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Bishops Doran leads revolt on Sacraments

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06 August 2021

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Crunch weekend for young footballers! It promises to be a big weekend for two of Roscommon’s underage football teams as the Minors take on Sligo in the their Connacht final at Dr. Hyde Park on Friday evening while the U-20s are in All-Ireland semi-final action against Down in Kingspan Breffni Park on Saturday. 1,500 spectators will be granted access to the county ground for Friday’s provincial decider as Enda Nugent’s charges take on the Yeats County. The young Roscommon team is fresh from a superb comeback win over Galway in last SaturRoscommon-Galway Constituency day’s semi-final in Tuam Stadium. Meanwhile, Liam Tully’s U-20s face Ulster champions Down in Co. Cavan on Saturday evening. The winners of that match will earn an táil Vóagainst All-Ireland final place Leinster champions Offaly.

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Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

NewsPeople

People WATCHING With WithPAUL PAULHEALY HEALY

Pulling like a dog, and making a dog’s dinner of UN appointment!

Public Road and Stone Walls I live in a beautiful part of County Galway where stone walls are a common sight. The problem I have is that a landowner refuses to maintain their stone wall and stones from the wall often fall onto the road causing a hazard for passing motorists and cyclists. I cycle along this particular road quite frequently and I have asked the landowner to maintain the wall but he refuses. Please advise me. Under the Roads Act, 1993, the owner or occupier of land is obliged to take all reasonable steps to ensure that a tree, shrub, hedge or other vegetation on their land is not a hazard or potential hazard to persons using a public road and that it does not obstruct or interfere with the safe use of a public road. Similar strict provisions exists within the act in relation to a structure wherein the owner or occupier of any land on which a structure is situated is obliged to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the structure is not a hazard or potential hazard to persons using a public road and that it does not obstruct or interfere with the safe use of a public road. It could be argued that a stone wall comes within the definition of a structure. Regardless, it would appear that the wall in question is situated on the landowner’s property and he is obliged to ensure that it does not obstruct or interfere with the safe use of a public road. I note that you have already approached the landowner and he has refused to maintain the wall in question. If you feel that you have exhausted options with the landowner then there is provision within the Roads Act for the Local Authority to act. Section 70(1)(b) provides that if a structure is a hazard or potential hazard to persons using a public road or where it obstructs or interferes with the safe use of a public road, a road authority may serve a notice in writing on the owner or occupier of any land on which the structure is situated to remove, modify or carry out specified works in relation to the structure within the period stated in the notice.

Did ye hear what yer man said? “Oh, sure that’s just what we do all the time!” Who? Leo? Was it Leo? Casual as anything he was…real cool…shrugging shoulders stuff… “sure that’s just what we do all the time!” So IT WAS LEO! NO! Was it Simon? Simon Coveney? He’s a cool customer. Very unflappable. He can’t be flapped! Bet he was talking about the Katherine Zappone appointment…justifying it…“sure that’s just what we do all the time”…the cheek! “We’re in the one boat, and it’s a bit of craic…” he said that too… How many times do we have to tell our politicians we’re NOT all in the one boat! His whole attitude was ‘I’ve been doing this since I was a kid, pull and strokes, getting in front, staying ahead’… Such arrogance! I can’t believe he admitted to strokes…and the role of ‘pull’ in Irish politics! Is he admitting that ‘pull’ is how Ms. Zappone became the Special Envoy for whatever…? WHO? WHAT? Who are YOU talking about? Aren’t you talking about Simon Coveney? “Oh, sure that’s just what we do all the time”… NO! I’m taking about Paul O’Donovan. That’s what he said when himself and Fintan McCarthy won Olympic gold in the rowing! Oh…I get it…in the same boat…pulling, strokes…sorry!

Endangered Species The barstool boyos

(They pause to record the synchronised swimming) Freedom of expression… Yes, I’m all for it…I agree with the principle... No, I mean that’s what Katherine Zappone was appointed to…UN SPECIAL ENVOY FOR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION. Is that the precise wording that appeared in the job advertisement? What a mouthful! No, that’s the thing, or one of the things, Katherine’s new job WASN’T advertised… Oops… Yeah, oops… (They pause to check the spelling of

oops, just in case the Editor asks) No advertising of the role, no interview process! So what happened? Well, Katherine, a former minister, moved to New York… Nice… And Leo said she contacted Simon and offered her services as a Special Envoy… So THAT’S what happened… Well, not necessarily, ‘cos Simon told Bryan Dobson that HE approached Katherine, not the other way ‘round… OH! So, Simon tried to clear it up…just a series of unfortunate events...or words to that effect... And what was the Taoiseach’s opinion? Oh sure they told Micheál nothing! (They pause out of respect for Micheál’s embarrassment) Well, hopefully Katherine will be a success! I expect she’ll pull like a dog! Eh? You know, the O’Donovans…and their quirky turn of phrase! Oh yeah… OH NO! What’s wrong? OH NO! Envious of the rowers? Unimpressed with Katherine? Annoyed with Leo or Simon? No, IT’S MUCH WORSE! WHAT? The synchronised swimming didn’t record!

What we liked…

Roscommon minor footballers defeated Galway in a thrilling Connacht Minor Football semi-final on Saturday. They play Sligo in the final this Friday. Meanwhile, our U-20s face Down in the AllIreland U-20 semi-final this Saturday (see sports section).

What we didn’t like…

Ongoing reports of random, unprovoked attacks on people in public spaces, as highlighted on Liveline and by other media…

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

What PEOPLE are talking about…

Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS

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

PIC OF THE WEEK: Minister Heather Humphreys lofts some clay and grass high into the air as she turns the sod for a €5 million National Famine Museum project at Strokestown Park House & Gardens...watched by amused guests! Picture: Gerard O’Loughlin

Olympic gold for Irish rowers Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy; Fine Gael on the back foot over the Katherine Zappone appointment; Roscommon minors defeat Galway after a brilliant comeback; Optimistic vibes on the Covid-19 front...

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

NewsPeople

MGF Electrical celebrates 30 years in business! < DAN DOONER

Established by Michael Fleming in 1991, MGF Electrical Supplies Ltd., located on Henry Street in

Roscommon town, celebrates 30 years in business this year. The popular electrical wholesalers is a founding member of the Irish Electrical Buyers Group

Flashback to 1991: How the Roscommon Champion reported the opening of MGF Electrical Supplies Ltd. in July 1991.

(IEBG) and stocks a wide range of electrical items and supplies for both the trade and retail sectors. Michael says the company has witnessed plenty of changes since he opened the Roscommon town premises over thirty years ago. “We are all older and wiser now – well hopefully! The business is now in its second generation with my son Eugene now running operations. It’s very much a family run company and my wife Mary and all five of our children, Eugene, Tom, Michael Jnr., Louise and Laura have all played their part in making it successful. They would have worked during school holidays and weekends and whatever hours they could,” he said. The Flemings are well known in the local community with Eugene, Tom and Michael Jnr. having lined out for Creggs Rugby and GAA Clubs while Laura is one of the leading lights of the Roscommon Intermediate Ladies football team. Mary is also involved with camogie at county level and with the family’s local club, Athleague. “We’ve seen a lot of changes in the past 30 years,” Michael says, “From boom to crash and back to boom and then of course the outbreak of the pandemic”.

Technology has changed too, he says, both in terms of the products on offer and the way MGF does business. From LED lighting to cashless transactions, Michael and his staff have been quick to move with the times. “We now stock over 11,500 items, and if we don’t have what you’re looking for then we’ll find it for you,” Michael adds. Everything from lamps and lighting to cable and wiring accessories as well as fire, smoke, burglar and carbon monoxide alarms can be found at MGF’s spacious premises on Henry Street and it’s that attention to detail which has kept customers coming back

since 1991. Having earned his stripes with a very successful electrical wholesale company in Galway, Michael set up his own company from home in Creggs three years prior to opening MGF. Since then, he has offered steady local employment in Roscommon. His son and general manager, Eugene Fleming, has been with the company for ten years and he now oversees a staff which includes: Office Administrator Sheila Collier, who has been with the company for 20 years; Store Manager John Dempsey, who marks 17 years with MGF; John Brandon (3 years), Brendan

Rooney (2 years), and Ciaran Keane in sales. “I would like to say a big thank you to all our supporters and loyal customers and of course our suppliers over the last 30 years. It’s thanks to them and our wonderful staff that we’ve been able to celebrate this milestone. “We are lucky to have a great team here, some of whom have been with us for most of those thirty years, and we are very grateful for their support,” Michael concluded. For more information or to contact MGF Electrical Wholesalers Ltd., call 090-6625644 or email info@mgfelect.com.

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Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

NewsPeople Boyle Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre Boyle Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre is aware that in this difficult Covid time, many people are anxious, stressed, depressed, feeling alone, and some may have suicidal thoughts. You may be worried about yourself, a family member, or a friend. We are here in your locality and offer support in person, over the phone, and online. Counselling is a safe, confidential space where you can share, explore, and reassess your personal life challenges, accompanied by a

trained professional. Courses, groups, a book club, counselling and psychotherapy are all available whenever you need it. Please contact Marie on 071-9663000 or Maura on 071-9663841. Due to Covid-19, Boyle FRC adheres to the HSE guidelines that pertains to the safety and care of all of our service users. Please note that the centre will be closed this week (until Friday, August 6th) inclusive for summer holidays.

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Sonya Macari Devlin, Malie Mo Copnall and Damien Lumsden pictured on set in Ballaghaderreen for the filming of ‘Skylark’, a short film written by Strokestown-based Rose Byrne. See page 11. Picture: Mick McCormack ADVERTORIAL

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Childcare Traineeship students at Roscommon Town Youthreach Centre have recently successfully completed their programme. The traineeship is open to people of all ages and is co-ordinated by Anne McGuinness, who has many years’ experience delivering QQI Childcare at Levels 5 and 6. Traineeships involve a significant amount of work experience and the co-operation of facilities is vital, as real hands-on experience is essential, rather than just knowing the theory. Local childcare facilities were extremely positive about the programme and all trainees had wonderful placements, learning so much about the day-to-day job of the childcare assistant. Anne said it was brilliant to see the eagerness of the trainees as they embraced their placements, coming back to class each week with new learning, and seeing how the theory learned translated to practice. Childcare is a challenging and rewarding career. A career that requires continuous upskilling and training in order to keep up to date with changes in legislation, guidelines, etc. Trainees also completed Child Protection and manual handling training prior to commencement of placements, as during the research phase, employers highlighted this as being very important. Trainees also received First Responder training.

Trainees ranged in ages from eighteen upwards, with male and female participants. The world of childcare greatly acknowledges the positive role men can play in this career and it is encouraging to see more men entering this field of work. Participants came from all walks of life with varied life experiences adding greatly to the programme. The current award required that eight modules be successfully completed. The inclusion of Special Needs Assisting as one of those eight modules was very worthwhile, as having this module also opens up employment possibilities as an SNA in a mainstream school or as an AIMS worker in the Early Years setting. The traineeship started off in the classroom with placements in local facilities also. It was then delivered online due to Covid-19, which the trainees adapted to with remarkable competence as it soon became the new norm. Trainees have just recently received their results from QQI and obtained their qualification – Level 5 Major Award in Early Care and Education, equipping them to enter the world of work in their chosen area or to continue in education. Many of the trainees have already secured full-time employment and a number of them have commenced part-time study to obtain their Major Award at Level 6, which enables them to seek employ-

ment in a supervisory capacity. Staff at the centre are excited about next term and new trainees joining. Recruitment is now underway, with a new award being offered. A traineeship improves employment opportunities, enhances personal skills and confidence, allows you to gain practical on the job training. Participants may be entitled to a training allowance while gaining an internationally recognised qualification, and a traineeship also provides opportunities for progress to Further Education. There are many job opportunities in the field of childcare, ranging from early years educator, room supervisor, special needs assistant, AIMS Worker, private child-minder, breakfast club and afterschool service. The demand for qualified staff is at an all-time high, with many facilities struggling to fill vacancies, so now is the perfect time to upskill or change career direction and become part of this ever-growing sector. Completing this course can open doorways to an exciting, challenging and rewarding career. Participants can progress to further studies at Level 6 and then to a Level 7 or 8 Degree in Early Childhood Education at several third level institutions nationally. For more details on the course, visit fetchcourses.ie or contact Pat Collum on 086-6061267.

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

NewsPeople

€1.35m funding for Roscommon under HSE Capital Plan Two local health facilities will benefit from a total of €1.35 million in funding recently announced under the HSE’s Capital Plan for 2021. The Sacred Heart Hospital and Care Home in Roscommon town will receive €950,000 for the initial stages for design and construction of a replacement fifty-bed unit while the Rehabilitation Unit at Roscommon University Hospital also receives €400,000. Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy said: “I have been informed by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly that the projects are to receive funding so as to further progress on both in 2021. “This is a very welcome development and I’m pleased to see progress having pushed

both projects forward for some time,” he said. Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan said the funding was crucial to bring the long-term residential unit at the Sacred Heart Hospital and Care Home up to standard. “This is much-needed investment to upgrade the care home to HIQA standards for up to 95 patients. Patients, their families and healthcare staff have endured an extremely tough year and half during the pandemic. I would like to pay tribute to the Director of Nursing, her staff and volunteers for everything they have done for residents in very difficult circumstances”. Senator Dolan said the funding for Roscommon University Hospital would be a make the facility a national leader in re-

habilitative care. “Roscommon will be only the second place in Ireland after National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) in Dún Laoghaire to offer a centre of excellence in rehabilitative care. Roscommon University Hospital is taking a national lead in providing specialist and complex care to patients who have a physical or cognitive disability due to illness or injury. People in the west and midlands will have a choice and no longer have to travel to Dublin to get the rehabilitative care they need. “This significant investment in Roscommon will make it unique out of the seven hospitals in the Saolta Health Care Group in terms of rehabilitative expertise,” Senator Dolan concluded.

Road accidents claim two young lives Tragic road accidents have claimed the lives of two young Roscommon people in the past week. Talented 23-year-old swimmer, Gabriella Weaver, was involved in a fatal car collision last week in Spain, and on Friday night last, Tadhg Cauneen, a young man in his 20s, lost his life in a single-vehicle collision on the N61 at Fourmilehouse, at approximately 8.45 pm. Daughter of Dean and Samantha Weaver, from Croghan, Gabriella was

an award-winning swimmer, who had represented Ireland. Trident Swimming Club in Carrick-on-Shannon, where Gabriella had been a coach, described her as “a wonderful athlete”. The talented sportswoman and mentor had also represented Elphin Community Games and played rugby for Carrick-on-Shannon, where her father had been head coach. Tadhg Cauneen, from Ballymore, Strokestown, died following a fatal crash on

the N61 Roscommon to Tulsk road last Friday. His funeral mass took place yesterday (Wednesday) at St. Mary’s Church, Carniska, Strokestown followed by cremation in Lakelands Crematorium in Cavan. Predeceased by his father, Tim Sweeney, and his infant brother, TJ, he will be sadly missed by his loving mother Ursula, and Tommy; brothers Gary and Eddie; nephews, uncles, aunts, extended family and friends.

PRELIMINARY MARKET CONSULTATION – RENTAL PREMIS PARTNERSHIP PRELIMINARY MARKET CONSULTATION

– RENTAL PREMISES - ROSCOMMON

Roscommon LEADER Partnership are conducting market consultations with LEADER PARTNERSHIP possible procurement process for rental of office space within the geograp Roscommon LEADER Partnership are conducting market consultations with Roscommon as highlighted in the procurement below map.process for rental of office suppliers before the start of a possible space within geographical of Mid Roscommon As a minimum wethe will require atareas least 6 SQand M,South adequate parking &access to as highlighted in the below map. Community Private Hubs are 6welcome to apply. As a minimum&we will require at least SQ M, adequate parking & access to high speed broadband. Community & Private Hubs are welcome to apply.

The purpose of this market consultation is to gain an insight into the capacity of the market to deliver on our office space requirements and to therefore facilitate an improved specification for publishing Etenders. The purpose of this market consultation is toongain an insight into the capac

office space requirements to therefore facilitate an improved PLEASE NOTE: in the interestand of fairness, transparency, and equal treatment specifica

any relevant information exchanged in the context of, or resulting from, the involvement of a tenderer in this pre-market consultation will be made available PLEASE NOTE: in tenderers the interest fairness, transparency, equal to all participating in anyof follow up tender competition toand ensure eachtreatmen tenderer has the opportunity to submit a competitive tender. exchanged in the context of, or resulting from, the involvement of a tender

Withbe thismade in mind we are inviting parties who have premises rental to will available to allinterested participating tenderers in anyforfollow up tender contact RLP for a Preliminary Market Consultation Form at reception@ridc.ie. tenderer has the opportunity to be submit a competitive All completed forms must returned to orla@ots.ietender. by 20th August @ 4pm at the latest .

With this in mind weresponses are inviting interested have premises for We particularly welcome from the community,parties voluntarywho & charitable sector Preliminary Market Consultation Form at reception@ridc.ie. All completed forms must be returned to orla@ots.ie by 20th August @ 4

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor Thursday 24 hours on from Aoife O’Rourke’s Olympic debut, there’s time now for some reflection. It’s been a whirlwind. After all the excitement of the build-up, her Olympic experience was ultimately short-lived…just the one bout, and that in an early morning slot, Irish-time. But two things are clear: Aoife was unlucky to draw the second seed (a former world champion); secondly, Aoife fought bravely and skilfully, a tremendous effort on her part. Two of the five judges gave the first round to O’Rourke; the fact that her opponent, Qian Li, was judged to have won the round (however narrowly) was significant for the more experienced boxer. Winning round one in a three-round bout is a big boost, and puts all the pressure on one’s opponent. Trailing after that opener, Aoife remained extremely focussed, relying on her game plan, but the Chinese boxer engaged in some frustrating holding, a tactic which was indulged by the referee. Quin Li was deemed to be the winner, but Aoife O’Rourke had performed extremely well. Seconds after the final bell, the RTE panel members were confidently predicting that Aoife will be a force at Paris 2024. I share their confidence. Here at the Roscommon People, it’s been a pleasure to observe Aoife’s journey over the last couple of years. We’ve greatly enjoyed following and supporting this terrific sportsperson. Aoife’s qualification for Tokyo was a timely good news story, a welcome morale boost in a time of some despair. From a journalistic point of view, it’s been great to have a positive story to cover. As an aside, thank you to the thousands of Roscommon People readers who’ve viewed our special video celebrating Aoife’s rise (see our YouTube channel). In conclusion, two things stand out for me: (1) Aoife is a very talented and dedicated sportsperson with a very exciting future; (2) Aoife is a lovely person and an inspirational role model for young people, both locally and nationally. A highlight of Aoife’s Olympic

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Games debut was that moment when she broke into a joyous smile as she walked towards the ring. There was something about that image which seemed to capture the true spirit of the Olympics. That smile defined the enormity of Aoife’s achievement. A week on, we say well done to Aoife O’Rourke. You did Castlerea, Roscommon and Ireland proud.

pleasant conditions. It’s a quiet enough day on the news front. The Electric Picnic festival in Stradbally, Co. Laois will go ahead later this year, the organisers say. But Laois Fianna Fáil councillor Paschal McEvoy (who presumably doesn’t have an eye on the youth vote) is plucky enough to say it shouldn’t happen. Meanwhile, on thejournal.ie, I read that Dublin manager Dessie Farrell has addressed concerns about the county senior football team’s possible decline (they won an 11th Leinster senior title in a row on Sunday). He acknowledged that the ‘Declining Dubs’ are undergoing ‘a period of transition’. There are unconfirmed reports that Dessie actually managed to keep a straight face during the questioning by journalists…

Friday I’m in danger of hearing Liveline too often...please can I be spared from such a fate? Exposure-wise, this week probably was an exception. We had to collect our son from the GAA summer camp at Hyde Park each day at 2 pm, which meant a full helping of mischievous Joe and his ever-changing cast of callers. It was the usual endearingly chaotic mix: some legitimate serious content, some aimless arguing between angry callers (with Joe on hand to expertly stoke as required), and further assorted segments ranging from mundane to marvellous. Today, I enjoyed the Liveline tribute to the brilliant June Rodgers (celebrating 30 years in showbiz). A very funny lady, June is a wonderfully versatile entertainer in the tradition of fellow Dublin-born performers like Maureen Potter and Brendan Grace. June was in studio with Joe; the tribute show also featured guest appearances from fellow performers, calls from fans, and audio of highlights of her career to date. A gifted and very hard-working performer, June came across as a lovely person. She is, I would suggest, a national treasure.

Saturday Roscommon minors were losing the Connacht semi-final by five points when I parked the car in town, Willie (on Shannonside) sounding a touch worried. While I went about my business in town, Roscommon apparently went eleven behind. By the time I got back to the car, the comeback was underway. With fifteen minutes to

Tuesday

Dublin manager Dessie Farrell

go, and Willie’s voice rising proportionate to the excitement unfolding on the pitch, I sensed that something special might be on. It was quite the finale. A Robert Heneghan goal and a succession of points from Bobby Nugent & Co. had Galway on the run. Willie, with no co-commentator on this occasion, had to carry the weight and emotion of the evening himself, and that he did well. There were more than a few references to the Olympics, while our old friend Lazarus (happily) was also invoked, Roscommon coming from eleven points behind to claim a remarkable victory. Mighty stuff. (For an actual eyewitness account of The Storming of Tuam, see Seamus Duke’s report in our sports section).

Sunday ‘More GAA than you can handle’ screams the slogan in the Sunday Independent. It’s meant in a positive way, a promotion highlighting the top writers in the Independent ‘stable’.

But I’ve just had more GAA than I can handle, after a Leinster Football Final that plodded from mildly interesting to tediously pedestrian. I’m not blaming the Sunday Independent, of course. In fact my only quibble with the Sindo today is that they gave no forewarning of an interview with the publicity-obsessed actor Rory Cowan. Once I’d turned the page, it was too late. Worse still, he talks about the equally media-shy Twink. At least the interview wasn’t conducted by Sinead O’Connor.

Monday Persistent, ugly rain means this morning can be filed under ‘Horrible’. I seldom agree with combative People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy, but maybe he’s right in calling for three more annual bank holidays. Maybe when we get a stinker like today, we should be granted a new one in lieu of the one that let us down. Mind you, it’s 3 o’clock now as a write, and the rain has given way to

The so-called scam artists really are trying everything these days. The suspicious phone calls and the bizarre, laughable emails are now a tiresome part of everyday life. We’re all familiar with them by now (at least I hope all readers are). At least an email that I received this week amused me a little. Accordingly, my ‘Scam Artist of the Week’ award goes to someone passing themselves off as a ‘man of the cloth’. The email, from a person describing themselves as a (named) Canon, read: ‘Do you have a moment...I have a request I need you to handle discreetly. I am currently busy in a prayer session, no calls so just reply to my email’. Is this a scam artist who also likes to worship and pray, or is it a Christian worshipper who also likes to engage in scams? Or just a scam artist with no current notable religious disposition? Anyways, I’m not impressed by someone emailing during a ‘prayer session’ while claiming to be busy! In this instance at least, their prayers haven’t been answered...

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

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Funding for enterprise and community projects Funding is currently available under the Transitional LEADER Programme in Co. Roscommon. The programme aims to work closely with businesses, communities and individuals, particularly new applicants, to assist with building their capacity in preparation for the next programming period. Priority will be given to promote projects that support rural enterprises and communities in a post-Covid/ post-Brexit environment. The funding will also support job creation, entrepreneurship, enterprise development and innovation, as well as exploring and developing projects for funding in thematic areas that are likely to feature strongly in the next EU-funded programme, such as the Smart Village Initiative. At the end of July, Roscommon Local Community Development Com-

mittee became one of the first Local Action Groups in the country to approve funding for projects under the Transitional LEADER Programme (TLP). This is a new National Programme, announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, T.D., in December 2020. The National Transitional LEADER Programme, to be delivered through the current Local Action Group, Roscommon Local Community Development Committee (RLCDC) and the Implementing Partner, Roscommon LEADER Partnership (RLP), has an overall national budget of €20 million. Fifteen projects were approved total grant aid of €612,819 by Roscommon LCDC in July. If you are interested in applying for funding, see advert for details.

Pictured is Lake O’Flynn in Ballinlough.

Co. Roscommon Transitional LEADER Programme Call for Projects (August 2021) LEADER funding is now available under the Transitional LEADER Programme. This funding is available to NEW APPLICANTS to the LEADER Programme. Priority will be given to:  Businesses (Existing & New) for new markets, expansion, innovation and/or directly addressing Covid-19 and/or Brexit  New and innovative projects in the areas of Climate Change, environment and the green economy  Community organisations to maximise the potential of broadband and the digital economies  Community/voluntary groups to address the impact of Covid-19  Projects to develop the concept of the Smart Village initiative or REDZ 2. To apply for this funding, please complete and submit an Expression of Interest form. Expression of Interest forms are available from the RLP website www.rosleaderpartnership.ie or by emailing leader@ridc.ie. If you wish to speak to a member of the LEADER Team prior to submitting your EOI, please contact: Amanda Mee Roscommon Municipal District 086 046 0046 Claire Carty Boyle Municipal District 086 609 4262 Denise McDonnell Athlone Municipal District 086 771 6574 Tomás Beades Operations Manager 086 046 0176 Deadline for submission of Expressions of Interest is 3.00pm on Friday, 27/08/2021. Completed EOI’s should be submitted by email to leader@ridc.ie or by post to Roscommon LEADER Partnership, Roscommon West Business Park, Golf Links Road, Roscommon Town, F42 TD98. Only EOIs deemed eligible will be invited to submit a full application. All submissions should be clearly marked ‘Transitional LEADER Programme 2021’.

Greenlawn Horticulture.

Overall budget for call: Maximum level of funding available to any single project: Minimum level of funding: Maximum Rates of Aid:

Targeted Groups: Investment Type: Targeted Call opens: Deadline for submission of completed EOI forms: Pictured is the Kiltoom Community Development.

€780,000 €200,000 €2,500 Capital: Private Promoters incl. businesses - 75%, Community Promoters - 75% Analysis & Development (including EIA/EIS): Private Promoters incl. businesses - 75%, Community Promoters - 90% Training: Private Promoters/Businesses and Community Promoters – 100% (Bespoke Training Courses only) Businesses (Existing & New), Social Enterprise, Individuals, and Community/Voluntary Community/voluntary groups. Please note - Previously funded promoters and/or projects are not a priority for this funding. Capital Support, Technical Support/Analysis & Development, Training 10:00am on Tuesday, 3rd August 2021 3.00pm on Friday, 27th August 2021

Road Closure Decision Notice Job Code: B4990008 - J000

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

for week ending 06 August 2021

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Who’s saying what on Tweet Street ...

1/4 page = €250 + vat

Paul Healy’s take on SeanMoncrieff @SeanMoncrieff National top tweets!Heritage Week

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12 Roscommon County Council has decided to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the period and the reason specified.

NewsPeople

Road to be closed: L2026 at Ardkeenan, Drum, Athlone

190mm x 2 cols = €190 + vat

Period of Closure: Monday 16th to Friday 27th Road Closure Decision Notice August 2021

Job Code: 3411

Alternative Routes: R362 (through Bellanamullia) & R446 Cornafulla) for week ending 06(through August 2021 Reason for Closures: Bridge Replacement Works on the L2026 Shane Tiernan Director of Services

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12 Roscommon County Council hereby gives notice of its decision to close the road referred to hereunder for the period and the reason specified. Road to be closed: The L-14233-0 & and the L-14234-0 will be closed. The L-60878-0 at Lisheenanierin, Clare & Cloonerra will be closed between its junction with R-368-276 at Tully and its junction with R-368-276 at Cloonerra. Alternative Routes: Traffic will be diverted via the R-368-276 on to the L-60878-0. Period of Closure: The 16th of August 2021 until the 24th of September 2021. Reason for Road Closure: Laying of water mains along the public road in the Townland of Lisheenanierin, Clare & Cloonerra as part of the Mid Roscommon Water Scheme pipe laying Contract. All necessary approach signage and diversion signage will be used at the required locations as per Traffic Management Plan. Residents will be contacted and notified directly by the Contractor in advance of the closure. Closures will be phased to ensure minimum disruption to locals. Maps showing proposed closure/diversions are available on www. roscommoncoco.ie Water Services Section Roscommon County Council Aras an Chontae Roscommon F42 VR98

Job Mullen Code: Ronan @RonanReigns

Just got a call informing

me that my PPS number F2010019 is engaged in criminal

I never 2021 liked that for week ending 06activity. August number anyway. And I

Dessie Dolan says Dean won’t visit it in prison. Martin is on frees today, all the more remarkable Roscommon Peopleup Friday 06 August 2021 -Number’s for Sean’s PPS given his home state of number…(DPP on to PPS?) Ohio is not a gaelic football stronghold, and the fact Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan that he has been dead for @lukeming 26 years -Dessie quickly explained that he meant Dean Rock; 110mm 2 cols (or is it Dickie x Rock? Now = we’re at it too)…

Mighty rowing McCarthy and O’Donovan. Brilliant. #GOLD

€110 + vat

-Joy all round as the Library is organising Roscomon County Road Closure Decision Notice Skibbereen boat-men Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy Balls.ie conquer the world… @ballsdotie the following events as part of Job Code: B4990008 - J000 Michael O’Regan “If Tinder did provincial @Michael_O_Regan for week ending championships, I would 06 August 2021 swipe right for the Ulster Time for @ Championship.” MichealMartinTD to hot foot it toby SkibBrid in the same Online presentation Pat•Spillane is taking way Charlie went to Paris his new role as Tinder from the O’Sullivan National to embrace Stephen spokesman seriously. Library of IrelandRoche! outlining the

-Yep, that excitable rowing gold medallist Paul just cannot hide his emotions!

NATIONAL HERITAGE WEEK 2021

NLI history, collections and NewsPeople -We’ll just leave that one there for now…

-No need to rewrite history…surely Charlie (Haughey) won the Tour engagement programmes. Date: Brian Carroll de France and Stephen just 18th August 2021joined at 11.00 am. @bcarroll17 the hangers-on?

1/4 page = €250 + vat An absolutely unbelievable Balls.ie comeback! AHeritage neverof saythe die Week • Launch County @ballsdotie National attitude! Well done lads on Roscommon Historical and thoughts a mighty mighty win! O’Donovan’s Job Code: F2010019Paul on hearing ‘Amhrán na Archaeological Society TEMPORARY CLOSING OFJournal ROADS -Brian speaks for us all with bhFiann’ on the podium for week ending 06 August 2021 this tweet…(celebrating Digitisation Project. as he received his Olympic ROADS SECTION a memorable win by ACT 1993, gold medal? 75 Roscommon minors) “It’s a good tune like.”

REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE •ROADS A Digital Exhibition will run 12 throughout week Roscommon Countythe Council hasin decided to close the road set outLibrary in the schedule Roscommon – Thehereunder for the period and the reason specified. Schools’ Collection from the Dúchas National Road to be closed: L2026 atFolklore Ardkeenan, Drum, Collection. Athlone

Geraldine Herbert @GerHerbert1

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021 A fifteen line statement to congratulate Ireland’s Olympians but only four lines actually about their victory? #TeamIreland #PaulODonovan #FintanMcCarthy

€250 + vat

1/4 page -Many people were = unimpressed when Michelle Smith de Bruin responded National Heritage Week (with a written statement) to Liveline after Ireland’s Job Code: F2010019 rowing gold…and went on at some length about her own for week ending 06 August 2021 subsequently tarnished treble gold winning feat in the 1996 Atlanta Games Dean Martin

newsbriefs Strolling Strollers social walking group

Roscomon County Library is Roscomon organisingCounty Library is organisin Strolling Strollers is a new social walking group at Boyle Family Resource Centre for the following events as part the of following events parents/carers and theiras youngpart child. The of

For moreMonday information: Period of Closure: 16th to Friday library@roscommoncoco.ie 27th August 2021 Majella Hunt

group meets on Wednesdays at 10.30 am, and walks will be for approximately 45 minutes. There is no particular fitness level needed to participate and it is a great opportunity to meet other parents/carers and have a Online presentation by Brid chat. Public Health guidelines will be strictly O’Sullivan from the National adhered to. Library of Ireland outlining For themore information, or to book your place, please call the centre on 071-9663000. Please NLI history, collections andnote that the centre will be closed from engagement programmes.Monday Date:August 2nd until Friday August 6th inclusive for summer holidays. 18th August 2021 at 11.00 am.

NATIONAL HERITAGE WEEK 2021 HERITAGE WEEK 202 NATIONAL

Alternative Director ofRoutes: ServicesR362 (through Bellanamullia) & R446 (through Cornafulla) for Closures: Bridge Replacement •Reason Online presentation by Brid Works on the L2026 O’Sullivan from the National Library of Ireland outlining the Shane Tiernan NLI history, collections and Director of Services engagement programmes. Date: 18th August 2021 at 11.00 am.

•

• Launch of the County Roscommon Historical and Archaeological Society Journal Digitisation Project.

• A Digital Exhibition will run throughout the week in Roscommon Library – The Schools’ Collection from the Dúchas National Folklore Collection.

Businesses: Reach your • A Digital Exhibition will run target market! throughout the week in Roscommon Library – The Schools’ Collection from the Dúchas National Folklore Collection.

For more information: library@roscommoncoco.ie For more information: library@roscommoncoco.i Yo u r

Majella Hunt Director of Services

lo ca l p a p er !

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

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Bishop Doran’s stance on Sacraments backed by Archbishop of Dublin’s letter < DAN DOONER

The Bishop of Elphin, Kevin Doran, came under fire last week from An Taoiseach Micheál Martin when he advised parish priests to proceed with Communions and Confirmations in his Diocese in coming weeks. Earlier this week, however, the Archbishop of Dublin, Dermot Farrell, described the current ban as “discriminatory”. In a letter to Dublin par-

ishes, he also revealed that he and the country’s three other archbishops had written to An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, indicating that the celebration of Sacraments may resume in mid-August. The Archbishop asked priests to ensure that families are aware of public health guidelines and advised those intending to recommence Communions and Confirmations to hold “shorter and smaller ceremonies”.

In a recent letter to clergy members, Bishop Kevin Doran said that “no good reason” had been given for the advice to postpone the celebration of Sacraments, considering the focus on the careful reopening of all sectors of society. In the letter, Bishop Doran proposed proceeding with the celebrations as previously scheduled. The Taoiseach has since addressed Bishop Doran’s statement, saying that regulations had been brought

in to protect people’s health and that Church leaders should accept them in good faith. Meanwhile, the Bishop of Achonry, Paul Dempsey, has this week postponed the celebration of Sacraments such as First Holy Communion and Confirmation in the diocese following the recent controversy. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Bishop Dempsey said his Diocese, which includes Ballaghad-

erreen, would continue with the postponement of Sacraments. Part of the statement read: “As the vaccination programme continues, we look forward to celebrating the Sacraments with our children and their families in a safe and meaningful way from mid-September onwards. “In the meantime, may we continue to keep vigilant around the virus so that we can emerge out of this difficult time safe and well”.

The Bishop of Elphin, Kevin Doran

newsbriefs Murphy hits back at funding criticism Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has this week hit back over criticism of Local Improvement Scheme funding. Senator Murphy said there was a “complete misunderstanding” regarding monies that have been allocated by the Government. “Despite a belief among many that the latest allocation of €70,000 is all that the county received, nothing could be further than the truth. The €70,000 just announced is a top-up, and comes on top of the almost €350,000 allocated earlier this year. “The total allocation to Roscommon County Council is €445,000, which will deal with almost all the existing schemes sanctioned,” he said. The Fianna Fáil Senator said that Roscommon had received the ninth-highest allocation in the country. “Far from been neglected, Roscommon has done very well and I’m proud to say I helped deliver this. Roscommon Co. Council sought in the region of €100,000,” he added.

Funding for Ballintubber Waterway and Cycleway Cllr. Anthony Waldron pictured with Declan Ganley and Seamus Ward during the Percy French Festival in Castlecoote recently.

Former Irish rugby player, Gordon D’Arcy, pictured in Creggs with Sarah Best during his recent 850km solo cycle through the four provinces in aid of Barretstown. Pic: Mick McCormack

€5.5m confirmed for Portiuncula Hospital €5.5 million in funding has been confirmed for Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, under the HSE’s Capital Plan for 2021. Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan said the funding highlights the urgent need for single rooms at the hospital in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. “With only thirteen single rooms, the senior clinical team took the innovative step to immediately find more space and proposed a plan to move Outpatients Department to a modular unit with fourteen minor injuries treatment rooms on the grounds of the hospital. “In repurposing this space, now there will be access to twelve more

single rooms en-suite. The plan for construction of the extra twelve rooms is end of the year and this needs to be accelerated. “The initial planning had been approved from 2016 and this commitment moved this project to the HSE priority list. €4.19 million is allocated in funding for 2021, the enabling works stage is coming to completion and we are now moving to the construction stage. This final tender selection will take place by mid-August. “Other crucial funding includes €440,000 for replacement lifts and half a million for fire detection, alarm and lighting systems. “The total breakdown

of funding for ongoing projects for 2021 for Portiuncula Hospital includes €4.19 million for the construction phase of the fifty-bedroomed ward block for this year, €500,000 for fire detection, alarm and lighting systems, €440,000 to replace four lifts, €200,000 for building works to accommodate new fluoroscopy equipment, and €200,000 to allow for the conversion of outpatients. “Funding has also been approved for a replacement CT scanner, however building works to house this equipment is also urgently required for 2022 and this will need engagement by all stakeholders,” Senator Dolan concluded.

Independent Cllr. Anthony Waldron has welcomed confirmation of funding in excess of €50,000 for the Ballintubber Waterways project. Cllr. Waldron said: “This is very welcome news for the local waterways and cycleway project which will see visitors benefitting from activities such as kayaking, canoeing and cycling. The LEADER funding is in excess of €50,000 and will help to attract tourism to the area”.

New Fr O’Flanagan plaque to be unveiled Local Minister of State Frank Feighan will unveil a new plaque as part of the rededication of the Fr. Michael O’Flanagan Memorial Bridge in Castlerea later this month. The bridge was first dedicated to the Cloonfower native and former Sinn Féin President in 1957. The rededication will take place in the grounds of Clonalis House on Saturday, August 14th. Members of Roscommon County Council will be attendance and Covid-19 restrictions will be in place.

Priest who died in Cork tragedy had served in Castlerea

Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan

The 72-year-old priest who lost his life in a tragic road accident in Monkstown in County Cork on Tuesday evening had previously served in Castlerea. Fr. Con Cronin was tragically killed when Bus Éireann driver, Mark Wills, suffered a suspected fatal heart attack, and lost control of the bus, colliding with parked cars and striking the 72-year-old as he crossed the road. Fr. Cronin had served in Castlerea for a period of time in the 1990s and was extremely highly regarded there.

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

The

D News page

Terrific tales and colourful characters in late Roscommon author’s collection of memoirs < DAN DOONER

A new book entitled ‘Light Reading for Short Journeys’ by late Ballyfarnon author Patrick J.

Power is now available to buy online and in local shops. The book is a wonderful collection of short memoirs, ranging from a

Roscommon childhood spent fishing on the River Shannon, surviving the trials and tribulations of boarding school, to settling in Dublin in the

Patrick J. Power pictured with his daughters Aoife and Nessa and son John in December 2018.

1950s. ‘Light Reading for Short Journeys’ contains a number of beautiful pieces and features hilarious characters and memorable moments. The articles, which have all been previously published in a variety of newspapers and magazines, also contain advice on writing from a lifetime of experience. Born in Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon in 1929, Patrick J. Power was the son of Garda Sergeant John Power and so spent many years on the move from one barracks to another, including Tulsk, Keadue and Roscommon town. During this time he was introduced to an array of colourful characters who inspired many of the stories in ‘The End of the Honeyflow’ (another volume which will soon be available on buythebook. ie.) Patrick’s childhood ended when he was awarded a boarding school scholarship, where, in order to survive, he read every

book in the school library! Patrick arrived in Dublin in the 1950s, and studied at Trinity College by night while working during the day. It was around this time that he began submitting articles to newspapers. He married a Dublin woman and started a family and throughout his lifetime broadcast many radio plays on RTÉ and the BBC. Sadly, Patrick passed away in March of this year predeceased by his wife Doreen, who passed away in 1994. Now, his loving family are committed to sharing their father’s work with as many readers as possible. ‘Light Reading for Short Journeys’ is available to buy from www. p a t r i c k j p o w e r. c o m , www.buythebook.ie, and from Newsround in Roscommon and Longford, ‘Dawn Til Dusk’ in Strokestown, Úna Bhán Craft Shop in Boyle, and Killoran’s in Ballyfarnon. Price: €10.

Strokestown named as a ‘Poetry Town’! Strokestown has been named as one of 20 ‘Poetry Towns’ across Ireland has part of new initiative by Poetry Ireland, in partnership with Roscommon County Council Arts Office, which will see more than a hundred free poetryrelated activities take place nationwide from September 10th to 18th this year. As part of the initiative, Poetry Ireland, together with local authorities, will appoint a Poet Laureate for each participating town. The chose Poet Laureate, who will either hail from the town or have strong connections to it, will be commissioned to write a poem honouring their Poetry Town and its people. The chosen laureate for Strokestown will be announced very soon. Each poem will be revealed and presented to the people of the participating towns at a series

of flagship online events, one of which will be hosted in each town, and will feature contributions from local poets, artists and musicians. There will also be a wide variety of additional activities in the Poetry Towns. These will include a series of poetry events involving local poets; poetry workshops; public poetry displays, including ‘Poetry Underfoot’; and a range of physical activities called ‘Poems that Move You’. Local businesses including cafés and chemists, will also be participating in activities to celebrate their towns by distributing ‘pocket poems’ to customers. The full programme for each town will be made available on the Poetry Town website during the last week of August. Commenting, Director of Poetry Ireland, Niamh O’Donnell said: “The idea behind Poetry

Town is to celebrate the many vibrant towns and communities across the island of Ireland, through poetry, collaboration and communal experiences. “Over the past 18 months, many of us have become more aware of what’s around us – from local parks or nature walks, to landmarks and monuments, to the stories held within the collective memory of our communities. There is poetry waiting to be uncovered in our surroundings and our everyday lives. “We are excited to invite individuals, families and communities to join their Poetry Towns, or the Poetry Towns in their vicinity, in a vibrant celebration of the pride in their locality, the value and importance of our heritage, and the strength and diversity in our towns and rural areas”. For further information, visit the Poetry Town website: poetrytown.ie.

Late author Patrick J. Power, who hailed from Ballyfarnon in Co. Roscommon.

Patrick J. Power and his father, Roscommon Garda Sergeant, John Power, pictured in 1934.

‘Wood for the Trees’ guided walks as part of Heritage Week

Support Roscommon’s ‘Nose of Tralee’! Eli, a Glen of Imaal terrior, has been picked by judges to represent Roscommon as the ‘Roscommon Nose’ in Pet Sitters Ireland’s 8th Annual Nose of Tralee competition, run in conjunction with Tesco and David McCauley photography. The final ‘Nose of Tralee’ is decided by public vote, so log onto NoseofTralee.com and submit your votes for Eli!

Roscommon County Council has announced three guided woodland walks to take place during Heritage Week in August. All three walks will be led by Michael Bell, founder of Nature Learn, Chairman of the Sligo Branch of BirdWatch Ireland and a wildlife expert with the Heritage in Schools Scheme. At several locations along the way, Roscommon poets will read their prize-winning nature poems from the Creative Ireland funded Nature Poetry Prize 2020. The first walk will take place in Lough Key Forest Park on Tuesday, August 17th at 11 am. Michael will guide the group through the woods and pathways of the magnificent park. Meeting outside the visitor centre, poems on this tour will be read by Louise G Cole and Marian Griffin. On Wednesday, August 18th, Mote Park will be the venue as the group, led by Michael, sets off at 11 am through the woods and pathways. Meeting at the Mote Park layby (approximately 1km from the entrance of the N61), the poems will be read by Jessamine O’Connor. The final walk of this series will take place in St. John’s Wood near Lecarrow on Thursday, August 19th at 11 am. The meeting point is the St. John’s Wood car park and poems will be read by Susan Graham. For more information, see www.roscommoncoco.ie/ en/Services/Community/Creative-Ireland. Booking is essential due to limited spaces; email creativeireland@ roscommoncoco.ie with your name and preferred walk location. The Wood for the Trees is supported by Roscommon County Council Creative Ireland Programme. Further information from creative.ireland.ie.

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

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Stafford Steppers Community Walking Group We meet on Thursdays at 11 am outside the Boyle Family Resource Centre building and go for a 30-40 minute walk and chat. Everyone is welcome. If you would like to join the group, please give the centre a call on 071-9663000. The group will meet in line with public health guidelines. Please note that the centre will be closed from Monday, August 2nd until Friday August 6th inclusive for summer holidays. Pictured in Ballaghaderreen during shooting of ‘Skylark’ were members of the cast and crew, from left: Emma Healy, Christine Braithwaite, Emer Regan, Damien Lumsden, Sonya Macari Devlin, Malie Mo Copnall, Lorna Duffy, Dimitry Lebedev, David Ewings, Stephen Byrne, Andrew Hannon. Picture: Mick McCormack

‘Small film with big heart’ shot in Roscommon locations Will be entered in international film festivals < PAUL HEALY

A short film written by Strokestown-based Rose Byrne – and shot in locations in counties Roscommon and Mayo last month – stars Sonya Macari Devlin, who has appeared in a number of popular series’, including ‘Glee’, ‘The Tudors’ and ‘The Clinic’. Shooting of ‘Skylark’ took place over a number of days in July, at locations in Kilmore, Strokestown, Ballaghaderreen and Swinford. The short film was written by screenwriter/ playwright/producer Rose Byrne, and produced by Rose in conjunction with Christine Braithwaite, director/writer/ producer of Box of Tricks Productions. Christine also directed Skylark. The majority of the crew are based in various locations throughout County Roscommon. Some further crew members are based in Sligo, Meath and Offaly. Skylark is a small film with a big heart. It carries a message of hope. We drop into the lives of husband and wife Thomas and Clare who are both dealing with the tragic accident that has befallen their only child, Leona. Thomas is guilt-ridden and weary. Unable to face what has happened, he buries himself in memories. When Leona repeatedly appears to Thomas he wonders about his own sanity. Clare, shut out by Thomas, carries on as best she can. She finds comfort in her faith. While Thomas is remembering happier times with his daughter, Leona, he has a flash of inspiration and finds a way which leads them both through their turmoil. Damien Lumsden, from Dublin, plays the role of Thomas. Damien has acted in several shorts including, ‘Juncture’,

‘Safe Inside’ and the feature film, ‘Don’t Sell me a Dog’. Sonya Macari Devlin, from Ireland, but now living in Los Angeles, plays the role of Clare. Sonya is a very experienced actress and has played several roles throughout her acting career in short films, features and television series’, including ‘Glee’, ‘The Tudors’ and ‘The Clinic’. Malie Mo Copnall plays Leona. Malie is a member of a Stage School in Westport where she has performed in several plays including ‘Peter Pan’ and ‘Hairspray’. Malie has also been in various shorts with Box of Tricks Productions. This is Rose Byrne’s second short film with Box of Tricks Productions. Rose wrote ‘Expiry Date’ and co-produced the film with Christine Braithwaite in January 2020. The film was shot in Strokestown and is currently in film festivals. To date it has picked up three awards. When completed, Skylark will be entered into national and international film festivals. Cruthú Arts Festival, Longford plan on hosting Skylark’s premiere screening in 2022. It is also hoped to have a screening in Strokestown in 2022. Rose Byrne has been writing for over sixteen years. She has had several stage plays and two radio plays produced. She also had short stories and articles published in various anthologies and newspapers. Originally from Dublin, she now lives in Strokestown. Christine Braithwaite has over twenty years’ experience in the television industry, working as Camera Operator on several shows in the UK. Christine now lives in Ballaghaderreen. She has directed and produced several shorts to date including her own script, ‘Circuit Love’.

Damien Lumsden, Sonya Macari Devlin, Malie Mo Copnall, David Ewings and Lorna Duffy pictured in Ballaghaderreen during shooting of ‘Skylark’. Picture: Mick McCormack

A thank you – and a call for support Rose and Christine would like to thank Roscommon Arts Office and Creative Ireland, Longford for their support for Skylark. However, as the film was shot in various locations over five days with crew and cast coming from various parts of Ireland, the producers are looking for sponsors to come on board to aid in the costs of production and post-production. They would also like to thank Nicholas Burrell, Swinford Hospital, Caroline King, Courtney Chase, Paul Thomas, Neat Stuff, Strokestown, Ruth Jacob, Strokestown, Mary Heavy, Strokestown and

Connolly Carpets & Flooring, Ballaghaderreen for loan of medical and other props. Thanks also to Fr. Gerry, St. James’ Church, Carracastle, Mr. Bracken and all the children from Carracastle School, Eimear Ni Hullaigh McGrath, Castlekidz Carracastle, Noel Gibb, Kilgarriff Funeral Directors, Ballaghaderreen and Caroline and Patrick from Patrick’s Cottage, Kilmore for use of locations in the film. * If any businesses or individuals would like to support the film, please get in touch with Rose Byrne by email at rosebyrne13@yahoo.ie

Damien Lumsden, Sonya Macari Devlin, Malie Mo Copnall, Lorna Duffy and David Ewings pictured in Ballaghaderreen during shooting of ‘Skylark’. Picture: Mick McCormack

Rahara ‘Social’ Walking Club Rahara ‘Social’ Walking Club is a new group, where the emphasis is more on the chat than the walk. It is open to all and free to join. We welcome those from neighbouring parishes to join us. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. We’ll adhere to social distancing guidelines. Please bring your high-vis. The group’s first walk will leave Rahara Church on Wednesday, August 11th at 7.30 pm. If you would like to join our weekly walks, please email raharatidytowns@gmail. com or text 086-6036432. This is a great way to get to know your neighbours. Giorraíonn beirt bóthar (Two people shorten the road). This is the first social initiative of the newly-formed Rahara Tidy Towns and Development Group. This is a voluntary group which aims to increase pride in the Rahara area, by rejuvenating the region through enhancing the appearance of the village and surrounding areas, and strengthening community spirit. We are passionate about making Rahara an attractive place to live and to visit. Enthusiastic volunteers of all ages are always welcome to join us.

Sacred Heart Church: Mass arrangements for station areas The parish areas for this weekend (August 7th and 8th) are as follows: 7 pm (Vigil) on Saturday at Church St, Convent Rd, Convent Court, Lough Rd, Quarry View and Quarry Springs; 9 am on Sunday at Main St/The Square, Athlone Rd/Goff St, Henry St/Circular Rd; and 11.30 am on Sunday at Sleaveen (includes Golf Links Rd, Woodberry Court), Crofton Court and Fairways. The parish areas for the weekend of the 14th and 15th of August are as follows: 7 pm (Vigil) on Saturday at Cluain Ard, Lisadurn/Turville, Hyde Court and Oldwood; 9 am on Sunday at Stonepark North, Wilson Close, The Spinney and Riverside Ave; and 11.30 am on Sunday at Hawthorn Drive and Rathbrennan.

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

NewsPeople

FRANK

FRANK BRANDON’S

BRANDON

unique take on life ...

A very different August Bank Holiday! Our man Frank on the pandemic’s impact on fairs, carnivals and agricultural shows, Aoife O’Rourke’s Olympic heroics, colourful characters in Dun Laoghaire, and the end of an era for Galway hurling… It’s Bank Holiday Monday morning, and a couple of years ago, festival committee members all over the country would be anxiously opening their curtains, peering out between their fingers to see what type of day God had granted for their big day. Fairs, agricultural shows, carnivals and festivals would all be hoping for a fine,

I fancy a pint with the ‘man from Del Monte’! I have never had a drink in O’Loughlin’s Bar in Dun Laoghaire, but judging by a recent story in the Sunday World, it sounds like the sort of a pub I would like to visit! For a start, the barman Maurice O’Loughlin is a sprightly 86-years-old, while one of his regulars, Pat Elliot, clocks in at 104. Both of them are fond of their pint of Guinness, and Pat used to drink five or six pints – although he says he only has the odd one now and favours a Black Bush instead. At 104, he cooks for himself, gets his own messages, and as O’Loughlin’s is his second home, he says it’s great to be back. When he got the €2,500 cheque from the President on turning 100, he spent it in the bar, and laughingly said that Maurice, not him, was the main benefactor. In his working life he was an accountant, and then a salesman for Del Monte tinned fruit, and if I ever get to Dun Laoghaire, I think it would be a great thrill to have a pint in O’Loughlin’s and chat with the original man from Del Monte!

dry August day, and chairpersons, secretaries, treasurers, and rank and file members would be praying to God above to look favourably on their needs and listen to their desperate novenas. However, on this very wet Bank Holiday Monday, the weather doesn’t make much difference, as for the second year in a row, Covid-19 has effectively put paid to most festivities, with events now forced to move online for the main part. One thing you may not know about me is that I am a radio man at heart, and much prefer the radio to the telly. Shannonside, Mid West, and RTÉ One – along with the local Ros FM – are my favourites, and, on Monday morning, I heard Gerry Glennon on Mid West, reflecting on the fact that up until last year, he had spent 27 or 28 consecutive years presenting the Bonniconlon Agricultural show, one of the biggest shows in the west. Some years ago, my wife Carol was competing in the show jumping competition in Bonniconlon, and I went along to provide some moral

support. I couldn’t get over the sheer scale of the entire event – there was everything and anything going on, including marvellous live music with artists like Declan Nerney and Mike Denver keeping the huge crowds entertained. It is estimated that up to 30,000 people would attend the one-day show, and after being cancelled two years in a row due to Covid, hopes are high that next year’s event will take place. As for us, our visit all those years ago was productive – Carol came home with a treasured Rosette for finishing in second place. Nearer home, today would have been the day of the Ballygar Carnival, and as in Bonniconlon, the place would be thronged, with numerous stall holders selling their wares, and horses, ponies, donkeys, foals, the odd mule, turkeys, chickens, ducks, cows and calves and loads of other animals and birds being exhibited. The fun and the craic would be ninety, with people having the chat, chasing the hard bargain, and simply enjoying the special atmosphere that

Ballygar Carnival has generated since 1945. This Bank Holiday Monday is very different. The reason I was listening to Mid West this morning was that I was driving to Castlerea to get tested for Covid-19 for the second time in a week. I am doubly vaccinated and had very little casual contact with two positive cases, so maybe I didn’t really need to get tested at all, but just to be sure, I went both times. At a time when we are supposed to be coming out of the pandemic, I couldn’t get over the huge numbers that the staff there had to deal with. As I said before, the whole operation is very well structured, professionally run, and everyone is extremely helpful and courteous, but when you compare it to heading off to the show in Bonniconlon, or the fair in Ballygar, it falls a long way short. However, that’s where we are nowadays, so my two wishes today are that my test results are negative, and that this day next year, I will be looking for a bargain on the streets of Ballygar!

Aoife performed heroically in Tokyo Sport plays a big part in my life. Rugby, Gaelic football, and hurling would be my main interests, with soccer (only because of my life-long love of Manchester United), golf, and equestrian sports occupying lower places on my interest scale. However, every four years, the Olympics arrive into our world, and just as Wimbledon turns us all into tennis players for a couple of weeks each summer, the games transform armchair fans like me into experts on everything from swimming to gymnastics, and athletics to boxing. On Wednesday morning last, in common with hundreds of thousands of Irish people, I watched as Aoife O’Rourke made her debut in the Olympic boxing ring in Tokyo. To be honest, I thought she was let down by the officials, whose marking of the fight did not make any sense to me at all. As long as I have watched boxing, I have always believed that the person who goes forward all the time, throws more punches than their opponent, and comes

across as the aggressor, is the person who should be rewarded by the judges. In this case, Aoife (who seemed to me to be doing all those things) seemed to get no reward at all, losing out to an opponent who was continually holding, back peddling and only throwing the occasional punch. Now I am well aware that I am not privy to the marking systems in amateur boxing, but to my slightly prejudiced eye, it seems that particularly in the Rio Olympics, and now Tokyo, Irish boxers have been consistently hard done by. All I can hope for is that if Aoife makes Paris in three years’ time, the judges will be a bit more appreciative of her efforts. From what I’ve seen, she is more than capable of winning an Olympic medal. As for last week, the fighting qualities, skill, and the wholehearted way in which she went about the fight endeared her to the entire nation. She did her family, Castlerea Boxing Club, County Roscommon, and the whole country proud. Here’s to Paris in three years’ time! Well done, Aoife - you are a true champion.

Finally for this week … You didn’t have to be from Galway to be a little bit sad at the recent retirement of one of the greatest hurlers of our time, Joe Canning, who announced last week that he was quitting the inter-county scene. For thirteen glorious years, he was at the centre of Galway’s hurling fortunes and no one did more to lift the spirits of the followers of the Tribesmen. When he eventually got his hands on an elusive All-Ireland medal in 2017, the entire country (except maybe Waterford fans) were delighted for him. He intends to continue hurling with his club, Portumna, but the national stage he graced for so long will have to do without him. As a Galway man, it’s safe to say we will never see his likes again, while as a hurling man, his skill, power, and above all his amazing sideline cuts were a joy to behold. At 32 years of age, he probably could have carried on for a bit longer, but injuries take their toll and it is better for the five-time All Star to get out while still at the top of his game. I wish him well in his retirement, and thanks Joe for all the enjoyment you gave Galway and non-Galway supporters for thirteen wonderful years. ‘Till next week, bye for now

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

Business

Roscommon registers 258 new .ie domains

Roscommon’s Shane Blackweir (back row, fifth from left) is taking part in Dublin-based tech company Qualtrics’ Malin to Mizen cycle to raise €1 million for Breakthrough Cancer Research.

Roscommon man part of Qualtrics’ Ride2AMillion fundraiser! Roscommon man, Shane Blackweir, is part of a group of fifteen amateur cyclists from Dublinbased tech company, Qualtrics, who have taken off on a ten-day cycling challenge across 1,500kms of the Wild Atlantic Way in a bid to reach their €1 million goal for Breakthrough Cancer Research. The group will power their way from Mizen Head in the south all the way to Ireland’s most northerly, Malin Head, arriving this Sunday (August 8th) in the Ride2AMillion fundraiser, as part of Qualtrics’ ‘5 For The Fight’ series. The company launched the fundraising organi-

sation in 2017 and has so far raised €950,000 in Ireland in the fight against cancer. To date, the organization has funded twenty-one cancer researchers, including the hiring of three research fellows as part of the Dermot Costello Cancer Immunology Fellowship — launched in honour Qualtrics’ EMEA Chairman, Dermot Costello who passed away from bowel cancer in January 2018. “At Qualtrics, we’re deeply committed to doing everything in our power to help eradicate cancer,” said Qualtrics cyclist and Roscommon native Shane Blackweir. “In our journey to €1 million, we

have done everything from participating in the world’s largest virtual high five chain, to a virtual 5k race with more than 5,000 participants around the world. Now, we’re taking on the toughest challenge so far”. Co-organiser of the event Tim Farmer is no stranger to fundraising himself after cycling 800kms in a similar challenge from his home in Naas, County Kildare, to Bristol, England last summer: “We’ve chosen a route that’s almost three times longer than the direct one, but it’s also one of the most beautiful routes in the world so we’re going to be taking it all in at every stage.

“It’s been a tough 18 months for charities everywhere, with a sharp decline in the fundraising they rely on, so we’re keen to do our bit and put in the miles to keep the momentum going in our fight against cancer,” he said. Along their route, which takes in Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Fermanagh and Donegal, the 15-strong team of cyclists will be joined by four support cars and will cycle up to 170kms a day over the ten-day event. You can find out more about the event and how to donate at ride2amillion.com, or follow their progress on social media through #Ride2amillion.

SOLAS calls on local community education providers to apply for funding stream

Community education providers in Roscommon are being given the opportunity to apply for funding for eligible projects under the €10 million Mitigating against Educational Disadvantage Fund 2021. The fund opened for applications on Friday, July 30th. Announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris, the fund is administered by SOLAS, the further education and training authority and the sixteen local Education and Training Boards. The aim of the fund is to support community education for adult learners in Roscommon and across Ireland who have the highest level of need, with a strong focus on building the digital infrastructure of community education providers to increase the capacity to deliver online learning. The latest phase of the fund is seeking to support projects under three main categories: digital technologies (where the supply of devices is considered a barrier to learning), learner assistance (to help, for example, with the cost of books and materials, childcare and essential travel), and reach-out/mentoring (for

awareness-raising and promoting re-engagement). Commenting on the announcement, Andrew Brownlee (CEO of SOLAS) said: “As we move towards a wider return to on-site learning from September, it is critically important that we re-engage with learners and encourage others to take up further education and training opportunities. “We are calling on community education providers in Roscommon to apply for funding through a new phase of the Mitigating against Educational Disadvantage Fund. Through the Fund, we are supporting those in society who are furthest removed from education through social disadvantage.

“We are also supporting community education providers to continue delivering their much-needed services, and to ensure that all sectors of society are remaining connected and supported to continue their learning journeys”. Paddy Lavelle (General Secretary of Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI)) said: “Education and Training Boards deliver whole of life education and training for all, including to our most disadvantaged learners. This fund will enable ETBs and our community education partners to provide disadvantaged learners with the technology, financial supports and mentoring they need to engage or reengage in further education and training. I would encourage all ETBs and Community Education providers to get the application process underway”. Applications can be made through adult education officers in the local Education and Training Board. For further information, including the September closing date for local ETBs, contact your Education and Training Board via etbi.ie/etbs/directory-of-etbs/.

New .ie domain registrations in Roscommon increased 10 percent in the first half of 2021. 258 new domains were registered in the country from January 1st to June 30th this year, according to the latest ‘.ie Domain Profile Report’, which explores and analyses the .ie database. The report, which is published biannually by .IE, the company in charge of managing Ireland’s national domain name, shows that 3,169 new .ie domains were registered in Connacht in the first half of the year, a ten percent increase on the same period in 2020. Nationally, a total of 33,815 new domains were registered, up 1.6 percent on the same period last year. David Curtin (Chief Executive of .IE) said: “A website and e-commerce functionality mean SMEs can adapt quickly to changing economic circumstances and remain open to customers even if their physical premises are closed. This half-year period’s ‘.ie’ domain registration figures show businesses in Roscommon are responding to pandemic trends and challenges. “Even with the option to shop in-store, for convenience or price reasons many consumers now simply prefer to buy online, or at the very least browse or research products online before buying them in-store. The pandemic has greatly accelerated the trend towards omni-channel retail, whereby the process of buying and selling a product or service integrates digital and physical platforms. “A rise in ‘.ie’ domain registrations nationally suggests SMEs are increasingly prepared for this reality”.

Roscommon business certifies to world-class NSAI standards

Roscommon IT business, Procloud, is among a number of organisations across Ireland to have been recognised by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) in achieving world-class business standards in the area of Privacy Information Management. Each business that achieved certification was independently audited by the NSAI to ensure they complied with international standards. They now join an elite group of over 4,000 organisations who are NSAIcertified in a variety of areas including Quality Management, Environmental Management, Occupational Health and Safety Management and Energy Management. The organisations have been recognised for their achievements by the Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English who said: “Across Ireland, businesses and public bodies are enjoying the benefits of certification to International Standards. “I want to congratulate every organisation for achieving certification, which will pay huge dividends in terms of improved efficiency, productivity and customer satisfaction. “These organisations will see a range of benefits, such as enhanced business performance, strengthened resilience and greater environmental sustainability”. NSAI Chief Executive, Geraldine Larkin, said achieving certification to world-class business standards can benefit businesses in a variety of ways. “Certification can grow an organisations knowledge and skills across a wide range of areas, boosting efficiency and helping to mitigate risk. I am delighted to see the high level of commitment shown by the companies and organisations that have been certified. I want to acknowledge the huge effort, particularly this year, when many of our audits had to be conducted online. “It is very encouraging to see so many companies are committed to working towards best practice. They continue to demonstrate that Irish-based companies can compete at the highest level,” she concluded. For further information on the NSAI, visit nsai.ie or follow the NSAI on Twitter (@NSAI_Standards).

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

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Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

The great lingerie liberation is not for me! I have a question for you ladies and it’s this; are you feeling frustrated and restricted by your bras? Yes? No problem, just ditch them. Throw those under-wired contraptions into the bin and liberate yourselves a la glamorous actress Gillian Anderson and of course, those feisty ladies of the 1960s’ ‘bra burning’ era whose idea of ‘freedom’ was to live a more natural life as opposed to a pushed up, trussed up and separated one. Celebrity watchers among you will have read that X Files actress Gillian Anderson, the lady who also portrayed Maggie Thatcher in ‘The Crown’ has reportedly told the world that, in her 52nd year, she’s decided to rid herself of the tyranny of the bra. Fair play to her, but, even though her declaration has sparked a flurry of support from many a so-called middle-aged woman, especially those engaged in a post-pandemic

protest, going braless is definitely not for me. It’s true that, during the lockdown we all dumped our structured dresses and skirts, shunned our high heels, and stopped using our tweezers and our trusty between-salon-visits root cover spray. However, as the world returns to some semblance of normality, it’s my opinion, (and the cancel culture will hate me for this – like I care!) that we shouldn’t all bounce back into the boardroom in such a way that still makes us feel like we’re working from the privacy of our own homes. I mean, isn’t that akin to doing the food shopping in your jammies? You see girls, as the majority of offices and workplaces will be expected to reopen next month, many of us, me included, are really looking forward to getting back to our normal daily lives and routines. Don’t

get me wrong; I’ve enjoyed working from home in my tracksuit and trainers, or, on some days, in my dressing gown whilst sitting at the kitchen table. However, even though not having to present myself to the outside world has led to me allowing my personal style and taste to slide quite a bit, I won’t be doing a Gillian Anderson and liberating myself of my lingerie! I do believe and I’m glad that, in many ways this entire pandemic and its powerful impact has created both the opportunity and the ideal conditions for everyone to experience their own personal growth, and that’s wonderful. It’s no secret that the world, and indeed we as a nation, have been flailing about, struggling to survive, holding our lives together whilst all the while being led by a government who, in my opinion, has failed to pro-

vide us with any stability. For many this has proved to be a near-impossible task. Sometimes my own emotions have been trying to negotiate an often difficult uphill struggle. Like most readers, during the past year, I’ve encountered some pretty dramatic lifechanging incidents. Some of these have made me take a long hard look at where my life is right now, where it’s going, and where I want it to go, and believe me, when I’ve reevaluated everything, changes are going to be made. However, that’s another day’s task, and another day’s item on my very long ‘to do’ list. Mind you, while I embrace the resurgence of our nation’s freedom, it remains unlikely I’ll ever personally feel safe going into a crowded nightclub or even attending a large indoor event. However, I do look forward to a future filled with small gatherings,

trips abroad, and of course getting back into the office; and for that I’m very grateful. So, yippee! Getting back on the subject of lingerie, all of my above future plans, small though they may be, remind me that the occasion for dressing up cannot come quickly enough for me. If that means strapping the girls into a nice colourful under-wired push-up bra, then so be it. While it’s the choice of many women, and while I applaud them for it, the fact is, ditching my bra in public will never be a fashion or a personal or even a comfort-based choice for me. Why? Because I’m not a Victoria’s Secret model meaning my cups, or rather my girls, will not be runneth over, rather they’ll be staying put, pulled up and hoisted like a weightless suspension bridge, (albeit a very small one) and encased in a decent, form-fitting brassier.

Hairstylists going the extra mile to help clients My eldest daughter has been working in the hair and beauty business for over twenty years, and it’s one hundred percent true when I tell you that many of her clients are ladies who’ve been with her since she began her career as a trainee at one of Ireland’s well-known salons. The reason for this, I believe, is not just because she’s a first class stylist and aesthetic practitioner, (which she is), but because she’s a good listener, and she’s also got a remarkably calm, cool head on her shoulders. While I believe my daughter is phenomenal, it’s also a fact that most people who work in the beauty industry are also exceptional. In fact, these men and women are such good listeners, their clients could nearly put them on a par with professionally trained therapists. It’s for this reason I was delighted to hear that last month, hairstylists across Ireland have been taking part in what’s known as ‘anti-domestic violence training’ in a bid to help them identify any warning signs visible in their clients; and offer them the help and support they so richly deserve. Well done to every single one of you; it must be amazing to know you’re not only physically making clients feel better about their appearance, you’re also helping and supporting them emotionally. Thank you!

Leo Varadkar TD is the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Have Leo and Simon become slack, smug and arrogant? Former Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone seems to be a nice, decent soul. Indeed, when her wife Anne Louise Gilligan passed away in 2017 my heart went out to her, especially when she revealed “my entire life has changed, I will never be the same”. I know what it’s like to experience such intense heartbreak. That said, when it came to doing her job well as Minister, I think, and this is just my personal opinion, that Ms. Zappone was seriously lacking. For example, it was widely reported that this former Children’s Minister knew about the appalling situation relating to infants and small children at a chain of Dublin childcare facilities for “more than a year” before the scandal broke publicly. And don’t even get me started on the mother and baby homes atrocity! I’m

no fan of Ms. Zappone’s successor Roderic O’Gorman either, but you could say when the woman who said she “always felt that I was a bit of an accidental politician”, handed over the mantle to poor Rod, she certainly left things in a right mess. This leads me to her controversial ‘special envoy’ appointment. I don’t know about you readers, but it has always been my opinion that when hiring someone, they should be hired based on the fact there’s actually a position available – as in not a ‘makey-uppy’ one! They should also be hired based on their ability and past experience. Nobody should ever be hired on the basis they’ve got friends in high places…friends who are squandering hard-pressed taxpayers’ cash by paying them €15,000 a year; while at the same time hoping to hoodwink us

all into believing it’s money well spent on a so-called ‘national and international leader on human rights’. A bit of advice for Leo and Simon: When hiring someone for a job, even a ‘bogus’ one, do try and make sure you consider candidates based on their hard skills. These are the ones that indicate their mastery and their actual expertise to perform a series of tasks relevant to not just carrying out said job, but to completing it. Methinks Fine Gael has become slack, smug, arrogant and gloating, none of which are qualities we should accept in our leaders! This country deserves better; perhaps Leo and Simon, who apparently ‘accept responsibility’ for this massive muck-up should themselves be seeking alternative employment? Time to dust off the CVs lads!

TAKE A BREAK

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

NewsPeople

Did you hear the one about the engineer who wrote jokes? An Irishman who left the world of comedy stand-up for a career in engineering has had a ‘quick-fire comedy book’ published by a UK publisher. Twenty years ago, Diarmuid Collins was a stand-up comedian/comedy sketch artist. When he left those professions for a career in engineering, he had the foresight to document all his comedic efforts. Then, during the Covid-19 lockdown, Collins decided to compile the best of this material into a book. The result, ‘Incredulous Stewpidity’, is published by AuthorHouse UK. The book contains sketches, jokes and one-liners, intended to be taken up and read randomly for the reader with a few minutes to spare, and who would like escapism with some good old-fashioned silliness. It is also intended for speechwriters looking for one-liners to capture their audience.

“

Some sample jokes from the book: My uncle was once sentenced to 5 years in an all-female prison … he got 10 for good behaviour! My brother is a physicist. His girlfriend’s a biologist … If you ask me they’ve no chemistry! “People want a good joke to lift their moods, a good old one-liner to colour a conversation with friends or a comedy sketch to offer some escapism. “There is not a single person in today’s society who cannot benefit from tapping into their inner child who used to spend days laughing about and being silly. This book gives the reader the chance to reconnect with that lost silliness,” Collins says. * ‘Incredulous Stewpidity’ by Diarmuid Collins is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

In celebration of Aoife... at the Olympic Games

-Groucho Marx

It’s been a GOOD week for… Irish rowing, with Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy winning Olympic gold in the men’s lightweight double sculls final, and Aifric Keogh, Eimear Lambe, Fiona Murtagh and Emily Hegarty winning bronze in the Women’s Four Final The Covid-19 vaccination process, with thousands of people attending walk-in vaccination centres last weekend

The things people say…

“Those are my principles. If you don’t like them, I have others”

Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy

Roscommon minor footballers, who overcame an 11-point deficit on the way to beating Galway in Saturday’s Connacht Minor Football semi-final in Tuam

It’s been a BAD week for…

The British & Irish Lions, who were decisively beaten in their second test with South Africa (third and deciding test is this weekend)

video on See our special tributeube channel! uT Roscommon People Yo

Simon Coveney, with the Minister for Foreign Affairs giving a testy and unconvincing interview to RTE’s Bryan Dobson on the subject of the controversial appointment of ex-minister Katherine Zappone to a UN post… Fans of Celtic FC, as the Glasgow club with the huge Irish following began the new Scottish Premiership campaign with a shock 2-1 defeat to Hearts, their first openingday loss in 24 years

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Famous birthdays ... this week

Pictured at Strokestown House on Saturday for the sod-turning of the €5 million National Famine Museum project with Minister Heather Humphreys (centre) were members of Strokestown Town Team – Jonathan Cassidy, Regina Murray, Shane Lynskey and John O’Driscoll.

Robin van Persie (Retired Dutch footballer, now a coach, starred as a player with Arsenal and Manchester United, 38 on Friday)

Charlize Theron (Acclaimed actress and producer, 46 on Saturday)

Geri Halliwell (Singer, actress, author, best known as one of the ‘Spice Girls’, 49 on Friday)

Roger Federer (Swiss professional tennis player, winner of 20 career Grand Slams, 40 on Sunday)

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

NewsPeople

Pictured at Strokestown House on Saturday for the sod-turning of the €5 million National Famine Museum project were Cllr. Joe Murphy (Cathaoirleach, Roscommon Co. Council), Jim Callery (Westward Holdings), Shane Lynskey (Strokestown Town Team), Minister Heather Humphreys, Mark McGovern (Manager, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Fáilte Ireland), Eugene Cummins (CEO, Roscommon Co. Council), John O’Driscoll (General Manager, Strokestown House) and Anne O’Donoghue (CEO, Irish Heritage Trust).

€5m National Famine Museum project in Strokestown ‘will bring over 50,000 more visitors to area’ < PAUL HEALY

The sod was turned last Saturday on an exciting €5 million project which will ensure the development of the Famine Museum at Strokestown Park House into a world class national museum. Saturday’s ceremony represented a formal commencement of the project by Fáilte Ireland and the Irish Heritage Trust. The National Famine Museum will tell the story of the Great Hunger in an engaging and respectful way and Fáilte Ireland predicts it will bring over 50,000 more visitors and €13.2 million in additional revenue to the area over the next five years. In addition, a new visitor centre and café will also be developed, transforming the estate into a sustainable heritage visitor attraction. The project is due to be completed in 2022. Welcoming the commencement of construction, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin TD said: “The new National Famine Museum will be the first museum dedicated to telling the story of the Great Hunger/An Górta Mór. This hugely tragic and significant period in Irish history is not only of importance to Irish citizens, but to overseas visitors as well, allowing them to learn more about our rich and storied past. The Government is pleased to support the development of this new museum, which will add to Ireland’s tourism attraction portfolio and stimulate jobs in the region”. Speaking at the sod-turning event on Saturday, Minister of Social Protection, Community, Rural Development Justice Heather Humphreys TD said: “This capital project is a major boost for Roscommon and I am delighted to be here to mark this milestone for the region. It is encouraging to see how Strokestown Park’s new, state-ofthe-art National Famine Museum and Visitor Centre will positively impact the community and support the local economy in the near future”.

The National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park House and Gardens was awarded €3.75 million under Fáilte Ireland’s Grants Scheme for Large Tourism Projects 2016-2020.

The total project cost, including €1.25 million funding from the owners of Strokestown Park House, Westward Holdings Ltd., in partnership with the Irish Heritage Trust, will be €5 million.

Fáilte Ireland’s Head of Product Development-Attractions, Mary Stack, added: “Developing must-visit attractions for domestic and international visitors is a key part of our recovery

Pictured at Strokestown House on Saturday for the sod-turning of the €5 million National Famine Museum project were Madeleine Taylor-Quinn (Chairperson of the Project Steering Group, Irish Heritage Trust), Minister Frank Feighan, Minister Heather Humphreys, Jim Callery (Westward Holdings), Mary Stack (Fáilte Ireland) and Senator Aisling Dolan.

post-Covid. Fáilte Ireland is committed to developing world class attractions around Ireland, particularly in regional locations. The new National Famine Museum in the beautiful setting of Strokestown Park House and Gardens will offer a unique insight into this part of our history and it will appeal to what our core markets are actively looking for; immersive experiences that bring to life stories that have shaped Ireland’s heritage and culture. This is our largest investment in a visitor attraction in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands in the last ten years”. Anne O’Donoghue, CEO of the Irish Heritage Trust, said: “We are delighted to reach this stage of the €5 million capital programme transforming Strokestown Park’s National Famine Museum into a world class heritage tourist attraction of national and international importance. We are immensely grateful to Fáilte Ireland, and Westward Holdings Ltd., for partnering us on this exciting journey and we would also like to acknowledge the ongoing support for Strokestown Park from Roscommon County Council and the surrounding community in Strokestown”.

‘Realising Jim’s vision’

The Famine Museum in Strokestown Park House and Gardens in Co. Roscommon is set to be redeveloped into a world class mustvisit national museum. Pictured at Strokestown House on Saturday for the sod-turning of the €5 million project were Claire McGrath (Chairperson, Irish Heritage Trust), Mary Stack (Fáilte Ireland), Minister Heather Humphreys and Jim Callery (Westward Holdings).

Patrick Kenny of Westward Holdings Ltd. commented: “It is wonderful to bring this exciting project to fruition with our strategic partner the Irish Heritage Trust. Strokestown Park and the National Famine Museum are central to the telling of the story of the Great Irish Famine, and by bringing stories from the Strokestown Archives to the widest possible audience, we are continuing to realise the vision of Jim Callery who saved this wonderful property and its Archive in 1979”.

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

8-page Special Souvenir Edition

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

Roscommon Underage Football Special Best of luck to both Roscommon teams and management from all at

Final focus!

St. Joseph’s GAA Club Minors aim to finish the job against Sligo Best of luck to both teams from

Electric Ireland Connacht Minor (U-17) Championship Final:

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Patrick J. Nugent

< SEAMUS DUKE

The biggest problem that the Roscommon minor football management team will have this week is to get the panel of players to try to put last weekend’s sensational win against Galway out of their minds, and given the nature of that win it won’t be an easy task. But the reality of the situation is that although it might go down as one of the best victories by a Roscommon team in many years, it was only a Connacht semi-final and it will count for nothing if they don’t go out and win the Connacht title on Friday night. Excellent wins against Mayo and Galway will give Roscommon momentum no doubt but if

there is any complacency against Sligo it could be very costly indeed. The fact that Roscommon have overcome Mayo and Galway to reach this Connacht final will make them overwhelming favourites to win the title on home soil. The biggest enemy is complacency and it will not be easy to get these young players to concentrate on the job in hand on Friday night. When the Roscommon attack got going last weekend they were very impressive and there is plenty of firepower there to get the matchwinning scores. Shane Walsh and DJ Hession will have to win the midfield battle and if they can secure enough possession then the likes of Ryan Conlon, Bobby Nugent, Robert

Minor facts…

Increased support! A capacity of 1,500 has been set for Friday’s Connacht Minor Football Final at Dr. Hyde Park. Tickets went on sale on Tuesday afternoon and the game is expected to be a sell-out.

They’ve got previous! Roscommon will play Sligo in the second provincial minor final between the sides in less than eight months. Roscommon defeated Sligo in the 2020 final in Ballyhaunis on St. Stephen’s Day by 1-5 to 1-2.

Roll of honour… Roscommon have won 14 Connacht

Heneghan and Shane McGinley can get the required scores. Sligo have a number of excellent players, not least Luke Marren who scored 0-9 against Leitrim from play and frees, and midfielder Ross Doherty who weighed in with two fine goals in the semi-final. However if Roscommon can make a good start and get their attackers into the match early it would be a shock if Sligo were to win this final at Dr Hyde Park. I fully realise that at this level dealing with young players, anything can happen on the day, but Roscommon should have enough in the tank to win another U-17 title. Prediction: Roscommon. titles at minor level and have been runners-up on no less than 25 occasions. Roscommon have won four All-Ireland titles and have been beaten in four finals. Meanwhile, Sligo have won only two Connacht titles, 1949 and 1968, and they have been beaten in 14 finals. Sligo have not tasted All-Ireland success but have been beaten in one final (1968).

Oh brother! Shane Walsh, the Roscommon midfielder from Oran, will be hoping to get the weekend off to a great start in the Walsh household as his brother Colin is the captain of the Roscommon U-20 team who face Down in the AllIreland semi-final on Saturday evening.

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Fans pictured at the recent Roscommon-Mayo Connacht Minor Football Championship quarter-final. Picture: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

Roscommon Underage Football Special Best of luck to both teams from all at

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Nugent: ‘We’ve nothing won yet!’ Action from Roscommon’s recent Electric Ireland Connacht Minor Football Championship quarter-final win over Mayo. Pic: Mick McCormack

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Speaking to the Roscommon manager Enda Nugent this week, it’s clear that he knows well that his players must not take Sligo for granted in this Friday’s Connacht final showdown. “Last Saturday night’s win against Galway was great and we were all on a high but we have to get down from that very quickly this week. We have a lot of work to do and we have loads to get right after the semi-final”, he said. “We saw Sligo play against Leitrim in their semi-final and they are a good side. They put up a big score (2-18) and they have

some excellent forwards. They will come to Hyde Park well motivated, and remember that this is their second Connacht final in a row and they won’t want to lose another final to Roscommon, so we will have to be very careful”. Nugent knows that despite beating both Mayo and Galway so far in this championship, those results will count for nothing unless silverware is secured this Friday night. “The wins against Mayo and Galway were great but we are only in the final and we have nothing won at all yet. “We have loads to work on after the Galway match. In the first half

we struggled at midfield against a very strong pairing and our kickouts were not working at all. We needed more options in that regard. Thankfully, we played so much better in the second half but we cannot afford to make such a slow start against Sligo,” he said. The Roscommon manager has been quick to praise his entire panel and says the hard work behind the scenes at underage level in the county is starting to bear fruit. “We have a great panel of 39 players and this team is the product of all the great work that is going on in the county at U-14 and U-15 level and all the great work being done by the likes of Padraig

Mitchell and Sean Kilbride over the years. It’s paying dividends now,” he added. Friday night represents a wonderful opportunity to win a Connacht title and Nugent knows it will require a fully focussed effort. “We will have a look at the squad later in the week but as far as I can see we have no injuries at this stage so the team will probably be along the same lines as lined out in our recent championship matches. “It would be fantastic for this set of players to win a Connacht title but we will be looking for a 60-minute performance this time and unless we get that we will be in trouble,” he concluded.

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Fans pictured at the recent Roscommon-Mayo Connacht Minor Football Championship quarter-final. Picture: Mick McCormack

It’s all cool: Ethan O’Reilly and DJ Hession pictured enjoying an ice cream cone on the way home after playing two games over the one weekend recently. The lads played with the county minor footballers against Mayo on the Friday, and in the U-17 Celtic Challenge John Scott Final between Fermanagh and Tyrone on the Saturday.

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Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

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Shane McGinley in action during Roscommon’s Electric Ireland Connacht Minor Football Championship Quarter-Final win over Mayo. The young Rossies also put Galway to the sword following a superb comeback win in last Saturday’s semi-final at Tuam Stadium. Pic: Mick McCormack

three Roscommon points before half-time

Electric Ireland pletely different team after the break. from Bobby Nugent (a mark and a free) and Breakfast 7.00am – 12 Having been listless and second best in al- Ryan Conlon, were to prove crucial. Connacht Minor Football most every position in the opening 30 minThe transformation was initiated by a utes, Roscommon were now first to every much tighter defensive performance and Championship Semi-Final tigerish in & the tackle and sharp up the scores began to come. Five points on Connaught Finalball,BBQ Carvery from 12

front. Players like Colm Neary, Eden Ker- the spin from Nugent (three frees), Shane ins, Shane Walsh, Robert Heneghan, Ryan Walsh and DJ Hession saw the lead pared Conlon and Bobby Nugent emerged from back to four by the 45th minutes and now their slumber as they set about reeling in the it was game on. Tribesmen. The small but vociferous RoRoscommon were even hit by a black card < SEAMUS DUKE scommon following roared their approval. given to James McGreal in the 43rd minute It was a scarcely believable transformation. but it didn’t seem to matter as Enda NuRoscommon’s minor footballers staged an Roscommon had actually started the gent’s team drove on. astonishing comeback at Tuam Stadium on game well. Ryan Conlon could have had a Then the goal that one felt Roscommon Saturday night last, wiping out an eleven- goal after just ten seconds but his shot was needed arrived in the 47th minute – and point deficit to pip Galway by a point, thus saved by the Galway goalkeeper, Eamon what a goal it was. A superb exchange of reaching the Connacht final against Sligo McGrath, at the expense of a point. Indeed, passes between Robert Heneghan and sub this weekend. Conlon was in again after only two minutes Rory Hester ended with Heneghan crashing In over 30 years covering Roscommon but McGrath denied him once more at the a piledriver to the roof of the Galway net. GAA matches this was up there with the expense of a ’45. Galway did lift the siege with two points most incredible transformation this writer With Daithi Kilcommins and Hugh Gavin from Birmingham by the 50th minute but has seen from any team at inter-county in control at midfield, Galway took over Roscommon now had the bit between their level. completely and Roscommon were soon teeth. Walsh kicked a mighty point in the After 26 minutes, Roscommon trailed by chasing shadows. Galway’s first goal ar- 54th minute and as the game slipped into 2-8 to 0-3 and looked like they were head- rived in the 19th minute when Sean Bir- injury-time, Nugent pointed twice (one ing for a thrashing at the hands of a rampant mingham tapped in at the far post after a free) to tie up the scores (1-14 to 2-11). ATHLONE ROAD, ROSCOMMON Nugent wasn’t finished yet and he kicked home side. Three points before half-time great pass from Niall Mannion, and four were a boost, but it still looked an imposminutes later, Eanna Monaghan, who was a wonderful lead point in the 62nd minute, 09066 37644; hannonshotel@gmail.com; www.hannonshotel.com sible task for the Primrose and Blue in the giving the Roscommon defence a torrid and when Walsh followed up a minute later second half. They were out of form and a time, blasted home a brilliant second goal. with another cracker, the comeback was shadow of the side that had played so well By the 26th minute it looked like Roscom- complete. against Mayo the previous week. mon’s great win against Mayo the previous There was further late drama when GalThere were no changes in personnel at week would count for nothing. But those way were awarded a close-range free in

Roscommon 1-16 Galway 2-12

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the dying seconds but Eanna Monaghan’s well-struck shot flew over the bar (rather than under) and it was all over. Roscommon followers, officials and anyone there on the night raced on to the field to hail the young heroes, hardly believing what they had just seen. Now the big challenge for the Roscommon management will be to bring these players down to earth for the final. It will not be an easy task. Roscommon: Sean Kelly; Daniel Casey, James Brady, Eden Kerins; James McGreal, Ethan O’Reilly, Colm Neary; Shane Walsh (0-3), DJ Hession (0-1); Senan Lambe, Ryan Conlon (0-2), Oisin O’Flaherty; Robert Heneghan (1-0), Shane McGinley (0-1, ’45), Bobby Nugent (0-9, 6 frees, one mark). Subs: Rory Hester for McGinley (40), Niall O’Donnell for O’Flaherty (61). Galway: Eamon McGrath; Luc O’Connor; Jack Connolly, Darragh Jennings; Jack Folan (0-1), Jack Ramsey, Cormac Greaney (0-1); Daithi Kilcommins, Hugh Gavin; Glenn Kelly, Jack Nolan (0-2, 1 free), Jack Lonergan; Eanna Monaghan (1-4, 2 frees, 1 mark), Sean Birmingham (1-4, 2 frees), Niall Mannion. Subs: Colm Costello for Kelly (36), Ryan Kavanagh for Kilcommins (43), Darragh Lyons for Mannion (43), Eoin Brady for Jennings (53), Niall McGaurtan for Greaney (57).

Roscommon Minor manager, Enda Nugent, was a very happy man at the full-time whistle in Tuam on Friday last as his charges overturned an eleven-point deficit to reach the Connacht final at the expense of Galway. Nugent said the team spirit within the panel had played a huge role in rescuing victory from the jaws of defeat. “The 39 lads we have on our panel was the rea-

son we were able to pull that win out of the fire tonight. There is huge pressure on the starting 15 at training and that is driving them on. “At half-time we told them to believe in themselves and to believe that they are a team that is never beaten. We told them to keep chipping away and not to panic. They kept at it and the spirit that they have is just incredible. “We seemed to lose the midfield exchanges in

the second quarter and we lost a succession of kick-outs when they had us under the cosh. We just couldn’t seem to get out of our half and their ball in (to their attack) was very good and they got a run on our defenders and we couldn’t seem to put our finger in the dyke. But we got a couple of points before halftime and that gave us something to build on,” he said. Roscommon can now look forward with con-

fidence to Friday night’s Connacht final against Sligo. “Our players are used to being under pressure and they were great in the second half,” Nugent said. “Sligo are in their second Connacht final in a row and we have seen them play. They are a good side and we will have to play like we did in the second half (on Friday night last) to be in with a chance. I am so proud of the players tonight”.

Strokestown GAASUNDAY, Club 20 Best of luck to both teams from

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JUNE

MURPHY CATHAOIRLEACH ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Tel: 0861052197 Best of luck to both teams

RESTAURANT & TAKE AWAY Castle Street. Roscommon. Tel. (090) 66 30503 BUSINESS AS USUAL

Referee: Michael McGirl (Leitrim). Best of luck to Enda Crawley, Jason Doory (Under 20s) and Aonghus McDonagh and James McGreal (Minors) from all at

Nugent: ‘Team spirit brought us back!’ < SEAMUS DUKE

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TheHollywoodbarroscommon The Roscommon Minors have beaten Mayo and Galway en route to an Electric Ireland Connacht Football Championship Final showdown with Sligo this Friday night at Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Contact: JP on 087 1336684

áil

Eugene

Murphy 22

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

Solutions for Rural Ireland

Roscommon Underage Football Special

committed to helping to e the quality of life for in rural Ireland which has been left behind- we need d a future where people e, work and enjoy the many ts of rural living”

ne Murphy

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Semi-final

Best of luck to both teams from

Senator An Ireland

for all Eugene Murphy Constituency Offices:

Fighting back on Market Square, Ballinasloe, Roscommon Town Galway behalf ofRoscommon the people of Co. Co. 087 435 3834  090 662 5722 Roscommon/Galway

MOBILE: 087 1668775  eugene.murphy@oireachtas.ie

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

Best of luck to both teams from

U-20s face stern Mourne test this Saturday night Eirgrid All-Ireland U-20 Football Championship Semi-Final:

Roscommon v Down at Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan on Saturday at 7 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

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Best wishes to the Roscommon Under 17 and Roscommon Under 20 teams from

Tulsk Lord Edwards

The big games keep coming for Roscommon’s underage footballers and after excellent wins against Leitrim, Sligo, and Mayo in the Connacht final, Liam Tully’s U-20 team face Down in the All-Ireland semi-final this Saturday night in what should be a mouth-watering fixture. In recent years it is very unusual to see a major All-Ireland championship without Dublin, Kerry or Tyrone involved in the latter stages. The provincial wins for Cork, Offaly, Down and Roscommon has brought a freshness to the U-20 championship this year, and with Offaly already in the final, there will be a unique pairing in the decider regardless of who wins in Breffni Park. Down came through an emotional Ulster final last Friday night after a fierce battle against Monaghan which included two peri-

ods of extra-time. Given the recent tragic death of Monaghan captain, Brendan Óg Ó Dufaigh, it was probably inevitable that the Farney youngsters were going to run out of steam, but that still does not take away from an impressive Down performance as they scored a total of 3-15 on the night. The Mourne youngsters have some excellent performers, particularly up front, such as Ruairi O’Hare – who scored 1-2 against Monaghan in a man of the match performance – but it is the Down defence that was most impressive with Ryan Magill and Anthony Morgan outstanding. Roscommon will also have to deal with Charlie Smith, the Down goalkeeper who spends more time up the field than he does on his line joining in the play frequently and spraying accurate passes around the field. But Roscommon will

Action from the recent Eirgrid Connacht U-20 Football Championship Final between Roscommon and Mayo at MacHale Park, Castlebar. Pic: Mick McCormack

be ready for a huge challenge and the players have passed every test that they have been set so far. Goalkeeper Conor Carroll and has been a steadying influence on his defence this year with some great saves and intelligent distribution. Captain Colin Walsh is

the leader of the defence through injury will weaken and the Oran man will the half-back line but the have to be at his very best likes of Thomas Crean, again on Saturday. Conor Patrick Gavin, Jack LoLohan and Dylan Gaughan han and Sean Trundle will have been excellent in the all be in with a shout for a corner-back positions and starting place. they will have to rise to the St. Dominic’s’ Keith challenge of marshalling a Doyle is having a great very fast Down inside line. Roscommon-Galway year in the middle Constituency of the The loss of Cian Glennon field and he will be joined

Confidence high as Murph U-20s prepare for Down Vótáil

Eugene

Real Solutions for Rural Ireland

Please ring the Constituency Office in advance to make an appointment, tel: 090 66 28479 or email michael.fitzmaurice@oireachtas.ie Best of luck to both Roscommon teams and management from

Michael

Fitzmaurice TD Mobile:

086 1914565 Michael.Fitzmaurice@Oireachtas.ie

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Roscommon U-20s manager, Liam Tully, knows what to expect from Down when the sides meet this weekend. Both he and his selectors were at last Friday’s Ulster final between the Mourne side and Monaghan and there was plenty of food for thought on the drive home. “I was very impressed with Down; they are fast, athletic and a very skilful team. They are well drilled and they move the ball quickly. It will be a tough challenge for us but we have been preparing well and the lads are really looking forward to the

match,” he said. The Kilbride man says that there is a good buzz in the Roscommon camp after that excellent win against Mayo in the Connacht final. “The lads are all in a very positive frame of mind. Unfortunately, we will be without Cian Glennon who is injured, but everyone else is fine. We will be training this week and we are going to the minor final in Hyde Park on Friday night,” he added. Liam knows that his side will have to perform at a very high level to win: “We started slowly against Mayo but we need to play well all through against

Down. We need to compete well all over the field and hopefully we can come up with a big performance”. The Roscommon manager is well aware of the prize that awaits if Roscommon can win this Saturday. “The incentive is huge. It would be brilliant to get to an All-Ireland final and if we can get our attitude right and produce a good display all around the field we will not be far away,” he said. It has been a great year for Roscommon underage football and Liam says he has been hugely impressed by the minor team and management.

“I am committed to helping to

improve with the quality of life for We are lucky “I was so thrilled great guys. people in rural Ireland which has the (minor) win against in Roscommon to have largely been left behind- we need Galway and tothe them people and I wish them all build mana future where can live,about. work and enjoy many ner of how it came the the luck in the Connacht benefits of rural living” They are a super team final on Friday night,” he and the management are concluded. Eugene Murphy

An Irel fo

Best of luck to the Roscommon teams and management No 2: Orla Leyden

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Constituency Offices:

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Market Square, Roscommon Town Co. Roscommon

 071 963 3000

 090 662 5722

Cllr Marty McDermott

B C

 0

 eugene.murphy@oireachtas.ie

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

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Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

Roscommon Underage Football Special

show-Down! Memories of ’78!

al Saturday’s All-Ireland U-20 semi-fin revive will n Dow and between Roscommon the een betw h clas r -fou last the memories of was al two counties in 1978. That semi-fin Hyde Park played on September 10th at Dr. day. dy win and wet on what was a very very a in 0-7 to 0-8 by won Roscommon ett was Emm ry Ger ch. mat ring -sco low tight, ing four scor day the the Roscommon hero on side an’s egh Hen Tom points from play as y, which qualified for the final against Kerr 1-8. they also won by a point, 1-9 to

by Ronan Garvin or Ruaidhri Fallon. As is always the case, the midfield battle will be key. Roscommon have been doing very well up front and team management will be anxious to get the ball into the attack as quickly as possible. James Fitzpatrick, Daire Cregg, Robbie Dolan, Darragh Heneghan, Ben O’Carroll, Adam McDermott and Jason Doory are all top-class finishers and they have all improved as the year has progressed. Down have a superb record at all levels of football when they get to the All-Ireland stage, and with Offaly waiting for the winners there is a chance for

both sides to set up what would be a unique and novel All-Ireland final. The Ulster side will provide serious opposition for Roscommon on Saturday night and if the young Rossies are to win they will need a really top class performance, even better than the one we saw against Mayo in Castlebar. A slow start will be punished by Down this weekend. If Roscommon can get ball into their forwards there is plenty of firepower there to win this semi-final and set up an All-Ireland final against the Faithful County. Prediction: Roscommon.

Wishing both teams the best of luck.

Thomas A

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Best of luck to both teams from

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Action from the recent Eirgrid Connacht U-20 Football Championship Final between Roscommon and Mayo at MacHale Park, Castlebar. Pic: Mick McCormack

things about Roscommon and Down… The fly-goalie Down goalkeeper, Charlie Smith, spends almost as much of the game out the field as he does on his goalline. It’s a feature of the Down play to see Smith linking defence and attack, and not only does he carry the ball out the field but he takes a return pass too. He is also a very good free-taker.

High-profile bench

The Down team are managed by former star forward Conor Laverty and included in his backroom team are former AFL

and Down star Marty Clarke and legendary former Meath manager Sean Boylan.

Let the record show…

Roscommon have won two U-20 (formerly U-21) All-Ireland titles, in 1966 and 1978, and they have lost five finals...in 1969, 1982, 2012 and 2014. Down won their only U-21 title in 1979 and they were beaten finalists in 1977, 2005 and 2009. Offaly await the winners of the semi-final. They defeated Cork in the other semi-final last weekend.

Best of luck to Rory Carthy, Ryan Conlon, DJ Hession, Senan Lambe and Ethan O’Reilly from all at

Roscommon Gaels GAA Club Best wishes to Ronan Garvan and David Wynne from all at

Ballinameen GAA

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Strokestown, Co. Roscommon Roscommon players and management celebrate following the recent Eirgrid Connacht U-20 Football Championship Final win over Mayo at MacHale Park, Castlebar. Pic: Mick McCormack

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Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

Roscommon Underage Football Special

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AMV: ¤000,000

Manager: Liam Tully Selectors: Dermot Lyons, Jonny Dunning, Peter Carney

Manager: Enda Nugent Selectors: James Duignan, Ciaran McGreal, Padraic Mitchell ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, S&C: COUNTY, Gary Flannery TOWN, POSTCODE  Property 5 key feature 1  Property 5 key feature 2  Property 5 key feature 3

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE Property 4 key feature 1 be business member aProperty 4 key feature 2  Property 4 key feature 3

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 6 key feature 1  Property 6 key feature 2  Property 6 key feature 3

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 7 key feature 1  Property 7 key feature 2  Property 7 key feature 3

rs! e y u b e v a h We 090 66 30001

AMV: ¤000,000 AMV: ¤000,000 Auctioneers, Valuers & Estate AgentsAMV: ¤000,000 Thinking of selling?

www.reacarthy.ie

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 8 key feature 1 S&C: Shane McDermott  Property 8 key feature 2  Property 8 key feature 3

AMV: ¤000,000

PSRA Licence No: 002782

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

PropertyPeople

PROPERTY PARTNERS

ipav

Institute of Professional Auctioneer & Valuers

PSRA Licence No. 001481

EARLEY

FOR SALE

FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY OR AUCTION LATER

SUPERIOR FARM LANDS & 3 BEDROOMED RESIDENCE ON 62.5 ACRES approx. LOCATED AT

CLOONART BEG, TULSK, CO. ROSCOMMON F45 Y621 (Being The Estate Of The Late Peter & Nancy McDermott Deceased)

Property Partners Earley are delighted to bring this renowned farm to the market Approx. 62.5 acres with 3 bedroom bungalow residence and farm buildings Located on the outskirts of Tulsk Village (N5) on the Strokestown route A roadside farm of prime quality agricultural lands regarded for their fattening and finishing qualities, serviced by the public road on 3 sides. Farm buildings set to rear comprising of a 3 bay haybarn with lean to style building off, yard and storage shed also old stone residence in derelict condition set to side. Services: Water, ESB and septic tank. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire one of the leading farms in the Tulsk region Standing on the said farm is a compact 3 bedroom bungalow residence in good liveable condition Note: Lands and Residence can be sold independently. Legal: Padraig Kelly Solicitors Farnbeg Strokestown Tel: 071 96 33666 The auctioneer now invites all immediate viewings and all offers to sell

NEW TO THE MARKET A QUALITY 4/5 BEDROOMED DETACHED TWO STOREY RESIDENCE LOCATED AT

12 THE PADDOCKS, ATHLEAGUE, ROSCOMMON F45 D317 AMV €225,000

The property is presented in immaculate, turnkey condition and tastefully decorated throughout. Extending to approx. 1,408 sq. ft., living accommodation of the ground floor is comprised of an entrance hall, living room, kitchen, dining room, utility and W.C. Proceeding to the first floor is a landing, main bathroom and 4 bedrooms – 2 of which feature en-suites. Certified with a C1 BER Certificate, the property is heated via oil fired central heating and a solid fuel insert stove with feature fireplace in the living room. Double glazed windows feature throughout. To the rear of the property is a beautiful, mature garden with paved patio area, manicured lawn and an array of shrubs and flowers. Ample off street parking is available to the front on the tarmac driveway which also features a small manicured lawn and mature shrubs. There is gated side access both sides of the property. The auctioneer now invites all immediate viewings and all offers to sell

NEW TO THE MARKET A QUALITY 3 BEDROOMED RESIDENCE WITH GARAGE LOCATED AT

NO 4 LISROYNE OAKS STROKESTOWN CO. ROSCOMMON F42 RR68 AMV €150,000

The property is presented in very good condition having undergone renovations including new fitted kitchen units, new tiling and a new boiler and oil tank. Living accommodation is comprised of an entrance hall, living room, kitchen/dining room, utility, W.C. and garage. Proceeding to the first floor is a landing, main bathroom and 3 bedrooms – master of which features an en-suite Certified with a D1 BER Certificate, the property is heated via oil fired central heating and a solid fuel feature fireplace in the living room. Double glazed windows feature throughout. To the rear of the property is a West facing garden which is fully landscaped. A tarmac driveway to the front offers off street parking. Legal: David Murphy, Patrick Noonan & Company 046 943 2107 The auctioneer now invites all immediate viewings and all offers to sell

Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon Email: jearley@propertypartners.ie www.propertypartners.ie Tel: (090) 6626579 / 6626796 Fax: (090) 6625405

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

PropertyPeople SALE TYPE TAGLINE

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

SEAMUS CARTHY

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

Offers in excess of €60,000 now invited.

FINAL OFFERS INVITED

SEAMUS CARTHY

FINAL OFFERS INVITED

Site at TYPE Antogher Road, Roscommon Town SALE TYPE TAGLINE SALE TYPE TAGLINE SALE TAGLINE FINAL OFFERS INVITED ADDRESS FINAL OFFERS INVITED LOCALITY, STREET NAME, ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, Site at Castle Avenue, Castle Street, Roscommon Town TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE

OFFERS INVITED ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE SITE AT SITE AT Knockroe, F45 DF72  Castlerea,  Property 2 key feature 1  Property 3 key feature 1  Property 1 key feature 1 Property 4 keyRoscommon feature 1 Avenue, Castle Street, Roscommon Town Attractive 3 BedroomBungalow a prime  Property  Property 1Antogher key feature 2Road, Roscommon Town  Property 2 key featureCastle 2 3 key feature 2 Property 4set keyonfeature 2 elevated site in the sought Amost select plotfeature of land3 containing 0.107 Hectare/.26 Acre situated2 key feature Select Bed 1253 Sq.M Detached after location of Knockroe, Castlerea Town. This  Property  Property  3Property Property 1 key 3 .054 Hectare Site with F.P.P for key feature 3 4 key feature 3 most select bungalow within walking distance to all amenities. The said lands are zoned Bungalow set in a most wonderful location overlooking Roscommon is completely refurbished to include external insulation. Comprising of AMV: ¤000,000 AMV: ¤000,000 AMV: ¤000,000 AMV: ¤000,000 residential offering potential for a single dwelling. Castle in the heart of Roscommon Town. Living room, Dining room, Kitchen, 3 Bedrooms and a Bathroom. Large garden to rear with separate access. Enquiries now invited. Offers in excess of €60,000 now invited. Offers in excess of €60,000 nowTYPE invited.TAGLINE SALE TYPE TAGLINE SALE TYPE TAGLINE SALE SALE TYPE TAGLINE Guide Price: €160,000 SALE TYPE TAGLINE

A most select plot of land containing 0.107 Hectare/.26 Acre situated walking all Detached Bungalow set in a most wonde Select .054 Hectare Sitewithin with F.P.P for 3distance Bed 125to Sq.M amenities. The said lands are zoned residentiallocation offeringoverlooking potential forRoscommon a single dwelling. Castle in the heart of Roscommon Town.

 Property 1 key feature 1  Property 1 key feature 2  Property 1 key feature 3

AMV: ¤000,000

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 5 key feature 1  Property 5 key feature 2  Property 5 key feature 3

AMV: ¤000,000

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 2 key feature 1  Property 2 key feature 2  Property 2 key feature 3

AMV: ¤000,000

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 6 key feature 1  Property 6 key feature 2  Property 6 key feature 3

AMV: ¤000,000

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 3 key feature 1  Property 3 key feature 2  Property 3 key feature 3

AMV: ¤000,000

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 6 key feature 1  Property 6 key feature 2  Property 6 key feature 3

AMV: ¤000,000

TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 7 key feature 1  Property 7 key feature 2  Property 7 key feature 3

Earley’s close sale of former OFFERS INVITED FINAL OFFERS INVITED schoolhouse residence in Strokestown AMV: ¤000,000

AMV: ¤000,000

SALE TYPE TAGLINE

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 7 key feature 1  Property 7 key feature 2  Property 7 key feature 3

Offers in excess of €60,000 now invited. www.reacarthy.ie Offers in excess of €60,000 now invited. ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 5 key feature 1  Property 5 key feature 2  Property 5 key feature 3

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 4 key feature 1  Property 4 key feature 2  Property 4 key feature 3

ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 8 key feature 1  Property 8 key feature 2  Property 8 key feature 3

AMV: ¤000,000

090 66 30001

AMV: ¤000,000

PSRA Licence No: 002782 ADDRESS LOCALITY, STREET NAME, TOWN, COUNTY, POSTCODE  Property 8 key feature 1  Property 8 key feature 2  Property 8 key feature 3

AMV: ¤000,000

Knockroe,www.reacarthy.ie Castlerea, Roscommon, F45 DF72 This week, John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners 090 66 30001 Site at Castle Avenue, Castle Street, Roscommon Town Earley is pleased to advise that he has closed the sale of a most attractive, two-bedroomed, former schoolhouse Attractive 3 Bedroom Bungalow set on a prime elevated site in the sought after location of residence, located at Carniska, Strokestown, Co. RoscomSelect .054 Site with F.P.P for 3 Bed 125 Sq.M Detached Bungalow setmost in a most wonderful mon, which wasHectare sold by online auction. Knockroe, Castlerea Town. This bungalow is family completely include Picturedrefurbished is a two-bedroomedto residence in exte Picturedselect is a quality, four-bedroomed John described the property as, “a most attractive twoBaylough, Athlone, which was recently sold home on Golf Links Road, which was recently location overlooking Roscommon Castle in the heart of Roscommon Town. bedroomed residence with a lot of character”. by REA Seamus Carthy. sold by REA Seamus room, Carthy. Kitchen, 3 Bedrooms insulation. Comprising of Living room, Dining and a Bathroom. Large The former ‘Carnaska National School’ stands on a beautifully mature site area of approximately an acre. The garden to rear with separate access. Enquiries now invited. said property has been carefully redesigned as a family PSRA Licence No: 002782

residence, offering spacious living accommodation while maintaining many of its original charms and schoolhouse features throughout. Planning permission has also been granted for the installation of a new septic tank system”.

Earley’s close sale of waterside residential lands located at Lecarrow

REA Seamus Carthy’s sales of the week

REA Seamus Carthy are quality family homes and reacarthy.ie, phone 090 pleased to advise that they landholdings throughout 66 30001, or log on to have closed the sale of a the county”. reacarthy.ie. Alternatively, number of properties this Contact REA Seamus contact Seamus directly on week. Carthy via email at info@ 086 8035538. One such property was This week, John Earley holding of lands at Kiltensive frontage onto the erties in all areas for disap(FIPAV) of Property Part- more Avenue, Lecarrow, River Shannon pointed underbidders and a traditional three-bedners Earley is pleased to Co. Roscommon, F42 John described the prop- cash buyers. We welcome roomed, detached bunadvise that he has closed FF21. The lands contain erty as, “a prime waterside all submissions and offer a galow on circa 2.1 acres of land at Ballyglass in the sale of a most attrac- approximately 45.3 acres, residential holding of lands free appraisal service”. tive, waterside, residential and have valuable and exwith extensive frontage For further details or to Ballinagare, which also Offers in excess of €60,000 now invited. onto the famous River arrange a free consultation, boasted two traditional Shannon”. please contact John Earley stone outbuildings and a John further commented: (FIPAV) at Property Part- two-bay hay shed with en“We have experienced a ners Earley, Roscommon closed lean. Commenting very busy selling period on 090 66 26579, email on the sale, Seamus said: with quality properties at- jearley@propertypartners. “The said property setracting strong interest in ie or log on to proper- cured significant interest, resulting in very competiall areas. Due to demand, typartners.ie. tive bidding, ensuring we we are now seeking propKnockroe, Castlerea, Roscommon, F45 DF72 secured an excellent price Pictured is a four-bedroomed bungalow residence in Kilglass, for our clients. Seamus continued, say- which was recently sold by REA Seamus Carthy. Attractive 3 Bedroom Bungalow set on a prime elevated site in the sought aftering:location ofwe suc“Elsewhere, cessfully completed sales Knockroe, Castlerea Town. This most select bungalow is completely refurbishedof toresidential includeproperties external in Kilglass, Castlerea, - - - - - - - Advertorial - - - - - - - of Living insulation. Comprising room, room, Bathroom. Large and Roscommon residence at St Dining Ciaran’s Park, Ro- Kitchen, 3 Bedrooms and aAthlone Town, together with lands scommon, F42 KH27, for a very When itto comes selling separate property, satisfactory garden rearto with access.price. Enquiries now invited. sales in Fourmilehouse there is no substitute for experiand Lecarrow. Sean Naughton Auctioneers, Valuence. This week, Sean Naughton ers and Estate Agents are now in“The property market (MIPAV) of Sean Naughton Auc- viting anyone who is considering is extremely active, and tioneers, Valuers and Estate Agents buying, selling, renting or getting if you are considering is delighted to confirm that he has a valuation, to contact the office on selling in 2021, we now successfully completed the sale of 090 6625080/ 087 247948, or email have a substantial list of Pictured is a three-bedroomed, detached bungalow a two-bedroomed, semi-detached seannaughton@eircom.net. underbidders seeking residence at Ballyglass, Ballinagare, which was recently sold

OFFERS INVITED

Sean Naughton completes sale of twobedroomed residence in Roscommon

by REA Seamus Carthy.

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

PropertyPeople

‘Remote working is creating possibilities... this is a game-changer for rural Ireland’ Seamus Carthy celebrates 20 years in business < PAUL HEALY

ramed newspaper pages on the

wall of his office confirm that the milestone has indeed been reached. It’s been the proverbial ‘quick 20 years’. Time flies and all that. And it’s been an exciting journey, navigated through both choppy and calm waters. Seamus Carthy, a well-known community figure in Roscommon, is celebrating 20 years in the auctioneering business this week. On the 3rd of August 2001, Seamus opened his first premises, in Castlerea. The framed newspaper pages are a permanent record of that entrepreneurial leap. 20 years on, the company – now REA Seamus Carthy – is established as one of the leading auctioneers, estate agency & valuation practices in the region. Reminiscing this week about those early steps, Seamus recalled approaching Gretta Reilly, then owner of two adjoining shop units in Castlerea. Seamus, who had already gained valuable experience working with Harrington Bannon in Dublin, transformed one of Gretta’s units into a state-of-the-art office. Carthy Auctioneers was up and running. (While Seamus grew up in Roscommon town, the Carthy family always had an affinity with Castlerea. His father, also Seamus, is a Kilmurray native; his mother, Kathleen, hails from Tubbercurry). The new auctioneer received great support in Castlerea, a relationship that continues to flourish to this day. “We grew up in the days when Castlerea was referred to as ‘the crossroads of Connacht’” Seamus says now. By late 2014, it was clear that the time had come to expand. Seamus – who had aligned with REA in 2005 – opened an office in Roscommon Town in January 2015. “From a practical point of view, it made sense” he reflected this week. “I was married (to Maeve) and living in Roscommon, so by moving the office here I was better placed to juggle the demands of family life and children with the pressures of work. “A second reason (for the move) was the economic aspect...Roscom-

mon Town was thriving and there was strong demand for houses”. REA Carthy moved to its present location at Goff Street in May 2019. It’s a spacious, modern and central base, placing the company in the heart of the county town. Rebecca Finnerty & Company (Solicitors) is a valued ‘neighbour’ in the upstairs outlet. The Covid-19 pandemic, which created shockwaves for the economy and for society generally, has – ironically – begun to deliver huge dividends for rural Ireland. This is indisputable. Seamus Carthy: “Clearly the pandemic has taken a huge human toll in terms of people’s health, and has also impacted on family incomes. We are

“

“I’m passionate and excited about the future for Co. Roscommon”. Seamus Carthy pictured in the offices of REA Seamus Carthy at Goff Street, Roscommon.

Now people are out walking, jogging, cycling...there’s activity and momentum. It’s inspiring very, very conscious of that. “There has been a big negative side to this pandemic, but towns like Roscommon have flourished. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, people are now returning to Roscommon in big numbers. In lots of instances, couples who have two good jobs and who have links here are now returning to live in Roscommon. They are coming here for our quality of life, and because of the cost of living (relative to cities and other locations)”. Many of these people, he says, are making enquiries “in the upper end of the market”, with some homes in the county town selling for €400k-500k.

‘We have a super clientele’ After 20 years in business, Seamus Carthy is as motivated as ever by a job he loves. “I love what I do. I did learn something from the first lockdown, but now I’m delighted to be busy again. We have a super clientele, with great repeat business. I get very, very good job satisfaction. “We really genuinely love working with people and providing them with a professional service. Our online reviews tend to be very good, which is always heartening. There’s a buzz and satisfaction in getting the right price for a client, in getting the right property for people”.

On REA... “REA has 55 offices nationwide. I was on the board of REA for 10 years, and board chairperson for a year. So it’s been a very successful partnership. In many ways REA has been ahead of the curve... our online auction platform has been a great success. It ensures greater transparency than ever for the client”.

The second boost has been provided by people who don’t necessarily have family links to Roscommon. “The world has suddenly got smaller...we see a lot of people now moving to Roscommon for our quality of life. They are coming here to raise their children...they appreciate the value for money (in purchasing here) and the fantastic facilities in the town, ranging from schools to our parks, our sporting facilities and our roads’ network”. He sees an opportunity now to “balance the country”. Where previously development in rural towns and villages was largely driven by incentives and related schemes, now there’s a natural rebalancing underway. It’s exciting. “Just driving around the county, you see it. A while back, if you were in some remote areas, there was little sign of life. Now people are out walking, jogging, cycling...there’s activity and momentum. It’s inspiring”. As the country continues the process of emerging from the pandemic, Seamus (46) is looking forward to the future with confidence. He says demand for land sales is extremely high, as is demand for house purchases and

in the rental market. Seamus: “The 20 years have flown by. There were challenges along the way, but we’re delighted to have reached this milestone. I want to thank everyone – from my family and staff to our loyal clients – for helping to make this possible. “I’m passionate and excited about the future for Co. Roscommon. Remote

working is creating endless possibilities. This is a game-changer for rural Ireland”. *As REA Seamus Carthy celebrates 20 years in business, watch out for some exciting anniversary offers/specials on their social platforms. There will be vouchers/giveaways...both as a ‘thank you’ to the public and by way of supporting local SMEs.

A sincere thanks to all for support Seamus Carthy wishes to thank all the staff who have worked with the company over the past 20 years. “I am very grateful to all the people who have worked with us over that period. We’ve worked with super people and they have all been a big part of our journey”. As the company looks forward to the emerging opportunities in a postpandemic environment, Seamus says they are better equipped than ever to continue to provide a professional service to the public. Seamus wishes to thank and acknowledge the big role played by staff members Nuala and Catherine.

“Both ladies are so important to the company. Catherine looks after all our social media; Nuala is the backbone of the company”. He also wishes to thank his wife Maeve and their sons Rory, Eoghan, Seamie and Sean for all their support. A fifth son, Darragh, sadly died in 2011, a couple of days after being born. “Darragh is a part of our family, our guiding light” his father says. He is grateful to his parents Seamus and Kathleen (“My dad still enjoys putting up the ‘Sold’ signs!”) for their great support, and that of his and Maeve’s family and friends.

GAA involvement REA Seamus Carthy’s sponsorship of GAA and other local causes is reflective of his personal commitment to the community. In particular, he’s very passionate about the GAA. Seamus is chairperson of Roscommon Gaels Minor Club and vice-chairperson of the senior club. “Roscommon Gaels is a fantastic club with super people involved. The move to our new grounds at Lisnamult is exciting and being involved in all that’s happening there is very rewarding and enjoyable”. Seamus and Maeve’s son Rory is involved with Roscommon U-17s, who play the Connacht Minor Final against Sligo this Friday evening. Seamus is thrilled with the recent momentum at county underage level. “We were all a little bit down when the county seniors went out of the championship. They will bounce back. Now, we’re suddenly in a Connacht Minor Final and an All-Ireland U-20 semi-final”.

Seamus Carthy (right) of REA Seamus Carthy is a GAA activist and proud member of Club Rossie Business Club.

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

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Michael Fitzmaurice pictured meeting Boyzone at a Mayo/Roscommon Hospice event in 1995. Pictured are John McGuire, Rita Dorr, Sean Costello, Stephen Gately, Ronan Keating, Michael Fitzmaurice, Paul Tully and Shane Lynch.

Michael Fitzmaurice, Rita Dorr, the then Dublin Lord Mayor Jim Tunney and Des Rushe pictured at the launch of the 1986 Yearbook.

The late Michael Fitzmaurice: Roscommon’s Dublin Ambassador

An Appreciation by Mike Lennon (Chairperson, Roscommon Association in Dublin) With the recent death of Michael Fitzmaurice, we bid farewell to the last of the founding members of the Roscommon Association in the Ormond Hotel, Dublin in 1952. From its beginnings, Michael was the cornerstone from which the Association rose over the past 69 years. He was the energy behind its activities and accomplishments and the glue that held it together for so long. Family, work and Roscommon were in Michael’s DNA, and he focused exclusively on all three throughout his long life of 95 years. Over the past seven decades, he was without doubt the bestknown and most respected Roscommon native in Dublin. The story of his life in the capital is also the story of the Roscommon Association. One of 13 children, Michael Fitzmaurice was born in April 1926 in the West Roscommon village of Ballinlough where the family had a grocery and bar. After completing his education at Carrick National School, he went to Ballina at the age of fifteen to ‘serve his time’ as an apprentice in Moran Brothers’ drapery and furniture business. After seven years in Ballina, he moved to Dublin in 1948, where he joined Todd Burns Department Store in Mary Street. He spent some time travelling in the Midlands and West as a wholesale representative for the firm. When Todd Burns closed in 1962, Michael moved over to Arnotts in Henry Street and continued there in furniture sales until he retired in 1990. When Michael came to Dublin, he knew no one, stayed in digs and only went home at Christmas and for two weeks in the summer. His love of Gaelic games led him to join Kickham’s GAA Club, which was known as the drapers’ club. He played junior football with them and became involved as a club official and managertrainer of the junior football

teams. He also guided the Todd Burns football team to three InterDrapery Cup victories. An ad in the Evening Herald in September 1952 inviting “wellwishers and supporters of the Roscommon GAA team” to a meeting in the Ormond Hotel caught Michael’s eye and, as they say, the rest is history. The Roscommon Association was formed, replacing the earlier Reception Committee for Roscommon teams when they played in Croke Park, and Michael was elected Treasurer. Thee major achievements marked Michael’s first decade in the Association: the publication of its first journal (Roscommon Past and Present) in 1961, the presentation of the County Coat of Arms to Roscommon County Council in 1961, and his marriage in 1963 to Attracta Drury, a former Association secretary. Michael was elected Chairman in 1965, and except for a five-year gap between 1967 and 1972 when he returned to the Treasurer position, he continued to lead the Association until 2004. Since then, he has been a very active Life President. From knowing nobody in 1948, Michael made it his business to get to know hundreds of Roscommon people in Dublin, where they worked, where they lived and what part of the county they came from. He was particularly interested in those who owned or managed businesses; he used those contacts to seek employment for new arrivals from Roscommon as well as canvassing sponsorship and advertising from them. In addition to his remarkable memory, he kept extensive newspaper cuttings concerning Roscommon people in every walk of life. He was a past master at networking long before the word was invented. It will be through his role as editor of the Roscommon Association Dublin Yearbook that

Michael and Attracta Fitzmaurice pictured together in the early 1960s.

Michael’s contribution to Roscommon’s history and heritage will live on, to be read and studied by future generations. In an introductory note to his 21st annual Yearbook, Michael wrote “when I took on the task in 1980, I never envisaged that I would be compiling it annually into the 21st century”. The Yearbooks recorded Roscommon’s past as well as contemporary county news and sporting events. As well as linking Roscommon’s past and present, the Yearbooks were cherished by readers at home and abroad. He also compiled and published two books of songs and poetry – An Album of Roscommon Verse in 1975 and A Second Album of Roscommon Verse in 1983. To detail all the activities undertaken by the Roscommon Association under Michael Fitzmaurice’s stewardship would fill one of his Yearbooks, so mention of the principal ones will have to suffice for this space limited tribute. The 1950s and ‘60s were the decades for ballroom dancing. Michael arranged monthly informal dances, alternating between

the Metropole, National, Clerys, Crystal and Irish Club ballrooms, while Dress Dances were held in hotels such as the Gresham, Ormond, Four Courts, Crofton and Spa. When he became Chairman, he changed the format of the annual dinner dance from formal to informal dress to make it more inclusive and affordable. Under Michael’s prudent trusteeship as Treasurer and Chairman, the income from the dances and other social events was used to support many worthy causes in Dublin and Roscommon. These included sending invalid pilgrims to Lourdes, Cabra School for the Deaf, Athlone Flood Relief and contributions towards memorials to Percy French at Clooneyquinn, Liam O’Hora in Ballinlough and the War of Independence statue at Shankill, to name just a few. Michael also served for several years on the Dublin Fundraising Committee for the Mayo-Roscommon Hospice. Michael’s deep interest in the history of his county led to the Association organising or being involved in many commemorations for Roscommon patriots. In 1962,

Michael Fitzmaurice pictured in 1995.

the cell in Kilmainham Jail where Paddy Moran from Crossna was held was restored with financial aid from the Association. To mark the 70th anniversary of Paddy’s execution, a wreath was laid on his grave in Mountjoy Jail in 1991. Twenty years later, Michael organised a similar ceremony in Glasnevin Cemetery where Paddy was re-interred. The Loughglynn Fenian, Ned Duffy, was honoured with wreath-laying ceremonies at his grave in Glasnevin Cemetery in 1998 and 2011. The prominent War of Independence priest, Fr. Michael O’Flanagan from Cloonfower, Castlerea, was commemorated at Glasnevin ceremonies in 1992 and 2011. Roscommon footballers’ not-sofrequent appearances in Croke Park were special occasions for Michael and the Association. The tradition was started by a special purpose committee during the heyday of Roscommon football in the 1940s. These after-match dinners attracted up to 700 fans. Except for semi-final victories in 1962 and 1980, the dinners were postmortems for ‘what might have been’. However, Michael had the pleasure of welcoming his nephew and team member, Gerry Fitzmaurice, to the 1979 and 1980 dinners. And just three years ago, he was proud to witness on TV his grand-nephew, Caoileann Fitzmaurice, play in Croke Park in an All-Ireland Club final. Never a fan of the GAA’s Rule 27, better know as ‘The Ban’ on foreign games, Michael was a proud lifelong member of Bohemians Soccer Club, and was a frequent spectator at Bohs’ home games in his neighbouring Dalymount Park. Michael would always give credit to his fellow leadership colleagues for the achievements of the Association. Those who have gone to their eternal rest include Donal Connellan, Rita Dorr, Paddy Connellan, John Mullen, and Sean Costello, while others,

including Seamus Scally, Sean Farrell, Paul Lindsay, Mary Collins (née Finan), Brigid Kavanagh (née Shiel) and June Murphy (née Egan), are left to mourn his passing. Michael will be remembered as a man of action with a positive attitude that inspired others. The ‘man of action’ quality is the one that most left an impression on others. Over the decades, phrases written and spoken about Michael include ‘tireless energy’, ‘driving force’. ‘human dynamo’, ‘inspired organiser’, ‘infectious enthusiasm’ and more than once, ‘a livewire’. These are the traits that made him passionate about leading the Association for so many years and right up to the end. Just three weeks ago, he was enquiring about the arrangements for this year’s November Mass for deceased members. Now, his name will be at the top of that list. Michael lived in Phibsboro for almost seventy years. He married Attracta Drury in 1963. Not surprisingly, they met through the Roscommon Association, with Attracta being Secretary in the late 1950s. She is a native of Boyle, where her father was postmaster for many years. After 58 years of marriage, Michael will be sadly missed by Attracta and their four children – Ronan, Declan, Deirdre and Aidan – along with their spouses, five grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. He had a wide circle of friends, which goes without saying. Unfortunately, most of them could not attend his funeral Mass in St. Peter’s Church in Phibsboro due to the Covid restrictions. The celebrant was Fr. Eamon Devlin, while a family friend and Killaraght native, Fr. Eamon Flanagan, also attended. Afterwards the coffin, draped in the Roscommon Association flag, was taken to Glasnevin Cemetery for burial. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

NewsPeople

€220k in streetscape funding for Roscommon County Roscommon will receive a total of €220,000 to support the enhancement of streetscapes and shopfronts in rural towns and villages as part of a new €7 million national fund. Announcing the new Streetscape Enhancement Initiative, Minister Heather Humphreys said the funding was aimed at making towns and villages more vibrant and welcom-

ing for residents and visitors alike. Local Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan welcomed the funding, and has called on local businesses to come together to apply to the scheme. “It would be great to see groups of businesses in towns and villages like Athleague, Ballyforan and Dysart to apply to this scheme,” she said. “It could be a great incen-

tive for vacant places as this rejuvenation would make people with ideas for starting up their own cafés, restaurants or retail outlets think about renting or leasing units in our shiny new towns and villages in Roscommon”. Match funding is available for projects such as the redecoration of shopfronts, the installation of canopies and street furniture, the commission of

murals in towns and villages and the provision of street planting and lighting of architectural features. Minister of State Frank Feighan also encouraged local community development organisations such as Tidy Towns groups to consider and application through their local authority. “This new initiative is about local authorities thinking strategically and

working in collaboration with local businesses and property owners to add colour and vibrancy to our rural towns and villages,” he said. The Streetscape Enhancement initiative will be administered by local authorities, who will asked to nominate at least two towns per county. Participating towns and villages will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Pictured at Strokestown House on Saturday for the sod-turning of the €5 million National Famine Museum project were Kelbuild representatives Luke Kelly, Michael Kelly, Minister Heather Humphreys, Joe Guinan, Claire McGrath (Chairperson, Irish Heritage Trust), Seán Colgan and Louis Meares.

SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION Sunday August 8th Sometimes we feel like Elijah in today’s First Reading. We want to lie down and die, keenly aware of our failures – that we seem to be getting no better at doing what God wants of us. We can be tempted to despair, as the prophet was on his forty-day journey in the desert. We can be tempted to “murmur” against God, as the Israelites did during their forty years in the desert (see Exodus 16:2, 7, 8; 1 Corinthians 10:10). The Gospel today uses the same word, “murmur,” to describe the crowds, who re-enact Israel’s hardheartedness in the desert. Jesus tells them that prophecies are being fulfilled in Him, that they are being taught by God. But they can’t believe it. They can only see His flesh, that He is the “son” of Joseph and Mary. Yet if we believe, if we seek Him in our distress, He will deliver us from our fears, as we sing in today’s Psalm. At the altar in every Eucharist, the angel of the Lord, the Lord himself (see Exodus 3:1–2), touches us. He commands us to take and eat His Flesh given for the life of the world (see Matthew 26:26). This taste of the heavenly gift (see Hebrews 6:4–5) comes to us with a renewed command – to get up and continue on the journey we began in Baptism to the mountain of God, the kingdom of heaven. He will give us the bread of life, the strength and grace we need – as He fed our spiritual ancestors in the wilderness and Elijah in the desert. So let us stop grieving the Spirit of God, as Paul says in today’s Epistle, in another reference to Israel in the desert (see Isaiah 63:10). Let us say to God as Elijah did, “Take my life”. Not in the sense of wanting to die but in giving ourselves as a sacrificial offering – loving Him as He has loved us, on the Cross and in the Eucharist. - Scott Hahn PhD, salvationhistory.com (courtesy of Sacred Heart Church).

An extended family group pictured at Murray’s Bar, Knockcroghery, recently. Picture: Mick McCormack

Pictured at Dalton’s of Fuerty were Colin, Cora, Thomas and Sean McKiernan. Picture: Mick McCormack

Pictured at The Hayloft, Strokestown recently were Yasmine Glynn, Louise Parker, Emma Munnelly and Danny Mee. Picture: Mick McCormack

Pictured at The Hayloft, Strokestown recently were Maria and Marilyn Kennedy. Picture: Mick McCormack

Out and about in Roscommon

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

FarmingPeople Castlerea MART WATCH There were 500 cattle presented at this week’s sale on July 29th, which would be above the normal number on offer for race week. Trade remains strong, with quality cattle commanding some high prices. The bullock ring attracted a lot of customers this week with the quality lighter stores reaching €3.27 a kilo while the heavier lots made up to €2,050. The heifer ring had good demand again this week, with prices peaking at €3.17 a kilo for store lots while the heavier lots were in strong demand also. Cows with calves at foot peaked at €960 while the dry cows made up to €1,990. Calves and runners are in strong demand with farmers very active this week to replace sold lots while the weanling rings witnessed good demand also even though numbers on offer remain small. Cows with calves at foot made from €1,300 to €1,960 per head. Springers made from €1,100 to €1,150. Young calves made from €100 to €340 with runners making from €420 to €730. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today

(Thursday, August 5th) with our usual sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am. Sample prices for bullocks: Ch 480kgs €1460, Lm 430kgs €1410, Ch 475kgs €1390, Ch 475kgs €1380, AAx 535kgs €1400, AA 505kgs €1360, AA 595kgs €1560, Ch 630kgs €1720, Lm 635kgs €1710, Ch 910kgs €2050, Ch 740kgs €1840, Sim 665kgs €1730. Heifers: Ch 420kgs €1170, Lm 350kgs €1110, Ch 420kgs €1100, Ch 485kgs €1300, Lm 450kgs €1260, AA 725kgs €1630, BBx 640kgs €1600, Ch 580kgs €1550, Ch 615kgs €1550. Dry cows: AAx 885kgs €1990, Ch 765kgs €1690, Lm 730kgs €1580, Sim 675kgs €1540, Ch 695kgs €1500, AAx 495kgs €860, AA 725kgs €1540. Weanling bulls: AA 245kgs €670, Lm 325kgs €990, Lm 375kgs €960, Lm 380kgs €920. Weanling heifers: Ch 325kgs €740, Ch 220kgs €720, Ch 305kgs €800, Hex 345kgs €710, Lm 265kgs €700.

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Handling of forestry issues amounts to national scandal – Fitzmaurice Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has launched a scathing attack on the Forestry Section of the Department of Agriculture, stating that the handling of forestry licencing amounts to a national scandal. “The level of imcompetency of those supposed to be dealing with the forestry licencing crisis in this country amounts to a national scandal,” the Roscommon Galway TD said. “The fact that mills around Ireland are being

forced to import timber from abroad in order to keep the show on the road is mind boggling, given the amount of timber which is fit to cut around this island. “There are thousands of licences currently submitted to the Forestry Service of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine - across clear felling, thinning, roads and afforestation - with applicants yet to receive a decision”. Deputy Fitzmaurice added that in the first three full weeks of July, just 86

licences had been processed. “Coillte felling licences amounted to 19, private felling added up to 37, road licences reached 18 and afforestation licences equalled a paltry 12. “This is despite senior representatives within the Forest Service previously citing a target of processing 100 licences a week in order to reach their annual goal of 4,500. “Given the amount of jobs involved in the sector at stake, if these results were produced in the pri-

Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice.

vate sector, there would be serious reforms and people would lose their jobs over it,” he added. Deputy Fitzmaurice said that mills were now struggling to source timber while foresters with big outlays on machinery were struggling to keep up with repayments and employee wages. “Senior representatives and Minister Pippa Hackett may point to hiring more ecologists and the establishment of Project Woodland, but where are the real results? “Success has to be measured by the number of licences processed and the clearing of the backlog, which seems like a pipedream, if radical action is not taken. “We are seven months into the year and only 2,722ha of afforestation

has been licence – which is a long way from the 8,000ha target that we have failed to meet continuously in recent years,” he said. The Independent TD said that if the current rate of licencing applications continued, it would be disastrous for the forestry sector. “The forestry has been on its knees for months, struggling to survive as they waited for the drip feed of licences coming from the department. “But if this trickle of licences continues, it will place the final nail in the coffin and countless people will lose their jobs. “Serious questions will have to be answered at the next meeting of the Agriculture Committee by Minister Hackett and senior representatives,” he concluded.

Over €440k for upgrade works to rural roads and laneways Roscommon has been allocated a total of €445,495 under the Local Improvement Scheme as part of further Government investment in rural roads and laneways. A further €10.5 million in national funding was re-

cently announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, bringing the overall annual spend to a record €21 million. Under the scheme, Roscommon has been allo-

cated €375,104 for Round 1 2021, and €70,391 for Round 2 2021 – a total of €445,495 for the year. The Local Improvement Scheme is designed to support the continued improvement of non-public roads in rural communi-

ties and improves access to rural homes and farms, as well as outdoor amenities such as lakes, rivers, mountains and beaches. The share of the additional funding that is being allocated to each county under this second round comes following engagement between the Department of Rural and Community Development and local authorities. The county allocations are based on the level of works that each local authority indicated they could complete before the end of the year. The higher the level of demand that could be met by a local authority before the end of the year, the higher the level of funding they have been allocated. Making the announcement, Minister Humphreys said: “’Our Rural Future’, the Government’s

ambitious five-year policy for rural Ireland, commits to increasing the Government’s investment in our rural roads through the Local Improvement Scheme. “I was delighted to secure a further €10.5 million for the scheme, which doubles our investment under the scheme this year to €21 million – the highest annual allocation since the scheme was re-introduced. This additional funding demonstrates my commitment to improving connectivity for rural residents – whether it be access to homes, farms or outdoor amenities”. Under LIS, local authorities are responsible for identifying and prioritising roads for improvement works under the scheme, in consultation with residents/landowners. The works must be completed before the end of the year.

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

FarmingPeople

ICMSA: ‘Food Vision 2030’ continues official silence when it comes to food prices The President of ICMSA, Pat McCormack, has given a guarded welcome to the launch of ‘Food Vision 2030 – A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems’, the agri-food sector’s roadmap for the decade. Mr. McCormack has said there needs to early delivery on the economic sustainability of food production. “The ambitions contained in the document are both notable and achievable and there is no doubt that export values could be grown to the ambitious levels set out in the plan. But the strategy is crippled by our official inability or unwillingness to state categorically to the public that food prices must and will increase as part of that drive to become more sustainable,” he said. Mr. McCormack said that the silence on this “completely self-evident aspect of sustainability had now become deafening”. “Increasingly, farmers are asking why senior Ministers and spokespersons seemed incapable of spelling out this part of the sustainability sequence. “We heard it yet again this morning on RTE’s Morning Ireland interview with Minister (for Agriculture) Charlie McConalogue when the question of costs was raised. Instead of just

answering that the costs of the transition to greater sustainability will have to be borne by all the links in the food-supply chain including the consumer, we got another dissembling reply that reinforces the myth out there that, somehow, all the costs associated with this historic shift are going to be magically absorbed by the farmer and producers,” said Mr. McCormack. Describing the unwillingness to address this absolutely fundamental aspect of the issue as “both worrying and mystifying”, Mr. McCormack said farmers were entitled to conclude that the Government seemed nervous and afraid to tell consumers that the transition will involve a considerable degree of food price inflation. “The journey we are already on towards a more sustainable model of farming and food production has dominated the debate to the exclusion of practically everything else for the last five years,” he added. “In that whole period, we have still yet to hear a senior Irish Government figure actually tell the Irish public that the first step towards integrating ‘Sustainable Food Systems’ with the new climate realities is going to be ensuring that people pay the real

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The President of ICMSA, Pat McCormack.

price of the food they consume – both economic and environmental. “We still seem trapped in the absolutely broken model that allows retail corporations to sell food at prices that are actually below the costs of production; witness the advice given to the Government just days ago by the Competition and Consumer

Protection Commission not to introduce a ban on below-cost selling,” the ICMSA President said. “There is a fundamental and disqualifying incoherence at the heart of Ireland’s drive to greater food and climate sustainability. “We want to get there but our Government seems afraid to break the news that we are all – including

the consumer – going to have to pay the real costs involved. “This lack of clarity is going to undermine that intent and ambition of strategies like ‘Food Vision 2030’ and it’s actually just delaying a very necessary conversation we as a society need to have about what we all need to do going forward,” he concluded.

ringside and online The next weanling sale will be held on Tuesday, August 17th at 4 pm. Bookings will be accepted up until 5 pm on Thursday, August 12th. We had larger numbers on offer this week at our sheep sale on Wednesday, August 4th. Prices for lambs were slightly back on the previous week, with finished lambs making up to €132 for 49.3kgs. Ewe lambs made up to €144 for 44.9kgs, store lambs made up to €115, and stag ewes made up €180. Our next sheep sale takes place at 11 am on Wednesday, August 11th. The yard opens at 8 am, and all stock must be penned by 10 am. The sale can be viewed live on livestock-live.com. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID tag set. Sample prices for dry cows: Char X 685kgs €1850, Lim X 805kgs €1770, Lim X 790kgs €1730, Lim X 740kgs €1600,

Friday, August 6th at 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Heifers 35 pens of Heifers on offer Also Bullocks & Dry Cows ----------------------

Friday, August 13th at 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Bullocks Also Heifers & Dry Cows Bookings accepted up until 5 pm on Monday, 9th August. ----------------------

Roscommon MART WATCH We had similar numbers on offer at last week’s sale on Friday, July 30th, with prices holding firm for all classes. Bullocks averaged from €2.47 per kilo up to €3.16 per kilo, heifers ranged from an average of €2.64 per kilo up to €2.98 per kilo, and dry cows made from an average of €1.95 per kilo up to €2.70 per kilo. There was a good demand from customers, both online and at the ringside. This Friday (6th), we will have a special sale of heifers and general sale of bullocks and dry cows. There was a good entry of stock at our show and sale of autumnborn weanlings, held on Tuesday, August 3rd, with a brisk trade for both bulls and heifers. Prices for bulls ranged from an average of €2.63 per kilo up to €3.58 per kilo, and weanling heifers made from an average of €2.63 per kilo up to €3.19 per kilo. Customers were very active, both at the

Dead & Worn-Out Animals

Tuesday, August 17th at 4 p.m. BBX 740kgs €1580, BBX 750kgs €1550, Lim X 675kgs €1540, Simm X €1480, Lim X 570kgs €1210. Heifers: Lim X 540kgs €1280, Lim 515kgs €1190, Char X 385kgs €1140, Char X 365kgs €1090, Char X 375kgs €1080, Char X 365kgs €1010. Bullocks: Char X 845kgs €2080, Char X 770kgs €1880, Char X 710kgs €1850, HEX 715kgs €1790, 2 Lim X 630kgs €1600, Char X 620kgs €1660, Char X 615kgs €1650, Char X 490kgs €1550, Char X 520kgs €1420, 2 Lim X 560kgs €1460, 4 Lim X 515kgs €1470, Char X 385kgs €1000, Char X 385kgs €1000, AAX 495kgs €1120, BAX 445kgs €1140. Weanling heifers: Char X 420kgs €1250 - €2.97 per kilo, Lim X 455kgs €1200 - €2.63 per kilo, Char X 385kgs €1200 - €3.11 per kilo, Char X 370kgs €1120 - €3.02 per kilo, Char X 290kgs €850 - €2.93 per kilo,

Lim X 350kgs €1070 - €3.05 per kilo, Char X 295kgs €850 €2.88 per kilo, Char X 260kgs €830 - €3.19 per kilo. Weanling bulls: Char X 590kgs €1580 - €2.67 per kilo, Lim X 450kgs €1330 - €2.95 per kilo, Char X 435kgs €1310 - €3.01 per kilo, Char X 455kgs €1290 - €2.83 per kilo, Char X 385kgs €1080 - €2.80 per kilo, BBX 455kgs €1290 - €2.83 per kilo, Char X 385kgs €1230 - €3.19 per kilo, Simm X 395kgs €1090 - €2.75 per kilo, Lim X 320kgs €990 - €3.09 per kilo. Finished lambs: 49.3kgs €132, 47.5kgs €131, 51.6kgs €131, 48.40kgs €130, 48kgs €130, 47kgs €1127, 45.8 €127, 46.2kgs €125. Ewe lambs: 44.9kgs €144, 47kgs €143, 44.8kgs €143, 45kgs €135, 40.2kgs €130. Store lambs: 36kgs €115, 41.1kgs €115, 40kgs €114, 39.2kgs €113, 35.7kgs €117, 36.6kgs €107.

Sale of Weanlings and Suckler Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, 12th August. ----------------------

Lambs & Cast Ewes - Each Wednesday at 11 a.m. Stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m. Gates close at 10 a.m. ----------------------

Saturday, August 7th

Opening Sale for Breeding Ewes & Hoggets Sale at 11 a.m. Gates open at 8 a.m.

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

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Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

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Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

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ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Cubis Systems Limited, intend to apply for Permission for; (i) the construction of a standalone high bay manufacturing unit, (area 750sqm) and (ii) the erection of a plant enclosure to an existing 4m x 6m concrete slab, positioned within the existing compound to the north of our existing manufacturing plant, along with connections to services and all other associated site works, at Carrownabrickna and Lisnacroghy or Gallowstown Townland, IDA Roscommon Business and Technology Park, Racecourse Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. F42 XK30

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: Collins Boyd Engineering Ltd. Engineers & Architects Galway Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. Ph (090) 6634421 Fax: (090) 6634423 Email: info@collinsboydeng.com

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PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Thomas and Maureen Kennedy intend applying to Roscommon County Council for Retention Planning Permission to retain and complete double height porch to front of existing dwelling house and associated site development works at Garrow and Sheegorey Tds, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. F52 D586

This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing, on payment of the prescribed fee within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt of the application by the planning authority. Signed: Michael Hennessy Advanced Planning & Design Services Ltd. Dorrary, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Roscommon Tel: 086 1701549

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I intend to apply for Planning Permission to retain change of use from agricultural use to hardware yard area and for permission to construct a storage shed at Bawn Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee, not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and submissions or observations in relation to the application can be made to the planning authority in writing, on payment of the prescribed fee, within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. Signed: Barry Hanly, Strokestown Hardware.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Julie Paisley am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission to construct an extension to existing dwelling house, to incorporate Granny Flat element, and all ancillary site development works at 42 Woodview Court, Roscommon Town, Co. Roscommon.

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

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Application is being made to Roscommon County Council for Permission for Variation to previous Planning Permission Granted under Ref No PD/19/348 as follows: Retention and Completion of Revised House Type “A” composed of 6 no x 3 Bed Two Storey Semi Detached Dwellings (3 no Blocks) on Site No`s 1, 2, 5, 6, 9 and 10 and to include Roof Eaves alignment, changes to Windows/External Door Units, Wall Finishes and removal of Chimney. Retention and Completion of Revised House Type “B” composed of 6 no x 4 Bed Two Storey Semi Detached Dwellings (3 no blocks) on Site No`s 3, 4, 7, 8, 11 and 12 and to include Roof Eaves Alignment, re-design of floor layouts, changes to Windows/External Door Units, Wall Finishes and removal of Chimney. Changes to House Type “A” composed of 16 no x 3 Bed Two Storey Semi Detached Dwellings (8 no Blocks) on Site No`s 13, 14, 17, 18, 21, 22, 27, 28, 31, 32, 35, 36, 39, 40, 41 and 42 to include Roof Eaves Alignment, changes to Windows/External Door Units, Wall Finishes and removal of Chimney. Changes to House Type “B” composed of 12 no x 4 Bed Two Storey Semi Detached Dwellings (6 no Blocks) on Site No`s 15, 16, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 37 and 38 to include Roof Eaves Alignment, revised floor layouts, changes to Windows/External Door Units, Wall Finishes and removal of Chimney. Changes to House Type “C” composed of 6 no x 2 Bed Two Storey Terraced Dwellings (2 no Blocks), on Site No`s 43, 44, 45, 53, 54 and 55 to include Roof Eaves Alignment, changes to Window/Door Units, Wall Finishes and removal of Chimneys. Changes to House Type “D” composed of 6 no x 3 Bed Two Storey Terraced Dwellings (2 no Blocks) on Site No`s 50, 51, 52, 56, 57 and 58 to include Roof Eaves Alignment, changes to Window/Door Units, Wall Finishes and removal of Chimneys. The above mentioned is in Variation to previous Grant of Planning Permission Ref No 19/348 with the Development located at Monksland, Athlone. Signed by: Pat Donoghue. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Mark Lohan Fitted Furniture Ltd. are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the construction of a commercial/industrial unit along with associated signage and all ancillary site development works and connections to all services at No.9 and 10 at Ballyboughan Industrial Park, Ballyboughan Td, Racecourse Road, Roscommon.

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

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Cubis Systems Limited, intend to apply for Permission for Retention, of five Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Systems flues, along with associated fans and ducting fitted to the western elevation of our existing plant, at Carrownabrickna and Lisnacroghy or Gallowstown Townland, IDA Roscommon Business and Technology Park, Racecourse Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 XK30.

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL The personal representative of the late Thomas Kelly intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for retention of septic tank and percolation area to rear of dwelling, revised boundaries to that previously granted planning permission under P&D Ref 94/328 at Ardsallagh More, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon.

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Mari O’Leary intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for retention of conservatory to side of dwelling, front porch, domestic garage, fuel store to rear of dwelling and revised boundaries to that previously granted under P&D Ref: 05/1628 at Clooneen (Hartland) Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, William Nugent, am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to reconstruct old dwelling house and all associated site development works at Sheerans Street, Slattamore, Rooskey, Co. Roscomon. N41 Y229

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Claire Kerrane am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct domestic dwelling house with garage and proprietary treatment system and tertiary unit along with all ancillary site development works at Lissacurkia, Tibohine, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the 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:

PODIATRIST

For all foot ailments

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

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

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

• 20 years experience

The Galway Podiatrist FOOT AND ANKLE CLINIC

Aoife Reilly BSc Pod, MChSI, SCPI (registered with VHI, AVIVA, LAYA & GloHealth)

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

PODIATRIST Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Sarah Fleming

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI at

Tullys

HSE Trained and Approved Home visits available

For Bookings Contact:

College Road, For Bookings Contact: Mountbellew,

(087) 707 5803

(087) 707 5803 (Saturday & evening appointments available)

Co Galway H53 D7W8

(Saturday & evening appointments available) Treanrevagh, Mountbellew, Co. Galway H53 D7W8 Open under Goverment + HSE Guidelines

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

For any of your foot issues call:

094 9620009 FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON – MOLLOYS PHARMACY (Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle & Athlone -------Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed

By Appointment Only –

087 2982214

Tel: Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

PODIATRIST/ CHIROPODIST Mark Kilgallon B.Sc Podiatr y (Hons) M.Ch.S.I. Department of Health Approved

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

085 1503353 086 8538404

Email: m.kilgallon23@gmail.com

• House Visits • Insoles and Orthotics Prescribed • Chiropody Services

Clinics also in Ballaghaderreen and Castlebar

TURF AVAILABLE Tel: Donal

086 2721812 (All areas) < THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Bags of seasoned firewood only €2 per bag• Bags of turf only €2.50 per bag, buy 20 get 2 free • Tonne bags firewood/turf €35 per bay, or buy tonne firewood + tonne turf + 2 bags coal 20kg all for €80 delivered. • Stove coal 40kg bags only €14, buy 10 bags get 1 20kg bag coal free. • 8x4 trailer load firewood only €90. All includes free delivery. Contact Tom: 086 2628439 < TURF: 10’ x 6’ loads or bags. Can be delivered. Tel: 086 3776948. < TOP QUALITY TURF: 10x6 Loads of Turf, saved in good weather and stored in dry shed, will deliver. Phone: 083 0684011

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

AtYourService BLINDS

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie DOOR AND WINDOW SERVICE

CARS

PAINTING

DOOR & WINDOW SERVICE

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

BRENDAN DOOLIN

Also Wooden Venetians, Velux Window Blinds.

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

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

Contact Pat Hanley on

Email: pjmhanley@gmail.com

uPVC WINDOWS, DOORS & REPAIRS

S tephen H oare

9673336 2678350

Cathal Dooley 087 6579064

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 or (090) 96 87651 Lowest price guaranteed

INSURANCE CLAIMS

Racecourse Road, Roscommon

INSURANCE INSURANCE INSURANCE INSURANCE INSURANCE CLAIMS REPAIR LTD. CLAIMS CLAIMS REPAIR REPAIR LTD. LTD. INSURANCE CLAIMS LTD. CLAIMSREPAIR REPAIR LTD. CLAIMS REPAIR LTD.

PROPERTY CLAIMS CONSULTANTS PROPERTY PROPERTY CLAIMS CLAIMS CONSULTANTS CONSULTANTS Property Claims Consultants PROPERTY CLAIMS CONSULTANTS PROPERTY CLAIMSSERVICES CONSULTANTS LOSS ASSESSORS SERVICES LOSS LOSS ASSESSORS ASSESSORS SERVICES PROPERTY CLAIMS CONSULTANTS LOSS ASSESSORS SERVICES and Loss Assessors Services LOSS ASSESSORS SERVICES LOSS ASSESSORS SERVICES

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

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

Nationwide Service Stoves and Ranges Fitted All Work Guaranteed

INSULATION

New Buildings & Retrofit Call in or contact us for free advice and quotes

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

091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie

www.ecowise.ie

Adjusting

• Loss Assessor Services

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

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

email: chrislocksmith.162@gmail.com

RECYCLING OF END-OF-LIFE VEHICLES

RECYCLING ALL TYPES OF METAL

C astlerea ELV R ecycling L td ., Cloonkeen, Castlerea Kevin & Martina Keenan Tel: 094 96 21250 Mob: 086 2522231

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAIN JETTING SERVICE

Contact Maurice on 086 2538169 or Kenneth on 086 8044030 Martin Hibbitt Martin Hibbitt Martin Martin Hibbitt Hibbitt APA-PL, CIP, CDIP LA Gannon Environmental Services Ltd. Martin Hibbitt APA-PL, CIP, APA-PL, APA-PL, CIP, CIP, CDIP CDIP LACDIP LA LA Martin Hibbitt

Tel: 090

APA-PL, LA APA-PL,CIP, CIP, CDIP CDIP LA 091 380900 091 380900 091 091 380900 380900 091 091380900 380900 087 7371280 087 7371280 087 087 7371280 7371280 0877371280 7371280 087 VETERINARY info@icr.ie info@icr.ie info@icr.ie info@icr.ie info@icr.ie info@icr.ie www.icr.ie www.icr.ie www.icr.ie www.icr.iewww.icr.ie www.icr.ie

6621220

Loss • Approved Product Advisor • Member the PSAB-GI • Certified • • Certified DipDipinDip inLoss Loss • •Approved Approved Product Product Advisor Advisor • • Member •Member Member ofofthe ofPSAB-GI theofPSAB-GI • Certified Certified Dip ininLoss Approved Product Advisor the PSAB-GI Adjusting Adjusting • Certified Dip in Loss • Approved Product Advisor • • •Member ofby thethe PSAB-GI Adjusting Adjusting • Approved Member the Insurance • Regulated byCentral the Central Insurance by Central • •Member Member ofofofthe theof Insurance Insurance Regulated •Regulated Regulated Central the •Adjusting Certified Dip in Loss •Member Product Advisor • thebyMember of the PSAB-GI • Loss Loss Assessor Services Institute Ireland Bank Ireland Assessor Services Institute of Ireland • Regulated Bank of Ireland • Member of the Insurance the Central • Loss • • Loss Assessor Assessor Services Services Institute Institute ofofofIreland Ireland Bank Bank ofofIreland ofbyIreland

www.roscommonwindows.ie

Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness

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

Unit 12 Oranmore Business Park, Oranmore, Galway | Mountbellew, Co. Galway UnitUnit 12 12 Oranmore Oranmore Business Business Park, Oranmore, Galway | |Mountbellew, | Mountbellew, Co. Co. Galway Unit 12 Oranmore BusinessPark, Park,Oranmore, Oranmore,Galway Galway Mountbellew, Co.Galway Galway Unit 12 Oranmore Business Park, Oranmore, Galway | Co. Mountbellew, Co. Galway Unit 12 Oranmore Business Park, Oranmore, Galway | Mountbellew, Galway

• Loss Assessor Services

• ofMember • Regulated by the Central Institute Ireland of the Insurance Bank of Ireland

LIFE COACH

Telephone: 090 66 33026

Chris’s Window Service

Castlerea Vehicle Recycling

Daily collection

SHOWROOM:

20 Years Experience Free Insurance Quotes

Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation

086 2203335

FARMING

DOORS/ WINDOWS

• Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection

RECYCLING

NO CALL OUT CHARGE

M: 086 3912396 Ph: 090 66 62892

Dooley Chimney Repairs • Lining

Keen Prices

Gmail: gerrymartin198@gmail.com

KEEN and COMPETITIVE PRICES

Chimney Problems

Window and Door Replacement Double Glazing Units Replaced Maintenance Carried Out to Existing Windows and Doors

Gerry Martin:

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

Mob: 086 Email:

info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

Repairs

Cleaning Services • Roscommon

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

We steam clean all Domestic Roofs remove moss and can apply dye to roof tiles

DOORS/ WINDOWS

CLEANING

- CCTV Camera Inspection

Michael: 089 9661849

086 6002721

to discuss your requirements

Tel: 087 0944027

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

Ballinasloe, Co. Galway Cleaning Sheds, Painting Roofs and Hay Barns

REPAIRS & SERVICING ALSO CARRIED OUT

We buy any CARS, VANS, TRUCKS, JEEPS all types wanted. End of life certs can be provided. Also scrap metal

Tel: 090 66 30521 Mobile: 086 8115928

Tel: 090

PAINTING CONTRACTORS

086 8229606

Institute of Ireland

Bank of Ireland Lanesboro

Street, Roscommon

Tel: 090 662 6898

CAROLINE BURKE Career & Life Coaching

GUIDING & COACHING TOWARDS SUCCESS CAREER COACHING: * CV ADVICE AND TAILORING TO JOB SPECS * COMPETENCY BASED APPLICATION FORMS (INCLUDING PUBLIC SECTOR) * INTERVIEW MASTERING (INCLUDING COMPETENCY-BASED QUESTIONS) CHANGING JOB / GET THAT PROMOTION!

PERSONAL COACHING: * BECOME MORE ASSERTIVE & BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE! * HELP TO COPE WITH AND EMBRACE CHANGE (E.G. RETIREMENT, NEW JOB, SEPARATION, ETC)

For appointment call me on 086 8229606

OR email your enquiry to cburkecoaching@gmail.com (FACE-TO-FACE MEETINGS OR ON-LINE/TEAMS)

AFTER HOURS/24 HOUR EMERGENCY

087 2596055 You must call in advance to order repeat prescriptions

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

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

Appointments

Classifieds USEFUL SERVICES

USEFUL SERVICES HANDY MAN AVAILABLE

USEFUL SERVICES

ROSCOMMON

MATHS GRINDS

Boarding and day care

Power Washing l Gutters Cleaned l Fitting Shower Doors l Bathroom Accessories l Tiling and Timber Flooring l Flat Pack Furniture Assembled l General Gardening Maintenance and Clean-up etc.

Telephone:

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Experienced Higher Level Teacher Excellent results record Limited places available

Call Mike

Contact by phone/text:

Marie Farrell

Country Club Kennels

Curry, Strokestown

087 4340011

www. countryclubkennels.ie

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

Electrician Available Safe Electric Registered. Domestic and Industrial, All work considered. No Job too small. Phone Paul 086 2553153 or 090 666 3053 or Email p0862553153@ gmail.com.

Evo Roofers Covering Athlone, Galway and surrounding areas

Free Quotations provided

Leaky Roof or Gutter? Call 085 2427727 Our Services: • New Roofing • Lead Valleys • Emergency Repairs • Attic Insulation • Fascia Soffits • Flat Roofs • Guttering/Downpipes • Chimney Repair • Ridge Pointing • Roof Cleaning

www.evoroofers.com email: evoroofing122@gmail.com

Phone: 090 6400177

087 2478609

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

Phone Alan on:

090 6661635 or Mobile:

087 2683079

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR For all your decorating needs

Now enrolling for September

Lorraine 086 3688302

EMAIL: roscommonmathsgrinds @gmail.com

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

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

087 9657933 or 090 6626752

Are actively recruiting for posts of: CARE ASSISTANT l ACTIVITIES CO-ORDINATOR l HOUSEHOLD ASSISTANT l

Job Information l Full-Time & Part-Time Permanent positions available l Excellent terms & working conditions l Flexible, variable shifts l Immediate start for successful candidates

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

Requirements l FETAC Level 5 Care of the Elderly essential for post of Care Assistant. Full training will be provided on-site for all posts. l Experience desirable l Good communication skills l Garda Vetting & References will be required

DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED

Please forward CV’S by email to: costellosnursinghome@gmail.com

PERMIT NO: WCP - MO - 09 - 0267 - 01

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

3rd / 4th YEAR APPRENTICE & QUALIFIED PLUMBERS With Domestic and Industrial experience Manual handling and safe pass required.

Contact Kealan 087 4131670

CONTACT JOHN

086 4679798

Nursing Home Ballyleague, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon

Alan O’Toole

WINDOW CLEANING

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

087 9795226 WANTED: Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch and Whitethorn. We are safety certified and insured. Phone:

086 2437376

Roof Cleaning and Resealing All types of roofs cleaned down, painted Tegral Roof paint applied All work fully guaranteed Fast and efficent

Telephone: 089 9899 912

Shannon Lodge NURSING HOME

Rooskey, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Roscommon. N41 YE03 requires

EXPERIENCED

STAFF NURSE &

CARE ASSISTANT

Please forward CV with written references to the Director of Nursing. Or email: shannonlodgenh@gmail.com SITUATIONS VACANT < CARER SOUGHT IN BOYLE UNTIL JUNE 2022: Person will be attending college four days a week plus half day Friday. Not a minder’ s role. Maybe drop or collect at bus, more of a ‘checking in/point of contact’ role. Minimal domestic. Check you qualify for carer’s allowance. Text only to 087 0970130.

SITUATIONS VACANT < HOME HELP REQUIRED: By lady pensioner. Hours to suit - 2 or 3 per week or 5 per fortnight. Ballygar/Ballinamore Bridge area. Tel: 090 66 22276

FAMILYNOTICES ....

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

CONTACT HAZEL

087 6758874

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

HOEY Daniel (Danny)

Leixlip, Galway, Four Mile House

In memory of Daniel who passed away on July 11th 2021 after a short illness borne with great dignity and courage at South Westmeath Hospice, Athlone, in the company of Theresa, Aine, Hanoragh. Daniel’s family would like to express our deepest gratitude to the many people who sympathised with the family. To all who attended the Funeral Mass owing to the current restrictions, a big thank you. To all the neighbours and friends who were so kind to Daniel’s sister Eileen in Strokestown again a big thank you. To everyone who sent mass cards, flowers and online condolences, not forgetting Aine and Hanoraghs wonderful school friends and teachers. To the staff at South Westmeath Hospice for all your kindness toward Daniel’s family. Also a special thank you to the Cancer Drivers for all their kind care for Danny on his trips to the Oncology Unit in Tullamore Hospital. To Fr. O Connor, Fr. Ciaran O’Flynn and Fr. Ciaran Whitney and Sacristan Bernard Lyttle, Church of the Immaculate Conception Strokestown, thank you for all your help in providing such a lovely Mass for Daniel. A special thank you to our good friend Don Stiffe from Galway for the beautiful singing and music at the Mass. To the professional service of Pat McHugh, Funeral Director and staff, thank you. The skilled and compassionate grave diggers Paul Fahy and staff, thank you. To Daniel’s cousins and friends, thank you for your kind words. To Daniel’s nephews and nieces who travelled from far thank you, it meant a lot to us. A very special thank you to Marty Kennedy (Danny’s nephew) who was with us every step of the way, it was very much appreciated. Thanks to the management and staff at the Silver Eel Restaurant, for the lovely meal after the funeral and thanks you to the Sportsmans Inn, Strokestown for the food provided. A Mass will be held for Daniel, also for his parents Paddy and Vera Hoey (50th Anniversary) and his brother Sean (John) who passed away April 6th 2021. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for all your intentions. Sadly missed by Theresa, Ciara, Donall, Aine, Hanoragh. Anniversary Mass will be held for Daniel in Four Mile House Church on Saturday, September 4th at 12 noon.

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES GRADY Rita Carnamadda, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon (2nd Anniversary)

In loving memory of my Mother Rita who died on 7th August 2019 A caring mother, a special friend a wonderful mother to the very end. Out of my life you may have gone, but in my heart you still live on a heart of gold, a life so true, loved and respected by all you knew.

Always remembered and sadly missed by her son, Andy.

In loving memory of a Mother, Granny and Great Granny. You were so very special and had the nicest ways. You did so much for us in life and never asked for praise. Our thoughts are always with you in a very special way. not just on your anniversary but every single day.

BURKE Margaret

Goff Street, Roscommon (18th Anniversary)

Quietly your memory we will always treasure. Loving you always, forgetting you never.

Lovingly remembered by your sister Eileen and family, Rahara. Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church Roscommon on Tuesday, 10th August at 11am.

COYLE Vincent

Carrowcrin, Roscommon (36th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Vincent Coyle, who died August 5th 1985. Always remembered by his loving mother, brothers, sisters and friends.

Connor

(13th Anniversary)

(45th Anniversary)

Caitriona

(5th Anniversary)

This message is sent with all our love, from here on earth to Heaven up above. Time slips by and life goes on but from our hearts ye are never gone.

Fondly remembered by Nuala, Johnny, Marty, Leah, Lisa and Alan. xxx

Family Notices • Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Rembrance Call into our office: Abbey Street, Roscommon

Phone: (090) 66 34633 Fax: (090) 66 34303 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

The family the lateof Philomena Tarmey (NÉE WALDRON), Cloontuskert, The of family the late Philomena Tarmey (née Lanesboro, Co Roscommon and Cloontuskert, formerly of Moate, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo died on 3rd July 2021 Waldron), Lanesboro, Co.who Roscommon peacefully informerly the devotedof care of the staff at Sonas Innis Ree Lodge, Ballyleague, and Moate, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo who in her 100th year would like to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised with them on the died on 3rd July 2021 peacefully in the devoted care loss of their dearly loved mother, grandmother and great grand mother.

of the staff at Sonas Innis Ree Lodge, Ballyleague, in

We are eternally grateful our manylike friends, and family who attended, her 100th yeartowould toneighbours thank most sincerely all sent massthose cards, phone sent letters and left condolences whocalls sympathised with themonline. on the loss of their

dearlythank loved mother, grandmother and greatWegrand We sincerely all the staff in Sonas Innis Ree Lodge, Ballyleague. will be forever grateful for the care, help and compassion you provided to our mum and our family. mother. ThankWe to Pat & Gillian Smyth, grateful Smyths Funeral Roscommon for their are eternally to Directors, our many friends, professionalism, Compassion Support, the grave diggers and Enyamass for hercards, beautiful neighbours and and family who attended, sent singing in the church. phone calls sent letters and left condolences online. A special to Fr. Daniel for all support andin forSonas the beautiful funeral Wethanks sincerely thank allhisthe staff Innis Reemass and homily.

Lodge, Ballyleague. We will be forever grateful for the

Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed

Thankcare, you tohelp everyone whocompassion lined the routes &you attended guards of to honour Philomena and provided ourformum on her finalour journey. We are so appreciative for all your thoughtfulness during the current and family. restrictions.

Thanks to Pat and Gillian Smyth, Smyths Funeral

As It Directors, would be impossible to thank you all so please accept this Roscommon forindividually their professionalism, acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude.

compassion and support, the grave diggers and Enya

Month’s Mind Massthanks for Philomena willDaniel take place on all Saturday 14th August 2021 7pm in A special to Fr. for his support andatfor Holythe Rosary Church, Ballyleague. beautiful Funeral Mass and Homily.

R.I.P.

(21st Anniversary)

Cloontuskert, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon and formerly of Moate, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo. Who passed away peacefully on 3rd July, 2021 Who passed away peacefully on 3rd July, 2021

Cloontuskert, Lanesboro, Co Roscommon and formerly of Moate, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo.

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. S.B.

The Holy of the mass singing will be offered your intentions. for sacrifice her beautiful in for the church.

BURNS

(14th Anniversary)

TARMEY (née Waldron) TARMEY (NÉE WALDRON) Philomena PHILOMENA

THANKSGIVINGS

In loving memory of Margaret who passed away on 10th August 2003. R.I.P.

Loved and sadly missed by Marion, Michael, Niamh, Paul, Alan, Brenda, Caoimhe and Ruairi.

Mount Dillon, Curraghroe, Co. Roscommon Treasured memories of our family. Joey Annie Carmel

MONTH’S MIND

THANKSGIVINGS THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. S.M. NOVENA TO THE HOLY SPIRIT Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, light all roads so that I can attain my goal. You gave me the divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me and that in all instances of my life you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things and to confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you in spite of material things. I wish to be with you in Eternal Glory. Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. The person must say this prayer for three consecutive days, after three days your prayer will be answered. The paryer must be published after the favour has been granted. S.B.

Thank you to everyone who lined the routes and attended guards of honour for Philomena on her final journey. We are so appreciative for all your thoughtfulness during the current restrictions. As it would be impossible to thank you all individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. The Holy sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. Month’s Mind Mass for Philomena will take place on Saturday, 14th August 2021 at 7pm in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague.

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

or call us on 090 6634633 or by post, along with your name and contact details, to

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

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Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

Sports PEOPLE Hurling championship throws in! < SEAMUS DUKE

The 2021 Roscommon Senior Hurling Championship begins this weekend with three games down for decision. First into the fray are Athleague and Tremane on Saturday evening. There is never much between these sides and maybe Tremane might have the slight advantage and open their campaign with a win. Oran face St. Dominic’s in a repeat of their league final last weekend and on that occasion Oran prevailed. An evenly balanced clash in prospect again here on Sunday afternoon. Oran have the momentum and should win again. Four Roads begin their championship on Sunday evening against Roscommon Gaels who have really struggled in the championship in recent years. Four roads should win with a bit to spare. Fixtures (all in Athleague): Athleague v Tremane on Saturday at 3 pm; Oran v St. Dominic’s on Sunday at 1 pm; Roscommon Gaels v Four Roads on Sunday at 6 pm.

Players’ survey led to O’Hora stepping down < SEAMUS DUKE

GAA Results O’Gara Cup Division Two (Section A) Castlerea St. Kevin’s 0-16 Kilmore 0-12 AFL Division Four (Section B) St. Faithleach’s 3-12 Elphin 3-6 AFL Division Five (Section A) St. Dominic’s 3-9 St. Aidan’s 1-11 Fuerty 2-15 Pádraig Pearses 2-9 Oran 3-11 Roscommon Gaels 2-6 AFL Division Five (Section B) Kilglass Gaels 0-11 Shannon Gaels 0-6 St. Barry’s 4-15 Ballinameen 3-6 AFL Division Five (Section C) Michael Glavey’s 1-12 Éire Óg 1-10 Kilbride 1-16 Creggs 1-12 St. Brigid’s 1-11 Clann na nGael 1-10 Senior Hurling League Final Oran 2-16 St. Dominic’s 2-12 GAA Fixtures Friday, August 6th O’Rourke Cup Division One (Section A) At Ballyleague: St. Faithleach’s v St. Brigid’s. 8 pm O’Rourke Cup Division One (Section B) At Strokestown: Strokestown v Roscommon Gaels. 7 pm O’Gara Cup Division Two (Section A) At Knockcroghery: St. Dominic’s v Kilmore. 8 pm Tansey Cup Division Three (Section A) At Pairc Naomh Bearra: St. Barry’s v Pádraig Pearses. 8 pm Tansey Cup Division Three (Section B) At Mulhern Park: Creggs v St. Aidan’s. 8 pm Saturday, August 7th O’Rourke Cup Division One (Section A) At Abbey Park: Boyle v Elphin. 7 pm O’Rourke Cup Division One (Section B) At Woodmount: Pádraig Pearses v Clann na nGael. 7 pm O’Gara Cup Division Two (Section B) (7 pm) At Kilbride: Kilbride v Éire Óg At Enfield: St. Croan’s v Tulsk Lord Edwards Tansey Cup Division Three (Section A) At Croghan: Shannon Gaels v Strokestown. 7 pm Tansey Cup Division Three (Section B) At Kilglass: Kilglass Gaels v Ballinameen. 7 pm AFL Division Four (Section B) At Ardcarne: St. Michael’s v St. Faithleach’s. 7 pm Senior Hurling Championship (Group A) At Athleague: Tremane v Athleague. 3 pm Sunday, August 8th Senior Hurling Championship (Group B) At Athleague: St. Dominic’s v Oran. 1pm O’Gara Cup Division Two (Section A) At O’Rourke Park: Castlerea St. Kevin’s v Fuerty. 5 pm Senior Hurling Championship (Group A) At Athleague: Four Roads v Roscommon Gaels. 6 pm

Diane O’Hora has stepped down as the Roscommon Intermediate Ladies Football manager. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh.

Roscommon LGFA say this week that they will be appointing an interim management team to look after the Intermediate ladies team for the forthcoming relegation play off against Longford following the resignation of Diane O’Hora last week. It has been a frustrating year for Roscommon ladies football with the team’s failure to reach the league final and two defeats in the championship to Kildare and Laois. It emerged over the weekend that the Roscommon players carried out a survey amongst themselves which found that a majority were dissatisfied with the Mayo woman as manager. The results of the survey were conveyed to the team manager by the Chairman of the LGFA, Brendan Cregg. Diane O’Hora said that she was very disappointed with the turn of events and wished the Roscommon team the best of luck in the play-off and in the future. Chairman Brendan Cregg said that a temporary management would be appointed for the relegation play-off game against Longford on Sunday week and that a permanent management team would be appointed going forward after that.

Seamus Duke’s Championship Watch All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final: Limerick v Waterford on Sunday in Croke Park at 5 pm It has been a tremendous championship for Waterford who come into this match with huge momentum and confidence. Liam Cahill has done a marvellous job with the Decies but they will face opposition unlike anything they have encountered before when they take on the champions. Limerick have not been as impressive as they were in 2020 thus far but it is impossible to ignore their power and incredible hurling ability in every line. Waterford will give it everything and may not be far away at the finish but Limerick should make the final with a bit to spare. Prediction: Limerick All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final: Cork v Kilkenny on Sunday in Croke Park at 3.30 pm This could be another cracker and there is not much to separate the sides. Cork are an enigma but on their best day they can play some great hurling and once again they will be looking to Seamus Harnedy and Patrick Horgan to get the scores. Kilkenny are not the team they were but are still very competitive and with TJ Reid still dominating up front, Brian Cody’s team always have a chance. I have a feeling that the Cats will just edge it by a point or two. Prediction: Kilkenny

Liam Cahill will be hoping to guide Waterford to a famous win over Limerick this weekend.

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

SportsPeople

Horses for Courses Racing today, Thursday, takes place at Leopardstown on the level with the three Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes the feature race off at 3.45 pm. There is also an evening national hunt meeting at Sligo first race 4.30 pm. Tomorrow evening there are two meetings, on the flat at Tipperary off 4.25 pm and over the sticks at Wexford first race 4.45 pm. On Saturday, the flat racing is at Cork outside Mallow first at 1.35 pm and the jumping action is on at nearby Kilbeggan away at 4.45 pm. Sunday sees racing at 1.25 pm in the Curragh featuring the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes and national hunt fare in Downpatrick at 1.40 pm. Monday evening sees racing in the west at Ballinrobe away at 4.40 pm. There are 13 runners in the Phoenix Stakes on Sunday and David Loughnane’s Go Bears Go looks like adding to his recent Railway Stakes win over Castle Star, who opposes again. The best of the home team looks to be Ger Lyons’s Dr Zemph. On Saturday, ITV4 cover all six from Ascot’s Shergar Day, two from Haydock and one from Newmarket. No racing televised on RTE this weekend, but the Phoenix Stakes from the Curragh and the Haydock card on Sunday are on ITV4.

Racing News

In Deauville on Tuesday, Aidan O’Brien continued to accumulate Group 1 winners as Mother Earth won the Prix de Rothschild with Ryan Moore in the saddle. She beat Sagamiyra, Speak Of The Devil and Rougir by a head, and two shortheads.

Lenebane Review

At Lenebane on Tuesday, the 3-Y-O maiden hurdle was won by Denis Hogan’s Whyzzat at 10/1 in a race which saw six of the 16 runners depart at the first. Only seven completed the course, the winner finishing 3¾l and 3½l in front of Eternal Presence and Project Two was ridden by Shane Mulcahy. Punters were in luck in the maiden hurdle as Ross O’Sullivan’s Favori Logique beat Vale Of Glory and Plan B by 2½l and 6l. The winner was

Soccer Results RDFL 50th Anniversary Pre-Season Cup Final Boyle Celtic 1 Ballymoe FC 0

Gerry Davis, Secretary of the Roscommon and District League, presents the 50th Anniversary Pre-Season Cup to Boyle Celtic captain, Michael Corrigan, at Lecarrow last weekend. Boyle beat Ballymore FC 1-0 in the final.

11/8 favourite and was ridden by Shane O’Callaghan. In the 3m handicap hurdle, Fill The Tank trained in Co Clare by Aengus King and ridden by Mark McDonagh proved too good for Siberian Star and Doldido by 1¾l and 1l. In the EBF Mares Beginners Chase Icee M B A won for Michael Hourigan in the hands of Brian Hayes. The horse, well backed in the morning before slipping out to 12s, is owned by Hourigan’s grandchildren and is named with their first name initial. The Beginners Chase went to the favourite Alice Avril who made the long journey from Co. Waterford for Henry de Bromhead. He was the punters’ choice at 5/6, Darragh O’Keeffe rode, and he won by 4¼l and 4l from Santana Plesis and Battle Actium. The penultimate the handicap chase went to 14/1 shot Glenquin Castle trained by Martin Brassil and ridden by Mark Walsh for JP McManus. The winner finished ½ l and 9l ahead of Warreedy and Greenway Machine. Joseph O’Brien combined with Tom Hamilton to win the bumper on Rotten Row from Dreamz, the favourite and Steel Queen.

Galway Review

Racing opened on Thursday with Famut winning the 4-Y-O Novice hurdle for Willie Mullins and Brian Hayes. In the Beginners’ Chase Streets Of Doyen won by a neck and 1¾l from Western Run and Bleu Berry for John McConnell and Sam Torrens. Willie Mullins was on the mark again in the Grade 3 Novice Chase with Paul Townend riding Fan De Blues to beat Gin On Lime and Bold Enough 1l and 1½l. The Guinness Galway Hurdle was won by the Mullins’, Willie, and son Patrick, with Saldier from Milkwood and Cape Gentlemen by 2l and a head. Hearts Are Trumps and Petit Mouchoir. Giving Patrick his third Galway Hurdle win. Another father and son team were on the mark in the Arthur Guinness Handicap Hurdle with Philip and Luke Dempsey winning with Clon-

bury Bridge by 2¼l and 4¼l from Bride’s Hill and Karakhan. That man Willie Mullins was again on the mark for the fourth time as son Patrick completed his double when M C Muldoon finished ½ l and 5l in front of Enniskerry and Rambranlt’jac in the Guinness Novice Hurdle. Denis Gerald Hogan trained and rode Macgiloney to win the penultimate handicap hurdle beating Blackstair Rocco and Mindsmadeup by a head and a short head. The bumper went to a stable in form as Tom Gibney’s Mr. Saxobeat, backed from 12s to 5s, easily won by 4¼l and 1¼l in the hands of Noel McParlan. Friday opened with another Willie and Patrick Mullins winner in the James’s Gate Maiden Hurdle, Purple Mountain beating Aboutagout and Skippin’ Court. The Opportunity Handicap Hurdle went to the Shark Hanlon Hallowed Star with Conor McNamara on board beating Ashqar and Varna Gold. Another small yard followed in the Galway Tribes Handicap Hurdle when John Queally’s Arcadian Sunrise was ridden to victory by Denis O’Regan with Bua Boy and The Little Yank filling the minor placings. Mullins combined with Conor McNamara to win the featured Grade 3 Guinness Handicap Hurdle with Jazzaway finishing a head and 3¾l in front of Western Victory and Litterale. The Guinness Beginners Chase was won by Mullins and Townend with Grand Bornand from Busselton and outsider Dawn Raider. Denise Foster and Jack Kennedy hit the winner’s enclosure with Battleoverdoyen, 13th in the Plate, in the Arthur Guinness Chase. He beat Ben Dundee and Annamix by ½l and 8½l. The valuable Blazers Chase was won by another father and son team as local trainer Paul Gilligan scored with the well travelled Born By The Sea ridden by his son Jack. They won by 3¼l and 1l from Popong and Aramax. and were completing a double for the week having won with Shanawalla on Wednesday. The bumper was won by The Gossiper trained by Mullins, Emmet, and ridden by

by Tom Red

Favori Logique and Shane O’Callaghan, nearest camera, delivers their challenge at the last.

claimer P O’Connor who beat Uncle Willie’s Ashroe Dimond ridden by cousin Patrick and the third Lahinch Three was a stable mate of the winner. On Saturday, a day when eight different trainers won a race, the opener went to the Joseph O’Brien trained Buckaroo who beat Stone Age and Golden Beach by a neck and 6l. In the second, Dermot Weld was on the mark with Shirkin Island ridden by Colin Keane who beat Kojin and Champion Green by 2½l and ¾l. Andrew Slattery and son were on the ball in the O’Leary Insurance Handicap as Dedillion won snugly enough from High Altitude and Coill Na Sionainne. In the third jockey Andrew Slattery, seeking a quick double, kicked Rock Etoile on entering the straight but were caught with 100 yards to go by Black Cat Bobby, trying to win for the second time this week, and Kaaranah. Kaaranah prevailed by ½ l over Black Cay Bobby, a winner here on Monday, Cisco Disco ¾l away in third and Rock Etoile fourth. Jessica Harrington and Shane Foley combined to win the next with Nectaris who was 3l and a head to good for Stormy Duchess and Zoffman. The EBF Nursery went to Jim Bolger trained Cool And Clev-

er ridden by son-in-law Kevin Manning who had 1¼l and a neck to spare over Snapius and Barud. The penultimate, the feature Galway Shopping Centre Handicap, was won by the Emmet Mullins’ trained Crown Major ridden by 7lb claimer Wesley Roche who had 2l and 3l in hand over Longbourn and Camorra. The card closed with Gavin Cromwell producing Dazzling Darren to beat Crassus and Magnetic North by 1¾l and ¾l ridden by 10lb claimer Robert Whearty. On the final day, Church Mountain won the Galway Volvo Handicap for Denis Hogan and Joey Sheridan from Ten Twenty and Chavajod. Dermot Weld and champion jockey Colin Keane were again on the mark with Malayan who won from Pride Of Derry and Mount Fairweather by ¾l and ½l. Tom Gibney turned out Tuesday’s winner Imposing Supreme again in the Ardilaun Hotel Handicap and the 5-Y-O confirmed his confidence carrying Chris Hayes to victory over Fridtjof Nansen and Mokhalad. Current Option won the Ahonoora Handicap for Ado McGuinness and Cian McRedmond from English

challenger On A Session and McGuinness’s Spanish Tenor. McRedmond did very well to avoid a loose horse in the straight. Dylan McMonagle rode Joseph O’Brien’s Kirkland Lady to victory in the EBF Fillies Maiden. She won by 3 ¼ l and a head from Little Bubbles and Rosscarbery. That man Willie Mullins was in the winner’s enclosure again with Micro Manage ridden by Colin Keane. Mona’s Melody and Mythical filled the minor places. The Fr. Breen Memorial Handicap bringing the festival to a close was divided with Div 1 going to the Peter Fahey trained Insane Bolt and Div 2 to the Ray Cody trained Bell Ex One. Paul Townend and Patrick Mullins finished level on three winners each for the week for the national hunt title, but Townend retained the title by winning more prizemoney, a couple of hundred pounds. Champion flat jockey Colin Keane won the flat title with four winners. Willie Mullins was again top trainer with ten winners including both codes. It was good to see Dermot Weld, once King of Ballybrit, have four winners and hit the bar on a few occasions.

Fixtures Friday, August 6th

RDFL Premier Division Boyle Celtic v Kilkerrin United. 7.45 pm Saturday, August 7th

RDFL Premier Division Ballinasloe Town v Moylough ’79. 7 pm RDFL Masters League (7.30 pm) Strokestown United v Colemanstown United. Castlerea Celtic v Moore United Glen Celtic v Skyvalley Rovers Sunday, August 8th

RDFL Premier Division (11 am) Ballymoe FC v Moore United Ballaghaderreen FC v St. John’s Athletic Castlerea Celtic v Cloonfad United

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021

SportsPeople

Roscommon duo selected for Irish teams < SEAMUS DUKE

It has been another remarkable week for Roscommon Golf Club with Thomas Higgins and Olivia Costello being selected for the Irish Boys and Girls teams for the Home Internationals which are being played this weekend at Woodhall Spa in the north of England. Captain of Roscommon Golf Club, Johnny Walker, spoke to People Sport this week and said it is yet another milestone in a memorable year for the club. “It’s been a great year for the club, and even this weekend we had over 150 players playing in the Captain’s Prize which is fantastic. Our Ladies teams have retained their two Connacht titles. Our young boys were in the Connacht final of the Fred Daly competition, and our Senior Cup team reached the semi-finals which is a great achievement and our Barton Shield team are playing against Galway today (Thursday) in another Connacht semi-final,” he said. “It’s a huge honour for Thomas Higgins and Olivia Costello to be chosen on the Irish teams but we also feel that young Cian O’Connor was very unlucky not to have been selected. He is in the top ten in the country but he missed out on selection unfortunately “There is a great crop of young golfers in the club at the moment. I actually have a photo of Simon (Walker), Cian (O’Connor), and Thomas (Higgins) when they were

ten-years-old and they were always together and got on really well. They were on all the schools team on the way up. We also had the Hill brothers, the Connaughtons and many more. So there was always great competition among them and they pushed each other. It was healthy competition and they have all stayed together,” he said. The club Captain said that membership is once again on the rise following the Covid-19 outbreak. “There might be a bit of a gap now in terms of what’s coming behind these lads but we have had two teams out at U-16 level this year and the important thing is that they are playing golf. It’s great to see,” he said. “In terms of membership, when Covid hit we were down about a hundred members and then we gained about a hundred later in the year but this year we have about 150 new members which is great and it’s good to see new young blood in the club. A lot of the new members are in their 20s too which is good to see. “We have a great facility here and the course is in fantastic condition and everyone is remarking on that. We have three very good ground staff. They are great lads and our greens are in super condition and visitors have commented on that to me many times, which is great to hear. “In terms of being one of the best clubs in the midlands and west we are certainly up there this year,” he concluded.

Last weekend saw our very popular Captain, John Walker, host his Captain’s Day Prize. Noel Connolly was the winner of the Men’s competition with 95.5 nett while Marie McManus took Ladies’ honours. Bob McCormack was runner-up in the Men’s and Phil Murray O’Brien took second spot in the Ladies. The Seniors’ prize went to Peter Brady and the Over 55s was won by Jim Grogan. Congratulations to Thomas Higgins and Olivia Costello who were both selected for the Irish Boys and Girls teams to play in the Home Internationals at Woodhall Spa this week (See main report). Last week’s Ladies’ competition was won by Bernadette Maher with 38 points while the 9-hole competition went to Fen Thompson with 21 points. Marguerite Farrell was best of the Senior Ladies on Thursday last and the Senior Men’s results were as follows: Jack Halliday, Kevin Glynn, Ollie Hannon, Bob McCormack, JT Finn. Meanwhile, hard luck to the

Camógs beaten by Clare

Despite Roscommon’s disappointing 1-10 to 0-9 defeat to Clare last weekend, they have still qualified for the next round of the All-Ireland Junior Camogie Championship. A big win against Kildare in the previous round was enough to send Frank Browne’s team through but this was a poor display at Dr. Hyde Park last Sunday. Roscommon did well in defence but struggled up front. It was 0-5 to 0-4 at half-time with Rachel Fitzmaurice and Shauna Fallon carrying the home side’s scoring threat. Clare were much the better team on the restart and opened up a three-point gap. But in fairness to Roscommon they drew level at eight points apiece with only five minutes left to play. Then Clare substitute, Olivia Phelan, grabbed a vital goal and Roscommon ran out of time. Roscommon: C Connaughton; E McNally, E Farrell, M Tiernan; R Dolan, J Beattie, A O’Meara; N Watson, S Fallon (0-6, 2 frees 2 ‘45s); R Brennan, N Coyle, R Fitzmaurice (0-3); K Hopkins, N Crean, L Rowe. Subs: T Naughton for Brennan, S O’Brien for Rowe, L Gacquin for Naughton.

Oran claim league honours!

Young Roscommon golfers, Olivia Costello and Thomas Higgins, have been selected for the Irish Boys and Girls teams for the Home Internationals, which are being played at Woodhall Spa in England this week.

Men’s Senior Cup and Fred Daly teams who were beaten in their respective competitions recently. Best of luck to the Barton Shield and Jack O’Sullivan teams who play this week.

Athlone

Tom Hynes won the Men’s Single Stableford on Friday last with a very impressive 52 points. J. Costello and J. Kinahan topped the leaderboard in the Gents’ Fourball while Joe Carney’s score of 41 was enough to secure the 18-hole Stableford on Wednesday last. Meanwhile, Paul Burke and Ger O’Kennedy took the honours in the 18-hole Scotch Foursomes on Tuesday, July 27th and the Singles Stableford played on July 24th and 25th went the way of PJ Lenehan with 44 points.

Boyle

The recent Men’s 12-hole went to the in-form Lochlainn Conboy (32 points), who just pipped runnerup Frank Casserly (31) and thirdplaced Niall Kearney (30). The Men’s Captain’s Prize to the Ladies and the Lady President’s

A strong first-half display ensured Oran claimed their first senior league title in 12 years at Athleague last Sunday following a 2-16 to 2-12 win over St. Dominic’s. Oran led by 0-8 to 0-5 coming up to the half-time interval when goals from Cathal Kenny and Gearoid Keenan seemed to put them out of sight. At the half-hour mark, they led comfortably by 2-10 to 0-5. St. Dominic’s were much improved in the second period, however and Mickey Joe Egan penalty as well as some impressive free taking kept them in touch. Oran did enough to keep the Knockcroghery outfit at arm’s length, however, and Naos Connaughton’s injury-time goal was of consolation value only as St. Dominic’s fell short. The sides will meet again in the first round of the Roscommon Senior Hurling Championship this weekend. Oran: J Fallon (0-1); MT McCormack, P Crehan, K Crehan; B Diffley, H Rooney, O Keenan (0-1); E Kenny, P Kenny; M Dwyer, S Keane, G Keenan (1-1); D Quinn, C Kenny (1-10), J Henry (0-2). Subs: L Ryan for Keane, A Phelan (0-1) for E Kenny,T Fallon for Diffley. St. Dominic’s: B Hanley; S McGloin, M Feeley, E Connaughton (0-1); D Dowling, R Kilcline, M Byrne; MJ Egan (1-9), P Halpin; S Naughton, C Kennelly, L Kilcline; D Martin, N Connaughton (1-0), T Doyle (0-2). Subs: D Keenan for Martin, J Murray for Naughton, R Byrne for McGloin, S McCormack for L Kilcline. Referee: V Burke

FAI Soccer Camp in Ballaghaderreen

Ballaghaderreen FC are hosting an FAI Soccer Summer Camp at Community Park starting on Monday, August 9th for a full week. Cost of the Camp is €70 which includes an exclusive Umbro kit, backpack and football plus five days of fun-filled coaching from FAI accredited coaches. Family discounts also available. Register online at www.summersoccerschools.ie.

Shor t putts Roscommon

- GAA Roundup

(News from local golf clubs)

Prize to the Men both take place this Sunday (8th) in Boyle. The Men’s 12-hole weekly competition continues today (Thursday). Meanwhile, Jonathan Egan’s Captain’s Day takes place on August 15th this year with the Captain’s Prize to the Ladies teeing off on August 8th. To be eligible to play in the Men’s Captain’s Prize you must have played in one 18-hole qualifying competition in Boyle this year, have a valid WHS handicap, and be in a ‘good standing’ as regards membership. The competition will be an 18hole Strokeplay with a 9-hole playoff. Further details are available from the clubhouse.

Castlerea Myles Hawkshaw won the recent Apache Pizza competition with 41 points and Elizabeth Devine took the Eileen McKeon Memorial Trophy with a fantastic score of 62 nett. The Ladies’ 9-hole competition on Thursday last was won by Ruth O’Sullivan with 22 points. The

recent Men’s competition went to Joe McElhone with 64 nett while Dympna McDonnell was best of the Ladies with 66 nett. We’re all set for a very busy month at Castlerea Golf Club with the Bernie Keane Memorial Trophy taking place this Saturday and Sunday. The following week sees the second Major of the year when Lady Captain Kathy Burke’s 36-hole stroke competition is played over Tuesday and Saturday. Kathy’s prize to the men is being played for on Friday next.

Carrick

The Carrick Golfer of the Year leaderboard is as follows: 1st: Daniel Egan (33); Shamzuri Hanifa (32); Sean Martin (30). Cian Harmon and Emmett Herbert (59 points) are tied for first in the Rookie Golfer of the Year. Huge congratulations to team Captain Liam Bruen and the Jack O’Sullivan team who had a good win over Strokestown last Monday. Best of luck in the next round. Congratulations also to our Junior golfers, who are through to the

Club Captain John Walker pictured presenting his competition prize to Noel Connolly following Captain’s Prize Day held recently at Roscommon Golf Club.

Connacht finals in Tuam this weekend. Commiserations, meanwhile, to our Mixed Foursomes, who were narrowly beaten in the Connacht semi-final. Best of luck to Captain Fiachra Neary and the

Jimmy Bruen team who play Ballinasloe in the Connacht Final on Saturday! Finally, a big thank you to all who took part in the Carrick Club Classic last weekend. Full results to come.

Roscommon People Friday 06 August 2021