11 March 2022 Roscommon People

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11 March 2022

The Local Paper

VOLUME: 774

Crisis in Ukraine: Roscommon stories and response

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(PAGES 7, 26 & 27)

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02

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

NewsPeople With over 30 years’ experience, Aengus Oates Financial Services provides expert financial advice and bespoke financial solutions to our highly valued clients

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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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My husband has a gambling problem and I am concerned that he may try to sell our home to pay off gambling debts. The house is in his name and I am very worried. Can he sell our home without my consent?

No, your husband may not legally sell your home without your consent. The family home of a married couple is protected by specific legislation, namely, the Family Home Protection Act, 1976.

Similar protection is provided for the shared home of civil partners by the civil partnership legislation.

The Family Home Protection Act prevents one spouse or civil partner from selling, mortgaging, leasing or transferring the family home without the consent of the other spouse or civil partner.

This applies regardless of whether the home is owned jointly by the married couple or civil partners or where the home is owned by just one party.

Consent of a spouse or civil partner must be secured prior to any sale, lease, mortgage or transfer. Such consent must be in writing.

If you remain very concerned you may inform the Property Registration Authority that you are a spouse of the registered owner of the property. A notice to that effect will then be registered against the property. However, you are not obliged to enter such a registration and not doing so will not affect your rights, it will simply offer you peace of mind.

A weekend of drama…and tentative plans for a St Patrick’s Day float!

WOW! Some drama in Roscommon at the weekend…all week in fact!

Huh? SERIOUS drama in Roscommon!

But I…I…never heard…

It was something else!

What happened? Don’t tell me…were some Mayo spies found in the Hyde Park dressing rooms…after all?

CYCLING ACCIDENT

Endangered Species

Editor (scrambles to check contact

The barstool boyos

If you were involved in aadvisor): cycling number for legal Please! accident contact no suggestion that There is absolutely

Byrne Mayo GAACarolan would EVER engage in any Cunningham Solicitors such activity…

You’d better make it clear you mean spies with absolutely no association with Mayo GAA authorities…as in any such spying would be by a maverick…

Of course! Is THAT what happened?

Was that the drama?

No! What happened? No, don’t tell me!

SERIOUS drama!

In Roscommon…all week?

YUP! Did a county council meeting get out of control? I think I heard a rumour! Did a fight break out? Did they start throwing bread rolls? Was it videoed? Have you…

NO! Okay so…what drama did I miss?

I’ll give you a hint…it involves masks!

AH! I have it!

Do you?

I can picture the scene. A poor old lady walks into one of the local shops, with no mask on. She’s healthy, she’s happy, she’s relieved the restrictions have been lifted. She’s effectively acting on the

instructions of the Taoiseach. In she goes, and just as she approaches the meat counter, some Goody Two-Shoes confronts her about not wearing a mask…did it get messy?

THAT’S NOT IT EITHER! But all credit to your imagination.

Okay, I give up!

Good!

WHAT drama?

The Roscommon Drama Festival… you idiot! The masks are basically their ‘logo’…surely you’ve seen them at all the roundabouts? It’s been great – all week – and it runs until this Saturday night!

(They pause for…dramatic effect)

Are you still talking to me?

Mmnn…any word on those contract talks with the Editor? They’re going on for ages!

Well, actually there is news.

Great! ‘Cos at this stage I just want us to tie this column down for at least all of 2022. And I’m fed up with the way you’ve been dealing with it. You’ve had several dinners with him, a few rounds of golf too…and I’m in the dark!

Well, there IS progress…

Did you get us improved terms? When do we sign?

He’s setting up a Task Force.

WHAT? They’ll conduct reader research…

SERIOUSLY? Then the results of that survey will go to the board.

WHAT? And they’ll commission a report…

HUH? And it will make recommendations…

PLEASE TELL ME YOU’RE JOKING? Yes! I’m joking! But he does want us to be more original, to embrace social media…and to get out and about and meet our fans, I mean readers!

Who does he think we are? THE KARDASHIANS? Don’t underestimate Kim, sorry, I mean HIM! He wondered if you’d dress up and enter a float in some of the St Patrick’s Day parades around the county…promoting this column?

A Barstool Boyos float, with a mock bar on the back of a lorry…

AAGH! At least tell me you’d be with me?

Well I’d love to, but actually myself and the Editor might be going to Cheltenham together…

What we liked…

The response from ordinary people throughout Ireland – with numerous initiatives having started in Roscommon – to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

What we didn’t like…

Russia’s ongoing and relentless campaign of murder and mayhem in Ukraine, an onslaught which is causing widespread death and injury, devastating displacement of millions of people, destruction of cities, towns and villages, and unimaginable heartbreak.

This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor.

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

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

What PEOPLE are talking about…

Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS

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

PIC OF THE WEEK: Oisin and Fiona Lennon were in Enfield on Sunday to cheer on their Dad, Ollie (manager) and the Roscommon Ladies team. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Terror and heartbreak, as the invasion of Ukraine continues; Alan Kelly resigns as Labour leader; The Late Late Show fundraising appeal for Ukraine; Price rises across the board; More soul-searching at Manchester United after big derby defeat…

03

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

NewsPeople

County Development Plan adopted at special meeting Environment, Climate Action and Communications calling for “sensible and modern policies around renewable energy”.

Cllr. Donal Kilduff called for what he described as a “more sensible approach to renewable energy”.

“We need an abundance of energy if we want to live a Western lifestyle…and our greatest asset is wind,” he said.

Cllr. Kilduff added that Ireland could become the “rechargeable battery of Europe”.

“We are fuelling our way of life currently by enriching oligarchs and princes in the desert,” he added, and said that new sources of renewable energy were critical unless we wanted to “live in the dark most of the time”.

Cllr. Orla Leyden said it was regrettable that Government guidelines were outdated but that members couldn’t turn their backs on communities and that solar power is a “far quicker answer” with grants available to homeowners.

< DAN DOONER

The Roscommon County Development Plan 20222028 was adopted at a special planning meeting of the local authority on Tuesday and will come into effect six weeks from now on April 19th.

While the plan was approved, a major concern expressed by members centred on current national guidelines relating to renewable energy, particularly setback limits for wind turbines.

There was widespread agreement that Chief Executive Eugene Cummins’ recommendations had to be implemented but a number of members were critical of the current guidelines from Government, describing them as “outdated”.

Councillors were in broad agreement that it was now critical that Ireland focussed on becoming self-sufficient when it came to energy.

Cllr. John Naughten proposed a letter be written to the Minister for

Responding to members’ concerns, Director of Services Shane Tiernan said the Government target of 80 per cent of energy from renewables by 2030 was a “steep hill” but that it could not come at any price and that the local authority would have to be cognisant of guidelines.

Mr. Tiernan said the plan was “very positive” for the county and thanked the planning team including Mary Grier, Pio Byrnes and Caroline Mockler for their work.

Chief Executive Eugene Cummins said the members’ approach to the discussion was refreshing and that communities would be listened to, before adding that wind energy would be an essential requirement in the future.

“We are going to see more turbines…but the full rigours of the planning process will be implemented and adhered to,” he said, before highlighting the ongoing work of the Council’s Climate Change Unit in reducing the county’s carbon footprint.

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04

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

NewsPeople SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION Sunday 13 March 2022

In today’s Gospel, we go up to the mountain with Peter,

John, and James. There we see Jesus “transfigured,” speaking with Moses and Elijah about His “exodus”.

The Greek word “exodus” means “departure”. But the word is chosen deliberately here to stir our remembrance of the Israelites’ flight from Egypt.

By His death and resurrection, Jesus will lead a new Exodus – liberating not only Israel but every race and people; not from bondage to Pharaoh, but from slavery to sin and death. He will lead all mankind, not to the territory promised to Abraham in today’s First Reading, but to the heavenly commonwealth that Paul describes in today’s Epistle.

Moses, the giver of God’s law, and the great prophet Elijah, were the only Old Testament figures to hear the voice and see the glory of God atop a mountain (see Exodus 24:15–18; 1 Kings 19:8–18).

Today’s scene closely resembles God’s revelation to Moses, who also brought along three companions and whose face also shone brilliantly (see Exodus 24:1; 34:29). But when the divine cloud departs in today’s Gospel, Moses and Elijah are gone. Only Jesus remains. He has revealed the glory of the Trinity – the voice of the Father, the glorified Son, and the Spirit in the shining cloud.

Jesus fulfills all that Moses and the prophets had come to teach and show us about God (see Luke 24:27). He is the “chosen One” promised by Isaiah (see Isaiah 42:1; Luke 23:35), the “prophet like me” that Moses had promised (see Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 3:22–23; 7:37). Far and above that, He is the Son of God (see Psalm 2:7; Luke 3:21–23).

“Listen to Him,” the Voice tells us from the cloud. If, like Abraham, we put our faith in His words, one day we too will be delivered into “the land of the living” that we sing of in today’s Psalm. We will share in His resurrection, as Paul promises, our lowly bodies glorified like His. -Scott Hahn Ph.D., www.salvationhistory.com (courtesy of Sacred Heart Church)

Who’s saying what on Tweet Street ...

Paul Healy’s take on top tweets!

Joanne Harris @Joannechocolat

Ingrid Miley @ingridmileyRTE

My mother always said to me: “Books are friends who will never let you down, or move away, or quarrel. Friends who will always be waiting for you whenever you might need them. A person with books is never alone, never lonely, never bored.” #WorldBookDay

Devastated watching those grieving people from #Ukraine on the #LateLateShow - Ireland is with you all.

-The Late Late Show was dedicated to raising funds for the stricken people of Ukraine. As of earlier this week, over €3m had been raised

-Seamus Duke proposes an all-star summer sale (please form an orderly queue)!

Ingrid Miley

-Words of wisdom on World Book Day (last Friday)

Chris O’Donoghue @UppityNorrie

Margaret Leahy @gardenngather

I just doubled the value of my 2006 Micra by filling it with petrol.

-Old jokes never die, they just get recycled…

Went out out tonight and got the bus home. It was a double decker.

In Connemara. I’m not over it yet. #ruraltransport

Michael O’Regan @Michael_O_Regan

-Drama as double decker spotted in rural Galway…

Census is likely to reveal that #Kexit world domination imminent. This will follow Sam Maguire’s return to its natural home.

Robert Colvile @rcolvile

-Michael foresees a return to glory for The Kingdom…

Still early stages but I think I know who Time’s Person of the Year is going to be.

Just a hunch.

David Shelton @davidoshelton

-We can only assume Robert’s money is on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

Paul Murphy will have a very well paid career in politics and when it ends he will have achieved absolutely nothing. Just like Joe Higgins before him

Seamus Duke @SeamusDuke

-Ouch!

and Ronaldo and start from the very bottom this summer. It’s the only way. That dressing room is toxic now @ManUtd

Robert Colvile

I would give gate to Wan Bissaka, Shaw, Maguire, Lindelof, Pogba, Mata, Matic, Fred, Jones, Rashford, Lingard, Cavani

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Based at the award-winning Access For All National Disability Centre, Ballyleague, County Roscommon The project is supported by the Department of Rural & Community Development & Pobail through the Community Services Programme.

For more information go to: www.loughreeboattrips.com/JOBS Compliance with the funder’s requirements regarding eligibility of individuals to hold a CSP supported post is set out in the job descriptions for the above post which are now available on request from: accessforalljobs@gmail.com How to apply: Please submit a letter of application detailing how you meet the requirements along with your full CV clearly stating the reference number and the position you are applying for, to accessforalljobs@gmail.com or by post to the following address: FAO The Company Secretary, Lough Ree Access For All CLG, Ballyleague, Lanesborough, County Roscommon. Eircode: N39 E297

Closing date for receipt of applications is 1 pm, Friday 18th March, 2022.

Lough Ree Access For All CLG is an Equal Opportunities Employer

05

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

NewsPeople

Louise’s Beauty Salon wins Repêchage ‘Best Beauty Salon/Spa in Ireland’ award L

ouise’s Beauty Salon, Roscommon, was named as the Repêchage Best Beauty Salon/Spa in Ireland at an awards ceremony in Athlone on Monday.

Proprietor Louise Conneally-Dowd said she was “shocked and thrilled” when she was announced as the winner.

The overall award followed Louise’s inclusion as one of Ireland’s top 5 beauty therapists, making it a fantastic awards’ double for the popular local salon.

Lydia Sarfati, owner of the worldwide Repêchage Skincare brand, flew in from the United States this week to launch the new Hydra Pure facial, and to attend the awards ceremony in the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone.

In advance of Monday night’s ceremony, Louise’s Beauty Salon had been confirmed as one of the Repechage top 5 beauty salons/spas in Ireland, itself a huge honour for the business.

More was to follow however, with Louise’s begin confirmed on Monday night as the overall winner.

On foot of her win, Louise will now go forward to the Repêchage World Beauty conference in New York next year.

This hugely significant award is very timely, as Louise – like the wider SME sector – continues to embrace the reopening of society after two incredibly challenging years.

“I really am so shocked and thrilled” Louise told the Roscommon People, just hours after the award results were revealed.

“This is very humbling, and such a thrill. Now it feels like all the hard work over the years was worth it!”

After three Covid-19 lockdowns, Louise’s Beauty Salon is now busier than ever and Louise is delighted to be back engaging with her loyal customers.

“It’s so brilliant to be back meeting people face to

Top national award for Louise’s Beauty Salon We are thrilled to announce that Louise’s Beauty Studio has been announced as the overall winner in the Repechage Top beauty Salons/Spas in Ireland

face and doing what we enjoy so much. This is an exciting time for us. The Hydra Pure facial, recently launched in New York, is now available in our salon! Over the coming months we will be introducing more new treatments and products in the salon.

“As ever, Louise’s Beauty Salon will continue to specialise in working with brides-to-be, bridesmaids, the mother of the bride – and indeed for all special occasions, big or small!”

After a hectic few days, which involved interviews, meetings and attending the launch of the Hydra Pure facial in Dublin, Louise will travel to Italy soon to undertake some advanced make-up training in Milan, and to choose a new make-up collation from Nee, which she has stocked in the salon for the past 18 years.

Pictured (left to right) are Lydia Sarfati (Repêchage New York), Louise Conneally-Dowd of Louise’s Beauty Salon, Roscommon, and Irish (Repêchage) distributor Louise O’Loughlin.

Louise’s Beauty Studio 1 Sliabh Bán View, The Walk, Roscommon, F42 PE09 • www.louisesbeautystudio.com

Introducing the new

Hydra Pure Facial Just launched in New York… now available in Roscommon!

To book the new Repêchage Hydra Pure Facial, call 090 66 37939 in We’re 19 yearsgust u business this A ur valued Thank you to o our loyalty, customers for y support friendship and

Contact us about our wide range of beauty treatments WE HAVE A LARGE RANGE OF FACIAL AND BODY TREATMENTS AND PRODUCTS TO CHOOSE FROM Getting married? We specialise in working with brides-to-be

06

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor Thursday It’s a glorious day…another fabulous March morning, one which has enough beauty in it to at least temporarily take our minds off the perils currently besetting the world.

An unfriendly chap grunts when I answer my mobile (not having firstly checked to see who was calling me).

“Your Amazon account is suspended, do you realise that?” he said – with a combination of slight impatience and arrogance.

I don’t have an Amazon account, which I could have told him – with a combination of disapproval and disgust.

Instead, I hung up. It’s doubtful that he’d have been on for small talk about the glorious weather.

Friday A few texts ping in. Apparently our front page cartoon/illustration depicting support for Ukraine has attracted the attention of Ryan Tubridy on the radio.

Paraic Newman’s artwork shows Ukrainian soldiers hoisting their nation’s flag (which happens to feature the same colours as the Roscommon flag). Suffice to say we’d be supporting Ukraine irrespective of that coincidence, but it was a simple and apt ‘angle’ for our cartoonist. And, once he came up with the angle, Paraic produced a very poignant and striking image.

After a largely positive reaction on social media to our front-page cartoon, it received the on-air approval of Mr. Tubridy on his RTE Radio 1 programme this morning.

Saturday It’s a touch challenging in this current climate to try and write what is an often humourous column, but I suppose some respite from the horrendous events in Ukraine can be justified. Life, dare I say it, does go on.

Certainly the shocking bombardment of Ukraine, the heroic resistance, and the dramatic refugee

catastrophe are all uppermost in our minds day in, day out. It’s surreal to think that we have almost seamlessly moved from a historic pandemic to the biggest threat to world peace since the 1940s. Does anyone recall how long that period of relative tranquillity (between lifting of restrictions and Putin invading) was? It felt like about a week.

We carry on. I will indulge myself with some verbal meanderings. We are all still adjusting to that sudden enough escape (sort of) from the shackles of Covid-19 (of lockdown, at least).

When we couldn’t go to a pub/ restaurant/café/shopping centre, we were greatly put out. Now that we can, some of us are biding our time. Probably for no reason other than that I just haven’t got around to it, a return to ‘the local’ hasn’t happened for me yet. Well, about four weeks ago I did enjoy two early evening ‘quiet’ pints in town – newspaper to hand – and it was a lovely experience. But, post-that recent overnight lifting of restrictions, I’ve yet to pop into a pub late at night.

Likewise, now that I think of it, I haven’t really been ‘eating out’ or popping into the cafes for a coffee. I suspect lots of people are readjusting slowly enough, while others are no doubt diving back in with great relish. In a (very) weird way, those of us who are biding our time may be subconsciously thinking we don’t want to spoil the moment by facilitating ‘the return’/bringing it on! It’s like when Paddy Joe says the best part of the occasion when the Rossies are in Croker is the pre-match parade, and the national anthem.

After that, it can go downhill. Or like when you don’t want a great book to end, so you almost put off reading the final pages. For a similar reason, I’ve thus far avoided watching the new series of After Life on Netflix…I prefer the anticipation of how good it might be to the anticlimax of it being over!

Meanwhile, from my limited walking around town/chatting with people this week, two questions (beyond Putin’s brutality) stood out: (A) When will the bit of the Square in Roscommon

paul@roscommonpeople.ie Vegas, the sequel was, in my humble opinion, a very poor relation of the memorable original.

Tuesday/Wednesday

Pictured at the opening night of Roscommon Drama Festival 2022 were Geoff O’Keeffe (Adjudicator), Martina and Coman Keavney, Chairman of A.D.C.I. Photo: Mick McCormack

town that’s unfinished, be finished?

(B) Will Roscommon beat Derry?

Later on Saturday Nodded off while watching Match of the Day (again). And this time, Alan Shearer wasn’t even amongst the pundits…

Sunday Being a bit of a fair-weather walker, I’m back on our beautiful bog road today, maybe feeling a touch guilty about all those missed walks in recent months. As ever, I pledge to try and do better. It is glorious. Even the sight of a neighbour beginning the lawnmowing season (so early!) doesn’t bug me. Well, I’m rattled, but I recover!

It’s nice to be reacquainted with the familiar sights and scents of the bog road walk…from the rusty, long-retired farm machinery to the grazing, ever-curious sheep, the majestic trees, the rustling of wildlife in hedges, the magnificent colours of the gorse.

Our bog road showcases nature in all its glory, the unbeatable beauty of our countryside. This beauty is savoured in peace and tranquillity.

It’s all a stark contrast to what I’d been watching before leaving the house…Sky News, on the latest

from Ukraine. The images are awful…flattened buildings which were vibrant a week ago now reduced to rubble and dust, with the innocent dead the casualties of this madness.

Some of the children of Ukraine will never again get to enjoy the simple pleasure of a leisurely walk in beautiful countryside, where the unspoilt beauty of nature is the antithesis of the callous onslaught on their homeland.

Monday The actress Lynda Baron, who died today, featured in Eastenders – and in many other TV and stage roles – but she will be particularly remembered for her superb portrayal of ‘Nurse Gladys’ in the endearing British sitcom ‘Open All Hours’.

In the hit series (which ran from 1976 into the mid-1980s), Nurse Gladys was the no-nonsense love interest of shopkeeper Arkwright, played by the great Ronnie Barker (the sitcom also starred a very young David Jason as dim shop assistant, Granville).

28 years after the original series ended, a sequel, Still Open All Hours, ran from 2013 to 2019. By now, Arkwright has passed on, and Granville is running the corner store. Despite Baron resuming her role as Nurse Gladys, and a supporting cast that included Johnny

The response throughout County Roscommon to the horror being inflicted on the people of Ukraine has grown in impetus over recent days… to the point where it is now a highly impressive countywide show of practical support.

Here at the Roscommon People, we’ve been contacted by a number of the people involved in arranging to transport goods to the stricken people of Ukraine. These locals have put their ‘shoulders to the wheel’ in a great (but unsurprising) show of generosity and humanity to coordinate provision of aid for people whose lives have been turned upside down by the chaotic and cruel invasion of their country.

These distraught civilians – some staying on in Ukraine, millions more seeking sanctuary elsewhere – are victims of brutal, sickening and sustained aggression by a Russian army which is dancing to the tune of an erratic, cruel egomaniac.

The Irish people are standing by the people of Ukraine, whose bravery continues to amaze. I must say some of the TV and social media footage of refugees this week has been devastatingly emotional to witness; babies, toddlers, the elderly – and all in between – weaving a human tapestry of heartbreak.

In today’s newspaper, we report on the tremendous community response in Co. Roscommon. Well done to all involved, and to all who have donated goods/money, etc. It feels like the least we can do, and maybe all we can do. But the evolving response is very worthy, and very important. Every donation, every lorry-load, every gesture of care and thoughtfulness, every show of support…they will all help.

See pages 7, 26 & 27.

07

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

NewsPeople

‘Progress’ in investigation into assault on Garda < DAN DOONER

Gardaí have confirmed that they are continuing their investigation into the vicious assault of a young Roscommon Garda at Blacklion, Co. Cavan last month.

Garda Padraig Scott (29), a well-known footballer from Tulsk in Co. Roscommon, was hospitalised after being beaten and doused in petrol close to Loughan House prison in the early hours of Monday, February 28th.

A Garda statement released one week on from the incident read: “Padraig remains off duty, recovering from his injuries. He continues to be fully supported by his family, friends and colleagues and is being provided with welfare and any other supports required from the Garda Employee Assistance Service.

“Last night (Monday 7th), one week from the assault Gardaí carried out a checkpoint on the N16, Loughan, Co. Cavan at the scene of this attack”.

Speaking earlier this week, Chief Superintendent Alan

Garda Padraig Scott

McGovern said: “Padraig is a uniformed, unarmed member of An Garda Síochána; he commenced duty as normal on Sunday, February 27th. He was a diligent member of An Garda Síochána going about his normal duties keeping people safe but as a result of a cowardly attack by unknown criminals he did not finish duty as normal that night; Padraig was hospitalised

and remains off duty recovering from his injuries and the trauma of this attack”.

Appealing for further information, Chief Superintendent McGovern stated: “The investigation team continues to make progress in this investigation and I want to thank the public for their support and the assistance received to date. I continue to appeal for any person with any information on this attack to contact investigating Gardaí.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact the investigation team at Cavan Garda station or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111. Any information received will be treated with the strictest confidence”.

Gardaí continue to appeal to any person driving on the N16, Cavan, passing Loughan House Prison, or the R206 and R207 at their junction with the N16, between 7 pm on Sunday, February 27th and 3 am on Monday, February 28th, and in particular any person with video footage (dashcam or other format) to contact investigating Gardaí.

Roscommon Lions Club

UKRAINIAN Humanitarian Crisis

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR

BUCKET COLLECTION In aid of Ukrainian people

We will be holding a Bucket Collection throughout this weekend Including on approach to Dr Hyde Park – (on occasion of Roscommon-Derry game) Please give generously – all support greatly appreciated

CAN YOU JOIN US?

We are looking for volunteers to help us with this weekend’s bucket collection

If you can join us, please attend a short meeting at The Quad Centre, Roscommon at 6 pm this evening (Thursday) *Graphic courtesy of Paraic Newman

MAIN STREET, ROSCOMMON • TEL. 090 6637013

Opening Thursday 10th March

Main Street • Roscommon Telephone: 090 6637013

08

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

NewsPeople

Official opening of McGuire’s of Rooskey next Wednesday NEW-LOOK BUSINESS RETURNS!

The reopening of a long-established family business in Rooskey has generated great excitement and positivity over recent weeks.

While McGuire’s of Rooskey has been a landmark premises for decades, the filling station/ shop closed in 2011. Now, just over a decade on, the McGuire family have unveiled a magnificent new state-of-the-art premises, featuring fuel and forecourt, a convenience store, bakery and deli, complete with an attractive seating area overlooking the majestic River Shannon.

Poignantly, the renowned business reopened just over a

year after the death of Frank McGuire, who first developed the family business after acquiring the property back in 1979.

Now Frank’s grown-up children have realised their late father’s dream…which was to see the business being reopened by the family. Frank’s wife Elizabeth, who is postmistress in Rooskey Post Office, will be joining the venture when the Post Office relocates to McGuire’s in the coming weeks.

The late Frank McGuire purchased the site and property from Tom McNally (RIP) in the late 1970s. Frank established a garage business and later developed a shop on site.

Over the years the shop was extended and a deli was added.

The opening of the RooskeyDromod bypass in 2007 had a negative impact on a number of businesses and in 2011 the deci-

OPEN FROM 7AM

Part of the spacious store in McGuire’s of Rooskey. Photo: Mick McCormack

A word of thanks

Brothers and sister: John McGuire, Eilis Fitzgerald and Francis McGuire. Photo: Mick McCormack

sion was taken to close.

Although in ill health in latter years, it was always Frank McGuire’s hope and ambition that the family business would be reopened. Now his dream has been realised by his family.

Frank’s sons Francis and John have driven the project over the past year, assisted by their sister, Eilis. (Their sister, Michelle, is living in Barcelona and eagerly awaits updates on the family WhatsApp!).

The decision to take on the venture was a huge one. Francis was settled in Norway, where he had been living for seven years.

After many family discussions, he made the life-changing decision to return home and embrace this venture.

“I sold my car, my boat, all my belongings in Norway, and came home in March of 2021” Francis said this week. While Francis had been working as a plumber and John as a panel beater, they say they had no idea how to go about rebuilding the business, effectively from scratch.

As it turns out, the brothers did much of the construction work themselves, with the project getting bigger and bigger as the months went by!

Initially, the intention was merely to reopen the pumps, along with a carwash service.

Then they decided to add a small shop. As time went by, they made the shop much bigger than originally planned,

adding a deli, bakery and seating area.

Now, a beautiful 240 sq. metre convenience store stands proudly as testament to their hard work and determination. The shop, deli (which is open from 7 am to 3 pm, serving breakfast and lunch) and bakery are all proving extremely popular. McGuire’s also sells coal, gas, briquettes (and provides a delivery service).

Wheelchair-accessible, the business has the advantage of excellent parking facilities (including for lorries) and is already proving to be a popular stop-off point for passing traffic and locals.

It’s a wonderful, exciting new era for McGuire’s of Rooskey!

OF ROOSKEY McGUIRES OF ROOSKEY All freshly baked! The ‘Baker’s Corner’ at McGuire’s Gala. Photo: Mick McCormack

ARE DELIGHTED THATwith WE ARE …are delightedTO to ANNOUNCE be associated the newly-reopened McGuire’s of Rooskey

NOW OPEN

Looking forward the NNOUNCE THAT WEtoARE

OPEN

A winning team!

The McGuire family have linked up with Gala, one of Ireland’s leading convenience groups, which has over 200 stores nationwide. They are also delighted to have linked up with DG Oil/Sweeney Oil…two alliances which will compliment the excellent, professional service at this state-of-the-art business.

Best OPEN wishes FROM McGuire’s of7AM Rooskey

OFFICIAL OPENING of McGuire’s of Rooskey on Wednesday, March 16 A big thank you for all the kind messages and support we have received.

It’s much appreciated.

We look forward to serving you.

Shannonside Outside Broadcast will be present

The McGuire family have been overwhelmed by the support they have received since reopening the family business.

Eilis said: “People have been amazing. The amount of goodwill we have received has been so touching. There has been great support from all the locals, it is really greatly appreciated”.

The McGuire family wish to extend a sincere thank you to all their neighbours, friends and extended family for this great support. They also wish to thank Tony Bohan of Links Electrical Supplies; David of Donelan Windows; Advantx Security Systems (Dromod), and everyone else who helped in any way with the construction, fit-out, etc.

Thanks are also extended to Gala and DG Oil/Sweeney Oil for their cooperation and support.

A special thank you to family friend Christy Farrell for his great help throughout the project.

McGuire’s of Rooskey is supporting local producers and suppliers. For example, they stock Bornacoola Honey, Dromod Boxty, Shanley Fruit & Veg, McNiffes Boxty, Herterich’s Butchers, etc.

Customers relaxing in the dining area. Photo: Mick McCormack

Eilis chats with customer Frank Smith.

Photo: Mick McCormack

Shannonside FM to attend on Wednesday The official opening of McGuire’s of Rooskey will take place next Wednesday, 16th of March.

This promises to be a fun day of celebration – and everyone’s invited! Shannonside FM will be present with an outside broadcast (starting at 11 am, and continuing throughout the morning and afternoon).

There will be tasty food samples from the superb Deli and bakery at McGuire’s. McGuire’s is already gaining a reputation for their great coffee, delicious fresh bread, muffins and apple tart – amongst many more treats!

09

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

OPEN FROM 7AM

OPEN UNTIL LATE DAILY

All are welcome!

McGUIRES OF ROOSKEY

McGUIRE’S of ROOSKEY

Official opening on Wednesday, March 16 E DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE ARE

NOW OPEN

• Live Shannonside FM broadcast • Tasty samples from our Deli LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING EVERYONE

• Lavazza

Coffee Station

• Deli (with

seating area)

A big thank you for all the kind• messages Range of breads and and support we have received. cakes baked It’s much appreciated.in store • Coal, kerosene and gas all

We look forward to serving you.All can available. be delivered

Thank you for your great support since we reopened Opening hours: McGuire’s of Rooskey is open seven days a week: Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 10 pm; on Sundays from 9 am to 9 pm.

10

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

The

G

D News page

Launch of multi-cultural cookbook in Roscommon

< DAN DOONER

A new multi-cultural ‘Taste of Roscommon Community Cookbook’ was officially launched by Irene Greene of Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board on Monday last at South Roscommon Family Resource Centre.

The new book contains recipes from all over the world, representing the rich and diverse population of County Roscommon.

Speaking at the launch, Felicia Loughrey of South Roscommon Family Resource Centre, said the cookbook had “been in the works since 2020” but was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

She added that those involved in the publication were delighted to receive input from a wide range of cultures including Slovakian,

Brazilian and Cantonese contributors.

Officially launching the book, Irene Greene said the production was a joint effort between GRETB, local library services, and Family Resource Centres.

“It was a great project at a time of doom and gloom,” she said.

“It was brilliant to see everyone so enthusiastic about representing their own countries and recipes…we couldn’t not get this published as a book. Once it is launched it will be sent to all national Family Resource Centres. This is a great success for County Roscommon”.

Monday’s launch was attended by a number of contributors to the book as well as Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Joe Murphy and local Independent Cllr.

Kathleen Shanagher.

Irene Greene, GRETB makes a presentation to Chirley Gomes at the launch of the new ‘Taste of Roscommon Community Cookbook’ at South Roscommon FRC on Monday. Pic: Mick McCormack

Mount Talbot author Paul Connolly will give a talk and presentation on the second edition of his popular book ‘Landed Estates of County Roscommon’ at 7.30 pm at Donamon Castle on Friday, March 25th.

This highly anticipated talk was due to take place prior to the outbreak of Covid-19 and promises to be of great interest to those interested in Roscommon history.

Booking will be available online or alternatively you can call 086-7866774 for more information.

Keadue gears up for European Entente Florale!

Pictured at the launch of the new ‘Taste of Roscommon Community Cookbook’ at South Roscommon Family Resource Centre on Monday were (Back row, left to right): Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher, Irene Greene (GRETB), Catia da Nova, Felicia Loughrey, Chirley Gomes, Hellem Brauna, Lélia Sardá, Ismar Sardá, Fiona Murphy and Sarah Brennan.

Front row (Left to right): Ahmed Abu Hailett, Hiba Tabanja, Cllr. Joe Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Suaad Darwish and Dyaa Darwish. Pic: Mick McCormack

Lough Ree RNLI volunteer crew prepare to move into €1m boathouse Following a series of familiarisation and training programmes over the last three weeks the volunteer crew at Lough Ree RNLI is preparing for the move to its new state-of-the-art boathouse in Coosan later this month.

The boathouse was built at a cost of €1.2 million, funded exclusively by charitable donations, including a local community contribution of €100,000 raised in the midlands last year.

Construction of the boathouse, which began in late 2020 was interrupted by the pandemic and was completed in February. The fitting out programme has been ongoing over the last number of weeks and it is expected that following the installation and testing of electronic and IT systems the boathouse will go into service before the end of March.

Alongside the weekly training sessions on the water, the Lough Ree RNLI volunteer crew has been engaged in an intensive familiarisation programme of the new facility and its systems. The

Local author to give talk at Donamon

new boathouse slipway will provide direct access to the lake for the charity’s lifeboat ‘Tara Scougall’ and her crew.

The boathouse will also facilitate improved response time to emergencies, a specially designed training room and excellent crew facilities.

Lifeboat Operations manager at Lough Ree RNLI Kevin Ganley said: “This is a fitting way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the charity on Lough Ree and could not have been achieved without the generous contribution of the local community and those further afield”.

The official opening of the Lough Ree RNLI boathouse will take place in June at an open air ceremony at which the charity’s lifeboat ‘Tara Scougall’ will also be formally named and handed over to Lough Ree RNLI. The temporary structure which has served Lough Ree RNLI well over the last number of years at Coosan will be decommissioned, dismantled and transferred to another RNLI facility.

Following a series of familiarisation and training programmes over the last three weeks the volunteer crew at Lough Ree RNLI is preparing for the move to its new state-ofthe-art boathouse in Coosan later this month.

A public meeting will take place in St. Ronan’s Hall, Keadue on Thursday, March 31st to discuss the village’s participation in the European Entente Florale competition later this year.

Keadue had been chosen by the Department of Rural and Community Development to participate in the competition in 2020 but this was rescheduled for June 2022 due to Covid-19.

Participation is seen as a great honour for the people of Keadue and the parish of Kilronan and judging will take place on July 1st. Keadue previously won a silver medal in this competition in 2003.

Members of the community are invited to attend the meeting on March 31st and hear what is involved and learn about the progress made to date regarding Keadue’s participation.

Representatives from Roscommon County Council and National Tidy Towns as well as Entente Irish judges and Keadue Tidy Towns will be available to provide information.

Entente Florale is a community initiative so Roscommon County Council and local organisers are encouraging everybody on the various committees, local businesses and schools and the entire community to get involved in this prestigious competition.

11

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

NewsPeople

Growing the food & drinks sector in Co. Roscommon CALLING –– ADVERTORIAL ––

Mary Kelly, Olivia Smyth and Bina Harris pictured at the recent launch of the Creggs Rural Development Village Plan at Creggs National School. Pic: Mick McCormack

Anne Marie Beirne and Deirdre Bradley pictured at the recent launch of the Creggs Rural Development Village Plan at Creggs National School. Pic: Mick McCormack

A consultation has been launched this week with food businesses to help form the core of the new Food and Drink Strategy 2020-2025 for County Roscommon.

Roscommon Leader and Roscommon Local Enterprise Office have identified the need to have a Food and Drinks Strategy. The strategy aims to provide an audit of the current sector including a comprehensive list of food & drinks businesses, its supports and will provide practical recommendations which can be implemented in the local area. The strategy is of huge importance to the local economy and we would encourage all food producers to take part.

The project was developed by the Roscommon LEADER Partnership, which implement the LEADER Programme 2014-2020 on behalf of Roscommon Local Action Group, a partnership of both public and private entities throughout County Roscommon.

Because of the importance of the strategy, the team are keen to engage with as many food businesses within Roscommon as possible. Apart from identifying all the businesses, they are keen to learn first-hand about operating in the County and what supports are needed.

The food and drink sector faces a range of challenges but can also make the most of exciting opportunities. The strategy will enable food producers and support agencies to respond to these challenges and opportunities and will allow them to chart the next steps for their businesses. It will focus on making the best use of existing resources, developing new products and on embedding innovation and sustainability. The hope is that this will allow the sector to become more efficient, profitable and

ALL FOOD

Dr. Jonathan Birnie, Birnie Consultancy, Brendan Allen, Roscommon Chamber of Commerce and Ashley Hassin, Birnie Consultancy

attractive to both consumers and as part of Roscommon’s tourism offering, thus making a significant contribution to the broader economic development of the County.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Jonathan Birnie from Birnie Consultancy said “Having already spoken to some Roscommon business owners, I’ve no doubt that they’re some of the most dedicated in the Country.

We’re looking forward to working alongside them to develop a practical way forward for the local food industry” “As part of our initial consultation, we’ve put a questionnaire online. It’s vital every food business in the County fills it in so we can better understand their needs and to ensure they’re included in the map of businesses which is being produced.”

To fill in the questionnaire, simply go to birnieconsultancy.com/Roscommon and forward any further information or questions to roscommon@birnieconsultancy.com

BUSINESSES HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE ROSCOMMON

FOOD & DRINKS

STRATEGY

The strategy aims to provide an audit of the current sector including a comprehensive list of food & drinks businesses, its supports and will provide practical recommendations which can be implemented in the local area.

Find the survey at birnieconsultancy.com/roscommon or for more information email roscommon@birnieconsultancy.com

Home Improvement Loan l Download our App l Apply online

Boyle Credit Union Real people for real service

Main Office: Green Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon.

Sub Office: Keadue, Co. Roscommon.

Tel: 071-9663144 Fax: 071-9663208 Email: info@boylecreditunion.com

Approval is subject to lending criteria, terms and conditions. Boyle Credit Union Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

12

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

NewsPeople

FRANK

BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique

take on life ...

Painting and pain: How brushing up on my DIY skills took its toll!

Our man Frank on reassessing his skills as a decorator… in praise of an An Post initiative on female sports stars…rising fuel prices…and the plight of the Ukrainian people

Somewhere at the back of my mind I can remember a parable or maybe a Gospel piece where we were advised to make maximum

use of all our God-given talents. That said, when I was welcomed into the world in April 1951 there must have been a ‘run’ on talents, as there definitely was a huge shortage of them, and the truth is that my locker was left very bare when they were given out.

I found out very quickly that I knew nothing about a lot of things, but especially about building and construction, including plumbing, plastering, blocklaying, tiling, and electrical work. While these were all totally alien to me, in my opinion I was a pretty decent painter. And so, on Friday morning, inspired by the beautiful weather, I dug out my old

paintbrushes, found a can of slightly diluted black Weathershield paint, and decided to do some home improvements. I had an apex (I think that’s what they’re called) over a window to paint, and complete with ladders, paint and brushes, I started into it with great enthusiasm.

I am writing this on Sunday evening, and in the last two days I’ve gone through two tubs of anti-inflammatory gel, along with a tube of Deep Heat, as I try to cure the many muscles that I tore while doing my bit of painting. I am no doctor, but obviously I overstretched a good deal as I tried to get to the highest part,

and tore whatever muscles I had left in my shoulder area. The good news is that I am improving rapidly, and, after hearing that we are going to have a fine week, I am ready to ‘get back on the horse’ and start again tomorrow (Monday).

However, I have revised my opinion as to my ability as a painter, and so on this Sunday evening I am finally admitting to myself (and to anyone else out there that reads this) that I have very little talent at all. There were definitely none left all those years ago when I arrived into an unsuspecting world.

Female sports stars are Huge sense of first past the (An) Post loss at passing One of the issues I have often highlighted in this column over the years is the massive contribution that our female sports stars have made to our lives.

On a day when I have just seen the ladies camogie team from Sarsfield’s – which incorporates New Inn and Bullaun in Co. Galway – win a hugely entertaining club final by beating champions Oulagh the Balart from Wexford, it is wonderful to see that An Post are acknowledging our ladies by issuing commemoration stamps in honour of a number of them.

The Irish hockey team, Sonia O’Sullivan, Rachael Blackmore, Ellen Keane, Kellie Harrington and Katie Taylor, are all being honoured in a new six-stamp booklet which was released ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8th (last Tuesday).

While An Post previously acknowledged the achievements of pioneering Irish women in literature, this is the first time that they have honoured female sports stars, and it really is a tribute to the extraordinary standards that those featured, and many others, are setting on the international stage.

Only last week our own local boxing hero Aoife O’Rourke won gold at a huge international tournament in Sofia, another great performance from her.

Heartiest congratulations to Aoife, who

may well feature on the next series of commemorative stamps from An Post.

In the meantime, all those that are honoured are a credit to our country, and an inspiration to not only women, but to Irish people everywhere.

As the abominable invasion of Ukraine

by Russia continues, and with horrific images of death, displacement, and destruction being flashed around the world, one thing that there seems to be no escape from is the outrageous rise in the cost of living, with almost everything getting dearer and dearer literally day by day.

As I drove to Knock Shrine on Friday evening (hoping that my sore muscles might be miraculously cured) I stopped for diesel in Ballyhaunis and paid €1.91.9 for a litre. It seems that there may be even more rises on the way, so it surely looks as if we will all have to pay a bit more attention to the number of unnecessary journeys that we now make.

Right across the board everything is affected and there is no doubt we are going to have to tighten our belts.

However, in comparison to the suffering of the Ukrainian people it’s a very minor inconvenience, and, as a nation we must do whatever we can to help the millions of men, women and children that are fleeing that wartorn country.

of Marianne

Aoife O’Rourke

My mind is back in 1989, when I was lucky enough to be manager of the Creggs ladies football team. The team, which had only been formed two years earlier, was to contest the County Senior football final in 1989, a game that we lost to a much more experienced St Mary’s, Tulsk, who were appearing in their fifth final in a row.

(The previous four had all been losing appearances to Padraig Pearses, but they made no mistake on the fifth attempt, winning on a scoreline of 4-8 to 2-6).

That game took place in September 1989, but a couple of months later Creggs got a huge measure of compensation when our minor team won county honours by beating St Faithleach’s in the Hyde on the 26th of November.

Now there were a lot of very good footballers on both the senior and minor teams, but right up there with the very best of them was Marianne Gavin, a lady that we sadly laid to rest on Thursday of last week.

Marianne was what I always called our own version of Maureen O’Hara, with her flowing red hair, and the most mischievous smile, and as well as being a star on the football field she was a talented musician and a beautiful singer.

To say that she has been taken too soon is a massive understatement, and the sense of loss throughout the parish at her passing was most profound.

To her children Gemma and Abbie, the Gavin family and all the extended family and friends, I extend my deepest sympathy on their sad loss. May she rest in peace.

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

NewsPeople newsbriefs Bus area approved for Whitehall NS Roscommon County Council have confirmed that a new school bus area will be provided for Whitehall National School in Tarmonbarry.

Welcoming the news, Independent councillor Tom Crosby said the new area which will be marked out this week will improve safety measures at the school.

Funding granted for Abbey College, Boyle classroom extension

Tulsk History Society table quiz The Tulsk History Society would like to thank all who came out in such numbers to its table quiz on Saturday night last at O’Connor’s bar in Tulsk.

It was a great fundraising success for THS, and this week a proportion of the funds raised will be making its way to the Zoe Cryan Trust – an important local cause.

The latest edition of the society’s e-newsletter will be emailed out next week. If you’d like to be added to the mailing list please contact us on historytulsk@gmail.com. New members are always welcome to join.

Memorial event in tribute to late Monsignor Travers As a memorial dedication to our late spiritual director, Mons.

Charles Travers, the Legion of Mary in Roscommon will host the DVD presentation ‘NO GREATER LOVE’ in St. Coman’s Club commencing on Wednesday, 16th of March at 8 pm.

‘NO GREATER LOVE’ is a biblical walk through Christ’s Passion.

Bestselling author Edward Sri guides us through the last hours of Christ’s life. Walking with Jesus every step of the way from the Garden of Gethsemane to Mount Calvary. All welcome.

Pictured at the opening night of Roscommon Drama Festival 2022 were Mary Regan and Saoirse Murray. Photo: Mick McCormack

Training services available with RWN Looking for progression routes to college or a job in the healthcare sector? Why not get yourself a qualification that allows you to do both, with a guaranteed job at the end.

Roscommon Women’s Network (RWN) Training Services, Castlerea, is now recruiting for all courses in healthcare, computers and retail skills. Call 094-9621690; call/text 087-2718118, or email training@ rwn.ie for more information.

You can apply online at fetchcourses.ie. Search RWN to see all available courses.

Visiting restrictions at hospital following Covid outbreak Visiting restrictions have been implemented at Roscommon University Hospital following an outbreak of Covid-19. Visiting on in-patient wards is currently limited to compassionate grounds with visits arranged in advance with the nurse in charge on the relevant ward.

Contact numbers of wards are as follows: St. Bridget’s Ward (0906632214/15), St. Teresa’s Ward (090-6632253/30), and St. Coman’s Ward (090-6632223/25).

13

Fine Gael Minister of State Frank Feighan

The Department of Education has this week confirmed funding for a classroom extension at Abbey College, Boyle, with building works set to commence in the next 18 months.

The extension will comprise two general classrooms, an engineering room, a constructions room and preparation area, a project store, a design and communications room, a multimedia room, a graphics room, science room, a two-class SEN base, three SET rooms and male and female toilets.

Welcoming the announcement, local Fine Gael Minister of State Frank Feighan said

the much-needed extension would enable the schoo to accommodate increasing numbers of students.

“I want to compliment the principal, David Harding and the board of management, for an excellent application,” he said.

“Abbey Community College is my former alma mater, so I am particularly delighted to see the Minister sanction the funding for the Boyle school at this time.

“I expect that work will now begin around planning and tendering for this extension and that hopefully building can commence within the next 18 months,” Deputy Feighan concluded.

In line with Tusla National Fostering Awareness Campaign launched 21st February 2022, Roscommon Fostering Department are having a Fostering Awareness Walk. The purpose of this event is to raise an awareness of fostering in the community and recruit new Foster Carers

14

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

NewsPeople

Save up to 60% on prescriptions with Pure Pharmacy, Athlone!

-ADVERTORIAL

Based at The Crescent, Athlone, Pure Pharmacy is now offering a new prescription pricing model which could potentially save customers up to 60 per cent in their medication costs!

Pure Pharmacy is run by Lanesboro native, Rory Donnellan, ably assisted by Pharmacy Technician, Niamh Williams.

A son of PJ and Joan Donnellan of Engine Spares Ltd, Rory has been based in Athlone for the last number of years.

Rory says his aim is to provide customers with a better value alternative when it comes to their prescription medication needs.

“At Pure Pharmacy, we know that it has

been a very tough and trying two years and the price of essential goods and services has continued to rise,” Rory said.

“Our prescription pricing model will enable customers to save as much as 60 per cent on the cost of their medications. We offer the same products as other pharmacies but at a lower price”.

Pure Pharmacy also offers a free blister packing service, a free local delivery service, and delivery nationwide.

“Our aim is to offer a fast and friendly service while also helping our customers to make big savings on their prescriptions,” Rory adds.

“Moving your prescription to Pure Pharmacy could not be easier. Simply drop into us with your valid prescription. There is no sign up fee and no hidden charges. We look forward to meeting you.

“You can find out more by contacting Pure Pharmacy on 0906475110, or by emailing pureathlone@gmail.com.

You can also check us out on Facebook at ‘PURE Pharmacy Athlone’.

Rory Donnellan pictured outside Pure Pharmacy, which is located at The Crescent, Athlone.

THIS WEEK...On The Political Beat people and where someone might talk to them – because not having that in-person interaction is the worst part in much of this,” he said.

“A person who is coming back to work in Ireland can actually pay people now to basically get his or her life in line for licences, a bank account and all the simple things that are necessary to make sure that you can live a normal life and fit into a community,” Fitzmaurice concluded.

This week, local public Dolan hails ‘Town representatives call for a Centre First’ policy freeze on fuel prices, hail Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan has said the ‘Town Centre First’, propose new ‘Town Centre First’ policy has the potential to revitalise towns across Roscommon and new uses for post offices, benefit local communities provided it received significant Government funding. and criticise legislation “The new policy is underpinned by a multi-bilaround lone parents… lion euro investment, spread across major Gov-

Murphy wants freeze on fuel prices

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has called for an immediate three-month freeze on fuel prices to alleviate the growing pressure on consumers.

Senator Murphy has raised the issue in the Seanad and at Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party level, joining Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice in calls to tackle the growing crisis.

“It (the rising costs) is particularly hitting rural communities as they often do not have any alternative but to drive…

“In Ireland we pay approximately 60 per cent tax on fuel…I raised the issue with the Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister Michael McGrath and requested arrangements be put in place to effectively freeze fuel prices for at least three months”.

In a similar call to the one made by Deputy Fitzmaurice in recent weeks, Senator Murphy said a temporary change to tax rates would stabilise prices in the short-term.

Kerrane critical of Government over lone parent legislation

ernment schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), Crói Conaithe (Towns) Fund and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme,” she said.

“For the first time, towns will also gain their own dedicated Town Regeneration Officers, who will be crucial to driving future development. These will be full-time dedicated positions within Roscommon County Council, and the officer will work with Town Teams and local business groups to design and implement town plans”.

Fitzmaurice wants post offices to become ‘one-stop shops’

Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has called for post offices to be utilised as “one-stop shops” in order to make life easier for elderly people.

Deputy Fitzmaurice was speaking in the Dáil last week on a motion calling for the National Driver Licence Service to restore walk-in services.

Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice

He said the current procedure for licence renewals was especially unfriendly “to a generation of people who gave to this country but never had the opportunities that every one of us have had – such as being able to work a computer, being able to go online and being able to bank online or fill out forms”.

“A better solution down the road would be for the likes of the post office network to take over this, where there is one 5km or 10km away from

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Social Protection Claire Kerrane TD has said Government parties voted last week to delay legislation preventing lone parents being forced into court to obtain maintenance.

The bill, initially introduced by Fianna Fáil in the previous Dáil, sought to extend the remit of the Department of Social Protection’s Liable Relatives Unit.

Deputy Kerrane said: “Extending the legislation is a simple measure that would remove the threat of lone parent families facing a cliff-edge where the Department pulls away once the One Parent Family Payment ceases.

“We have heard from lone parents, who tell us they are being put under pressure to go to court to seek maintenance in order to continue receiving what may be their only weekly income.

“However, rather than assist lone parents and their families, we will now have to await the already-delayed Child Maintenance Review Group to report later this year”.

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Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

CIARAN MULLOOLY On The Back Benches

Helen shines a light on strategies that help to live with Alzheimer’s Helen Rochford-Brennan from Tubbercurry in County Sligo appeared on The Tommy Tiernan Show on RTE 1 TV at the end of January and made a huge impact with viewers after she spoke at length about living with Alzheimer’s/dementia and about all her own trojan work campaigning for people with the condition around the country. The lengthy interview made such an impact, in fact, that Helen has been invited and has now accepted an invitation to come here to County Roscommon on March 31st to speak about the way we, as a State, tend to treat people with Alzheimer’s.

Helen was just 57 when she got what she described as an “earth-shattering” diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. “It’s called Early-Onset” she says, “but to get a diagnosis is very difficult, I understand. It was hard to identify in the beginning because I was working and a busy woman. When I got the diagnosis, of course it was earth-shattering. I was in Galway and I was driving back to Tubbercurry and I was trying to think what I was going to say to Sean [her husband] and Martin [her son]. All that kept coming up in my head was that maybe in an undisclosed amount of time I may not remember them, or remember all the memories we shared along the way”.

One can only imagine the sense of fear and anxiety going through Helen’s mind as she made that fateful car journey. The problem in getting an early and correct diagnosis in the first place should not be underestimated either.

“One doctor would say yes, it was Alzheimer’s” she says, “but another would say no, that I was forgetful because I was doing too much as a mother, businesswoman and campaigner”. I think all of us, if we were really honest, could easily identify with that problem or dilemma.

Busy day life

In the mad busy world we live in today, there are days when I myself think that the condition that hit my own mother when she was in her 70s has chosen to come my way a little earlier. I am sure there are dozens of readers out there who go through days when they experience similar little breakdowns in the memory banks – whether it is the search for the car keys in the kitchen, the overlooking of an appointment with the neighbour, or just the loss of a colleague’s surname in the course of a conversation on the phone. It certainly affects me every week at some stage.

It is true to say that Helen’s life was indeed manic long before she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She began her working life in the post office, but following a visit to her sister in the United States, Helen decided to emigrate, and spent over a decade living in Ohio and Kentucky. Helen did so well professionally over there that she quickly pro-

Helen RochfordBrennan pictured on RTE’s The Tommy Tiernan Show last January.

gressed to branch manager for her company.

It was while she was on a trip back to her ancestral home in Tubbercurry that Helen met with the love of her life, Sean Brennan, who was visiting from London. The couple married and settled in the UK, where four years later, their son, Martin, was born. When he was nine years old, the Brennans decided to come back to Ireland, and it was there that Helen’s life was to turn to a ‘political role’ in the community development sense.

No infrastructure

Very soon after they arrived home, Helen realised there was a lack of proper infrastructure, especially in relation to travel, in Sligo and the western region generally, so she committed herself to campaigning with the Tubbercurry Chamber, the Western Development Commission and the West On Track movement. On top of this she also ran a very successful B&B and restaurant business, and helped to establish an English-language school for Spanish students. There was literally never a dull moment for her and, as if to highlight that energy that flows through her

veins, when she was 52 she started to study at university in the area of community development and theology.

All of this education and development led to a nine-year stint as MD of a national disability services organisation where she made a name for herself among her peers with her professionalism and communication skills.

Against this backdrop, the diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s was surely a hammer blow. “I was finally diagnosed in 2012 and I don’t remember how I told my husband and son in the end, but I do remember the terrible pain of it. There are still no services for people like me, although there are some services for people who are more advanced” she says.

Helen’s strategies

Today she is stoic about her condition and what thousands of other people like herself are going through. “It is difficult to live with it but it is liveable with” she says. “You have to have strategies and I think that is what has sustained me, to be honest with you…working really hard every day and getting out in the fresh air and meeting people. You have to

In association with: LOUGH REE ACCESS FOR ALL

be pretty resilient and in particular, in the last year and a half I have had to be quite resilient because I was isolated at home”.

Helen is adamant that more support is needed for people with dementia in Ireland, especially those living at home who receive so little support. “We’re not supported to stay at home, because the policy for homecare in Ireland, as it stands, is take a shower and take your medicine” Helen says, “as long as I am clean and lipstick is on and I take my medicine, that’s grand. That’s not good enough. We need support to live at home as long as we can and to have that choice”.

Helen Rochford-Brennan’s diary is full all the time – despite what has happened to her.

During the course of one calendar month, she travelled to Dublin on numerous occasions. She also spent time in London, Paris, Switzerland and Brussels, and now we are delighted to hear that she has made the time to travel to the Percy French Hotel in Strokestown on Thursday, March 31st at 1.30 pm where she will address the annual general meeting of the Roscommon Older Persons Network. Hope to see you there too.

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

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Castlerea, Co. Roscommon T.: (094) 962 0200 • E.: tullyshotel@gmail.com

Rural Regeneration funding welcomed

Rural Regeneration and Development Fund

The allocation of €49,950 in funding for impactful regeneration projects has been welcomed for County Roscommon.

The funding, under the Town and Village Renewal’s Project Development Measure, would see the redevelopment of two former Garda stations in Ballintubber and Tarmonbarry into multi-purpose community facilities.

Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan said the funding builds on the €950,000 allocated to the county last week under the main Town and Village Renewal Scheme and would complement the Towns Centre First strategy.

“Roscommon County Council can use this latest funding towards significant, well developed projects which might be subsequently progressed to construction stage, and is subject to the availability of further funding,” she said.

“This new round of funding places particular emphasis on planning and design for more substantial projects to support remote working, in addition to tackling vacancy and dereliction in towns and enhancing town centre living”.

Cllr. Kathleen Shanager also welcomed the funding: “I’m de-

lighted to see funding has been announced for the redevelopment of two former Garda stations into multi-purpose community facilities.

Scheme Outline and “In particular, I’m pleased with the Ballintubber station project, which will be of major benefit to the residents who are looking forward to welcoming American students, who are part of the Castles in Communities Archaeological and Anthropological Research Fieldschool, back to the village for further archaeological work at the castle and surrounding area”.

Fellow Independent councillor, Tom Crosby expressed his delight with funding for

Tarmonbarry. Cllr. Crosby said he was delegated back in 2012, as secretary of Tarmonbarry Development and Tidy Towns Association, to secure Information Booklet the local Garda station from the OPW. He said: “This will be a great facility as a community resource for one of the fastest growing village populations in the west of Ireland. In the future it will provide meeting places for the many voluntary organisations throughout the parish as well as facilities for active age groups, drama groups, Macra na Feirme, Men’s and Women’s Shed Groups, Tarmonbarry Development and Tidy Towns”.

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Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

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TAKE A BREAK Night with former Manchester United legends Your chance to win two tickets to see May and Irwin in Theatre Royal…

100 YEARS AGO… This striking, remarkable photograph is of ‘The class of 1922’ at Roscommon National School. Pictured are pupils (and teacher).

Photo courtesy of Gerry Neilan, Roscommon town.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Famous birthdays ... this week

Olivia Wilde (American actress, will be 38 on Thursday)

It’s been a GOOD week for…

Communities of Ballintubber and Tarmonbarry, after confirmation of funding (announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys) to begin the process of turning two old Garda stations into community facilities

Roscommon Drama Festival, which ‘returned to the stage’ after an enforced two-year break (due to Covid-19), the nine-night extravaganza a great success again…(and ongoing)

Carrie Underwood (American singersongwriter, turns 39 on Thursday)

Fans of the famous Glastonbury Festival in the UK, with this year’s line-up announced…amongst those taking to the stage will be Sir Paul McCartney, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Sam Fender and Olivia Rodrigo Keane Barry, the brilliant young Westmeath darts prospect, who continued his exciting form by reaching the Cazoo UK Open semi-final at the weekend The Roscommon Young Carers project, which is to receive a €10,000 funding boost, after Applegreen announced

Jon Hamm (American actor, will be 51 on Thursday)

that sixteen youth groups nationally will share over €100,000 via the Blossom Fund from the Irish Youth Foundation (IYF). The funding will go towards encouraging children aged 6-18, who come from disadvantaged circumstances, to remain in education

It’s been a BAD week for…

Alan Kelly, who surprised politicswatchers by resigning as leader of the Labour Party Roman Abramovich, who announced that he is selling Chelsea Football Club (after 19 years), the Russian billionaire admitting that his decision is linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, commenting: “In the current situation, I have… taken the decision to sell the club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the club, the fans, the employees, as well as the club’s sponsors and partners” Manchester United fans, with the troubled team losing Sunday’s derby game with Manchester City, the defeat not the issue, but the 4-1 margin – and the manner of the loss – leading to widespread criticism from pundits and supporters, amidst much talk of a crisis at the club

Liza Minnelli (American actress and singer, turns 76 on Saturday)

For updates, check our social channels

Opening Address: President of Roscommon Drama Festival, Canon Eugene McLoughlin and Mary Finn, Chairperson and of Roscommon Drama Festival addressed guests on opening night. Photo: Mick McCormack

It’s the ultimate night for football fans of all ages!

Sit back, relax and join former Republic of Ireland legend Denis Irwin and ex-defender David May as they give a rare insight and share stories from their illustrious careers with Manchester United.

The event will be held in the Theatre Royal in Castlebar on Friday, 18th of March 2022.

The Roscommon People has two tickets to give away as a prize! The evening will be packed with laughter and entertainment. Stories from inside the dressing room during the Alex Ferguson era. What it was like to play alongside Cantona, Keane, Beckham and Scholes….and of course, how it really felt to make history winning the iconic treble.

Relive stories from the Premier League years, including that historic night in Barcelona in 1999, Fergie’s infamous hairdryer, Denis’ time with the ROI team and much, much more.

The evening will include a Meet & Greet with Live Q&A from both host and audience. All ages are welcome and we are hoping to give local aspiring sportsmen and women the chance to meet and hear from not only one of Ireland’s most successful athletes, but two legends of the Premier League era. Monies raised on the evening will be donated to local sports teams.

COMPETITION! To be in with a chance to win two tickets for a night with the former Manchester United stars, just answer this question and send your entry to: Manchester United competition, The Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

“

Q: In what year did Manchester United win the treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup?

The things people say…

“What has violence ever accomplished? What has it ever created? No martyr’s cause has ever been stilled by an assassin’s bullet. No wrongs have ever been righted by riots and civil disorders. A sniper is only a coward, not a hero; and an uncontrolled or uncontrollable mob is only the voice of madness, not the voice of the people” -Robert Kennedy

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

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Stephanie O’Connor Shaw, BETI Coordinator and Joanna O’Reilly, Family Support Services, pictured at the launch of the new ‘Taste of Roscommon Community Cookbook’ at South Roscommon FRC on Monday. Pic: Mick McCormack

newsbriefs Vintage Club’s humanitarian appeal for Ukraine Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club is organising an items collection for the Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal on Saturday, March 12th.

Anyone who can donate items can drop them off at Kilbride Community Centre, Fourmilehouse between the hours of 12 midday and 5 pm.

The following list is the urgently needed materials for the humanitarian appeal: shirts/t-shirts, jumpers, jackets, blankets, sleeping bags, nappies, wipes, Sudocream, toiletries, first-aid kits and baby food. All items should be categorised and bagged or boxed separately. All support is gratefully appreciated.

GoFundMe appeal for Seed of Light Food Donation Centre

A fundraiser has been set up to support the Seed of Light Food Donation Centre in Roscommon. The centre has been operating in the town for the past seven years but demand has significantly increased over the last two years. The premises the centre operates from no longer provides the space and conditions required to continue to provide for the community’s needs.

Funds raised will go towards remedial works being undertaken to bring their new premises up to basic standards.

To support this worthy cause, please visit ‘Support Our Food Bank in Roscommon’ at www.gofundme.com.

Darkness Into Light Ballaghaderreen 2022

The Darkness Into Light committee are delighted to announce the walk will return to Ballaghaderreen for 2022.

After two years without this gathering the committee is hoping the walk, which takes place on Saturday, May 7th, will be a huge success.

Online registration is now open and early bird reduced rates for DIL are available until Thursday, March 31st. Sign up today to ensure you get your iconic t-shirt in time for the event plus be in with a chance of winning one year’s free electricity from sponsors Electric Ireland for you and a friend.

Entry fees are adult €21; children €5; Family – two adults and five children €52; OAP, Students, and Jobseekers €16.

There will be pre-registration days held early in April. Full details are available at www.darknessintolight.ie.

Clothes collection fundraiser for Community Park The Ballaghaderreen Community Park clothes collection continues until the end of March to raise funds for the ongoing costs of the facility.

Clothes can be left at the Community Park clubhouse from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12.30 pm. Clean re-usable clothes, hats, scarves, shoes, belts, curtains etc. will be accepted. No duvets or pillows please. Contact Brid on 0858492213. Thank you for your continued support.

Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher, Stephanie O’Connor Shaw, BETI Coordinator, Irene Greene, GRETB, and Maura Fallon, GRETB pictured at the launch of the new ‘Taste of Roscommon Community Cookbook’ at South Roscommon FRC on Monday. Pic: Mick McCormack

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Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

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Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

How do we possibly explain this war to our kids?

Are you feeling scared, worried, and helpless that Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine could escalate from being a highly destructive conflict into something bigger? Given the size of this unhinged madman’s nuclear arsenal, if you’re thinking the situation could catastrophically trigger another world war, you’re not alone!

On a personal level, I’m extremely concerned. I mean, on top of dealing with the negative effects of the pandemic and the ever-increasing cost of living, we are now having to cope with the rantings, ravings, and actions of a jumped-up little despot!

As adults, we not only find ourselves trying to process and deal with a situation we thought was confined to our history, i.e. a full-blown war, but as parents, we also have to explain this illogical and highly unbelievable series of events to our innocent children. Of course we could simply turn off the TV/ radio, and place a ban on all news bulletins. However, as most kids have mobile phones with access to social media and the internet, it’s likely they’ll still get their information – and when they do, it’s

going to cause them a considerable level of anxiety.

As we gain an insight into Putin’s depraved mind, it’s abundantly clear (to me anyway) that the former KGB agent is a full-blown crackpot who has lost his entire grip on reality. However, as the war remains contained in Ukraine (for now, and God love those poor souls) and hasn’t yet spilled into the rest of Europe, the focus is, quite rightly, being placed on helping the brave and innocent families fleeing their war-torn land. But what happens if the unthinkable happens and this volatile situation escalates further afield?

We’ve all heard about the ‘one and a half hour’ exchange between French President Emmanuel Macron and Putin, where it was concluded that ‘the worst is yet to come’. Given that we can only imagine what that ‘worst’ will look like, I believe the time has arrived where we, as parents, not only need to address our children’s questions (should they have them), we also need to brace them as gently as we can, for the unlikely event of further military action.

I mention this on foot of a reader (a primary school teacher) stopping me last week and, knowing I’m a grandmother, asking me how they could ‘deal with questions’ coming from the little minds sitting in their classrooms, all wanting to chat about ‘what’s happening’ in Ukraine.

Bear in mind I’m not an expert, just a parent and grandparent who never, ever contemplated

having to engage in this type of discussion with my teenage granddaughter, and who doesn’t have any answers whatsoever. As in, I’m winging it. Here’s what I suggested: Allow your child/teen to lead the conversation. Therefore, if they don’t mention it, don’t bring it up for the simple reason we must shield and protect them as

Ordinary Polish people provide amazing support to Ukrainian neighbours There is a large community of Polish nationals living here in County Roscommon. Indeed, I feel both proud and privileged to call some of them my friends. It is for that reason I couldn’t allow this week to go by without acknowledging the amazing humanitarian effort that ordinary Polish people are putting in to help the citizens of Ukraine.

Ever since that dreadful day on February 24th, when Putin waged war on his neighbours, and in the following days, as the mindless thuggery continued to escalate on what is now an hourly basis, the people of Poland, God bless them, have been playing a blinder. The sheer kindness, willingness and compassion of ordinary citizens volunteering time, funds, homes, food, clothing, medical supplies, toys and emotional support to the families fleeing Ukraine is simply mind-blowing and the rest of Europe owes them a debt of gratitude.

I’m not talking about the Polish government or Polish authorities here. I’m talking about people on the ground in Poland, ordinary decent people who’ve rallied together to provide humanitarian aid – much of it out of their own pockets. I’m talking about local charities who’re not receiving any government support, but are unselfishly stepping up to the mark to help the thousands of families like

their own who arrive into their country on a daily basis, many bringing their pets (which, as an animal lover, I think is absolutely amazing).

It appears that in a time of crisis, it’s the good citizens of Poland, and not their so-called ‘bad boy’ government (which, I must acknowledge is also providing substantial help), who’ve opened up their hearts, homes and wallets to those who seek not just shelter and safety, but support and solidarity too. I for one salute them. As a nation which still bears the scars of Russia’s aggression, Polish people have responded in their thousands with acts of enormous generosity and solidarity.

The world, as we know it, has changed forever in the past few weeks, thanks to the exploits of one diminutive, demented, dictatorial megalomaniac. Everyone is terrified, and while nobody knows what’s going to happen next, what we do know is that it’s likely that our lives here in Ireland, and the lives of our fellow Europeans will possibly change forever. To be honest, as I write, for me, Putin’s merciless attack on our fellow human beings has ignited reminders of Cromwell and his invading savages arriving on our shores back in 1649; the result of which was a blood-thirsty, murderous campaign of genocide against our people.

Having twice declared herself ‘bankrupt’, former Atomic Mutton – sorry, Kitten – ‘singer’ Kerry Katona has revealed she’s ‘a millionaire once again’ due to selling topless pictures of herself on OnlyFans, a website where people (mainly women) sell a barely sanitised selection of, well, homegrown pornographic images of themselves.

The husband rustler – correct me if I’m wrong, but last time I looked wasn’t Kezza planning to marry hubby number four? – has claimed the ‘uptake in demand’ for her sexy snaps has been so good, she’s now living it large in an ‘amazing home’. Not only that, her

much as we can for as long as we can. If they do ask, please make sure your response is both age and ability appropriate. By that I mean that if they’re younger than ten years, keep the conversation short – no gruesome details.

If your child is a tween/teen, why not take part in some form of campaign as a family? Perhaps make a donation to an associated charity, or put together a hamper of supplies. If you, as a family, log onto such sites as redcross.ie or unicef.ie, you can get a good idea of what’s needed. You could also light a candle and pop it in the window to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine, or perhaps go to your local church/ place of worship and say a prayer with your children.

As Irish people are being urged to consider offering a spare room or a spare unoccupied home to a Ukrainian family fleeing the conflict, you could, if you’ve got a facility, log onto registerofpledges.redcross.ie, pledge a room, and ask your children to help you to prepare it for your guests.

The Kerry Katona show rolls on

kids are back in ‘private education’ and she’s splashed out on a ‘lavish Lamborghini’! Ah sure why not! I hope it all works out for her.

As Kerry has lived most of her life on reality TV, I would have met her many times when I worked in TV production. To be honest, I was once very concerned that the woman who seems to court catastrophe was a victim of her so-called celebrity status (or disgrace)! However now, given she has commodified not just her own privacy, but appallingly, the privacy of her five children, I believe this very pretty and extremely clever wheeler-dealer is really a master manipulator at exploiting her life! I wish her well.

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Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

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Mount Talbot NS

Enrolment & Information Evening Monday 14 March, 2022, 7.00 pm – 8.00 pm All are welcome

9th

Tel. 090 6624014 • Email: mounttablotns@gmail.com • www.mounttalbotns.scoilnet.ie/blog

Mount Talbot N.S – a home away from home Mount Talbot N.S open evening will take place on Monday, March the 14th from 7 to 8pm. This quaint 3 teacher school dates from the 1800’s and is located in the village of Mount Talbot on the N63 between Athleague and Ballygar.

Although the building has facilitated over 100 years of education, it has been extensively extended and modernised, offering children excellent facilities, modern technology and large spacious playgrounds and playing fields.

The school prides itself on providing an excellent foundation in all subjects and the children enjoy the additional support of a full-time special education teacher and a part-time special needs assistant. It benefits also from the support and help of a wonderful local community.

While Mount Talbot N.S teaches every aspect of the primary school curriculum, it also participates in a wide variety of other educational initiatives and extra-curricular activities which further complements the school programme and enhances the children’s learning and enjoyment, their ninth Green Flag, numerous Science and STEM awards, Music Generation, tin-whistle lessons, Engineering, Scratch and Computer Coding, Heritage field trips, Poetry, Christmas and Summer Dramas and stage productions, Art and craft projects, reindeer painting, and baking.

Sport and physical activity also play a big role in Mount Talbot with children enjoying hurling, football, handball, cycling, athletics, rugby, yoga, rounders and soccer training. Children from Junior Infants - 6th also enjoy Swimming Lessons in Roscommon Leisure Centre, Cycling workshops, fortnightly visits to the library & Music lessons with Music Generation (fiddle, ukulele, mandolin, banjo, accordion).

Prospective students will benefit from a low pupil teacher ratio, a full-time special education teacher, part-time SNA and a caring, nurturing environment giving children every opportunity for success and happiness in their primary years of education. Mount Talbot N.S endeavours to prepare all children for second level by building each child’s self-esteem and confidence in their ability to succeed which will impact positively on them all through their lives.

DEIS funding welcomed for local schools A total of 17 schools in Roscommon and east Galway will benefit from additional Delivering Equality of Opportunity

in Schools (DEIS) programme funding following an announcement from the Department of Education.

Local public representa-

tives have welcomed the announcement this week with Independent TD Denis Naughten saying that from September of

this year, schools would have access to additional supports which will help all pupils.

“Schools in the DEIS pro-

gramme avail of a range of targeted supports aimed at tackling educational disadvantage, including classroom teaching posts, home

school community liaison posts, DEIS grant funding and access to the School Completion Programme,” he said.

Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan said that 13 primary schools and two post-primary schools in Roscommon would benefit.

“I’m delighted to see that post-primary schools Ard Scoil Mhuire in Ballinasloe, St. Nathy’s in Ballaghaderreen, and Castlerea Community College will now have access to DEIS supports. Students will now have a helping hand through secondary school

to Leaving Cert and options for improved career choices. Disadvantage does not magically disappear at age 12. These children and young people need to be supported,” she said.

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy described it as “a good day for education in Roscommon”.

“I know some schools will be delighted with this inclusion but I do accept others will be disappointed. However, I do expect further expansion in the DEIS scheme in coming years and hopefully others will qualify,” he said.

Roscommon CCE to hold Mass for Ashling Murphy The Roscommon branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is holding a Mass for Ashling Murphy on Wednesday evening, March 16th, at 7 pm. The branch wishes to commemorate the life of Ashling and her great contribution to Irish music.

Senior and junior members of the branch will play at the Mass in her honour. The branch extends deepest sympathy to her family, friends and colleagues. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.

No injuries following house fire in Lanesboro

A house was significantly damaged following a fire in the Lanesboro area on Monday morning. Local fire services as well as a unit from Longford attended the scene following reports of a blaze at a two-storey home shortly after 6 am.

The occupants of the house were evacuated to safety and no injuries were reported.

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Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

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How International Women’s Day’s impact is disrupted by purplewashing Let’s talk about ...

PURPLEWASHING (A student’s perspective)

Alannah Ita Healy

I

nternational Women’s Day (IWD) 2022 occurred this week, on Tuesday, March 8th. Running under the theme ‘#BreakTheBias’, this year once again saw social media become flushed with messages of solidarity in the face of women’s issues – from individuals, companies, and political parties alike. However (perhaps just as predictably), among these pledges of support were countless instances of ‘purplewashing’, as well as a general lack of understanding when it comes to the message behind IWD and this year’s theme.

One example that has garnered quite a bit of attention this week is the tweet New Zealand Rugby posted in commemoration of IWD. On Tuesday, the All Blacks’ twitter account posted a tweet which read, “Forever grateful to all the

women in our lives that allow us to play the game we love. Partners, mothers, daughters, doctors, physios, referees, administrators and fans. Appreciate you every day”. The tweet was posted alongside images of four male players with their female family members.

Despite being home to the highly successful Black Ferns international women’s side (who are five-time World Cup winners and the current world champions), the decision was not made to shine a spotlight on the successes of women in New Zealand rugby. Instead of celebrating women’s achievements, women were commended for propping up the men in their life and ‘allowing’ them to play – a sentiment clearly rooted in the idea of women having to be fulfilled by the role of fervent supporter, and being the ‘great woman’ behind

the ‘great men’ in their lives.

Moreover, one of the male players included in the tweet had allegedly pleaded guilty to domestic abuse, so his inclusion in the post seemed especially tone-deaf.

Unfortunately, that tweet was far from this year’s only instance of empty platitudes, as there were plenty more examples of purplewashing online during the week.

Purplewashing is a term used to refer to when institutions claim to be feminist but in fact have no commitment to gender equality – and the swarm of IWD messages posted on Tuesday from countless organisations that in practice do very little to enact meaningful change, shows just how prevalent the issue of purplewashing is.

Much in the same way that virtue signalling and moral grandstanding operates online, purplewashing allows people to feign support and alliance without really having to tackle, or even acknowledge, the heart of the issue. There has been a big push towards being more progressive in the past couple of years, but all too often, the leap is made to simply claim progressiveness to appease the masses, and no work is done in actually taking a hard look at how different the playing field is for women.

Instances of purplewash-

The All Blacks have been criticised for their tone-deaf International Women’s Day post.

ing are not a new thing; they seem to crop up without fail every IWD and every time women’s issues are in the spotlight. This year was simply no different. Many organisations and individuals are doing great work in enacting meaningful change, and have been doing so for years, but seeing such a blatant lack of understanding and motivation to do better – all in ‘celebration’ of an International Women’s Day whose theme is literally about breaking biases – is incredibly disheartening.

The unavoidable reality, both internationally and here in Ireland, is that women face

significant systemic and social disadvantages because of their gender identity. A day like international Women’s Day aims to address this, while also shining a spotlight on women who have succeeded despite these disadvantages. A theme about breaking biases should’ve opened up the stage to a much wider conversation, where unconscious gender biases and intersectionality are discussed to a deeper extent.

However, too much of what you’ll find under #IWD tags online are the same generic purplewashed platitudes from organisations with no real interest in the issues – because

after all, it’s beneficial to be viewed as progressive, but entirely too much effort to actually try to be.

Ireland, for all its seeming progressiveness, still very much remains a country operating under patriarchy.

We are leagues ahead of where we once were, but the problems continue to persist. Evidence of this is everywhere – look no further than the news feed this week, which balanced posts celebrating IWD between updates on the Aisling Murphy case and the midlands rape trial.

We can accept these purplewashed platitudes and buy into the notion that we’re all on the same page about gender equality.

However, no real change can come about if we still have big organisations that lack the basic nuance to think perhaps championing successful woman might be a more appropriate way to celebrate IWD than commending how maternal and supportive the women in successful men’s lives are.

Presumably, New Zealand Rugby’s IWD tweet was meant to celebrate ‘the great woman behind every great man’, but surely we ought to start by taking women out of men’s shadows in the first place.

Video Disco fundraiser in aid of Mayo-Roscommon Hospice A major fundraiser supporting the Mayo-Roscommon Hospice and being held in conjunction with the 40th birthday of Rockford’s Nightclub was launched on Thursday last.

A video disco featuring hits from the 1980s and ‘90s will be held at Nancy’s Nightclub on Friday, March 25th. Seamus Duke will be the DJ and tickets are available in a number of local pubs and shops.

Speaking at the launch, Chairperson of the Mayo-Roscommon Hospice Mike Smith said that the new Hospice building in Roscommon Town will open soon and that local fundraising is now more important than ever.

“We are currently in the process of staffing the new unit in Roscommon. That is going well and we will be in a position to open it soon. However, our normal work continues…our palliative care teams are as busy as ever and our fundraising and the generosity of the public remains central to the day to day running of our service.

“Events like this one are the life-blood of the foundation and I thank Seamus Duke and Larry O’Gara for their efforts. It’s a unique idea and I hope it will be a big success”.

Rockford’s proprietor, Larry O’Gara, said that he was very happy to be associated with the event.

“We are delighted to be able to host this night out. It’s a nice way to mark the 40th birthday of Rockford’s and to support a great local cause,” he said.

DJ Seamus Duke said he was looking forward to the night: “Rockford’s has been part and parcel of the social life of Roscommon for over 40 years and it will be great to look back on some of the greatest hits of the 1980s and ‘90s. The big screen (courtesy of Brendan Nugent) is state-of-the-art. It is great to be able to support such a worthy local charity. It should be great fun and I hope it’s well supported”.

Tickets for this event are €10 and are on sale around the town and will also be available on the door on the night. There will be a late bar too. More details available on 086-8335380.

Pictured at the launch of the Mayo-Roscommon Hospice fundraiser were Seamus Duke, Larry O’Gara, Mike Smith, Chairperson of Mayo-Roscommon Hospice, and Paul Fox, Director, Mayo-Roscommon Hospice. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin

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Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

NewsPeople The Abbey Hotel Roscommon Ltd

RECRUITMENT OPEN DAY

Saturday 12 March, 11am to 2pm Venue: Abbey Hotel Call in and meet the team!

Pictured at the recent launch of the Glenamaddy Theatre Festival were (back row, left to right): Tracey Comer-Burke (PRO), Margaret McMahon Keaveny (Treasurer), Martina Keaveny (Assistant Treasurer), Fr. Paddy Mooney, Patricia Walsh (Secretary), Ann Davis (Assistant Secretary). Front row (l-r): Coman Keaveny (Festival Director and Amateur Drama Council of Ireland Chairman), Patricia Keady (President) and Peter Keaveney (Chairman). Absent from photo: David Burke (Vice-Chairman).

Glenamaddy Theatre Festival returns

Glenamaddy Theatre Festival is to return after a three-year absence, and the excitement in the community ahead of its return is electric.

The festival, which is widely regarded as one of the best on the island of Ireland, will showcase some great Irish amateur drama, with groups from the four provinces competing for the coveted awards.

A wonderful line-up of plays, spanning the spectrum of genre and emotions from comedy to drama, will be on the stage of the Town Hall Theatre for the eight nights of the festival.

The 59th Annual Glenamaddy Theatre Festival opens on Friday, March 25th, concluding on Saturday, April 2nd. No performance will take place on Wednesday, March 30th.

The festival was launched recently by retired parish priest Fr. Paddy

Mooney, who has a long association with amateur drama. He spoke of his experience in drama, when he directed the play ‘Troubled Bachelors’ among other productions.

Needless to say, he entertained all with the stories from that time, stating that “The standard was not for Broadway, but the craic was good”.

He spoke of the standard of drama within all groups, both open and confined, being on par nowadays, and said that it is great that the festival will be back soon so everyone can look forward to all plays. He congratulated everyone involved in the festival.

From Friday, March 25th, groups from across the country will take to the stage at Glenamaddy Town Hall Theatre. The opening night will feature Corofin Dramatic Society, with their production of

‘Betrayal’ by Harold Pinter. The festival will have groups performing great plays such as ‘The Communication Cord’, ‘All My Sons’, ‘One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest’, ‘Eurdyice’, and ‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’ to name but a few. The adjudicator this year is Irene O’Meara, who is making her second visit to Glenamaddy.

This is certainly a festival not to missed. Doors open each night at 7.30 pm, with curtain up at 8 pm.

Admission is €12 and season tickets are €80. For more information on all the performances or to book/buy a season ticket, please contact 0862045896 from 11 am to 4 pm daily. *You can like/follow us on our Facebook and Instagram (search Glenamaddy Theatre Festival), or check out our website at glenamaddydrama.com.

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Abbey Hotel, Roscommon to host Recruitment Open Day this Saturday 12th March, 11am to 2pm The Abbey Hotel Roscommon invite you to come along this Saturday March 12th to their Recruitment Open Day from 11am2pm. Why not register your details with us and meet the team. Enquiries or cv’s to hr@abbeyhotel.ie Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Christ Embassy Galway.

Tel. 087 222 2488 Every Sunday 11am.

089 975 9084

Take STEPS with Roscommon Women’s Network

Shannon Keane, Felicia Loughrey, Sarah Brennan and Catia da Nova pictured at the launch of the new ‘Taste of Roscommon Community Cookbook’ at South Roscommon FRC on Monday. Pic: Mick McCormack

Would you like to improve your personal relationships, raise your confidence and build up your self-esteem, help with setting and meeting goals, learn how to think positively? Then Roscommon Women’s Network’s (RWN) STEPS course is for you!

STEPS runs for two mornings a week over a four-week period, starting in April 2022, with exact dates to be confirmed. From past experience of

running this course, places will fill up quickly, so to avoid disappointment, please ring 094-9621690, text 0868099154, or email info@rwn.ie.

The STEPS course itself is free of charge to anyone in receipt of a social welfare payment, however we do require a small, once-off contribution of €10 per participant to secure your place and cover materials and refreshments.

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Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

POLITICAL PEOPLE

Alan steps down as leader of a party in peril < PAUL HEALY

While the legendary Jack McQuillan polled over 12% of the vote in Roscommon when running for Labour in the 1965 General Election, the party has never made an electoral breakthrough here (McQuillan was elected on many occasions when not running for Labour).

The famous party of James Connolly has participated in

“

‘For a man with ‘AK-47’ as a nickname, the wonder is that when a ‘gang of three’ called to tell him his number was up, he didn’t send them packing’

government many times – and done the State some service – but never with a Roscommon hue.

As to largely timid local Labour forays of more recent memory, John Kelly’s decision to run in their colours in 2011 was an ill-fated one; if anything, it restricted the personable Ballintubber man. He polled 4,455 number ones, a vote share of 9.38%. It was almost identical to the impact he’d made as an Independent four years earlier.

By 2016, still with Labour, Kelly was further squeezed, polling a disastrous 1,211 number ones (2.65% vote share).

Again, this had much more to do with a Labour label that had no traction in Roscommon than with Kelly’s own appeal. With the benefit of hindsight, Kelly would have been better off staying as an Independent, although he did serve for a term as a Labour Senator.

Long after McQuillan, and some time before Kelly’s flirtation with Labour, Hugh Baxter – passionate, articulate and with lots of potential – was arguably the right man in the wrong place.

I mention all of this in the context of Alan Kelly’s surprise resignation as Labour leader last week. For a man with ‘AK47’ as a nickname, the wonder

Flashback to the 2016 General Election campaign: Pictured canvassing in Ballaghaderreen were the then Labour leader Joan Burton, John Kelly (the party’s candidate in Roscommon in 2011 and 2016), and Alan Kelly (who went on to become leader). Mr. Kelly resigned as party leader last week. Photo: Mick McCormack

is that when a ‘gang of three’ called to tell him his number was up, he didn’t send them packing.

One would have expected Kelly to put his internal critics in their place, especially given that he hasn’t even had an opportunity to lead Labour into a full-scale election yet. Instead, for some reason, he offered no resistance.

While Kelly was unpopular

outside his Tipperary base, I admired his straight-talking style.

However, he was a loose cannon with a lack of diplomacy and realpolitik. That direct style wasn’t getting Labour far under his leadership. Ivana Bacik’s success in the Dublin Bay South by-election last year was not followed by any bounce of note in national opinion polls.

Labour is still being ‘punished’ by the electorate over its time in

government. Kelly’s own ministerial record (the perception of it at least) is a big part of that.

The party has increasingly become less relevant, squeezed by Sinn Féin and others on the left.

The task facing the next leader of the Labour Party is a big one.

Before they can even dream of any return to ‘glory days’ they need to try and make the party relevant – not to mention heard – again.

Red-faced pol corrs…

Whatever about the shock at news of the unexpected resignation of Alan Kelly as Labour Party leader, it’s nothing to the embarrassment felt (but obviously not admitted to) by those in the ‘Fourth Estate’.

The media – the pol corrs especially – were hopelessly caught out on this one. For months they’ve been speculating about the leadership fate of Micheál Martin, and – to a much lesser extent – Leo Varadkar.

Yet, to a man and woman, they were apparently oblivious to the fact that the real leadership drama was actually underway in Labour…with heated meetings, despairing WhatsApp exchanges, frantic plotting and – in the language of the pol corrs – much sharpening of knives. This was an actual coup which was forming under their noses.

The coup against Kelly and his lack of appetite for a showdown may be the story, but I respectfully suggest that my colleagues in the Fourth Estate in the close-knit political bubble in Dublin have taken quite a credibility hit on this one!

Maybe I’m being harsh… maybe Labour’s the party that never leaks!

-PH

20 years on: Sawdust, suspense and Sexton < PAUL HEALY

It may be hard to believe, but it’s 20 years this year since one of the most exciting elections of the past halfcentury. In 2002, Roscommon was aligned with Longford (as it turns out, not the happiest of political bedfellows). There were 15 candidates in Longford-Roscommon, with four seats available.

Future TD and current MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan polled a very modest 779 number ones; in later years, he would establish himself as an electoral force.

The main contenders for those four seats were the three Fianna Fáil candidates and the three Fine Gael candidates, with Una Quinn of the Hospital Action Committee given some chance of causing an upset.

While Mae Sexton (Progressive Democrats) was expected to poll well, most observers did not envisage her being in the final shake-up.

The election was notable for the fact that FF giants Albert Reynolds and Sean Doherty had left the stage. Now, FF ran Senator Michael

Finneran, and two newcomers: Longford publican Peter Kelly and Castlerea GP Greg Kelly. Fine Gael had sitting TDs Denis Naughten and Louis J. Belton, and former TD John Connor.

I have very fond memories of the campaign, more particularly the count. Having often played indoor soccer there, I have a soft spot for the Mall Complex in Longford, but it has to be said that the organisers/ hosts didn’t excel in that summer of 2002. Notoriously, the Mall floor was covered in sawdust (cue much tut-tutting/eye rolling by national media), there was at least one unnecessarily grumpy doorman on duty, and the canteen facilities were…absolutely dire.

Still, it was a great rollercoaster… politicians, campaign workers, hangers-on, supporters and media personnel merging in that daftly obsessive world we share. It was Michael Finneran’s breakthrough election, the affable Dysart man winning a Dáil seat for the first time.

The charismatic Peter Kelly (RIP) succeeded ex-Taoiseach Reynolds

(RIP) as the Longford FF standardbearer. Denis Naughten held his seat; in fact he was first to be elected. The biggest headlines ultimately went to Sexton, who sensationally won a seat for the PDs. Greg Kelly came desperately close to making it a remarkable ‘three from four’ for FF, but he narrowly lost out. John Connor’s glory days were now behind him; also making his final bow was one-time best dressed parliamentarian, the ever-dapper Louis J. Belton. Una Quinn polled very well, but not well enough.

The marathon two-day count was incredibly tense, with FF convinced they were on the cusp of a massive result, before Sexton sensationally crossed the line, transfers from Una Quinn and Louis Belton dramatically sealing a historic win for the (now defunct) PDs. That election of 20 years ago is memorable because of the sawdust, the atmosphere, the buzz of that long count…but mostly because of Mae Sexton’s shock win, which came at the expense – amidst great tension – of Greg Kelly. The absence of

Mae Sexton

Reynolds and Doherty (both now deceased) certainly removed some star quality, but Election 2002 in these parts was highly dramatic, and is fondly remembered by those of us who were on the scene.

Michael Finneran went on to retain the seat in 2007 (and serve as Minister of State); Peter Kelly was re-elected in 2007 (in Longford-Westmeath); Denis

Naughten is still going strong; Mae Sexton has had a topsy-turvy political career since (she lost her Council seat in 2019); Greg Kelly put it all down to experience, left politics at that, and remains a community activist.

As for the sawdust on the floor/lack of refreshments/grumpy doorman, that era of quirky counts happily appears to be over.

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Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

COVID-19 vaccine booster for 12 to 15 year olds All children aged 12 to 15 are being offered a COVID-19 vaccine booster.

Why is this age group being offered a booster dose?

The protection that your child has from their initial COVID-19 vaccines may weaken over time. Their booster dose should give them better protection and reduce their chances of getting seriously ill.

It is especially important for children with high risk health conditions, or if a family member is more at risk. COVID-19 usually causes mild illness or no symptoms in children this age, but it can cause more severe illness.

How long to wait before getting a booster Most children can get their booster six months after their last COVID-19 vaccine. If they had COVID-19 since their last vaccine, they will need to wait six months after diagnosis before they get their booster.

Appointments and consent You can book an appointment at a HSE vaccination centre on a day and time that suits you at hse.ie/book You can also attend a HSE walk-in vaccine clinic without an appointment. Find clinic times and locations near you at hse.ie A parent or legal guardian must attend the appointment to give consent. If this isn’t possible, you can call our team in HSELive on 1800 700 700.

If you have questions about your child’s COVID-19 vaccine, we have answers you can trust on hse.ie

#ForUsAll

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Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

Crisis in Ukraine: Roscommon stories and response

‘We pray that they are safe each day’ < DAN DOONER

Ukrainian Mykola Vynar pictured taking donations at a stand on The Square in Castlerea during the week. Pic: Mick McCormack

Ukrainian national Tatiana Pliszka has been living in Stonepark, Roscommon with her husband and two daughters for the past 14 years, but since the Russian invasion of her homeland her daily routine now revolves around regular calls home to check on the welfare of her elderly parents, who still work the family farm there.

“I call them in the morning and the afternoon so that I can hear their voices every day,” she said.

“It’s just crazy. My parents are in the countryside away from the big cities but the airport nearby was bombed and people are just waiting to see what will happen”.

Tatiana’s mother, who is 69, suffers with bad arthritis, and this causes her immense difficulty when the air raid sirens sound.

“They have a basement storage area for vegetables under the ground…but my mother is not able to run from the house.

She stands still in a corner of the house because she says if she goes downstairs she won’t get back up,” Tatiana says.

Her 75-year-old father shops for supplies and also fills bags of potatoes and other produce for those defending his homeland.

“They couldn’t imagine leaving.

What are they supposed to do, open the gates and let the animals go? They can’t do that. As long as they have a roof over their heads they will stay. We can only pray that they are safe every day,” Tatiana adds.

Tatiana’s older brother lives in Kyiv. He spends his days helping people there while his daughters work as nurses.

“It’s not the time to leave for them…so they stay to help others in the bomb shelters,” Tatiana says.

“They don’t want to leave their country and their lives (they have built there). If you watch the News you know that you can’t

help. I want to help privately but I can’t…we just hope that humanitarian groups can.

“The Ukrainian people have no choice but to be brave. There are 44 million people living there so they can’t all leave”.

Tatiana’s younger brother and his young family are now in Poland thanks to her Polish husband and his family, but the worry goes on for those still in Ukraine.

“Putin won’t give up, he wants all the former Soviet countries back,” she says, “but it won’t be the same as it was 40 or 50 years ago.

“It will take a miracle to stop him and other smaller countries could be in real danger. (President) Zelensky is begging the UN and

NATO for help. Ukraine reduced its military (in the past) because it wants to be free from all that”.

As she waits for better news from home, Tatiana says she wants to help those fleeing the conflict. She speaks Ukrainian, Russian, Polish and English and would like to assist those arriving in Ireland with translation and accessing services.

“It is better if they have someone who can speak their language so I want to help them with translation.

If I feel helpless (about the situation in Ukraine) at least I can help here,” she said.

“

“The Ukrainian people have no choice but to be brave. There are 44 million people living there so they can’t all leave”

Athlone Town legend’s concern for Ukrainian relatives < DAN DOONER

Former Roscommon resident and Athlone Town footballer, Stefan Feniuk, told the Roscommon People this week of his concern for relatives currently caught up in the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

Stefan, who currently lives in the UK with his wife, Athlone native Valerie, previously lived near Lecarrow and had spent ten years working for Ericsson in Athlone.

The talented member of Athlone Town’s league winning teams of the early ‘80s is also a survivor of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which saw terrorists laying siege to the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel while he was staying there.

Stefan said the recent Russian invasion of his father’s homeland has sparked fear and anger across communities around Europe.

“My father was Ukrainian and he

came to England after World War Two. We still have a number of relatives living in Western Ukraine in a village close to Ivano Frankivsk and Lviv,” he explained.

“While they are not currently in an area being shelled or under occupation, they are fearful of what is coming and what the future holds. We have been in contact with them via email and social media”.

The former footballer recently attended a demonstration in support of Ukraine and its people in his home town.

“The Ukrainian people are extremely patriotic and cannot understand why their lives have been shattered by this invasion,” he said.

“There are a large number of Ukrainian communities across the UK and numerous demonstrations have taken place in support of Ukraine and against the atrocities carried out on the Ukrainian people. We attended one of those

events last weekend in Shoreham Town where we live.

“It was just heartbreaking to hear multiple stories of families with parents, children and grandchildren currently in the towns and cities under siege and who are living in fear in bunkers or cellars.

“We visited Ukraine and our family a few years ago and it was such a vibrant place full of welcoming people and full of history. We continue to provide support in whichever way we can and pray that peace comes back to Ukraine and its people so that they and our family can start to rebuild their lives,” he concluded.

Stefan Feniuk with his sons, Steve and Dan, at a recent demonstration in support of Ukraine in Shoreham-by-Sea.

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

Crisis in Ukraine: Roscommon stories and response

Members of Ballintubber Tidy Towns and Active Age Pat Mugan, Gail Murray, Pat Garvey, Betty Garvey and Margaret Mugan pictured loading boxes of essentials onto a truck on Monday morning with Mark Finneran and Thomas Murphy of Amigo International, who are transporting the essential aid to the Poland/Ukraine border. Pic: Mick McCormack

Mark Finneran (Athleague) and Thomas Murphy (Ballinlough) of Amigo International pictured in Ballintubber on Monday morning in front of an Amigo International Transport truck carrying essential items, which is bound for the Poland/Ukraine border.

Pic: Mick McCormack

Hugh Lynn, Patrick Finan, Andrea Lavin and Agnes Finan pictured sorting out aid for Ukraine in Loughglynn Community Centre on Sunday. Pic: Mick McCormack

Jane Byron, Marian Sheridan and Mykola Vynar pictured taking donations for Ukraine at a stand on The Square in Castlerea during the week. Pic: Mick McCormack

27

Sandra and Jack Forde pictured donating aid for Ukraine in Loughglynn Community Centre on Sunday. Pic: Mick McCormack

Walter Gibbons pictured packing his jeep with aid for Ukraine, collected at Kilbride Community Centre during the week. Pic: Mick McCormack

Eithne and Shea Surlis, pictured donating aid for Ukraine in Loughglynn Community Centre on Sunday. Pic: Mick McCormack

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Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

NewsPeople

Pictured at the International Women’s Day event in Athleague on Tuesday were: Liz Billings, Philomena Hourigan, Phyllis Jordan and Ruth Wallace. Photo: Mick McCormack

Pictured at the International Women’s Day event in Athleague on Tuesday were: Mary Frances Loftus, RWN, Lorraine Campbell, RWN Director, Mary McGrath, HSE, Lorna Kennedy, Kepak, Tiffany Walshe, Psychologist, Therese Hanley, musician, Tina Adagun, Health Promotion Consultant, and Martina Hourigan, Project Manager, RWN. Photo: Mick McCormack

Roscommon Women’s Network gather to celebrate International Women’s Day 2022 On Tuesday, Roscommon Women’s Network (RWN) hosted a gathering at The Angling Centre, Athleague to celebrate International Women’s Day 2022.

Lorraine Campbell, Board Director of RWN, opened the event, explaining to the packed audience of mostly women (with a few men also present) that “this year’s theme #BreakTheBias is a recognition of the gender bias that still exists in society, the workplace, and even subconsciously in the minds of many”.

Other speakers included Mary McGrath, HSE Community Healthcare West. Mary spoke about the new West Be Well online information service.

Tina Adagun, African Women’s forum, Monksland, in her address, encouraged women to practice self-reflection and to know and appreciate one’s own value. Lorna Kennedy, Purchasing Manager with Kepak, spoke from the perspective of a woman working

in a male-dominated environment and praised the culture of Kepak in this regard.

Tiffany Walshe, Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officer with the HSE, spoke about the importance of wellbeing and mindfulness. Tiffany noted recent research that shows women benefit more from the practice of mindfulness than men, due to the multitasking expectations that society places on women. Tiffany also led the gathering in a short mindfulness practice.

The RWN Cycle Up social enterprise Manager, Martina Hourigan, along with Mary Frances Loftus, one of the talented textile upcyclers, spoke about how their enterprise trains women in the reuse and upcycling of waste textiles from the RWN Charity Shop.

They produce high quality upcycled items for sale as part of the circular economy, raising awareness of textile waste and its damaging effect on the environment, creating flexible

employment while also effecting a local response to a global problem.

Other members of the RWN CycleUp team, Phyllis Jordan, Mary Frances Loftus and Philomena Hourigan, also contributed to the event by demonstrating how to make an Easter wreathe using waste textiles and an old wire clothes hanger.

Therese Hanley volunteered her musical talent to entertain the gathering with her fiddle playing, including a beautiful rendition of Mná na hÉireann for the day that was in it.

To help cover the cost of the event a raffle was held and RWN are very thankful to the spot prize sponsors: €50 gift voucher from Radiant by Hannah Kelly, Ballymore, Co. Roscommon (Beauty & Body Clinic, beside Hodson Bay), a beautiful upcycled handbag, handmade by Mary Frances and donated by RWN CycleUp enterprise, Sweet Treat hamper from Le Petites Tartres,

Pictured at the International Women’s Day event in Athleague on Tuesday were: Martina Hourigan, Laura Bachvarova, Clodagh Murtagh, James Derrig and Shauna Ryan. Photo: Mick McCormack

Athleague, relaxing Lavender pampering set donated by Conlon’s Chemist, Athleague, and a bottle of Prosecco from

We must continue to address the key issues faced by women OPINION < EMER KELLY

In recent years, we have seen the issues faced by women highlighted to a greater extent than ever before. Although we have now entered 2022, we are still living in a world that has an opportunity to become more inclusive and gender balanced across all contexts.

International Women’s Day provides us with time to acknowledge the achievements and successes of all the women in our lives and commend them for the endless, selfless work they do. From mothers who give their time to raise their children, to women taking the world by storm, each woman has admirable qualities that de-

serve recognition and thanks.

This year, I want to encourage women of all ages to reflect on themselves and make it their aim to work towards their goals in life regardless of their perceived prospects.

I think this year it is important for us to reflect on what we have experienced over the last twelve months, both individually as women and together as a society. The unjust murder of Ashling Murphy shocked all of us and highlighted the issue of violence against women. I hope this can be the year women finally begin to feel safe in our towns and villages, where we feel safe to walk home alone and where we can walk past a group of people without hearing sexist or rude comments.

While International Women’s Day enables a day of celebration for women’s

Keane’s Centra, Athleague. *If you would like further information on the work of Roscommon Women’s

Network please contact 094 9621690, email info@rwn.ie, visit our website www.rwn.ie or Facebook page.

achievements, we must continue to express this beyond this week and continue to address the key issues faced by women, as well as acknowledge and support their achievements. I will continue to work to raise these issues and attempt to address them through raising awareness and supporting communities.

*Emer Kelly is an Independent member of Roscommon County Council

Pictured at the International Women’s Day event in Athleague on Tuesday were: Nora Fahy, Manager, RWN and Therese Hanley, musician. Photo: Mick McCormack

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Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

NewsPeople

Pictured at the opening night of Roscommon Drama Festival 2022 were Padraig and Paula Whyte. Photo: Mick McCormack

Pictured at the opening night of Roscommon Drama Festival 2022 were Vincent and Margie Collins, John and Helen Earley. Photo: Mick McCormack

Pictured at the opening night of Roscommon Drama Festival 2022 were Jim Conlon and Averyl Dooher. Photo: Mick McCormack

Roscommon Drama Festival makes welcome return

The highly anticipated Roscommon Drama Festival, which runs until Saturday, March 12th, was officially opened by the Chairperson of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland, Coman Keaveny at Roscommon Arts Centre on Friday night last.

Addressing a full house, the Chairperson of Roscommon Drama Festival Committee, Mary Finn, welcomed everyone back after a long two years of Covid-19.

“It is great to be back and to be able to bring you some of the best amateur drama from across our island,” she said.

This was a general feeling reflected by the audience, who warmly applauded reference to “getting back to normality”. Mary thanked those who “continued to support the festival over the years and who help make it one of the premier events in the amateur drama calendar”.

She noted that great credit was due to the groups that are bring-

ing their production to the stage: “Some of the best amateur groups on the island will showcase their stage-craft and vie for the all important awards on the final night”.

Those sentiments were echoed

by Canon Eugene McLoughlin (President of the Committee). Despite some misgivings early in the year that the festival might not be able to proceed, he was delighted that it was going ahead, noting that it provided an outlet for entertainment and getting away from the stresses and strains of the last two years.

Mary Finn introduced the adjudicator, Geoff O’Keeffe. Geoff is a theatre director, actor, drama adjudicator and a member of the Association of Drama Adjudicators.

He has worked as an actor for stage, film, TV and radio. He has adjudicated at the One Act AllIreland in 2013 in Roscommon, the All-Ireland Confined Finals in 2014 and the RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival, Athlone in 2017.

Special guest for the night was

Mr Coman Keaveny. In her introduction, Mary noted that “as a director, Coman has had many a successful night here with Glenamaddy Players. Coman’s involvement in drama began at a very young age, which was fostered from his late mother Margaret Keaveny. The appetite for drama further developed over the years when he became a very active member within the Glenamaddy Drama movement”.

In his address, Coman Keaveny praised the dedication, commitment and loyalty that the Roscommon Festival Committee had shown to amateur drama over the past number of years, describing it “as exemplary”. Special praise was given to the nine groups, “who have all worked so hard to get each show to the stage in the most challenging times. Without groups, you don’t have a festival”.

He praised the dedicated and interested audiences, saying, “It is your commitment and kindness that makes all the hard work so

worthwhile and rewarding”.

The audience was treated to a very good production of the iconic ‘One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ by Dale Wasserman. This was presented by the Mullingar Theatre Lab, who have been on the circuit since 2014. The group have raised over €35,000 for various charities and clubs in its short history.

The play has been described as “funny, touching and exciting”, with the Mullingar Theatre Lab doing it justice under all three headings. It was really enjoyed by all, with the adjudicator paying tribute to the quality of acting and skill of production.

There was a great buzz in the Arts Centre, with everyone excited be be back. What an opening night, with plenty more to come!

With shows booking up very fast, you are advised to contact Roscommon Arts Centre on 0906625824 for more. Online booking is available at roscommonartscentre.ie.

Pictured at the opening night of Roscommon Drama Festival 2022 were Paraic Brennan and Brigeen Fitzmaurice. Photo: Mick McCormack

Pictured at the opening night of Roscommon Drama Festival 2022 were Kieran and Margaret Madden. Photo: Mick McCormack

Pictured at the opening night of Roscommon Drama Festival 2022 were Mairead Nally, Secretary of Roscommon Drama Festival, Geoff O’Keeffe (Adjudicator), Mary Finn, Chairperson of Roscommon Drama Festival, and Coman Keavney, Chairman of ADCI. Photo: Mick McCormack

Pictured at the opening night of Roscommon Drama Festival 2022 were Colm and Maura Kelly. Photo: Mick McCormack

(Right) Pictured at the opening night of Roscommon Drama Festival 2022 were Helen Compton, Linda Compton and Celine Gill.

Photo: Mick McCormack

Pictured at the opening night of Roscommon Drama Festival 2022 were Tom and Nuala Costello. Photo: Mick McCormack

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Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

Our guide to St. Patrick’s Festival 2022

Cllr. NIGEL

DINEEN INDEPENDENT

BALLINTOBER, CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON Phone: 086 2130723 Email: nigel.dineen@hotmail.com

All roads lead to Glenamaddy for St Patrick’s Day parade!

The Glenamaddy St. Patrick’s Day parade makes a welcome return this year following the long Cov-

id-19 enforced absence.

The 2022 edition of the popular local parade will commence at 1 pm on St.

Wishing the Ballaghaderreen St. Patrick’s Day Parade continued success from

Murphy’s PHARMACY

The Square, Ballaghaderreen Telephone:

094 9861967 lenamaddy Wishing the G Parade every y Da ’s St. Patrick s succes from

Glenamaddy, Co. Galway Mobile: 086 2622294

St Patrick’s Day, 17th March

Live music with HARMONY (6-9pm)

& DJ Ollie

(9pm to close)

Saturday, 19th March Live music with DJ Ollie (9pm to close)

Flashback to the 2019 parade in Glenamaddy. Photo: Mick McCormack

Patrick’s Day (Thursday, March 17th).

Starting from Glenamaddy Community Centre, the parade is expected to attract a large crowd as local people and visitors alike turn Glenamaddy green once again.

There will be live music on the street as well as other attractions and of course live sport in the local pubs too!

The organisers are now calling on all local businesses, clubs, schools, townlands and villages, neighbours, visitors and friends to participate in Glenamaddy’s first postpandemic St. Patrick’s Day parade!

Flashback to the 2019 parade in Glenamaddy. Photo: Mick McCormack

€1,000 in prizes at this year’s Elphin Parade!

Elphin’s St. Patrick’s Day parade takes place this March 17th at 3 pm and there is a whopping €1,000 in prizes up for grabs to celebrate the return of the event following two years of Covid-19.

A very successful table quiz was held recently to raise funds for the St. Patrick’s Day parade with the winning team of Michael Gunn, Vinnie Gleason, Eric Murray and Dessie Glancy graciously handing back their €500 in prizemoney to organisers of the parade.

The organising committee has

decided to donate €100 from parade funds and €100 from the returned prizemoney to the Red Cross Ukraine Appeal.

The committee wishes to thank all those who attended, donated spot prizes, local takeaways who donated food, quizmaster Paddy Farrell, Det Reynolds, Darina Beirne and everyone who made the night so successful. A big thank to all the businesses and people that always support the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and we hope to see you all there!

This year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is free to enter and boasts €1,000 in prizemoney with €100 each for the following categories: Topical, Creative, Best School Float, Vintage, Commercial/Agriculture, and Cultural.

In the children’s section, there are first, second and third placed prizes for Most Appropriatly Dressed and Crazy Hairdo. The Best Dressed Window winner will also receive €50 and a plaque.

The Overall Best Float on the day will receive €250 and the

Seamus Nolan Cup. The Best Overall Vintage will receive the Johnny Duke Plaque and the Best Overall Culture will receive the Cyril McDermott Memorial Trophy.

The parade commences at 3 pm and floats are asked to get in line on Palace Road, starting at the national school. The judging stand will be located on the road outside the old cathedral.

Best of luck to all – and remember, the more entries to Elphin’s parade the better!

Cllr. Valerie Byrne Lisduff, Elphin, Co. Roscommon.

Available for consultations M: 086 8887897

cllrvbyrne@roscommoncoco.ie

Derina Beirne, Tracy Beirne and Det Reynolds pictured at a St. Patrick’s Day fundraising quiz in An Bothar Rua, Elphin, on Saturday night. Pic: Mick McCormack

Siobhan Quinn, Donovhan Quinn, Mary Lee and Larry Lee pictured at a St. Patrick’s Day fundraising quiz in An Bothar Rua, Elphin, on Saturday night. Pic: Mick McCormack

Best wishes to Ballintubber St. Patrick’s Day Parade from

MORAN Agri Contractors

For all your Agricultural Needs including: • Wagon or precision chopped silage • Baling • Ploughing • Harrowing • Fencing & Digging • 2 systems for Slurry Spreading Splash Plate & Dribble Bar Suitable for Glas Scheme

For more information on any of our services call

Declan – 086 3049851 or Vincent – 086 4044214

Ashley Byrne, Michael Byrne, Cleona Carney and John Reynolds pictured at a St. Patrick’s Day fundraising quiz in An Bothar Rua, Elphin, on Saturday night. Pic: Mick McCormack

Cathy Murray, Gordon Murray and Holly Hopkins pictured at a St. Patrick’s Day fundraising quiz in An Bothar Rua, Elphin, on Saturday night. Pic: Mick McCormack

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Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

Our guide to St. Patrick’s Festival 2022

Ballaghaderreen St Patrick’s Day parade is back!

The Ballaghaderreen St. Patrick’s Day parade makes a welcome return on Thursday, March 17th following a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Ballaghaderreen Town Team is now seeking entrants for this year’s parade with the aim of making it bigger and better than ever before!

The theme for this year’s parade is ‘100 years of Irish Independence – Rolling in the years’ with plenty of great prizes to be won on the day.

The parade will commence at 2.30 pm from the Sligo Road and will then travel up through the town, with stops for performances at The Square and outside Imelda Towey’s shop.

The judges will be situated on The Square and there will be enclosed spectator areas there and throughout the town.

The Ballaghaderreen Town Team is a

small group of volunteers, who represent various community groups in the Ballaghaderreen area and this year they have been asked to organise the St. Patrick’s Day parade.

If you are interested in taking part in this year’s event, an application form is available at https://bit.ly/parade2022 or you can pick up and drop off a hard copy at the Community Resource Centre at The Shambles, Charlestown Road, Ballaghaderreen.

Please email: stpatricksdayparadeballagh@gmail.com if you have any queries or visit ‘Ballaghaderreen St. Patrick’s Day Parade’ on Facebook.

All events will be free on the day, however, the organisers are asking anyone who would like to give a contribution to visit the following GoFundMe page: https:// gofund.me/dfb8c7cb.

Happy St. Patrick’s weekend from

HARTES

Corner House

GLENAMADDY TEL.: 094 9659086

Thursday 17th March:

DJ in the Bar Saturday 19th March:

DJ in the Bar Sunday 20th March:

Live music with KYLE Best wishes to the Ballaghaderreen St. Patrick’s Day Parade from

For all your school, office, arts and crafts supplies!!

€1,000 in prizes up for grabs!

No. 6. The Mill Business Park, Dublin Road, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon

Tel. 094 9860358. F. 094 9862886

Day parade This year’s Ballaghaderreen St. Patrick’sgrabs includfor up s prize in 00 €1,0 g ppin who a has ing €200 for the Best Overall Float! Best CommuThere’s also €100 each for Best Club, Topical, Best t nity Entry, Best Children’s Entry, Mos ical and Best Mus Best ol, Scho Creative Entry, Best dow Display Costume of Novelty Hat. The Best Win . €100 e hom take also will on the day petition on There will also be a Children’s Art Com s. prize stic fanta e mor with day the aradebalFor more information, email stpatricksdayp lagh@gmail.com.

www.firstclassoffice.ie info@firstclassoffice.ie Best wishes to Ballaghaderreen St. Patrick’s Day Parade from

McHUGH’S Wholesale

Flashback to the 2016 parade in Ballaghaderreen. Photo: Mick McCormack

Main Street, Ballaghaderreen Tel. 094 98 60092 Wishing Ballintubber Parade every success and wishing all our customers a very Happy St. Patrick’s Day

GLENAMADDY St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 17th at 1pm Starting from Glenamaddy Community Centre

Music on the Street Calling on all Businesses, Clubs, Schools, Villages, Neighbours and Visitors to Participate in Glenamaddy’s Annual Parade Please keep your Town in Business by Keeping your Business in Town

GARVEY’S BAR BALLINTUBBER

Thursday 17th March St. Patrick’s Day l Restaurant open from 1pm Thursday 17th March - music by (EVENING)

JASON AND AMY

Saturday Night 19th - music by

SENSATIONAL

KEVIN GARVEY

Join us for Ceol agus Craic Catering for all your party needs

Telephone: 094 96 55211

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Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

Our guide to St. Patrick’s Festival 2022

Waldron Large crowd expected ANTHONY for Ballintubber Parade Cllr.

On this St. Patrick’s weekend watch out for the green bins in Ballintubber and keep the locality litter free

Telephone: 086 786 6774 Email: anthonywaldron@mail.com

SUPPORT LOCAL – BUY LOCAL

RAFTERY’S Oakland Hotel

Glenamaddy Tel: 094 9659065

MATCHES ON BIG SCREEN Food & Accommodation Available Wishing the Glenamaddy St. Patrick’s Day Parade every success

• Life Assurance.

• Mortgage Protection • Investments • Pensions (Pre & Post Retirement) • Overseas pensions • Mortgages

Best wishes to Ballaghaderreen St. Patrick’s Day Parade

A large crowd is expected for Ballintubber’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade which takes place at 3 pm on Thursday, March 17th.

This year’s event, the first since the outbreak of Covid-19, marks the 10th Anniversary of the parade in Ballintubber and is attracting great interest with a large number of floats expected to take part.

Along with the trophies on offer for various categories, there will be cash prizes and the organising committee is appealing to participants to inform them as soon as possible of their intent to take part.

The committee has thanked all those who have already sponsored the event or donated to the running costs. Organisers are also appealing to the general public to display Roscommon/Ukraine

flags in solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

There promises to be something for everyone at this year’s parade, according to organisers.

A post of the Ballintubber St. Patrick’s Day Parade Facebook page reads: “There is something for every age group so don’t miss out! As like other years, we will have the usual food outlets, music, a free kids’ show, Bozo the Clown, as well as Mickey and Minnie Mouse and all the gang. Adults will be catered for too. Please contact committee members to get kids involved.

“As we intend to give cash prizes along with trophies and the Jacinta O’Toole Memorial Cup this year, we are asking people to sponsor or donate if possible to the parade as we have had no fundraiser.

Flashback to the 2018 parade in Ballintubber. Photo: Andrew Fox

“The committee would sincerely like to thank those who have very generously donated and to all who have donated to the

auction also. It doesn’t go unnoticed and details will be published at a later date.

“The committee would also like to wish Frankie,

Ciaran, Noel, Robbie and all involved with their horse Koshari in Cheltenham on St. Patrick’s Day the very best of luck!”

Jim O’Kelly

Jim’s contact details: Mobile: 086 859 6919 Office: 071 91 94000 Email: jim@moneyplus.ie

Money Plus Financial Brokers Ltd trading as Money Plus is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

Flashback to the 2018 parade in Ballintubber. Photo: Andrew Fox

Best wishes to Elphin Events Committee from all the team here at

Roscommon Credit Union Ltd

Heneghans Glenamaddy Glenamaddy

Proud sponsors of the Elphin St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Best wishes to Ballintubber parade organisers

Ballintubber Tidy Towns/Heritage

wish the St. Patrick’s Day Parade every success

Glenamaddy.

rving the community SeChristmas for over 70 years Best wishes to Glenamaddy Parade

There’s lots to look forward to in Ballintubber this year including the annual Castles in Communities Festival from June 27th to 30th.

OPENING HOURS

Spread the word with family and friends at home and abroad!

Open 7 days 8am - 10pm CHRISTMAS EVE

Saturday 29TH

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Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

Our guide to St. Patrick’s Festival 2022

Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Ballintubber’s popular parade

Flashback to the 2018 parade in Ballintubber. Photo: Andrew Fox

Night of music and song in Clooneycolgan A night of music and song will be held in Clooneycolgan Community Centre from 7 pm to 11 pm on St. Patrick’s Night.

All are welcome to attend. Proceeds in aid of Clooneycolgan Community Centre.

It’s fair to say the Ballintubber St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee are pulling out all the stops this year in order to ensure the event is the biggest and brightest to date as they mark its 10th anniversary!

The parade will commence at 3 pm on St. Patrick’s Day and main organiser, Eileen Kenny, says the committee has been inundated with entries so far.

“Following a wait of almost three years, the Ballintubber parade will commence at 3 pm from the crossroads on March 17th so spectators are advised to arrive 30 minutes earlier in order to get a good viewing point,” she said.

“There are almost 40 floats registered to date and therefore we are appealing to people to inform any member of the committee if you are interested in entering a float.

Entry is free.

“With regards to traffic control and the organisation of floats, contact Brendan Burke on 086-4059642 or Daryl Coen on 086-8709403. For car parking, please contact Mike Ryan on 086-3615605.

“All sports will be available to view on the big screens in both Kenny’s and Garvey’s (our main sponsors) with the usual food outlets available as well as chip van and ice cream van.

“There will also be a big auction taking place in Kenny’s right after the parade so don’t miss out on a good bargain!”

There promises to be plenty of music, craic agus ceol in Ballintubber this St. Patrick’s Day as participants vie for cash prizes and trophies as well as the coveted Jacinta O’Toole Memorial Trophy (Jacinta along with her father Frank were the founders of the parade) for Best Overall Float.

“The committee would seriously

like to extend a big thank you to all those who have donated to the parade to date and to those who have helped towards the auction also,” Eileen said.

“We are still looking for kids and teenagers to get involved and we have lots of outfits ready. Please contact Vicky Silver Coen on 0876829416 or Majella Greaney on

086-6078090.

“Last but not least, we would like everyone to remember the Ukrainian people at this very sad and dangerous time. Please put out your Ukrainian or Roscommon flags in solidarity and may God bring peace.

“We hope to see everyone in Ballintubber on St. Patrick’s Day!”

Flashback to the 2018 parade in Ballintubber. Photo: Andrew Fox

Best wishes to Ballintubber St. Patrick’s Day Parade from

Kenny’s Lounge Ballintubber March 17th: St. Patrick’s Day

After Parade

ALL SPORTS SHOWN

ON BIG SCREENS

Music all day with

17th March 2022 at the Crossroads

10th Anniversary

Mickey + Minnie & Bozo The Clown

Enter a float or sponsor a float. Lots of prizes to be won PS. Bring your camera, you never know who you might bump into!

BILL HAUGH All parties catered for with free refreshments, band, music etc.

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

34

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

NewsPeople

Pictured are Teresa Silke (Youthreach Tutor), Hollie (Youthreach student), Stephen Devaney (GRETB Tutor), and Irene Greene (GRETB Adult Literacy Organiser). Pic: Mick McCormack

Pictured is Irene Greene (GRETB Adult Literacy Organiser) and Stephen Devaney (GRETB Tutor). Pic: Mick McCormack

‘Learn Your Way’…AONTAS Festival highlights adult education opportunities in Roscommon

< KAYLA DIBBLE AND LUCIA FABBI

The Roscommon launch of the nationwide AONTAS Adult Learners Festival 2022 took place earlier this week.

The event highlighted the opportunities and services available in the Adult and Community Education sector.

Speaking about the Festival, Niamh O’Reilly, AONTAS CEO, said: “The value of adult learning for social and economic benefits is now more important than ever as we begin to rebuild post-pandemic. This year’s Festival offers a wide range of events to encourage adults to try something new in an informal setting and, for some, it provides their ‘first step’ back into education.

“The Festival showcases the range of learning options available to adults – from the informal setting of a local community centre and libraries, to Education and Training Boards and third level institutions. We hope that this year’s Festival will encourage adults to think about returning to learning whilst highlighting the great work that is taking place across the country”.

The Galway and Roscommon ETB (GRETB) who facilitate QQI accredited, non-certified, and communityfocused courses, along with providing career guidance services for adults in Co. Roscommon, were involved in this week’s celebrations with two days of Open Day events held in Lisnamult FET centre.

This year’s theme ‘Learn Your Way’ helps spread awareness that education isn’t a one size fits all system. There are many other pathways that can help people of all ages who left the formal education system reach their full potential in a way that better supports their abilities. Courses in this sector give learners the opportunity to take more ownership in their own learning and immerse themselves in a more relaxed and supportive environment.

The event in Lisnamult included a

Pictured is Maura Fallon, GRETB Adult Guidance Counsellor. Pic: Mick McCormack

number of speakers across the Adult Learning sector in Roscommon Town.

Irene Greene, Adult Literacy Organiser, gave attendees an overview of the academic and practical skills-based courses available in the Lisnamult FET centre, from Basic Numeracy to Family Learning.

“Our aim is to build programmes around learners’ needs,” expressed Irene. She spoke about the ‘Recognise Your Potential’ course which supports women hoping to return to or enter the workforce. This course supports women to gain the necessary skills, self-confidence, and training so that they are better equipped when it comes to seeking employment or furthering their education.

VTOS Roscommon Co-Ordinator, Orla Connaughton gave an insight into three new Traineeship offerings in the areas of ICT, Healthcare, and Business Administration which are available to anyone 16 and over (and are all QQI accredited). Traineeships combine learning in the classroom and experience in the workplace to improve employment and progression outcomes for participants. She explained how these new offerings allow the centre

to facilitate learners who may not have been eligible for VTOS programmes in the past due to age restrictions.

Maura Fallon, the GRETB Adult Guidance Counsellor for the area, gave details of her role within the organisation. She provides a free, confidential, and impartial career and educational guidance service to anyone aged 16 and over who are out of formal education. This service is also available to both GRETB course participants and people looking to upskill and retrain for a change in career.

Community Education Facilitator, Anne Mannion outlined her work with local community-based groups and how Community Education courses encourage learners to play a more active role in their community. She works to facilitate any of these groups and individuals in getting involved with hobby-based and non-certified courses that she runs in Lisnamult such as Sewing, Digital Photography, and Arts and Crafts. The newly-formed Roscommon Men’s Group is an example of these groups who are now based in the centre on Fridays at 1.30 pm and are welcoming all interested to join.

Stephanie O’Connor Shaw, BTEI Co-

Ordinator, spoke about the part-time and accredited courses in areas such as Healthcare and Childcare which she coordinates all over the county.

Starting in September are sector-specific courses that are aimed at people working in the disability sector and Stephanie is currently in the process of organising more such courses for the upcoming year.

Also taking part were several current learners who gave short accounts of their experiences on courses such as the ‘English for Speakers of Other Languages’ course. Mariana, an ESOL learner, explained how when she first came to Ireland, she didn’t speak any English and with the help of the tutors in Lisnamult, she is now more confident when conversing with people in her local community.

Hollie, a student from Youthreach Roscommon – which is under the umbrella of the GRETB – gave a personal account of her experience completing the Leaving Cert Applied Programme.

She spoke of her negative formal education experience and how completing this programme has changed her life for the better. The LCA Programme acts as an alternative to the traditional

Leaving Cert and is less rigid and more vocational-based. *If you’re interested in finding out more about how you can ‘Learn Your Way’ in Co. Roscommon, please contact the GRETB Adult Guidance Service by emailing guidance@gretb.ie and to find more about courses available, visit fetchcourses.ie.

‘Make that first step’ “Returning to education as an adult can be very daunting. As an adult learner myself, I know all too well that fear of going into the unknown. The hardest step is initially walking through the door, but once you do, a whole range of new and exciting opportunities open. Make that first step – it’ll be the best thing you ever do”.

-Kayla Dibble, former VTOS Roscommon Learner * Kayla Dibble and Lucia Fabbi are both currently on work experience with the Roscommon People

35

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

Business

Roscommon commercial vacancy rate rose to 17.1% last year The commercial vacancy rate in Roscommon increased to 17.1 per cent in the year to Q4 2021 according to the latest GeoDirectory Commercial Vacancy Rates Report, published this wee.

Nationally, the commercial vacancy rate was 13.9 per cent in Q4 2021, the highest level of commercial vacancy recorded

by GeoDirectory since the report began in 2013. The report, prepared by EY, found that commercial vacancies increased in 15 out of 26 counties.

The highest commercial vacancy rates were recorded

in the west of the country, continuing the trend observed in previous reports. Sligo, at 20 per cent, was the county with the highest commercial vacancy rate, followed by Leitrim and Roscommon, both at 17.1 per cent. In Q4 2021, the average commercial vacancy rate for Connacht was 17.3 per cent.

Meath (10.2 per cent) was the county with the lowest commercial vacancy rate in the state, with Wicklow (10.4 per cent) and Kerry (11.3 per cent) also recording notably low rates.

The report examined the commercial vacancy rates

among a sample of 80 towns located across the state. Of the towns in Roscommon surveyed, Roscommon town had the highest commercial vacancy rate (24.2 per cent), while Boyle had the lowest (22.5 per cent).

Nationally, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal was the town with the highest rate in Q4 2021, at 30 per cent. Edenderry, Co. Offaly (27.7 per cent), Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford (26.3 per cent), Kilrush, Co. Clare (26.2 per cent), and Roscommon town (24.2 per cent) completed the top five towns by highest commercial vacancy rate.

Elsewhere, the number of

vacant units in shopping centres nationally increased from 429 in 2016 to 477 in 2021. This amounts to an 11.2 per cent increase across the period analysed.

Commenting on the findings of the report, Dara Keogh, Chief Executive of GeoDirectory said: “At 13.9 per cent, the commercial vacancy rate in Q4 2021 was at its highest level since GeoDirectory began reporting on this data in 2013. This increase in commercial vacancies is not reflected in terms of numbers in employment, which according to the CSO increased steadily in 2021.

“This may suggest that Covid-19

has accelerated businesses to pivot towards enhancing their online presence and scaling-back their physical offering on main streets. As working from home is expected to continue beyond the pandemic, and online commerce increases in popularity, there needs to be a policy conversation around how vacant commercial properties are regenerated on our main streets for wider benefit.”.

Annette Hughes, Director, EY Economic Advisory said: “Our analysis in previous reports has shown a clear divide in terms of commercial activity on the east and west coast. This

Businesswoman of the Year Awards launched by Network Ireland Network Ireland has officially launched its Businesswoman of the Year awards for 2022. The annual programme recognises the achievements of women who understand business, who are passionate about their career, and show a determination to succeed no matter what life throws at them.

The launch coincided with Network’s International Women’s Day celebration, which drew hundreds of women from Network Ireland branches across the country to Glasson Lakehouse in Co. Westmeath.

The theme of the event was the ‘Power of Belief’ with keynote speeches from international best-selling authors Anna McPartlin and Sinéad Moriarty.

National President of Network Ireland Noreen McKenzie said: “International Women’s Day is the perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of Ireland’s most inspirational women. I am passionate about the ‘Power of Belief’ and would not be in my position today were it not for the belief of my Network Ireland colleagues.

“I am encouraging members across

Ireland to believe in themselves and to apply for our annual awards. Our members have successful careers, run successful businesses, but in many cases also juggle the needs of their families and have other voluntary commitments in their local communities. We want to recognise them and what they have achieved”.

Preparation is underway across 14 Network Ireland branches nationwide ahead of their local finals, from which winners will be selected to go forward to the national awards in Galway on Friday, October 7th. The gala event is a major highlight of the group’s calendar and will coincide with Network Ireland’s annual conference.

AIB has supported Network Ireland since 2013 as its official partner and has signed a new two-year agreement which will include Network Ireland’s 40th anniversary celebrations in 2023.

Catherine Moroney, Head of Business Banking Market at AIB, said: “It is an honour to continue to be the official partner of Network Ireland…We are both fully aligned with, and firmly committed to seeing more women in

Network Ireland celebrated International Women’s Day at Glasson Lakehouse in Co. Westmeath. Pictured are author and guest speaker Sinead Moriarty, Noreen McKenzie, Network Ireland National President and Anna McPartlin, author and guest speaker.

Pic: Clare Francis Photography

business succeed and thrive in Ireland, and by harnessing the power of belief in each other we continuously fuel and empower sustainable and thriving

communities and societies”.

The closing date for receipt of online applications for the awards is 6 pm on Thursday, April 7th.

trend remains visible, however commercial vacancies increased in 15 out of 26 counties last year.

“I think the most interesting statistic is that there are over 29,000 vacant commercial units across Ireland. When combined with our over 90,000 vacant residential units in our Residential Building Report published in January, this suggest that there are almost 120,000 vacant buildings, a good proportion of which could potentially be returned to commercial, community or residential uses on the streets of towns and cities across the country”.

FTA: Protect businesses from spiralling fuel costs

The Freight Transport Association of Ireland has called on the Government to take action to protect Irish businesses from the impact of rising fuel prices and consumers from spiralling inflation.

The CEO of the association said fuel accounts for more than 41 per cent of the costs of running articulated lorry fleets and action was now needed to protect Ireland’s supply chain.

“FTAI is urging the government to review its current diesel rebate programme to make it more accessible and efficient so that the inflationary pressures on the industry charged with delivering everything Ireland needs can be alleviated,” he said.

“The scheme, in which Revenue will repay some of the mineral oil tax paid by a qualifying road transport operator, provides a 0.075 cent per litre rebate which is payable three months after the fuel has been purchased, with certain terms and conditions applying.

Currently, less than one third of qualifying haulage operators are active participants in the rebate scheme, demonstrating its ineffectiveness”.

The FTAI says that commercial fleet operators who distribute their own goods and who are responsible for the majority of retail and food services distribution do not currently qualify for the scheme, and compressed natural gas is also excluded.

Cathal’s taking care of Glenamaddy’s water supply Kilkerrin native, Cathal Divilly, who has been caretaker of Glenamaddy’s water and wastewater treatment plants since 2015, plays a key role in ensuring the people of the town have safe drinking water.

The town’s water plant was upgraded in 2011 and just last year Ward and Burke handed over the running of the town’s new wastewater treatment plant to its new caretaker.

“I have certain jobs that have be carried out every morning,” Cathal explains.

“I always go to the water plant first and ensure all is well there. I undertook a lot of training before taking over the care of the new plant. I’m learning every day and there will always be more to learn.

“Galway County Council and Irish Water allocate a strong value to continuous development and upskilling of staff and as a result I have been fortunate to do a lot of training courses in relation to plant operations”.

Cathal’s position means he must cou-

ple elements of engineering and science on a daily basis, meticulously dividing his work into four categories - to monitor, inspect, record and test.

“Standards change and we support changes and try to adapt our roles to new ways of working. New technology is always in the interest of efficiency,” he explains.

Cathal’s experience in the civil engineering industry, working for Coffey Construction on large-scale infrastructural projects across the country, made him the right choice for this role.

“I worked on projects for local authorities, Bord Gáis and Irish Water, and I feel like all those skills I developed when we were laying networks, completing tie ins and testing pipes transferred to the role I’m in today,” he said.

The pull of home was also a factor when he applied for the role as caretaker.

“I was 14 years on the road but now I’m married, and I have a four-yearold son so it’s nice to be at home and working in the community that you are

familiar with,” he added.

Being back home has also given him a chance to work on the family farm and he’s particularly proud of local farmers’ efforts to conserve water and protect water sources.

“Water is essential in farming to grow fresh produce and sustain livestock, but I feel there’s a positive trend among the farming community when it comes to reasonable water use,” Cathal said.

“With the help of Government schemes we’re starting to fence off our rivers and create buffer zones to protect our waters. Farmers are also carrying out soil tests and checking on weather conditions before the application of slurry. Training in pesticide application is also a positive addition in helping protect our water sources”.

Sustainability and biodiversity are also high on Cathal’s list of priorities and he’s working on reducing power consumption at the plants with wildflowers also sown on the grounds to provide a role to be in with continuous improvements and developments. I’d encoursource of food for pollinators.

“Managing the plants is an exciting age anyone with an interest in engi-

neering and science to consider a job in water services. It’s a great mix,” he concluded.

36

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

FarmingPeople Property Services Providers Licence No. 002249

TELEPHONE: 094 9620300 Email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com Web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com THURSDAY, 10th MARCH:

SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS (INCLUDING CALF COMPETITION FOR AA CALVES, PRIZES FOR BULLS AND HEIFERS).

THURSDAY, 17th MARCH:

NO SALE (ST. PATRICK’S DAY) MONDAY, 21ST MARCH:

BULLOCK SALE RESUMES ON MONDAYS THURSDAY, 24th MARCH:

SALE OF HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS MONDAY, 28th MARCH:

BULLOCK SALE For Enquiries Please Contact Mart Office Or Visit Our Website For Details.

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

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

Your LOCAL Collector Guaranteed lowest price

Daily collection

2021 was a record year for Elphin Mart Elphin Mart has reported a record sales turnover for 2021, despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to figures released this past week, the livestock mart posted sales turnover of €27.7 million, an increase of 66 per cent from pre-Covid 2019.

Sales increased by 5 per cent and 40 per cent for cattle and sheep respectively compared with figures for 2020 while cattle sales to Northern Ireland increased by 50 per cent.

Commenting on the annual results, newly appointed Elphin Mart chairperson, Bernard Donohue, said: “Elphin Mart has proudly served the farmers of Roscommon and beyond since 1961 and I am delighted to announce that sixty years on, sales reached a record level of €27.7 million in 2021, despite initial concerns about the impact of COVID-19.

“We are well known for selling prime quality livestock at Elphin and there was a surge in demand

for quality Irish beef in the retail sector at home and abroad, as more and more families cooked in the home during the pandemic”.

Mr. Donohue said the mart continues to play a “leading role in providing nutrient-dense Irish beef to customers at home and abroad”.

“During my tenure, working with the board, we will gather feedback from our shareholders to ensure that the mart’s future strategy is relevant and aligned with the needs of our shareholders, our customers, and our customers’ customers in a rapidly changing world,” he said.

“We all have a role to play in delivering a sustainable world, and Elphin Mart will continue to play its part in this regard. The Board of Elphin Mart wishes to thank outgoing Chairman, Pat Dockery, outgoing Mart Manager, Gerry Connellan, and outgoing Mart Secretary, Carmelita Caslin, for their outstanding work, com-

mitment and drive over the past number of years.

“The Board also looks forward to working with recently appointed Mart Manager, Kevin Caslin, along with all staff, shareholders and customers, in ensuring that 2022 continues to build on the success of 2021”.

Newly appointed man-

‘Minister must show leadership on inputs crisis’ – IFA The IFA has called on Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to show real leadership when it comes to “rocketing” input prices at farm level and the

availablity of inputs in the months ahead.

Speaking following a recent meeting of IFA’s National Council, IFA President Tim Cullinan

Learn to drive with

ROSCOMMON DRIVING SCHOOL 087 2295551 KEEP YOUR FARM SAFE

Prime quality livestock sold at Elphin Mart last week.

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue

said there were “huge and rising concerns” across the country.

“Minister McConalogue must take charge of the situation. For tillage farmers, fertiliser costs have nearly tripled. The average drystock farmer will be paying three times the price for their fertiliser this spring and the average dairy farmer will see 4.5c per litre added to their costs.

That’s before increases in other areas such as fuel and electricity are factored in,” he said.

“Most farms just don’t have the capacity to absorb these phenomenal input costs, and as the weakest link in the supply chain, it can’t be left to the farmer to absorb them either. All links in the supply chain need to share the burden and risk,” he said.

“The sector will need to work with the Government in the weeks and months ahead to deal with the situation as it develops”.

ager, Kevin Caslin, is a Roscommon native who was previously employed

by Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis.

“Elphin is the go-to mart for livestock trading, and I would like to thank the Board, our shareholders and our loyal customers, who continue to make the mart the success it is to-

day,” he said.

“With a fantastic trade for quality livestock at our mart again this year, I look forward to working with the Board, our team, shareholders and our loyal customers and to building relations with existing and new customers, as we plan for continued success in 2022 and beyond”.

Castlerea MART WATCH Over 800 animals presented for sale this week and both the heifer and bullock rings noticed bigger numbers on offer and increased numbers of forward stores presented for sale.

The bullock ring saw prices peak at €2,030 and the heifer ring peaked at €1,880 with an excellent clearance taking place. Lighter stores were a very strong trade also with a large attendance of buyers both ringside and online anxious for stock.

The weanling rings saw strong demand also with the top quality lots reaching some very fancy prices. While the dry cow trade reported an unchanged trade and a full clearance taking place. The calf ring with increased numbers on offer saw good demand for the quality calves but the plainer types were unchanged.

Cows with calves at foot made up to €2,210 and springers up to €1,860. Runners made from €230 to €800 for continental lots.

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today (Thursday, March 10th) with our usual sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am with three rings in operation.

Sample prices for bullocks: Lm 460kgs €1380, AA 488kgs €1360, Lm 540kgs €1590, Ch 520kgs €1500, AA 500kgs €1490, Ch 590kgs €1700, Lm 570kgs €1660, Lm 645kgs €1880, Ch 630kgs €1770, Lm 785kgs €2030, Ch 700kgs €1950, AA 730kgs €1880.

Heifers: BBX 425kgs €1200, Lm 370kgs €1200, Lm 415kgs €1140, Lm 460kgs €1410, Lm 460kgs €1400, AA 483kgs €1290, Lm 600kgs €1880, Ch 630kgs €1840, Lm 565kgs €1710, Lm 460kgs €1300.

Dry cows: AA 810kgs €2200, Lm 800kgs €2180, AA 835kgs €2110, AA 860kgs €2070, Lm 610kgs €1730, Fr 725kgs €1250, Hex 765kgs €1500, Sh 700kgs €1430.

Calves: Lm hfr €430, BBx hfr €440, AA bull €330, AA bull €280, Fr bull €80, Hex hfr €140, Hex hfr €170.

Weanling bulls: Ch 280kgs €910, Ch 255kgs €840, Lm 285kgs €810, Ch 350kgs €1230, Ch 365kgs €1200, Ch 430kgs €1200, Lm 335kgs €1090, Ch 375kgs €1130.

Weanling heifers: Ch 250kgs €880, Ch 275kgs €860, Lm 265kgs €860, Lm 345kgs €1070, Lm 315kgs €1000, Lm 300kgs €900, AA 310kgs €900.

37

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

FarmingPeople

IFA President calls for stronger regulations to protect farmers Addressing the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture recently, IFA President Tim Cullinan highlighted the challenges facing the pig, poultry, horticulture and potato sectors of Irish farming.

“Farmers are faced with exorbitant increases in the cost of energy, feed and fertiliser. Between this and the action from retailers, it’s creating undue and unfair pressure on our primary producers,” Mr. Cullinan said.

“These costs cannot be borne by farmers without significant

increases in the food chain being passed back to them. Unless Government action is taken, these challenges pose a significant threat to the viability of primary food production across the pig, poultry, horticulture and potato sectors”.

There are estimated to be fewer than 100 field growers now compared to almost 400 20 years ago and the IFA contributes this to lower prices being paid by retailers.

“Over 90 per cent of our beef and

dairy products are exported and are doing better in world markets than farmers supplying fresh produce within our own country,” Mr. Cullinan added.

The IFA has called on the Government to put a stop to below cost selling and implement this into Irish law to be regulated by the new Food Regulator Office.

“Retail buyers must be held accountable and our food producers must be given appropriate legal protection,” he said.

“It’s a sad day when Irish con-

sumers are purchasing fruit and vegetables brought in from external markets, when so much more could be done to support our own”.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has recognised the primary producers share is well below the EU average.

“It’s time to act on this. These sectors need regulation with real statutory powers of investigation and enforcement to ensure there is equality in the food chain,” Mr. Cullinan concluded.

Cllr. Kelly calls for changes to GLAS scheme < DAN DOONER

Champion Weanling Heifer Pictured with the Champion Weanling Heifer at Roscommon Mart’ Show and Sale on Tuesday, March 1st were (Left to right): Caoimhín McHugh and Cathal Heeran, Cloone, Co. Leitrim and Thomas Gunning Jnr., Roscommon Mart Committee.

Independent Cllr. Emer Kelly has called on Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to facilitate changes to the existing GLAS scheme to enable criteria of traditional meadows to be expanded in order to include the growing of tillage crops.

“As we face into uncertain times, increasing prices and potential shortages of many commodities, it is imperative that we aim to become increasingly self-reliant,” she said.

“Minister McConalogue announced plans to converse with farmers, encouraging them to plant grain this year. Looking from our perspective in the west of Ireland,

tillage farming will prove difficult for many farmers who would not traditionally plant the crops, discouraging them from entering into it this year.

“Many farms will incur increased costs with fertiliser required to increase the nutritive value of the soil to facilitate tillage growth, and contractors required to harvest the crop”.

Cllr. Kelly said that including tillage crops in the scheme would enable farmers to contribute to the self-reliance of the country while maintaining essential payments.

“I am calling on farmers to raise this issue with the Minister also, highlighting the need for expanding GLAS criteria,” Cllr. Kelly concluded.

Irish farmers ready to respond to food security concerns – Macra Recent reports have suggested that farmers may be required to change their model of farming to meet demands of food security. Threats to food security have emerged over the past number of days as a result of matters escalating in the Ukraine and Russia.

According to Macra na Feirme National President, John Keane, Irish farmers are best place to meet

this demand.

“As world leaders in sustainable food production, it makes sense for Ireland and its farmers to produce additional food to meet these demands,” he said.

“Irish farmers have constantly addressed and met challenges in terms of food demand and security and the sustainability associated with that production”.

Mr. Keane said the Government must send a clear signal around food security and growth going forward.

“Only very recently we have had Government Ministers saying that Irish farmers have no obligation to feed the world, we are now seeing a different narrative,” he said.

“The issues of labour, input costs, education, knowledge transfer and land availability remain a bar-

rier in addressing any challenge or change”.

The Macra President added that farmers will need to be supported: “The above issues need to be addressed hand in hand, whilst asking farmers to do more to meet demand and need as it arises. It reinforces the point that Irish farmers given the climate we are in, are best placed to grow safe sustainable food”

Roscommon MART WATCH There were larger numbers on offer this week with a lively trade all round. Numbers of bullocks were small due to next weeks special sale. Lots averaged from €2.36 per kilo up €2.60 per kilo.

Heifers made from an average of €2.70 per kilo up to €3.46 per kilo. Dry cows ranged from an average of €2.20 per kilo up to €2.94 per kilo. Customers remain anxious for stock with good numbers at the ringside and also bidding online.

This Friday (11th), at 11 am, we will have our Spring Sale of Bullocks. On Friday, March 18th we will have our Mid Spring Special

Sale of Heifers with bookings accepted up to 5 pm on Monday, March 14th.

There was an improvement in trade for hoggets at this week’s sheep sale with larger numbers on offer. Hoggets made up to €164. Stag ewes fetched up to €180. Ewes and lambs made up to €335 for three Ewes and six lambs at foot.

Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID Tag set. Our next sheep sale for is on Wednesday, March 16th at 11 am. Sheep Scanning service on Wednesday next from 9 am to 10 am. Yard opens at 8 am and all stock must be penned by 10 am.

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

Friday, March 11th at 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Bullocks 75 pens on offer Also Heifers & Dry Cows ------------------------------Friday, March 18th at 11 a.m.

Bank Holiday Special Sale of Heifers Also Bullocks & Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. Monday, 14th March ----------------------

Tuesday, March 15th at 4 p.m.

Special Sale of Weanlings Also Suckler Cows Bookings accepted up until 5 p.m. on Thursday, 10th March ----------------------

Tuesday, March 22nd at 4 p.m.

Mid Spring Special Sale of Weanlings Also Suckler Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. Wednesday, 16th March ----------------------

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

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

Sheep Scanning Service Each Wednesday - Strictly 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

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

Saturday, March 19th

Irish Simmental Premier Sale 55 bulls and 23 Heifers on offer Show 8am. Sale at 12 noon ----------------------

Date for your Diary Saturday, April 9th Complete Dispersal Entire PBNR Milking Herd (Good EBI) Conducted by Taaffe Auctions

Sale can be viewed live on www. livestock-live.com.

Sample prices for heifers: Char X 800kgs €2520, Lim X 665kgs €2130, Lim X 715kgs €2080, Char X 745kgs €2060, Char X 605kgs €2000, Char X 675kgs €1940, Char X 585kgs €1640, Char X 555kgs €1650, Lim X 590kgs €1650, Char X 525kgs €1650, Lim X 510kgs €1530, Char X 465kgs €1500, 3 AAX 600kgs €1480, AAX 590kgs €1460, Simm X 535kgs €1460, Lim X 445kgs €1350, Simm X 430kgs €1250, Char X 425kgs €1200.

Bullocks: Char X 555kgs €1440, 2 AAX 517kgs €1350,

BBX 490kgs €1180, AAX 495kgs €1160, HEX 500kgs €1150.

Dry cows: 2 Lim X 807kgs €2300, Lim 700kgs €2060, Simm X 695kgs €1970, Lim X 670kgs €1860, Char X 730kgs €1850, Char X 770kgs €1810, AAX 750kgs €1650, Lim X 585kgs €1570, Char X 570kgs €1640, Lim X 585kgs €1570, BBX 580kgs €1400, HEX 645kgs €1700, Lim X 665kgs €1580.

Finished hoggets: 56.3kgs €164, 62kgs €162, 51.6kgs €160, 50.8kgs €160, 49.6kgs €160, 50.3kgs €158, 50kgs €156, 47.2kgs €150, 46.60kgs €149.

For John & Caitriona Carley of Corristoona, Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

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

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38

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

PSRA NO: 004422

PSRA NO: 004422

PROPERTY SALES LETTINGS VALUATIONS Athleague, Co. Roscommon - F42 TW70 Tel 090 6663700 Mob 086 8985013 www.connaughtonauctioneers.ie

FINAL OFFERS

Scramoge, Co. Roscommon. F42 HP65 By 12pm, Wednesday 16th March 2022 Offers After €58,000 64 Watervale, Rooskey, N41 N938.

By 1pm, Wednesday 16th March 2022 Offers After €145,000 Gortnadeeve West, Creggs, Co. Galway.

F42 RX54 By 2pm, Wednesday 16th March 2022 Offers After €190,000

39

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

PropertyPeople

Cathal 086 1409158

Cormac 086 3519492

PSRA Licence No. 004420

FINAL OFFERS INVITED A SUPERIOR DETACHED RESIDENCE STANDING ON APPROX 2.2 ACRES

GOLF LINKS ROAD, ROSCOMMON TOWN F42 EH26 AMV: P.O.A. Zoned Residential-Holding Prime Development potential at this Location A most impressive 4 B/R detached residence situated in one of Roscommon’s most sought after residential locations adjacent to Roscommon Golf Club and Dr. Hyde Park.

This quality property stands on a wonderfully mature and private site area of approx. 2.22 acres zoned residential which is landscaped to a superior level.

Boasting spacious living accommodation throughout, this quality property must be viewed to be fully appreciated.

Comprising briefly of reception hallway, living room, dining room, sitting room, kitchen, utility and garage and wc. downstairs and on first floor there are 4 large double bedrooms and family bathroom.

The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and offers to sell.

Contact the office for more information on 0906626579

NEW TO THE MARKET PRIME ROADSIDE LANDS 6.5 ACRES APPROX HOLDING POTENTIAL LOCATED AT

BEALNAMULLA - beside Athlone, Co. Roscommon AMV: €100,000 The sale of these said lands offers a great opportunity for potential purchasers to acquire lands beside Athlone.

Located on the Tuam Rd (R362) Bealnamulla, Co. Roscommon.

Directly beside the Bealnamulla Soccer Pitch (Athlone Side) The Auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and offers to sell.

FINAL OFFERS INVITED 18.1 ACRES (APPROX..) OF PRIME ROADSIDE LANDS LOCATED AT

STONEPARK - beside Roscommon Town AMV: €180,000

Prime Roadside Lands set out in one lot holding potential due location.The sale of these said lands must offer all farmers a great opportunity to acquire lands in this regarded farming area beside Roscommon Town.

Legal: Kelly Kennedy Solicitors Dublin 2 (01) 676 4716 The Auctioneer now invites viewings and all offers to sell

LANDS TO LET

52 ACRES APPROX TO INCLUDE ENTITLEMENTS AT LISGOBBAN & CLOONERK KILROOSKEY FROM NOW UNTIL 1ST DECEMBER CONTACT OUR OFFICE

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

40

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

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

--- FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY --Kiltultoge, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon. F42 HH04 Sean Naughton Auctioneers is delighted to offer “New to the Market” a Two Bedroomed residence set on a large mature site with one acre attached. The property is in good state of repair. Accommodation briefly comprises of two bedrooms, kitchen/living room, bathroom/toilet, solid fuel & OFCH. Plenty of room for development purposes.

Price Guide €125,000

--- TO LET (11 Months) --Circa 30 Acres at Ballinderry, Four Mile House First Letting of “Good Quality Land” at Ballinderry, Four Mile House; High State of Fertility; First Year Letting with option for Second Year Offers now been accepted.

For further details on any of the above please contact Sean Naughton Auctioneers on 090 6625080/6625864 Mobile: 087 2479486 or email: seannaughtonauctioneer@gmail.com

Plant and machinery auction with Connaughton Auctioneers Connaughton Auctioneers are holding a plant and machinery auction in association with the LSL Online Auction Platform at 11 am on Saturday, March 19th, in Glenamaddy Equestrian Centre, Galway (F45 VP66).

Auctioneers on the day will be Ivan Connaughton and Matthew Donnellan.

Matthew has previously carried out machinery auctions for Connaughton Auctioneers.

The registration fee for any lot is free, and all lots will be subject to advance approval by the auctioneer. Only plant, machinery, and builders items will be accepted for this auction.

Anyone wishing to enter lots will register online via the LSL website, upload pictures, videos and information of their items and a member of the sales team will make contact. Those wishing to bid at the auction will also have to register online via LSL and pay a holding deposit of €250 for authorisation to bid on the day. Deposits will be returned within seven days

after the auction.

Auctioneer Ivan Connaughton said: “We are delighted to have joined forces with LSL Auctions (livestock-live.com) for plant and machinery auctions in 2022, with our first auction on Saturday, March 19th, in Glenamaddy.

“From holding similar auctions previously, we are well aware of the amount of administration required.

The LSL Online Auction platform has been working very successfully in other locations throughout Ireland over the past two years. The system makes the process easier for everyone. For example, anyone selling or buying must register online. Sellers can upload pictures, videos and information for their items very easily online via their mobile phone.

“Buyers can view any lot before the auction and bid online from anywhere in the world on the day of the auction. Buyers can also bid in person with a paddle board by registering on the day.

“Any unsold lots can be entered into a timed auction after the auction.

This will give buyers more time to bid on their chosen lots. The venue in Glenamaddy Equestrian Centre is very suitable, with ample indoor and outdoor space for auction lots and customer parking.

“Our association with LSL will market this auction nationwide, as their platform is used for livestock marts and property auctions, and they have had direct marketing to 1.24 million viewers (in last twelve months), 25,000 social media followers and LSL News”.

A link to the auction can be found on the website connaughtonauctioneers. ie and on Connaughton Auctioneers’ social media pages.

Items entered into the auction can be dropped off to the venue on Thursday, March 17th, Friday, March 18th, from 9 am to 6 pm each day. The viewing of lots will be possible on Friday, March 18th, from 12 pm to 6p m and

on auction day from 8 am.

The auction will commence at 11 am.

Catering facilities will be in place on the day. Entry to the auction is free and everybody is welcome to attend.

If you require any additional information, contact Connaughton Auctioneers on 090-6663700, email info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie, or visit connaughtonauctioneers.ie.

Sale closed this week at RE/MAX Team Earley This week, RE/MAX Team Earley are pleased to advise that they have closed the sale of a fourbedroomed, semi-detached residence, located at the attractive Chestnut Grove development in Tulsk.

Situated within walking distance of Tulsk village and all local amenities, the property was presented for sale in excellent condition throughout.

The residence offers spacious living accommodation, together with a generous rear garden area.

We are currently looking for similar properties in all areas for cash buyers.

For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact RE/MAX Team Earley (Stonecourt, Roscommon) on 090-6626579, email teamearley@ remax.ie or log onto teamearley.ie.

Contact auctioneer Cormac directly on 086-3519492.

Final call to share experiences of defects in apartments and duplexes in Roscommon Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, has made a final call for homeowners, landlords, directors of Owners’ Management Companies and Property Management Agents throughout Roscommon to share their experiences of housing defects relating to fire safety, structural safety and water ingress in purposebuilt apartment and duplex buildings constructed in Roscommon between 1991 and 2013.

The deadline for completing the surveys is Monday, March 14th.

These experiences are sought by the Independent Working Group to Examine Defects in Housing which was established in February 2021.

Encouraging as many people as possible to participate in the survey before the March 14th deadline, Minister O’Brien emphasised: “Since this consultation was

launched in late January there has been a very positive public response.

“I’m making a final call to homeowners, landlords, directors of Owners’ Management Companies and Property Management Agents across Roscommon, who own or manage purpose-built apartments or duplex buildings constructed in Ireland between 1991 and 2013, to complete these surveys. We want you to complete them whether the property in question has defects or not, or if the presence of defects is not known.

“I understand the working group wants to hear in particular from Owners’ Management Companies and Property Management Agents of these types of properties as we know there is a significant number who have not yet responded to the survey”.

Separate surveys for each stakeholder group are available at www.gov.ie.

41

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

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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

< FOR SALE: All types of trees and hedgings, can be delivered. Tel: 087 4177148

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

For all your fencing needs.

GLAS Fencing Grant Fencing Post Rail

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

• Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped Comprehensive Insurance Cover. I.S.A. member.

l

Tel: 087 2172281

GARDENING

JOE HEALY

Des Kelly Fencing

FOR SALE

086 8936012

085 2514394

advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633

DRIVING LESSONS

Please call Glynis on

web: www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

CONSTRUCTION

Submit your Classified online

COUNSELLING

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165

www.parklawntreeservices.

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

Tree Services

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

Phone:

087 2721193 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

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

l

087 6558597

www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com HOLISTIC 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 OCD, Grief, life: 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

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

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 nonpublication. 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.

42

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

Classifieds PLANNINGS

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

086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch

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!

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY

We cannot guarantee publication after this time TEL: EMAIL:

090 66 34633

advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Noel Higgins and Christina Brennan, intend to apply for planning permission to construct a single storey dwelling house, proprietary effluent treatment unit and soil polishing filter on site, together with all ancillary site works and services at Leitrim, Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed: Middleton Architectural and Engineering services.

Tel: 086 0552118

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL. I am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission on behalf of Yvonne Naughton and Kenneth Kenny to construct a dwellinghouse, garage, waste water treatment system and associated siteworks at Dundonnell, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon.

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

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Amanda O’Driscoll am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission to construct a domestic dwelling house, with domestic garage new Septic tank and percolation area and all ancillary site development works at Dooneen, Ballinameen, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

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

Signed:

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

Ph: 090 6634365 Mob: 087 8228529 E: james@jlce.ie & elaine@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying for planning permission for installation of new sewerage treatment plant and percolation area to service existing dwelling house at Kilrooskey, Roscommon.

Signed: Gerard Doran 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.

Submit your Classified online

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL CCA Motors Ltd intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for change of use of existing garage premises to HCV and NCT Test Centre, refurbish and extend existing garage premises to side, retention of store and paint shop and demolition of same to facilitate the change of use of existing premises associated services and site development works at Cloonybeirne and Ardsallagh More, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon.

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

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Michael and Eilis Tormey are applying to Roscommon County Council for the following: 1. Planning permission to construct side extension onto existing dwelling house.

2. Permission to retain revised site boundary’s and all site ancillary development works at Deerpark Td, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. F52 FK85

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

PODIATRIST Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Sarah Fleming

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI at

Tullys

HSE Trained and Approved l Home visits available l

For any of your foot issues call:

094 9620009

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

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

085 1503353 086 8538404

Email: m.kilgallon23@gmail.com

• House Visits • Insoles and Orthotics Prescribed • Chiropody Services

Clinics also in Ballaghaderreen and Castlebar

The Galway Podiatrist FOOT AND ANKLE CLINIC

Aoife Reilly BSc Pod, MChSI, SCPI

PODIATRIST

PODIATRIST

For all foot ailments

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

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

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

• 20 years experience

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

Orthotics prescribed

By Appointment Only –

087 2982214

Tel: Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

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 nonpublication. 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.

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

(registered with VHI, AVIVA, LAYA & GloHealth)

The local paper!

For Bookings Contact: College Road,

For Bookings Contact: Mountbellew,

(087) 707 5803

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

Co Galway H53 D7W8

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

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY

We cannot guarantee publication after this time TEL: EMAIL:

090 66 34633

advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Family Notices • Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance

Call into our office on Abbey Street, Roscommon

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

43

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

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

Tel: 086 8212732

REFLEXOLOGY

REFLEXOLOGY MARINA FUREY (MNRRI)

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

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

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

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

Phone:

083 0684011

< 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

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

Phone: 091 416029

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

OIL BOILER SERVICE

TURF AVAILABLE Bulk bags of Turf available Tel: Donal

086 2721812 (All areas)

083 8838022

094 9373445 087 9100477

• Tiling (Wall and Floor) • Timber Floors • Timber Fencing, Decking • Garden Maintenance • Power Washing AND ALL OTHER JOBS CONSIDERED

Telephone:

WANTED:

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

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.

Plumbing & Maintenance

Contact Luke on

085 7359120 Working throughout current restrictions with full PPE equipment.

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED

Electrician Available Safe Electric Registered.

Domestic and Industrial, All work considered.

No Job too small.

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

WHELAN Deirdre

Douglas, Roscommon and Clonmel Acknowledgement and 1st Anniversary

Phone JOHN

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

Phone Alan on:

090 6661635 or Mobile:

087 2683079

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR For all your decorating needs CONTACT JOHN

086 4679798

As we lovingly remember Deirdre (nee Lynch) on her First Anniversary, her family, James, Thomas, Ian, Ellen along with Deirdre’s mother Ena and her sisters and brothers Jacinta, Edel, Lorcan and Ronan would like to thank you all most sincerely for your support during this extremely difficult year.

Thank you to all our wonderful friends, extended family, neighbours and everyone who sympathised with us, sent food, Mass cards, enrolments, letters of condolences, floral tributes, online tributes and text messages, they were greatly appreciated.

To Ballinlough Tennis Club, thank you for your beautiful Guard of Honour after Deirdre’s Funeral Mass. Our deepest thanks to the truly amazing staff in the Emergency Department of CUH, especially in the Critical Care Unit whose humanity, kindness and compassion during an incredibly difficult time is something which we are forever grateful for.

We wish to also acknowledge the very caring team from Organ Donations and Transplant Ireland who helped us to fulfil Deirdre’s wish of becoming an organ donor which has helped to keep someone alive today.

To Fr. Teddy O’Sullivan PP of St. Columba’s Church Douglas along with Fr. Ben O’Brien, Fr Ray Fitzgerald, Debbie and Catherine, thank you for your prayers and for kindly organising for us to have such a special Memorial Mass for Deirdre last Saturday. To Linda Kenny and Dave O’Sullivan whose spectacular music during the Mass was greatly appreciated.

DOLAN Buddy Cloonslanor, Strokestown (17th Anniversary)

Finally, to all Deirdre’s many friends, colleagues and relations thank you for your time in honouring our truly amazing mother, wife, sister, aunt, friend and above all a Lady.

Mass will be offered for your intentions.

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

A silent thought, a quiet prayer, for a special person in Gods care.

Always remembered by his wife Mai, sons Padraic, Brian, Cormac, daughters Fiona, Michelle and Hazel, sons-in-law, daughters-inlaw and grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass in Strokestown Parish Church on Sunday, 13th March at 11.30am.

ROONEY Brian Lisnagirra, Athleague, Co. Roscommon (5th Anniversary)

Remembering Brian who passed away on 11th March 2017 R.I.P. Loving thoughts of times together, memories that will last forever.

Sadly missed along life’s way quietly remembered everyday.

Loved and missed every day by Ann and extended families.

Masses offered.

087 9657933 or 090 66 33084

Alan O’Toole

In loving memory of Buddy who passed away on the 15th March 2005.

With thanks to Keohane’s Funeral Directors for their excellent help and professionalism.

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

If so ring:

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

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES

FOR ALL EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR PAINTING

Includes new nozzle, Efficiency report, Printout, etc ....

087 2478609

086 2437376

PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AVAILABLE

Tried & Trusted Since 1993

Also loads of Peat bedding for livestock (delivered)

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

We are safety certified and insured.

USEFUL SERVICES

ONLY €80

MG Services

Phone:

Phone: 091 416029 Liam or Mick 085 7619827

USEFUL SERVICES

Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie

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

The most read newspaper in Co. Roscommon!

or alternatively call 090 66 34633

The local paper!

44

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES KEAVENEY Noel

BELTON Basil

Drishaune, Castleplunket, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on the 12th March 2019

Clogher, Ballymacurley, Co. Roscommon (17th Anniversary)

DORAN Tommy Golf Links Road, Roscommon.

(4th Anniversary ) - 13th March 2018

MONTH’S MIND MASS Mullooly (née Kelly) Nancy

Church Street, Strokestown, County Roscommon Who died on 13th February 2022

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

CONTACT HAZEL

087 6758874

Scrine, Athleague, www.brianmuraystone.com Co. Roscommon E: brianmurraystone@gmail.com In loving memory of our beautiful son and brother Basil who died on the 17th of March 2005 Days will pass and turn into years, but you will always be remembered with silent tears.

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by your wife Marina, sister Christine, brothers Martin and Pat, nieces, cousins and friends.

Third Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 12th March at 11am.

GALVIN John Cloonloughlin, Mount Talbot, Roscommon (20th Anniversary) In loving memory of a dear husband and father who passed away on March 8th 2002 R.I.P.

No special day is needed, for us to think of you, you are always in our thoughts, no matter what we do.

Your resting place we visit, and say a little prayer, but no one knows the heartache, as we turn and leave you there.

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all your family.

Anniversary Mass in Tisrana Church on Sunday, 13th March at 11am.

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

The most read newspaper in Co. Roscommon!

The local paper!

R.I.P. As each day dawns, we think of you, as each night falls, we pray for you.

Throughout our lives, no matter where, in our hearts you are always there.

Always loved, remembered and missed by Mammy, Daddy, Edward, Andrew, Michael, Anne-Marie, sisters-in-law Jacintha, Aoife, Fiona; brother-in-law Brian, nieces and nephews Ciara, Aoife, Darragh, Cillian, Joseph, Aoibhinn, Oran and baby Michael. xxxxxx Bazz’s anniversary Mass will be held in Ballinaheglish Church on Thursday, 17th March at 11am.

KEEGAN Sean Rushfield, Creggs, Co. Roscommon (4th Anniversary) In loving memory of a dear husband, father and grandfather who passed away on the 14th of March 2018 R.I.P.

A heart too gentle, a mind too deep a beautiful soul, forever asleep.

Eyes full of sparkle, a heart full of love, now shining brightly from Heaven above.

Forever missed, Tina, Jason, Rachael and Jessica.

Mass has been offered in Knock Shrine.

KELLEHER Jim Who passed away on 10th March 2008 (14th Anniversary)

A golden heart stopped beating, a laughing smile at rest.

Time has passed by but memories stay.

You are so loved and so missed every day.

Mary and the girls.

RATTIGAN Ann Bernadette Ballinagare/Roscommon Town.

RATTIGAN Who passed away on the AnnMarch Bernadette 7th 2020 (2nd Anniversary) Ballinagare/Roscommon Town Our hearts are full of memories, with pride we speak your name, though life goes on without you, it will never be the same.

Your memories are so special, your presence missed so much, you will always be remembered and loved by all of us.

Sadly missed by his wife Mary and family.

Anniversary Mass in Kilbegnet Church on Sunday, 13th March at 11.30am.

Who died on 07th March 2020 (1st Anniversary) Lovingly remembered by her family Andthose wide circle of friends Will who think Mass be celebrated in the ofwill Bernie today, a little Sacred Heart Church prayer Roscommon town to Jesus On Friday March 5thsay. at 11am www.churchtv.ie/roscommon

Loved and sadly missed by her brother Christy and Alice.

Mass has been offered.

BURKE Ultan Nancy’s husband, Brian, son’s Michael and John, daughter’s Mairead, Jacinta, Paula, Aine and Eimear and the wider Mullooly family wish to sincerely thank all who supported them in so many different ways in their recent bereavement.

We are deeply grateful to all those who conveyed their condolences to us by letter, telephone, online or in person through their attendance at our home, the funeral home or at Nancy’s funeral. We thank those who sent Mass and Sympathy cards, those who, in lieu of flowers, made donations to Mayo/Roscommon Hospice, those who travelled long distances to be with us and the neighbours and friends who brought food and shared their memories with us. We also remember all those who offered a silent prayer on hearing the sad news of Nancy’s death.

We extend our gratitude to An Taoiseach Mr. Micheál Martin, who was represented at the Funeral Mass by his Aide De Camp, Comdt. Gary Houlihan.

We wish to extend a very special thanks to the local public health care staff and the palliative care nurses who looked after Nancy with tremendous tenderness, compassion and dignity throughout her relatively short illness.

We thank the doctors and nursing staff in Porticuncla Hospital where Nancy was treated shortly before Christmas. From Christmas onwards Nancy was cared for in her own home and we, her family are very grateful to Drs. Crosbie and Hanratty for their care and attention. It meant a lot to Nancy, that Dr. Hanratty, who had been her long standing and much trusted GP for many years, was involved in her end of life care.

We would like to thank Fr. O’Connor who was so attentive in providing spiritual support to Nancy and who with Fr. O’Flynn concelebrated her Funeral Mass.

We are also very grateful to Fr. Whitney, a long time friend who, despite being indisposed himself, was in regular contact during Nancy’s illness.

We offer a very sincere thank you to Andrew and the choir and we also very much appreciated the tribute paid by the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Association who, despite the inclement weather, provided a guard of honour at Nancy’s funeral.

We thank Pat McHugh, Undertaker and family friend, for his kindness and for guiding us through those difficult days with sensitivity and professionalism.

Because of the COVID guidelines and the wearing of masks we are very conscious that we did not get to acknowledge or personally speak to every person who provided support and sympathy during this very difficult time. Thanks to each and every one of you whose kindness and thoughtfulness meant so much to the family.

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

Nancy’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 12th, at 12 Noon in Strokestown Parish Church.

THANKSGIVINGS PRAYER TO ST. EXPEDITE For urgent need...

Our dear martyr and protector, Saint Expedite, you who know what is necessary and what is urgently needed. I beg you to intercede before the Holy Trinity, that by your grace my request will be granted. (Clearly express what you want and ask him to find a way to get it to you.) May I receive your blessings and favours. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

If Saint Expedite grants your request, place fresh flowers beside his statue in your home or in the church. Also place an ad in the newspaper thanking Saint Expedite, so that his name and fame will grow. G.K.

Pollalaher, Brideswell, Athlone, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on the 16th March, 2017 (5th Anniversary)

We think of you in silence, we talk about you too.

We have some lovely memories, but we wish we still had you.

No one can replace you, no one ever will.

In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still.

We thank you for the years we shared, the love you gave and the way you cared.

Loving memories keep you near, as time unfolds another year.

Sadly missed by your wife, Bernadette and family, Sandra, Colm, Ruadhán and Seoidín. Nicola, Dermot, Róise, Neasa and Diarmuid. Alan, Ruth and Eibhlín.

Anniversary Mass for Ultan will be offered in St. Bridget’s Church, Curraghboy on Sunday, 13th March, 2022 at 10am.

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

45

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES LENNON Michael, Kathleen & Gerard

MARTIN Francie and John

CARROLL John

Cloonmurray, Strokestown

Bushfield, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

(2nd and 20th Anniversaries)

Buckfield, Athleague, Co. Roscommon.

(16th Anniversary)

Fondly remembered by their loving family, Michael (died 14th March 1999) and Kathleen (died 11th January 2013) and their son Gerard (Gerry) (died 25th February 2022), Cloonmurray, Strokestown.

Remembrance Mass in Tulsk Church on Sunday, 13th March 2022 at 11.30am.

COSTELLO Betty & Johnny Lisnamult, Roscommon.

(28th and 26th Anniversaries) In loving memory of our dear parents who passed away on 12th March 1994 and 16th May 1996 R.I.P.

As each day dawns and starts anew, as each day ends, we think of you, and in between, no matter where, deep in our hearts you are always there.

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

Your memories are so precious, your presence missed so much.

You will always be remembered and loved by all of us.

Lovingly remembered and missed by Anne, Teresa, Noel, David and families.

Anniversary Mass in Ballinaheglish Church on Sunday, 13th March at 11am.

DORAN Tommie Golf Links Road, Roscommon.

(4th Anniversary)

A silent thought, a quiet prayer, for someone special in God’s care.

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

Fondly remembered by his wife Annie, sisters-in-law Margaret and Kathleen, brother-in-law Paddy.

Mass has been offered.

CONNAUGHTON Michael

FARMER Edwin (Ted) Riverside Avenue, Circular Road, Roscommon.

(4th Anniversary)

Treasured thoughts of one so dear, often bring a silent tear.

We who love you, sadly miss you, as it dawns another year.

Forever in our hearts your loving wife Helen, daughters Edwina and Laura, sons-in-law Colm and Brían and grandchildren Hazel, Ruby and Brian.

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

Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed

Curagh, Castlecoote (12th Anniversary)

Lovingly remembered by all their family.

Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Friday, 11th March at 11am.

Email or call for Sample Pack

MONTH’S MIND MASS

DALY Patrick

Beechgrove, Roscommon.

Who passed away on Feb 5th 2022

We think of you with love each day, the things we used to do and say that brings a smile, sometimes a tear but always a wish that you were here.

BROTHER Tommie You went away so suddenly, no time to say goodbye, but brothers can’t be parted, precious memories never die.

Until we meet again.

Davie, Doran Bros and nephew Mark.

He lived, and laughed, and loved, and left.

Sad and sudden was the call, his memories are our keepsake for all.

Always in our thoughts and prayers Pat, Denise, Hillary and Lisa.

The family of the late Patrick Daly would like to extend their sincere thanks to all all who showed kindness and support on the loss of our father and grandfather.

Our sincere thanks to the P.H.N. Roscommon Town especially Margaret Comeford and Martina Beirne, Pats G.P. Dr. David Harrison and staff, also the staff of Molloys Chemist, Roscommon. A sincere thanks to all the staff of Merlin and UCHG and all the staff of Roscommon Hospital for their excellent care in Pat’s final days.

Thank you to Fr. Kevin and Deacon Gacquin for celebrating the Funeral Mass and burial. To Pat and Gillian Smyth for their professional manner while showing compassion and sympathy to us. Thanks to Danny Arnold for his beautiful singing during the funeral.

A special word of thanks to Benny Noone who provided the beautiful meal after the service, we are very grateful for his support and generosity. Sincere thanks to all the grave diggers In Cam Cemetary who prepared dad’s final resting place.

We want to thank all our family and friends and to thank everyone who sent Mass Cards, messages of sympathy and those who posted condolences on R.IP., the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

Pat’s Month’s Mind Mass will take place in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 12th March at 7pm.

No farewell words were spoken, no time to say goodbye.

You were gone before we knew it God only knows just why.

Always remembered by Anne Mae, Kay, Marie, Sean and extended family.

Mass will be held at a later date.

KELLY Mickie 8 Jubilee Close, Roscommon 14th Anniversary - 6th March 2008

Fondly remembered Alan, Gráinne, Charlie and Teagan.

You will always and forever be loved and remembered by your sister Rachel, brother-in-law John, nephew Gary and niece Chloe.

Also remembering Tommie’s Mom and Dad (Eithne and Denny) who have also passed away.

Masses offered.

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

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

No longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts you are always there.

Sadly missed by your friends Simon, Ann, Simon Jnr and Shane Doyle.

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

46

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

Classifieds

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

Appointments

The Melting Pot invites applications for the following position Café/Catering Support AssistantPot (part time 19.5 hrs) The Melting

invitesPot applications for the following The Melting Centre in Roscommon Town is aposition Community Services Programme which consists of a coffee shop, internet access and a retail outlet for second hand clothes and other Thegoods.

Melting Pot invites applications for the following position We also operate the ‘Food Cloud’ three evenings a week. We recently expanded our service to include a meal delivery programme covering Roscommon Town and surrounding 19.5 hours) Café/Catering (Part-time Support Assistant (part time 19.5 hrs) areas and setting up an involvement centre to increase recovery opportunities for service users The Melting Pot Centre in Roscommon Town is a Community Services Programme which consists promoting social inclusion reducing stigma.

The Melting Pot Centre inaccess Roscommon Town is a for Community Services Programme which We of awhile coffee shop, internet and aand retail outlet second hand clothes and other goods.

Café/Catering Support Assistant

also operate the ‘Food Cloud’ three access evenings a week.

Weoutlet recently our clothes service to include consists of a coffee shop, internet and a retail forexpanded second hand and other Theydelivery successful candidate will work as part ofTown a team and should have: a meal programme covering Roscommon and surrounding areas and setting up an goods.

We also the ‘Food Cloud’ three evenings aLevel week.2users We recently expanded our involvement centre to increase recovery opportunities for service while promoting social • operate Minimum Level 1 HACCP Certification. is desirable service to include aExperience mealstigma. delivery programme covering Roscommon Town and surrounding inclusion and•reducing of working in a food preparation environment areas and setting up an involvement centre increase recovery opportunities for service users • candidate Experience of working with people disabilities and or related life experience The successful will work as part of atoteam andwith should have: • Minimum Level 1 HACCP Certification.

Level 2 in is desirable while promoting inclusion and reducing stigma.

• social Experience of working with people the community • Experience of working in a food preparation • Ability to work as part of a teamenvironment as well as on own initiative • Experience of working people with or related They successful candidate willwith work as part of disabilities a team andand should have:life experience • Experience of handling cash and till balancing • Experience of working with people in the community • Minimum Level 1 HACCP Certification. Level 2 is desirable • Ability •to work as part of team as well as on own initiative Experience ofaleading/guiding co-workers/volunteers • Experience of working intill a food preparation environment • Experience of handling cash and balancing • Availability to work on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays • Experience of working co-workers/volunteers with people with disabilities and or related life experience • Experience of leading/guiding • Applicants must meet the CSP eligibility criteria - Compliance with the funder’s requirements • Availability to work on Thursdays, Fridays and • Experience ofeligibility workingofwith peopletoinhold theSaturdays community regarding individuals a CSP supported post is set out in the job description, • Applicants must meet the CSP eligibility criteria - Compliance with the funder’s requirements • Ability to is work as part a team CSP as well as on own initiative which available to of download www.rosleaderpartnership.ie regarding eligibility of individuals to hold a from supported post is set out in the job description, • isExperience handlingfrom cash and till balancing which available toof download www.rosleaderpartnership.ie Please see www.rosleaderpartnership.ie or email meltingpotmanager@outlook.com for full Job Description • Experience of leading/guiding co-workers/volunteers Please see www.rosleaderpartnership.ie or email meltingpotmanager@outlook.com before submitting application • Availabilityfortofull work Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays Job on Description before submitting application How to•Apply: please submit letterthe of application detailing how- you meet thewith requirements along with Compliance the funder’s requirements Applicants must ameet CSP eligibility criteria

How to full Apply: Please submit a letter of application detailing how youManager, meet requirements along eligibility of individuals to hold post isthe setThe outMelting in the job description, your CV,regarding to meltingpotmanager@outlook.com or a byCSP postsupported to: FAO Pot, Castle with your full CV, to meltingpotmanager@outlook.com or by post to: FAO Manager, The Melting is available to download Court, Castlewhich Street, Roscommon F42 R220 from www.rosleaderpartnership.ie Pot, Castle Court, Castle Street, Roscommon F42 R220 Please see www.rosleaderpartnership.ie or email meltingpotmanager@outlook.com for2022 full Job Description Closing ofof applications is is 1 pm, Friday 18th Closingdate datefor forreceipt receipt applications 1 pm, Friday 18thMarch March 2022 before submitting application Short listing will apply.

Interviews will take place week commencing 28th March (subject to change).

Short listing will apply. Interviews will take place week commencing 28th March (subject to change).

A panel may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled.

Satisfactory references and Garda A panel may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled.

Satisfactory references and Garda vetting will be with required.

How to Apply: please submit a letter of application detailing how you meet the requirements along be required.

Fixed term contract to Decembervetting 2022 withwill possible extension, roleManager, is subject to funding continuation. your full CV, to meltingpotmanager@outlook.com or by post to: FAO The Melting Pot, Castle Fixed term contract to December 2022 with possible extension, role is subject to funding continuation.

Roscommon LEADER Partnership are contract hosts on behalf of Pobal and funded by the Court, Castle Street, Roscommon F42 R220 are contract hosts on behalf of Pobal and funded by the Roscommon LEADER Partnership Department of Rural and Community Development Department of Rural and Community Development Closing date forPot receipt of applications is an 1 pm, Friday 18th March 2022 The Melting Community Society LtdLtd is Employer The Melting Pot Community Society is anEqual Equal Opportunities Opportunities Employer Short listing will apply. Interviews will take place week commencing 28th March (subject to change).

A panel may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled. Satisfactory references and Garda vetting will be required.

Fixed term contract to December 2022 with possible extension, role is subject to funding continuation.

Roscommon LEADER Partnership are contract hosts on behalf of Pobal and funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development The Melting Pot Community Society Ltd is an Equal Opportunities Employer

OMMON SPORTS PARTNERSHIP ROSCOMMON SPORTS PARTNERSHIP CLG CLG

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

Due to an increasing level of business at our Tuam plant we invite applications for the following positions: • CNC Punching Operators Previous experience required in CNC programming of Trumpf, Amada or similar.

• Product Builders \ Assembly Operators Previous experience in mechanical assembly would be an advantage • Press Brake Setter Operators Previous experience required on Trumpf, LVD or similar.

• Stores Operators Previous experience required in a warehouse environment • Injection Moulding Machine Operators Previous experience required on setup and programming of Arburg, Sumitomo Demag, Engel or similar • Maintenance Fitter CNC experience required

Replies to: info@logstrup.ie Deadline for receipt of applications: Friday, 25th March 2022

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

Ballagh NS and Cloontuskert NS are currently seeking to appoint a

SECRETARY

To work in both schools, spending 10 hours in each school per week. The ideal candidate must be able to carry out all administrative duties in a professional, ROSCOMMON SPORTS PARTNERSHIP CLG rship, an equal opportunities employer, funded by Sport accurate and efficient Roscommon Sports Partnership, an equal opportunities employer, funded manner.

by Sport terms of location, as this is a shared role between two schools, it will involve Roscommon Sports Partnership, an equal from suitably qualified persons for the following position: Ireland, invites applications from suitably qualified personsInfor the following position: 2 days in Ballagh NS, Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon and 2 days in Cloontuskert NS, opportunities employer, funded by Sport Lanesborough, Co. Roscommon.

The person must be available to start asap.

Office Administrator Part-time fixed contract @ 18.5 hours per week until me fixed term contract @ 18.5 hours per week untilterm Ireland, invites applications from suitably This role is a part time role of 20 hours per week.

September 2022.

Immediate start.

Office based position.

Working days/hours to be start. Office based position.

Working days/hours to be qualified persons for the following position: Skills/Qualifications Required: determined.

Booklet and Application forms are available on our website let and Application formsCandidate are available on our website • 3-4 years administration experience is required www.rosactive.org or by email to info@rosactive.org.

• Good level of computer competency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. ail to info@rosactive.org.

• Fluency in English is essential Completed application forms, must be received no later than 12.00 noon on Friday the • Excellent attention to detail s, must bePart-time received no later than 12.00 noon on Friday the th fixed2022, termby contract atinfo@rosactive.org 18.5 hours email to or by• Experience post to Roscommon 25 of March with F.S.S.U.Sports Templates and Thesaurus would be desirable. mail to info@rosactive.org orSeptember by post to Roscommon Sports Partnership CLG, GRETB Offices, Lanesboro Street, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. per week until 2022.

Immediate This position is subject to Garda Vetting and Reference Validation. ces, Lanesboro Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. start.Street, Office based position.

Working days/ Canvassing by applicants or their representatives will disqualify.

Applications must be submitted by email to: hours to be determined. Candidate Booklet

Office Administrator

by applicants or their representatives will disqualify.

and Application forms are available on our website www.rosactive.org or by email to info@rosactive.org

Ballaghcloontuskert@gmail.com

Closing date for applications is Wednesday, 16th March 2022.

WANTED

Completed application forms, must be received no later than 12.00 noon on Friday, the 25th of March 2022, by email to info@rosactive.org or by post to Roscommon Sports Partnership CLG, GRETB Offices, Lanesboro Street, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon.

Servicing Roscommon and surrounding areas l Experience essential l Safe Pass and Manual Handling Certs required. l Rates negotiable

Canvassing by applicants or their representatives will disqualify.

Contact Phillip on: 086 060 7466 or Pat on: 086 600 2721

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

Door and Window Installers

SITUATIONS VACANT < STAFF REQUIRED: Full and part-time staff required for retail outlet in Roscommon Town.

Please apply to: PO Box No. 3014 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon. < BAR STAFF REQUIRED: JC Doorly, The Corner House, Roscommon. Bar staff required, weekends only. No experience necessary. email CV to - doorly196@gmail.com < STAFF REQUIRED: For busy Restaurant/Take-away, Forte’s Restaurant, Roscommon town. Tel: 090 6630503 after 3pm.

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

The most read newspaper in Co. Roscommon!

The local paper!

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

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

Appointments

NUA CAREERS ROSCOMMON

NUA CAREERS ROSCOMMON

ASSISTANT SUPPORT WORKERS AND SOCIAL CARE WORKERS We are seeking applications for Assistant Support Workers and Social Care Workers in County Roscommon.

BENEFITS ASSISTANT SUPPORT WORKERS AND EMPLOYEE SOCIAL CARE WORKERS

The roles will suit candidates with previous experience in Social Care, who will join our team in the delivery of support services to people with We are seeking applications for Assistant Support intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, mental Workersneeds, and Social Care Workers County Roscommon. health autism, sensoryin and communication needs and acquired brain injuries.

The roles will suit candidates with previous experience in Social Care, who will join our team ESSENTIAL CRITERIA in the delivery of support services to people with intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, mental Assistant Support Workers: •health FETAC Level 5 or working towards a Degree in a needs, autism, sensory and communication related needs and discipline acquired brain injuries.

Social Care Workers: CRITERIA •ESSENTIAL Level 7 or 8 Degree in Social Care or Healthcare

Assistant Support Workers: KEY COMPETENCIES •

FETAC Level 5 or working towards a Degree in a

related discipline Excellence in: • Verbal and Written Communication •Social Report & Roster Management CareWriting Workers: •• Interpersonal Skills Level 7 or 8 Degree in Social Care or Healthcare • Organisational and Planning Skills • Dignity and Respect COMPETENCIES •KEY Confidentiality and Adaptability Excellence in: • Verbal and Written Communication • Report Writing & Roster Management • Interpersonal Skills • Organisational and Planning Skills

> Company Pension > Paid Maternity / Paternity Leave > Education Assistance & Continuous

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Professional Development

EmployeePension Assistance Programme (EAP) >> Company

> Life Assurance / Death-in-Service Benefit

> Paid Maternity / Paternity Leave

> Education Assistance & Continuous Professional Development

GET IN TOUCH

> Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Recruitment are working 24/7 to process >The Life Assurance /Team Death-in-Service Benefit

applicants as quickly as possible. We are also facilitating interviews on weekends and outside of regular office hours. If you would like to become part of our team, get in touch with us today.

GET IN TOUCH

How to apply: Please email our Recruitment Team with your CV and cover letter, or simply apply The Recruitment Team are working 24/7 to process directly through our website careers page.

applicants as quickly as possible. We are also facilitating interviews on weekends and outside of Email: recruitment@nuahealthcare.ie regular office hours. If you would like to become Website: nuahealthcare.ie/careers part of our team, get in touch with us today.

How to apply: Please email our Recruitment Team www.nuahealthcare.ie with your CV and cover letter, or simply apply directly through our website careers page.

Email: recruitment@nuahealthcare.ie

47

48

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

Classifieds

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

Appointments

! g n i t i u r c e R e r We A Your Home, Your Care, Your Choice

RHS Home Care is Ireland’s only community owned co-operative. We are Irish owned and have been caring for clients in the community for over 22 years. We employ over 500 staff locally in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. All retained income is reinvested in our organisation for continuous improvement which is overseen by our committed voluntary Board of Management who are members of your community. We operate a unique model that differs from other home care providers.

We have achieved the first Quality Mark in Ireland specific for home care standards in the community Health Assured and also hold ISO certification 90001. We are an approved provider for HSE care delivery. We believe that caring is a very special talent and we are looking for the right individuals to join our team. Due to our continued growth and expansion we are currently recruiting the following roles;

DO YOU HAVE...

Care Staff

We urgently need care in all areas of the West of Ireland, Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, and Athlone. Staff must have achieved the full QQI Level 5 award and or have completed the rates payPerson. during the week & staff premium rates mandatory moduleCompetitive Care Skills and Care of theof Older We welcome nursing and social care staff that have completed applicable modules.

A flexible working schedule that matches your availability.

for Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Career – We focus our attention Area Supervisors inprogression the Galway/Mayo/Roscommon area on motivating and developing so you can excel 3-5 years’ experience in managing people. Full award QQI / Nursing Health qualification training. through training and development, andCare on-the-job l A minimum of QQI/ and must be passionate about supporting people to live in their homes for Uniform and full PPE provided. as long as safely possible.

FETAC Level 5 in Care A great support team in your area to help you, and you will have access to a lead supervisor.

Skills & Care of the Care Scheduling Teams On-call Support – 24/7 support from our on-call team.

Position is in Roscommon office the role is to scheduling care calls to clients in the West of Older Person?

Cycle to excellent work initiative.

Ireland, strong administration, computer, communication skills and office experience 3-5 years essential.Employee Experience in aHealth busy office environment, industry related experience, QQIon procedures for you & spouse/partner and Cash Plan Scheme (money back Level 5 in Health Care full award/nursing, social care degree would be an advantage. l A kind and empathetic children) Accounts Team Employee discounts including tyre/car service, mobile phone & pharmacy discounts nature?

Full and part time positions in Roscommon. Must have accounts payroll experience, timesheet RHS skills Home CareExperience Cooperative management, computer and excel. an advantage.

Not for Profit est.

1996 l Excellent Care Manager

communication and5 years people management experience, HR experience, good work ethic’s, work on their own initiative, critical thinking solving problems must be passionate about client care. interpersonal skills?

All applications to be emailed to jobs@rhshomecare.ie and the closing date is 17th August 2018.

A genuine interest in making a positive difference to people’s lives and supporting them to remain at home? l

www.rhshomecare.ie Your Home, Your Care, Your Choice Providing Quality, Affordable, Community Driven Home Care in the West, Midlands & Border Counties for over 20 years

RHS Homecare’s Head Office: 1st Floor, Roscommon Primary Care Centre, Golf Links Road, Roscommon Phone: 090 66 25988 Email: jobs@rhshomecare.ie

49

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

AtYourService BLINDS

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

CARS

FARMING

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAIN JETTING SERVICE

BRENDAN DOOLIN

TEL: (090) 96 88606

Also Wooden Venetians, Velux Window Blinds.

(090) 96 88830 or (090) 96 87651

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:

Lowest price guaranteed

We buy any CARS, VANS, TRUCKS, JEEPS all types wanted.

End of life certs can be provided.

Also scrap metal

Daily collection

INSURANCE CLAIMS

S tephen H oare

Martin Hibbitt APA-PL, CIP, CDIP LA Mountbellew, Co. Mountbellew, Co. Galway Mountbellew, Co.Galway Galway

info@mhla.ie 091 380900 | 0879818153 9818153Co. Galway info@mhla.ie Mountbellew, 091 || 087 info@mhla.ie 091 380900 380900 087 9818153

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

www.mhla.ie www.mhla.ie www.mhla.ie 091 380900 | 087 9818153 Certified Dip in Loss Certified Certified Dip Dip in in Loss Loss Adjusting Adjusting Adjusting Loss Assessor Services Loss Loss Assessor Assessor Services Services

KEEN and COMPETITIVE PRICES

M: 086 3912396 Ph: 090 66 62892

DOORS/ WINDOWS SERVICE SHOWROOM:

Racecourse Road, Roscommon

Dooley Chimney Repairs • Lining

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

Cathal Dooley 087 6579064

Telephone: 090 66 33026

WIDE RANGE OF COMPOSITE DOORS

• Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection

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

091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie

www.ecowise.ie

Certified Dip in Loss Adjusting

Advisor

Loss Assessor Services Member of the Insurance RECYCLING Institute of Ireland

email: chrislocksmith.162@gmail.com

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

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

REPAIRS & SERVICING ALSO CARRIED OUT Contact Pat Hanley on

086 6002721

to discuss your requirements

Email: pjmhanley@gmail.com

RECYCLING OF END-OF-LIFE VEHICLES

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

RECYCLING ALL TYPES OF METAL

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.

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

GENERAL SERVICES

Patios l Decking Houses l Vehicles l Driveways l Caravans l Walls l Gutters l Domestic Cleaning l Roof Cleaning l All Types of Algae Treated l

l

Full & Mini Car Valeting (we come to you)

l

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

Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

Castlerea Vehicle Recycling

Chris’s Window Service

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.

info@mhla.ie

ApprovedProduct Product Member of the PSAB-GI Approved Member Approved Member of of the the PSAB-GI PSAB-GI Advisor Product Advisor by the Central www.mhla.ie Regulated Advisor Regulated by the the Central Central Regulated by Member of the Insurance Bank of Ireland Member of the Insurance Bank of Ireland Member ofofthe Insurance Bank of Ireland Institute Ireland Institute of Ireland Institute of Ireland Approved Product Member of the PSAB-GI

www.roscommonwindows.ie

20 Years Experience Free Insurance Quotes

Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness Bonded Bead Cavity &Wall Insulation New Buildings Retrofit

VETERINARY

Martin Hibbitt CIP, CDIP Martin HibbittAPA-PL, APA-PL, CIP, CDIP LA LA Martin Hibbitt APA-PL, CIP, CDIP LA

We SUPPLY & FIT Double & Treble Glazed Windows & Doors, Patio Doors, French Doors, Porches and Conservatories

Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation

6621220

CLEANING

Chimney Problems

INSULATION

Tel: 090

Tel: 087 0944027

info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

Nationwide Service Stoves and Ranges Fitted All Work Guaranteed

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

Furniture Removal & Collection l Garden Maintenance l Painting Service Fully Registered & Insured Phone John: l

Contact Dave:

087 751 3774

085 2113317

DRIVING LESSONS

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

Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@roscommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633 To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us!

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

50

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

Sports PEOPLE

A spectacular shot of Laura Fleming in action during last Sunday’s Lidl Ladies NFL match between Roscommon and Sligo last Sunday. See page 55. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Promotion on the line as Derry visit the Hyde Allianz Football League Division Two: Roscommon v Derry on Sunday at Dr. Hyde Park at 2 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

If Roscommon can defeat Derry in this Sunday’s top of the table clash, then winning promotion to Division One will be odds-on for Anthony Cunningham’s men.

However, the reverse is also true. Derry (who, like Roscommon, are unbeaten) are on the cusp of their third promotion in a row, and should they win on Sunday they could well complete a truly remarkable recent renaissance.

Both sides have been very impressive thus far. Derry have accounted for Down, Offaly, Cork and Clare, putting up big scores in the process. However they face a

tough schedule of fixtures now: Roscommon on Sunday, Galway on Sunday week and Meath in their final game.

Derry will come to Roscommon in a confident mood.

They have a very good manager in Rory Gallagher and some excellent players in every line, led from fullback by the inspirational Chrissy McKaigue. Conor Doherty, Padraig McGrogan and Ethan Doherty have been outstanding in the half-back line.

Conor Glass is one of the best footballers in the country and his partnership with Emmett Bradley in the middle of the field is central to Derry’s success.

Benny Heron, Shane McGuigan and Oisin McWilliams have been outstanding up front and Derry also have a number of talented young subs to call on.

Roscommon’s performance against Down was their best in this league so far. The team is playing with great confidence and has clear momentum.

Ultan Harney and Eddie Nolan were both outstanding at midfield against Down, but this test will be a couple of levels above what we have seen thus far.

Roscommon’s attack has been prospering. Donie and Enda Smith, Cathal Heneghan, Cian McKeon and Conor Cox have all been playing well. It is further back that Roscommon will need to be really sharp on Sunday. Colm Lavin’s kickouts will be crucial and Brian Stack and Niall Daly will have to lead from the front.

Make no mistake, this will be Roscommon’s toughest test so far – by some considerable distance.

Roscommon know that a win will put them in pole position. Playing in Dr Hyde Park is a big plus and there will be a big crowd there to roar them on. I’m predicting a tough, hard battle, one that may be low scoring. It promises to be a cracker, and I expect Roscommon to edge it by a point or two.

Prediction: Roscommon.

GAA Results U-17 Division One Football League Western Gaels 4-20 Pádraig Pearses 3-7 U-17 Division Two Football League St. Aidan’s 2-12 Kilbride 2-8 Kilmore/Shannon Gaels 3-22 St. Brigid’s 1-14 U-17 Division Three Football League Castlerea St. Kevin’s 4-9 Western Gaels 3-10 Elphin-Ballinameen 7-10 St. Ciaran’s 0-4 Tulsk Lord Edwards 3-8 Kilglass Gaels/St. Barry’s 3-6 St. Faithleach’s 7-17 Pádraig Pearses 3-3

Fixture Saturday, March 12th AFL Division Five (Section C) At Lisnamult: Roscommon Gaels v Creggs. 8 pm

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SportsPeople Darts

Soccer results

League action set to return

FAI Centenary Cup Sixth Round Pike Rovers 2 Ballinasloe Town 0 Norio’s Premier Division Castlerea Celtic 1 Moylough ’79 2 Kilkerrin United 2 Boyle Celtic 1 RDFL Division One Shiven Rovers 2 CP Ajax 1 Skyvalley Rovers 2 Dysart FC 4 Glen Celtic 0 Dunmore Town 1 RDFL Division Two Moore United B 3 Roscommon United B 1 St. Cuan’s Ahascragh United 1 Rahara Rovers 1 Joe’s Bar Challenge Cup First Round Cloonfad United B 1 Boyle Celtic B 2 Cam Celtic 0 Dunmore Town B 0 AET (Cam Celtic won 4-2 on penalties)

Roscommon Darts will meet this Thursday (March 10th) at 8.30 pm in Hannon’s Hotel to finalise details for an upcoming darts league to be held following the St. Patrick’s weekend. All teams are requested to have a representative in attendance on the night.

Preparations for the upcoming West Coast Intercounty tournament will also be finalised on the night and all members of the county panel are asked to attend.

Soccer Fixtures

Pictured is the Flanagan’s of Castleplunkett team who were runners-up in the 2020 Roscommon Darts Cup which concluded recently in Hannon’s Hotel.

Pictured is the Cosy Bar of Castlerea team who were runners-up in the 2020 Roscommon Darts Shield which concluded recently in Hannon’s Hotel.

Creggs RFC Report

THE GAIN LINE

Creggs win in Connacht Cup!

Creggs 54 NUIG 54-29 (Connacht Junior Cup Last 16): Creggs Firsts kicked off their Connacht Junior Cup campaign with a convincing win over NUIG Rugby Club in Creggs last Sunday afternoon.

Following their narrow loss to Connemara in the Connacht League Final a week earlier, Creggs rang the changes with several players unavailable through injury and illness.

While scoring eight tries was an impressive showing, the normally tight Creggs defence was breached once too often.

On a positive note, this win featured some great work from the forwards again with massive carries from Brian Diffley and Aidan Leech in particular. Maurice Buckley also deserves a mention as he was in inspirational form.

All told, a fine performance and other than a couple of uncharacteristic defensive lapses, Creggs are looking strong right across the park.

Creggs now have a home quarter-final against Buccaneers at 2.30 pm next Sunday with the winners also been drawn at home in the semi-final.

Youth Rugby

Friday, March 11th Norio’s Premier Division (8 pm) Moore United v Ballymoe FC Castlerea Celtic v Boyle Celtic Saturday, March 12th Joe’s Bar Challenge Cup Second Round (7 pm) Boyle Celtic v CP Ajax Glen Celtic v Skyvalley Rovers Sunday, March 13th Norio’s Premier Division (2 pm) Moylough ’79 v St. John’s Athletic Kilkerrin United v Ballinasloe Town Joe’s Bar Challenge Cup Second Round (11 am) Cam Celtic v Ballaghaderreen FC B Ballinasloe Town B v Roscommon United Dunmore Town v Shiven Rovers St. John’s Athletic B v Roscommon United B Wednesday, March 16th Norio’s Premier Division Boyle Celtic v Ballaghaderreen FC. 8 pm Thursday, March 17th Norio’s Premier Division Cloonfad United v Ballymoe FC. 11 am RDFL Division One Roscommon United v Ballinagare Manor United. 11 am

Creggs U-18.5s will play a friendly against Bixby Boys from the US on Sunday morning in Creggs at 11 am. This game will be played in advance of the Connacht Junior Cup Quarter-Final.

The Creggs U-16 Girls play their Connacht Cup Quarter-Final against Ballinasloe next Monday evening (14th) at 7.15 pm in Creggs.

Best of luck to the Convent of Mercy, Roscommon who take on MSM Claremorris in

the Connacht Schools Junior Girls Final at the Sportsground in Galway today (Thursday) at 12 Noon.

Meanwhile, Roscommon CBS suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Coláiste Iognáid in the Connacht Rugby Schools Senior Cup Semi-Final on Thursday last at Crowley Park in Galway Despite a brave effort against the 14-times winners of the competition, the Roscommon lads fell to a narrow 18-16 defeat.

Westport RFC 17 Creggs RFC 49 (Connacht U-18 Girls Cup Quarter-Final): Creggs U-18 Girls travelled to Westport last Saturday morning and came away with an impressive victory over the hosts, scoring seven tries in the process.

Played in beautiful conditions near Clew Bay, the Creggs tries came from Sarah Purcell (3), Rachel Gormley, Eabha Dowd, and Aoibhinn Murray with Dowd also kicking seven conversions.

Creggs will now play the winners of Tuam/ Oughterard and Ballinasloe in the Connacht U-18 Cup Semi-Final in Creggs in a couple of weeks’ time.

The Creggs team which overcame NUIG in the Connacht Junior Cup last Sunday afternoon. Missing from photo is Eoghan Cahill.

Mini Rugby

Creggs Mini Rugby teams have training in Creggs this Saturday morning at 10 am.

New players at all age groups (U-17 to U-12) always welcome.

Creggs Draw

Don’t forget to purchase your tickets for Creggs’ big draw (www.creggsrugby.ie) to be in with a chance of winning a €1,000 voucher for the K Club this month. Buy now and you will also be in for the big €50,000 cash prize next month (April). Purchase tickets from any club member/player or buy online (www.win50000euro.com).

Convent of Mercy, Roscommon Junior girls take on MSM Claremorris in the Connacht Schools Junior Final at the Sportsground in Galway today (Thursday) at 12 Noon.

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Horses for Courses Today’s racing is at Thurles with a 1.50 pm start for an all-chase card.

Tomorrow, racing takes place on the flat at the all-weather Polytrack surface in Dundalk, first race at 5 pm.

Saturday they race at Navan, first race at 2.15 pm, and at Gowran Park at 2 pm with the Grade B Shamrock Handicap Chase and the Tetratema Hunter Chase.

There are two meetings on Sunday, at Limerick, with a Grade 3 race, The EBF Shannon Spray Mares Novice Hurdle, away at 1.55 pm and at Naas with the Grade A Leinster National Chase backed up with two Grade 3 races, the Directors Plate Novice Chase, and the Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle from 1.45 pm.

Racing Review WP Mullins showed his stable is in

form with a very successful twoday Leopardstown meeting yielding five winners. Whisky Sour had a facile victory under Paul Townend on Sunday beating Gallant John Joe by 15l. Sunday proved even better for the Closutton Maestro with Townend again on the mark in the opener on Brooklyn Glory. Change of jockey in the third made no difference as Jack Foley drove Glengouly to a ¾l win over Elliott’s Sam’s Choice in the featured Red Mills Auction Novice Hurdle. Townend was back in the plate as Mount Leinster won the Beginners Chase by 13l from Global Society.

Son Patrick rounded of the weekend in fine style aboard the bumper winner Rath Gaul Boy who finished 6l ahead of Sean Mulryan owned Martin Brassil trained Golden Wonder’s. Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy had three winners, two on Sun-

day, Ballykeel and Cute Cherry and Prevaricate rounded off the treble on Monday. For good measure Mullins’ Arctic Warrior and Egality Mans won in Wexford under Jody McGarvey and nephew Danny respectively.

Racing News From RTÉ Documentary On One, a new 7-part documentary series telling the life story of two-time Aintree Grand National winner Tiger Roll, The People’s Horse, is now available on podcast ahead of the Cheltenham Festival. The series is also airing on RTÉ 2FM as part of Game On. Fairyhouse are hosting the 150th running of the Irish Grand National on Easter Monday, including their most stylish lady competition which will be judged by former jockey and Dancing With The Stars competitor

Nina Carberry, and MD of the main sponsors Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa, Gráinne Ross.

A barn fire caused by thunder and lightning storms at Wesley Ward’s stables in Lexington, Kentucky claimed the life of three horses, including his first Royal Ascot winner Strike The Tiger in the 2009 Windsor Castle Stakes.

Point-to-Point Corner North Down’s meeting at Kirkistown on Saturday has been cancelled due to ground conditions.

There are three meetings down for decision in the south on Sunday. At Lingstown in Co. Wexford, with 130 entries, at Ballyarthur near Fermoy in Cork, with 88 entries, and the re-scheduled fixture for Nenagh with 132 entries. Both Lingstown and

by Tom Red Nenagh meetings start at 1 pm, and Ballyarthur begins at 1.30 pm.

Cheltenham News Gordon Elliott schooled 38 Cheltenham Festival candidates after racing on Monday including Tiger Roll, under Davy Russell, and Gold Cup runners Galvin and Conflated.

Elliott was very happy with what he saw and was particularly delighted with the old man of the party, Tiger Roll. Cullentra House yard sent out 27 more on Tuesday morning and is set to send his biggest ever team, up to 55 horses, to Prestbury Park next week.

Cheltenham clerk of the course, John Pullin, his first festival, expects the ground at Prestbury Park to be mainly good to soft, soft in places for the start of the four-day Festival next Tuesday.

Cheltenham Festival Preview Starting on Tuesday is the world’s greatest national hunt racing festival, especially in the eyes of national hunt followers in Ireland. For four days every March the normally silent hills of the Cotswolds will ring out with a cacophony of cheers, song, and some, but very few, tears.

Day 1 (Tuesday) In the opening Supreme Novices Hurdle there are 17 runners from 61 entries and Willie Mullins provides the favourite, Sir Gerhard at 2/1 with the home team headed by Constitution. Mullins has eight entered and Dysart Diamond is not out of it.

Owned by Elanor Manning from Dysart outside Mullingar this could be one of Mullins’ second choice to win. The next Irish horse in the betting is again Mullins’ at 6/1, Kilcruit.

Very hard to oppose Mullins.

The Arkle has 14 runners from 24 with the home team’s Edwardstone the favourite at 9/4 from Mullins’ Blue Lord and Elliott’s Reviere D’etel at 7/2 in the ante post betting.

The next six in the betting are Irish trained the best of which could be Gavin Cromwell’s Gabynako, and a good e/w bet at 16/1, supplemented

at a cost of £8,000 on Wednesday morning.

There are 41 in the Ultima Handicap Chase only 24 permitted and like most of the big field handicaps here they are a layer’s paradise and best left alone. Kim Baily’s, Does He Know heads the betting at 6/1 with 7/1 bar. The next five in the betting are trained in Ireland with Emmet Mullins’ noble Yeats and Elliott’s Death Duty next in the betting. Try an e/w on Sue Smith’s Vintage Clouds if you must have a bet.

The leading home challenge is Honeysuckle, the defending champion, in the 14-runner Champion Hurdle, half of them trained in Ireland. The betting is headed by 3 Irish trained horses, Mullins’ Appreciate It, Elliott’s Teahupoo and de Bromhead’s Honeysuckle, favourite to retain her crown, and with her 7lb allowance it would be a brave man that would oppose her. The 2020 winner, Espatante, appears to be the best of the home team and should not be discarded in your considerations.

There are 10 of the 15 runners in the Mares Hurdle trained in Ireland with the favourite de Bromhead’s Tellmesomethinggirl at 3/1 from Closutton’s Concertista at 7/2. Peter Fahey’s Royal Kahala, seeking a hat-

Good Time Jonny and Kevin Sexton beat Mars Harper on the rails.

trick, is not out of it at 6/1.

The Boodles Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle still has 30 left with only 22 allowed to run. This time nine Irish trained head the market with Mullins’ Gaelic Warrior at the head of it at 9/4, with 5/1 the field. Elliotts’ French import Fil Dor only beaten once in five runs makes most appeal.

Sean Mulryan’s Doctor Brown Bear trained by Martin Brassil, even though a maiden, might be a bit of e/w value of the race.

In the Ukraine Appeal National Hunt Handicap Chase 16, the maximum allowed, of the 48 entered have been declared. The Irish head the market again with Run Wild Fred 5/2 for Elliott, Stattler 11/4, and Vanniller 9/2 and 7/1 bar the field. One that catches the eye is John McConnell’s Streets Of Doyen at a big price of 66/1. The 8-Y-O has had three trips to Prestbury Park and won once, finished third, and refused behind Threeunderthrufive on his latest trip in November.

My e/w Yankee selection for today is Gabynako, Honeysuckle, Royal Kahala, and for local interest Doctor Brown Bear.

Day 2 (Wednesday) In the Ballymore Novices Hurdle, there is a large entry of 66 with a maximum of 22 runners allowed. There are 31 from this island, 16 trained by WP Mullins at Closutton including the favourite Sir Gerhard and four trained at Cullentra by Gordon Elliott. Sir Gerhard is 7/4 favourite with Nicky Henderson’s Constitution Hill 5/2 and 5/1 bar. Henry de Bromhead and Joseph O’Brien have two each. Sir Gerhard for Ireland and Constitution Hill for the home team with My Mate Mozzie at 40/1 e/w for Gavin Cromwell if he travels.

Of the 32 entries with a limit of 20 in the Brown Advisory Novice Chase 17 are trained in Ireland. Willie Mullins trains eight including odds on Galopin Des Champs, two are trained at Cullentra. The hot favourite should win for Mullins but don’t leave Bob Olinger out of your calculations.

This race is followed by the Coral

Queen of Cheltenham: Rachael Blackmore and Honeysuckle in 2021.

Cup, a handicap hurdle, with 110 entries and only 26 runners, this is normally best left alone. Ireland holds the ante post favourite in this race with Closutton’s State’s Man, another Mullins favourite. Fastorslow trained by Martin Brassil and running in the colours of Sean Mulryan is 14/1 and might run into a place. Tony Martin, a man not to be lightly dismissed when it comes to handicaps, has dual Leopardstown winner Good Time Johnny seeking a hat-trick in this race.

This year’s Queen Mother Champion Chase with 18 entered, seven from Ireland and a maximum 20 runners allowed. Closutton in Energumne and Chacun Pour Soi look to be the best of the Irish entries, but they have Henderson’s Shiskin to beat and could prove difficult. Envoi Allen might be e/w value for Henry de Bromhead.

The Glenfarclas Cross Country handicap Chase has 26 entries and only 16 runners allowed. There are 14 from Ireland including Tiger Roll who could be making his last appearance on a racetrack. He is 9/4 with 6/1 bar which is poor value considering he is now 12 years of age. Cham-

pagne Platinum, while outsider of JP McManus’s five, could be e/w or if you can get it, a place bet at 20/1 could be the value of the race.

The Grand Annual Chase has 38 entries limited to 20 runners is wide open and the advice is to use the oldfashioned method to pick the winner, stick a pin in the paper. Elliott’s Buddy Rich heads the 7/1 the field betting.

There are 29 entered in the Weatherby’s Champion Bumper with a limit of 24. There ae 17 Irish trained in the field, WP Mullins has nine including the favourite Facile Vega, Elliot has three including the unbeaten American Mike. Mullins dominates the betting with four of the first five but American Mike has done everything asked of him, as Facile Vega, Elliott to repel the strong Mullins’ challenge.

My e/w Yankee selection for today is Sir Gerhard, Bob Olinger, Shiskin and American Mike.

Here’s wishing all punters a successful week and there will be a detailed look at next Thursday and Friday’s racing in next week’s edition when fields will be finalised before assessment unlike this week.

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Short putts Athlone

The team of Imelda Sheeran (captain), Noirin O’Rourke, Deirdre Connolly, Jean McGowan and Ber Kenny were crowned winners of the Ladies’ Winter League in Athlone recently. The team of Rhona Fitzgerald (captain), Yvonne Walsh, Deirdre Brosnan and Paula McClean finished runners-up, just four points behind.

Captains Frances McGettigan and Thomas O’Connor are looking forward to their Drive In this coming Sunday at 4 pm. The day will start with a Scramble at 10 am and entry fee includes a meal afterwards in the clubhouse.

The Shamrock Golf Open will take place from March 17th to 20th this year and is sponsored by Caffrey’s Furniture and Mattress Mick’s. Entry is €20.

The recent 97 Club competition was won by Yvonne Walsh with 21 points while T. Meagher (31 points) and Eoin Gleeson (31) were victorious in the AWGS and Gents’ 12-hole competitions respectively.

There was a palpable sense of grief in the club when news filtered through of the unexpected passing of Honorary member, Madeline Quinn, last week.

Madeline was the wife of retired Golf Professional Martin Quinn and along with Martin,

(News from local golf clubs)

ran the Golf Shop in Hodson Bay for nearly 40 years. She was a lady of immense charm and personality. She had a great sense of style and was known far and wide for the high quality golf fashion she stocked. Ar dheis De go raibh a h’anam dilis.

Boyle

The course is now open following the recent weather enforced closure and all rounds of the Spring League must be completed by March 20th.

This Sunday will see the official start of our golfing year with the Captains’ Drive. All members are invited to attend to welcome new Captain, Gabriel Lavin. A Scramble competition will get proceedings underway at 11.30 am.

Please support Boyle’s Monthly Draw which features a first prize of €120. Entry envelopes and further details available at the clubhouse.

Carrick

Sean McMonagle was the winner of last Thursday’s Senior competition with 39 points. Michael Duignan was runner-up, just two points behind.

Frances McGettigan, Athlone Golf Club Lady Captain, with the winning team of the Corner House Bistro Winter League 2022 (left to right: Frances McGettigan (Lady Captain), Jean McGowan, Noirin O’Rourke, Ber Kenny, Imelda Sheeran (Captain), and Deirdre Connolly.

There was a large attendance at the Seniors’ AGM which took place at the clubhouse on Thursday last. The officers elected for the coming year were: Captain Sean Martin, Vice-Captain Seamus Sweeney, Secretary Chris Lowe, Treasurer Michael De Lorey, PRO Sean Martin.

Roscommon The Men’s 18-hole competitions returned last Sunday with Jackie Somers topping the leaderboard with 39 points. Tom Óg O’Brien was runner-up on 38 while Malachy Lyons (38) finished third and Francis Grehan (32) took gross.

S. Hayden was victorious in the Men’s Senior competition on Thursday last with 35 points.

Other results: Cat. 1: M. Sharkey (32), Cat 2: N. Connolly (27), Cat 3: D. Bruen (32), Over 80: J. Cooney (31), Deuce: W. Doyle.

Patricia O’Gara won the Ladies’ 9-hole competition on Tuesday last (1st) with 13 points while M. Farrell was the winner of the Ladies’ Senior competition.

Finally, congratulations to Sandra Crean, Noreen O’Grady, and Myra Walsh on winning the Ladies’ Winter Final against the team of Anne Quirke, Bernie Browne and Martina Brennan.

Jackie Maxwell was the best individual winner during the competition.

Handball

Junior ‘C’ champions!

Swimming

Future Challengers!

Nine members of Coman’s Swimming Club competed at the ‘Future Challengers’ gala in Athlone last weekend. This was the first gala for Faye Kelly, Sean Keane and Senan Grogan,

who all swim superbly.

Ciara Lally, Phoebe Ryan, Ava Kiernan and Sean Keane all received B times, whilst Ryan Kelly won gold in the 25m kick.

Personal best times were achieved by all, including Annah McCormack and Sascha Connolly. Well done to all Coman’s junior swimmers on their fantastic swimming.

St. Coman’s’ Tom Killion and Sean Rafferty are the new 40x20 Junior ‘C’ doubles county champions after defeating their clubmates Enda Kelly and Adrian Greally in a hard-fought match last Thursday.

Both Enda and Adrian fared better in the singles event than their opposition, so probably would have been slight favourites going in and the first game seemed to bear that out as they won 21-15.

However, Tom and Sean dug deep in the second and turned things around to take the match to a tiebreaker by winning 21-12.

In the new format championship the tie-breaker is up to 11, so a good start is half the battle and Tom and Sean started fast and ended up the right side of an 11-4 scoreline.

A very entertaining 40x20 Junior doubles county semi-final was played out in St. Coman’s on Wednesday last as Curraghboy’s Philip O’Connor and Paul Kelly overcame St. Coman’s pair Oisin Naughton and Darren Beatty.

The first was a ding-dong affair as the ageless Naughton covered every inch of the court in an

effort to thwart the aggressive Curraghboy lads.

Beatty also chipped in with his usual spectacular kills but the better teamwork always appeared to be from the south Roscommon pair. The biggest gap in scores came as Oisin served for the game at 20-16, but could only watch as the Curragboy team took them out immediately and ruthlessly finished the game off in one hand.

The second game also featured a lot of good handball, but buoyed by their narrow first game win, Philip and Paul always looked the more likely winners and so it proved as they finished up victorious in a tough encounter on a scoreline of 21-20, 21-12.

The Coggeran brothers John and David from Kilglass are the new 40x20 Masters ‘B’ doubles champions after defeating St. Coman’s’ Darragh ‘Techno’ O’Gara and Shane Naughton last Sunday.

Surprisingly enough, the Coggerans have never played together in competition before, but they looked like a well-oiled partnership throughout. The town lads play much more 60x30 than small court, but they gave a whole-hearted effort before going down to the more clinical Kilglass lads 21-10, 21-8.

Athletics

Four gold medals for Reeside Recently established Knockcroghery/Lecarrow athletics club, Reeside AC, enjoyed a successful Connacht Indoor Championships at TUS Athlone recently.

A total of nine young athletes from the club took part in various events with the club bringing home an impressive haul of five medals including four gold and one silver.

On day one (Saturday, February 19th), Emily Clyne took gold in the Girls’ U-13 High Jump after clearing 1m 30cm.

On Sunday, Colm Fitzgerald and Eamonn Coyle continued the winning streak as Colm claimed gold in both the 60m Sprint and 60m Hurdles while Eamonn won silver before going one better to take gold in the Boys’ U-16 800m with a time of 2:14.28.

Eamonn was recently awarded the Athletics Ireland All-Stars Award for Roscommon Athlete of the Year (2021). Among his achievements are

breaking the U-15 Connacht 1,500m record in 4:34.39 and finishing second at the National Championships in 4:25.24.

Reeside AC committee and coaches extended congratulations to all members who took part and wished Emily, Colm and Eamonn the very best of luck in the All-Irelands.

Colm Fitzgerald was the winner of the U-14 60m Hurdles and Sprint events at the Connacht Indoor Championships recently.

Emily Clyne took gold in the U-13 High Jump at the Connacht Indoor Championships recently.

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Compiled by: Paul Healy

The

Weekend Rewind

GAA Studio

Weekend Fast-forward

Camógs fall to heavy defeat Roscommon were heavily defeated by Cavan in the opening round of National Camogie League Division Three in Athleague last Saturday.

The home team, which was short several players, actually led by a point at half-time (0-6 to 0-5), but Cavan powered away in the second half to win by 4-12 to 0-7.

Roscommon Gaels Social Night Tickets are now available from the organising committee for the Roscommon Gaels GAA Club Social Night on Wednesday next, March 16th.

Start the long weekend by joining us in the Abbey Hotel at 8 pm.

There will be food, entertainment, and maybe even some dancing!

The evening will also celebrate the winning teams of 2021: Minor Footballers, Junior and Minor Camogie, and U-19 Ladies Football. Looking forward to seeing everyone there.

Tickets are available from: Oliver Moran, Seamus Carthy, Finbar O’Reilly, Orla Fleming, Nicola Crosbie, Cahal Mahon and David Waldron.

Third straight defeat for U-20s Roscommon U-20s suffered their third defeat in the Leo Murphy Cup when they went down to Derry by 2-18 to 1-16 at Dr. Hyde Park last Saturday. Derry were the better side in the opening half and by half-time they led by 0-11 to 0-6.

Roscommon were much better on the resumption and Eoin Colleran’s goal brought them to within a point. It was nip and tuck until Niall O’Donnell’s late goal for Derry. *Roscommon play Sligo in the Connacht Championship on April 13th.

Coleman Hanley, Caoimhe Fenton and Padraig Shanagher cheering on the Roscommon ladies in Enfield on Sunday, where Roscommon defeated Sligo. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

O’Halloran: ‘Luck was definitely on our side!’

Allianz NHL Division 3A (Round 3) Roscommon 2-17 Armagh 1-19 < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon supporters Cara and Grace Cox pictured at Sunday’s LIDL National Football League Division 3 game between Roscommon and Sligo at Enfield (St. Croan’s GAA). Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Orla Keegan and Orla Norris attended Sunday’s LIDL National Football League Division 3 game between Roscommon and Sligo at Enfield (St. Croan’s GAA). Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon hurling manager Francis O’Halloran (pictured) agreed that luck was on their side as they edged past Armagh in a highly competitive clash at the Athletic Grounds last Sunday.

“We were lucky to win it to be honest,” he told People Sport this week.

“They are a good side and they played well. They shot 17 wides so we did well to come out of there with a win. We got out of jail but our lads kept going to the very end and all credit to them.

It’s a game that we probably would have lost in years gone by.

“But it’s all about a learning curve for us and we will take a lot out of that game. We will prepare for Monaghan now and it looks

like we will be playing them (Armagh) again before this league is over.

“We have a few injuries after the match so we will have to see what happens in the next few days on that front…but if we can take the learnings from it we will improve again. The lads are working really hard and are such an honest bunch and hopefully we can kick on from here,” he concluded.

Substitute Mickey Joe Egan was the Roscommon hero with a late goal and a point to snatch an unlikely victory. With Cathal Dolan once again the Roscommon scorer-in-chief, the sides were level at 0-10 each at half-time.

Brendan Mulry edged Roscommon ahead with a brilliant goal in the 52nd minute but when Dan Gaffney replied with a goal for the home side they led by 1-16 to 1-13 with only seven minutes left.

Roscommon stuck to their task with Egan on hand to rifle home a late goal to level the scores and the St. Dominic’s man gave his

Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

side the dramatic win with a point deep into injury-time.

Roscommon: Noel Fallon; Conor Coyle, Darren Fallon, Donal Kelly; Padraig Kelly (0-2), Conor Cosgrave, Jason Martin; Liam Og Murray, Peter Kellehan; Ben McGahon, Cathal Dolan

(0-11), Eamon Mulry; Brendan Mulry (1-2), Daniel Glynn, Eoin Fitzgerald. Subs: Mickey Joe Egan (1-1) for E Mulry, Eoghan Costello for Murray,Naos Connaughton for Fitzgerald, Hugh Rooney for McGahon, Adam Donnelly for Glynn.

Roscommon Scór na nÓg 2022 kicks off!

Kilmurry Hall hosted a wonderful return to Roscommon GAA Scór na nÓg on Friday night last. A large crowd enjoyed an excellent night of entertainment as representatives from 16 clubs took to the stage. An opportunity to take part in Saturday’s County Final in Elphin was at stake and competitors gave their all in a night full of club pride and positivity.

The adjudicators had an arduous task in selecting groups/individuals to go forward and each and every competitor should be tremendously proud of their efforts.

The following have qualified for the County Final: Figure Dancing: Castlerea St. Kevin’s, Roscommon Gaels A and B; Solo Singing: Ruby Collins

(Michael Glavey’s), Hannah O’Connor (St. Dominic’s), Alisha Manning (Castlerea St. Kevin’s), Gemma Casey (St. Dominic’s); Recitation/Storytelling: Eabha Nally (Roscommon Gaels), Hannah Gunn (Elphin), Diarmuid Fleming (Roscommon Gaels), Matthew Ffrench (Kilmore); Ballad Group: Kilmore and St. Dominic’s; Novelty Act: Elphin; In-

strumental Music: Roscommon Gaels D, C and B, St. Michael’s; Set Dancing: Kilmore and Elphin.

The County Final will be held in Elphin Community Hall starting at 7 pm sharp this Saturday. It will be preceded at 5 pm with the Tráth an gCeisteanna.

The final is a ticket-only event (see www.roscommongaa.ie).

Winners at county level will advance to the Connacht Scór na nÓg Final in the Town Hall Theatre, Ballinasloe on April 2nd. A huge word of thanks to the Kilmurry Hall Committee for their wonderful work hosting last Friday’s provisional round. They have created an outstanding facility and it proved a fantastic venue for Scór.

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Lennon and ladies look to the Lilywhites after win over Sligo Aisling Hanly in action for Roscommon in Enfield last Sunday. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 3 Roscommon 3-12 Sligo 2-9 < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon ladies football manager Ollie Lennon has hailed his team for achieving their goal of reaching the Division 3 semi-final, where they will meet Kildare. Lennon was impressed with his side’s resilience when they withstood a fightback by Sligo in Enfield on Sunday, the Rossies having left themselves vulnerable when two of their team were sin-binned.

Roscommon ultimately won by a six-point margin, and are now busy preparing for that semi-final date with

Lisa O’Rourke in action for Roscommon against Sligo in Enfield last Sunday.

Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Kildare on the weekend after next.

Lennon was a happy man at the fulltime whistle.

“We did a lot of good work in the first half. You will never keep a team like Sligo down for the whole 60 minutes.

We knew they would have a purple patch, and when we lost two players to the sin bin, Sligo capitalised on that and they brought the margin back to six points. They could have reduced it even further but we defended well and it was a matter of seeing it out in the end”.

In truth, this was the Roscommon team’s best display of the season so far as they accounted for old rivals Sligo by that six-point margin. At the three-quarter stage Roscommon actually led by 12 points (3-9 to 0-6) but the loss of Jenny Higgins and Niamh Feeney with those yellow cards late in the game coincided with a Sligo revival. Roscommon had done enough to weather the storm.

On a perfect day for football Roscommon showed their intent early on, going 1-4 to 0-1 ahead by the 14-minute mark, Jenny Higgins fisting home the goal in the 7th minute after a great pass from Rosie Lennon.

Katie Walsh was keeping Sligo in the match with points from play and frees, but Roscommon’s second goal arrived in the 26th minute when Jenny Higgins spotted Aisling Hanly free inside the Sligo defence and the Kilbride sharpshooter made no mistake from close-range.

There was an element of luck about Roscommon’s third goal. Laura Fleming’s free from 25 metres out looped over Sligo defenders and goalkeeper alike, that fortuitous score helping Roscommon into a 3-7 to 0-6 half-time

Teams & scorers Roscommon: Helena Cummins; Sinead Kenny (0-1), Rachel Brady, Megan Kelly; Roisin Wynne, Rachel Fitzmaurice, Ellen Irwin; Kate Nolan (0-1), Jenny Higgins (1-2); Laura Fleming (1-3), Lisa O’Rourke, Caroline Conway; Aisling Hanly (1-3), Roise Lennon (0-1), Niamh Feeney.

Subs: Lauran Shanagher for Lennon and Abby Curran for Conway (39), Saoirse Wynne for Kelly and Mikeala McHugh (0-1) for Irwin (50).

Laura Fleming looks set to get this kick away despite the close attention and attempted block of Sligo’s Claire Dunne. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

lead.

Roisin Wynne, Lisa O’Rourke, Laura Fleming, Aisling Hanly, Jenny Higgins and sub Lauran Shanagher were very prominent for Roscommon all through. The home side extended their lead to 12 points with scores from Sinead Kenny and Jenny Higgins on the resumption.

Sligo’s star player Katie Walsh had been off the field with a yellow card, but when she returned and Jenny Higgins was sent to the sin bin, Sligo staged a revival. Roisin Molloy scored a fine individual goal in the 47th minute and with six minutes to go Katie Walsh was fouled by Niamh Feeney

(who was also sin-binned) and Walsh buried the resultant spot-kick. But Roscommon held on to win comfortably, with Helena Cummins making a couple of good saves in the final minutes.

Roscommon manager Ollie Lennon hailed the fact that a season target had been met.

“It is so positive for the group to be in the semi-final. We lost our first game against Down and our backs were against the wall after that. We knew we had to win two games to get to the semi-final and we have done that now.

Our aim was to get to the semi-final at the start of the years so we are very happy here this evening”.

Sligo: Leonie Gaughan; Aoife Morrisroe, Michelle McNamara, Ellie McDermott; Claire Dunne, Aisling Egan, Jade Lyons; Sarah Reynolds, Roisin Molloy (1-0); Ciara Gorman (0-1), Rachel O’Brien, Lisa Casey (0-1); Megan McCormack (0-2), Katie Walsh (14, pen, 2 frees), Sarah Conway.

Subs: Maeve Casserly for Casey (39), Nikki Brennan for Lyons (42), Aoife Haran for Dunne and Lisa Powell for McDermott (51), Leah Duffy (0-1) for Cunney (55).

Referee: Mel Kenny (Mayo).

Stat Attack Wides: Roscommon 7 (3, first half ); Sligo 5 (2, first half ) Red cards: 0 Yellow cards: Roscommon 2 (Jenny Higgins 46, Niamh Feeney 54); Sligo 1 (Katie Walsh 35) Player of the Match: Lisa O’Rourke (Roscommon)

Roscommon People Friday 11 March 2022

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