Mick McCormack

Mark Grehan and Robbie Lawlor pictured enjoying a drink while attending the Night and Day Festival last weekend. Pic: Mick McCormack

Thumbs up! Pictured at the Night and Day Festival last weekend were Maia Bonaldi, Saul Connolly and Bria Connolly. Pic: Mick McCormack

Pictured are some of the festival-goers who attended the Night and Day Festival, held in the grounds of Clonalis House, Castlerea, last weekend. Pic: Mick McCormack

GOING OUT

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY TO THE JAILHOUSE!

Mary Kearney, Patricia O’Brien and Aine Langan pictured in the Jailhouse Bar, Roscommon on Saturday night to celebrate the establishment’s first year in business. Pic: Mick McCormack

Laurence Keane, Deirdre Breslin, Jackie Hanley and Bella Keane pictured in the Jailhouse Bar last weekend to celebrate the establishment’s first year in business. Pic: Mick McCormack

Aoife McDermott, Chris Breslin, Conor McDermott, Jack Connolly and Laurence Keane pictured in the Jailhouse Bar last weekend to celebrate the establishment’s first year in business. Pic: Mick McCormack

Rebecca Nee, Johnny Sweeney and Lynda Rhattigan pictured in the Jailhouse Bar last weekend to celebrate the establishment’s first year in business. Pic: Mick McCormack

Gareth Stelle and Caroline Nugent pictured in the Jailhouse Bar last weekend to celebrate the establishment’s first year in business. Pic: Mick McCormack

Andrina and Enda Nally pictured in the Jailhouse Bar last weekend to celebrate the establishment’s first year in business. Pic: Mick McCormack

Chris Lipka and Callum Cumberland pictured in the Jailhouse Bar last weekend to celebrate the establishment’s first year in business. Pic: Mick McCormack Cheers! Rochelle Mullaney, Mark Feeney, David Mannion, Paul Clabby, Thomas Feeley and Darragh Kenny pictured in the Jailhouse Bar last weekend for first anniversary celebrations. Pic: Mick McCormack

Althea Whyte, Rochelle Mullaney, Michael Murray, Martina Fallon and Karol Feerick pictured in the Jailhouse Bar last weekend during celebrations for the establishment’s first year in business. Pic: Mick McCormack

Rochelle Mullaney and Michael Murray pictured celebrating one year in business in the Jailhouse Bar, Roscommon. Pic: Mick McCormack

Budget 2023: Are the new measures enough?

Let’s talk about ...

Budget 2023 and the climate crisis (A student’s perspective)

Alannah Ita Healy

Budget 2023 was announced this Tuesday on September 27th, setting out an overall package of over €10 billion.

By necessity, given the ongo ing cost of living crisis and simultaneous climate crisis, this year’s Budget was one tasked with navigating the balancing act between keep ing energy costs down while imposing measures that often inflate them, such as a carbon tax increase.

Per Tuesday’s announce ments, carbon tax will be increased, with the tax on fossil fuels set to be pushed up by €7.50 to €48.50 per tonne of carbon dioxide.

However, although the new rate will apply to diesel and petrol from October 12th, it shouldn’t make a difference at the pump. This is because the Government has proposed to offset this increase by abolish ing the NORA levy, which is a contribution to the National Oil Reserves Agency; an ac tion no doubt taken in recog nition of the ongoing cost of living crisis, and recent high energy and fuel prices.

Indeed, amid the ongoing crises, Budget 2023 could

not afford to underprioritise the environment by failing to increase the carbon tax, nor could it afford to underpriori tise the public by introducing more measures that would exacerbate an already dire cost of living situation. The compromise the Budget reached with abolishing the NORA levy is reflective of this.

However, though the recently-announced meas ures are welcome, it seems that much more could be done to reduce the damage of fossil fuels and prioritise the move to sustainable alternatives by introducing measures to aid their uptake (for example, a reduction or removal of the VAT charged on solar equipment) and other long-term solutions. Indeed, while the money raised from carbon taxes is to go toward things like energy efficiency upgrades, social protection schemes to protect the most vulnerable and measures to incentivise environmentallyfriendly farming, beyond this, the Budget seems to lack the long-term climate action measures needed to tackle

the crisis at the rate we need, and the failure to put such measures in place will have two knock-on effects.

The first is the obvious: the environment will con tinue to suffer. By failing to invest in sustainable energy and overhauling Ireland’s energy market, and failing to do things like make public transport more accessible to reduce pollution form traffic, or reduce VAT on things like solar equipment, insulat ing materials, etc., we will

simply not able to reach the climate targets we need to, and environmental damage will be the result.

But the second impact that the failure to implement longterm solutions for climate ac tion will have is an economic one. Beyond measures like tax increases where we see a direct financial impact on the everyday person, the lack of long-term climate action investment is a further disservice in that, if done correctly, it could work in

tandem with reducing the cost of living. If we committed to investing in overhauling our energy market and switching to sustainable alternatives, it would be less expensive for consumers in the long run. After all, there won’t always be a NORA levy to remove so that ordinary people aren’t the ones paying out of pocket for the climate crisis; what happens next May when the increase is applied to home heating fuels?

Budget 2023’s attempt to

navigate the cost of living crisis and climate crisis si multaneously by increasing carbon tax while offsetting the increase for consumers is commendable, but ulti mately, it is a short-term so lution. We could do more to both address the cost of liv ing and the environment by concentrating on long-term measures, because ‘bandaid’ climate action doesn’t deliver for us any better in the end, either environmen tally or economically.

A warm greeting from superstar jockey Rachael Blackmore, who was in action at Roscommon Races on Monday. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Punters pictured at the last Roscommon Race meeting of the year, held on Monday last.

Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

House prices rise 14% in Roscommon

House prices in Ro scommon showed a 14 per cent increase in the third quarter of the year compared to the same pe riod in 2021, according to the latest Daft.ie property report. The average price of a home in the county is now €191,000, 24 per cent below its Celtic Tiger peak.

Nationally, housing prices were largely stable between June and Sep tember, with the average listed price nationwide €311,514, up 0.1 per cent on the average for the

second quarter of the year and 16 per cent below the Celtic Tiger peak.

Due to increases in recent quarters, year-onyear inflation remains high at 7.7 per cent, although this is down from 9.2 per cent three months ago.

Compared to three months ago, prices were stable in Dublin but rose slightly in the other cities. Cork city prices rose by 0.2 per cent with Limer ick prices seeing a 0.3 per cent increase.

Meanwhile, Galway prices rose by 0.5 per cent and Waterford prices 0.6

per cent between the sec ond and third quarters.

Outside the cities, prices rose in Leinster (by 1.1 per cent) while they fell in both Munster (-0.7 per cent) and Connacht-Ulster (-0.5 per cent).

The number of homes available to buy on September 1st stood at nearly 15,500, up 22 per cent on the same date last year and the highest total nationally in almost two years. The increase in availability on the market is driven by Dublin (up 30 per cent) and the rest of Leinster (up 40 per cent), although stock on the

market is also higher than a year ago in Munster (up 8 per cent) and ConnachtUlster (up 15 per cent).

Commenting on the report, its author Ronan Lyons, economist at Trin ity College Dublin, said: “Improved stock on the market over the course of 2022 has helped reduce inflationary pressures in the sales market. This is most notably the case in Dublin, where the total number of listings com ing on to the market in the year to August was effectively in line with the pre-covid number. This has helped improve the

stock on the market at any one point in time, the key predictor of future price changes.

“Elsewhere, while the number of listings and availability has improved, they remain in some markets well below the ten-year average. While weaker demand – due to inflation in other living expenses and to increases in interest rates – may help stabilise prices, the true solution to the high level of housing prices remains significantly increased supply, over years and indeed decades to come”.

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Cathaoirleach

New initiatives to support Remote Working

M inister for Rural and Community Devel opment Heather Humphreys last week launched a series of new initiatives aimed at promoting remote working across the country.

The Minister launched phase two of the Con nected Hubs Voucher Scheme at the National Ploughing Championships in County Laois.

Phase on the scheme saw over 3,300 vouchers used allowing remote workers to avail of digital hubs. The second phase runs until December 31st and is aimed at those registered at Connected Hubs.ie.

Making the announcement, Minister Hum phreys said: “It was fantastic to hear the really excellent feedback from hub managers and users about Phase 1 of the Voucher Scheme.

“This is all about giving people the opportu nity to achieve a much better work-life balance through the benefits of their local digital hub.

“The scheme is open to any member of the public with an account on ConnectedHubs.ie. If you haven’t already tried a hub, now is the time to do so. I would encourage anyone interested to visit ConnectedHubs.ie and register for an account today”.

The Minister also announced that €1.1 million has been provided to local authorities through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme this year

Property tax rate stays at 15%

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M embers of Roscommon County Council voted unanimously to main tain the Local Property Tax (LPT) at 15 per cent for the next two years

at Monday’s monthly meeting of the local authority.

Cllr. John Keogh, on behalf of the Alliance group in the Chamber, said it was only fitting to maintain the current rate for a two-year period in

order to bring clarity to people.

Speaking on behalf of the Independent group, Cllr. Tony Ward said it would not oppose the proposal to maintain the LPT at last year’s rate, but he called for funding

for verge trimming, footpaths, and minor re pairs to be ring-fenced.

He said funding for such works should be looked at on a yearly basis.

Responding, Chief Executive Eugene Cummins said he didn’t

want a Budget debate to ensue and said the Budget meeting later in the year would provide ample time to discuss such funding.

The outgoing Chief Executive said it “would be nice” if on his last

LPT request that the proposal to fix the rate for the next two years be passed by members in order to maintain core funding.

The proposal was passed unanimously by members.

Roscommon to host National Hub Summit

Speaking at the National Ploughing Champion ships in County Laois last week, Minister for Rural and Community Develop ment Heather Humphreys announced that the National Hub Summit will take place in Co. Roscommon on November 24th this year.

The summit will bring together hub managers, representative bodies, State agencies, and various Government Departments to map out the future of the National Hub Network.

The one-day event will see participants taking part in workshops, breakout sessions, and panel discus sions.

The National Hub Sum mit is being organised by the Western Develop ment Commission and the Department of Rural and Community Development in close collaboration with members of the National Hub Network Inter-depart mental Working Group and the wider stakeholder network.

Adrian Murray pictured making a presentation to Lucy Rushel and trainer Edward O’Grady after Betty Dutton won the Thomas A Murray Bar Roscommon Mares Maiden Hurdle on Monday evening. Also pictured are Rob and Joe Murray. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

to support innovative marketing campaigns to attract remote workers to locations across rural Ireland.

Minister McEntee opens Ballygar Pharmacy

Pictured at the official opening of Ballygar Pharmacy on Saturday were Pat Monahan, Meabh Healy, Minister Helen McEntee (who performed the opening), Chris Monahan, Catherine Healy (proprietor), Eala Monahan, John Healy, Mary O’Brien Healy and James Healy. Pic Mick McCormack

Pictured at the official opening of Ballygar Pharmacy on Saturday were Roisin and Aisling Campbell and Patricia McArdle. Pic Mick McCormack

Pictured at the official opening of Ballygar Pharmacy on Saturday were Cllr. Emer Kelly, Phil Mannion, Valerie Hynes and Maura Hynes. Pic Mick McCormack

Pictured at the official opening of Ballygar Pharmacy on Saturday were Julie Coyne, Jacinta Crehan, Margaret and Kate Kelly and Marian Cunniffe.

Pictured at the official opening of Ballygar Pharmacy on Saturday were Cllr. Peter Keaveney, Sean Beirne and Ann Marie Beirne. Pic Mick McCormack

Pictured at the official opening of Ballygar Pharmacy on Saturday were Aisling Brennan, Juliana Daly and Eala Monahan. Pic Mick McCormack

Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee officially opens Ballygar Pharmacy on Saturday last. Pic Mick McCormack

How will Budget 2023 impact on you?

istered through the Revenue, which means businesses should talk to their accountant/tax advisor to see if they will qualify. While the exact details of the roll-out are not yet available, businesses will qualify if the unit price they pay for energy has increased by 50% compared to the corresponding period in 2021, and if they qualify, the business will receive a payment of 40% of the increase.

• A married couple with two children and one income of about €35,000 will be better off by approx. €20 a week

• A married couple with two children and two incomes (approx. €85,000 between them) will have an extra €32 a week.

Have actions been taken to help the housing market?

Budget 2023

< DAVID CREAN

B udget 2023 aims to target the inflation and cost of living crisis that the country is facing. With businesses and households both ap prehensive about the economy and managing their costs going forward, it’s important to look deeper into some of the individual measures to assess what their impact might be.

How does Budget 2023 help business?

With much local and national attention on the large energy bills that busi nesses have been receiving, it is prob ably no surprise that one of the main supports announced for businesses is the ‘Temporary Business Energy Sup port Scheme’ (‘TBESS’). With a cap of €10,000 a month, it’s evident that this is targeted at small and mediumsized enterprises. It is being admin

There are mixed fortunes when it comes to VAT, with the reduced rate of 9% on electricity and gas extended to the end of February 2023. However, there will be much disappointment in the hospitality sector as the reduced VAT rate of 9% is to revert to 13.5% in March 2023.

One of the other measures that jumps out is the Small Benefit Exemption. Many employers will be familiar with this scheme, where a €500 voucher can be paid to employees annually, tax-free. The Budget has increased this to €1,000, and also allows this over two vouchers in the year.

How does Budget 2023 impact individuals?

There are changes to the standard rate band for income tax, USC thresholds, minimum wage and tax credits. Below are some practical examples of how people will feel these changes in their pockets:

• A single person (with no children) earning €45,000 a year will be better off by approx. €16 a week

• A single person on minimum wage will benefit by approx. €24 a week

Due to the issues facing the housing market, if it wasn’t for the current in flation and energy crisis, it would have gotten a lot more attention.

For first time buyers, the Help to Buy and the Residential Develop ment Stamp Duty refund schemes have been extended yet again, to the end of 2024 and 2025 respectively.

For anyone renting a home, there is a newly introduced rental tax credit of €500 per year.

For landlords, there is an increase of pre-letting expenditure relief from €5,000 to €10,000, and the time limit for which a property must be vacant is halved to 6 months, which should en courage a return of rental properties to the market at a faster pace. The vacant homes tax will also be introduced in 2023 for homes that have been occu pied for 30 days or less in a 12-month period.

What Social Welfare measures have been taken?

There will be a standard €12 increase in social welfare from the 1st of Janu ary 2023, but in addition to this there are a number of once-off measures

announced between now and the end of the year. These include once off ad ditional payments of Fuel Allowance, Living-alone Allowance, Children’s Allowance, the Carers Support grant, those on the Working Family payment and early payment of the Christmas Bonus.

For example, a single pensioner, living alone, in receipt of Fuel Allowance will receive an additional €2,375 between now and the end of 2023.

What’s there for farmers?

An extension has been granted from 2022 to 2025 for the following key relief measures:

• Young Trained Farmer Stamp Duty Relief;

• Farm Consolidation Stamp Duty Relief;

• Farm Restructuring CGT relief;

• Young Trained Farmer stock relief; and

• Registered Farm partnership stock relief.

It should also be noted that, for the second year in a row, the Flat Rate farmer addition has been reduced, this time from 5.5% to 5%.

Overall, there are many positives to take from Budget 2023, but whether they are sufficient to avert the crisis of a recession remains to be seen.

David Crean, ACA.

Crean & Co are an accounting firm based in Roscommon Town. For any queries, email info@creanaccountants. ie or visit our website https://creanac countants.ie/

BUSINESS&LEISURE

Highlights of Budget 2023…

Describing Budget 2023 as a “cost of living Budget”, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe revealed the full details of this year’s package

during a speech in the Dáil on Tuesday afternoon. Below are some of the highlights including once-off measures aimed at tackling the

energy crisis and some longerterm measures…

Fuel and home heating

Every household will get €600 in electricity credits in three payments of €200. The first before Christmas and two in 2023.

Excise reductions on petrol, marked gas oil and diesel, and the VAT rate on electricity and gas have been extended until the end of February.

A lump sum of €400 will be paid to Fuel Allowance recipi ents before Christmas.

Social Welfare boost

A double week Cost of Living Support payment to social welfare recipients in October. The Christmas bonus will also be paid in early December.

€500 for those on Working Family Payment in November.

Double Child Benefit payment in November.

€500 for those on Carers Sup

port grant in November.

€200 for those on Living Alone Allowance before Christmas.

€500 for those on disability allowances, invalidity pension and the blind pension.

Health and wellbeing

Hospital inpatient charges removed for all public patients.

Free GP care extended to more than 400,000, with 6 and 7-year-olds to gain access this year.

Free contraception extended to women aged up to 30.

The commencement of a Statefunded IVF scheme.

More than €300 million for waiting lists.

An increase of €58 million for mental health funding.

Education and Childcare

Free school books for all primary school pupils from September next year.

370 additional teaching posts funded. 685 new Special Needs teachers and 1,194 Special Needs Assistants hired.

€1,000 off the student contribu tion this year. The student contribution fee will come down by €500 for families earning €65,000-€100,000 per year. SUSI grants increased by between 10-14 per cent.

A once-off double monthly payment of SUSI maintenance grants.

A €1,000 increase for post graduate student grant.

Public transport reduction fare until end of 2023.

€100 million to schools, to help with energy costs with school transport providers.

The hourly subsidy paid per child to childcare providers under the National Childcare Scheme will increase from €0.50 to €1.40.

Housing

A Vacant Homes Tax has been

introduced. It will be three times the property’s Local Property Tax, on top of the existing rate. It will apply to properties vacant for more than 30 days in a 12-month period.

Help To Buy scheme extended to the end of 2024.

A tax credit of €500 for 400,000 renters from next year which can be claimed this year too. Married couples and civil partners to get double value of the rent tax credit.

Other measures

Zero per cent VAT on newspa per sales as well as some period products and nicotine replace ment products.

Cigarettes up by 50c.

Carbon Tax increase by €7.50 per tonne to €48.50 from Octo ber 12th.

The 9 per cent VAT rate for hospitality will end at the end of February 2023.

1,000 new Gardaí will be hired and there will be 400 new members of the Defence Forces.

Budget reaction…Budget reaction…

‘Important day for young children’

“An important day for young children as govern ment pledges €1 billion in funding in 2023” –that’s according to Early Childhood Ireland, the leading organisation in the early years sector, in response to news of an increase of €346 million in funding for next year as part of Budget 2023.

Teresa Heeney (CEO of Early Childhood Ire land) said: “We welcome the news that parents will see a 20-25% reduction from January 2023. A national communications plan to promote this scheme to parents must be forthcoming. Neither parents nor operators can afford to work from one Budget to the next. We hope to see further details from the Minister for Children and we will be reinforcing to him the need for a longterm investment plan with new funding targets, which will move Ireland to Nordic levels of investment”.

‘More needed’ says Food Drink Ireland

Food Drink Ireland (FDI), the Ibec group repre senting the food and drink sector, has welcomed the energy supports announced in Budget 2023 as a step in the right direction, but called for larger supports over a longer time period.

FDI Director Paul Kelly said: “Energy supports are now central to the sustainability of many food and drink businesses, as they will determine their ability to remain competitive in export markets like Great Britain, where they also face the headwinds of a weakened sterling exchange rate”.

FDI also called for the energy supports for businesses to match those in other key EU export markets so that food and drink businesses can maintain their valuable market positions.

Hairdressers fear for small businesses

The Irish Hairdressers Federation has said that the Government’s decision to increase Vat by 4.5% in February is “a decision that will devas tate small businesses and heap more misery and price increases on consumers”.

According to Lisa Eccles (Vice President of the

Irish Hairdressers Federation): “The Vat increase will be a 4.5% increase on prices for consumers, on top of inflation. It is totally short-sighted – I don’t know how the Government could consider this when our energy bills are up over 400%, costs are up over 10%, and wages are rapidly rising”.

Lisa went on to say: “Inflation already means they are increasing Vat receipts, so all they are doing is harming small businesses and strug gling consumers. If things continue like this, most people will simply be priced out of getting their hair done. The Vat rate for hairdressing in many European countries is 5%, so there is little justification for it”.

Hoteliers in guarded welcome for supports

Hotels and guesthouses across the country have broadly welcomed the energy supports for businesses announced in Budget 2023, but are seeking an amendment to criteria to ensure that significant tourism employers can receive appropriate supports in the face of skyrocket ing business costs and a deteriorating economic environment. The sector has also said that they will continue to advocate for the retention of the 9% VAT rate beyond February 2023 as it is a critical measure to ensure the long-term sustain able growth of Ireland’s largest indigenous export industry.

Denyse Campbell (President of the Irish Hotels Federation) said that while elements of the Budget will help hoteliers, the sector feels that the Government have missed an opportunity to continue support for employment recovery and growth in tourism.

“The Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) is broadly welcomed for hotel iers that have been hit by shocking energy price increases of over 400% in electricity and 300% in gas prices since 2019, in addition to a severe rise in day-to-day operational costs such as linen (29%), food (22%) and beverages (12%) in the last 12 months”, she said. “However, we are seeking an amendment to criteria for significant employers so that they can receive appropriate supports”.

Ms Campbell said that the tourism sector will be disappointed with the Government’s decision to increase the Tourism 9% VAT rate by 50% from March 1st next year.

Budget reaction…Budget reaction…

‘More detail needed on health spending’

Commenting on Budget 2023, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has called for the allocation to health spending to be more ambitious when it comes to workforce planning. This comes as the Government has announced that €23.4 billion will be spent in health in 2022. The INMO will be seeking greater detail on the overall budget package on areas, including the exact number of nurses and midwives that will be recruited between now and the end of 2023, the implementation plan for the Safe Staffing Frame work in Nursing (which uses a scientific model to set staffing levels and requires a legal basis for implementation to ensure safety is prioritised), and the supports made available for undergradu ate student nurses and midwives.

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said: “The continued increase in health spending is welcome if it is guaranteed that money is spent in an efficient way. We need to ensure that money allocated to the Department of Health is spent to get staffing right, building up capacity and mov ing to the universal care model as envisioned by Sláintecare.

“While we know from Minister McGrath’s speech that an additional 6,000 workers will be employed across the health sector, no specifics were offered when it comes to exactly how many nurses and midwives will be recruited.

“Recruitment and retention of nurses and mid wives deserves a laser focus in the year ahead. The same way we have a pupil-teacher ratio embedded in Budgets year-on-year, we need to see a patient-nurse ratio that dictates what the safest level of staffing should be in each of our

acute hospitals. When our children enter school, we expect them to be in an environment where they can get the attention they need to thrive, why don’t we expect the same when a loved one is in hospital?”

ASTI says Budget was ‘disappointing’

This week’s Budget announcement will do little to address the chronic underfunding of secondlevel schools and large class sizes, according to ASTI President Miriam Duggan.

“Ireland is ranked in last place out of thirty-six OECD countries for investment in second-level education as a percentage of GDP,” said Ms Dug gan. “Despite this underfunding, Budget 2023 fails to address core funding for schools and does nothing to reduce our large class sizes”.

The ASTI President said the union acknowl edges the announcement of additional one-off funding for energy costs and school transport. However, she said school operational costs are

wide-ranging, and a significant increase in the school capitation grant is what is required to bring investment in line with the OECD country average.

“The funding gap experienced by second-level schools is not new, and arose long before current inflationary increases. It is due to prolonged underfunding, and it is the reason why so many second-level schools are forced to fundraise to try to meet day to day operational costs”, she said.

Property Industry Ireland responds

Commenting on the Budget announcement on Tuesday, Ivan Gaine, Chairperson of Property In dustry Ireland (PII), said: “PII broadly welcomes the wide-ranging cost of living measures outlined this week by the Government in Budget 2023.

“The extension of the Help to Buy measure to the end of 2024, and the extension of the Residential Development Stamp Duty to the end of 2025, are measures that are commended by the sector. PII believes that legitimate homebuilders should not be charged the residential zoned land tax while land is progressing through the plan ning process and look forward to the proposed amendments in the Finance Bill referred to by Minister Donohoe.

“However, the Budget fails to address the sys temic problems in housing, particularly relating to the viability of delivery of rental homes and general viability within the construction sector. Capital investment in housing needs to be stimu lated in light of the changing interest rates cycles. Budget 2023 was a missed opportunity to address the treatment of all investors in the rental market.

“There are very significant challenges in

delivery of all types and tenures of housing units, which is exacerbated by the rising interest rate and inflation cycle we’re currently experiencing”, he concluded.

‘Ongoing extra cost of disability not addressed’

Responding to Budget 2023, the Disability Fed eration of Ireland (DFI), cautiously welcomed the one-off measures to support people with disabilities but warned that disability poverty is not a one-off issue.

Allen Dunne, Deputy CEO of DFI, said: “Disa bled people and their families live in poverty and exclusion in every community across Ireland – 1 in 5 people who rely on Disability Allowance to survive live in consistent poverty, while 2 in 5 are at risk of poverty.

“Along with other anti-poverty organisations we had called for a €20 increase in core social protection rates to keep up with inflation and prevent a rise in inequality and poverty. Although the Minister referenced inflation, this increase falls significantly short at €12, meaning disabled people will face a real drop in income in 2023”.

Allen continued, “however we do welcome the acknowledgement by Minister Michael McGrath in the Budget that disabled people live with many extra costs. This once-off €500 ‘cost of disability payment’ must become a permanent annual payment – only then can we begin to decrease Ireland’s shockingly high disability poverty rates.

“We are looking for further clarity on the Health Budget announcements and we will respond in due course”.

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha

Local political reaction to BUDGET 2023

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There was mixed reaction from local public representatives this week in the wake of Fi nance Minister Paschal Donohoe’s Budget 2023 announcement on Tuesday afternoon.

Local Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy described the Budget as “fair and equitable” and said he fully supported the issuing of electricity credits to the value of €600 for all households.

Senator Murphy also welcomed the an nouncement that a windfall tax aimed at energy suppliers would also be introduced. He also welcomed support for carers, com menting: “I know more needs to be done but there are some major positives for carers in this Budget.

“I particularly welcome the cost of living double payment to carers in October and a €500 lump sum for people getting the Car ers Support grant in November.

“The measures combined with lump sum payments for Fuel Allowance and electric ity credits will be a great help to carers and more will be done in the years ahead”.

Senator Murphy also welcomed the scrap ping of 9 per cent VAT on newspapers and said he hoped the move would be of assis tance to the “struggling” industry.

Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan said the Budget cuts the cost of education and said her party was committed to prioritising spe cial education.

She said the Budget also reduces the teach er pupil ratio and would assist students and families with third level costs.

“We are also cutting fees for apprentices this year too. We will increase all student

grants from January and recipients will get a double payment this December.

“With supports for an additional 4,000 ap prenticeship places, there will be a range of career choices and ways to reach a quali fication though earning and learning for young people,” she said.

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane said Budget 2023 would not go far enough to protect the most vulnerable in Irish soci ety.

Referring to increases in Social Welfare supports, Deputy Kerrane said: “The fact these increases will not be introduced until January is also unbelievable and incredibly out of touch with the struggles that house holds are experiencing right now. Family Carers, Disabled People, Lone Parents, and Older People will wait for these weekly in creases for another four months.

“These are the households who are already living in poverty and making choices be tween putting food on the table and turning on the lights. Yet the message is that your fixed weekly income won’t change until January”.

The Sinn Féin TD was also critical of in creases in Qualified Child payments and described the expansion of the Fuel Allow ance as “welcome but very limited”.

“While an impressive amount of money has been spent, at the end of the day many households will benefit little from this week’s Budget, and they will wait.

“Yet again we are seeing that the Govern ment’s approach to social welfare is out of touch, and does not go far enough in sup porting workers and families when they need it most,” she concluded.

With over 40 years’ experience, we understand that every succession story is unique.

To plan ahead and secure peace of mind for you, your family and your farm’s future, contact our specialist team of advisors today.

Call us on 090 662 6599 or visit www.ifac.ie

Glenamaddy Players set for autumn show

Th e Glenamaddy Players are bringing the hilarious comedy

‘The Lost Weekend’ by Padraig McI ntyre to the Glenamaddy Town Hall Theatre this October for their autumn show. Directed by Mary ScahillFlynn, the play will be performed on Friday the 7th, Saturday the 8th, Sunday the 9th, Friday the 14th and Saturday the 15th of October.

‘The Lost Weekend’ is a play about life, loyalty, laughter and love. Six checkout girls – Mary, Ann, Sheila, Sadie, Sue and Lucy – are sent away by their employer on a team-building weekend to bond. However, a bus journey, salsa lessons and late-night encounters with vodka and red bull lead to antics that were not part of the plan!

To book tickets, call 086-2045896 or message the Glenamaddy Players on Instagram or Facebook.

Cousins Sadie and Roisin Harper attended last Saturday’s Family Fun Day in aid of Cystic Fibrosis in Ballinagare. Photo: Mick McCormack

Tanya Tansey, Michael Kelly, Darragh Kelly, Ciara Kelly and Aoife and Sean Regan were at the Family Fun Day in aid of Cystic Fibrosis in Ballinagare last Saturday. Photo: Mick McCormack

John Moran, Morgan Hardiman, Mathew Greene and Dylan Greene were at the Family Fun Day in aid of Cystic Fibrosis in Ballinagare last Saturday. Photo: Mick McCormack

Volunteers helping to make Ballinagare Fun Day fundraiser in aid of Cystic Fibrosis a success last Saturday (left to right) Siobhan Healy, Stephen Crann, Lorraine Weston, Shane McDermott and Michael Callery. Photo: Mick McCormack

Yvonne Ryan, Carol Shannon, Patrice Hanlon and Christina Quinn were at the Family Fun Day in aid of Cystic Fibrosis in Ballinagare last Saturday. Photo: Mick McCormack

Four-bedroomed house with retail unit for sale with Bradley Homes

On the market with Bradley Homes is a four-bedroomed, two-bathroom detached house with a com mercial unit at the front and an old forge at the rear, located on Main Street, Williamstown, Co. Galway (F45 YT91).

This property comes to the market in excellent condi

tion throughout, and has been recently redecorated to a very high standard, both internally and externally. Sitting on a picturesque site with a private garden and parking area (ac cessed via side driveway), there is unlimited potential for this beautiful property.

Built in 1950, this unique

property has the addition of a commercial shop unit with separate access, which would suit a host of uses and has the potential to generate an income.

The space could be used as an office or a retail space for a beautician or hairdresser, etc.

Equally, it has the potential to be divided into a one-bed apart

ment (subject to planning per mission) or can be converted to additional living space with the reopening of a previous doorway from the main house. The old forge to the rear would be ideal as a garden room or home office.

The property is located in Williamstown, a beautiful scenic village located in northeast county Galway, situated between the busy shopping towns of Glenamaddy (circa 9km), Tuam (circa 29km), Roscommon (circa 25km), and Claremorris (circa 29km), with Galway City just under one hour’s drive away. The prop erty is located at the bottom of Williamstown’s Main Street, adjacent to agricultural land with countryside views.

Viewing is highly recom mended to fully appreciate all that is on offer with this impressive property. All offers after €160,000 will be consid ered. The BER rating for this property is F.

For additional information and to book a viewing, contact Deirdre of Bradley Homes on 086171 3417, email sales@ bradleyhomes.ie, or visit brad leyhomes.ie.

RE/MAX Team Earley close sale on 56-acre farm

This week, RE/MAX Team

Earley are pleased to advise that they have closed the sale of approximately 56.9 acres of prime lands at Moygara, Coolavin, Co. Sligo, comprised in folios SL3667, SL1476 and SL17839.

The sale of these lands offered farmers a great opportunity to acquire lands in the highlyregarded farming area between Gurteen and Boyle. This prime farm is located just off the Boyle to Sligo route, offering quality lands that are low-lying

and adjacent to a lake.

Standing on the farm is a com pact three-bedroomed slated residence in need of modernisa tion, comprising of a hallway, kitchen, living room, sitting room, bath, and shower with separate WC, featuring teak windows. There are also stone barns set to side and a two-bay hay barn.

The lands benefit from being situated in a highly-regarded land location adjacent to the historical Moygara Castle and Lough Gara. Services include a

private water supply, ESB, and a septic tank on site.

RE/MAX Team Earley are currently looking for similar farms in all areas for cash buyers.

For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact RE/MAX Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscom mon, on 090-6626579, email teamearley@remax.ie, or log onto teamearley.ie. Contact the auctioneers directly by contact ing Cormac on 086-3519492 or Cathal on 086-1409158.

Prime lands set out in two lots comprised in Folio RN16670F.

These said lands are located beside St. Paul’s Church, Kilmurry, Castleplunkett.

Services: Water and Cattle Holding Pen and Crush.

Approx 30 acres for sale can be sold in one or two lots should market interest dictate.

Lot 1 - Quality land approx.12.5 acres €95,000

Lot 2 - Quality land approx.17.5 acres €130,000

Total 30 Acres (approx)€225,000.00

The sale of these said lands must offer all farmers a great opportuni ty to acquire lands in this regarded farming area between Castlerea and Castleplunkett.

Legal: Sean Mahon Solicitor, Mahon Sweeney Roscommon 090 6627350

The Auctioneer now invites viewings and all offers to sell

This is a charming 2 bedroomed residence on a fine site area of approx. 0.568 acres. Once one steps inside the home the quality of finish is apparent with solid wood kitchen cabinets and dou ble glazing throughout this home truly is in turnkey condition. This is a fantastic opportunity to purchase a cottage styled residence with ample outbuildings.

The oubuildings and immediate surroundings of the house are a credit to the current owner occupier. Complete with fuel store, workshop and an extensive canopied area.

The gardens are manicured and filled with various herbs, fruits and veg making for a wonderful setting. The property is located approx 12 km from Roscommon town

The Auctioneer now invites viewing and all offers to sell

CIARAN MULLOOLY On The Back Benches

Did the Budget go far enough on energy bills?

It’s been a very strange month of September in the world of business, politics and economics – irrespective of which side of the Irish Sea you happen to live on. The events that led to the first part of the crisis that emerged were pretty much out of our control.

The departure of Boris Johnson from Downing Street, the relatively sudden death of the Queen, and the arrival of what was loosely described initially as a ‘mini-budget’ in the UK, made for some of the choppiest waters that the markets have ever seen. This, of course, has led to equally serious implications for our own economy here, which relies so heavily on what happens in London and elsewhere.

My old secondary school economics teacher used to proclaim that “if Britain sneezes, then Ireland comes down with pneumonia”. That has proven to be the case over the last two weeks with fears over export costs, the collapse of Irishbased business in the UK, and general unease about the ability of the British to repay some of the massive debt that they are building up with a series of tax breaks and tax cuts for not just the lower paid but, bizarrely, for some of the bestknown millionaires in the Union too.

Energy crisis

letter box or drops into the inbox.

The Government response on Tuesday was to pledge that businesses will receive up to €10,000 a month to assist with energy bills and that every household will get €600 in electricity credits in three payments over the coming months.

energy resources of our own – apart from the controversial Corrib gas field off Mayo. That ef fectively means that we have no major power to cap the price of these fossil fuels as we’re buying them from other countries.

So if we really want to cap prices, someone (i.e. the taxpayer) would have to pay for the differ ence between the wholesale or market price of the fuel that we buy and the cap that’s been set.

All of this brings us back to the UK economic crisis and the decision by the new PM Liz Truss to borrow a staggering £100bn over just one year to cover the cost of capping the energy prices over there. The huge level of borrowing has led some analysts to forecast a collapse in the value of sterling over the coming months, which in turn would make imports such as food and clothes more expensive for British consumers. We saw evidence of this only this week with the instabil ity in the markets. If something similar were to be implemented here, economists say it could cost up to €10bn over one year and would have left the Government with no room for any other type of social welfare measures, public pay increases or tax cuts, such as we saw in the Budget this week.

H

ere in Ireland, the coalition government produced their own array of measures to try and deal with what has become an energy crisis for most families in the last few months by introducing fairly widespread changes in the 2023 Budget on Tuesday, dishing out cash and incentives in several directions – with mixed views on how effective it’s all going to be.

The electricity bill chaos was the big one that had to be attacked and the finance minister’s first attempt to calm things down was to try and effectively subsidise everyone’s bills. You don’t have to go too far in Roscommon or any other county to meet somebody who has been severely affected by the staggering spike in electricity charges.

Stories of customer bills going up by thousands of euro in the space of just one month are every where. We all read the incredible details of how Annie & Vincent Timothy in Roscommon town saw the family supermarket electricity bill go from just over 6000 euro to an incredible high of over 20,000 euro in a very short period of time. I know of dozens of people in business who are literally not sleeping at the moment in the fear of what is going to be on the bottom line of the electricity bill the next time it pops through the

To cap or not

T he reaction on Tuesday night was fairly muted for the most part. For most people, the thought that there would at least be some sort of a hand-out or an effort to give them a leg-up with paying a big bill every month over the win ter period was at least reassuring. But since then,

there’s also been a feeling much broader in the community that what is required is not a month by month approach to the energy bills crisis, but some sort of a cap that could be put on the final electricity or gas bill account next April or May when most people know they can hopefully turn off the heating again and relax for a few months over the summer without the fear of a whopper of an ESB bill coming in.

There is no energy price cap as it stands in Ireland. In the UK, however, the energy regulator Ofgem introduced an energy price cap in 2019 to help protect households from excessively high prices and to ensure people who didn’t switch supplier regularly weren’t charged an excessive ‘loyalty premium’. The cap used to be reviewed twice a year (but was then scheduled to be reviewed every three months) and was set to increase by 80% to £3,549 from 1 October fol lowing the most recent review – but the new UK price cap, introduced this week, puts a limit on the unit price of gas and electricity.

On average, it is reckoned that the price increas es announced so far here in Ireland have added around €2,200 a year to the average household’s energy bills, so most want to know if this figure can effectively be capped now by the Govern ment – instructing the energy companies to hold the overall cost below 3000 euro or 4000 euro by the end of the winter.

The problem for us is that we don’t have the control on the energy providers who are charging the customers here. Ireland is a huge importer of coal, oil, and gas and we have very few natural

Other options

T here could, of course, be other ways of approaching this issue. In Ireland, we know from recent publication of annual accounts that the ESB is not a loss-making operation. Readers will remember I argued in a column here last February that the Government should ask them to take the hit with the price of oil and coal go ing up, etc. It seems somebody may have been listening to me after all as there was a lot of this going on in the last few weeks with the increased government dividend from the ESB’s accounts apparently going to pay for some of the measures we saw in the Budget this week.

The bottom line, however, is that hefty electric ity and energy bills are on the way to every home and business in the country next month – and while the government subsidy in the Budget will help to take the sting out of it in some places, there are others who will not be able to pay the bills. That doomsday scenario is going to be a reality for many people – which is why there really is a need to revisit this situation on a month by month basis in the coming months.

People who are vulnerable cannot be left alone to suffer. They must be carefully monitored and supported this winter.

If Britain sneezes, then Ireland comes down with pneumonia

TAKE A BREAK

It’s been a GOOD week for…

The organisers of Ballinasloe Horse & Agricultural Show and of Ballyforan Fair & Festival, as both these events attracted good crowds to the respective venues last weekend

Festival-goers, with the inau gural Night and Day Festival in Castlerea being hailed as a success

The footballers of the Faroe Islands, after they shocked Turkey in the UEFA Nations League. “We are incredibly sad” one of the Turkish players told the media after Faroe Islands (population: just under 49,000) achieved a very rare win, on a 2-1 scoreline

The hurlers of Four Roads and Padraig Pearses, with those two clubs overcoming

Athleague and Oran respec tively…to qualify for this year’s Roscommon Senior Hurling Championship Final

It’s been a BAD week for…

New UK Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng and new UK Prime Minister Liz Truss, not to men tion for the UK economy, this after a controversial package of tax cuts led to a dramatic fall in the value of the pound

The GAA, this after further re ports of very unwelcome violent incidents (there were alleged as saults on a mentor and a referee, in separate incidents)

The reputation of chess (at elite level), amidst allegations of cheating in the sport, voiced by a less than impressed world champion, Norway’s Magnus Carlsen

Could you be the new Bard of Connacht?

A new Bard of Connacht is being sought as part of the 40th annual Creggs Harvest Festival, with €1,000 in prizes up for grabs for the competition finalists.

The Bard of Connacht poetry competition is being organised by Kilbegnet Ballinakill Historical Society as part of the 40th annual Creggs Harvest Festival.

The competition aims to encour age aspiring and established poets to pen their thoughts on a topic of significance and be in with a chance to have their poetry adju dicated upon against the best po ets in the region and perhaps be selected as one of four winners.

All poets who enter this com petition are in with a chance of winning the Vincent Keaveny Memorial Trophy or one of four prizes ranging in value from €500 to €100.

The historical aspect of this year’s Creggs Harvest Festival will focus on the 175th anniversa

ry of the Famine of 1847 and its many repercussions on a local, national and international level.

Local historian William Gac quin will give a talk on the Fam ine at an event in the Historical Centre in Creggs at 9 pm on Fri day night, October 28th followed by a night of traditional music and dancing.

A famine walk will also take place on Bank Holiday Sunday, October 31st in the vicinity of the Creggs area, demonstrating some aspects of the local herit age. With this in mind, organ isers of the Bard of Connacht decided upon the Famine as the topic for this year’s competition. Poets are invited to submit one

entry to bardofconnacht@gmail. com and all entries must be re ceived by October 18th at 5 pm. A judging panel will then select the ten best entries, four of which will be winners. First prize is €500 and the Vincent Keaveny Memorial Trophy. Second prize is a Bard of Connacht Certificate and €250 and third and four prize winners will also receive a certificate and €150 and €100 respectively. All entries must be original and there is no entry fee.

Composers of the ten best entries will be invited to attend an event in Creggs NS on Bank Holiday Monday, October 31st and recite their poem. The five prize winners will be announced at that event (with the prizes being presented then).

For further information please contact Larry Kilcommins, Sec retary, Kilbegnet Ballinakill His torical Society on 086-3468761 or email bardofconnacht@gmail.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Famous birthdays ... this week

“

The things people say…

A new Bard of Connacht is being sought as part of the 40th annual Creggs Harvest Festival, with €1,000 in prizes up for grabs for the competition finalists.

“The atmosphere was amazing across the weekend…it was great seeing all the smiles on people’s faces and to be able to bring the Night and Day Festival to Castlerea was amazing”

- Craig Hughes, one of the organisers of last weekend’s Night and Day Festival

Julie Andrews (English actress, celebrates her 87th birthday on Saturday) Sting (English musician, will be 71 on Sunday)

Kieran Culkin (American actor, will turn 40 on Friday)

Halsey (American singer, turns 28 on Thursday)

Evan, Joseph and Leah Flynn pictured at the Ballinasloe Horse & Agricultural Show on Sunday. Pic: Mick McCormack

Pictured at Ballyforan Fair & Festival on Saturday was Kelsie Larkin with pets Archie and Covu. Photo: Mick McCormack

A great view of the Padraig Pearses v Oran Roscommon SHC semi-final in Athleague on Sunday!

Photo: Mick McCormack

Rossies represented at National Ploughing!

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Roscommon competitors acquitted themselves very well at last week’s Na tional Ploughing Cham pionships at Ratheniska, Co. Laois, according to Roscommon ploughing director, Padraig Nolan.

“We had five competi tors overall. Paddy Beirne from Ballinaheglish ploughed on Monday in the 3-Furrow Convention

al class. Paddy has been representing Roscommon for the past 25 years and has won national titles in the past,” Padraig said.

“Keith Broderick, a neph ew of James Coffey from Lecarrow, also ploughed in the Under 40s Horse Class.

“On Wednesday, John Hanley from Creggs rep resented Roscommon in the Two-Furrow Junior class and on Thursday,

young Dylan Hoare, a grandson of Paddy Beirne, ploughed in the Novice class. Dylan is only 17 years of age and he came fifth in his first All-Ireland. We in Roscommon are very proud of him.

“Also, on what was a very wet Thursday morn ing, Roscommon had two representatives in the Loy Ploughing competi tion. Pauline Lavin from Strokestown came second

in her class and Deirdre Heavey from Rooskey came third. We are very proud of both for their ef forts”.

Roscommon was also well represented on the ad ministration side of things in Ratheniska by Supervi sors John Hanley (Creggs), Noel Moran (Fuerty), Tim Fox (Mountcashel), MJ McGreevey (Fourmile house), Michael Geraghty (Creggs), by stewards

Killian White (Creggs), Joe Follard (Ballintubber) and Malachy Fleming (Creggs), and at Supervi sor HQ by Martina Beirne and Padraig Nolan. This year, the Beirne fam ily had three generations representing Roscommon: Paddy in the 3-Furrow class, his daughter Mar tina in Supervisors’ HQ, and her son Dylan in the Novice classes. Well done to all.

History as Ireland wins two world ploughing titles

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History was made in Rath eniska, Co. Laois last week as Ireland crowned two world ploughing champions for the first time ever.

The World Ploughing Contest, which ran alongside the Nation al Ploughing Championships, saw Eamonn Tracey from Co. Carlow winning the Supreme World Conventional Plough ing Championship, and Wex

ford’s John Whelan winning the Supreme World Reversible Ploughing Championship.

Padraig Nolan, Roscommon’s National Ploughing Director and head supervisor at Rath eniska, told the Roscommon

People this week: “What an achievement this is! Ireland faced stiff competition from 28 other countries at the World Ploughing last week so to win two championships is really something else”.

ICMSA say slurry storage measures will be hindered by Mica concrete levy

The President of ICMSA has said the Government had made a “reasonable effort” with Budget 2023 but said the 10 per cent concrete levy, due to be introduced next April, would hamper measures aimed at slurry storage.

He said the acceler ated capital allowances for slurry storage was

“a notable step forward and made sense on finan cial and environmental grounds”, but the 10 per cent levy on concrete and concrete products would certainly dilute the effec tiveness of the measure.

Mr. McCormack was also positive about the extension and ‘rollovers’ of an array of

reliefs such as Young Farmer & Farm Consoli dation, Stock Relief for Young Farmers and the Excise Relief on Green Diesel – but the latter, he said, needs to be extend ed well past the February 28th date given.

“The general widening of bands and increase in tax credit would also

help farmers in dealing with the overall con sumer inflation that was affecting them like every other sector of society,” he said.

The ICMSA President went on to say that the in clusion of farmers in the Energy Support meas ures was welcome but no more than an honest rec

ognition of the fact the dairy sector those farm ers have built is the main engine of most parts of our rural economy.

“Farmers have to have help on the cost of en ergy because their milk production is actually the economic energy for whole swathes of rural Ireland,” he concluded.

On Thursday last, Castlerea Mart held its annual show and sale of continental weanlings in conjunction with our usual sale. A fine yard of top-quality stock was presented for sale and the local suckler farmers in the region were left satisfied with a superb trade on offer with €2,270 recorded for the Champion heifer calf and €1,680 recorded for the Champion weanling bull. Bulls made up to €4.48 a kilo and the heifer weanlings peaked at €7.34 a kilo. Cows with calves at foot made from €1,140 to €2,410. Springers made from €1,290 to €1,910 while calves/runners made from €1,290 to €1,910. Meanwhile, 240 bullocks were presented for sale on Monday, September 19th with trade and prices holding well. Demand for the quality stores has increased the last few weeks as customers replace sold stock while the heavier lots made up to €2,050.

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today (Thursday 29th) with our Annual Show and Sale of Continental heifers and a Belgian Blue weanling show and sale. All sales commence at 11 am.

IFA calls for Minister to ‘come clean’ on climate plans

IFA President Tim Cul linan has called on Minis ter for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to “come clean” on the Department’s position on how sectoral emission ceilings for agri culture will be achieved.

His comments come after it emerged that the Depart ment of Agriculture has been analysing the cost of a drastic cow reduction scheme.

Documents released to the Irish Times under the Freedom of Information Act show proposals were

put forward some months ago which Mr. Cullinan says, undermine the dairy sector and devastate the suckler sector.

IFA Livestock Chair man Brendan Golden said that the reported planned reduction in the suckler herd was astonishing and would eliminate the sector entirely.

“At a time when the Min ister should have been fo cused on securing funding for the Beef Environment and Efficiency Programme for Sucklers in the Budget,

we see that the Depart ment is working behind the scenes to pull the rug from the entire sector. This would devastate farming, but also rural Ireland,” he said.

IFA Dairy Chairman Ste phen Arthur said that the Department appears “hell bent” on reducing num bers.

“The changes in the Ni trates directive are already impacting heavily on the dairy sector. Now we see what is going on behind the scenes,” he said.

Sample prices for weanling bulls: Ch 270kgs €1180, Ch 275kgs €1140, Lm 270kgs €1040, Ch 310kgs €1390, Ch 360kgs €1400, Lm 400kgs €1410, Ch 395kgs €1680, Ch 470kgs €1690, Ch 380kgs €1470, Ch 425kgs €1460.

Weanling heifers: Lm 275kgs €2020, Ch 280kgs €1290, Ch 280kgs €1190, Ch 260kgs €1080, Lm 265kgs €950, Ch 310kgs €960, Ch 380kgs €2270, Ch 320kgs €1320, Lm 355kgs €1325, Ch 330kgs €1150, Lm 330kgs €1100, Lm 390kgs €1270.

Heifers: Ch 385kgs €1250, Ch 380kgs €1220, Lm 375kgs €1210, AAx 405kgs €1050, Lm 475kgs €1400, Ch 485kgs €1380, Ch 430kgs €1260, AA 725kgs €1950, Ch 615kgs €1920, Ch 650kgs €1900, Ch 595kgs €1760.

Dry cows: Chx 950kgs €2350, AA 740kgs €2080, Ch 785kgs €2050, Lm 740kgs €1830, Lm 635kgs €1740, Sim 810kgs €1950, AA 750kgs €1730, Fr 465kgs €680.

Bullocks: Ch 495kgs €1500, Ch 490kgs €1470, Ch 430kgs €1460, Lm 440kgs €1380, Lm 515kgs €1580, AA 510kgs €1530, AA 595kgs €1620, Ch 615kgs €1920, Ch 665kgs €2050, Ch 675kgs €1860.

ICSA President raises concerns over culling

ICSA President Dermot Kelleher has said that a recent report in the Irish Times referring to documents which suggest the need to cull one million cows to meet climate targets will create absolute uproar in rural Ireland.

“The Government must immedi ately clarify that a briefing docu ment with this level of economic and social insanity will be binned immediately,” he said.

“No responsible Government in their right minds would contemplate such a level of carnage in our most important indigenous sector. This is the sector that kept the wheels turn ing when Ireland was in deep dif ficulty after the financial crash and which has grown agri-food exports from €10 billion to €15.2 billion in the last decade.

“This money has been of great benefit not only to the agri-food sec

tor but many other parts of the rural economy”.

Mr. Kelleher added that the Gov ernment “had another thing coming if it thinks it can bully the farming sector into submission with insane, ill-thought-out policies”.

“Farmers are willing to do their fair share on climate and are always working to become more sustain able but there is no possible way that a plan to decimate our suckler

and dairy sectors will be tolerated. Dangerous ideas like this will drain all goodwill from the farming sector and the Government is on a major collision course with rural Ireland if it thinks this will fly,” he said.

“ICSA is demanding that the Taoi seach, Tánaiste and the leader of the Green Party, Minister Ryan, im mediately meet with the main farm organisations to explain what the Government thinking is”.

There was a large entry of stock on offer at last Friday’s general sale with a steady trade for all classes. Bullocks averaged from €2.29 per kilo up to €2.87 per kilo, heifers fetched from an average of €2.64 per kilo up to €3.60 per kilo, and dry cows made an average of €2.15 per kilo up to €2.50 per kilo. There was a good attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.

This Friday (September 30th), the mart will host a Special Sale of bullocks, heifers, and dry cows.

There was a very good entry of top-quality weanlings on offer at our Show and Sale on Tuesday evening last with a steady trade for both bulls and heifers.

Bull weanlings fetched from

an average of €2.98 per kilo up to €4.10 per kilo, while heifer weanlings made from an average of €2.80 per kilo up to €6.22 per kilo for a BBX 305kgs €1,900.There was a good attendance of customers with online buyers also active.

There is another Special Sale of Weanlings on Tuesday next (October 4th) with bookings accepted until 5 pm today (Thursday).

Finally, we had a large number of sheep on offer at this week’s sale of lambs and cast ewes. Prices for finished lambs peaked at €145 for 57.4kgs. Store lambs fetched up to €118. There were excellent quality ewe lambs on offer. Ewe lambs made up to €145 for 53.7kgs. The tops for stag ewes fetched €155. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow

EID Tag set. The next sale of lambs and cast ewes takes place next Wednesday (5th) at 11 am. Yard opens at 8 am. Sale can be viewed live on www.livestock-live.com.

Sample prices for dry cows: Char X 835kgs €2000, Lim 790kgs €1980, Lim X 790kgs €1890, Char X 810kgs €1770, Char X 830kgs €1740, BAX 760kgs €1660, AAX 705kgs €1650, SAX 665kgs €1410, Char X 665kgs €1610, Lim X 680kgs €1550.

Bullocks: Lim X 545kgs €1520, Lim X 600kgs €1400, Char X 470kgs €1350, Simm X 580kgs €1350, 2 Lim X 492kgs €1260, Char X 515kgs €1250, 3 Lim X 491kgs €1200.

Heifers: Char X 710kgs €2400, BBX 615kgs €2220, Lim X 635kgs €2060, Char X 695kgs€2000, Char X 745kgs €1980, Lim X 535kgs €1600,

Char X 555kgs €1610, Char X 485kgs €1610, Char X 495kgs €1580, Simm X 510kgs €1510, BBX 470kgs €1430, Lim X 465kgs €1380, AAX 535kgs €1340, Lim 400kgs €1350, Char X 470kgs €1300, Lim X 400kgs €1280, 4 AAX 516kgs €1240.

Weanling bulls: Lim X 410kgs €1600 - €3.90 per kilo, Char X 385kgs €1580€4.10 per kilo, Char X 460kgs €1530 - €3.32 per kilo, Char X 435kgs €1470 - €3.37 per kilo, BBX 385kgs €1300€3.37 per kilo, 2 BAX 380kgs €1250 - €3.28 per kilo, Char X 365kgs €1310 - €3.58 per kilo, Char X 350kgs €1200€3.42 per kilo, BBX 385kgs €1200 - €3.11 per kilo, Char X 330kgs €1140 - €3.45 per kilo.

Weanling heifers: BBX 305kgs €1900 - €6.22 per kilo, Lim X 415kgs €1350 -

€3.25 per kilo, BBX 230kgs €1350 - €5.86 per kilo, Lim X 410kgs €1290 - €3.14 per kilo, Lim X 390kgs €1290 - €3.30 per kilo, Char X 310kgs €1100 - €3.54 per kilo, BBX 375kgs €1080 - €2.88 per kilo, 3 Char X 253kgs €970 - €3.82 per kilo, Char X 275kgs €910 - €3.30 per kilo.

Ewe lambs: 53.7kgs €145, 54kgs €145, 49.2kgs €142, 53.3kgs €140, 48.7kgs €140, 48.1kgs €140, 43.3kgs €130, 47.9kgs €130, 45.6kgs €129, 44.2kgs €127.

Finished lambs: 63kgs €145, 57.4kgs €145, 59.4kgs €145, 54kgs €144, 51.7kgs €142, 49kgs €138, 49.7kgs €136, 45kgs €133.

Store lambs: 38.4kgs €118, 39.4kgs €115, 38.1kgs €112, 37.4kgs €109, 37kgs €108, 36.1kgs €108, 37kgs €105, 33.8kgs 99.

Friday, Sept 30th at 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Bullocks

130 Pens of Bullocks on offer

Also Heifers & Dry Cows

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

Friday, October 7th at 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Heifers

Also Bullocks & Dry Cows

Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Monday, October 3rd

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Tuesday, October 4th at 4 p.m.

Special Sale of Weanlings

Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 29th

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

Tuesday, 4th October at 5pm

20 excellent Quality in calf heifers

BBX, LMX, CHX and SIX

All in calf to easy calving pb ch bull on the point of calving due Oct/Nov

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Tuesday, 11th October at 4 p.m.

Show & Sale of Weanlings

Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday October 6th

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

Lambs & Cast Ewes

Each Wednesday at 11 a.m.

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

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

Saturday, October 1st at 11 a.m.

Sale for Breeding Ewes & Hoggets

Gates open at 8 a.m.

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

South of Ireland Lanark Sheep Breeders

1st Annual Sale

Saturday, 1st October

Show 8am. Sale 10am.

70 Ram Lambs, 110 Shearlings and 20 Aged Rams

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

The West of Ireland Registered Suffolk Sheep Breeders Club

Saturday 1st October. Show 11am | Sale 1.30pm

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

Reminder

63rd Annual General Meeting

Thursday, September 29th at 8 p.m. in the Mart Canteen

090 6626352

Local graduates commence ESB’s Development Programme

Five graduates from Counties Ro scommon and Galway recently com menced ESB’s prestigious Graduate Development programme. They will be joined by forty other gradu ates in a range of disciplines includ ing engineering, IT, HR, marketing, commercial and finance across the organisation.

ESB’s Graduate Development Pro gramme forms part of an ambitious drive by the company to recruit talent from third-level institutions across the island of Ireland, and internation ally, to support the delivery of its Net Zero by 2040 strategy.

This year’s graduates will be placed across five business units – ESB Networks, Generation and Trading, Engineering and Major Projects,

Customer Solutions and Enterprise Services. The tailored programme offers each graduate the opportunity to gain experience by working on challenging assignments and major projects that offer exposure to the varied businesses of the organisation.

This year’s intake of graduates par ticipated in the first in-person induc tion programme since the Covid-19 pandemic at ESB‘s new head office, Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2. Gradu ates will receive a range of supports including being partnered with in dividual mentors from within their business units, IT equipment and ac cess to allow hybrid working as part of ESB’s smart working offering.

Sinéad Kilkelly, ESB’s Executive Director, People & Organisation De

velopment, said: “We are delighted to welcome forty-five new colleagues to our organisation as part of our Graduate Development Programme.

“Our programme is tailored to nurture professional and personal development, offering hands-on ex perience and mentorship to ensure a rewarding and dynamic working experience. As they embark on their career with ESB, we wish each grad uate every success and are confident that they will make a difference to the achievement of our Net Zero by 2040 strategy.

“ESB is also pleased to announce that recruitment for our 2023 Gradu ate Development Programme is now open, and we are inviting applica tions from all final-year students”.

Lakeland Dairies announces new

CEO to replace Roscommon native

The Board of Lakeland Dairies has announced Colin Kelly as Group CEO Designate. He is currently Managing Director for Trading and Member Re lations at Ornua.

Mr. Kelly will take up his appointment in January 2023 succeeding Roscom mon native and Group CEO Michael Hanley, who earlier this year an nounced that he will retire in December.

Farmer owned Lakeland Dairies collects 2 billion litres of milk from 3,200 farm families across 16 counties on a cross border basis. The co-operative makes a wide range of dairy food ingredients, foodservice and consumer products, which it exports to over 80 countries world wide, in addition to com prehensive agribusiness operations.

Colin Kelly will join Lakeland Dairies having worked at Ornua since

2011, where he has held a range of senior finance and general management posi tions.

Prior to his current role at Ornua, he served as Head of Strategy Planning and Risk Management and before this as President and also as Chief Finan cial Officer of Ornua In gredients North America.

Before joining Ornua, he was a Senior Auditor with Deloitte. A native of Lus magh, Co. Offaly, he is an Accounting and Finance graduate of University of Limerick and is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland.

Niall Matthews, Chair man, Lakeland Dairies said: “Colin’s knowledge and experience of the Irish and international dairy industry will be of signifi cant benefit to Lakeland Dairies where he will lead the ongoing future pro gress, growth and success of our co-operative in the

interests of our 3,200 farm families, our staff and our global customer base”.

Colin Kelly, CEO Desig nate of Lakeland Dairies said: “I am privileged to

join Lakeland Dairies in the position of CEO. I rec ognise the enormity of the role and the proud history of the organisation. I am excited by the challenge

and look forward, in con junction with the Board, to leading the business to continued and sustained success in the years to come”.

Imelda Hurley announced as new Ibec President

Ibec, the group that represents Irish busi ness, has announced the appointment of Imelda Hurley, CEO of Coillte as its new President for 2022 to 2023. She succeeds Frank Gleeson, President and CEO of Aramark Northern Europe.

Commenting on the announcement, Im elda Hurley said: “It is a privilege to be appointed Ibec President for the next 12 months. While the economy faces un precedented inflationary competitiveness challenges at present, it is important that we do not lose focus in meeting the longterm strategic issues we face as a society, particularly the climate emergency crisis.

“I look forward to using my role as Presi dent to support Ibec’s ongoing engage ment with Government and leading stake holders to realise the country’s ambition of positioning Ireland as a world leader in terms of its transformation to both a sus tainable business model and society”.

Ibec CEO Danny McCoy said: “Imelda is a recognised leader in the field of Irish and European business and her experience and insights will no doubt support our efforts over the coming year to help navigate the economy through a challenging period. We look forward to working with her and wish her great success”.

West/Northwest now a ‘lagging region’

There have been serious concerns raised following a recent announcement by the EU Commission that the West and Northwest has been downgraded to ‘lagging region’.

The region has been described as facing ‘a range of challenges’ in a stark assessment from the Commis sion.

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane said the downgrade was a wakeup call.

“The findings underline the urgent need for invest ment in the region, to ensure people living in the West and Northwest can access a good quality of living and the same opportunities as other parts of the State,” she said.

“The Northern & Western Regional Assembly have done much good work in showing exactly what needs to now be done to regain our Developed status. They have detailed the need for positive discrimination for our region to make this happen.

“The assessment was included in a partnership agreement document between Ireland and the EU last week. As part of the agreement, €20 million in funding will be provided to the North and West of the country.

“It is critical now that every effort is taken to en sure the West & North West receives increased and sustained funding and investment to turn this around”.

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Businesses:

Pictured (L-r) at the ESB Development Programme induction at head office, Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2 alongside Marguerite Sayers, ESB Deputy Chief Executive, is Frank Flannery (College Road, Co. Galway), Abhisek Krishnan (Galway City), Oisin O’Malley (Clifden), Michael Kelly (Co. Roscommon) and Jason Kenneth Dsouza (Galway City).

The Board of Lakeland Dairies has announced Colin Kelly as Group CEO Designate. He is currently Managing Director for Trading and Member Relations at Ornua. Pictured L-R Niall Matthews, Chairman, Colin Kelly, Group CEO Designate and Keith Agnew, Vice-Chairman, Lakeland Dairies. Mr. Kelly will take up his appointment in January 2023 succeeding Roscommon native and Group CEO Michael Hanley who earlier this year announced that he will retire in December. Picture by Orla Murray/Coalesce

Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, is pleased to announce the appointment of Imelda Hurley, CEO of Coillte as its new President for 2022 to 2023. Pictured marking the announcement at Coillte’s Avondale Forrest Park are Imelda Hurley, CEO of Coillte and Danny McCoy, CEO of Ibec.

The

FARMING

COUNSELLING

experienced sexual

to

downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

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

SALE:

cally. Phone: 086 3776948

GARDENING

& Mow

cutting

FOR SALE

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Eircom Limited (t/a eir) intend to apply for permission to erect a 21m high monopole telecommunications structure, together with antennas, dishes and associated telecommunications equipment and remove a 15m high monopole telecommunications structure at the eir Exchange, Gorticmeelra (Td), Donamon, Co. Roscommon.

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

PLANNINGS PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Aidan Conneely intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for retention of widening existing single agricultural entrance to land and onto N60, associated removal of hedge and ditch part of front boundary replacement of same with concrete block wall and creation of hard standing area adjacent ot National Route at Lissagallan, Cloverhill, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Gaynor Architectural + Design Services Ltd.

Architects Fallon Avenue, Roscommon. Phone: 090 6626974

Mobile: 086 8115449

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I Michael Dolan intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to erect a dwelling house and to construct all ancillary site works to facilitate same at Beagh (Brabazon), Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon.

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Andy Kenny am applying to Roscommon County Council for permission for the following:

1. Permission to retain temporary container/ bolted down shed to rear of existing building, for the duration of 2 years.

PROPERTIES TO LET/ RENT/WANTED

Jacqueline Naughton

PLANNING

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

NEW BUILDS, RENOVATIONS & EXTENSIONS

Lighting Design Schemes

Mobile: 087 403 7803

Email: jacquelinenaughton @outlook.com

To

your advert

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Gzim Gjyrevci intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for change of use of Retail Outlet to Fast Food Takeaway associated services and works at Corskeagh, Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon.

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

Phone: 090 6626974

Mobile: 086 8115449

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

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

Signed: Michael Dolan.

Gerry Hynes MRIAI

Registered Architect

Qualified registered architect with experience in domestic new build and extensions, commercial, agricultural and building reports.

also Planning Applications and Ancillary Certifier for larger projects.

Gerry Hynes M.R.I.A.I. White Cottage, Doon, Strokestown, Roscommon F42 DF10 Phone: 087 2527290 Web: www.gerryhyne sarchitect.com Email: gerryhynes01@ gmail.com

2. Permission to retain as constructed entrance that differs to that granted in PD/18/45.

3. Permission to retain as constructed elevations that differ to that granted in PD/18/45.

4. Planning permission to construct new extension to rear of existing building, new extension will replace container/ bolted down shed and all site ancillary development works at Thomastown Demesne Ballydangan, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. N37 N298

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

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

< TO RENT: Ensuite room to rent in Ballinlough in modern home, use of kitch en/dining/sitting area and laundry facilities. References required. Please whatsapp enquiries to 086 8443173

< TO RENT: 3

Design Consultation Planning Applications

New Build, Extend, Renovate

Bespoke Design Domestic, Commercial & Agricultural

086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

Bowel Disorders

Joint/Muscle Problems

Thyroid Imbalance

Emotional

Ante Natal

Furey B.

to

Strokestown, €800

Tel: 089 4570303

GRINDS

< GRINDS: Experienced teacher of struggling chil dren to tutor in your home.

Call/text 086 3836066

GRINDS REQUIRED

< GRINDS: In accountancy required for L.C. student, Roscommon/Athleague/ Mountbellew/Ballygar area. Tel: 087 6410950

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

Co. Roscommon

087 2264951

In tonne bags, delivery to Roscommon town and surrounding areas. Price €60. Bag and delivery also included in price. Tel: 086 8534011

< BAGS OF TURF FOR SALE:

delivered

cally. Phone: 087 4381844

USEFUL

0815802

Plumbing

085

C

Williamstown, Co. Galway

087 2601639

CONCRETE

of

Gravel

TV REPAIRS

PUBLIC NOTICE

An Chuirt Duiche The District Court Licensing (Ireland) Act 1833 Section 6

Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960 Section 29

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER OF A LICENCE

District Court Area of Carrick-on-Shannon District No. 2 Daniel Kennedy Applicant

TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Daniel Kennedy of Aughnagrange, Boyle, Roscommon, N/A intends to apply to the Annual Licensing Court to be held at the Court at Carrick on Shannon District Court on the 27th September 2022 at 10.30 for the TRANSFER to the Applicant of the Publican’s Licence (7-Day Ordinary) licence attached to the premises at Bridge Street (Upstairs), Boyle, Roscommon in the court area and district aforesaid.

Signed: Mahon Sweeney Solicitors LLP Solicitor for Applicant The Square, Roscommon, Roscommon

To: Garda Superintendent, Boyle Garda Station, Boyle, Roscommon boyle.sergeantoffice@garda.ie,

SEPTIC

To: The Fire Officer, Roscommon County Council, Roscommon, Roscommon, F42 VR98 fire@roscommoncoco.ie,

To: The District Court Clerk, Carrick-on-Shannon District Court

INSURANCE CLAIMS

Martin Hibbitt APA-PL, CIP,

Martin Hibbitt APA-PL, CIP, CDIP

Martin Hibbitt APA-PL,

Martin Hibbitt APA-PL, CIP, CDIP

380900

9818153 Mountbellew, Co. Galway info@mhla.ie

Mountbellew, Co. Galway info@mhla.ie

9818153

087 9818153

9818153 Mountbellew, Co. Galway info@mhla.ie

Mountbellew, Co. Galway info@mhla.ie www.mhla.ie

Logstrup (Ireland) Limited is an international company engaged in the design and manufacture of critical power solutions for the global market.

Due to an increasing level of business at our Tuam plant we invite applications for the following positions:

Work local…..less time driving…..less cost of travel

• Machine Shop Operators

Previous experience would be an advantage

• Assembly Operators

Previous experience in mechanical assembly would be an advantage

• Sub Assembly Operators

Full training given

• Press Brake Setter Operators

Previous experience required on Trumpf, LVD or similar.

• Stores Operators

Previous experience required in a warehouse environment

• Injection Moulding Machine Operators

Previous experience required on setup and programming of Arburg, Sumitomo Demag, Engel or similar

• Maintenance Fitter

CNC experience required

Replies to: info@logstrup.ie

Deadline for receipt of applications: Friday 14th October 2022

Logstrup (Ireland) Limited, Dunmore Road, Tuam, Co. Galway, H54 RR44 Tel: 093 70900 Fax: 093 70901 Email: info@logstrup.ie

SALES ASSISTANT

sales assistant

087

Role:

Roscommon Community Preschool

Roscommon Community Preschool

Roscommon Community Playgroup CLG, RCN 20029777 18 Henry Street, Roscommon, F42 X292

Roscommon Community Playgroup CLG, RCN 20029777

Phone: (083) 305 6686/ (090) 6627208 Email: roscommonpreschool@gmail.com

18 Henry Street, Roscommon, F42 X292

FULL TIME AIM SUPPORT WORKER POSITION

9am-4pm Monday – Friday

Phone: (083) 305 6686/ (090) 6627208

Role:

Term Time Only

Email: roscommonpreschool@gmail.com

For the preschool year 2022-2023

PART TIME AIM SUPPORT WORKER POSITION

AIM Support Worker, working alongside our experienced ECCE Team. Responsible for assisting in developing and coordinating support to children participating in ECCE setting.

Essential Criteria:

• Minimum QQI/ FETAC Level 5 in Childcare

(Full time position may become available)

• Minimum 1 Year experience in a busy childcare environment

• Garda Vetting Required

1pm-4pm Monday – Friday

Person Specifications:

• Ability to work as part of a team

• Ability to ensure the health & safety of children at all times

• Kind, friendly and responsive to the needs of children

Term Time Only

• Good communication skills, fun loving and active

• Ability to work on own initiative

Desirable:

For the preschool year 202 2-2023

• First Aid Responder Training (Level 5)

• Tusla Always Children First Foundation Training

Subject to Garda Clearance, please email for a blank Garda Clearance form. Job description available upon request.

Interested applicants should send in completed Garda Clearance Form with letter of expression of interest and CV to:

AIM Support Worker, working alongside our experienced ECCE Team.

Responsible for assisting in developing and coordinating support to children participating in ECCE setting.

Essential Criteria:

Secretary/Receptionist

The Manager, Roscommon Community Preschool, 18 Henry Street, Roscommon F42 X292 or roscommonpreschool@gmail.com

Closing Date for applications is Friday, 7th October

Roscommon Community Preschool is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

• Minimum QQI/ FETAC Level 5 in Childcare

Required for busy G.P. Practice in North Roscommon

• Minimum 1 Year experience in a busy childcare environment

• Garda Vetting Required

• Person Specifications:

Apply online with C.V. to: manager.practice21@gmail.com

• Ability to work as part of a team

Closing date for applications: Friday, 14th October 2022

• Ability to ensure the health & safety of children at all times

• Kind, friendly and responsive to the needs of children

• Good communication skills, fun loving and active

• Ability to work on own initiative

Desirable:

SITUATIONS VACANT

CARPENTERS WANTED: 3rd or 4th year appren tice or

carpenters wanted. Phone: 087 9163494

< CHILDMINDER: Required for 3-4 days per week from 2-5pm for 2 Primary School children in the Ballyleague/Lanesboro area. References to be provided. Please apply to: PO Box No 3052 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

THANKSGIVINGS

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own bro ken 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 publi cation and favour will be granted. J.W

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 bro ken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. M.C.

Rogers Funeral Directors

(Willie’s 12th Anniversary) Who passed away on the 2nd May 2010

Quietly today your memory is kept, no need for words, we will never forget.

Always remembered by their family.

Anniversary Mass in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow on Sunday, 2nd October at 11.30am.

WOODS

Paul

The Walk, Roscommon & Athlone, Co. Westmeath

Who passed away on the 2nd of October 2021

(John - 34th Anniversary)

Each of us in our own way have special thoughts of you today.

Your memory we treasure with thoughts that are dear.

We think of you always, not just once a year.

You gave us years of happiness then came sorrow and tears.

You left beautiful memories we will treasure the rest of our years.

KEANE

John, Bridie and Maura Road Walk, Roscommon Town

(Bridie - 3rd Anniversary)

Silent thoughts, tears unseen, wishing your absence was only a dream.

No longer in our lives to share but in our hearts you will always be near.

Time does not heal the heartaches nor does it stop a tear nor take away the memories of you we loved so dear

(Maura - 38th Anniversary)

So young to die so precious to lose that was God’s will we could not choose.

You shared our joys, our hopes and tears God bless you for those precious years.

In our thoughts you are always near still loved, still missed, still very dear

Just a prayer from those who loved you, just a memory fond and true. In our hearts you will live forever as we thought the world of you.

Sadly missed and always remembered by their loving family.

MONTH’S MIND MASS

On the First anniversary of Paul’s sudden and untimely passing, we, the Woods family would like to sincerely thank all those who have supported us during that time. There are countless people to thank, we may miss some, but be assured the kindness and support shown by all was deeply appreciated.

Thank you to the staff at Sligo General Hospital, the Air Ambulance crew, the staff at Beaumont Hospital, particularly those in the High Dependency Unit, Fr. Michael Ward (the Hospital Chaplain). Our neighbours, friends and family who all rallied around us and offered support, thoughts and prayers. The Ark of Divine Mercy who offered Masses and prayers, along with their peers and counterparts worldwide. The work colleagues, staff and management at Lifeline Ambulance Service, particularly David Hall and Laura Kelly. Anyone who was part of the Guard of Honour, which included our neighbours, The Walk Residents Association, the Irish Prison Service, Lifeline Ambulance Service, Roscommon Drama Group, Roscommon County Council, who stood as Paul was brought home, to and from the Church and to his final resting place in Coosan Cemetery. A special word of thanks to those of you who brought food and ‘care packages’ to our door without mentioning where they came from, a sincere thank you. To all who sent mass cards, messages of condolence and well wishes, thank you.

To Fr. Douglas Zaggi, who received Paul’s remains into the church. Fr. Joe Fitzgerald, Fr. Pravin, Fr. George and Fr. Séan Neilan who concelebrated Paul’s Funeral Mass. To the singer who offered to sing during the Mass at short notice, thank you.

To Padraig Egan of Egan’s Funeral Undertakers, Athlone, for your kindness, understanding and professionalism throughout. To the gravediggers from Westmeath County Council, thank you also. It should be mentioned again, that it would be impossible to mention/reply to everyone, but please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our sincere appreciation and gratitude. No matter how big or small the gesture, it will not be forgotten. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions.

Paul’s First Anniversary Mass will take place on Saturday, 1st October at 7pm at the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

The family of the late Kathleen Hunt would like to take this opportunity to express their thanks to everyone who sympathised and supported us during the recent passing of Kathleen. We would like to thank everyone who attended the wake, removal and burial. Thanks to everyone who travelled long distances to the funeral and those who sent mass cards, telephoned and left messages of condolence on RIP.ie.

A special word of appreciation to Fr. Conaty and Deacon Seamus Talbot for the beautiful Funeral Mass. A special thanks to Deacon Seamus for his support before and after Kathleen’s passing, words cannot express how grateful we are.

Thanks to Carmel McLoughlin for the beautiful music at the Funeral Mass and to the grave diggers for preparing Kathleen’s final resting place with care and attention. Thanks to Smyths Funeral Directors for their professional service and kind support during this difficult time.

Finally as a family we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Palliative Care Team for their incredible care and support in Kathleen’s final days, Dr. O’Mara and the Frailty Team at Roscommon Hospital, Dr. Glynn and Team at Mullingar Regional Hospital, Molloys Chemist Roscommon and all those who cared for Kathleen during her illness.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude.

Month’s Mind Mass for Kathleen will be held at St. Brigid’s Church, Four-Mile-House on Sunday, October 2nd at 11am.

In loving memory of a dear mother and grandmother, Ballygurry, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Who passed away on October 3rd 2015

The moment that you died our hearts were torn in two, one side filled with heartache the other died with you. We often lie awake at night, when the world is fast asleep and take a walk down memory lane with tears upon our cheeks.

Remembering you is easy, we do it everyday, but missing you is the heartache that never goes away.

We hold you tightly within our hearts and there you will remain, until the joyous day arrives that we will meet again.

Sadly missed by all the family.

Anniversary Mass in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow on Sunday, 2nd October at 11.30am.

www.brianmuraystone.com

brianmurraystone@gmail.com

Thomas and Mary Kate Newtown, Ballydooley, Co. Roscommon

In loving memory of Mum and Dad

We look back in fondness everyday, at the joyful times we had.

No one could wish for such a perfect pair, as our special Mum and Dad.

We are grateful for what you taught us, and we are grateful for your love, and we know that you watch over us from your place up above.

Although you’re missed so dearly here, and so many tears we’ve cried, it is so sweet and fitting that you sleep softly side by side.

You shared your love and life on earth, many precious times together, now we see both of you, back side by side, forever.

Lovingly remembered by your daughters Mary, Margaret, Una, Bernadette and Joan, sons-in-law Bernie, Michael, Tony and grandchildren.

COSTELLO

These two days are quietly kept, no words are needed as we never forget, those we love don’t go away, as they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near, so loved, so missed and so very dear.

Lovingly remembered by your sons, Anthony and Seamus, daughters Olivia and Dee, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law Anne, your 10 grandchildren, your 9 great-grandchildren, Cian, Pia, Stanley, Chloe, Ben, Kai, Leah, Senan and Arthur and extended family.

HUNT Kathleen Ballinderry, Four-Mile-House, Roscommon Who sadly passed away on September 5th 2022.

CORCORAN Willie & Martina Ballygurry, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

(Martina’s 4th Anniversary) Who passed away on the 2nd October 2018.

Jimmy & Tess Late of Convent Road, Roscommon

In loving memory of Jimmy and Tess 41st and 11th Anniversaries on 27th and 26th September.

CORCORAN Marie (7th Anniversary)

O’BOYLE

R.I.P.

O’ CONNOR

Jerry Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon 2nd October 2003 (19th Anniversary)

KEANE Christy

Newtown, Roscommon (3rd Anniversary)

Who sadly passed away on 5th October 2019

HOLIAN Claire

Racecourse Road, Roscommon (3rd Anniversary)

DAVIES Ernie Cloonlyon, Ballygar, Co. Galway, Who died 7th July 2022

In loving memory of DELANEY

William (Bill)

Creemully, Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon.

5th October 2002

For those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.

Time may pass and fade away, but silent thoughts and memories stay. No longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts you are always there.

Sadly missed by your wife May and family.

Anniversary Mass will be held in The Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague, on Saturday, 1st October at 7pm.

You were so very special and had the nicest ways. You did so much in life and never asked for praise. You had a smile for everyone, you had a heart of gold. You left the sweetest memories this world could ever hold.

Always loved and remembered by Marie, Declan, Aidan and family.

Anniversary Mass will take place at St. Joseph’s Church, Kilteevan on Friday, 7th October at 7pm.

GREENE Gerald & Frances

Killerney Roscommon.

Gerald who died on 21st October 1988 and Frances who died on 30th September 2013

In loving memory of our beloved Claire who passed away on 4th October 2019

Rest In Peace

The sadness of the present days is locked and set in time and moving to the future is a slow and painful climb.

But all the feelings that are now so vivid and so real, can’t hold their fresh intensity as time begins to heal.

Deep in our hearts you will always stay, loved and remembered everyday.

Sadly missed by your loving mother Nuala, sisters and brothers. xx

Claire

We think of you in silence, we often speak your name.

But all we have are memories and your picture in a frame.

Your resting place we visit and put flowers there with care, but no one knows the heartache as we turn and leave you there.

Forever in our hearts Caroline, Richie, Ben, Seán and Rebecca

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

Loved and forever missed by Anne, Gary, Jacinta , Niall and families.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 1st October at 7pm in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Derrane, Roscommon.

Always loved and remembered

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

Claire

You filled the world with special joy and happiness untold.

You always had a sunny way and a lovely heart of gold. You made life so much brighter just by being thoughtful too, and saying kind and helpful things was typical of you!

That’s why it’s hard to face the world and know you won’t be there, lighting up life so warmly, with your smile beyond compare.

The memories you’ve left behind grow sweeter day by day, but you are truly missed, dear Claire more than any words can say.

Always in our thoughts, Kathleen, Robert, Ella and Robyn xxxx

Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 1st October at 11am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

Ernie’s wife Diane, daughter Amanda and extended family wish to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised with them on their recent sad bereavement.

We would like to thank all those who contacted us, left messages of condolence, sent Mass Cards, Sympathy Cards and attended the Memorial Mass.

We wish to thank most sincerely Dr. Martin Daly, Dr. Myriam Mangan and their team and the medical team at Portiunula Hospital.

A special thanks to Fr. Michael Breslin, P.P. the Choir, the Funeral Undertaker David Moran, our friend’s who prepared and served refreshements at The Old Courthouse and also to our very kind neighbours and friends who helped us so much during this difficult time.

We hope that this acknowledgement will be accepted as a token of our sincere gratitude and appreciation of you all.

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

Always remembered by your family.

Anniversary Mass in Fuerty Church on Sunday, 2nd October at 11.30am.

In loving memory of RODDY

John Gailey, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Whose 1st Anniversary occurs on 1st of October 2022.

In loving memory of Daniel (Dan) Naughton, Togher, Ballinasloe, (formerly of Dysart) Co. Roscommon, who passed away on the 2nd October 2020.

Though absent, you are very near. Still loved, still missed and very dear.

Always loved and sadly missed by his wife Mary, sister Sr. Joseph (LCM), son Pádraig, daughter-in-law Avril, grandchildren Grace and Christina, extended family and many friends.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday, October 2nd at 11am in Church of the Good Shepherd, Four Roads.

Noreen

Lisphelim, Knockcroghery. Who passed away on September 30th 2005. (17th Anniversary)

CONNAUGHTON

Kathleen Coolatubber, Ballyforan, Co. Roscommon (27th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Kathleen who passed away on September 2nd 1995.

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

Always remembered by her husband Tommy Joe, daughter Mary and family.

or alternatively

090

He Only Takes the Best

God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not to be, so he put His arms around you, and whispered, “come to me”

With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay, A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

Deeply loved, sadly missed and forever remembered by his heartbroken wife Helena, daughters Roisin and Ciara and extended Roddy and Fallon families.

Anniversary Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Saturday, 1st of October at 7pm.

Loved like a mother, Kept secrets like a sister, Had fun like a friend. Had ears that listened, Arms that held, A love that was never ending and A heart that was made of gold.

Remembered daily by your loving niece, Geraldine.

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

The most read newspaper in Co. Roscommon!

The local paper!

NAUGHTON Daniel (Dan) (2nd Anniversary)

CASEY Paddy & Mary Ann

Paddy who died on 4th October 1988, Aged 74 (34th Anniversary)

Mary Ann (nee Fetherstone) who died on 29th May 1993, Aged 66 (29th Anniversary)

In loving memory of my parents Remembered with love Patricia and John.

In memory of a special Aunt MURRAY

FITZGERALD

Michael & Marcella Tremane, Co. Roscommon Kendale Court, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Michael (24th Anniversary) Marcella (4th Anniversary)

Remembered by Marie, James, Tom and Sinéad and great grandchildren Mia, Jay and Caoimhe and extended family and friends.

Sports

Short passes

Fleming in ‘Team of the Year’

Roscommon Ladies footballer, Laura Fleming, has been named on the TG4 Intermediate Team of the Championship for 2022. The talented midfielder was a key part of the Roscommon side which won the Lidl National Football League Division Three title and reached the All-Ireland semi-finals.

Dunning to be ratified as U-20s boss

Noel Dunning looks set to be installed as the next Ro scommon U-20 football manager after he was recom mended to the County Management Committee by the selection panel.

The St. Aidan’s club man has previous managerial experience as London senior manager and was part of Anthony Cunningham’s Roscommon senior backroom team last season.

His name will be brought before delegates at next Monday’s County Board meeting for ratification.

GAA Results

Hodson Bay Hotel SFC Relegation Play-off

Western Gaels 1-18 Elphin 0-6 Callington Ltd IFC Play-off St. Aidan’s 0-11 Kilbride 0-10

Callington Ltd IFC Relegation Play-off Kilmore 2-13 Shannon Gaels 0-14

Dermot Hughes Cars U-20 Division One Final Pádraig Pearses 2-13 St. Brigid’s 2-12

King and Moffatt JAFC Play-off

Clubs face off in last eight this weekend

Hodson Bay Hotel SFC Quarter-Finals (All games in Dr Hyde Park)

St. Brigid’s v Clann na nGael on Saturday at 2.30 pm

On form, St. Brigid’s are the team to beat in the entire championship and neighbours and old rivals Clann will have to dig deeper than they have so far if they are to cause an upset.

Emmett Durney’s men have not been on song so far in this champi onship. Two defensive lapses by St. Faithleach’s let them in to win their opening game while they struggled against Western Gaels before being well beaten by Boyle.

Brigid’s, on the other hand, have been excellent so far, although they were given a fright by Tulsk in their last match. They go into this match as deserved favourites and it would be a shock if this were not to result in a win for the Kiltoom men.

Prediction: St. Brigid’s

Roscommon Gaels v Pádraig Pearses on Saturday at 4.45 pm

Pearses have mixed the good, the bad, and the ugly so far. After steamrolling Tulsk they were ham

mered by Brigid’s and then scraped through against Strokestown. One school of thought might be that they are slipping, but Pat Flanagan’s men are still a formidable outfit.

The Gaels are certainly improving and the return of senior players has been crucial. It looks like Scottie Oates might be back this weekend and that will strengthen them fur ther. They have plenty of experi enced players and on their day are a match for anyone.

Recent form aside, Pearses are the defending Roscommon and Con nacht champions and it take would take a massive performance from the Gaels to dislodge them at the quarter-finals stage…but stranger things have happened.

Prediction: Padraig Pearses (nar rowly).

Strokestown v Oran on Sunday at 2 pm

Oran have answered all questions asked of them so far but this quarterfinal will be a step up for them. The young players who have contrib uted so much to their rise through the ranks in recent years will have to come of age this Sunday.

Strokestown were excellent against Pádraig Pearses and were unlucky

not to overturn the champions, and they have a number of very compe tent performers.

This promises to be a very tight match and it’s a tough one to pre dict. However, looking at both sides, Oran look to have the most threat up front and get a hesitant vote to make it to the last four.

Prediction: Oran.

Boyle v Michael Glavey’s on Sunday at 4.15 pm

Boyle are up there with St Brigid’s as the most impressive team in the championship so far and they will be the hot favourites this Sunday.

Glavey’s put everyone on no tice last weekend with a super win against St. Faithleach’s and they have some excellent players. Andy Glennon is playing some of his best football and is a real handful at full forward.

However, Boyle look stronger than they have done in recent years. They have probably the best attack ing line in the county - Cian McK eon, Donie Smith and Daire Cregg are a lethal combination.

Glavey’s will enjoy nothing more than to be written off again this weekend but it would be a major surprise if Boyle don’t win this, and

with a bit to spare too.

Prediction: Boyle.

Callington Ltd IFC Quarter-Finals

Pearses win thriller to secure U-20 crown Knockout football!

Following St. Aidan’s’ narrow 0-11 to 0-10 win against Kilbride in the play-off on Monday night, the draw for the IFC quarter-finals was made and those games will be played this weekend.

Championship favourites St. Dom inic’s will face Creggs in what looks a very interesting tie. Creggs have played well this year but it would be a shock if Dominic’s did not ad vance.

St. Croan’s emerged from their crucial tie against Kilmore and seeded and now face St. Aidan’s who are improving, but Croan’s should qualify for the last four.

The meeting of Éire Óg and St. Brigid’s could be the tightest gameof the quarter-finals. Éire Óg get a hesitant vote to emerge victorious.

‘Game of the weekend’ in the in termediate quarter-finals is the clash of Castlerea St. Kevin’s and Fuerty. Both sides have ambitions to win the title this year and both have played well. There is big potential in both teams’ attacks and it should be a high scoring affair. Fuerty get the nod to get through narrowly.

A last-gasp Jack Tumulty free proved the decisive score as Pádraig Pearses overcame old rivals St. Brigid’s 2-13 to 2-12 in a pulsating Dermot Hughes Cars U-20 Division Football

Championship final at Bal lyforan on Friday evening last.

The Moore and Taughma connell outfit were pushed all the way by their south Roscommon rivals in what

will go down as one of the games of the year, the result of which was in doubt deep into stoppage time at the end of the second half.

Conor Harley and Seán Canning goals put Pearses

in the driving seat in the first half before Brigid’s re sponded with goals of their own from Ben O’Carroll and Daniel Keenan to level matters at the midway point. With the game seemingly

headed for extra-time fol lowing a second half in which scores were harder to come by, Tumulty stepped up to secure the champi onship and local bragging rights for Pearses.

Roscommon Gaels 0-16 Western Gaels 0-12 Kepak SHC Semi-Finals Four Roads 1-16 Athleague 0-13 Pádraig Pearses 1-19 Oran 0-19

RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd JBFC (Group A) St. Dominic’s 3-13 St. Michael’s 3-10

RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd JBFC (Group B)

Tulsk Lord Edwards 3-13 Elphin 1-9 St. Brigid’s 3-7 St. Faithleach’s 1-6

RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd JBFC (Group C) Éire Óg 4-14 Shannon Gaels 0-4

Michael Glavey’s 7-13 Kilglass Gaels 1-6

RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd JBFC (Group D) Oran W/O Kilbride Clann na nGael

Fixtures

Saturday, October 1st

Hodson Bay Hotel SFC Relegation Play-off

At Strokestown: Tulsk Lord Edwards v Elphin. 4.45

Hodson Bay Hotel SFC Quarter-Finals

At Dr. Hyde Park: St. Brigid’s v Clann na nGael. 2.30

At Dr. Hyde Park: Roscommon Gaels v Pádraig Pearses. 4.45

King and Moffatt JAFC Quarter-Finals

At Strokestown: St. Dominic’s v Ballinameen. 2.30 pm

At Tarmonbarry: Kilglass Gaels v Strokestown. 7.30 pm

RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd JBFC (Group A)

At Ardcarne Park: St. Michael’s v Pádraig Pearses. 2 pm

Sunday, October 2nd

Hodson Bay Hotel SFC Quarter-Finals

At Dr. Hyde Park: Oran v Strokestown. 2 pm

At Dr. Hyde Park: Boyle v Michael Glavey’s. 4.15 pm

Callington Ltd IFC Relegation Play-off

At Ballyleague: Clann na nGael v Shannon Gaels. 4.30 pm

King and Moffatt JAFC Quarter-Finals

At Orchard Park: Roscommon Gaels v St. Ronan’s. 2.30 pm

At Ballyleague: St. Michael’s v Pádraig Pearses. 2.15 pm

RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd JBFC (Group B)

At Tulsk: Tulsk Lord Edwards v St. Faithleach’s. 12 pm

RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd JBFC (Group C)

At Kilglass: Kilglass Gaels v Shannon Gaels. 12 pm

At Peadar Earley Memorial Park: Michael Glavey’s v Éire Óg. 12 pm

Access denied: Brian Diffley of Oran blocks Eoghan Costello’s clearance for Pádraig Pearses during this phase of play in last Sunday’s Roscommon SHC semifinal in Athleague. Photo: Mick McCormack

Horses for Courses by Tom Red

Racing starts this weekend today at Bellews town on the flat, off at 1.30 pm. There is also a national hunt meeting at Powerstown Park in Clonmel with a 1.15 pm start.

Tomorrow (Friday) there is a jumps meeting at Gowran Park, first race at 1.35 pm, and meet ing under lights over the all-weather at Dundalk, first race at 4.50 pm.

On Saturday, there is another jumps card at Gowran Park, featuring the Grade 2 PWC Champion Chase, tapes away at 1.45 pm and the first of a two-day meeting at Killarney, a flat meeting, with stalls opening at 1.55 pm.

Sunday sees the second day of Killarney start ing at 1.35 pm with four hurdle and three chase races. There is also a mixed card at Tipperary fea turing the Group 3 Coolmore US Flag Concorde Stakes and three Grade 3 races, the Joe Mac Nov ice Hurdle, the Horse and Jockey Hurdle, and the O’Dwyer Steel Dundrum Novice Chase, stalls for the first opening at 1.15 pm.

On Monday, Tipperary race again with a na tional hunt card at pm. There is racing in Bal lybrit in Galway on Tuesday with an afternoon national hunt card.

The weekend also sees France’s premier weekend of the flat season at Longchamp with eight Group 1 races on offer, two on Saturday, and all six on Sunday, including the Prix de l’Arc, Europe’s top flat race. Australian mare Verry El leegant, at 22, will miss the Prix de l’Arc follow ing France Galop’s decision to limit the field to 20 runners and was declared for Saturday’s Prix de Royallieu where she is guaranteed a run. There are only 2 Irish entries the big race, ante post fa vourite Luxembourg , who in 22nd place is not guaranteed a run, and Broome, who is 7th. Both horses are trained by Aidan O’Brien. There are 18 Irish trained horses in the other five Group 1 races on Sunday.

There is cross channel racing on ITV4 and Virgin Media 1 tomorrow with four races from Newmarket and three from Haydock.

On Saturday, eight races will be covered by ITV4 and Virgin Media 1, four from Ascot in cluding two Group 3 races, three from Newmar ket including the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes, and one from Redcar. On Sunday, the Prix de l’Arc will be shown live on ITV and Virgin Media 1. Last Saturday in the Curragh, Europe’s richest race, the Goffs Million, was won by the Charles Hill’s English trained Galeron ridden by Shane Foley at 16/1. He beat Ger Lyons’s Hellsing and

his compatriot Ramazan by ½l and the same. Across the channel in Newmarket AP O’Brien and Ryan Moore won the Group 1 Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes with Blackbeard.

Roscommon Review

The Roscommon card last Monday opened with the 13-runner Boyle Maiden Hurdle which was won by the Noel Meade trained Black Hawk Eagle at 7/1 and was ridden by Simon Torrens, the sec ond reserve. He could be considered a lucky winner as the favourite, Ages Of Man, trained by Anthony McCann with JJ Slevin in the saddle, came down at the second-last looking a winner.

There were 16 runners in the Leo Dolan Handi cap Hurdle won by the Barry Connell trained Low Style with Michael O’Sullivan in the saddle, beat ing Well Funded and Golden Sandbanks 6½l and a head at 8/1.

There were 16 runners in the Thomas A. Mur ray Bar Mares Maiden, producing a winner for Edward O’Grady to get punters off the mark with Betty Dutton ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe at 2/1f.

She’s Tobias and Howya C D and E filled the minor places beaten 1½l and 14l, respectively.

In the Class Grass Handicap Hurdle, the Ed die and Patrick Harty trained Lily Light Foot car ried Sean Flanagan to victory at 15/2 over the 2/1f Hascoeur Clermont and Benkei by 7l and a nose.

The first chase on the card the seven-runner Grade 3 Kilbegnet Novice Chase provided trainer Barry Connell and jockey Michael O’Sullivan with a double on the card with Enniskerry adding to Low Style’s earlier win. The progressive 8-Y-O added to his Galway Festival win beating the favourite Midnight Run and Sole Pretender by 4¾l and 1¾l. There is more to come from this impressive winner. The owner/trainer has the Grade 1 Drinmore Chase at Fairyhouse Winter Festival in his sights. The Mares Beginners Chase winner was the oddson favourite Malina Girl, at 8/11 who won easily by from locally owned Gerry Duke’s Paidi’s Passion by 14l with 50/1 shot Lizrona 16l away in third.

The bumper, sponsored by Roscommon OnCourse Vets, provided a 28/1 winner to close the card and season when the Kieran Purcell owned and trained debutant, Quaresome, was ridden to victory by 17-year-old Paddy Cody, who was riding his first winner but got two days holidays for use of the whip. Martin Brassil’s Locorotondo under JJ Codd was second and Peter Flood’s Liberty Flame was

third under Miss Georgie Benson, beaten ¾l and ½l, respectively. The condition of the course was a credit to Michael Finneran and his staff, and it received great praise from all concerned.

Racing News

The Harvest Festival at Listowel kicked the trend of dropping attendances at Irish Racing by attracting more spectators than in 2019. Approxi mately 92,000 people flocked to the Kerry venue through the week, up from 89,072 in 2019, the last full year without crowd restrictions. The Ker ry National attracted more than 25,000 racegoers on Wednesday, and 27,232 attended on Ladies Day on Friday.

The Barney Curley Charity Cup took place yesterday. Team Mullins won the first leg with Declan McDonagh on John McDonnell’s Fast man who beat Dark Note, Billy Lee, Ransom, Tom Queally, and Tara Power, Chris Hayes, who filled the minor places for Team Dettori to lead after the first leg.

In the second leg, Team Mullins won again with Bring Us Paradise under Dylan BrowneMcMonagle from teammate Wild Shot, ridden by Declan McDonagh with Team Dettori third and fourth with Lariat, Siobhan Rutledge and Magnetic North, Tom Queally. Team Dettori led 41 to 26 after the first leg and despite losing the second leg 38 to 29 Team Dettori won the cup with 70 points to 64 points.

Stradavarius has been retired and will go to stud at the National Stud in Newmarket. The 8-Y-O has been slow to recover from the bruised foot he sustained last month, prompting connec tions to retire him. His haul of seven Group 1 races matched Yeats’s record for a stayer. He won four Goodwood Cups, three Ascot Gold Cups, three Lonsdale Stakes and the Doncaster Cup twice. The homebred chestnut won 20 of his 35 starts over seven seasons for racecourse earnings of £3,458,968. He also earned a £1 million bonus twice for winning the Stayers’ Million series of races in 2018-19.

Point-to-Point News

Hard to believe that the season is with us again starting at Toomebridge in Co. Antrim on Sat urday and on Sunday in Castletown-Geoghegan outside Mullingar, both meetings scheduled for a 2 pm start.

Athlone

The recent Plumbers Competi tion was won by Liam Mar tin with 34 points while Tom Campion was the winner of the AWGS with 31 points.

The Nora Costello Memorial Competition was won by Lily O’Sullivan with 27 points and Deirdre Brosnan claimed the win in the 9-hole competition on Tuesday, 20th with 22 points.

Meanwhile, the ’97 Club Com petition went to Carol McGetrick following her haul of 23 points.

Another busy week at Hodson Bay as the club hosts All-Ireland finals in the Flogas Irish Mixed Foursomes, Fred Perry Trophy, Revive Active All-Ireland Four Ball, and the Men’s All-Ireland Four Ball.

It promises to be four days of exciting golf and a great atmos phere. Thank you to all members who have volunteered their time and energy to make the events a success. It is much appreciated.

Boyle

Congratulations to Jim Call ery who was recently crowned Men’s ‘Golfer of the Year’. Jim played in a total of 21 order of merit competitions throughout the year, topping the leaderboard on several occasions.

Pat Conroy ran Jim very close throughout the past few months, just losing out by six points in the end.

Michael Simon (41 points) was the winner of this year’s King Cup, which was played last weekend. Owen Garvin (39) was second and Ciaran Beirne (39) was third.

Last Thursday’s competition was won by Jonathan Egan with 22 points while Adam Daly won the competition played over Sep tember 17th and 18th.

The King Harmon qualifiers will take place over the next few weekends in what is the 90th year of the competition. The King Harmon Cup, donated by

Sir Cecil Stafford King-Harmon of Rockingham House in 1932, is the club’s main matchplay tournament and ranks alongside the Captain’s and President’s Prize in terms of prestige.

The club is hoping to relaunch its annual golf outing in late Oc tober/November. More details to follow.

The Men’s AGM will take place on Sunday, November 13th while the Club AGM takes place on November 27th. The Ladies’ section will announce details of their AGM shortly.

Carrick

Congratulations to Aaron Gib ney on winning the recent Gents’ competition with an excellent score of 42 points. Other results: Cat 1: Charlie Boyle (39); Cat 2: Anthony Noone (35); Cat 3: Leo Noone (41).

Last weekend saw Paul Tier nan winning with a score of 44 points. Cat 1: Daniel Egan (37);

Roscommon

It was wonderful to see the return of the Women’s Irish Open last weekend at Dromoland Castle fol lowing a 10-year absence and it was extra special for Roscommon GC as young star Olivia Costello took to he course.

It was a great experience for Olivia as she teed up with some of the best female golfers in the world and the club and her sup porters across Roscommon are very proud of her. A big thank you to everyone who supported Olivia in Co. Clare.

Back at home, Ian Gannon (47 points) was victorious the McNul ty’s Furniture Men’s competition last weekend and the Past Lady Captain’s went to Jackie Maxwell with 38 points.

The Men’s Senior results were as follows: 1st: T Murphy (36); Cat 1: O Dempsey (33); Cat 2: P

Walsh (36); Cat 3: O Hannon (36); Cat 4: C Grogan; Deuces: T Murphy, D Mahon, J Kilroy and B Mulhern. Senior Ladies: 1st: J Maxwell; 2nd: B Maher; 3rd: A Browne; 4th: M Lalor.

The President’s Prize to the Juniors took place last Friday.

Leah O’Connor won the Girls’

prize while Tom Óg Reddington was best of the Boys. Thanks to President Charlie Farrell and conveyors John Lennon and Bernie Maher.

Finally, best of luck to our La dies’ team in the Roscommon Cup competition in Ballaghader reen this Saturday (October 1st).

Cat 2: Aaron Gibney (42); Cat 3: Jack Price (44).

Boyle’s ‘Golfer of the Year’ Jim Callery receiving his trophy from Men’s Captain Gabriel Lavin.

Betty Dutton and Darragh O’Keeffe lead She’s Tobias and Sean Flanagan over the last

Creggs RFC Report THE GAIN LINE

Creggs earn home tie in Cawley Cup

Creggs Firsts overcame Castlebar on a score of 41-7 in Creggs last weekend to set up another home tie against Westport in this year’s semi-final.

The hosts were quick off the mark and Shane Purcell scored and converted a try to give Creggs a 7-0 lead. Further tries followed from Shane Dowd and Chris Duignan to give Creggs a healthy half-time lead. The match was over as a contest in the second half thanks to a second try from Chris Duignan and further scores from Shane Purcell and Kieran Purcell (his first senior try).

Mark Dowd wrapped up comprehensive win with a further try on 80 minutes to gift Creggs home advantage in the last four.

Mini Rugby

Last Saturday was a busy day in Creggs with the

resumption of Mini Rugby. There was a great attendance for the opening session with plenty of new players taking the field. Mini Rugby continues each Saturday at 10 am.

Youth Rugby

Creggs Girls U-14s took on Buccaneers last weekend in what was a first 15-a-side rugby match for some players. Buccs started well with two tries before Creggs hit back with a try of their own. Creggs put in a huge effort though ultimately it was Buccaneers who prevailed nine tries to three.

U-15s Connacht League Division Two: Tuam RFC 12 Creggs RFC 10. Creggs U-15 Maroon travelled to Tuam last weekend for

what was a very well contested league match. The hosts took advantage of a yellow card to Creggs and led 7-5 at the break before Creggs responded early in the second half to lead 10-7.

The visitors were unfortunately reduced to 14 when the referee issued a red card. Having defended well, the loss of a man eventually told and Tuam got in for what was the winning try with ten minutes to go.

On Thursday, October 27th, Creggs RFC will run their second SEN Primary Schools Sports Day. This was a hugely successful event last year which included events such as golf and face painting.

For any SEN school in the environs of Creggs Rugby Club interested in attending, we ask you make contact with the coordinator Pat O’Gorman on 087-2354235.

Paul Kelly and Glen Walsh won the 60x30 Masters ‘B’ Doubles All-Ireland final played in Cashel, Co. Tipperary last Sunday.

Walsh and Kelly claim

All-Ireland title

The St. Coman’s/Curraghboy pairing of Glen Walsh and Paul Kelly won the 60x30 Masters ‘B’ Doubles All-Ireland final played in Cashel, Co. Tipperary last Sunday. They defeated Wexford’s Noel Holo han and Michal O’Neill 21-4, 21-9.

Despite the fact that Wexford is probably the lead ing 60x30 doubles county in handball, the left-right Roscommon combination were always in charge and never really looked in danger of losing. Kelly, despite being a predominantly small alley player, has a lovely big alley style and teamed up very well with Walsh, whose hard-hitting style is right at home in a 60x30 court. As expected, the Slaneysid ers tried hard, but the Roscommon duo dominated the play throughout.

Lisacul’s Denis Creaton and Sean Jennings were well beaten in the 60x30 Masters ‘A’ Doubles AllIreland final held in Tuamgreaney, Co. Clare last Sunday. Their opponents were Tipperary’s John Ferncombe and David Moloney.

The west Roscommon pair never got into the game and failed to capitalise on an apparent leg injury Ferncombe was carrying. Moloney was the class player in the court and controlled the action from the offset, leading Tipp to a 21-4, 21-8 victory.

Soccer

to Castlerea Celtic while Town II were on the road against Ballaghad erreen. While a young and depleted Town II side exited the competition to a physically stronger Ballagh side, Town I reached the Premier Division Cup final. Cian Kiernan, Mark Beisty and Sam Hannon sent the lads through to the decider.

Well done Girls!

Congratulations to the Girls’ U-16 team who beat Glen Celtic 3-1 to win the First Division Cup last week. Having been pipped by their opponents earlier in the season in the Sevens Cup Final, goals from Rafaella Silva, Paige Caslin and Daniela Kerr saw the girls claim the cup and some sweet revenge.

The Town eventually settled into the game and took a two-goal lead through Silva and Caslin. Glen Celtic struck back and sought an equaliser. However, a fine free kick from Kerr in the last ten minutes sealed the win. A fine achievement for the girls and their coaches.

Thanks to Glen Celtic for a sporting game and to the league and Shiven Rovers for hosting the final.

Elsewhere...

On Monday last, the Boys’ U-14 teams played their semi-final sec ond leg games. Town I played host

The Boys’ U-16 team qualified for the semi-final after overturning a three-goal first leg deficit against Cloonfad United in Lisnamult.

Tommy Naughton hit a hat-trick while Sam Hannon and Jack Hayes scored braces in a comfortable vic tory for The Town.

The Boys’ U-11 teams are entering the closing stages of their season. There are a number of EL games scheduled for this Friday with both teams playing away from home.

Town I are in Castlerea while Town II are in Glenamaddy. The Boys’ U-7 and U-9 teams partici pated in blitzes last weekend. The effort, skills, goals, enthusiasm, energy, and enjoyment was great to see. Thanks to their committed coaches and supportive parents as they nurture the future.

End of season feedback...

As the season draws to a close for a number of our teams, we ask our players, parents, coaches, and vol

unteers to reflect on their season and to provide us with feedback. This will help us to learn from this season and to progress further next season. See: https://app.formative. com/join Join Code: QXRLEK. Alternatively, you can email your feedback (positives, negatives and suggestions) to info@roscommon townyouthsoccer.ie

Words of Wisdom…

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard - Tim Notke

Player Profile...

Name: Rayane Olégario Team: U-16 Girls

Position: Right back

Three words that describe me: Honest, energetic, friendly.

Skill strength: Running

Skill weakness: Shooting

Favourite team: PSG

Favourite player: Messi

Best stadium in the world: Nou Camp

PlayStation or Xbox or Neither: Neither

Favourite film: Black Phone

Favourite food: Pudding

Favourite drink: Orange Soda

What makes me happy: Friends

Person you admire the most: Jesus Why I play soccer: It’s fun

results

St. Coman’s’ Eoghan Carthy was beaten by Kilk enny’s Noah Minogue in his bid to become 60x30 U-16 All-Ireland champion last Sunday.

Having won the 2020 U-14 All-Ireland, Eoghan was probably regarded as the slight favourite, but the Kilkenny youngster produced a truly inspired performance in a very high-quality encounter to confound the odds.

This match was originally fixed for next week end, but due to Eoghan’s participation in the foot ball county minor final, the game was re-fixed. The long-standing tradition in handball dictates that the party seeking the re-fixture must concede home venue, hence this match ended up in the famous Talbot’s Inch court in Kilkenny city.

While it may appear harsh on Minogue to sug gest this was a key to victory, there is no doubt it took Eoghan a very long time to get to grips with the court made famous by the legendary ‘Ducksy’ Walsh.

In the first game, the hard-hitting Minogue shot out of the blocks and kept Eoghan at the back of the court with some superb volleying and roundthe-walls handball. Eoghan struggled for most of that game, but when the score hit 18-3, he finally got into his stride and produced some fantastic kills and Minogue then seemed to struggle to finish the game off. Eoghan maintained the pressure for quite some time, before the Noresider eventually finished the game 21-9.

Having finished the first so strongly, Eoghan start ed the second superbly, again killing consistently, especially off the back wall and looked like taking over when he led 11-3, but great credit must go to Minogue who maintained his composure and kept chipping away while Eoghan seemed to tire. This was in no small part caused by the consistent hardhitting of Minogue and unfortunately, Eoghan’s purple patch soon came to an end as the Kilkenny lad simply never let up, running out a very impres sive winner 21-9, 21-12.

Handball

Pearses prevail as Oran pay penalty

Kepak Roscommon SHC semi-final

Padraig Pearses 1-19 Oran 0-19

SEAMUS DUKE

Last Sunday’s second hurling semifinal in Athleague took a very similar path to the first game as hot favour ites Padraig Pearses were made fight all the way by an Oran side who can count themselves unlucky not to have got at least a draw from this closely fought encounter.

Indeed, had goalkeeper Jerry Fallon converted a 58th minute penalty, it might have been a totally different sto ry. The Oran netminder actually had two attempts at the penalty as his first effort was saved by Padraic Dolan. When the referee ordered a retake for an infringement, Fallon’s second effort struck the butt of the post before being cleared.

As it was, Pearses survived and sharp shooter Daniel Glynn pointed another free to seal a very fortunate win for Shane Sweeney’s side.

Pearses were totally on top in the early stages, going five points to no score ahead after only five minutes of play. However, once Jerry Fallon con verted a monster free in the 6th minute Oran were up and running, and by the second quarter Ciaran Farrell’s men were back in the game and had actu ally drawn level.

A feature of the game was the unerr ing striking of Daniel Glynn for Pears es and Paddy Fallon for Oran, this duo

giving an exhibition of free-taking throughout.

Oran led by 0-13 to 0-12 at half-time – and were good value for that narrow lead. Fallon and Glynn continued to trade blows until the only goal of the game arrived in the 47th minute. With Oran ahead by 0-17 to 0-15, Pearses swept downfield and sub Sean Can ning netted in style, nudging his side ahead.

The teams traded further points as the tension rose. With Pearses a point ahead, Adam Phelan was in on goal for Oran in the 55th minute, but Padraic Dolan (who was outstanding) made a superb save. Soon after, Fallon lev elled the scores again, via a long-range free. With injury-time approaching, points from David Loughnane and an other Glynn free edged Pearses ahead. Then we had that penalty being retak

en and missed. Pearses had survived an almighty scare.

In the end, the final pairing that most people had predicted at the start of the season has become a reality, but both Pearses and Four Roads had to battle all the way to make the decider. As to who will be crowned champions, it looks an even money bet at this junc ture.

Padraig Pearses: Padraic Dolan; David Dolan, Paul Dolan, Luke Corbett; Eo ghan Costello, Shane Naughton, Jamie Curley; Mark Naughton, Eoghan Cogavin (0-1); Leon Feehily, Daniel Glynn (0-12, 4 65s, 8 frees), Mike Donoghue; Darragh Finn (0-1), Oi sin Kelly (0-4), Matthew Comerford. Subs: Tiege Cogavin for Fehily (30), David Loughnane (0-1) for Donoghue

(h/t), Sean Canning (1-0) for Comer ford (39), Jimmy Donoghue for M Naughton (55).

Oran: Jerry Fallon (0-1, free); Michael T McCormack, Jack Gunning, Shane Keane; Michael Hussey (0-1), Eo ghan Grady (0-1), Brian Diffley; Hugh Rooney, Declan Leonard (0-1); Adam Phelan (0-2), Eamon Kenny, Thomas Fallon (0-1); Paddy Fallon (0-10, 9 frees, s/l), Cathal Kenny (0-1), Denis O’Regan (0-1). Subs: Oisin Keenan for Diffley (42), Kevin Crehan for McCormack (52), Joseph Henry for T Fallon (55).

Referee: Francie Kelly.

Man of the Match

Padraic Dolan (Padraig Pearses)

Michael T. McCormack in action for Oran against Padraig Pearses in the Roscommon SHC semi-final in Athleague on Sunday. Photo: Mick McCormack

Oisin Kelly of Padraig Pearses is pursued by two Oran men during Sunday’s Roscommon SHC semi-final in Athleague. Photo: Mick McCormack

Jack Gunning of Oran challenges Oisin Kelly of Padraig Pearses, with Leon Feehily of Pearses’ briefly grounded. Action from the Roscommon SHC in Athleague on Sunday. Photo: Mick McCormack

Matthew Comerford of Padraig Pearses in full flight during Sunday’s Roscommon SHC semi-final against Oran. Shane Keane of Oran is in background. Photo: Mick McCormack

Lohan Ranger leads Four Roads to victory

Four Roads 1-16 Athleague 0-13

< SEAMUS DUKE

The final score in the first of Sunday’s Roscommon senior hurling semi-fi nals would seem to indicate a comfort able win for Four Roads, but nothing could be further from the truth as Ath league made the hot favourites fight all the way to the finish in what was a tense and nervy encounter that never reached any great heights in terms of

quality play. An inspirational Mikey Lohan guided the way for Four Roads.

With 58 minutes on the clock the sides were level at 1-10 to 0-13, at which point Four Roads finally found their best form. As the winning post came into view Four Roads whipped over the final six points of the match to seal their place in the decider.

The home side (and defending cham pions) made life very uncomfortable for Four Roads from the first whistle.

Athleague fought hard for every ball, denying the hot favourites time and space. Over the first ten minutes the sides shared six points, and it was clear from those early stages that this semifinal was going to be a battle.

In fact Athleague pulled 0-6 to 0-3 ahead by the 22nd minute, with Ben McGahon outstanding from the placed ball. Unperturbed, the Black and Am ber were level at half-time, mainly thanks to Mikey Lohan, the midfielder having one of his best games to date for his club. Half-time score: Four Roads 0-7 Athleague 0-7.

Four Roads looked to have taken con trol of the match within five minutes of the restart, Cathal Dolan pointing a free prior to Brendan Mulry blasting home a goal following a long delivery from Micheal Kelly. However, with McGahon and Cian Murray promi nent, Athleague fought back well.

Just when it looked like extra-time would be needed to separate the sides, Four Roads found an extra gear and points from Cathal Dolan (two frees), Brendan Mulry (who had a great sec ond half), James Cunniffe and inspi rational captain Micheal Kelly, saw them home by a flattering margin of six in the end.

For the winners, Mikey Lohan was outstanding while Micheal Kelly, Conor Mulry, Brendan Mulry (sec ond half) and Cathal Dolan were also prominent. Ben McGahon, Cian Murray, Niall Connolly and Eoghan Coyle were the best performers for Athleague.

Four Roads: Noel Fallon; James Dil lon, Cormac Coyle, Martin McLough lin; Oisin Campbell, Micheal Kelly (0-1), Johnny Moran; Conor Coyle, Mikey Lohan (0-3); Adam Donnelly, Conor Mulry, James Cunniffe (0-3); Brendan Mulry (1-2), Cathal Dolan (0-7, 2 65s, 4 frees), Cormac Mulry. Subs: Donal Kelly for Campbell (39), Jimmy Hoey for C Mulry (53), Jamie Lawlor for Donnelly (55).

Members of the Four Roads management team celebrate at the final whistle after their win over Athleague in Sunday’s Roscommon SHC semi-final.

Photo: Mick McCormack

Kepak Roscommon SHC semi-final

Micheal Kelly was in inspirational form for Four Roads in their win over Athleague on Sunday. Photo: Mick McCormack

Athleague: David Connell; Alan Moore, Mark Ward, Darragh Mul len; Niall Connolly, Eoghan Coyle, Aengus Lyons; Darragh Heavey (01), Ben McGahon (0-9, 1 65, 1 s/l, 6 frees); Cormac Kelly, Cian Murray (03), Eoin Ward; Tomas Connaughton, Gary Fallon, Daniel Crehan. Subs: David Delaney for Moore (16), Tadhg Lyons for Connaughton (35), Stephen Kilcommins for Fallon (42), Naoise Coyle for Crehan (52). Referee: Matthew Farrell.

Man of the Match Mikey Lohan (Four Roads)

Niall Connolly in action for Athleague against Four Roads last Sunday.

Photo: Mick McCormack