6 May 2022 Roscommon People

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SOCIAL PEOPLE

06 May 2022

The Local Paper

VOLUME: 782

See page 21

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Both sides of the coin: Down celebrations and disappointment for Roscommon’s Eoin Kiernan following Down’s win in Saturday’s All-Ireland U-20 B Hurling final. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

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Byrne Carolan Cunningham LLP AT H L O N E Ι M O AT E Ι L A N E S B O R O U G H Ι G A LWAY Solicitors

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02

Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

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AT H L O N E Ι M O AT E L A N E S B O R O U G H Ι G A LWAY In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate DOLORES*GACQUIN – SOLICITOR fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of Tel: 090 6478433 • info@bccsolicitors.ie any award or settlement

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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

www.bccsolicitors.ie

I am married and I live with my spouse and our young children. Recently, my spouse has become very abusive and I fear for my safety.

What are my rights?

Domestic violence is any form of physical, sexual or psychological violence which puts the safety or welfare of a family member, either male or female, at risk. Under the Domestic Violence Act, 2018, there are two main kinds of protection available to you, namely a safety order and a barring order.

A safety order is a court order prohibiting a violent person from further violence or threats of violence. It does not oblige the person to leave the family home.

A barring order is an order which requires the violent person to leave the family home. The order also prohibits the person from further violence or threats of violence, and from watching or being near your home.

You must apply to the District Court to get a barring order or a safety order. While you are waiting for the court to decide on your application, the court may grant you an immediate order called a protection order. This has the same effect as a safety order.

If a court order is granted, it is a crime to break such an order. The Gardai can arrest and charge the violent person for such an offence.

In the District Court, a safety order can last up to 5 years and a barring order up to 3 years. These orders can be renewed by applying for a further order before the previous one has expired.

The rights of a victim of domestic violence will vary depending on whether one is married to, cohabiting with or a parent to a violent person.

e l p o e WATCHING P With WithPAUL PAULHEALY HEALY

It was freezing in Markievicz Park …but our lads were red-hot!

Wow! What drama!

Huh? SERIOUS sporting combat! The sheer physicality of it! The blows, the hits…I dunno how they stayed on their feet! And as for the baying crowd!

It was magic! Fair play to Katie, and to Amanda! ACCIDENT CYCLING Oh no, I was talking about the weekend’s football and hurling…

If you involved inenough. a cyclingThere were a few Oh,were right…fair accidentalright… contact skirmishes Byrne Carolan Both: HANDBAGS! Cunningham …still, I thinkSolicitors Katie’s win was the sporting highlight of the weekend…

Well, I got a birdie at Roscommon Golf Club, but yeah, Katie edges it!

What a warrior!

Thank you!

Not you…Katie!

Yeah, she’s amazing.

By the way, I don’t believe it…

You think the fight was fixed, to ensure a rematch? You’re such a cynic!

No, I believe Katie won…I just don’t believe you got a birdie!

(They pause to see if a rematch in Croke Park has been scheduled yet) It was quite a sporting weekend alright…

Yeah, we enjoyed our trip to Sligo…and thankfully you decided to skip that car boot sale!

You don’t know what you’re missing!

The Rossies did well…

Some super scores, a confident display

Endangered Species The barstool boyos

after a slow start. Our attack is red-hot!

I was bloody freezing!

It was cold alright, and miserable, but hey, we won with lots to spare. Roll on the Connacht final!

We’re in good shape…you can see the wheels are turning.

Yeah, I wished the wheels of the cars leaving Markievicz Park turned a bit quicker on Saturday evening! The traffic was seriously slow for a while!

That’s the joys of the championship, sure wasn’t it great to be back in business, after two years of lockdown!

True!

(They pause to check if it’s really May already; it is) Interesting to see Pat Spillane Junior join the action for Sligo…

Absolutely! And Colm O’Rourke was in the Abbey Hotel last week! What next? Joe Brolly to join the People?

Eh…those contract talks for this column, just exactly how are they going?

No comment!

Our U-20 hurlers meanwhile, they ran Down close… a noble effort…

Indeed…

Our minors just came up short against Mayo, but they’re in action again this week, so here’s wishing them all the best…

Well said! And our ladies will bounce back too!

The snooker was exciting…

Yeah, I like Judd, but I struggle to shout for a player called Trump!

That’s not fair!

Only joking!

Mind you, Ronnie O’Sullivan – world snooker champion for a seventh time – is a phenomenon.

Genius!

Yeah, there’s nobody quite like him, plus his initials warm the cockles of my heart…

Huh? They sum up a super sporting weekend…Come on ROS!

What we liked…

Katie Taylor’s magnificent win in her world title boxing bout in Madison Square Garden.

What we didn’t like…

That Brian Cody-Henry Shefflin ‘Handshake of grimness’ was a hard (and disappointing) watch!

What PEOPLE are talking about

This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor.

Byrne Carolan Cunningham have offices in Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough and Galway.

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

Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS

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

PIC OF THE WEEK: A young girl pictured practising her camogie skills at Saturday’s All-Ireland U-20 B Hurling final between Roscommon and Down. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Katie Taylor’s dramatic victory in Madison Square Garden; That handshake between Brian Cody and Henry Shefflin at the end of the Kilkenny-Galway game; The National Maternity Hospital; The Johnny Depp/ Amber Heard trial; the EU moves to ban Russian oil; Liverpool maintain quadruple hopes…

03

Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

NewsPeople

Proposals sought to improve wastewater needs of rural villages Proposals are now being sought to improve the wastewater needs of villages in Roscommon following the commencement of a new funding scheme under the National Development Plan.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien announced the new scheme, which is funded by a €50 million commitment under the NDP, on Thursday last.

The announcement follows the completion of a review of villages and settlements that do

not have access to public wastewater infrastructure.

The scheme will now open to local authorities for application and will stay open for applications until September 15th.

There will also be an information workshop for local authorities.

Local authorities now have the opportunity to develop early and comprehensive applications for funding under this new scheme which will be included in the Department’s overall Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2022-2025.

Minister O’Brien said: “The improved wastewater services will enable local authorities to work in partnership with the community to enable villages and settlements to be better places to live, work and visit, to support overall Government objectives under Housing for All and give practical effect to our vision for a vibrant rural Ireland under Our Rural Future”.

Local authorities are now being invited to submit proposals for consideration for funding under this new measure.

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04

Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

NewsPeople

Kerrane demanding State Pension solution for carers

The Five First Saturday’s Devotion The Blessed Virgin Mary said to Sister Lucia of Fatima on the 10th December 1925.

I promise to assist at the Hour of Death, with all the Graces necessary for Salvation, all those who, on the First Saturday of Five Consecutive Months go to confession and receive Holy Communion recite Five Decade’s of the Rosary and keep me company for a quarter of an hour while meditating on the Mysteries of the Rosary, with the Intention of Marking Reparation To Me. This is also called the Communion of Reparations, The Blessed Virgin Mary had asked for in 1917 along with the Pope consecrating Russia to Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart, also called the Immaculate Heart of Mary. She requested these messages to Sister Lucia for World Peace. All race’s and creed’s are invited to partake in this to help people to complete the Five First Saturday Devotions.

The Rosary is available before Mass at 10.30 am before 11.00 am Mass Monday to Friday.

The First Saturday Rosary Devotions are between 9.30 am to 11.00 am.

Recitation of 15 Decade Rosary.

Also available at 7.30am before 8.00 am Mass on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon Town, also more Rosary times are available for the specific ending of all War’s in order to finally achieve World Peace.

Rosary at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in the Sacred Heart Church Roscommon Town – Monday and Wednesday 10.00 am to 10.30 am.

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 11.45 am to 12.15 am.

Sunday at 12.30 – 01.00 after 11.30 Mass.

Everyone is welcome to partake in all Rosaries.

Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon/Galway Claire Kerrane.

Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon/Galway Claire Kerrane has told the Dáil that a promised solution to ensure a State Pension for family carers must be in place in time for the Budget in October – and no later.

Speaking in the Dáil, Kerrane said: “A commitment in the Programme for Government to find a pension solution for carers is now

almost two years old – and family carers are still waiting.

“The Pension Commission published their report almost seven months ago, making a number of recommendations for family carers, and we still await the Government’s response to this. While the Government may delay announcing what they in-

Lecarrow Benevolent Fund’s online fundraising raffle The Lecarrow Benevolent Fund has launched an online raffle with a first prize of €1,000 as part of its annual fundraising drive, which will also include an auction in Coffey’s Pub, Lecarrow, on Sunday, June 5th.

Tickets for the raffle can be purchased online through iDonate, with links also available on Lecarrow Benevolent Fund’s social media pages. Prizes include a first prize of €1,000, a second prize of two nights B&B plus one evening meal in Hodson Bay Hotel, and a third prize of two nights B&B midweek in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone.

Tickets are €5 each, or five for €20.

The fundraiser is the first event hosted by Lecarrow Benevolent Fund since 2019 and funds raised will be used to continue to provide much-needed support to those in need in the local community.

The Lecarrow Benevolent Fund was devised when a small group of community-minded individuals came together in 2001 to assist groups and individuals in difficulty. Since then, it has raised and distributed over €400,000 for worthy causes.

The Fund has also paved the way for the purchase of life-saving

equipment, including the installation and maintenance costs of defibrillators throughout the area.

The Fund was established with a view to assist those who may find themselves in a difficult financial position through no fault of their own or in other cases where people are facing significant costs in relation to medical treatment.

Please support the Lecarrow Benevolent Fund Annual Raffle. Tickets are available online on iDonate.ie at idonate.ie/raffle/ LecarrowBenevolentFundAnnualRaffle. The draw will take place on Monday, June 6th.

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tend to do on the State Pension age, you cannot delay this entitlement to family carers any longer.

“Family carers deserve a full State Pension and nothing less. They have waited long enough. The Government must commit to ensuring this in time for the upcoming Budget”, concluded Deputy Kerrane.

Murphy seeks to reassure turf-users Senator Eugene Murphy has advised all people who use turf as a fuel to continue to cut and rear, and where necessary, sell turf.

“I am making this statement because of the number of people who have sought clarification on this matter”, said Senator Murphy.

“There is no legislation in place as of now stopping people rearing turf in most parts of our region, indeed only the draft is being prepared. People should continue as normal right now.

“I am also confident that when legislation comes forward later in the summer, we will have protected those who use turf as their main fuel. I am confident by that stage, we will have also covered those who don’t have their own turf bank and also those who traditionally sell turf to others.

“This issue has caused some tensions in Government, but I am an optimist and therefore confident that all difficulties can be overcome”, concluded Senator Murphy.

Roscommon Active Retirement trip

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Telephone 089 2625505 TODAY Book TODAY at www.loughreeboattrips.com Sailing at 10am, 12 noon and 2.30pm - 7 Days Per Week from N39 PT91

Artist Theresa McKenna pictured with one of her pieces, which appears in the ‘Slow Time with a Butterfly’ exhibition, which opened in King House, Boyle, Co. Roscommon, last Friday. Pic: Brian Farrell

Roscommon Active Retirement Association invites you to join them for a five-day trip to the Talbot Hotel, Wexford town from Monday, May 9th to Friday, May 13th. The cost is €380 per person sharing and includes half-board, three daily excursions and coach transport from Roscommon town.

To book, contact 0861925411.

05

Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

NewsPeople

BILL SHOCK FOR PENSIONER Woman received electricity bill for €3,262, Naughten tells Dáil A pensioner living on her own was shocked to receive an electricity bill which has gone from €123 to €3,385 because her supplier has failed to read her meter for the past 24 months. Local TD Denis Naughten informed the Dáil of the bizarre episode last week.

“To add to her shock, she is being charged all of these arrears at the current electricity rate – compounding the financial hardship she is now facing – while the electricity supplier gains an excessive profit due to the policy of charging this inflated unit rate,” explained Independent TD Naughten.

“And it seems that the regulator, the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities, is not too bothered about this exploitation of vulnerable electricity customers as the only obligation they place on electricity suppliers is that they must ‘attempt’ to take a meter reading four times per year.

“Once they do that by throwing a banal card in the letter box that requires the customer to source their MPRN num-

ber, the onus is then on the customer, many of them vulnerable customers in old energy inefficient homes, to submit a reading or face astronomical bills”.

Deputy Naughten said that this practice was “just not good enough” and accused the regulator of “washing their hands of responsibility”.

“Neither the practice of allowing estimated bills to continually roll over nor profiteering from backdating all arrears at the current unit rate should be tolerated,” he said, highlighting the ‘back billing’ approach of the UK which rules an electricity supplier cannot send a bill for energy used more than 12 months previously.

He had asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan what plans there are to do the same here in Ireland.

“Disappointingly, Minister Ryan gave no commitment to take such an approach, just to allow customers more time to pay the inflated bill,” concluded Denis Naughten.

Please support Darkness into Light This year, more than ever, we want you to share the unique and powerful experience of Darkness into Light 2022 proudly supported by Electric Ireland with your loved ones, family and friends. Invite them all to take part in Darkness Into Light on 7th May, wherever they may be. It’s global!

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06

Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Thursday

programme and the quiet joy of being back.

Outside Markievicz Park, the cars didn’t move for ages, pedestrians passing us out.

Brilliant! Meanwhile, three or four men had sandwiches and tea from the boot of a car. It could catch on.

This morning’s session at the Suck Valley Way Conference in the Abbey Hotel featured a number of expert speakers discussing the potential of this area.

I enjoyed acting as Master of Ceremonies during what was a very interesting series of talks (and interactions with delegates). The Suck Valley Way Committee – headed up

by Cllr. Anthony Waldron, whose brainchild this conference was – are to be commended for their excellent work in gathering such an impressive line-up of speakers.

Over Wednesday and Thursday, experts across areas of tourism, sport, industry, manufacturing and recreation outlined how they believe our beautiful region’s potential can be realised.

Over lunch, I met a nice businessman from Co. Cork who had some reservations about how well or otherwise remote working will work…and even greater reservations about the short-term future of his county’s hurlers!

Sunday I know the Sunday Independent…they don’t go for puns, so I reckon their lead page headline may well have ‘slipped through’ without its aptness being noticed (maybe I’m wrong).

‘Fine Gael under fire as turf war escalates’.

Talk about a blaze of publicity…

Monday

Later on Thursday It was lovely to be back in Strokestown for the launch of Eoghan Egan’s latest crime thriller, which I had the honour of performing in the always welcoming Percy French Hotel. Strokestown native Eoghan is two books into his Ganestown Trilogy, a crime fiction series set in the Irish Midlands. The book being launched tonight is called ‘The Other Side of Fear’. Eoghan deserves all the success that comes his way.

Tonight’s launch was organised by Senator Eugene Murphy. We have a report and photographs on page 20 of today’s issue.

Recently…

I see where brilliant aging rocker Roger Daltrey has briefly turned political commentator. The (online) Daily Express breathlessly reports: ‘Roger Daltrey has slammed the European Union for “punishing” the UK for Brexit, claiming not enough progress has been made since the referendum result’.

When told the aging rocker was on the warpath, I can only assume that fatigued EU chiefs responded ‘THE WHO?’

Saturday After two years of Covid chaos for live sport, it was great to hear that epic GAA cry in the flesh once again: “Put down those umbrellas”.

Rejecting the warmth of the press box, I sauntered towards the terraces with two

Cathy Morris, Declan Kenny, Rebecca Maxwell and Sharon Kenny pictured at Saturday’s match between Sligo and Roscommon in Markievicz Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

family members, one umbrella, and sufficient giddiness to acknowledge the beginning of the championship.

In Markievicz Park, just over 6,000 of us laid to rest the callous demons who denied us access to sport for most of these past two years.

When the national anthem ended, the guttural roar we’d missed so much reverberated around the small stadium. It was good to be back.

A slightly older than middle-aged man had a big ‘How are ye?’ for another slightly older than middle-aged man when the latter saw the former weaving in through the drizzle. After a touch of slagging, both men smiled broadly. You knew how much it meant to them, to all of us.

Within three seconds of the ball being thrown in, a possible world record was broken, i.e. the quickest ever demand that people “put down those umbrellas”. Meanwhile, on the pitch, a slow start from Roscommon, Sligo eager, sharp, probing. A mighty Conor Cox point to put Roscommon 0-4 to 0-2 in front was the first indication of the favourites being loyal to the pre-match script.

I didn’t see the red card incident, but the redfaced man in front of me was in no doubt. The middle-aged man, who looked like he might know a thing or two about the art of Slowing Down A Corner-Forward, turned to anyone who would listen, formed a striking pose with his hand, and proclaimed: “Striking! Sure he has to go!”

It was a wretched evening, becoming colder by the minute, but so be it. Roscommon found their stride, but Sligo rallied to close the gap to four by half-time.

Inspired by Enda Smith, Roscommon took complete control after the break. It would have been encouraging if we’d created a few goal chances, but the endless barrage of quality points was more than enough. Maybe the mindset was: Goals not required (Ciarain Murtagh had one chance saved, before swivelling sharply and scooping the rebound over the bar). Roscommon won easily, with confident build-up play yielding several excellent scores.

As the second half wore on, with the weather awful and the result not in doubt, you could almost envy the residents of the housing estate visible below the terrace, tucked up in their Saturday evening world of pizza and Britain’s Got Talent. But no, it was better to be exposed to the elements, to be part of this greatest of communal gatherings, watching tidy tapestries reveal themselves across the pitch, to the approval of supporters who have been released from lockdown gloom.

Our lads are in great shape, whatever twists and turns await. Almost all umbrellas were lowered, save for one defiant man who preferred to stand his ground and wait for the demands to peter out and dissolve into the night air.

When it was over, we were happy. Into the maze of murmur we stepped, clutching the match

Even in latter years, when I rarely see much of the earlier rounds, I always like to watch the closing session of the World Snooker Final. Tonight’s finale in ‘The Crucible’ did not disappoint, the one and only Ronnie O’Sullivan withstanding a Judd Trump comeback to win his seventh world title (matching Stephen Hendry). There were great scenes at the end. There’s something special about the final night of the World Snooker Championship. As for O’Sullivan, his status as the greatest player of all time is hardly in question.

Tuesday As advised, I drove our car to the garage, located over half an hour from Roscommon town. In order to make the car get there, I had put fuel into it (which costs quite a lot these days).

The staff were perfectly pleasant. They said they’d have a look at my car to see if they could replace/fix the problematic part.

While waiting around, I popped into a nearby shop and ordered a coffee and snack, neither of which I wanted. I scrolled on my phone to facilitate getting stressed about the afternoon’s as yet unresponded to emails.

Outside, a woman with a child and a pet dog chatted to a man in his front garden, and briefly I envied the apparent unhurriedness of their day.

Back in the garage, they told me they couldn’t replace/fix the problematic part.

They charged me €40, this transfer from my wallet intended as compensation for the time it took for them to determine that they could not help me.

On the way home, I was afraid to turn on the car radio in case Bob Geldof or Paschal Donohoe jumped out of it and demanded money from me.

07

Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

NewsPeople newsbriefs Social enterprise funding welcomed

Minister of State Frank Feighan has welcomed funding for local social enterprise awareness raising projects announced last week by Minister Heather Humphreys. Minister Humphreys confirmed that €526,000 in additional funding would be made available to projects under the Dormant Accounts funded Awareness Raising Initiative for Social Enterprise (ARISE) Scheme. Locally, Minister Feighan welcomed the allocation for Sligo County Council of €11,049 and Roscommon Integrated Development Company CLG, on behalf of the Irish Local Development network Western Region of Local Development Companies, who are grant-aided €45,000 under the scheme, as well as €50,000 to the Western Development Commission. “This scheme will continue to play a significant part in fostering a common understanding of the value of social enterprise, and collectively empower social enterprises to have a voice and a role in raising awareness,” he said. “While there has been a significant increase in the visibility of social enterprises, raising awareness is an ongoing challenge,” concluded Minister Feighan.

‘3 Peak Challenge’ fundraiser with Jacinta’s Smile Jacinta’s Smile is organising a ‘3 Peak Challenge’ fundraiser, taking place on the 11th of June in Donegal. The challenge involves climbing a total of three mountains over the course of the day, covering a total distance of 15km and a 1200 metre climb (4000 ft.) of uphill walking.

Muckish will be the first hike,

where upon completion, participants will break for lunch before taking on Mackoght and Errigal in one loop. This guided climb will raise vital funds for our charity, and includes bus transport, lunch, tea/coffee/water and first aid support.

Jacinta’s Smile, operating under the umbrella of Vita House

Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre in Roscommon, aims to provide nationwide supports to children that have been bereaved by the loss of a sibling. The founders have lost three siblings, in both childhood and young adulthood, and are acutely aware that there is very little recognition or mental health supports

Church gate collection for Roscommon Tidy Towns

The Roscommon Tidy Towns Association will hold its annual Church gate collection this coming weekend, the 7th/8th of May. All proceeds will go towards projects to enhance the town and cover the cost of insurance for the members. Roscommon town is at Gold Medal status in the National Tidy Towns Competition. Judging for the competition takes place in June, July, and August. New members are always welcome to join the group, which meets at 7 pm on Tuesday evenings at the courthouse.

Rahara Community ‘Tea & Chat’

There will be a community gathering for a cup of tea and a chat in Rahara National School on Sunday, May 8th, after 10 am Mass. This is to encourage social interaction within the community. Entry is free and all are welcome.

Roscommon fans pictured at Saturday’s match between Sligo and Roscommon in Markievicz Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon Race Course CLG.

Roscommon Races

First Meeting of 2022 - great to be back

Monday, 9th May, 2022 (E) First Race: 4.25pm

TOP CLASS RACING

Come for the Racing – Stay for the Craic!

Competition Free Bets on Race Card Last Race Music after 2nd

ission Prices, 10% Discount on Adm e when purchased onlin at the gate ts now accepted

Cash and Card Paymen

ALL ENQUIRIES: (087) 2203288 E-Mail: contact@roscommonracecourse.ie For updates log into www.roscommonracecourse.ie or follow us on

available nationally for children who experience the death of a sibling.

Jacinta’s Smile’s mission is to raise awareness about sibling bereavement and create tailored support services for bereaved children so they can constructively deal with their grief, lessen feelings of isolation and come away feeling

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Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

Roscommon County Council | Tel. 090 6637100 | Email: info@roscommoncoco.ie | www.roscommoncoco.ie All offices of Roscommon County Council are now open to the public by prior appointment 9.30am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday

Roscommon Bealtaine Programme 2022 Roscommon Creative Conversations Short creative engagements between artists and participants in a nursing home, health centre or a household. Throughout the month of May. To register or for further information, please contact us at artsofficer@roscommoncoco.ie / Telephone (09066) 37271 Mo Scéal: Trinity Arts Centre, Castlerea An exhibition of art, stories and memorabilia by local women, with reminiscence artist, Veronica O'Connor, at Trinity Arts Centre. Music, film & refreshments on the evening.

7-9pm Thursday 5th May. Movement with Music: Trinity Arts Centre, Castlerea & Moore Hall, Ballydangan Artist Emma Brennan will lead movement and imagination workshops to classical music. 11am in Trinity Arts Centre. 2pm in Moore Hall. Tickets free, booking essential.

To register or for further information, please contact us at artsofficer@roscommoncoco.ie / Telephone (09066) 37271 Friday 6th/13th/20th/27th May In Memory of Cloth: Roscommon Arts Centre.

3 Day Workshop & Discussion with Frances Crowe and Jessamine O’Connor Memories are held in remnants of cloth. Words and sayings will be explored with writer Jessamine O’Connor and transferred by embroidery or carbon paper onto old linen or found fabrics with fibre artist Frances Crowe. Tickets free, booking essential via Roscommon Arts Centre box office-09066 25824 10.30am-12.30pm Thursday 12th May/ Friday 13th May/ Tuesday 17th May Follow the Tune: King House, Boyle Artscope presents 500 Years of Music from North Roscommon A four-day series of events to follow and present the cultural footprint of the music and song of the area of North Roscommon. Concerts, talks, classes, launches and sessions with musicians including John Carty, Mossie Martin, Cathy Jordan, Martin Tourish and many more Wednesday 18th to Saturday 21st May www.artscope.ie/follow-the-tune Making Music with "The Unwanted": King House An informal performance by the participants of the Making Music Programme.

12pm Monday 23rd May Festival in a Van: Nursing Home Concerts 2-Day Programme in partnership with Creative Ireland engaging local musicians to perform outdoors at Nursing Homes throughout the county.

Friday 27th May / Saturday 28th May Launch of The Return by Helen B. Grehan: King House, Boyle Celebration of the launch of Helen B Grehan's book of selected poems and songs. Music by Helen & Frances Grehan and friends. Published by Drunk Muse Press and edited by Jessamine O Connor. All welcome 2pm Sunday 29th May

Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

Roscommon County Council | Tel. 090 6637100 | Email: info@roscommoncoco.ie | www.roscommoncoco.ie All offices of Roscommon County Council are now open to the public by prior appointment 9.30am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday

Enjoy a range of Live Performance Events in Roscommon this May & June 2022 May 18th – 21st

May 20th & 29th

May 21st

FOLLOW THE TUNE

LIVE @ BOYLE CULTURAL QUARTER

RACHEL GOODE & BAND

King House, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

King House & Courtyard Una Bhán Craft Shop

Moore Hall, Ballydangan

For further information and tickets visit https://artscope.ie/follow-the-tune

For further information and tickets visit https://unabhan.ie or https://bit.ly/3xU2S9p

For further information and tickets visit https://buytickets.at/moorecommunityhall Tel: Moore Community Office 09096 73538

June 2nd

June 3rd & 4th

June 5th, 11th & 18th

SIX DAYS

ROSCOMMON CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL

LIVE @ BOYLE CULTURAL QUARTER

Celebrating 500 Years of Music from North Roscommon presented by Artscope

A Decade of Centenaries event written, directed and performed by Frank Shouldice

King House, Boyle For further information and tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/six-daystickets-322003379777

Events presented by Una Bhán Tourism

Concert presented by Moore Community Hall

Events presented by Una Bhán Tourism

Artistic Director Peter Regan

Roscommon Arts Centre & King House Boyle For further information and tickets visit https://roscommonchambermusicfestival.com

King House & Courtyard King House Tea Rooms For further information and tickets visit https://unabhan.ie or https://bit.ly/3xU2S9p

June 23rd

June 24th-26th

June 25th

A NATURAL SCIENCE

IN THE MIDST OF PLENTY

ELEANOR SHANLEY & FRIENDS

Theatre presented by Fizz & Chips Productions

Roscommon Arts Centre For further information and tickets visit https://roscommonartscentre.ie

A folk musical presented by Enchanted Croí

Vaulted Stables Strokestown Park House For further information and tickets visit https://strokestownpark.rezgo.com

Presented by Moore Community Hall

Moore Hall, Ballydangan For further information contact moorecc3@gmail.com or Moore Community Office 09096 73538

Funded by Roscommon County Council and the Department of Tourism Culture Arts Gaeltacht Sports and Media under the Local Live Performance Programming Scheme

June 30th ENCHANTMENT

Concert by Evlana Ensemble with readings by Michael Harding

King House Boyle For further information and tickets visit https://evlana.com

09

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Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

The

G

D News page

St Paul’s NS joins over 500 Primary Schools nationwide saying ‘Yes’ to Languages!

Fourth to sixth class pupils from St Paul’s School in Castlerea enjoyed taking part in the new Primary Language Sampler in recent weeks.

The sampler module, arising from the school management’s successful application for new funding from the Department of Education, is a means for raising awareness among primary school pupils of the range of languages used by their peers, in their schools and community.

Over 500 schools nationwide are taking part and offering modules in a range of modern foreign languages and Irish Sign Language during this school year. The fun and inspiring module introduced the pupils to German and was taught

over a six-week period during the normal school timetable.

Frau Callinan was delighted to share her language skills and teaching experience with the pupils, having gained the skills while teaching in Castlerea Community School for many years.

A suite of resources was produced, including lesson plans for teachers and tutors and ‘Language Passports’ for all participating pupils to show their family and friends.

Packs were sent to participating schools to help support both the teaching and learning. This was further supported by resources created by the tutor to suit the particular class and context.

Staff and management were delighted to sup-

port the project, seeing it as an opportunity to open children’s minds to the importance of languages as a life skill for student’s future education, relation-

ships, travel and career opportunities for example. Learning languages can only serve to increase the children’s understanding of the links between

people of all languages and cultures and increase the will to understand each other and our shared place in the world.

The module greatly

helped to build awareness and celebrate diversity within schools and communities. It also worked to support the teaching of the Geography cur-

riculum and added to our Blue Star project, which strives to increase awareness of the EU and the countries and cultures involved.

Roscommon students put barristers on the stand in ‘The Big TY Legal Q+A’ Roscommon students spent an exciting afternoon last Thursday putting some of Ireland’s best legal minds through their paces as part of The Bar of Ireland’s inaugural ‘The Big TY Legal Q+A’.

Online and from the comfort of the classroom, Transition Year students, including those at Coláiste Chiarán, Athlone, were able to pose questions to the panel, ranging from topics relating to Mandatory Life Sentenc-

ing, the differences between solicitors and barristers, and experiences in wearing gowns and robes to work.

This is the first year of ‘The Big TY Legal Q+A’ and is part of The Bar of Ireland’s successful Transition Year Look into Law Programme, which recently saw 16,000 students from every county in Ireland take part.

Chair of the Council of The Bar of Ireland, Maura McNally SC, said:

“Following the success of our Transition Year Programme earlier this year, we wanted to re-engage with these students through The Big TY Legal Q+A. Initiatives like this really give students a flavour of what a legal career is like and also gives them a good introduction to our legal system and institutions.

“Schools interested in registering or finding out more information can do so at www.lawlibrary.ie”.

Teacher Deirdre Doyle pictured with TY students Hannah Finneran, Ciara Redmond, Oisin Moran, and Ella Powell during The Bar of Ireland’s inaugural ‘The Big TY Legal Q+A’ on Thursday. Pic: Brian Farrell

TY students Maia Engelbrecht, Leah Dunne and Annie Mitchell pictured taking part in The Bar of Ireland’s inaugural ‘The Big TY Legal Q+A’ on Thursday. Pic: Brian Farrell

TY students Aine Gilhooly and Aine Plunkett pictured taking part in The Bar of Ireland’s inaugural ‘The Big TY Legal Q+A’ on Thursday. Pic: Brian Farrell

TY students pictured taking part in The Bar of Ireland’s inaugural ‘The Big TY Legal Q+A’ on Thursday. Pic: Brian Farrell

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Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

NewsPeople

Employment Rights explained Roscommon Citizens Information Centre Webinar Series for employees, employers and those seeking employment in May 2022 Over recent years, the way we work has changed dramatically.

More of us now work remotely, or have a hybrid mix of work, while others have now returned to the office. With all these changes, it is more important than ever for the public to get accurate and up-to-date information on their employment rights and entitlements.

In response to these changes, South Connacht Citizens Information Service (SCCIS), in conjunction with National University of Ireland Galway School of Law, is delivering two on-line information events titled Employment Rights Explained.

Each session will last approximately an hour and a half, will cover the following topics:Employment Rights and Conditions – Wednesday 11th May at 7pm – covering topics such as contracts of employment, part time workers’ rights, sick pay, the right to work from home/remotely, payment of wages and minimum wage, leave entitlements and rest periods.

Equality in the Workplace, Disputes and Complaints – Wednesday 18th May at 7pm – covering topics such as maternity leave, adoptive, carers leave etc; bullying and harassment, termination of employment, redundancy, and unfair dismissal; grievance and disciplinary procedures, the Workplace Relations Commis-

sion and Labour Court.

The two live information events will be presented by Dr. Lucy Ann Buckley, Associate Professor with NUI Galway School of Law, who specialises in employment and equality law. Dr Buckley said: “It is vitally important that people know their employment rights, but these can often seem complicated. The law is also constantly changing, with important new developments in relation to issues like sick pay, parental rights and remote working. I am delighted to work with South Connacht CIS to help explain key basic entitlements to members of the public”.

Diarmaid O’Sullivan, Regional Manager, SCCIS said “last year, 4,570 people contacted our service in relation to employment issues. These queries varied from leave and holidays, hours of work, contracts of employment, payment of wages, to unfair dismissal.

We strongly urge all workers to keep informed of their employment rights. These two events are free and will benefit both employees, employers and those who are about to start their working lives”.

Richard Regan, Development Manager, Roscommon CIC added, “In addition to information and advice, SCCIS also provides advocacy support to the public. We support, and where applicable,

Dr. Lucy Ann Buckley, Associate Professor, NUI Galway School of Law.

represent clients bringing a complaint and seeking redress through the Workplace Relation Commission (WRC) in matters such as unpaid annual leave or wages, failure to give

minimum notice, failure to pay statutory redundancy and unfair dismissals”.

To register for this series of free events, Employment Rights Explained, visit Event-

brite https://sccis.eventbrite. ie/ or call (0818) 07 6360.

Details of your local Citizens Information Centre can be found on www. citizensinformation.ie where

you can also find helpful information on your rights and entitlements. Roscommon CIS can be contacted on 0818 07 6360 or email roscommon@ citinfo.ie

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Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

NewsPeople

FRANK

BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique

take on life ...

Should the Government subsidise solid fuel burning stoves?

Our man Frank on that turf saga…Katie’s heroics…when Henry met Brian…and local sporting success It’s the Monday of the Bank Holiday weekend and I am in my usual Monday position: sitting at the kitchen table wondering what in God’s name will I write about this week. Normally my mind is a total blank and I can’t think of anything to write about (as I’m sure you’ve realised by now), but this time it is completely different – so much has happened over the weekend that I simply don’t know where to start!

As a person who has lived almost

all of my life in rural Ireland, I must start with the ongoing turf-cutting saga and the efforts by Eamon Ryan to reduce the amount of turf that we burn, thereby reducing the amount of pollution that (we are told) invades our lovely fresh air.

When I was a young lad – many years ago now – my late father Bill (although not a farmer) always cut his own turf. I can remember trying to save it on one of the wettest banks in the country. When it was finally ready to make its way home, our good friends Gerry and Agnes Kiernan would yoke up the ass and cart and oblige.

Ever since then I have been a turf burner. Some years I saved it myself, other years I bought it in. Last year, after a break of at least thirty years,

I went back to the bog and saved my own turf again.

The truth is that saving our own turf was beneficial in every way. It was always said that there is nothing quite like the peace and tranquillity that a day on the bog can give you, with only the sound of the birds singing to disturb the beautiful stillness. Of course, then we had the added benefit of a warm house and a lovely open fire to relax in front of on cold, long winter nights.

However, there is also no doubt that the air would be a good deal cleaner if there was less smoke going up into the atmosphere, and we would all be better off health-wise. So maybe there is some merit in trying to reduce the amount of turf that we burn.

It is an absolute certainty that coun-

try people will continue to cut and burn their turf, and equally, people who don’t own any bogs will continue to want to buy turf. A friend of mine made the point that, in his opinion, the time has come for the Government to subsidise the purchase of solid fuel burning stoves. I don’t have any stove in the house so I don’t have any personal experience of them, but my friend assures me that they use substantially less fuel than open fires (maybe as much as 50% less), and if people were to install them, there would automatically be a huge reduction in harmful smoke emissions.

I have to admit that there seems to be a fair bit of merit in his suggestion, as it would, without any further rancour and bad feeling, solve the stand-off between the Greens and the turf-cut-

Katie is our greatest ever sportsperson!

You know by now how much I admire the amazing Irish sportswomen who are changing the world of sport as we know it…which brings me to Saturday night’s boxing bout.

On Saturday night, in the world’s most famous boxing arena – New York’s Madison Square Garden – Katie Taylor produced her bravest ever performance, beating Puerto Rica’s Amanda Serrano in a topof-the-bill championship bout in front of a sold out crowd of nearly 20,000 fans.

Sadly, streaming the fight (whatever that means) proved beyond my technical capabilities.

And so it wasn’t until Sunday morning that I learned that the woman from Bray had to launch the greatest comeback of her career before getting a victory that copperfastens her status as, in my opinion, the greatest sportsperson to ever come out of this little country.

As I watched it later in the day, I was glad I already knew the result, as for two entire rounds (the fifth and sixth), she seemed to be out on her feet. For a moment, it looked as if there could be only one winner – and it certainly wasn’t going to be Katie. However, she dug so deep she must nearly have been

in Australia – and turned the fight around in four momentous rounds!

The final 60 seconds of the 10th and last round was like something straight out of the Rocky films.

Both boxers slugged it out in the middle of the ring, with no thoughts of science or tactics; it was simply all-out war, the likes of which I don’t ever remember seeing before.

Anyways, Katie has long been a legend in Ireland, but last Saturday made her status even more legendary – if that was even possible. We should be so grateful that we were alive to see her.

A rematch in Croke Park in the autumn seems to be a possibility, and if it happens, Garth Brooks, Ed Sheeran and Westlife (amongst others) will not be the only ones to sell out the 80,000-seater stadium!

I might even be tempted to go to see her myself.

But if I were her, I would retire now undefeated, as she will always be remembered as a true champion as well as the woman who really opened up the world of women’s boxing. All of those boxers who spent years fighting for small purses, including Serrano, can now see their way to earning proper money, and they can all thank the Irish superstar, Katie Taylor. What a remarkable woman!

Katie Taylor

ters, allow the tradition that has been part of our heritage for years to continue, and at the same time get rid of half the problem.

I don’t usually bother with political stuff, and I am completely non-party.

Although locally, I personally think that we have two very able representatives in Michael Fitzmaurice on a national scale, and Orla Leyden on a more local level. I am sure they, along with all sane political people, will try to sort out this unholy mess.

In the meantime, it’s getting late now, so I’m heading to the sitting room, lighting my lovely open fire, putting the feet up for the rest of the evening, and dreaming of the day I have a gleaming nice new stove – compliments of a decent grant from the Government of Ireland.

And finally…

As sport gave us the coldest handshake since Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane in 2002 – when Henry Shefflin shook hands with his old mentor Brian Cody at the end of Galway’s victory over his native Kilkenny – it was here in Creggs that I was reminded what sport really is all about.

The weekend saw three finals take place in our little village. A very good Carrick-on-Shannon side beat Monivea in the U-15 Plate final on Sunday morning, while later in the day, Claremorris won their first ever adult trophy when they beat a strong Galwegians team in the final of the Ard na Cregg cup.

Both of those clubs are relatively new to competition and it was great to see what the victories meant to both sets of players, mentors and supporters. Seeing the unbridled celebrations by everyone involved brought back great memories of our own young days, when we too got our hands on our first silverware.

I’d be willing to bet the celebrations stretched well into the night – especially in Claremorris.

To top it all off for us in Creggs, in a super game of rugby on Monday afternoon, our U-18.5 team beat local rivals Buccaneers in the Plate final. Having seen two other clubs celebrate here the day before, it really was great to see our own lads enjoy what was a really good win.

At the end of the day, we all like to see small clubs do well, and this weekend, three small clubs managed to get their hands on a trophy. That is what sport really is all about. No matter what level you are at, trophies are hard to win, so you’re best to enjoy them when you do – and I’m sure they all did.

‘Till next week, bye for now

13

Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

NewsPeople

Local water catchments included in €20m scheme Water catchments surrounding The Island river – located between Ballymoe in Co. Galway and Ballintober in Co. Roscommon – have been selected for inclusion in the EU-funded Waters of LIFE project to protect Ireland’s most pristine river catchments.

Managed by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the strategic project involves sixteen partners, including government departments, State agencies, local authorities, and local development companies, with an overall budget of €20 million.

The aim is to reverse the long-term trend of decline in Ireland’s ‘high status’ waters.

High status rivers are those considered to be in pristine condition and rich in biodiversity, and Ireland is one of a small number of EU member states that still has a number of high status water bodies. However, the number of remaining ‘high status’ sites has declined from 31.5% (1987-1990) to 19.9% (2017-2020), representing an almost 37% decline in number according to EPA data.

The six catchments included in this scheme are the Shournagh in Co. Cork (near Tower and Blarney), the Awbeg in Co. Cork (near Kanturk), the Island River in the Galway/Roscommon area (near Ballymoe), rivers in the catch-

ment of Lough Graney in Co. Clare, the Avonmore in Co. Wicklow, and the Sheenin Co. Kerry, as a control river for the strategic project.

The total budget under this LIFE Integrated project is €20,369,805, of which €9,500,000 has been committed by the European Union. The LIFE programme is the EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action. Since its creation in 1992, it has co-financed some 5000 projects across the EU, with a total contribution of approximately €6.5 billion for the protec-

tion of the environment and climate action.

Key objectives of the Waters of LIFE strategic project up to 2028 will be increasing understanding of the causes of status change in these types of rivers (which can be sensitive to even minor land management changes within a catchment), and enhancing public awareness of the ecology, ecosystems and natural capital of ‘high status’ waters and their catchments.

Further information can be found at watersoflife.ie.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL COMHAIRLE CHONTAE ROSCOMAIN

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-658330 at Laughil, Ballinlough County Roscommon will be closed for 600 metres between its junction with the N-60-669 and the L-6548-0.

Alternative Routes: Traffic will be diverted to the East and West of closured section back onto the N-60-669 and the L-6548-0.

Period of Closure: 16th of May to 20th June 2022 inclusive. Works will take place from 8:00am to 16:30pm.

Fans pictured at Saturday’s All-Ireland U-20 B Hurling final between Roscommon and Down. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon Decade of Centenaries 2022: Community, Continuity and Change As part of the Decade of Centenaries 2022, Roscommon Library will be hosting three exciting new online talks this May. Each of the talks will focus on different aspects of the history and heritage of County Roscommon in the 19001930 period.

On Thursday, May 12th, at 7 pm, Genealogist Martin Curley will talk about ‘Roscommon Family Records from a Century Ago’.

Martin will look at the various resources from 100 years ago available for people with family in Co. Roscommon, and will gener-

ally explore their lives at that time.

Online records – including censuses, birth, marriage and death certificates, and land ownership documents – will be reviewed.

Sources such as school records, photographs, and newspaper reports will also be examined. The talk will discuss the major record collections that allow a person to have a good knowledge of the lives of their ancestors at that time.

On Thursday, May 19th, at 7 pm, Mary Clancy of NUIG will deliver a talk entitled, ‘Women of the West: Activism, Contexts

and Life-Stories’. Mary’s talk will examine themes of continuity, change and activism in the lives of Irishwomen during the revolutionary period. It will consider how organising on women’s rights, warwork and Irish independence led to different types of participation.

The talk will draw upon experiences and life-stories in the West of Ireland, with a particular focus on women in Co. Roscommon.

On Thursday, May 26th, at 7 pm, local historian Paul Connolly will speak about ‘Change and continuity in the ‘big house’ in County

Roscommon’, where he will look at life in the big houses in Co. Roscommon, leading up to, during, and after the Revolutionary Years, examining in detail Mount Talbot, Strokestown, and French Park, among others. Paul, who needs little introduction, is the author of ‘Mount Talbot: a journey through the ages’ (2014) and ‘The landed estates of County Roscommon’ (2018).

All of the talks taking place are free to attend. All that is required is that people register at crowdcast. io/e/Ros2022/register.

Reason for Road Closure: Replace a section of Critical Watermain.

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 Signed: Caitlin Conneely, Acting Director of Services.

Environment, Water Services, Governance & Corporate Affairs, Human Resources, Energy Management & Climate Change. Athlone MD Area Manager.

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Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

NewsPeople

Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Has infidelity become morally tolerable?

It’s possibly difficult to pin down exactly how many people are engaging in extramarital flings, for the simple reason that cheaters don’t exactly tell the truth. However, according to figures released

by Ashley Madison (an ‘extramarital affairs site’), Ireland has become ‘Europe’s infidelity hotspot’!

This revelation comes hot on the heels of a report that found that in 2021, a whopping 18,800 sign-ups (an increase of 15% on the year previous) came from Irish people on what has been dubbed ‘a global dating service for adulterers’. Imagine that readers – we’re a nation of philanderers, fornicators, thrill-seeking, two-timing, deceitful swingers! Perhaps that’s one of the reasons our national divorce rates (according to stats from The Courts Divorce Service) were up by ‘29% last year’.

I’m wondering if the restrictions imposed upon us during the pandemic (forcing us to spend more time with each other than we’d have liked) has caused this worrying rise in infidelity? As in, did some of us skip over the ‘for better’ part of our vows, and head straight to the ‘for worse’?

If these figures are correct, then it’s clear some individuals are of the opinion it’s okay to play fast and loose with the rules of their relationships. It’s also evident many that philanderers are living under the directive of two moral compasses – i.e. one that knows the difference between right and wrong, and one that simply doesn’t give a damn – when all the while, their dutiful loved ones remain oblivious. That’s heartbreaking.

I mention the subject of extramarital affairs on foot of an article I read recently

on entertainment site extra. ie, regarding documentary maker Louis Theroux allegedly revealing that his wife Nancy told him she ‘would be okay with him having an affair’. What an incredibly understanding woman!

I must add that Louis has insisted he ‘would never cheat’ on Nancy.

Don’t get me wrong readers, I’m not insinuating that men are hardwired to cheat on us women, because that statement, in my opinion, is a false narrative. I believe, given the statistics regarding the ‘extramarital affairs site’ that cheating, while disgracefully common, is divided equally between genders. Given Mrs Theroux’s alleged acceptance, it seems that infidelity has become morally tolerable… in some relationships – not in mine I hastily add!

Unlike the extremely under-

The Tories know a thing or three about scandals!

Call me thick, but I’m wondering how an ‘innocent’ search for a tractor could suddenly go from farm machinery to pornographic material?

This is the explanation disgraced former British Tory MP Neil Parish offered regarding how he somehow took the route to sabotaging his career, as well as, I would imagine, his family life.

Yes folks, bless his naivety, because apparently, in a ‘moment of madness’ during which his brain was idle whilst waiting for a vote, poor, put-upon Mr Parish ‘accidentally’ (wink, wink) ‘twice’ viewed X-rated material on a website normally reserved for a… ahem, certain class of voyeur.

The British Tory party know a thing or three about scandals, with last week’s lurid ‘tractor porn’ happenings coming hot on the heels of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s remarkable Lazarus-like ability to survive as leader following the whole ‘partygate’ debacle. In addition, we also heard fresh allegations around a so-called ‘sexist

of the year’ award being handed out at a ‘mock ceremony’ during a lockdown-breaking Christmas 2020 party apparently held at No 10 Downing Street.

Taking all of the above into account, it’s clear to me that Boris Johnson’s government, with its very obvious entitlement mentality, is fast transitioning into a brand so toxic, their disgraceful ethical lapses will serve to cost them both their power, and the respect of the entire world.

British Tory MP Neil Parish

standing Mrs Theroux (God bless her), Beyoncé (whose marriage survived rumours concerning Jay Z’s alleged romantic transgressions), and the tolerant Coleen Rooney, I’m definitely not the compliant wife who forgives an affair, then spends a week crying into her pillow before putting on a brave face. Nay, I’m the type of wife who immediately reminds her husband of the day he said he’d quite literally die for me… then demand he makes good on that promise!

I’m the one who severs the psychological umbilical cord between me and that backstabbing two-timer… then picks herself up, dusts herself off and devours a hearty overdose of HRT – husband replacement therapy! Why? Because, no matter how hard you try, and no matter how loud you cry, I believe you

cannot change a cheater. And, if you’re a forgiving soul and your partner doesn’t foresee any consequences to having a fling or three, then they’ll just keep doing it again and again and again!

Marriage guidance counsellors may tell you that an affair is a ‘symptom’ that something’s wrong in your relationship. Er, of course something’s wrong: you’ve inadvertently married a liar and a cheat who’s failed to fully meet your psychological needs, you poor thing!

As someone who had to walk away from my first marriage, I want to make it clear that from my perspective, and from my experience, I firmly believe no matter how hard you try, you’ll never be able to disasterproof your relationship for the simple reason you cannot see into the future. Of course

there’s always the possibility that a couple in crisis can (if both are willing) save their marriage and family life by recalibrating their expectations regarding what is and isn’t realistic both for themselves as individuals, and as a couple. I’m saying this because I believe that having an affair or doing something so dreadful seriously damages your relationship, and isn’t always about hurting the person you’re with… sometimes it can be more about hurting the person that you yourself have become.

While I’ve got the greatest of respect for those who forgive an affair, let me say whether you’re the betrayed or the betrayer, no matter how successful you think you are at ‘moving on’, the truth is, that road to repair will never be a smooth one... especially not if you’re married to me!

Parents (not teachers) must educate their kids about sexual harassment Irish teenagers are calling for classes focusing on raising awareness around sexual harassment – and well done to them!

While the #MeToo movement was originally started in Hollywood, focusing on so-called celebs, it seems many children and adolescents across Ireland have been inspired to come forward with their own experiences of sexual harassment, reporting heinous acts that have allegedly been perpetrated against them by others.

In response to this demand for awareness programmes, a reported fifty schools across the country have begun delivering an initiative that teaches pupils how to recognise and safely intervene if they witness an incident of sexual assault or harassment.

While I believe it’s about time this subject was fully and sensitively addressed within the school curriculum, I also believe it’s not a teacher’s job alone to educate kids regarding such matters, rather it’s the duty of the parents. Nevertheless, it seems some simply aren’t stepping up to the mark.

Parents (and all who provide support for a young person) have an important role to play in helping to prevent them becoming possible perpetrators of sexual harassment and/or abuse as adults. Why? Because lessons learned about appropriate conduct will go a long way towards positively benefitting a child’s future behaviour… it’s called proactive parenting, and it works! I must stress that those who perpetrate sexual harassment at a young age do not necessarily continue it into adulthood.

It goes without saying that if we want our little darlings to go into the world and fully interact with those around them, it is the parents (and not the teachers) who must arm them at a young age with the skills needed to prevent them from victimising others, and importantly, save them from becoming victims themselves.

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Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

NewsPeople

The Ballinagare NS Confirmation Class of 2022 pictured with Principal Caroline Madigan, Fr Michael Donnelly, Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran, and Sr Elizabeth. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

The Tibohine Confirmation Class of 2022 pictured with Chris Grealy, Fr Donnelly, Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran, Mary Lynskey, Andrea McCrann, and Sr Elizabeth. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Confirmation Classes of 2022

The Fairymount NS Confirmation Class of 2022 pictured with Fr Michael Donnelly, Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran, Principal Catherine Golden, teacher Sharon Bruen, and Sr Elizabeth. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

The Don NS Confirmation Class of 2022 pictured with Fr Michael Donnelly, Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran, Sr Elizabeth, and Principal Michael Solan. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon Arts Centre

Guests pictured at the opening of ‘Interconnections 4’, an exhibition of fine art tapestries from Ireland and Scotland, held on Friday in Roscommon Arts Centre.

Pics: Keith Nolan

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Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

CIARAN MULLOOLY On The Back Benches

Live music just the tonic we needed after Covid pause The scene is the spacious ballroom of the Shearwater Hotel in Ballinasloe. It’s the Friday evening of the bank holiday weekend in May and the queue is out the door with those gathering to see a chap called Michael Fallon in concert.

‘Who?’ I hear you ask!

Born Michael Fallon, to parents Roisin and Sean, and one of four children, the man we know best nowadays as ‘Mike Denver’ grew up in a home not far from this renowned County Galway horse fair town where country music was part of the daily staple diet.

His mother Roisin, whose roots were in Donegal, was well known on the Galway music scene and played in bands as far back as Mike can remember and it’s clear that it was her influence and the very special communication skills learned in the Portumna-based homestead his Dad set up which have influenced his stage show style more than anything over the last 20 years.

“My mam was very musical, and that’s how I actually started, when I was about 16, playing round all the local pubs,” Mike has already explained, “It went from there, really”. Today, he still lives in the small town of Portumna, but the industry he takes part in is a very different one to the one that was there prior to the covid pandemic.

With the crowd streaming in behind him, the popular singer slipped into the bar with some of his road crew for pre-show refreshments last Friday night and immediately engaged with friendly banter and the chat with anyone who cared to strike up conversation with him or seek a quick photo.

“They are queuing out the door and it’s as if the pandemic never happened here” I put it to the singer and entertainer when he came over to chat the birthday girl at our own table. “No. That’s not quite the case” he replied, “we would really only be back to half the crowds we were used to seeing before March 2019 and it’s coming back only very slowly”.

The fears and anxieties of many of us about the continued threat posed by Covid-19 is a very real factor in this. “We find the younger ones are all out at the dances at the weekends but some of our older fans are still being very careful” he says. Who could blame them? Many with underlying illness in society are still deliberately avoiding large crowds in confined spaces and the heat and sweat that goes with a really good Mike Denver show is not a place for the faint-hearted – no matter how many vaccines you have had.

It’s been a torrid time for Denver and his band and indeed the four other popular entertainers on Friday night’s bill in the Shearwater.

Approaching 80 years of age in October of this year, Philomena Begley spoke candidly on the stage about the lockdown and what it has done to her from a psychological and financial point of view. Brendan Shine was in tip-top form with one of the best stage show contributions of the night on Friday but was equally grounded in his

Mike Denver pictured his wife Elizabeth and their little baby girl Mia.

own travelling shows over the last two years.

Ray Lynam has surely never faced a tougher test down all the years since he and Philomena Begley launched their first duet on an album launched in 1972.

The Irish performers on the stage here have suffered the same financial devastation as their brethren around the planet. The global music industry is worth over 50 billion euro, with

“

“They are queuing out the door and it’s as if the pandemic never happened here” I put it to the singer and entertainer when he came over to chat the birthday girl at our own table.

two major income streams. The first lucrative part, live music, makes up over 50% of all total revenues and comes mainly from sales of tickets to live performances while the second aspect is the recorded music scene that combines revenue from streaming, digital downloads, physical sales across the counter and something called ‘synchronization revenues’ which is all about the licensing of music for movies, games, TV and advertising.

In the wake of the pandemic, those ‘shop’ sales, which represent a quarter of recorded music revenues, are down by about one-third – unsurprising given the closure of retail stores across the world – while digital sales have fallen around 11% too. There is plenty of evidence to show that the way people listen to their music at home is also changing in light of coronavirus.

In the same way in which some people have not gone back to their local pub on a Saturday night or stepped back into a mortuary to pay respects to an acquaintance, we are all doing things slightly differently. In China, Tencent Music Entertainment (TME) reported changes to listening behaviour during the pandemic, with more consumers using home applications on TVs and smart devices and many of us now staying with those new habits.

Denver is stoic about the way the live music scene is recovering, albeit slowly after Covid.

He points to next Christmas and perhaps even beyond that as a time when the attendances at his shows may be finally on a par with what they were and, in the meantime, he’s producing

In association with: LOUGH REE ACCESS FOR ALL

the sort of high-energy show for those who are prepared to go out that had well over 500 people cheering and applauding in their seats and in the aisles on Friday night in Ballinasloe.

He and his wife Elizabeth Gannon have just celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary and on Friday night on stage he spoke emotionally about one of the few pluses that have emerged in the last three years of those ten on the road as the couple welcomed their first child, named Mia, into the world last March, just as the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Of course because it was in Covid times the delivery was even more difficult as due to Covid-19 restrictions he was unable to be in the delivery room with his wife until the very end.

Mia has been born into a very different world and Denver knows, like the rest of us, that there will be good months and bad months – new strains of the virus and other tests down the line as inflation hits us all.

The big thing that really struck me about last weekend’s action-packed show in Ballinasloe was the hugely emotional effect he has on his audience in so many different ways. There’s a personal affection for the singer that is palpable in the ballroom all night and some very special moments when he engages with his biggest fans on stage and involves them in the show too.

Michael Fallon is a five-star entertainer and his return to live performances this summer is a development we should all celebrate. Mike Denver is also a hell of a nice modest man to meet with.

Here’s to his continued success.

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Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

NewsPeople

Roscommon fans pictured at Saturday’s match between Sligo and Roscommon in Markievicz Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Stephen and Kevin Waters pictured with Cormac Beirne (Elphin) at Saturday’s match between Sligo and Roscommon in Markievicz Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

McDermott family members (Lisacul) pictured at Saturday’s match between Sligo and Roscommon in Markievicz Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon fans pictured at Saturday’s match between Sligo and Roscommon in Markievicz Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon fans pictured sheltering from the rain during Saturday’s match between Sligo and Roscommon in Markievicz Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Éire Óg fans pictured at Saturday’s match between Sligo and Roscommon in Markievicz Park.

Pic: Mick McCormack

Seamus and Seamie Carthy pictured at Saturday’s match between Sligo and Roscommon in Markievicz Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Seamie, Ollie and Joe Regan pictured at Saturday’s match between Sligo and Roscommon in Markievicz Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Damien Gannon and Jack McCormack pictured at Saturday’s match between Sligo and Roscommon in Markievicz Park.

Pic: Mick McCormack

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Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

TAKE A BREAK

NewsPeople

A young fan pictured practising their sliothar skills at Saturday’s All-Ireland U-20 B Hurling final between Roscommon and Down. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Famous birthdays ... this week

It’s been a GOOD week for…

The utterly magnificent Katie Taylor, who remains undisputed Lightweight Champion of the World after a thrilling win against Amanda Serrano in Madison Square Garden Roscommon’s in-form footballers, who coasted to victory in Saturday’s Connacht Senior Football Championship semi-final,

Adele (English singer-songwriter, turns 34 on Thursday)

George Clooney (American actor, turns 61 on Friday)

Naomi Scott (English actress and singer, will be 29 on Friday)

defeating Sligo on a 0-23 to 0-11 scoreline Snooker genius Ronnie O’Sullivan, who won his seventh world title on Monday night, this notable feat drawing him level with fellow legend Stephen Hendry, the latter having won seven world titles during the 1990s

Katie Taylor

It’s been a BAD week for…

Two-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker, who has been jailed for two and a half years for hiding assets from the authorities after being declared bankrupt Kilkenny manager Brian Cody, who appears to have been mostly responsible for the tense, almost excruciating exchange with his former star player, Henry Shefflin, this when the two men – respectively the managers of the Kilkenny and Galway hurling teams – engaged in an icy handshake at the final whistle

David Attenborough (English broadcaster and biologist, will be 96 on Sunday)

For updates, check our social channels Boris Becker

Tory politician Neil Parish, who resigned as an MP after admitting that he watched pornography on his phone while in the House of Commons, something he described as “a moment of madness”

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Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

Your Health & Wellbeing Hospice Sunflower Days returns to Irish streets!

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

Together for Hospice, the National Hospice Movement, is delighted to announce that in its 32nd year, Hospice Sunflower Days will return to cities, towns, and villages across the country for the first time in three years!

Their on-street collection, returning on Friday, June 10th, and Saturday, June 11th, forms part of its new 2022 campaign, which will combine its traditional collection with its digital ‘in memory’ fundraiser.

The nineteen Hospice and Specialist Palliative Homecare Services that are arranging on-street collections for Hospice Sunflower Days are calling on the public to volunteer to help them sell sunflower merchandise on the 10th and 11th of June. The digital ‘Sunflower Remembrance Garden’ will

also return this year for the 2022 campaign, and will be open from Thursday, May 12th, until the end of June for the public to make a donation online in memory of a loved one.

Hospice Sunflower Days aims to raise much-needed funds for hospices and specialist palliative home care services across Ireland, enabling them to continue to provide their personal and loving care to their patients and families. Funds raised through the 2022 campaign will be used to directly support hospice and homecare facilities with all funds raised locally staying locally. Monies raised will help to purchase new equipment, upgrade hospice facilities, support hospice workers and allow them to continue to provide their vital service free

Pictured is Karen Reid (Senior Staff Nurse with Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services, Harold’s Cross).

Pic: 1IMAGE/Bryan Brophy

Rooskey, Co. Roscommon

EXPERIENCED STAFF NURSE &

HEALTH CARE ASSISTANT FETAC Level 5 - Care of the Elderly.

Full-time Pictured are Martina Slattery (Clinical Nurse Manager of Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services, Harold’s Cross) and Karen Reid (Senior Staff Nurse with Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services, Harold’s Cross). Pic: 1IMAGE/Bryan Brophy

of charge.

If you would like to volunteer for the on-street collection, please contact

your local hospice or specialist palliative home care service today. Full details of the hospice or palliative

Pictured is Martina Slattery (Clinical Nurse Manager of Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services, Harold’s Cross).

Pic: 1IMAGE/Bryan Brophy

Getting active: public encouraged to ‘Explore Your Way in May’ Ronan Bilbow (the Rural Recreation Officer for Roscommon) is keen to get people active all across the county this May. Roscommon has four beautiful Way Marked Trails open to the public: The Suck Valley Way, The Miners Way and Historical Trail, the Lung Lough Gara Way, and a leg of the Beara Breifne Way. This May, we want to encourage you to experience the beauty of these trails for yourself, while getting some fresh air and exercise. As well as having these magnificent Way marked trails, Roscommon has so much to offer those seeking

SHANNON LODGE NURSING HOME

their recreation or exercise ‘fix’.

Whether you are into fishing, playing team sports, or simply enjoy some downtime in nature, Roscommon has it all.

The inaugural campaign is aimed at promoting the use of our Way Marked Trails, and encouraging people to get active in a way that they enjoy. The campaign will run throughout May, and you can contribute to and follow all of the action by following the Roscommon LEADER Partnerships Facebook page, and Roscommon Trails on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

Make sure to get involved by

tagging your social media posts with #exploreyourwayinmay!

While it is always good to try new things and explore new areas outdoors, it is important to do it responsibly. Always make sure you are fully prepared by planning ahead, wearing appropriate clothing and footwear, having adequate amounts of food and water, bringing a fully charged phone, checking in with people regularly, and following the ‘leave no trace’ principles. You can find inspiration for your next exploration on visitroscommon.ie, and sportireland.ie/outdoors. Happy exploring!

home care service in your local area can be found on the website, togetherforhospice.ie/sunflowerdays.

Applications, including CVs can be emailed to: shannonlodgenh@gmail.com Garda vetting and references will be required.

Private Nursing and Retirement Home Hawthorn Drive Roscommon Tel. 090 6637090. Fax: 090 6637429

Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon Tel. 094 98 61033. Fax: 094 9861066

• 55 bed private Nursing Home in Roscommon • Declan and Eithne McGarry in business for 23 years • HIQA Registered • Convalescent, long term and respite care • Ballaghaderreen HIQA Registered for 61 Beds • Services include: Physiotherapy, Chiropody, Hairdressing and Social Activities with live music two days per week • VHI approved • Competitive rates for non Fair Deal residents • Help given to all residents in filling up documentation for Fair Deal applications • All bedrooms single and ensuite • All diets catered for • Menus available on request

For more information contact the Nursing Home on 090 6637090/090 6637091 or Ballaghaderreen on 094 9861033

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Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

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

Runner-up honours for Glenamaddy group

Eoghan Egan and Marie McCrann pictured at the recent launch of Eoghan’s crime thriller, ‘The Other Side of Fear’, in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown.

Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Editor Paul Healy and author Eoghan Egan pictured at the launch of ‘The Other Side of Fear’ in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown. Pic: Mick McCormack

Margaret Dempsey, Patricia McDermott and Mary Brennan at the launch of Eoghan Egan’s book ‘The Other Side of Fear’ in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown. Pic: Mick McCormack

Strokestown launch of Eoghan’s second crime thriller The Strokestown launch of Eoghan Egan’s second crime thriller was performed by Roscommon People Editor and fellow author Paul Healy in the Percy French Hotel on Thursday night last.

The attendance was welcomed by Senator Eugene Murphy, who complimented Mr Egan on his success. The author is a native of Strokestown.

‘The Other Side of Fear’ is the second instalment in the Ganestown Trilogy, a crime fiction series set in the Irish Midlands. Eoghan released the first book in the series, ‘Hiding in Plain Sight’, in 2020, and has started work on the trilogy’s third and final instalment.

Eoghan’s stories have been shortlisted for the 2018 Bridport Short Story Prize and Listowel’s 2019 Bryan MacMahon Short Story Award Competition, as well as having been published in various anthologies.

Formally launching the book, Roscommon People Editor Paul Healy said that Eoghan Egan has “found his voice and found his place” and that his books will thrill readers.

Mr. Healy said that ‘The Other Side of Fear’ is fast-paced, very well written, and a thrilling follow-up to ‘Hiding In Plain Sight’.

Noting that writing can be a lonely pur-

suit – involving late nights, long hours and frustration too – Mr. Healy said that many people feel “compelled” to write and that it can be very rewarding.

“I am in awe of Eoghan’s journey…of his work rate, his persistence, his energy, his writing talent. The fact that, having self-published his first book, he has now attracted a publisher, speaks for itself. Crime thrillers are now the most popular genre in the world of books and it is wonderful that a Strokestown native is now making a name for himself in this field”.

Mr. Healy said he was really struck by the pace and suspense of ‘The Other Side of Fear’ and wasn’t surprised that the book was attracting very positive reviews. Congratulating Mr. Egan on his success, he said “you have done Strokestown, your family and yourself proud” and added that the local author is destined to write more books which will “thrill” readers for years to come.

Senator Murphy, MC on the evening, conducted a question and answer session with Eoghan Egan, with the author providing guests with fascinating insights into what inspires his writing (both of crime novels and short stories). *See eoghanegan.com for more.

Cllr. Joe Murphy and author Eoghan Egan pictured at the launch of ‘The Other Side of Fear’ in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown. Pic: Mick McCormack

Glenamaddy Players took home second place at the AllIreland Confined Drama Finals, held in Ballyshannon in Donegal last weekend.

The group’s performance of ‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’

by Martin McDonagh lost out on first place to Kilmuckridge Drama Group with their performance of ‘The Playboy of the Western World’, with Newtownstewart in third. There was also success for the Glenamaddy group in the individual awards section, with the seven nominations and three wins.

Mary Scahill-Flynn was named Best Supporting Actress, Declan Walsh and David Burke won the award for Best Lighting, and Cian Boyle won a scholarship to the DLI Summer School at the University of Limerick.

The group also received nominations for Anna Flaherty for Best Actress, John Donlon for Best Supporting Actor, Aidan Burke for Best Presentation, and Coman Keaveny for Best Director.

Glenamaddy have reached the All-Ireland Confined Finals on sixteen previous occasions, with this year being their eighth appearance in a row. They will perform as part of the RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival Fringe (Dean Crowe Theatre Athlone), fresh from their second place success at The All Ireland Confined Finals, on Wednesday, the 4th of April, at 8 pm.

To see the performance, you can book online on the Dean Crowe Theatre website. To keep up to date with the group, follow ‘Glenamaddy Players’ on Instagram and Facebook.

Additionally, Glenamaddy Theatre Festival will host the 2023 All-Ireland Confined Finals from Friday, April 14th, until Saturday, April 22nd. Follow ‘Glenamaddy Theatre Festival’ on Instagram and Facebook for more.

‘Six Days’ to be staged in Spells Bar

Mary Brennan, Marie McCrann, Mary Egan, Eoghan Egan, Caroline Egan, Eithne Scott and Margaret Dempsey pictured at the launch of ‘The Other Side of Fear’ in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown. Pic: Mick McCormack

Author Eoghan Egan and Senator Eugene Murphy pictured at the launch of ‘The Other Side of Fear’ in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown. Pic: Mick McCormack

Frank Shouldice brings his show ‘Six Days’ home to Ballaghaderreen this Saturday (May 7th).

The story is based on Frank’s grandfather and namesake from Ballaghaderreen, who was a sniper at the Jameson Malthouse alongside his brother Jack during the 1916 Rising.

Doors at 7 pm.

Tickets priced at €15 are available now in Spells. Enquiries to 094-9860144.

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Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

GOING OUT

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

Eleanor Doohan pictured on the catwalk at a Fashion Show held in The Brusna Inn recently in aid of Brusna Community Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Ethna Sharkey, Sandra and Martina Ganley pictured at a Fashion Show held in The Brusna Inn recently in aid of Brusna Community Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Brusna Community Park Committee members Eileen Keegan, Sheila Dillon, Nicola Quinn and Kathleen Horan, pictured at a Fashion Show held in The Brusna Inn recently in aid of Brusna Community Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Gary and Harry Sheerin (Boyle) pictured at Saturday’s match between Sligo and Roscommon in Markievicz Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Fiona Mahon and Mary Peyton pictured at a Fashion Show held in The Brusna Inn recently in aid of Brusna Community Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Geraldine O’Hara and Deirdre Roddy pictured at a Fashion Show held in The Brusna Inn recently in aid of Brusna Community Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Audrey Fitzgerald pictured on the catwalk at a Fashion Show held in The Brusna Inn recently in aid of Brusna Community Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Jacquline, Tomas, Eoin and Catherine Toolan pictured at Saturday’s match between Sligo and Roscommon in Markievicz Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

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Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

NewsPeople

Between NMH controversy and possible overturning of Roe v Wade, are our reproductive rights safe?

Let’s talk about ...

REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

(A student’s perspective)

Alannah Ita Healy It goes without saying that the issue of unwanted pregnancy is one which has continually sparked contention in Ireland.

Our history with the topic is one that has been muddied with injustice and misfortune; from the horrific treatment of both mothers and babies in baby homes in the past, to the practice of unsafe abortions up until more recent years.

It’s also safe to say that one of the key influencing voices over the years in conservations surrounding unwanted pregnancy has been that of the Catholic Church. The impact Ireland’s history as a predominantly Catholic country has had, and the hold the Church maintained for so many years (and to some degree, continues to maintain) in defining our society’s morals and values cannot go understated. Even as recently as 2018, when the topic of abortion was at a point of peak political relevance due to the referendum on repealing the 8th amendment, the Church’s voice – and Catho-

lic ideology in general – continued to wield significant political sway.

As we all know however, in the end, the referendum passed – and with a 67/33 split in favour, no less. For the first time ever, Irish people were given access to safe abortion services, and this has meant a world of good in terms of legislating bodily autonomy, and for anyone who’s had to deal with an unwanted pregnancy in the past few years. However, it can do nothing to erase the damage that restrictive Catholic ideologies caused in the years previously.

And so, given our country’s turbulent history when it comes to siding with the Church instead of respecting bodily autonomy, it’s understandable why there has been such controversy surrounding the ownership of the new National Maternity Hospital (NMH), a topic which has regained prominence in recent days.

Ever since the location for

the new hospital was agreed in 2016, the project has raised concerns over governance and the potential ownership of the hospital by a body controlled by the Catholic Church. The site of the proposed new hospital is owned by the Sisters of Charity, which has led to a lot of questions being raised about whether a Catholic ethos could influence medical practices at the publicly funded hospital.

Both the Government and the Sisters of Charity have made assurances guaranteeing clinical independence within the hospital, but there remains a lot of valid concern regarding the ownership structure, plans not being adequately scrutinised, and why any room is being left for ambiguity when it comes to separating Church and State in the first place – especially in this case, considering how diametrically opposed Catholic ideology is to practices such as abortion and other services the hospital is set to provide, like gender-affirming surgery.

At the time of writing, the controversy surrounding the new NMH is ongoing, and the matter is set to be discussed in more depth at a Government level in the coming days.

It may yet turn out that the current plans for the hospital will be scrapped or amended in place of a more suitable and less controversial alternative, but the unease around the safety of reproductive rights in today’s society is not likely to

go away quickly.

One need only look across the pond to the US to see the danger that reproductive rights are in. On Tuesday of this week, news broke that the United States Supreme Court might overturn Roe v. Wade, a 1973 court ruling that protects a pregnant person’s liberty to choose to have an abortion under the US constitution.

With the exception of Poland, Europe’s laws have been trending towards freer access to safe abortion in the past couple of years, but the potential overturning of Roe v. Wade presents a threat to this trend. Roe v. Wade was a landmark ruling for reproductive rights, enshrining people’s fundamental rights to health

care and governing their own bodies, and it played an influential factor over the years in inspiring other countries’ fight for safe, legal abortion services. And so, the possibility of it being overturned is harrowing news for anyone who may one day find themselves facing an unwanted pregnancy.

At the end of the day, reproductive rights are human rights. They form part of any just, compassionate, and secular society. The individual views of any one person, political party, or religious institution does not negate the fact that people deserve the right to choose what happens to their own body. Nor does it negate the fact that a lack of

access to legal abortion does not result in fewer abortions; it just makes them unsafe and puts people’s lives at risk.

The news of Roe v. Wade’s potential overturning, coupled with the ongoing NMH controversy, has been the cause of a lot of fear and unease in the past couple of days. We cannot return to an old-fashioned Ireland, where the Church has any influence over our healthcare, or where our legislation fails ensure our rights to our own bodies.

Despite the disheartening news stories that have come out in the past week, we have to continue to advocate for the rights that protect us so that we don’t return to the way things were.

Dolan urges students to apply for grants

Senator Aisling Dolan pictured with Minister Simon Harris at NUI Galway.

Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan has confirmed that applications for student grants for the new academic year are now open and says changes to the grants will see significant improvements for students.

From September, under the SUSI student support programme, maintenance grants will increase by €200, the income threshold for the standard rate of grant will increase by €1,000, and the distance for the higher non-adjacent student grant will be reduced from 45km to 30km.

Senator Dolan said: “These changes to student supports will make a dif-

ference to students and their families tackling the costs of going to college.

“The €200 increase in the maintenance grant will offer direct financial assistance to over 62,000 students across the country, and increasing the eligibility cut-off point by €1,000 will ensure even more students qualify, and more families can access support.

“Reducing the distance from 45kms to 30kms for the higher non-adjacent student grant also means more students who are living away from home or travelling to college will qualify for the higher grant.

“This will make a sub-

stantial difference to many people, especially here in Roscommon if travelling daily to Mountbellew Agricultural College, the new TÚS university in Athlone, universities in Galway or across the country”.

Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris TD said: “We will continue to make changes to assist students. We strongly believe there is a need to reduce the cost of education for families and we are working with Government colleagues to outline our priorities on how we can help people with these significant costs”. *For more information, visit susi.ie.

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Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

A truly tranquil walking experience

Ganley: ‘I’d support push to highlight our cultural wealth’ < PAUL HEALY

High profile entrepreneur, Declan Ganley – a Glenamaddy native – told delegates at last week’s Suck Valley national conference that he would be happy to lend his support to any initiative that celebrated the area’s links with the High Kings of Connacht.

Addressing the conference in a video link-up from Washington, USA, Mr. Ganley said there is massive potential in the Suck Valley Way region and what is

required is for local communities to “tap into our cultural wealth”.

The businessman identified geneology as being very important insofar that learning about one’s ancestry appeals to “a very wide section of the populace”.

Mr. Ganley said the Suck Valley area is an artery for unique cultural heritage and went on to reference the O’Conor clan and the High Kings.

“This (history) has been neglected and has great potential in terms of tourism. If some-

thing was done (to highlight the links with the O’Conors) I’d be interested (in being involved)… there is enormous cultural depth and wealth here that people will want to see…the river, the ruins, the heritage…the time is right to exploit that”.

Mr. Ganley said that with the O’Conors’ roots being in the area, “you can capture a huge, accessible market”. There is a “cultural well” that can be dipped into, with the area offering links back to the “Irish Royal line”.

Declan Ganley.

Walking A truly tranquil walking experience

Angling

Experience an exploration into the heart of Ireland by walking, angling, or cycling in the valley of the Suck River. From peat bogs to wildflower meadows, native woodlands to turloughs, lakes and marshes – it’s the perfect place to escape into the wild.

The Suck Valley Way features a tranquil walking trail, taking in The Nine Friendly Villages’ – Ballygar, Creggs, Glinsk, Ballymoe, Ballintubber, Dunamon, Castlecoote, Athleague and Mount Talbot – and featuring beautiful natural scenery

The River Suck and its numerous lakes and tributaries provide some of the best coarse fishing in Ireland, with boat and fishing guide hire available

Kayaking Enjoy Kayaking at various points along the River Suck for a relaxing experience. Join our Kayaking challenge over 100km in July ... along the magical River Suck, stopping off in towns and villages along the way

Heritage The Suck Valley Way is steeped in heritage and culture. From historical houses and castles to ringforts, there is a host of attractions just waiting to be discovered!

For more information, visit discoversuckvalleyway.ie, phone 083 0698795, or email info@discoversuckvalleyway.ie.

Find Suck Valley Way on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube

24

Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

A truly tranquil walking experience

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Conference addresses rural regeneration The inaugural two-day Suck Valley Way Conference took place on Wednesday, April 27th, and Thursday, April 28th, at the Abbey Hotel in Roscommon.

Organised by the Suck Valley Way Development Co-Op, the conference was officially launched by Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, Eugene Cummins. The conference focused on a number of key topics such as rural regeneration in the west of Ireland post-pandemic, unlocking our tourism potential, employment and enterprise opportunities, and rural sustainability.

The first day of the conference

(with Darragh Kelly of the Roscommon Herald as MC) was addressed by Cllr. Anthony Waldron (Chairperson of SVW Development Co-Op), Cllr. Peter Keaveny (Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council), Tommy Moylan (Director, Association of Irish Local Government), Eugene Cummins (Roscommon County Council CE), as well as by keynote speakers Paddy Mathews (Hidden Heartlands), Joe Fenwick (NUIG/ author), Seamus McMenamin (Bord Bia) and Martina Earley (CEO, Roscommon LEADER).

The second day of the conference (with Paul Healy of the Roscom-

mon People as MC in the morning session and Seamus Duke of RosFM officiating in the afternoon) was addressed by Cllr. Anthony Waldron, Cllr. Joe Murphy (Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council), Eiméar Dowd (Tourism Officer, Roscommon County Council) and Ronan Bilbow (Roscommon Rural Recreation Officer). Keynote speakers included Pyers O’Connor Nash (Clonalis House), Declan Hoare (Operations Manager, Athlone Labs), Jarlath O’Dwyer (Burren Eco Tourism Network), Dr Michael Tobin (Dean of Faculty of Continuing, Professional, Online

and Distance Learning at Athlone Institute of Technology (now TUS)), Colm O’Rourke (columnist and broadcaster), Gillian Buckley (Chairperson, Irish Venture Capital Association), David Minton (Director, North and West Regional Assembly), Francis O’Donnell (CEO, Inland Fisheries), Nollaig Feeney (Heritage Officer, RCC), and entrepreneur Declan Ganley (the latter by video link from Washington).

For more information on the Suck Valley Way, visit discoversuckvalleyway.ie, or find Suck Valley Way on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

Gannon Agri Contractors Creggs, Co. Galway

Tel: 086 2538169

P. Webster Plant & Tool Hire Ltd Cloonkeen, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon F45 RD26

Telephone: (094) 9620355 Mobile: 086 8577265

Email: pwebsterplanthireltd@gmail.com

Councillor Anthony

Waldron Independent

Play your part keep Roscommon litter free and protect the environment Please contact Anthony on 086 7866774 or email: anthonywaldron@mail.com

Pictured at the Suck Valley Way National Conference in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, were Senator Aisling Dolan, Michael McGreal, Cllr. Tony Waldron (conference organiser), Colm O’Rourke and Cllr. Emer Kelly. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Kilbegnet Development & Historical Association Creggs, Co. Roscommon

Ballintubber Tidy Towns/Heritage Ballintubber Tidy Towns wish the Suck Valley Way continued success ahead of the Ballintubber Heritage Festival and Archaeology Dig, running from July 1st until July 30th.

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Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

A truly tranquil walking experience

A large gathering turned up for the Suck Valley Way National Conference, organised by Cllr. Tony Waldron at the Abbey Hotel. In picture are councillors, keynote speakers and Eugene Cummins (CEO, Roscommon County Council), who officially opened the conference. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Facing the challenge

Planning reform needed – O’Rourke Well-known GAA pundit and columnist Colm O’Rourke said a change in the planning laws is required in order to help halt the decline of villages and towns, some of which are “ghost towns”.

He was speaking at the Suck Valley Way national conference on Thursday last.

Mr. O’Rourke cited examples of national schools having either no children or only a small number enrolled for junior infants for the next school term.

Referencing the closure of post offices, shops and

Pyers O’Conor-Nash delivered a very interesting presentation on the High Kings, his family ancestry, and on the history of Clonalis House in Castlerea. The house was built in 1878 and stands on 290 acres.

Mr. O’Conor-Nash said the people of Roscommon can either get disillusioned or instead take up the challenge (of developing our tourism potential). He was confident that all stake-holders locally and community volunteers would continue to work to develop the region.

schools, Mr. O’Rourke said the clampdown on planning permission being granted for individual dwellings in rural areas is to the detriment of local communities. It is, he observed, the single biggest issue facing rural Ireland.

“A lot of people don’t want to live in towns…that (locating people in towns) is economic policy, but social policy also has to be given consideration. People should have freedom of choice, their sporting and cultural interests should be met”.

Tourism promotion Ms. Eimear Dowd, Roscommon Tourism Officer, gave a detailed presentation on the huge amount of work which is ongoing in terms of promoting this county as a tourism destination.

Ms. Dowd outlined how a new website has been developed, while over 40,000 copies of a ‘County Brochure’ have been distributed. A ‘County Map’ highlighting all local attractions has also been produced, as has a book on Roscommon Walkways/Cycleways.

Ms. Dowd said that Roscommon is easy to get to, is regarded as being safe, but has to address the challenge of not having sufficient accommodation options for visitors.

Cathaoirleach’s support

Cllr. Joe Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, highlighted the “wonderful” history, heritage and biodiversity of the region.

“This is a great place to live, work, socialise in…” he said, complimenting all involved in developing the region now, while also praising those who worked so hard to develop communities locally in the past “when the funding wasn’t there”.

Kenny’s Lounge

Pictured at the Suck Valley Way National Conference in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, were Ellen Buckley, Damien Conry, Cllr. Anthony Waldron (conference organiser), Seamus McMenamin (Sector Manager, Bord Bia), Darragh McHugh, and Lorna Kennedy (Kepak). Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Mr. Bilbow said we need to harness our communities and be inclusive of all ages.

Highlighting the fabulous ‘walks’ and related amenities, the Rural Recreation Officer said the ethos of ‘Work, rest and play’ should drive development in the area.

DOWD’S Supermarket & Filling Station

Pictured at the Suck Valley Way National Conference in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, were Liam Kildea, Ronan Bilbow and Louise Whelan. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Report will be sent to Government Cllr. Tony Waldron, Chairperson of the Suck Valley Way, told delegates at last week’s conference that a docu-

ment will be presented to the Government based on the opinions, debate and conclusions arising from the inau-

Caters for all parties, functions and fundraiser with complimentary refreshments

So just give us a call and we’ll do the rest Eileen on 087 2308895 or James on 087 6029990

Fabulous walks highlighted Ronan Bilbow (Rural Recreation Officer for Roscommon) said it was important to highlight the beautiful River Suck and the archaeological richness of the region.

The area is of great cultural importance to Roscommon, he said.

Ballintubber

gural event.

Cllr. Waldon has long campaigned for development of the Suck Valley Way region and its

environs and welcomed the presence of guests from a number of adjoining counties.

Cllr. Waldron said that

the greatest strength we have is the “friendly people” in the area, that and a very good environment.

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26

Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

A truly tranquil walking experience

River Suck Angling Festival a success

The River Suck 3-day Angling Festival concluded with a tense finish! Shane Dunne from Roscommon took the top spot with 18.9kg, having come fourth the previous day.

Rory Dunne (Roscommon) came second with 18.1kg, Mark Leonard (Kildare) finished third with 17.3kg, and Rob Holt (Manchester) took fourth spot (17.075kg). The winner on day three was Niall McKitterick with over 8kg on Emlagh.

It was great to see so many new faces, along with the familiar ones. People travelled from all over Ireland and also from the UK, attending the event once again after a twoyear break due to Covid.

The draw was held every

morning at Castlecoote Lodge.

The anglers were greeted with tea and sandwiches for the presentation. A sincere thank you to the Leyden family for their continued support of angling in the area, as without it, staging these events wouldn’t be possible.

The IFI had the pegs and platforms in great condition on both sections of Donamon and Emlaghroyan. Thanks to all the club members who helped with the draw, and to Maria Dunne on doing a fantastic job with the results.

We hope to see everyone back at the River Suck again soon, as the facilities and fishing in the area are second to none, and set in the most beautiful of surroundings.

Pictured at the Suck Valley Way National Conference in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, were Jarlath O’Dwyer (CEO, Burren EcoTourism Network), Dr. Michael Tobin (Department of Lifelong Learning, Technological University of Shannon: Midlands Midwest), Cllr. Tony Waldron (conference organiser), Eiméar Dowd (Tourism Officer, Roscommon County Council), Cllr. Joe Murphy (Cathaoirleach, Roscommon County Council), Paul Healy (master of ceremonies and editor of the Roscommon People), Pyers O’Conor-Nash (Clonalis House and Estate) and Declan Hoare (Operations Manager, Athlone Laboratories). Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Pictured at the Suck Valley Way National Conference in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon were Nollaig Feeney (Heritage Officer, Roscommon County Council), Seamus Duke (MC and RosFM Radio), Gillian Buckley (Western Development Commission), Cllr.

Tony Waldron (event organiser), and Dr. Karen Keaveney (Head of Subject for Rural Development, UCD). Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Pictured is Rob Holt (Manchester), who came fourth in the 3-day River Suck angling festival with 17.075kg.

Pictured is Mark Leonard (Kildare), who came third in the 3-day River Suck angling festival with 17.3kg.

Pictured is Shane Dunne (Roscommon), who came first in the 3-day River Suck angling festival with 18.9kg.

Pictured is Rory Dunne (Roscommon), who came second in the 3-day River Suck angling festival with 18.1kg.

Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Cllr. Peter Keaveney pictured with Suck Valley Way Conference organiser Cllr. Tony Waldron at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Pictured at the Suck Valley Way National Conference in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, were Darragh Kelly (Roscommon Herald) who performed master of ceremony duties, Seamus McMenamin (Sector Manager, Bord Bia), Paddy Mathews (Head of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Fáilte Ireland), Martina Earley (CEO, Roscommon LEADER Partnership), Joe Fenwick (Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies, NUI Galway) and Cllr. Tony Waldron (conference organiser). Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

27

Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

Business

How to use digital tools for business Networking event courtesy of REBOOT

Minister Joe O’Brien pictured on the occasion of his recent visit to Roscommon.

Minister of State Joe O’Brien visits community initiatives in Roscommon Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and Department of Social Protection Joe O’Brien launched Roscommon LEADER Partnership’s strategic plan during a visit to Roscommon last Friday.

The Minister of State’s visit started at the Old Schoolhouse in Ballaghaderreen where he launched

the plan.

“I am pleased to launch Roscommon LEADER Partnership’s Strategic Plan, which lays out what will no doubt be excellent work done in future years.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those working with the Partnership for all the extra work and effort during the pandemic, and the current

response to the arrival of those from Ukraine,” he said.

Minister O’Brien also visited the local Family Resource Centre, which is supported by the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP).

Following this, he opened a new childcare centre nearby which will provide

Minister Joe O’Brien pictured on the occasion of his recent visit to Roscommon.

childcare for families in the local community. The centre was renovated with the assistance of the Rural Social Scheme.

Opening the new childcare centre, Minister O’Brien said: “I’d like to thank those working with the Rural Social Scheme for their initiative and resourcefulness in renovating this building to enable families to avail of this service”.

Minister O’Brien then visited the Ukrainian refugee reception centre in Donamon and described the welcome given to the new arrivals from Ukraine as “heartening”.

“I ask that we all continue to extend this warm welcome and pull together to provide assistance and services to our friends from the Ukraine,” he said.

The Minister’s final stop last Friday was at Castlecoote where he met mem-

bers of the local Tidy Towns group. While there, he launched two projects funded by EU ERASMUS+ focusing on the circular economy and biodiversity.

Speaking about his visit to Roscommon, Minister O’Brien said: “It is fantastic to visit Roscommon and to see the great work that these communities carry out with support of the Departments of Rural and Community Development and Social Protection, as well as broader Government.

“One job of Government is to support communities so that they can develop to become vibrant and inclusive. The projects I have visited demonstrate the resourcefulness of communities in developing solutions to improve their areas and enhance the quality of community life”.

REBOOT is a South West Mayo Development Company, Roscommon/Sligo LEADER initiative aimed at businesses and social enterprises in Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo, and supported by Mayo/ Roscommon/Sligo Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs).

Having launched REBOOT in September 2021, over 100 organisations have benefitted from free training and support from industry experts to help their business evolve and grow from the impacts of Covid-19.

Now, as we emerge from Covid-19 and businesses need to refocus their businesses, REBOOT can help.

REBOOT is hosting a free networking event from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm in McWilliam Hotel Claremorris, on May 12th.This is an opportunity for sole traders, small/medium businesses, community groups and social enterprises to kick-start their business using digital tools.

Attendees will hear from sector experts who work with businesses just like theirs to enhance their sales/ efficiency/customer experience, and how many small, practical steps and tools are out there to help your business perform better, reduce stress and anxiety for you.

Any start-up, small or medium-sized enterprise, social enterprise or community group who has an interest in finding out how they can improve should considering attending this event. The event will focus on increasing sales/business efficiency, removing paperwork and manual tasks, enhancing customer experience to drive loyalty, securing critical business data from loss, and networking. In addition, the event will be an opportunity to meet and network with similar businesses to yours across Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo.

There will also be an opportunity for attendees on the day to enter a draw for a free one-on-one clinic with a digital expert ,who can assess their business and recommend digital initiatives to improve their business. One attendee from each county will win a one-on-one. The clinic will be arranged at a time that suits the winner, subsequent to the event.

Places are limited, so early booking is recommended. Simply log on to rebootandnetwork.ie, and click on ‘EVENTS’ and register your details. You can also find REBOOT on Facebook at facebook.com/rebootandnetwork to keep up with all the latest news and events.

Roscommon beneficiaries of Begin Together Fund Lough Ree Access For All and Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling Hub in Co. Roscommon are among 68 community projects to receive financial support from Bank of Ireland’s Begin Together programme in 2022.

In total, €500,000 is being allocated to groups across the island of Ireland in year three of the fund, delivered in partnership with the Community Foundation for Ireland.

The Community Fund aims to support initiatives that are improving the financial, mental, or physical wellbeing with

initiatives receiving up to €20,000 each for projects spanning financial literacy and wellbeing, mental health, disability, inclusion and diversity and social isolation.

Laura Lynch (Chief Marketing Officer, Bank of Ireland) said: “We’re immensely proud to support a wide range of community groups, charities, and social enterprises working across Ireland.

At this time, we are acutely aware of the pressure on resources of community groups, and notably those supporting migrant groups, like Together-

Razem, who, along with their existing range of counselling and educational supports, are providing urgent assistance to Ukrainian refugees.

It’s our hope that support from the Begin Together Fund will help them continue to provide the practical financial counselling and education that is vital to the wellbeing of the communities that they support”.

Together-Razem provides financial counselling, education and supports in native languages for Polish, Romanian and Ukrainian immigrants.

Olha Davydenko (left) and Oleksandra Avtomieienko (right), who have recently arrived in Ireland from Ukraine, pictured at the Together-Razem Centre in Cork with BOI CMO Laura (second left) and Agnieszka Wozniak and Brendan Dempsey of TogetherRazem (centre). Pic: Naoise Culhane

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Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

FarmingPeople Property Services Providers Licence No. 002249

TELEPHONE: 094 9620300 Email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com Web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com THURSDAY 5TH MAY:

SALE OF HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS. MONDAY 9TH MAY:

BULLOCK SALE THURSDAY 12TH MAY:

SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS PLEASE NOTE AS AND FROM 12TH MAY, BULLOCKS WILL BE SOLD ON THURSDAYS For Enquiries Please Contact Mart Office Or Visit Our Website For Details.

Castlerea MART WATCH 800 animals presented for sale on Thursday last. The heifer ring reported a very strong trade with increased numbers on offer. Many of the lighter quality stores exceeded €3 per kilo, where the heavier forward lots made up to €2240 or €3.43 per kilo.

The dry cow trade remains firm with prices topping out at €2870 or €2.94 per kilo. The weanling rings attracted a lot of farmer interest last week as the bull weanlings topped out at €4.21 per kilo, and the heifer weanlings peaked at €3.57 per kilo. Breeding stock made up to €2240 for a Lim cow and her bull calf at foot, while the springers made up to €1390. The calf trade reported a good clearance with prices relative to the quality on offer.

Sample prices: Heifers: Lim 400kgs €1340, Ch 420kgs €1260, AA 385kgs €1260, Sim 470kgs €1490, Ch 485kgs €1450, AA 465kgs €1430, Lim 680kgs €2240, Ch 715kgs €2210, Ch 635kgs €2180, Ch 640kgs €2010.

Cows: Dry cows: Ch 975kgs €2870, AA 800kgs €2350, BB 825kgs €2270, AAX 770kgs €2150, Her 830kgs €2100, Lim 495kgs €1380, AA 405kgs €740, Fr 515kgs €920. Cows with calves at foot made from €1360 to €2240. Springers made from €1030 to €1390.

Weanling bulls: AA 270kgs €1060, Ch 280kgs €1040, Ch 250kgs €970, Lim 280kgs €940, Ch 325kgs €1370, Ch 425kgs €1280, Ch 355kgs €1260, Lim 440 kgs €1410.

Weanling heifers: Ch 285kgs €1020, Lim 295kgs €1000, Lim 285kgs €970, Lim 250kgs €830, AA 295kgs €750, Lim 235kgs €720, Ch 375kgs €1000, Lim 320kgs €990.

Calves: 180 calves on offer with an average price of €155 paid, with lots making up to €430. Runners made from €280 to €890 for continental lots.

Bullock Sale, Monday, 25th of April: 120 bullocks on offer with lots making up to €2100 and quality stores making up to €3.58 per kilo with a good clearance taking place.

Sample prices: Ch 435kgs €1560, Ch 485kgs €1590, Ch 435kgs €1420, Ch 550 kgs €1660, AA 570kgs €1550, Lim 710kgs €2100, Lim 660kgs €1980, SAX 670kgs €1680.

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart on Thursday the 5th with our weekly sale of heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am.

KEEP YOUR FARM SAFE

Immediate support needed to safeguard suckler and beef sector – IFA IFA President Tim Cullinan and Livestock Committee Chair Brendan Golden have written to Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue calling for immediate support to be provided to the suckler and beef sector as the effects of the inputs inflation crisis take hold.

Tim Cullinan said immediate funding is needed to allow farmers make plans to have fodder for the winter ahead. “Suckler and beef farmers do not have the financial capacity to absorb the extent of the increases on input prices. There is an urgent

need for immediate direct financial supports for these farmers to offset the costs,” he said.

The recent Teagasc report finds the impact of increased input expenditure will exceed output growth for the year. The production costs on suckler and finishing farms are projected to increase by 24% and 30% respectively.

Brendan Golden said the suckler and beef farming are low-income sectors dependent on direct payments for 160% of FFI. Recent developments place even more significance on the value of

these supports and bring the flawed CAP policy sharply into focus, where “our most productive suckler and beef farmers will see their payments slashed in 2023, if not amended”.

This sector is also the most exposed to the impacts of Brexit and while the full impact of market access and UK trade deals has yet to be determined, beef farmers are already impacted by sterling volatility and market disruption from stockpiling of products in December 2020, which led to beef price drops in early 2021.

IFA Hill Chairman Cáillin Conneely has said that the existing payment arrangements and proposals in the CAP Strategic Plan for designated land are inadequate, as they don’t address the fundamental issue

of loss of income and the devaluation of land values.

“Restrictions due to designations are responsible for income loss. They impose additional costs on farmers and in many cases can make it difficult to meet

cross compliance requirements,” he said.

At a meeting of the Designated Areas Monitoring Committee, which was attended by Heritage Minister Malcolm Noonan, the Hill Farming Chairman

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue

Impact of designations on land ‘has to be recognised’ said the reintroduction of the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme was a positive first step.

“However,” he said, “greater funding is needed to expand the number of farm plans on the scheme, with increased payment rates to reflect the additional costs and burden on farmers whose land is designated”.

IFA is calling for the introduction of an independent arbitration scheme to determine the loss of value or impact on business caused by designations and a budget must be in place to cover the costs associated with it. There are 38 Activities Requiring Consent (ARCs) associated with designations, ranging from reclamation,

to drainage works, to topping or clearing scrub and reseeding. These ARCs impose extra costs and unnecessary bureaucracy on 35,000 farmers affected by designations.

Cáillin Conneely said there is confusion among Government departments as to who actually grants permission for ARCs carried out in designated areas: “A one-stop shop structure must be put in place to deal with these appeals; ensure fair play for farmers; and to minimise delays”.

The IFA has consistently said where Natura designations are imposed under the EU Habitats or Birds Directive, farmers and landowners must be properly compensated.

Roscommon MART WATCH Cattle There were good numbers on offer again this week at our cattle sale on Friday, April 29th, with a flying trade for all stock and plenty of customers sourcing cattle.

Bullocks average from €2.93 per kilo up to €3.75 per kilo. Heifer numbers were small due to next week’s special sale, with prices ranging from an average of €2.66 per kilo up to €2.73 per kilo. Dry cows fetched from an average of €2.44 per kilo up to €2.94 per kilo.

On Friday, May 6th, we will have our special sale of heifers and general sale of bullocks and dry cows.

Heifers ranged from an average of €2.66 per kilo up to €2.73 per

kilo. Sample prices: Char 725 kgs €1980, Char X 575 kgs €1475, Lim X 545 kgs €1425, Lim X 455 kgs €1240, and Lim X 455 kgs €1225.

Bullocks ranged from an average of €2.93 per kilo up to €3.75 per kilo. Sample prices: Lim X 715 kgs €2560, 2 Char X 685 kgs €2490, Lim X 700 kgs €2480, Simm X 795 kgs €2480, 2 Lim X 652 kgs €2280, 2 Char X 625 kgs €1960, Char X 705 kgs€2250, Char X 555 kgs €1930, Lim 565 kgs €1880, 2 Char X 480 kgs €1800, SAX 560 kgs €1560, 2 Char X 560 kgs €1600, 2 AAX 657 kgs €1680, 2 Char X 487 kgs €1490, Char X 430 kgs €1400, and 4 AAX 480 kgs €1370.

Dry cows ranged from an average of €2.44 per kilo up to €2.94 per kilo. Sample prices: Char

X 850 kgs €2500, AA 845 kgs €2400, Simm X 830 kgs €2190, Char X 810 kgs €2170, Simm X 770 kgs €2160, Char 715 kgs €2100, Simm 780 kgs €2060, BBX 595 kgs €1425, Lim X 705 kgs €2070, Lim X 715 kgs €2000, Lim 585 kgs €1570, and Char 790 kgs €1910.

Sheep The numbers on offer were smaller than the previous week at our sheep sale on Wednesday, May 4th, with a similar trade for all classes. Hoggets made up to €167, spring lambs made as high as €170, stag ewes fetched up to €218, and ewes and lambs made up to €265 for five ewe hoggets with five lambs at foot.

Our next sheep sale for lambs and cast ewes is on Wednesday, May 11th, at 11 am. 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.

Finished hoggets, sample prices: 63 kgs €167, 52 kgs €165, 55.8 kgs €165, 64 €164, 58.5kgs €160, and 49.7 kgs €160.

Spring lambs, sample prices: 52kgs €170, 56kgs €170, 53.5kgs €168, 46.9kgs €165, 46.1kgs €163, 45.30kgs €160, and 49.4kgs €158.

Cast ewes made from €60 to €218 per lot, ewes with two lambs at foot made up to €260, and ewes with one lamb at foot made up to €265.

29

Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

Farming/NewsPeople

(Proudly serving farmers for over 62 years) Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

Friday, May 6th at 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Heifers 43 pens of Heifers on offer Also Bullocks & Dry Cows ----------------------

Tuesday, May 10th at 4 p.m.

Special Sale of Weanlings Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday May 5th

Also Suckler Cows ----------------------

Wednesday, May 11th at 6 p.m.

Simmental X Breeding Heifer Sale 12 springers 63 Maiden Heifers ----------------------

Pictured at the launch of Woodland Festival 2022 ‘Come see the Wood from the Trees’ at the Clonalis Estate, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon were (from left) Marina Conway, CEO, Western Forestry Co-op, Councillor Joe Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Pippa Hackett, Minister of State for Agriculture with responsibility for land use and biodiversity, Richard O’Conor Nash, Clonalis Estate, and Victor Barber, Western Forestry Co-op. Pic: Brian Farrell

Friday, May 13th at 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Bullocks Also Heifers & Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Monday, May 9th ----------------------

Wednesday, May 18th at 11 a.m.

Show & Sale of Lambs Prizes in each Class- 1st - €100, 2nd; €60, 3rd: €40 Best Pen of Factory Lambs (Minimum of 5 Lambs) Best Pen of Butchers Lambs (Minimum of 5 Lambs) Best Pen of 5 Factory Lambs Suitable for Qualeutex Lambs Producer Group sired by a Texel or Beltex Ram Best Ewe with 2 Lambs at Foot Oliver Burke Memorial Sculpture will be awarded to the winner ----------------------

Lambs & Cast Ewes Each Wednesday at 11 a.m.

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

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

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

Find us on facebook

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

TOM ROGERS

TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 (090) 96 87651

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon Tel. (071) 96 34783 and (071) 96 33344

Lowest price GUARANTEED

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Marina Conway, CEO of Western Forestry Co-op shows, the photo she took for Instagram to Minister of State Pippa Hackett and her daughter, Poppy, at the launch of the Woodland Festival, Clonalis Estate, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon on Friday last. Pic: Brian Farrell

Minister of State Pippa Hackett pictured with Richard O’Conor Nash at the launch of the Woodland Festival 2022 in Clonalis Estate, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon on Friday last. Pic: Brian Farrell

Can you help swifts? Free online Community Conservation Webinar

BirdWatch Ireland, in partnership with Roscommon County Council Heritage Office, are hosting a free online Swift Community Conservation Webinar on May 19th at 7.30 pm, as part of Biodiversity Week 2022. The webinar will cover all aspects of swifts’ life story, and how to get going with a swift nest box project to help the species in your local area.

Perhaps the most iconic and intriguing of our urban bird species, swifts are a small migratory bird that visits Ireland each year to nest. They travel from southern Africa, where they have spent over eight months of the year. Swifts have adapted to nesting in cavities where found in buildings in our cities, towns and villages. Their future is seriously threatened in Ireland due primar-

ily to the loss of nesting sites.

From May to August each year, you can encounter swifts. The good news is that there is a lot that can be done to halt the decline in Roscommon’s swift population. Knowing how many swifts there are and where they nest is the first step. The support and active engagement of local communities is critical to building greater awareness of this unique bird species, and in undertaking conservation action where it is most needed.

In summer 2020, BirdWatch Ireland conducted a County Swift Survey in Roscommon. The survey coverage included forty towns and villages in the county, but nesting swifts were only found to be active in eleven of these localities. Across the entire

county, 117 nests were located and mapped in buildings throughout the towns and villages. Some towns – such as Roscommon, Boyle and Carrick-onShannon –showed good populations of swifts, but there were few to none in the remaining localities.

Across Ireland, Tidy Towns groups, community groups and interested individuals are playing a vital role in swift conservation by undertaking projects to directly help conserve swifts in their localities.

BirdWatch Ireland has already completed Swift Surveys in thirteen counties (Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, Tipperary, Meath, Wicklow, Sligo, Roscommon, Leitrim, Clare, Waterford, Kilkenny and Dublin).

To find out more about swifts and how you and

your community can give them a helping hand, join the event during this Biodiversity Week (May 14th21st), when BirdWatch Ireland will host an online Community Swift Conservation Webinar, at 7.30 pm

on May 19th, 2022. The event will be livestreamed on the BirdWatch Ireland Facebook page.

If you would like more information, please email swifts@birdwatchireland. ie.

30

Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

NewsPeople

Remax Team Earley close sale on former bank premises in Strokestown This week, Remax Team Earley are pleased to advise that they have closed the sale of a substantial three-storey former bank premises, located at Church Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

Containing approximately 5,000 square feet, and standing on a quality site area of approximately 0.6 of an

acre, the property consists of an imposing building, which lends itself to both commercial and residential use due to its size and location in this renowned heritage town.

On the ground floor, there is a restaurant/cafe with a kitchen area off, as well as offices, a games room, toilets, a

dining room, a kitchen with fitted unit, and store room off. There is also a charity shop located on the ground level.

On the first floor, there are rooms with solid wooden floors, serviced by a bathroom. The second floor also has four rooms with solid wooden floors.

There is a large enclosed yard way set

to the rear, with double gates giving access to Church street. The extensive garden area set to the rear incorporates a number of mature trees and is enclosed by walling.

All mains services connected, and the property is exempt from BER rating.

We are looking for similar properties

in all areas for cash buyers. For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact Remax Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon, on 090 6626579, email teamearley@remax. ie, or log onto teamearley.ie. Contact auctioneer Cormac directly on 086 3519492.

Ballaghaderreen Community Games Local Athletics

Ballaghaderreen Community Games Local Athletics (track and field events) will take place on Sunday morning, May 8th at 11.30 am in the Community Park. Everyone is welcome to attend.

My Little Library Book Bag

All children starting school in September 2022 are invited to the mobile library at St. Nathy’s Cathedral car park, Ballaghaderreen each Wednesday from 11 am to 3.30 pm to pick up their free ‘First 5 My Little Library Book Bag’. Each bag includes stories about back to school, a library card, and a library card wallet.

Gospel Reflection

Sunday, May 8th Israel’s mission – to be God’s instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth (see Isaiah 49:6) – is fulfilled in the Church.

By the “Word of God” that Paul and Barnabas preach in today’s First Reading, a new covenant people is being born, a people who glorify the God of Israel as the Father of them all.

The Church for all generation’s remains faithful to the grace of God given to the Apostles, continues their saving work.

Through the Church, the peoples of every land hear the Shepherd’s voice, and follow Him (see Luke 10:16).

The Good Shepherd of today’s Gospel is the enthroned Lamb of today’s Second Reading. In laying down His life for His flock, the Lamb brought to pass a new Passover (see 1 Corinthians 5:7), by His blood freeing “every nation, race, people and tongue” from bondage to sin and death.

The Church is the “great multitude” John sees in his vision today. God swore to Abraham his descendants would be too numerous to count. And in the Church, as John sees, this promise is fulfilled (compare Revelation 7:9; Genesis 15:5).

The Lamb rules from the throne of God, sheltering His flock, feeding their hunger with His own Body and Blood, leading them to “springs of life-giving waters” that well up to eternal life (see John 4:14). The Lamb is the eternal Shepherd-King, the son of David foretold by the prophets. His Church is the Kingdom of all Israel that the prophets said would be restored in an everlasting covenant (see Ezekiel 34:23-31; 37:23-28).

It is not a kingdom any tribe or nation can jealously claim as theirs alone. The Shepherd’s Word to Israel is addressed now to all lands, calling all to worship and bless His name in the heavenly Temple.

This is the delight of the Gentiles – that we can sing the song that once only Israel could sing, today’s joyful Psalm: “He made us, His we are – His people, the flock He tends”.

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

St. Nathy’s student, Dylan Walsh, was part of a group of students who met the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, Fine Gael MEPs Maria Walsh and Seán Kelly, Slovakian MEP Vladimír Bilčík, and European Youth Coordinator, Biliana Sirakova, in the European Parliament, Brussels last week.

St Nathy’s student meets Fine Gael MEPs in Brussels

The five Fine Gael MEPs welcomed a group of 28 students and their teachers from across Ireland, including Dylan Walsh, a student at St. Nathy’s College, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon to the European Parliament, Brussels recently.

MEPs Seán Kelly, Frances Fitzgerald, Deirdre Clune, Maria Walsh and Colm Markey also arranged for the group to meet European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, Slovakian MEP Vladimir Bilcik and the European Youth Coordinator, Biliana Sirakova. Their discus-

The late Mattie Gorman

sions mainly focused on the war in Ukraine, youth policy, and the daily work of the Parliament.

Speaking after the visit, Midlands-North-West MEP Maria Walsh said the students expressed a strong interest in a variety of topics including education, youth employment and mental health: “It is incredibly important that young Irish people are afforded opportunities to better understand the work of the EU. Being able to sit at a table and have a conversation with EU decision-makers can really

There is deep sadness in Kilbride parish following the unexpected death of Mattie Gorman, Four Mile House. Mattie passed away on Monday, April 25th, at his residence. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Philomena (nee McCarron), and by his brothers Noel and Vincent.

He will be very sadly missed by his siblings Mel (Longford), Kathleen (Galway), Helen (London), brothers-in-law, sisters-inlaw, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Mattie was a highly respected member of the community. He was a very active and hard-working member of many organisations within the parish, including Kilbride Community Centre, Local Cemetery Committee, Defibrillator Committee, and many more groups. He was also a lifelong pioneer.

Mattie was a very kind, helpful and obliging neighbour, a trustworthy friend and relative. The kind expressions of sympathy reflect this. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

change how our young people view European politics. Visits like this are a fantastic way for people to better understand the European Parliament”.

The student and teacher visitor group represented various secondary schools across counties Louth, Leitrim, Westmeath, Mayo, Meath, Longford, Roscommon, Dublin, Laois, Offaly, Tipperary and Cork.

The second-level students won the special visit to the Parliament in Brussels via a Graduate.ie citizenship and democracy programme.

Services/events at Castlerea Family Resource and Community Centre

The following is a list of services and events on offer at Castlerea Family Resource and Community Centre: Adult Ukulele classes take place every Tuesday at 5.30 pm.

Kids’ Yoga for 4 to 7-year-olds starts on Monday, May 9th from 3.15 pm to 4.15 pm.

The Baby and Toddler Group meets every Wednesday morning at 9.30 am.

Family Drop-In Clinic takes place every Tuesday morning (9.30 am to 12 pm). This is a space for parents who want advice or support on an issue relating to their family.

The clothes bank has now been emptied and is available again for donations. Donations help the centre to raise funds which go towards the running costs of the project.

Contact Martina (086-17111394) or Aisling (086-4615537) for more information on any of the above.

31

Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

PropertyPeople

PSRA Licence No. 004420

Cathal 086 1409158

Cormac 086 3519492

NEW TO THE MARKET

NEW TO THE MARKET

3 B/R BUNGALOW RESIDENCE

4 B/R SEMI DETACHED 2 STOREY RESIDENCE

CLERRAGH, FRENCHPARK, CO ROSCOMMON F45 VY98

2 ASHBROOK, ROSCOMMON TOWN F42YP83

AMV: €149,500

A superb 3 bedroom bungalow of approx. 839.59 sq ft. The property is presented in immaculate condition and has been recently renovated both internally and externally.

A contemporary design runs through the whole house and features bespoke handmade wood features in each room, designer wallpaper and newly stained and varnished oak flooring. This charming bungalow is evidently cared for by the current owners with a meticulous eye for detail throughout.

Externally the site of approx. 0.5 acres features an array of shrubs, trees, flowers, wildflowers, fruit trees and a newly seeded lawn. The garden is split into various zones which include flower beds, lawn, patio area and dining area. The site is truly a gardeners paradise. Private parking is available to the front of the property with a timber fence boundary.

Ideally located within easy reach of Frenchpark Village Viewing of this home is highly recommended and guaranteed not to disappoint.

VIEWINGS STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT

AMV: €170,000

This is a lovely Four bedroomed semi detached residence with spacious rear garden located within walking distance of Roscommon Town centre as well as Roscommon Community College, Lisnamult Sports Grounds, Train Station, Abbey Hotel, Londis Supermarket. The property is presented in excellent condition throughout. The property boasts many attractive features throughout including feature open fireplace, modern fitted kitchen.

Accommodation comprises briefly of Entrance hall, sitting room kitchen/dining room with utilIty and bathroom off. On the first floor are four bedrooms including one en-suite, main bathroom & hot press.

Externally, there is tarmacadam driveway to the front while a large garden to rear. This would be an ideal starter home or investment property with local services & amenities including Roscommon Community College & Roscommon Train Station are only five minutes walk from the property. This much sought after location of this property coupled with its excellent condition makes this a must view property.

The Auctioneer invites viewings and all offers to sell.

NEW TO THE MARKET

NEW TO THE MARKET

4 B/R DETACHED 2 STOREY RESIDENCE

1 B/R APARTMENT

DERRANE, ROSCOMMON

18 STONECOURT, THE SQUARE, ROSCOMMON F42 FC83

A beautiful 4/5 bedroom detached two storey,the property was built approx. 2005 and is excellently maintained.

The spacious accommodation extends to approx.

1,851 sq. ft. which comprises entrance hall, living room, kitchen/dining room, utility, W.C. and gym/ playroom/additional bedroom on the ground floor level. Proceeding to the first floor is a landing, 4 bedrooms one of which master en-suite and the main bathroom.

AMV: €95,000

AMV: €295,000

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 are fitted throughout.

The property sits on an elevated site of approx. 0.64 acres. The large gardens feature manicured lawns, mature hedging and trees and a stone wall boundary with gated access. Ample private parking is available on the tarmac driveway.

Situated 10 minutes from Roscommon Town, Viewing is highly recommended, Strictly by appointment only

A lovely 1 bedroom second floor apartment located at Apt. 18 Stone Court Centre, The Square, Roscommon.

The apartment is presented in excellent condition.

Living accommodation is comprised of an entrance hall, kitchen, dining/ living room, bedroom and bathroom.

The property is heated via storage heaters with double glazed windows fitted throughout.

The apartment is situated in a prime location within the centre of Roscommon Town.

Access is from both the front and rear and there is ample free parking available.

All amenities one would require are available including schools, preschools, hospital, various retail shops, supermarkets, pubs, restaurants, hotel, Loughnanane Park, playgrounds, church, hospital, medical centre, Roscommon Castle, various sporting facilities and public transport links.

Viewing is highly recommended, Strictly by appointment only

TO LET: 28.78 ACRES OF LANDS BUNAVAN, KILCONNELL, CO. GALWAY (NEAR CASTLEFRENCH CO GALWAY) SHORT TERM LETTING-FROM NOW UNTIL 1ST JANUARY 2023 Stone Court Centre, The Square, Roscommon. Tel: (090) 6626579 / 6626796. Mobile: Cormac 086 3519492 or Cathal 086 1409158 Email: teamearley@remax.ie • Web: www.teamearley.ie

32

Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

€145,000

€350,000

€265,000

33

Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

Classifieds

Everyone wants it Everyone reads it 80,000 PEOPLE READ OUR NEWSPAPER EVERY WEEK!

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

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Complete Chimney Services

Chimney Cleaning

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

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS • Firebacks replaced and flues repaired • Can be cleaned from the bottom up • Chimney cowls and crow guards fitted Power washing and gutter cleaning services.

Telephone:

087 2798704

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

CHIROPRACTOR

ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Telephone: 086 8433433

Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon.

David Connor

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

VHI and Laya Covered

COMPUTERS

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

NO FIX NO FEE

PC Maintenance – Upgrades, Repairs, Virus & Spyware removal.

Network Solutions – Cabling, Hardware & Software Installation & Maintenance.

Contact David Conboy Tel: 087 7496459

Stephen Casey

Construction l

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

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

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

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

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

CHIROPODIST

Kathleen’s Mobile Footcare

Provided in the comfort of your own home Kathleen Wynne MCFHP, MAFHP

Foot Care Practitioner

071 9637984 / 086 3562718

COUNSELLING Are you experiencing difficulties in your life?

Such as depression, anxiety, life or spiritural crisis.

Are you having difficulties in relationships at work? Have you experienced sexual abuse or abuse and need counselling to help you?

Please call Glynis on

085 2514394

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

web: www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

DRIVING LESSONS

Paul McStay DSA/ADI (UK) RSA

MIAM ROSPA Approved Driving Instructor Former BSM Driving Instructor and UK advanced Met. Police Driver.

GIFT VOUCHER CARDS AVAILABLE Castlerea & Roscommon

EDT Lessons Available Telephone:

094 96 20099 Mobile:

086 8936012

Email: info@dccomputerservices.ie Web: www.dccomputerservices.ie

CONSTRUCTION

Submit your Classified online

COUNSELLING

HolHolistic isic Counselling & Psychotherapy Counselling & Are any of the following issues Psychotherapy

AreImpacti any ng yourof daily lthe ife. following issues Stress, Panic, Anxiety, Depressi on, impacting your daily life: OCD, Grief, Abuse?

Stress, Panic, Anxiety, You Don’t have to deal wiOCD, th it Depression, Grief, Abuse?

On your own.

You don’t have to deal with Giitve yoursel onf a your gift of therapy. own Give yourself a gift of Contact: Nora therapy 0858007355Nora Contact: 085 800 7355 nj2tiernan@icloud.com nj2tiernan@icloud.com

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

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

FARMING < FOR SALE: BB Hex LM AA SPX Bulls and Heifers.

Orders now taken for calves.

Call Mark: 086 1996367

BOOM SPRAYER TESTING SERVICE • Sprayers tested on owners premises • Test report & D.A.F.M. stickers provided.

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

All sprayers tested in 2016/2017 are now due re-test Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090 6663069 e-mail: thomasneilan4@ gmail.com

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

FENCING/GATES

GARDENING

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD l l

For all your fencing needs.

GLAS Fencing Grant Fencing Post Rail

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

l

Tel: 087 2172281

Des Kelly Fencing Over 20 years in business All types of fencing supplied and erected Including: • Cresoted Posts • Agricultural Fencing • Site Fencing • Security Fencing • Post & Rail Fencing • Concrete Fencing • Grant Approved Fencing No job too big or too small Just give us a call on

087 2346364

FOR SALE < FOR SALE: Set of electric drums, almost new. First reasonable offer secures.

Tel: 087 9657933 or 090 6633084

GARDENING

JOE HEALY

Tree Services

• Hedge Cutting • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Fully Insured

Phone:

087 2721193 GARDENING SERVICES Including: • Hedge Cutting • Hedge Planting • Grass Cutting • Spraying • Strimming • Weeding • Garden Tidy-ups • Planting • Gutter Cleaning, etc.

Chainsaw work also available

Phone John on

087 2860428

Comprehensive Insurance Cover. I.S.A. member.

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165 www.parklaw treeservices.com

GATELY GARDENING

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

CORBETT

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

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

l

087 6558597

www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic Movement Matters 20 years experience treating babies to adults.

Everyday aches & pains to sports injuries.

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

Can we help you?

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

PLANNINGS

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

086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch

Businesses: Reach your target market!

18,000 COPIES PRINTED WEEKLY

. e

34

Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

Classifieds PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, The Board of Management of The Roscommon Christian Brothers School, are applying for planning permission to construct a storage shed with all associated site development works (on a Site which includes a Protected Structure - A Priory, RPS. Ref. No. 03900504 refers) at Ardnanagh Td Co. Roscommon.

Signed: AOL Design Ltd. Consulting Engineers C/O Albert Looby, Killeenboy, Kilteevan, Co Roscommon.

Tel: (090) 66 28184 Mobile:(086) 8167365 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 We, Enda McLoughlin and Donna Marie McDonagh are applying to Roscommon County Council for the following: 1. Planning permission to construct extensions to existing dwelling house 2. Planning permission to upgrade existing septic tank to new treatment system with percolation area and all site development works at Cloondacarra Beg Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. F45 C673

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

Signed:

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road Roscommon, F42 C982.

Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying to Roscommon County Council for retention permission for an extension to a dwellinghouse, retention permission for a septic tank system and retention permission for a domestic garage on behalf of Kevin and Teresa McGeeney at Gorteencloogh or Corra More, Athleague, Co. Roscommon.

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

Castle St., Roscommon.

Ph: (087) 2222874.

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I Howard Abbott am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the following: 1. To demolish existing rear annex and construct new rear extension and install new window on left gable of existing dwelling house, 2. To install new entrance and drive and all ancillary site development works at Creggameen, Trien, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

F45 DX79

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

Signed:

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road Roscommon, F42 C982.

Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

The local paper!

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Cathal Reynolds on behalf of Coman Reynolds am applying to Roscommon County Council for outline planning permission to erect a dormer bungalow dwelling, wastewater treatment system and all associated site works to facilitate same at Clooncullaan, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

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 a prescribed fee within a period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Cathal Reynolds

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Deeney Engineering and Planning Services, are applying to Roscommon County Council, on behalf of James Lee, for Retention planning permission for: • Retention of existing extension to dwelling and all ancillary site works at Pound Street, Ballaghaderreen TD, Co. Roscommon.

This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the 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 a prescribed fee within a period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Deeney Engineering and Planning Services Tel: 086 2503109

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying for planning permission for extension and refurbishment of existing dwelling house at Runnabackan, Ballinaheglish and for planning permission for retention of temporary siting of mobile home on the site with connection to existing septic tank and percolation area.

Signed: Niall and Brenda Kearney.

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

PROPERTIES TO LET/ RENT/WANTED

REFLEXOLOGY

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

MARINA FUREY (MNRRI)

PODIATRIST Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Sarah Fleming

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI at

Tullys

REFLEXOLOGY Reflexology may bring relief from conditions such as: • Allergies • Colic • Eczema • Constipation • Migraine • Back Problems • Stress • Infertility • Insomnia • Respiratory Disorders • Blood Pressure • Pain • Bowel Disorders • Joint/Muscle Problems • Thyroid Imbalance • Emotional Disorders - Fertility Reflexology - Ante Natal Reflexology - Baby Reflexology - Cancer Care Reflexology - Special Needs Reflexology Mobile Service Available Marina Furey B. Sc. (Hons)

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 087 2264951 Find us on facebook

ROOFING

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

TOP QUALITY TURF 10x6 Loads of Turf, saved in good weather and stored in dry shed, will deliver.

Phone:

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD < THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Net bags of seasoned firewood only €3 per bag, buy 20 bags get 1 free • Tonne bags firewood/turf only €35 per bag. Half tonne bags of Ash/Beech only €35 per bag. All includes free delivery. Contact Tom: 086 2628439 or Tony 087 7055800

083 0684011

TURF AVAILABLE

WANTED:

Bulk bags of Turf available

Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch and Whitethorn.

We are safety certified and insured.

Phone:

086 2437376

Tel: Donal

086 2721812 (All areas)

Also loads of Peat bedding for livestock (delivered)

USEFUL SERVICES Phone: 091 416029 Liam or Mick 085 7619827

HSE Trained and Approved l Home visits available l

For any of your foot issues call:

094 9620009

PODIATRIST

For all foot ailments

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

Affordable Roofing and Gutter Repairs, we replace and install in Roscommon area.

Our Services: • Roof Repairs • Gutter Repairs • New Roofs • Flat Roofs • Gutter Exchange • Lead Valley Roof • Cleaning Gutter • Cleaning

email: roofingcontractors27@gmail.com

TARMACADAM

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 – Tel:

087 2982214

Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

< SMITH FUELS: Turf/ Timber kindling, coal pellets, firelog delivered/pick-up available.

Contact Fergal 087 9334210 < PLOTS OF TURF: Plots of good quality hopper turf for sale in Ballaghaderreen area.

Contact: 087 6810849 < FOR SALE: Orders taken for Turf plots, top class turf Ballyforan/Four Roads area beside road, accessible by car. Tel: 086 394 2332

Department of Health Approved Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea For appointment: (094) 96 21647 / (089) 4142233 • Home visits • 20 years experience

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

< PLOTS OF TURF TO LET: Easy Access.

Ballinagare/ Frenchpark / Castlerea Area. Call Owen 086 8953884

l

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Call Mike

087 2478609

Phone: 091 416029

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

SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK

HANDY MAN AVAILABLE

Harpur Bros, Castlecole, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

TAROT READING

Would you like to know what your future holds?

Come and have a Tarot Reading with Kerry Lee

089 4256426

Based near Glenamaddy.

< PLOTS OF TURF: To let, 10 rows, 90 yards long, Ballygar/Ballyforan area. Call Bernie: 087 2533101

Ballaghaderreen & surrounding area

Mop & Mow

Grasscutting Garden and property services Steve and Lea Husband and wife team.

The help you need at a price you can afford.

Email: mopandmow@ icloud.com Telephone: 085 868 4169

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

35

Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

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

Carpenter Available Doors Floors l Stairs l Wall Panelling l

l

Over 30 years experience

Phone Tommy

086 8934576

Electrician Available Safe Electric Registered.

Domestic and Industrial, All work considered.

No Job too small.

Phone Paul 086 2553153 or email: p086255315@gmail. com

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

If so ring:

087 9657933

or 090 66 33084

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

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

USEFUL SERVICES

USEFUL SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business KITCHEN CAN’T FIND CABINET ANYONE to do that small job, or PAINTER you haven’t got the time ...

AVAILABLE WE DO ANYTHING From fitting Curtain Rails to laying that footpath • Fast Reliable Service • Professional, Courteous Employees • Trustworthy

ONE CALL DOES IT ALL !

094 9373445 087 9100477

www.oddjobsolutions.ie Established since 2005

FOR ALL EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR PAINTING

Appointments RECEPTIONIST

Required part-time for busy business office in Roscommon Town

Monday to Friday from 8.30 am - 6.00 pm l

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

Please send your CV and cover letter to: PO Box No 3021 c/o BOX OFFICE/FRONT OF HOUSE Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Applications are invited from suitably qualified OPERATOR Roscommon Town candidates for inclusion on a panel for the post of:

Tried & Trusted Since 1993

Phone JOHN

ROSCOMMON ARTS CENTRE

SITUATIONS VACANT

< PART TIME CARER: Kind person required to care for a Application form and candidate information booklet pleasant 12 year old boy with autism. Experience of work083 8838022 setting out full details in relation to this position are BOX OFFICE / FRONT OF HOUSE OPERATOR ing with additional needs essential. Approximately 5 hours

PAINTER & DECORATOR

available by logging into the Job Vacancies section on Roscommon County Council’s website at

www.roscommoncoco.ie

ROSCOMMON ARTS CENTRE Candidates may be shortlisted on the basis of

per week, after school and holiday time. Full driving licence and own car required. Please send applications to PO Box 3022, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon Town, Roscommon.

Private & Commercial time, close to Roscommon Town. May suit college student. application form.

Plumbing & Application in relation Power form washingand candidate information booklet setting out full details Contact 086 2755752 to this The closing receipt of completed available by logging into date theforJob Vacancies section on Roscommon County 25 yearsare experience Maintenance position < CHILDMINDER AVAILABLE: Primary School Teaching applications is information supplied on

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

Contact Luke on

085 7359120 Working throughout current restrictions with full PPE equipment.

Free Estimates Given

Phone Alan on: or Mobile:

Roscommon County Council is an equal opportunities

application form.

Chontae Roscomaín

Email: peterchurch24@gmail.com

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & Roscommon County Council is an equal opportunities employer.

DECORATING Is fóstóir comhionannais deiseanna í Comhairle Chontae Roscomaín CONTRACTOR CONTACT JOHN

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

in childrens home. Monday to Friday for the Summer. Keen rates available. Contact 087 459 7836

4.00 p.m. on 19th May 2022 Canvassing will disqualify.

DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED

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

Canvassing will disqualify.

087 2683079 The closing date for receipt of completed applications is

For all your decorating needs

COVERING ROSCOMMON AREA TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

Council’s website atonwww.roscommoncoco.ie Student available in Roscommon Town to mind children, 4.00 p.m.

19th May 2022

< ENERGETIC CREATIVE PARTNER: Required to work on employer.

Candidates may beIs shortlisted on the basis of informationannual supplied on 090 6661635 festival on part time basis, writing skills essential. fóstóir comhionannais deiseanna í Comhairle

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED PERMIT NO: WCP - MO - 09 - 0267 - 01

< YARDMAN REQUIRED: Must have own transport, part-

086 4679798

Certified Irish Angus Producer Group Seeks to recruit a livestock inspector. This position is on a part-time basis in the meat plants of our processor partners, Slaney Foods, ABP & Kepak Responsibilities include:

Alan O’Toole

WINDOW CLEANING

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

087 9795226

Inspection of livestock prior to slaughter.

Implementation of Group's livestock policy.

• Production of reports of inspections.

Essential Requirements:

• Excellent knowledge of livestock.

• Computer literate.

Willingness to work on own initiative.

Only candidates with essential requirements need apply.

Apply in writing or by email only to recruitment@certifiedirishangus.ie: Closing DateMonday Wed 9th February 2022 Closing date 9th May 2022

Certified Irish Angus, Longfield, Virginia, Co. Cavan Email: recruitment@certifiedirishangus.ie

36

Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES McCORMACK Ronan (12th Anniversary)

HYNES Thomas 2 Anniversary (Tommy)

BRENNAN (née Ò Hara) Tracey

Thomas (Tommy) Hynes

Old Circular Road, Roscommon

Grange, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon 31st October 1985 – 10th May 2019 3rd Anniversary

nd

SHIEL Mary (14th Anniversary)

Old Circular7 Road, MayRoscommon 2019 (3rd Anniversary) 7th May 2019 th

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

CONTACT HAZEL

With fond loving and everlasting memories of Ronan McCormack Racecourse Road, Roscommon Town, who left home on May 8th, 2010.

Aged 26 yrs.

It’s sometimes hard to know why things happen as they do, for so much joy and happiness was centered around you.

It seems so hard to comprehend that you’re no longer here but all the happy memories helps us to keep you near.

Ronan, we miss your warmth, your smile, your laughter, the glint in your eye, your words, your presence.

We miss you

Sadly missed and remembered every minute of every day by your family Bob, Jacqui, Angelina, Fiona, Clement, Shane, Andy, Anne, Gavin, Zoe and Dylan.

Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published.

The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for non-publication.

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

Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

You rise as the sun each day, and guide us along our way, you shine as the moon at night, for a goodnight hug oh so tight.

“Don’t leave your shoes there” as if you’re still in your swinging chair.

You watch us always that we know, but our hearts still beat hurt and slow.

We grow with your love we cannot see, we will grow great men to be.

Your presence is always here, a night without you we do not fear.

We love you so, a mother, a wife, we love you with hearts so pure, we are always a family of three that is sure.

In loving memory of Mary, late of Ballymoe, Co. Galway, who passed away on May 10th, 2008.

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

A smile for all a heart of gold the very best this world could hold.

Never selfish, Those we love don’t go away, always kind, So fondly missed by your those are the memories T h e y w a l k b e s i d e u s e v e r y d a y loving wife Bridie, children you left behind.

Ann, Declan, Audrey, Emer, Thinking of you Unseen, unheard but always near, Cathriona, Sinéad, Martine, Mary is easy Lovingly remembered always by your son Evan and husband Denis, grandchildren, Still loved, still missed and so very dear.

I do it every day, Aidan xxx family and friends. but missing you ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ So fondly missed by your loving wife Bridie, children: Ann, Declan, Anniversary Mass in is a heartache, Audrey, Emer, Cathriona, Sinéad, Martine, Denis, grandchildren, family Sometimes when I first wake, the Sacred Heart Church, that never goes away. and friends.

I think that you’re still here, Roscommon on Saturday, Sadly missed by her loving after a fleeting moment, 7th May at 11am. husband Mickie. the clouds all disappear.

Anniversary Mass in For you brought endless sunshine, St. Croan’s Church, until you went away, Ballymoe on Sunday, 8th and now I miss you desperately, FLYNN May at 12 o’clock. each minute of the day.

You would not like to see me sad Paul so what I try to do (1st Anniversary) GEOGHEGAN is live a bright and happy life, In loving memory of Paul in memory of you.

Helen Flynn, late of Ardcarn, Creagh, For though I’ll always miss you Lismehy, Strokestown Ballinasloe who passed away and it’s dreadful being apart, on the 5th May, 2021.

Who died on May 6th 2014 I haven’t really lost you you are here in my heart.

(8th Anniversary)

Loved always by Mom and Dad x ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The road gets longer and narrows with age.

The story reads on, you’re on every page.

We see you now you’re in our dreams, fixing burdens with a wise word.

Your eyes they glisten, your smile it beams, all over the house your voice is heard.

It sure does hurt. It is true there is pain.

But for May to bring flowers, April must bring the rain.

You never left we know that is true, for we look in his face all we see is you.

Please guide us now as you may, and we will see you again on home coming day.

Thinking of you everyday. Sadly missed by Michael, Emma, Laura, and Tommie ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If roses grow in Heaven lord, please pick a bunch for me, place them in my sister’s arms and tell her they’re from me.

Tell her that I love her and miss her everyday.

I’d give anything to sit and chat and hear what she has to say.

Remembering you is easy - I do it every day, but there’s an ache within my heart that will never go away.

Missing you always Amanda, Alvin, and Grace. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “We didn’t realise we were making memories, we just knew we having fun” – A.A Milne

Mass will be offered for Tracey in St. Bridget’s Church, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon at 11am on Sunday, the 15th of May.

We miss you everyday, you were so special and unique, a guiding light throughout our lives, you were our strength when we were weak.

We shall always remember the special times we had, we love and miss you so much.

Always loved, remembered and sadly missed by your wife Mela, daughters Tara and Anne, sons Paul Junior, Mark, John and Nial, sonin-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, brothers, sisters and extended family.

Mass for Paul will be held in St. Michael’s Church, Ballinasloe on Sunday, 8th May at 12 noon.

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

Every day in some small way memories of you come our way.

Lovingly remembered by her sisters, brothers and their families.

BUCKLEY Patrick Riverside Avenue, Roscommon Who passed away 2nd May 2006 (16th Anniversary)

087 6758874

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

THANKSGIVINGS THE MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. M.D. THE MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. M.D. THE MIRACLE 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. L.F. THE MIRACLE 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. C.D. THE MIRACLE 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. P.C. THE MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. B.D. PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days. M.S.

FAMILY NOTICES

Always in our thoughts, forever in our hearts.

• Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance

Always remembered by his wife, Maureen and grandson Sam. Mass has been offered.

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

37

Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES RATTIGAN Thomas

KEARNEY Paddy

CLABBY Bridie

6 Ard-na-Gréine, Roscommon (9th Anniversary)

Circular Road, Roscommon (17th Anniversary)

Corlackin, Creggs (12th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Paddy, who passed away on May 5th 2013

In loving memory of Bridie who died on 4th May 2005

Every day in some small way, memories of you come our way, though absent, you are always near, still missed, still loved, and always dear.

Memories drift to scenes long past, time goes on but memories last.

Sunshine passes, shadows fall, but love’s remembrance outlasts all.

Forever loved and greatly missed by your wife Tess, your sons and daughtersin-law, your adored grandchildren and your many, many friends.

Anniversary Mass will be held in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 7th May at 11am.

May he Rest In Peace.

Hold her, O Jesus in Thine arms and let her henceforth be a messenger of love between our human hearts and Thee.

Fondly remembered by her family.

Remembered always by his wife Ann, family and friends.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday, 8th May in Kilbegnet Church at 11.30am.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

MURRAY Bridie (nee Brennan)

DONNELLY Brian Funshinagh, Four Roads, Co. Roscommon.

Who died on 11th May 2014 (8th Anniversary)

Memories are precious they don’t fade away, we remember you always not just today.

Although we sadly miss you, we know we are not alone.

For you are watching over us from a place you now call Home.

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by Mam, Dad, James, Paul and Granny.

Anniversary Mass has been offered.

O’FARRELLY Larry

Lisphelim, Knockcroghery.

(12th Anniversary) Who passed away on May 4th, 2010

Lenanamalla, Four Roads, Co. Roscommon and 1 Riverside, Clonroadmore, Ennis, Co. Clare (7th Anniversary)

HOARE Bernie

O’ROURKE Charlie Tulsk Remembering Charlie who departed this life 7th May 2006.

Looking back with tenderness along the path you trod, we bless the years we had with you and leave the rest to God. Will those who think of him today, a little prayer to Jesus say.

Lovingly remembered by Fidelma, Tighernan, Jessica and Naoise xxxx Mass offered.

MONAGHAN Carmel and Paddy Cargins, Tulsk (9th and 26th Anniversaries)

Time cannot steal the treasures that we carry in our hearts.

Nor ever dim the shining thoughts our cherished past imparts For the memories of the ones we loved still cast a gentle glow, To grace our days and light our paths, wherever we may go.

Lovingly remembered by all their family.

Anniversary Mass takes place on Sunday, 8th May at 11.30am in the Church of St. Eithne and Fidelma, Tulsk.

Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed

RYAN JIM Creevy, Roscommon (18th Anniversary) In loving memory of Jim who died on 14th May 2004 Email or call for Sample Pack

Circular Road, Roscommon Town Who passed on 6th May, 2002 (20th Anniversary) It’s been the hardest thing to lose you, you meant so much to me.

But you are always in my heart Mum and there you will always be.

You are missed so very dearly, now you are no longer here.

When I’m thinking of you, quite often I shed a tear.

The cover of life’s book is closed, for the one we loved so well, but happy times of years we spent, are what the pages tell.

Each chapter in there leaves a thought, as lovely as can be, for us to keep within our hearts, our father’s memory.

I will always treasure you, you were so gentle and so kind, you have lived on within my heart, with fond memories of you in my mind.

Deeply loved and missed by all your family.

Sadly missed and fondly remembered by her daughter Geraldine.

Life goes on from day to day, but something is out of place, I would give almost anything, to once more see your smiling face.

You were such a blessing, So thoughtful and so true.

I feel eternally grateful, To have had a Mum like you.

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

The local paper!

Though your smile is gone forever, and your hands I can no longer touch, I still have so many memories, of you whom I loved so much, Those memories of our time together are my keepsake with which I’ll never part.

God may have you in His keeping, but I will always have you in my heart.

Helen

You always had a smile to share, a laugh, a joke and time to care.

A wonderful nature, warm and true, those are the memories we have of you.

Forever in our thoughts and prayers, sadly missed by your neighbours and friends.

Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Thursday, 12th May at 8am.

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY

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

We cannot guarantee publication after this time

The most read newspaper in Co. Roscommon!

TEL: EMAIL:

Larry’s Anniversary Mass will be held in The Church of the Good Shepherd, Four Roads on Sunday, 8th May at 11am.

090 66 34633

advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

The local paper!

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

LOCALLY OWNED ... IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

38

Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

AtYourService BLINDS

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

CARS

POWER BRUSH

DOORS/ WINDOWS SERVICE

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

Tel: 090 66 30521 Mobile: 086 8115928

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

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

- CCTV Camera Inspection For Professional For Professional Advice Contact Advice Contact: John Hibbitt: Tel: 090

9673336 2678350

Mob: 086 Email:

Nationwide Service Stoves and Ranges Fitted All Work Guaranteed

INSULATION

Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation

Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, Call in SIGA or contact us for free Airtightness advice and quotes New Buildings & Retrofit Call in or contact us for free andfrom quotes Unit advice 2,Grants Ballybrit Industrial

€1,214 to Estate, Galway €3,500

091 768 768 Ballybane Industrial Estate,

Unit 2,info@ecowise.ie Ballybrit Industrial Estate, Galway H91 P5k5 Block 12, Galway www.ecowise.ie

www.ecowise.ie

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

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

Lowest price guaranteed Daily collection

INSURANCE CLAIMS

KEEN and COMPETITIVE PRICES

M: 086 3912396 Ph: 090 66 62892

CONCRETE

Martin Hibbitt APA-PL, CIP, CDIP LA Martin HibbittAPA-PL, APA-PL, CIP, CDIP LA LA Martin Hibbitt CIP, CDIP

Martin Hibbitt APA-PL, CIP, CDIP LA

DRS

Mountbellew, Co. Mountbellew, Co.Galway Galway Mountbellew, Co. Galway

info@mhla.ie 091 380900 | 0879818153 9818153Co. Galway info@mhla.ie Mountbellew, 091 380900 380900 087 9818153 info@mhla.ie 091 || 087

C O N C R E T E LT D

DRS Concrete Ltd specialises in industrial, residential and commercial flooring, footpaths, driveway - brush finish.

All types of concrete work.

We supply concreting services for small to large projects

www.mhla.ie www.mhla.ie www.mhla.ie 091 380900 | 087 9818153 Dip in Loss Certified Dip DipCertified in Loss Loss Certified in Adjusting Adjusting Adjusting Loss Assessor Services Loss Loss Assessor Assessor Services Services

Contact: 089 2200620

Certified Dip in Loss Adjusting

info@mhla.ie

ApprovedProduct Product Member of the PSAB-GI Approved Member of the the PSAB-GI PSAB-GI Approved Member of Advisor Product Advisor by the Central www.mhla.ie Regulated Advisor Regulated by Regulated by the the Central Central Member of the Insurance Bank of Ireland Member of Insurance Bank Member ofofthe the Insurance Bank of of Ireland Ireland Institute Ireland Institute of of Ireland Ireland Institute

Approved Product Advisor

RECYCLING Loss Assessor Services Member of the Insurance Institute of Ireland

Member of the PSAB-GI

Contact Dave:

087 751 3774 SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAIN JETTING SERVICE

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

Tel: 090

6621220

SOCIAL DANCE Kieran Kelly Dance Email: KieranKellyDance@gmail.com Phone: 087 7414968 Adults Beginner Social Dance Classes in Castlerea, Carrick-On-Shannon and Loughglynn.

NEW CLASSES COMMENCING 25TH APRIL

Monday: 7.30pm €12.50 Regulated by the Central Scoil Liatrioma, Castlecara Road, Aghameeny, Carrick-OnShannon Bank of Ireland

Email: familiademorais1@gmail.com

DOORS/ WINDOWS SERVICE

Tuesday: The Hub Castlerea 7pm Dance-Fitness 8pm Beginners Social Dancing Waltz and Jive €10pp Thursday: Loughglynn Community Centre 7pm Dance-Fitness 8pm Beginners Social Dancing Waltz and Jive €10pp Call Kieran Kelly for more details

Chris’s Window Service

VETERINARY

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.

l

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

email: chrislocksmith.162@gmail.com

Racecourse Road, Roscommon 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

091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie

FARMING

Cleaning Services • Roscommon

SHOWROOM:

Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness Bonded Bead Cavity &Wall Insulation New Buildings Retrofit

Email: pjmhanley@gmail.com

S tephen H oare

Dooley Chimney Repairs • Lining

20 Years Experience Free Insurance Quotes

086 6002721

to discuss your requirements

CLEANING

Chimney Problems

Cathal Dooley 087 6579064

Contact Pat Hanley on

Tel: 087 0944027

info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

• Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection

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

Telephone: 090 66 33026 www.roscommonwindows.ie

DRIVING LESSONS

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

Lanesboro Street, Roscommon

Tel: 090 662 6898 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.

Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

Sports PEOPLE

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No room for minor error!

Rossies must beat Leitrim on Friday after Mayo setback Electric Ireland Connacht MFC Round 2 Mayo 0-16 Roscommon 1-11 < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon face a battle to get to the semi-finals of this year’s Connacht MFC following this disappointing defeat at the hands of Mayo at Dr Hyde Park on Friday night.

Roscommon will play Leitrim in Carrick-on-Shannon this Friday (6th) with a 7 pm throw-in.

James Duignan’s men looked to be in a strong position at halftime after Mayo had corner-forward James Maheady sent off for a red card offence in first-half injury-time, but in truth Roscommon were outplayed for long spells in the second period and at times it looked like it was Mayo who had the extra man.

Roscommon’s prospects looked much brighter in the opening quarter, when, with Rory Carthy and Conor Kelly playing well at midfield, the home side raced into a 0-5 to 0-1 lead after 15 minutes. Mayo came alive after that and rattled off three points in 90 seconds to get back into the match.

There was a remarkable incident in the 20th minute when Mayo’s Niall Hurley was straight through on the Roscommon goal, his shot crashing off the crossbar. Hurley gathered the rebound and once again hit the crossbar. It was a let-off for Roscommon. By half-time the sides were level at 0-8 each.

In first-half stoppage time Mayo’s James Maheady was sent off for a tackle on Roscommon’s Michael Moran and Mayo were down to 14 men for the second half.

Yet, on the resumption, the visitors took over completely. Ronan Clarke and Niall Hurley were outstanding and Roscommon couldn’t cope with their intelligent use of the ball. Some of the scores they got were out of the top drawer (they contributed 0-11 between them).

Twice Mayo led by four points – and looked to be heading for a comfortable victory – but in the 57th minute the home side were thrown a lifeline. Subs Brendan Murphy and Lee Taylor combined to put another sub, John Curran, through. He made no mistake and goaled from close-range. Mayo replied with a point from full-back John McMonagle while Robert Heneghan’s late free was of consolation value only for the home side.

Roscommon were very disappointing in the second half and are now in a tight corner in terms of progressing in the competition.

They must beat Sligo and Leitrim if they are to entertain hopes of a play-off place.

For the home side, Michael Moran, Rory Carthy, Conor Kelly, Robert Heneghan and sub Eoghan Carthy did well, but ultimately Roscommon’s failure to contain the threat of Clarke and Hurley meant it was Mayo’s night.

Teams & scorers Mayo: David Dolan (0-1, ’45); Rio Mortimer, John McMonagle (0-1), Lorcan Silke (0-1); Liam Maloney (0-1), Colm McHale, Paul Gilmore; Jack Keane (0-1), Luke Feeney; Cathal Keaveney, Dylan Gallagher, Diarmuid Duffy; James Maheady, Ronan Clarke (0-7, 3 frees), Niall Hurley (0-4). Subs: Zac Collins for Keaveney and Tom Lydon for Gallagher (both 36), Oliver Armstrong for Feeney (47), John Finn for Silke (60).

Roscommon: Sean Kelly; Tommy Morris, Jack Donnelly, Michael Moran; Keelan Ryan, Evan Quinn, Eanna Nolan; Rory Carthy (0-4, frees), Conor Kelly (0-1); Daniel Hagney, Eoghan Murray, Brian Greene (0-1); Ryan Dowling (0-1), Robert Heneghan (0-4, 3 frees), Ryan Hanley; Subs: Eoghan Carthy for Morris (30), John Curran (1-0) for Hagney (44), Brendan Murphy for Ryan (48), John McGuinness for Murray (52), Lee Taylor for Greene (55).

Referee: Christy Ryan (Galway).

Wides: Mayo 11; Roscommon 2 Man of the Match: Niall Hurley (Mayo)

Mikey Lohan pictured in action during Saturday’s All-Ireland U-20 B Hurling final. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Hurlers eye Rackard final spot Nicky Rackard Cup (4th round): Roscommon v Tyrone on Saturday in Dr Hyde Park at 2 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon hurlers can secure a place in the final of the Nicky Rackard Cup when they face Tyrone at Dr Hyde Park on Saturday.

With one game to go (against Fermanagh) after this weekend, Francis O’Halloran’s men

know that they have a great opportunity to secure a place in the decider at the end of the month.

Both sides are unbeaten, Tyrone having an unblemished record, with wins against Fermanagh, Armagh and Warwickshire behind them. After wins against Warwickshire and Armagh, Roscommon drew with Donegal in their last outing. Tyrone still have to play Roscommon and Donegal.

When the sides met earlier in the year in the league it ended up in a draw so there is

evidently not much between the teams. Roscommon will be hoping that Cathal Dolan and Peter Kellehan will be able to play some part in the match and with home advantage a decided help, hopes will be high that Roscommon can get over the line.

Tyrone have proven tough opponents for Roscommon in recent years, but if Daniel Glynn, Mickey Joe Egan, Brendan Mulry and Cathal Dolan can get enough ball up front, I believe Roscommon can edge it by a few points.

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Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

SportsPeople

Horses for Courses

son has well and truly began in style with the English Guineas at Newmarket. Roll on the summer racing festivals and meetings like Killarney, Tramore, Galway, Listowel etc.

This weekend’s action:

Racing this weekend starts this evening over the jumps at Tipperary, off at 5.15pm. There are 2 meetings tomorrow, over the jumps at Downpatrick at 5.20pm and the first of a 2-day meeting on the flat in Cork at 5.30pm. Racing starts at 2.00pm on Saturday with a national hunt meeting at Cork and a second meeting on the level at 1.40pm in Naas. On Sunday there is a flat card at Leopardstown away at 1.50pm. On Monday Roscommon hosts its opening fixture of 2022 at Lenebane on the level off at 4.25pm and we wish Michael Finneran and his staff all the best for 2022.

The Joseph O’Brien trained State Of Rest won his third Group 1 race when landing the Prix Ganay at ParisLongchamp under Shane Crosse. It was his third in Group 1 races and the first in Europe, adding to the Cox Plate in Australia and the Saratoga Derby in America, Jockey James Doyle had not ridden a classic winner in Britain before Saturday when he won the 2000 Guineas on Coroebus for Charles Appleby and followed up on Sunday followed up with his second in the 1000 Guineas on Cachet to give trainer George Boughey his first Classic success. Aidan O’Brien trained third in both races, Luxembourg in the 2000 Guineas ridden by Ryan Moore and Tuesday in the 1000 Guineas ridden by Frankie Dettori.

ITV4 are covering racing from Chester all week with 5 races today and a chase from Worcester, on Friday they are covering 5 from Chester and a chase from Market Rasen. On Saturday there are 4 races from Ascot and Lingfield plus 1 hurdle race from Haydock. On Sunday they cover 7 races from Hamilton and 3 from Ireland at Leopardstown Punchestown National Hunt Meeting Review The opener on Thursday was won by Jiving Jerry for father and son team of Philip and Luke Dempsey at 10/1 who beat the English raider and fav Gin Coco.

The Grade B Handicap Chase was won by Henry de Bromhead’s Magic Gaze ridden by Robbie “Puppy” Power who announced after the race that he would be retiring after Friday’s Champion Hurdle.

The longest race in the island, the La Touche, was won by Peter Maher’s longstanding servant Ballyboker Bridge for the second time and Peter retired the 15-Y-O immediately after the race. The winner, who was often mentioned in this column, was ridden by claiming amateur Tim PowerRoche.

In the first of the 3 Grade 1 races, the Champion Stayers Hurdle went to the Mullins family combination of Willie and Patrick as Klassical Dream retained his title. There were 25 runners in the Grade B 3m Handicap Hurdle,

by Tom Red

Racing News

Peter Fahey’s high-class mare Royal Kahala has been retired due to injury. The gutsy 7-Y-O seven-year-old last run was in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham when picking up what proved to be a career-ending injury.

Point to Point News

Honeysuckle and Rachel Blackmore win the Irish Champion Hurdle from Echoes In Rain.

and it went to Denis Cullen’s A Great View owned by JP McManus and ridden by Mark Walsh.

Next up the Grade 1 Barberstown Castle Novice Chase Blue Lord kept the Mullins and Townend bandwagon rolling on winning by a head from Coeur Sublime with Gabynako 9l away in 3rd. In the Listed EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Anthony Honeyball’s Lilith ridden

by Rex Dingle gave the English raiding party their first strike winning by 5l and 1l from Western Zara and Fiveaftermidnight. In the concluding bumper outsider Tag Man, at 25/1, beat Sir Angus and Monbeg Park by 2 ¼ l and 7l. Sean Mulryan’s James’s Gate trained by WP Mullins was the 4th placed odds on fav.

Friday

Ted Walsh got off the mark in the opening Bishopscourt Cup for hunter chasers when Jezarus won by ¾ l from Alpha Male, 2nd again as in 2021, with Whisper In Court 2l away in 3rd. In the Grade A Handicap Chase El Barra found his way into the winner’s enclosure for WP Mullins and champion elect conditional rider Jack Foley. Busselton was runner-up and French Dynamite 3rd. The Grade B Mares Handicap Chase was won by last year’s runner-up Scarlet And Dove who beat the fav. Elimay by 15l and Dolcita 32l.

The Champion Hurdle again went to the unbeaten Honeysuckle, who finished 3l and 7l ahead of Echoes In Rain and Darrasso extending her run to 16, including 12 Grade 1 ‘s. Rachel Blackmore was aboard the super mare trained in Waterford by de Bromhead. There was a record Punchestown crowd of 40,984 people to see her do it.

Mark Walsh on Saint Roi from Closutton yard tried to make all and turning in it looked like he might succeed but eventually finished 4th. Mullins and Townend won the Grade 1 Champion Novice Hurdle when State Man came with a late

run to win by 7l and ½l from Flame Bearer and Three Stripe Life, leaving Gordon Elliott still stuck on 1,999 winners since Monday.

The hunter chase provided another battle royal between Mullins’ Billaway under Patrick and David Christie’s Vaucelet ridden

by Barry O’Neill. The pair led the field a merry dance and approaching Vaucelet looked to be going the better of the two only to hit the fence hard giving the advantage to Billaway who won by a decreasing 1¼l. The International Novice Hurdle went to Closutton with the fav El Fabiolo, with Townend riding, finished 4l and 3½l in front of Ha D’or and Da Capo Glory. Racing closed with a shock winner in the bumper as 25/1 outsider Green Glory won for Charles Byrnes under Ray Barron.

Saturday

Racing started with a banks race won by Cormac Farrell’s Hurricane Darwin at 22/1 and ridden by Benny Walsh with Stealthy Tom runner-up and Shady Operator 3rd. In the 3m 7f Colm Quinn Handicap Chase the Gavin Cromwell trained Peaches and Cream obliged from The Dabbler and Waitnsee.

The EBF Mares Champion Hurdle went for export as Nico de Boinville rode Marie’s Rock to victory for Nicky Henderson with Stormy Ireland and the fav Epatante filling the minor places. The Grade B Pat Taaffe Handicap Chase went the way of the punters as 5/1 fav from the Eric McNamara yard Donkey Years ridden by Mark Walsh beat Recite A Prayer and Fully Charged.

The Grade 1 Champion 4-Y-O Hurdle was won by Closutton and Paul Townend as odds on Vauban beat Fil D’Or and HMS Seahawk by 4l and 14l. The penultimate race of the festival went for export as the Grade B Handicap Hurdle was won by English raider Camprond trained by Philip Hobbs and ridden

by Aidan Coleman. The winner of the final event of the festival, the

bumper, was Gavin Cromwell’s Path D’oroux ridden by Galway man Derek O’Connor who beat Sean Mulryan’s Built By Ballymore and Halibut.

Willie Mullins with 14 winners, 9 Grade 1’s, won the leading trainers award at the meeting. Paul Townend won the Jockeys Award with 9 wins and Patrick Mullins the leading Amateur Riders Award and Jodi Townend the Leading Amateur Lady Award, all three riders associated with the Closutton Yard.

The Irish champion trainer for the 2020/2021 National Hunt Season is once again Willie Mullins, his 16th title, with 202 winners. The champion jockey is Paul Townend who finished on a figure of 84.

His sister Jody won the leading Amateur Lady title on 24 winners. Champion Amateur rider for the 14th time was Patrick Mullins who rode 46 winners. The leading Conditional jockey was Jack Foley on 44 winners.

That is the last of the major national hunt racing and the flat sea-

This weekend as racing returns to the northern circuit with racing at on Saturday at Brockshane in Antrim with 105 entries. On Sunday there is only 1 meeting at Bartlemy in Cork with 154 entries. Both meetings are scheduled for a 2.00pm start.

The meeting at Grennan has been cancelled as has next weekends 2-day meeting at Necarne in Fermanagh.

Competition Time It’s your first chance to win tickets since 2019 and we start the first meeting of the season at Lenabane compliments of Michael Finneran and his committee and we want to know what festival of Irish national hunt racing finished last Saturday?

Second competition for Kilbeggan and do you know who won the Punchestown Champion Hurdle this week? We have 3 pairs of tickets to give away for each meeting.

Answers as usual please on a post card to The Roscommon People, Abbey Street Roscommon or by e-mail to tomred17@ gmail.com by 5.00pm Friday for Roscommon and the 11th May for Kilbeggan and don’t forget to include your name, address and a contact phone number with all competition entries. As usual all tickets will have to be collected in the office in Abbey Street.

Gordon Elliot who trained his 2,000th winner when Ted Hastings won at Ayr during the week.

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Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

SportsPeople Creggs RFC Report

THE GAIN LINE

Short putts

(News from local golf clubs)

Athlone The Wednesday Open Ladies and Gents Stableford Competition is now in full swing, and time sheets fill up rapidly. Visitor’s entry fee is €25, and bookings can be made through the BRS booking system on the club website or by calling 090 6492073. The Ladies will be competing in the Granard Cup Fourball.

Maeve Davis was the winner of the Ladies and Gents Stableford Competition on April 27th with 43 points.

Ann Geoghegan came first in the Ladies Competition, while Susanne Meares won in the 9-hole competition with 21 points. The ’97 Club winner was Mary McHale with 28 points, and the winner of AWGS was Michael Tallon with 34 points. Niall Broughall won the 18-hole Ladies and Gents Competition with 45 points.

Roscommon

Creggs win ‘Plate’ final We did it! Edimar Filho Da Cunha celebrates his try, (which sealed the game) with his teammate Cormac Dolan. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Creggs RFC 15 Buccaneers RFC 3 (Connacht U-18.5 Plate Final replay): Creggs and local rivals Buccaneers squared off in the Connacht Plate Final replay on Bank Holiday Monday in front of a big vocal crowd in Creggs.

Just like the first game the previous weekend, Creggs flew out of the blocks. Some fast thinking saw Darren Gately run in for a try in the corner with less than a minute on the clock.

Creggs continued to move the ball at every opportunity against their bigger opponents and Cormac Dolan, who was back at 9 after missing the previous week’s game, moved

the ball from the base of the rucks at speed to allow good interaction between backs and forwards. In defence up front Darragh Gilligan, Edimar Filho and Miquel Arthur were very prominent in the early stages, while the centre partnership of Aodhan Looby and Jack Fleming thwarted their opponents at every opportunity.

Creggs stretched the lead after some fine work from Ciaran Purcell, Tomas Tiernan and Ben Johnson as well as Aidan Hoare, who got good field position. When Buccaneers were offside, DJ Hession slotted the penalty for an 8-0 lead with twenty minutes gone.

Creggs limited Buccaneers to very few opportunities.

On one occasion, when an interception in midfield by the Buccaneers forwards saw the Creggs defence scrambling, both Senan Lambe and Conor Betts were not found wanting and made the tackles when required. Other Buccaneers opportunities were limited to driving mauls from the lineouts but a combination of excellent lineout defence

by Aidan Hoare and Ciaran Purcell in the air and good teamwork on the ground by the pack stopped the mauls at source.

During the second half, Creggs knew that Buccaneers

Creggs…defeated Buccaneers in Monday’s U-18.5 Plate Final replay. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

would throw everything at them. Again, there was excellent defence from James Murray, Lee Kilcoyne and Michael Hoey up front, and Ryan Conlon and Jack Fleming kept them at bay until twenty minutes from time, when they kicked a penalty to reduce the deficit to 8-3. It was a one-score game coming into the last quarter.

Again, Buccaneers attacked, but they could not breach the Creggs defence, with Noah Fallon, Aodhan Looby and Darragh Gilligan again prominent. Then in reply, it was Creggs who looked more likely to get the next score, which came on the final whis-

tle when, after a few penalties, Creggs kicked for the corner.

An excellent lineout move allowed Lee Kilcoyne to dive over, which DJ Hession converted from the corner, leaving the final score 15-3 to Creggs.

Creggs: Ben Johnson, Tomas Tiernan, Miquel Arthur, Darragh Gilligan, Aidan Hoare, Ciaran Purcell, Edimar Filho, Lee Kilcoyne, Cormac Dolan, Jack Fleming, DJ Hession, Aodhan Looby, Senan Lambe, Conor Betts, Darren Gately, Patrick Charles, Ryan Conlon, Michael Hoey, James Murray, Aindriu Oates, Noah Fallon, Eoin Kelly, Sean Kelly, Mark Kilcommons.

Hard luck to the Mary McKenna Diamond Trophy team and managers, who were defeated by Tuam in the competition.

The ladies and gents 18hole open competition commences on Wednesday, May 11th. The entry fee is €15 for visitors and €5 for members, and you can book on the BRS system or via roscommongolfclub.ie.

The ladies gala competition, sponsored by Kathleen and Alan Kelly, commences on Friday, May 13th. The entry fee is €15 for visitors and €8 for members, and you can book on the BRS system or via roscommongolfclub.ie.

Mary O’Connor and Kate Walshe won the Ladies Scotch Foursome competition with 71 nett. Tom Farrell won the senior men’s competition with 41 points and A Martin won the senior ladies competition.

Carrick-on-Shannon The results of the Carrickon-Shannon Seniors Golf Competition, played on Thursday, April 28th, are as follows.

The overall winner is Denis Flynn with 40 points. The category 1 winner is Tommie Kenoy with 36 points, the category 2 winner is Paddy Duffy with 35 points, and the category 3 winner is Tom Owens with 35 points. The front 9 winner is John Burke with 20 points, and the back 9 winner is Michael Duignan with 21 points.

The next away outing is on Monday, May 9th, in Claremorris Golf Club.

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Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

SportsPeople GAA fixtures Friday 6 May Division 1 (O’Rourke Cup) Section A At Ballyleague: St. Faithleach’s v Boyle. 7.30 pm At Woodmount: Pádraig Pearses v Western Gaels. 8.15 pm Division 1 (O’Rourke Cup) Section B At Strokestown: Strokestown v Tulsk Lord Edwards. 8.15 pm Division 2 (O’Gara Cup) At Enfield: St. Croan’s v Kilbride. 7.30 pm At O’Rourke Park: Castlerea St. Kevin’s v Clann na nGael. 7.30 pm At Croghan: Shannon Gaels v Kilmore. 7.30 pm At Mulhern Park: Fuerty v Éire Óg. 7.30 pm At Rockfield: Oran v St. Brigid’s. 7.30 pm Saturday 7 May Division 1 (O’Rourke Cup) Section A At Kiltoom: St Brigid’s v St. Dominic’s. 6 pm Division 1 (O’Rourke Cup) Section B At Peader Earley Memorial Park: Michael Glavey’s v Clann na nGael. 5 pm Division 3 (Tansey Cup) At Ardcarne Park: St. Michael’ v Kilglass Gaels. 6 pm At Woodmount: Pádraig Pearses v St. Barry’s. 6 pm At O’Rourke Park: Castlerea St. Kevin’s v Ballinameen. 6 pm At Strokestown: Strokestown v St. Aidan’s. 6 pm

Castlerea Kings senior men’s basketball team and supporters following their 77-71 Lonleitros cup final win over Athlone in Mohill on Sunday last.

Handball

Allanah wins in U-17 handball nationals Kilglass Gaels’ Allanah Coggeran was a surprising but very deserving winner of the Irish Nationals 40x20 U-17 ‘B’ title handball competition, held in Tyrone last weekend.

Allanah’s final victory was over Sligo’s Karly Cooney, who had beaten Allanah quite comfortably in the U-17 Connacht final back in February. This time around however, Allanah never let Karly get

away from her, tenaciously clawing her way back from deficits three times in the first game to take it 15-13.

Wining the first was a great boost to Allanah, and she didn’t take her foot off the pedal, leading from the start to finish in the second to take a great win 15-13, 15-6. Allanah had earlier beaten Monaghan’s Aoibheen McCloskey 15-2, 15-6 in her semi-final.

Sunday 8 May

Kilglass Gaels’ Allannah Corrigan (left) pictured with Karly Cooney after winning the U-17 handball nationals in Tyrone last weekend.

Division 3 (Tansey Cup) At Knockcroghery: St. Dominic’s v Creggs. 1 pm Division 5 (Section C) At Parc Naomh Bearraí: St. Barry’s v Kilbride. 11 am 2022 Junior Hurling Championship Group A At Tremane: Tremane v Oran. 12 noon At Four Roads: Four Roads v Athleague. 12 noon 2022 Junior Hurling Championship Group B At Lisnamult: Roscommon Gaels v Pádraig Pearses. 12 noon

C’mon The Town (Roscommon Town Youth Soccer) In association with the

On the field...

In the boys U-16 Cup quarter-final, Town were away to Castlerea Celtic. Tommy Naughton put Town ahead with a wonder goal. Castlerea levelled and then took the lead. After a darting run, Jack Raftery was taken down in the box. He scored the resulting penalty. It went to penalties, where Leo Anic saved three and scored one to send Town through to the semi-final. The U-16 girls team were beaten in Newbridge as Shiven had their shooting boots on. The U-18 boys side were on the road on a wet Saturday evening and lost out to Moylough.

All three U-14s teams were in action. Town I won comfortably away to Moore United.

Town II were unfortunate to lose out to St

Cuan’s in the Cup. Town III had a comfortable win away to Kilkerrin. At U-12 level, both Town sides were knocked out of the Cup. The U-12 girls lost at home to a strong Skyvalley.

The Town II U-11 EL side had a good win on the road away to St Cuan’s with Leo Geraghty, Advik Kumar, Bobby Lyons and Patrick Healy hitting the net. The CL side also won their game, with Daniel Byrne scoring a brace. The Town II games were postponed. The U-9 girls and boys squads are progressing well.

AGM The AGM was held recently. A number of roles were filled in the following areas: leadership, administration, communications, finance and child protection and policy.

John Hannon At the AGM, a loyal member of the club was nominated as Honorary President. John Hannon has volunteered with the club for many years. On and off the pitch, John has been present in the life of our club. He has coached and developed thousands of young people who have played for The Town. No matter what has to be done, John will do it. An ever-obliging person, his honesty, decency, energy, efforts and enthusiasm are clear for all to see. No person is greater than the club but it is fair to say that John has been a great servant to the club and the local community. We will acknowledge John at a club event in the near future. Keep up the great work John!

Volunteer Voice...

Name: Kristina Anic Role in the club: Vice Secretary and parent Three words that describe me: This is a hard one. Friendly, hard-working, persistent Favourite Team: Roscommon Town, of course and Croatia Best player ever: Luka Modric Favourite Song: ‘Kad mi dodjes ti’ from Oliver Dragojevic Favourite Food: Cevapi Favourite Book: Vlak u snijegu Dogs or Cats: Dogs, but not at my house Best place in the world: Home Person I admire the most: My Dad

What makes me happy: My Kids What makes me sad: My Kids Three things I would cannot without: Chocolate, walks, coffee Why I got involved in the club: To watch my kids playing and to show them that there is always a way to do something good Advice I would give to others: Be proactive, help out where you can and do not complain about something if you are not happy to step in and work on changes

<< Weekend Rewind

Roscommon People Friday 06 May 2022

Compiled by PAUL HEALY

The

GAA Studio

43

>>

Weekend Fast-forward

Team of the Weekend With honourable mention to Roscommon, Westmeath, Kildare and Dublin, the award must go to Derry, who were 11-point winners over All-Ireland champions Tyrone. What a performance!

Paddy on the ball…

‘A red card is a red card’

A dejected Trevor Fallon (Four Roads) pictured after the final whistle in Saturday’s All-Ireland U-20 B Hurling final between Roscommon and Down. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

NO EXCUSES FROM TONY! < SEAMUS DUKE

The referee issues a red card during Saturday’s match between Roscommon and Sligo in Markievicz Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

RSP_0605_Ed1_043.indd 1

Sligo manager Tony McEntee said it was no shame for Sligo to have lost as they did, while also speculating that the margin might have been as little as four or five points were it not for his team having a player sent off.

McEntee, to his credit, did not try to absolve the Sligo player in question, although the manager told the media that he hadn’t actually seen the incident which led to the game’s sole red card.

“I didn’t see it but I believe from talking to people that he (David Phillips) went to push him (Conor Cox) off as he was coming towards

him…his hand went high and hit him in the face.

“If he caught him in the face, which it appears he did, he deserved to be sent off. We look at it and reflect, but a red card is a red card”.

As to his team’s performance and the outcome, McEntee alluded to Roscommon’s consistent highscoring form in the league, and suggested there was “no shame” for Sligo in defeat.

“Galway played Roscommon last and they scored 23 points then (1-20) as well. Had we 15 men on the field, would it have been a fourpoint match or a five-point match?

Possibly. That’s what disappoints me (losing a player), as we put in a lot of hard work and a lot of effort and a lot of toil before today… something as silly as that sending off is crucial”.

Roscommon referee Paddy Neilan was in charge of Sunday’s Tyrone-Derry game, in which the outsiders shocked the defending All-Ireland champions (Derry winning by 1-18 to 0-10).

Pundits on ‘The Sunday Game’ were in agreement that Neilan had got two big early calls right, i.e. the sending off of Brian Kennedy and the awarding of a penalty to Derry (later on, Conor McKenna became the second Tyrone player to be sent off).

Conor McKeon’s view on Independent.ie was typical of the positivity around Paddy’s handling of the game: “Kennedy won the kick and claimed the mark but kicked out at McKinless and left Paddy Neilan with no choice but to send him off.

“Then, from the very next attack, Derry cut inside the Tyrone defensive line and Ethan Doherty flicked the ball over the top for Paul Cassidy to run on to.

“All afternoon, Cassidy’s footwork was catching Tyrone out and this time, he sidestepped Morgan, who fouled”.

Yep, if Carlsberg did good days at the office for refs…

Replays please…not this penalties’ lottery!

It wasn’t a dream…it really did happen…I saw it myself on The Sunday Game. Please read on, but be warned…some readers (particularly traditionalists) may find the following few sentences upsetting.

So, the footballers of Limerick and Clare played out a draw. Then, they stayed drawn, after extra-time.

What followed is shocking: a penalty shootout.

There is something quite bizarre about watching Gaelic footballers determining their team’s fate with this unsatisfactory kicking lottery (I’m also opposed to penalty shootouts in soccer).

Bad enough that a senior championship game had to be decided this way…worse still, when James Naughton kicked the decisive penalty, we even had to endure an emotional GAA version of ‘Playerscharging-towards-the-hero-from-halfway-line’!

Could they not have a replay on a Wednesday night?

John said 12, so it was 12…

Thank you to our readers for the very positive feedback last week on our atmospheric video from John Corcoran Menswear, in which we ‘eavesdropped’ on John, Marty and customers as they looked forward to Roscommon v Sligo. The video was a huge hit on social media, being viewed many thousands of times.

Midst the banter, the irrepressible John boldly declared: “I think they (Roscommon) will win it by 12 or 13”. Nice one, John (Roscommon won by 12)!

(You can see the video on the Roscommon People YouTube channel).

04/05/2022 21:01

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SportsPeople

The Roscommon squad pictured at Saturday’s All-Ireland U-20 B Hurling final between Roscommon and Down. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

James Mannion (Four Roads) pictured in action during Saturday’s All-Ireland U-20 B Hurling final against Down. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Down’s Ciarán Savage pictured trying to stop Roscommon’s Eoin Kiernan during Saturday’s All-Ireland U-20 B Hurling final. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Mikey Lohan pictured in action during Saturday’s All-Ireland U-20 B Hurling final between Roscommon and Down. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Down’s Ciarán Savage pictured getting his shot off as Michael Brennan (Tremane) closes in during Saturday’s All-Ireland U-20 B Hurling final. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

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SportsPeople

‘Future is bright’ for young hurlers as All-Ireland bid just fall short ...

All-Ireland U-20B Hurling Championship (Richie McElligott Cup) Down 2-15 Roscommon 0-15 < DAN DOONER AT KINGSPAN BREFFNI PARK

Roscommon manager Michael Fallon deemed the season a success for his charges, but rued a number of missed goal opportunities in their All-Ireland final defeat to Down at an overcast Kingspan Breffni Park on Saturday last.

“We had lots of chances in the first half and we should really have been a lot more ahead and that came to catch us in the end. In an All-Ireland final, you have to be taking all your chances,” he said. “We knew what to expect from Down and we prepared for it, but maybe if you look at some of the games we played (in the run to the final), we probably needed them at a higher level”.

Despite last Saturday’s defeat, Fallon believes the future is bright for this young team: “We have to stay working with them as a county. We have an extremely young team. Some of the bigger counties can afford to have more players in their final year (of U-20 grade) and that always makes a difference”.

It just wasn’t to be for this promising young team last Saturday, as a disappointing second half saw them let slip a four-point lead, and goals from Michael Dorrian and Oisín Coulter meant the Richie McElligott Cup was heading to the Mourne County for 2022.

Fallon’s charges had played well in the first half, and deservedly led by 0-9 to 0-7 at the break – thanks in the main to Patrick Fallon’s accuracy from the dead ball. Fallon had six points on the board at this stage (all frees), while Mikey Lohan, Ryan Conlon and Adam Donnelly had chipped in from play.

The second half started brightly, with further points from Lohan and Fallon, but went awry shortly after. Roscommon were not helped by the sending off of corner-back Ben Kelly, just eleven minutes after the break. Down had already overturned Roscommon’s half-time lead by this stage, thanks to Dorrian’s goal nine minutes in and points from Dorrian and James Duggan (two frees).

It was to get worse for Roscommon 51 minutes in, as Coulter’s emphatic finish from the edge of the large square capped a fine Down move. The Ulster side weren’t to be denied after that, and kicked for home thanks to points from Eoin Pucci, Dorrian and Duggan.

There was still time for a Roscommon consolation goal but the last action of an entertaining game saw Cathal Lavery saving brilliantly from Patrick Fallon’s well-struck penalty and the Richie McElligott Cup was raised to the overcast Cavan sky by Down captain Lukas Boyd.

Roscommon: M Corcoran; J Dillon, T Tiernan, B Kelly; J Mannion, N Coyle, M Hussey; J Dowling, M Lohan (0-3); P Fallon (0-9, all frees), E Kiernan (0-1), M Brennan; R Conlon (0-1), A Donnelly (0-1), F Killion. Subs used: T Fallon for Killion (21 mins), C Mulry for Brennan (34 mins), D Finneran for Donnelly (55 mins).

Down: C Lavery; J Higgins, D Mallon, E Pucci (0-3, 1 free); R Convery, L Boyd, C Milligan; O McDermott, A Furlong; E Bell, J Duggan (0-5, 3 frees), M Dorrian (1-3); C Savage, O Coulter (1-3), F Turpin (0-1). Subs used: R O’Neill for Mallon (3 mins, temporary sub), S Milligan for Bell (40 mins), R O’Neill for McDermott (44 mins), E Magee for Savage (55 mins), R Corcoran for Coulter (59 mins).

Referee: Tarlach Conway (Derry)

Patrick Fallon pictured in action during Saturday’s All-Ireland U-20 B Hurling final between Roscommon and Down. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Stat Attack Wides: Roscommon 7 (4, first half ); Down 8 (5, first half ) Yellow cards: Roscommon 1 (Ben Kelly (2); Down 2 (Sean Milligan, Aodhan Furlong) Black cards: 0

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Roscommon ease into final – but Cunningham demands more intensity Connacht SFC semi-final Roscommon 0-23 Sligo 0-11 < SEAMUS DUKE With his team within 70 minutes of possible Connacht final glory, Roscommon manager Anthony Cunningham is demanding more from his players.

Roscommon had 12 points to spare over Sligo in Saturday’s Connacht SFC semi-final in Markievicz Park, but Cunningham says there’s lots to work on in the coming weeks as the Rossies prepare to face Galway or Leitrim on May 29th. Specifically, he wants his players to show greater intensity, with Cunningham telling the Roscommon People: “Having looked at the intensity of the Mayo-Galway match…we’d want to improve a lot to get to that level”.

The manager was happy with his team’s performance but pointed to a sluggish first-half display, by the end of which Roscommon led by just four, this despite Sligo having a player sent off early in the game.

Teams & scorers Roscommon: Colm Lavin; David Murray, Brian Stack (0-1), Eoin McCormack; Conor Hussey, Niall Daly, Ronan Daly; Ultan Harney, Eddie Nolan (0-1, ‘45); Ciarain Murtagh (0-4), Enda Smith (0-4), Cathal Heneghan; Cian McKeon, Donie Smith (0-1, free), Conor Cox (0-6, 3 frees). Subs: Conor Daly (0-1) for Murray (46), Keith Doyle (0-1) for Harney (54), Niall Kilroy (0-2) for McKeon (56), Diarmuid Murtagh (0-1) for D Smith (56), Andrew Glennon (0-1) for Hussey (63).

Sligo: Aidan Devaney; David Phillips, Evan Lyons, Paul McNamara; Nathan Mullen, Darragh Cummins (0-2), Mark Walsh (0-1); Paul Kilcoyne, Conan Marren (0-1); Mikey Gordon, Patrick O’Connor (0-1), Keelan Cawley; Alan Reilly, Niall Murphy (0-3, 2 frees), Seán Carrabine (0-1). Subs: Pat Spillane (0-1) for Reilly (48), David Quinn for Cawley (48), Conor Griffin for O’Connor (54), Peter Laffey for Cummins (56), Pat Hughes (0-1) for Gordon (63).

Referee: Noel Mooney (Cavan).

The result was never in doubt on a wet and miserable evening as Roscommon’s superior attack threat manifested itself, especially in the second half. The fact that all five Roscommon subs scored was evidence of the scoring prowess within the squad.

Cunningham was a relaxed figure when he spoke to the media after the game. “I’m happy enough, but there’s loads to work on for the next four weeks. It was always going to be difficult to come here…you have to respect Sligo on their home patch.

The last time Roscommon and Sligo played down here, it was a win for Sligo. I’m happy with the performance and the result, and it’s onwards now for the next four weeks”.

The Roscommon manager agreed that the early red card for Sligo didn’t help their cause. “It dampened the game. It was hard luck really, the game wasn’t nasty or anything like that. There was nothing cynical. It was probably something that Sligo could have done without. For us, we just had to concentrate and at times and I thought we lost our concentration a little bit and we have to be on our guard about that”.

After a so-so first half, Cunningham made it clear at half-time that he wanted a more clinical third quarter display.

Roscommon’s Donie Smith and Sligo’s Darragh Cummins pictured during Saturday’s match in Markievicz Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

“We spoke about it at half-time… we just wanted a bit of a reaction. We were sluggish in spots in the first half, so we do have to cut that out of our

play and put a bit more pace in our attacks…and we did that”.

On a damp, overcast evening, the opening ten minutes were evenly

Stat Attack Red cards: Roscommon 0; Sligo 1 (David Phillips, 13m) Black cards: 0 Yellow cards: Roscommon 1 (David Murray); Sligo 3 (Paul Kilcoyne, Darragh Cummins, Mikey Gordon) Man of the Match: Eoin McCormack (Roscommon) Attendance: 6,059

Roscommon’s Ciarain Murtagh scores a point after his goal chance was saved during the first half of Saturday’s match against Sligo in Markievicz Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

fought. A tentative Roscommon led by 0-3 to 0-2, with Conor Cox having scored all three points, one from play.

Then in the 13th minute Sligo cornerback David Phillips was shown a straight red card by referee Noel Mooney after apparently striking Cox. Mooney consulted with his linesman and with two umpires before making his decision. It left Sligo with an even bigger mountain to climb.

Roscommon now seized the initiative. Cox (two frees), Ciarain Murtagh (two from play), Enda Smith and an Eddie Nolan ’45 saw the visitors extend the lead to six (0-9 to 0-3) by the 33rd minute.

Sligo, for whom Niall Murphy was always a threat, did get the final two scores of the half (fine efforts from Mark Walsh and Sean Carabine) meaning Roscommon led 0-9 to 0-5 at the break.

Roscommon played their best football in the third quarter and by the 47th minute they led by 0-14 to 0-5, the game now over as a contest. Enda Smith was superb from the restart, kicking three points in a six-minute period, and Ciarain Murtagh, Donie Smith (free) and even full-back Brian Stack also got in on the scoring.

All five Roscommon subs got on the scoreboard. Niall Kilroy scored two fine points and Diarmuid Murtagh scored a spectacular one in injurytime, from out near the sideline. Sligo were a beaten docket long before the final whistle and the game petered out in the final fifteen minutes.

After this comprehensive win – 23 points scored, 18 of them from play, 11 different scorers and no injuries – Anthony Cunningham and his management team can sit back and watch Leitrim and Galway battle it out next Sunday in the other semi-final.

Roscommon have been putting up big scores recently, but the manager says that standard will be needed for the big games ahead.

“I think you’ll need that type of form going in to play Galway or Leitrim.

Any of the top teams in Division One have that sort of return. We have talented, skilful forwards, and we have attacking wing-backs – and we’d look for a couple of scores as well from them, and from the midfielders too.

Keith Doyle came in there as well as a midfielder, and he very good to be able to pop a point. We’d always be pushing for players to bring that to their game, and (then) improve on it.

So we have work to do…but it’s great to be in the final”.

The final is another story. This one ended as expected, with no surprises.

On an easy day for Roscommon, Eoin McCormack, Niall Daly, Eddie Nolan, Enda Smith, Ciarain Murtagh and Conor Cox stood out.

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Roscommon’s Enda Smith and Sligo’s Nathan Mullen pictured during Saturday’s match in Markievicz Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon’s Ciarain Murtagh trying to escape from the Sligo posse during Saturday’s match in Markievicz Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon manager Anthony Cunningham pictured during Saturday’s match against Sligo in Markievicz Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon’s Cathal Heneghan on the attack during Saturday’s match against Sligo in Markievicz Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon’s Ronan Daly pictured during Saturday’s match against Sligo in Markievicz Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

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