21 April 2023 Roscommon People

Stephen Silver, who was found guilty last month of the capital murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan in Castlerea three years ago, has been sentenced to life in prison – and will serve a minimum of 40 years.

In a packed courtroom in the Criminal Courts of Justice on Wednesday, Ms Justice Tara Burns said she had no discretion to do other than impose the maximum sentence for murder.

Members of Garda Horkan’s family were present to hear the sentencing details. In statements read to the court, Garda Horkan’s family described him as a loving and thoughtful man, while Ms Justice Burns said he had clearly been “the heart and soul” of their family.

Silver (46) from Foxford in Co. Mayo, had denied murdering Detective Horkan but admitted manslaughter. A jury unanimously

found him guilty of murdering a Garda in the course of his duty.

Detective Horkan was shot a number of times with his own firearm on Main Street, Castlerea on the night of June 17th, 2020 following reports of a disturbance in the area.

Pictured at the opening night of the All Ireland (Confined) Drama Finals in Glenamaddy Community Centre last Thursday were Mary Connolly, Oisin Keaveney and Anna Flaherty. The finals continue tonight and tomorrow, with an awards ceremony on Saturday night. See inside. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

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Stephen Silver

INHERITANCE TAX – UNMARRIED COUPLES

My partner and I have lived together for the past two years. I own the house where we live. My partner recently told me that he made a will and he is leaving his entire estate to me. He is not particularly wealthy but I understand he has a large life insurance policy. I don’t want to sound ungrateful but if my partner passed away would I be left with a very large inheritance tax bill?

A person is entitled to receive a gift or inheritance up to a certain value without being liable for inheritance tax which is also known as Capital Acquisition Tax. The amount of tax payable depends on the amount of the gift or inheritance and the relationship between the parties. For tax purposes the relationships are categorised into three different groups namely Group A, B and C. Group A applies where the beneficiary i.e. the person receiving the gift or inheritance is a child of the person giving that gift or inheritance (disponer). This includes a stepchild and an adopted child. It may also include a parent, foster child, and a favourite niece or nephew in certain limited circumstances.

Group B applies where the beneficiary is a grandparent, grandchild, great-grandchild, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, nephew or niece of the disponer. A parent who does not qualify under Group A will fall into Group B.

Group C applies to any relationship not included in Group A or Group B.

The amount that can be received tax free is known as the threshold. The current threshold for Group A is €335,000, Group B is €32,500 and Group C is €16,250. A gift or inheritance up to the threshold amount does not attract Capital Acquisition Tax. A gift or inheritance above the threshold amount will attract tax of 33% on that amount in excess of the threshold.

If you receive a gift or inheritance from your spouse or civil partner, you are exempt from Capital Acquisitions Tax. Unfortunately, the same exemption does not apply to partners living together. Therefore, if you are living with someone and not married or in a civil partnership then you will only be able to inherit up to €16,250 from your partner tax-free. The remainder will be taxed at 33%.

WATCHING People

With PAUL HEALY

When I say the Secret Service guy engaged me, I mean in a headlock…

So, that’s TWO consecutive wonderful weekends in Mayo for us!

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE!

First Burke conquered Castlebar, then Biden charmed Ballina! I’m so glad we went! Even with the drama you had!

A great trip for the three of us… even the pub bore was bearable!

(They pause to smile wistfully at photos of Biden in Ballina)

Of course you HAD to get into trouble…

I felt we deserved to be up close and personal with Mr Biden!

Yeah, you were convinced that either the Editor or Joe Brolly would come good with press passes!

They’re insisting there was a misunderstanding…

You think they gave them to Frank Bran…

No conspiracy theories, please!

Anyway, we had a ball. Fair play to the pub bore for insisting we start off in Knock…

Yeah!

We got a glimpse of Joe Biden when he disembarked from the plane…

Yeah!

Then we tried to get ahead of the motorcade…

Say what you like about the pub bore, but he’s a nifty driver!

Endangered Species

Thebarstoolboyos

(They pause to discuss Roscommon v Galway this weekend, before returning to their Mayo musings)

Tell me again about that whole episode with the big Secret Service chap in Ballina… you really thought he’d let us into the VIP section?

I simply went up to him, ready to explain that we write in the biggest circulating newspaper in the region… He reacted with the speed of a cheetah!

Yeah! I was saved – for once – by the pub bore!

I couldn’t see it all, not with the crowds…

Well, the Secret Service guy engaged me… ENGAGED?

Okay, when I say engaged me, I mean in a headlock…

More like it!

Luckily, the pub bore explained who I was. Then he went on to talk to him about the founding fathers of America…

The Secret Service guy was cool with it all?

Well, as luck would have it, the pub bore spotted the Editor and Joe Brolly sitting in VIP seats near the podium, right beside Enda Kenny. AND?

They came down and verified to the Secret Service that I wasn’t a threat.

I know we travelled home together, but you never told me where you watched Biden’s speech from…

Well, the Secret Service man marched me up to the VIP seats and joked: ‘Buddy, I like you, but I’m gonna sit you down beside another big giant of a man, just to make sure you don’t get over-exuberant!’

Beside ANOTHER Secret Service man?

NO! It was slightly awkward actually, as I was wearing my Roscommon GAA jersey. He plonked me down beside another VIP… Aidan O’Shea!

It’s been a GOOD week for… ☺

Ireland, with the visit of US President Joe Biden deemed a big success

Roscommon golfer Olivia Costello, who won the Scottish Girls Championship on Friday

Charismatic Irish actor Colin Farrell, this after the star was included on Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People 2023 list

Rooskey native Carmel Browne, this after she was elected Vice-President of the INTO at the teachers’ annual conference in Killarney – meaning she will take over as president next year

Lough Ree Access for All, with the BallyleagueLanesboro based enterprise winning the Most Inclusive Project 2022 prize at the Local Authority Members’ Association Community & Council Awards

It’s been a BAD week for… ☹

Former DUP leader Arlene Foster, who came across as mean-spirited with a series of criticisms of US President Joe Biden, culminating in her much-disputed assertion that he “hates” the UK

PIC OF THE WEEK: It’s not funny, ref! An unimpressed Sean Dowd receives a yellow card from the referee during Sunday’s Nickey Rackard Cup game between Roscommon and Armagh in Dr Hyde Park. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

‘He met three saints during his lifetime – to me he is a saint too’

Fundraiser for Fr Ray Browne memorial statue

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The Fr Raymond Browne Memorial Committee in Kilbride will launch a fundraising drive in the coming weeks to raise monies for the production of a marble statue depicting the muchloved parish priest, who sadly passed away in November 2020.

A launch night will take place on Saturday, April 29th, and will include a showing of the Fr Raymond Browne documentary which was produced by filmmaker Ronan Carley. Details of an idonate fundraising page will be revealed on the night and it is hoped that the committee, who are in collaboration with Roscommon-based Feelystone, will host a special unveiling of the statue this summer.

Fr Raymond Browne was born in Co. Sligo in 1928 but served much of his 66 years in the priesthood in Co. Roscommon. He was ordained to the Diocese of Elphin in 1954 and spent his first years as a ‘guest priest’ in Nigeria. On returning to Ireland in 1958, Fr. Ray as he was known as, was appointed curate at Drumboylan in Ardcarne parish before moving to the Sacred Heart Parish in Roscommon town. He then moved to Fourmilehouse in 1986 where he became parish priest of Kilbride.

Chairperson of the Fr Raymond Browne Memorial Committee, Tim Donnelly, said the fundraiser, which will be launched on Fr Ray’s Memorial Weekend from April 28th to 30th, would go towards honouring the popular priest’s legacy.

“We are hoping to raise a total of €12,000 and that would provide for the statue of Fr. Ray and seating in the graveyard in Derrane,” Mr Donnelly said.

“We feel that this is an appropriate way to honour his legacy. He was loved everywhere he went, whether it was Nigeria, Drumboylan, Roscommon or here in Kilbride. He left each parish a better place and achieved something in every one”.

Paying further tribute, other committee members spoke of Fr Ray as ‘a visionary’ and said he was humble in everything he did, highlighting

Carmel to be next INTO President

Dan Dooner

A County Roscommon woman is set to become President of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) in 2024 after she was elected Vice-President at INTO’s 2023 conference in Killarney last week.

Carmel Browne, a native of Cloonfad, Rooskey, will take over from newly-elected president Dorothy McGinley when her term ends next year.

Carmel has represented District 7 encompassing Longford, Westmeath, Offaly, Kildare and Meath on the INTO Central Executive Committee since 2015. She has been a member of the INTO since she started her teaching career in 1980, and has worked at branch and district level, serving as District 7 representative on the Equality Committee, taking on the role of chairperson until her election to the INTO executive in 2015.

Carmel has worked with all age groups from infants to sixth class and as a learning support and resource teacher. She successfully completed her Masters in Education in 2011 and also taught in West London for several years.

the development work he inspired in Kilbride as well as his care for the sick and elderly.

“He met with three saints during his lifetime; Saint Teresa, Padre Pio and Pope John Paul II and to me he is a saint too,” Mr. Donnelly concluded.

The launch night for Fr Raymond Browne’s Memorial Weekend will take place at 8.15 pm on Saturday, April 29th. As well as a showing of the documentary, light refreshments will be served and there will be a raffle. Tickets cost €10 and are available from any committee member.

She is a keen sportsperson and advocates the benefits of being physically active for children and teachers alike.

Equality issues are among her core priorities and she says she looks forward to working with members to bring about positives changes for teachers across the island.

The late Fr Raymond Browne pictured meeting Mother Teresa.

‘Dignified’ Biden visit a big boost to Mayo Roscommon Hospice – Smith

Mike Smith, the chairperson of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, has described US President Joe Biden’s visit to the Mayo Hospice in Castlebar last Friday as a fantastic boost for everyone associated with the service.

Mr. Smith, a native of Boyle, Co. Roscommon, is in his fourth year as chairperson of Mayo Roscommon Hospice. Speaking to the Roscommon People on Tuesday, the well-known auctioneer said that the private visit by President Biden and family members was a deeply touching and emotional experience for all involved.

President Biden had been scheduled to spend about 10 minutes at the facility, but ended up staying for almost an hour, during which time he met with patients and chatted with Hospice staff and members of the board.

“A buzzword during President Biden’s visit to Ireland was ‘dignity’ and I must say that everything about his visit to the Hospice was marked by respect and dignity” Mr. Smith said.

The visit was steeped in poignancy and emotion. At the invitation of his cousin, Lau-

rita Blewitt, Mr. Biden had turned the sod for the Hospice building back in 2016. Subsequently (in 2019), a plaque was installed at the facility in commemoration of Mr. Biden’s son, Beau, who died in 2015.

Mike Smith: “When Joe Biden turned the sod in 2016, he promised he’d return to see the completed Hospice. We could never have imagined that he would return as President of America. It was a great honour for me, as chairperson of the board, to welcome him on Friday. Oliver McGuinness and Paul Foxe, both from Roscommon, are also on the board”.

Describing Friday’s remarkable visit, Mr. Smith continued: “When President Biden arrived, he was very emotional. In Knock, he had just met Fr. Frank O’Grady, the priest who administered the last rites to Beau Biden. The president was accompanied by his sister, Valerie Biden Owens, and his son, Hunter. Laurita (Blewitt), myself, and our CEO, Martina Jennings, joined them. We just seemed to form a circle. It was very emotional as they viewed the plaque dedicated to Beau”.

Mr. Smith said the US President’s visit was marked by dignity and respect. “We brought him inside, where he met his relatives, mem-

bers of the Blewitt family. I also introduced him to staff and directors of the Hospice. He was very personable, and delighted to be back in Mayo. He was fantastic”.

The president insisted on meeting patients. “He found that very moving. He embraced each patient and spoke with them. It was very private… respectful and dignified”.

President Biden, who is a patron of Mayo Roscommon Hospice, spoke to board members and staff about the Hospice organisation.

Reflecting on a remarkable afternoon, Mike Smith said the visit by President Biden was a fantastic boost to everyone associated with the Hospice. Acknowledging everyone who has a role with the Hospice, the chairperson paid tribute to staff, those involved in charity shops, board members and all volunteers. He paid particular tribute to Martina Jennings, Hospice CEO, stating that she had worked “night and day” in preparation for the US president’s visit.

Finally, in a reference to Roscommon’s recent win over Mayo, the GAA enthusiast – who is the father of Roscommon stars Enda and Donie – quipped: “I’d never have thought I’d have two such great days in Castlebar in the one week!”

Harkin hails ‘warm and personal’ Biden visit

Sligo-Leitrim TD Marian Harkin says she was delighted to meet President Joe Biden during his visit to the Dáil.

“I was honoured to represent the Independent Group in welcoming the President to Dáil Eireann when he addressed the joint session of the Dáil and Seanad”, said Ms. Harkin. Ms. Harkin and President Biden spoke about Senator Tom Harkin, a relative of the TD who is a longserving Democratic Senator from the

State of Iowa and a good friend of the president’s.

“The occasion of the president’s visit was extraordinary,” Ms. Harkin said.

“His address was personal and warm. His first words as he looked up to the Heavens and said, ‘Mom you were right’ – these set the tone for his address. It wasn’t about policy issues other than at the highest overarching level.

“He talked about shared values and the dignity of every single person

along with the importance of equality and diversity in decent societies”. Ms. Harkin described the president’s presence in Ireland to support the Good Friday Agreement and strengthen democracy as a reminder that peace and democracy cannot be taken for granted.

She added: “Flying into Ireland West Airport, visiting Knock Shrine and Co. Mayo was a fitting end to a wonderful trip and a great occasion

for the people of the entire Northwest”.

President Biden pictured meeting Deputy Marian Harkin at the Dáil as Ceann Comhairle Sean O’Fearghaill and Deputy Mattie McGrath look on.

County Roscommon native Mike Smith (chairperson of Mayo Roscommon Hospice) in conversation with President Joe Biden in Castlebar last Friday.

An emotional moment as President Biden and family members view the plaque in Mayo Hospice in Castlebar which has been dedicated to his late son, Beau. Left to right: Laurita Blewitt, board member, Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation; Martina Jennings, CEO, Mayo Roscommon Hospice; Hunter Biden; President Joe Biden; Valerie Biden Owens (sister of the president), and Mike Smith, chairperson, Mayo Roscommon Hospice. Photo: Patrick Semansky/AP

PAUL HEALY

Scoil Bhríde to host free family fun day

Scoil Bhríde in Four Mile House are hosting a free family fun day this Saturday, April 22nd, at Kilbride Community Centre.

The day promises to be packed full of events and activities to cater for all ages, commencing with a 5k family fun walk at 11.30 am sharp, departing from the school grounds. Keep an eye out for your favourite Disney characters along the way!

The main events will commence once the walk concludes, in and around Kilbride Community Centre. Events include penalty shootout, mini tractor run, bouncy castles, novelty games and activities, disco, face-painting, and much, much more! There will be a BBQ and an ice cream stall, along with teas, coffee and baked goods that can be purchased on the day.

All events are free, however organisers would ask attendees to support the raffle and monster silent auction. There are some amazing prizes up for grabs, with all proceeds going towards fundraising efforts for the development of a sensory garden and biodiversity area at Scoil Bhríde.

Looking forward to seeing you on the day!

Murphy welcomes funding for schools

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has welcomed confirmation of funding for extensions to two local schools.

He said: “I have been informed by Minister Norma Foley that Our Lady of Mount Carmel National School in Rooskey has been approved for two extra classrooms; one for special education teaching and one mainstream classroom. In addition, Scoil Naomh Padraig in Moylough has also been approved for one mainstream classroom, with ensuite.

“This reflects the Government’s ongoing investment in our education facilities and is good news for the pupils, teachers, and the communities served by these schools,” said Senator Murphy.

Local woman appearing on Virgin Media’s ‘Make-Up All Stars’

A local make-up artist is currently appearing in a brand new reality television series on Virgin Media called ‘Make-Up All Stars’, which is presented by Paul Ryder.

Roscommon town woman, Rachel Somers, is one of eight aspiring make-up artists bidding to impress a star-studded line-up of judges.

The series is airing exclusively on Virgin Media Player over five consecutive nights this week.

The producers said: “TV presenter and drag queen Paul Ryder will bring his own flair and charisma to the show, with a passion for all things make-up and knowledge of the skill, artistry, and imagination involved in creating extraordinary make-up transformations”.

You can find out how Rachel gets on every night this week on Virgin Media Player.

Your chance to gain free tickets to Ideal Home Show, with Sean Doyle Windows

Since its inception in 1979 by Sean Doyle, a native of County Roscommon, Sean Doyle Windows has risen to become the leading manufacturer of premium windows and doors in Ireland.

With a steadfast dedication to producing outstanding quality, and four decades of expertise, the family-run business offers a comprehensive range of services, from design and manufacturing to installation, ensuring that all your requirements are met under one roof.

Their extensive range of products includes Aluminium, Alu-Clad, Hardwood, Glass to Glass, and sash windows in PVC sliding sash and hardwood sash, as well as an extensive range of uPVC windows. Additionally, they offer composite, hardwood, and lift and slide patio doors, available in a range of materials, from PVC to Aluminium, Alu Clad, Hardwood, and Timber. Sean Doyle Windows ensures that there is a complete range of styles available to suit all properties, from classic to contemporary.

As the company celebrates its 44th anniversary, they will be appearing at the Ideal Home Show in the RDS from April 21st-23rd, showcasing their impressive range of windows and doors. Visit their stand, O42, to see their bespoke products and meet the team. If you’re unable to attend the event, visit their Roscommon or Dublin showroom, open six days a week including Saturdays. Call 090-6626753 to arrange a visit.

To receive FREE tickets to the Ideal Home Show, visit www.seandoylewindows.com or call the office. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the exceptional quality and bespoke service that Sean Doyle Windows has to offer.

Roscommon town woman, Rachel Somers, will be one of eight aspiring make-up artists bidding to impress a star-studded lineup of judges on Virgin Media’s ‘Make-up All Stars’.

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

A COLUMN BY ROSCOMMON PEOPLE EDITOR PAUL@ROSCOMMONPEOPLE.IE

THURSDAY Man visits Ireland

Probably because I haven’t been enthused by him (that and my growing cynicism), I watched very little of the early days of President Biden’s muchhyped visit to the island. But that would change…

Certain colleagues in the media were of course extremely excited with the circus, sorry, visit, breathlessly commenting on every tiny detail, some even shamelessly lining up for a selfie with the celebrity visitor! Eamon Dunphy’s ‘fans with typewriters’ phrase came to mind.

By Wednesday, it was getting hard to avoid ‘Biden in Ireland’. Even though it’s our busiest day in the newspaper, I caught glimpses of a soaked US president and a beaming Micheál Martin as they traversed County Louth. The rain was mercilessly bucketing down, but nothing could dampen Micheál’s joy.

To be fair to Biden, he was sure-footed during the week when addressing the delicate issue of the non-performing Northern Ireland Assembly (his visit coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement).

Last night, President Biden had the Irish rugby team beating the Black and Tans in 2016, instead of the All Blacks. The media pounced on that, gleefully reaching for the ‘gaffe’ word. Silly stuff. Anybody could make a slip like that, particularly on a long, lousy day in Louth.

This evening, I watched RTE’s live coverage of Biden’s address to the Houses of the Oireachtas, and a fine occasion it was. I was in that upstairs gallery myself only a few weeks ago, surrounded by some West of Ireland media colleagues. This evening, ‘our’ seats were taken by Gerry Adams, Bertie Ahern and Enda Kenny (quite the trio).

As for President Biden’s speech, it was well pitched, with glowing praise for Ireland, much talk of the enduring strength of the Irish-US relationship, and emotional references to his own Irishness and the sense he had of ‘coming home’.

Biden received a standing ovation from the TDs and Senators. As the applause continued – the Oireachtas members suitably star-struck – the president made his way to the upstairs gallery and had a brief word with a number of guests, including former Irish president Mary McAleese, and the aforementioned three wise men (Adams, Ahern and Kenny).

As he began to descend the stairs, President Biden got to meet Deputy Robert Troy. Naturally, Senator Donie Cassidy was also circling.

FRIDAY In praise of Joe…

Today was a great day for our neighbours as President Biden made it home to Mayo. I still don’t rate Biden a great president, but he’s winning me over on a personal level. He has impressive stamina, and much more charm than I thought. And could anybody speak with such emotion, love and pride about Ireland and their Irish roots, and

not really mean it?

Most of all, I find myself admiring Biden’s decency. And I have to admit it really is a very big deal that the occupant of the White House – the so-called ‘most powerful man in the world’ – is giving of himself so much to Ireland, to the memory of his ancestors, to our nation and people, and what we stand for.

It’s evident that this trip has genuinely been very emotional for Biden, that it’s really personal. He is clearly incredibly proud of his Irish roots, and of Ireland.

SATURDAY/SUNDAY Ryan of the Rovers

The American president’s visit to County Mayo was very positive. Traditionally, Ballina isn’t spoken of in the same breath as Westport or Castlebar, but Fiona and I discovered many years ago that it’s a lovely, friendly town with great character. Jack Charlton fell in love with it too.

It was nice, post-Bidenmania, to enjoy the weekend sport. On the couch, of course. On Saturday, Manchester City closed in on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League. Next day, Arsenal wobbled ominously, losing a 2-0 lead when coasting against West Ham (it ended 2-2).

Meanwhile, reports that Ulster football is prone to being negative, cynical, boring, etc. may have been greatly exaggerated. On Sunday, a great contest between Monaghan and Tyrone had us on the edge of our…er, couches. With Tyrone ahead by one point and time almost up, the previously unknown Ryan O’Toole went all Roy (Ryan?) of the Rovers. Where most would have gratefully pointed an equaliser, O’Toole had the audacity to shoot for goal. Fortune favoured the brave.

MONDAY EastEnders update (again)

Many years ago, we lived in a village

in the west of Ireland that (when I look back now) reminds me quite a bit of EastEnders (BBC).

I remember thinking it was an odd place. Behind the curtains of each village house or apartment, scandal rested uneasily, waiting to be exposed. The locals snarled a lot. A bald guy with a chip on his shoulder was running a garage, but did very little business. I think that was down to the fact that every time a customer popped in, the owner emerged from the shadows brandishing an iron bar.

The café, launderette and hairdressers were all hotbeds of gossip. The local pub was never dull; there were stand-up rows most evenings.

We got used to the kidnappings, double crossing, extortion, etc., but when the murders started we began to think about moving out. A few locals came to unpleasant ends. It was bad for morale.

Every Christmas Day you could be sure there would be a major flare-up somewhere in the village, meaning the Garda cars invariably whizzed into ‘town’ just as everyone was sitting down for Dinner.

In a desperate attempt to create some community spirit, we started a village market, but nobody ever bought anything. Plus, there was tension when various stall holders suggested having a drink in the local “later” – without ever mentioning a meeting time. That fell flat.

It got weirder. Every evening at around 8.30 some dramatic (‘Doof, doof’) music filled the air, and the locals just stared into space, briefly.

The murders continued, so we approached the local solicitor to see if anything could be done. Immediate conflict of interest: it turned out that he was the murderer.

In the end we just packed our bags and left. In fairness to the locals, they all came out to see us off in the village square, staring blankly into space as we looked back through the rear window of the taxi…

Ladies in Croagh Patrick climb in memory of legend Marie

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The Roscommon Ladies Intermediate football team will climb Croagh Patrick this Saturday (April 22nd) in memory of LGFA stalwart, the late Marie McAleer, raising funds for Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation in the process.

The ladies are meeting at 10.45 am in the car park at Croagh Patrick and plan to start their climb at 11 am. They have been supported in this fundraising endeav-

our by the Roscommon LGFA County Board.

The climb is in memory of former County Secretary and leading light in the LGFA at national level, Marie McAleer. Marie was one of the founding members of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association in Roscommon and helped to establish ladies football nationwide.

A spokesperson for the fundraising group said: “Marie leaves behind a legacy, one which will be hard to eclipse. We as members of Roscommon Ladies

Football feel this is a fitting tribute to a fantastic supporter of ladies’ football.

“If anyone else would like to take part in the climb, please feel free to

contact us or just turn up on the day of the climb. Please support Mayo Roscommon Hospice and the people the Foundation supports”. You can contribute to the fundraising efforts of the Roscommon Ladies team by visiting the following link and donating to Mayo Roscommon Hospice: https://www.idonate.ie/ fundraiser/RoscommonLadiesFootballTeam

All support, whether on the day of the climb or through donations, would be gratefully appreciated.

€40k funding to upgrade local GAA Club walking tracks

Minister Hildegarde Naughton announced €40,000 in Healthy Ireland funding to Oran and Western Gaels GAA clubs for the upgrade of walking tracks during a visit to Rockfield on Monday afternoon, which also saw GAA President Larry McCarthy in attendance.

As part of the funding, Oran received €25,000 while Western Gaels received €15,000.

The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy said: “I am delighted to welcome the announcement of the successful clubs for this very worthwhile initiative.

“Healthy Ireland has been a long-standing partner of the Irish Life GAA Healthy Club Project and supporter of the GAA’s efforts to transform clubs into hubs for health in their communities, all of which makes a significant contribution to the Healthy Ireland agenda”.

Speaking to the Roscom-

mon People this week, Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan said the funding would make a big difference to local communities.

“I am delighted the minister selected one of our excellent clubs in County Roscommon to announce funding for clubs across

Gaels host Information

Evening for parents

On this Tuesday, April 25th, Roscommon Gaels GAA Club, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, Jigsaw, Youth Planet, Western Region Drugs & Alcohol Task Force and Boyle Family Resource Centre, are hosting an information session for parents in our locality. This session will share information on some of the challenges facing our young people.

We are all aware of the various challenges and adversities facing our young people today. Whilst we hope they may never have to deal with any such problems or issues that can manifest out of these vari-

ous challenges, unfortunately this may not always be the case for many of us.

This upcoming event is to make people aware of some of the supports available out there but most importantly it’s an opportunity to also hear some informed/expert discussion on these various relevant topics.

The information session is at 7.30 pm in the lounge at the Hyde Centre, Roscommon.

Please note this is a community information session – non-club members are very welcome to attend also.

the country, joined by GAA President Larry McCarthy,” she said.

“Well done to Oran and Western Gaels clubs for their wonderful contribution to their communities and I want to thank the GAA for the significant work involved in the pro-

cess”.

Senator Dolan also paid tribute to Eddie Egan and other organisers of a recent Roscommon Parkinson’s Association event at Oran and to those behind the Healthy Clubs initiative within the GAA.

The late Marie McAleer, R.I.P.

TOP: St Dominic’s Gemma Casey was the winner in the Solo Singing category at this year’s Connacht Finals, thus qualifying for next month’s All-Ireland Finals.

LEFT: The Connacht Finals of Scór na nÓg were held on Sunday last, April 16th, in the Town Hall Theatre in Ballinasloe. St Dominic’s were the winners in the Novelty Act category at this year’s Connacht Finals, qualifying them for the All-Ireland Finals next month.

Senator Aisling Dolan, Minister Hildegarde Naughton, GAA President Larry McCarthy, and Cllr Liam Callaghan pictured at Oran GAA Club on Monday.

Roscommon County Youth Theatre presents Romeo & Juliet

Roscommon County Youth Theatre (RCYT) make a popular return to the stage with their production of the classic Romeo and Juliet in the Roscommon Arts Centre on Friday and Saturday, April 28th and 29th respectively.

Curtain up each evening at 8pm and tickets are currently on sale at the Arts Centre box office, telephone 090-6625824 or by logging onto https:// roscommonartscentre.ie/. Both nightly productions follow two sold-out productions for local schools.

RCYT is a core programme of Roscommon County Council’s Arts Office and is funded by the local authority and the Arts Council of Ireland with additional support from Roscommon Arts Centre as the venue for workshops and productions.

The talented members of RCYT will bring one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays to life in this contemporary, fast-paced and insightful, abridged retelling. The production is directed by Catherine Sheridan, assisted by Michael Foley.

RCYT is a professional youth theatre organisation designed to provide opportunities for young

people who have a passion for acting, performance and theatre skills. While many members aspire to have careers in the performance industry, many become involved simply for the social aspect of joining such a dynamic and fun-filled group.

Audiences can expect to experience Shakespeare in a way that will excite, engage and inspire. Enter a world filled with love, friendship, loyalty and the bitter sting of betrayal. It is the classic story of girl meets boy, they fall in love, only to have tragic consequences with romance turning to tragedy as feuding families destroy all hopes of a happily ever after.

Future projects for budding young actors include workshops for young people as part of Cruinniú na nÓg in Trinity Arts Centre Castlerea on Saturday June 10th followed by a short performance with members of RCYT on the new outdoor stage at Somers Park Castlerea. For further information on this or any other aspect of RCYT’s work, please email info@roscommoncountyyouththeatre.ie or visit www.roscommoncountyyouththeatre.ie

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

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

Road to be closed: L-1812 Golf Links Road will be closed for 300 metres from its junction with L-7052 Antogher Road to the Sacred Heart Home entrance.

Alternative Routes: Traffic will be diverted via L-7052 Antogher Road on to the N63 Galway Road and right onto Circular Road and vice versa.

Traffic will also be diverted via L-7055 at the Golf Club onto N61 Athlone Road and left onto Circular Road and vice versa.

Period of Closure: From 22nd May 2023 to 23rd June 2023.

Reason for Road Closure: Laying of sewers along the public road as part of the Roscommon Town Main Drainage Scheme.

All necessary approach signage and diversion signage will be used at the required locations as per Traffic Management Plan.

Residents will be contacted and notified directly by the Contractor in advance of the closure. Maps showing proposed closure/diversions are available on www.roscommoncoco.ie

Objections may be made in writing to the undersigned in respect of the proposed temporary road closure to arrive not later than 4.00 p.m. on Friday 28th April 2023.

Water Services Section

Roscommon County Council, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon. F42 VR98

Signed: Caitlin Conneely, Director of Services.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Turnkey Housing Developments/Housing Schemes and/or Land for the Provision of Social/Affordable Housing

Roscommon County Council is seeking expressions of interest from Developers, Contractors and Landowners for the provision of housing schemes and/or land for Social/Affordable Housing purposes. The Council has identified priority areas for housing developments but all proposals, irrespective of location, will be considered. Housing schemes/lands to be considered must be close to services in a town or village, and within walking distance of shops, schools and local amenities. Housing Design Standards should at a minimum meet the requirements and criteria set out in the Department of Housing and Planning publication, ‘Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities’ and other relevant statutory planning and construction standards including Building Regulations.

Land to be considered must, where land zoning applies, be residentially zoned.

Please visit www.etenders.gov.ie (RFT 239019) or request an information pack from the Housing Office, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon County Council or at Housing@roscommoncoco.ie for further information. Submissions must be received not later than 4pm on Friday, 19th May 2023

Roscommon County Council is not obliged to purchase any housing scheme or land submitted as part of this process.

Please note that Roscommon County Council is subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. If you consider that any of the Information supplied by you is either commercially sensitive or confidential in nature, this should be highlighted and the reasons for its sensitivity specified. In such cases, the relevant material will, in response to FOI requests, be examined in light of exemptions provided for the FOI Act.

Dated 17th April 2023

Fiona Ní Chuinn, Acting Director of Services

CLÁR 2023

An 29 Márta 2023, d’fhógair an Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail sonraí chlár oibre CLÁR don bhliain 2023. Soláthraíonn CLÁR maoiniú le haghaidh tionscadail bhonneagair ar mhionscála i gceantair thuaithe a bhfuil méid suntasach den bhánú tarlaithe iontu. Tá leithdháileadh náisiúnta de €7.85 milliún ann don bhliain 2023 faoi 3 bheart atá le feidhmiú trí Údaráis Áitiúla agus an Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail le haghaidh raon tionscadal Scoile agus Pobail.

Beart 1: Taitneamhachtaí & Saoráidí Pobail a Fhorbairt

Beart 2: Soghluaisteacht, Cúram Ailse agus Iompar na gCéadfhreagróirí Pobail

Beart 3: ‘Ár nOileáin’

Tabharfar cuireadh do suas le 15 iarratas san iomlán ó na hÚdaráis Áitiúla ábhartha maidir le Beart 1. Is é an t-uasleibhéal maoinithe d’aon tionscadal aonair ná €50,000 agus tá maoiniú deontais ag ráta 90% de chostais iomlána na dtionscadal.

Tá an Roinn ag glacadh le hiarratais go díreach i ndáil le Bearta 2 agus 3 trí ríomhphost chuig CLAR@drcd.gov.ie. Tá sonraí iomlána um Scéimeanna Beart 2 agus 3 agus foirmeacha iarratais ar fáil ar www.roscommoncoco.ie

Chun cabhrú le scoileanna/pobail iarratas a ullmhú, tá sonraí iomlána Scéim Bheart 1 agus foirmeacha iarratais ar fáil ar www.roscommoncoco.ie

Is é an dáta deiridh chun Foirmeacha Iarratais críochnaithe go hiomlán le haghaidh Bheart 1 a fháil

5pm Dé Céadaoin, 10 Bealtaine 2023

Ní mór na hiarratais a shábháil i bhformáid Microsoft Word agus iad a chur isteach trí ríomhphost chuig CLAR@roscommoncoco.ie

Majella Hunt

Stiúrthóir Seirbhísí

Comhairle Contae Ros Comáin

Ní ghlacfar le haighneachtaí déanacha.

An tAcht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt, 2000 (arna leasú)

Na Rialacháin um Pleanáil agus Forbairt, 2001 (arna leasú) — Cuid 8 Fógra i ndáil le Forbairt Sonraithe

Leis seo, tugtar fógra de bhun fhorálacha Alt 179 den Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt, 2000 (arna leasú) agus Airteagal 81 de Chuid 8 de na Rialacháin um Pleanáil agus Forbairt, 2001 (arna leasú) go bhfuil sé beartaithe ag Comhairle Contae Ros Comáin na hoibreacha seo a leanas a dhéanamh:

Suíomh Cur Síos

Bóthar an Teampaill, An Caisleán Riabhach, Géarú acomhail a thógáil, chomh maith le trasrianta Co. Ros Comáin coisithe rialaithe, modhnuithe ar dhromchlaí bóthair, marcanna bóthair, páirceáil agus bealach isteach scoile. Is féidir pleananna agus sonraí na forbartha beartaithe a iniúchadh nó a cheannach ar tháille nach mó ná an costas réasúnach a bhaineann le cóip a dhéanamh ar feadh tréimhse cheithre seachtaine ón Aoine, an 7 Aibreán, 2023 le linn uaireanta oscailte poiblí, in oifigí Chomhairle Contae Ros Comáin, Áras an Chontae, Baile Ros Comáin F42 VR98 agus i Leabharlann Bhrainse an Chaisleáin Riabhaigh, An Phríomhshráid An Caisleán Riabhach Co. Ros Comáin F45 C8P7. Is féidir pleananna agus mionsonraí a fheiceáil ar líne freisin ar shuíomh gréasáin Chomhairle Contae Ros Comáin ag www.roscommoncoco.ie

Is féidir aighneacht nó tuairim maidir leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe, a dhéileálann le pleanáil chuí agus forbairt inbhuanaithe an cheantair ina mbeadh an fhorbairt suite, a dhéanamh, i scríbhinn nó trí ríomhphost roimh 4pm, Dé Céadaoin, an 24 Bealtaine, 2023, arna marcáilte ‘Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Pól - bealaí sábháilte chun na scoile’ agus a chur isteach chuig: An Rannóg Bóithre, Áras an Chontae, Baile Ros Comáin F42 VR98 nó roads@roscommoncoco.ie

Arna Síniú: Greg O’Donnell, Stiúrthóir Chúnta Seirbhísí.

Rehearsals took place recently in Roscommon Castle for Roscommon County Youth Theatre’s production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Photograph shows Aby Arthur (left) who plays Capulet and Ivy O'Connor (Mercutio) rehearsing a fight scene in Roscommon Castle from the Shakespearean tragedy. The play, directed by Catherine Sheridan, will run in the Roscommon Arts Centre 27th-29th April. Photo Brian Farrell

Strokestown International Poetry Festival countdown!

The annual Strokestown International Poetry Festival will be held from Thursday, 27th of April to Sunday, 30th of April.

The committee promises to introduce new and emerging, national and local talent, alongside established, international and diverse voices, speakers and musicians.

Over the weekend there will be a variety of readings, talks and panel discussions; book launches of anthologies, journals and sole

collections; workshops for adults and children, and screenings of poetry-related films.

This year the inaugural Joan McBreen lecture on poetry will be delivered. On Sunday evening there will be a celebration of the work of Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin by assembled poets, followed by a reading of her work.

The four-day poetry festival is all housed graciously under the one roof of the recently reopened

Strokestown Park House and Gardens and the National Famine Museum.

The festival will open on Poetry Day Ireland, Thursday, 27th of April, with the premiere of Bealach an Fhéir Ghortaigh/ Hunger’s Way, commissioned by the festival during the pandemic and featuring the work of a host of poets and musicians responding to Strokestown Park House and the surrounding landscapes.

Golf Classic for Ballymurray NS

Friday evening’s highlight is a reflection by John McKenna on his 30-year friendship with Leonard Cohen, with Katie Jacques performing some Cohen songs.

For a more detailed programme and to book events, see https:// strokestownpoetryfest.ie/ or follow Strokestown International Poetry Festival on Twitter, @ strokestownpoem and on their Facebook page.

Timothy’s staff thought man with hammer was ‘joking’

< DAN DOONER

Terrified staff members at Timothy’s Londis in Roscommon town thought a hammer-wielding man was joking at first when he demanded money from a cash register on Wednesday evening, April 12th

CCTV footage of the incident has been circulating since the attempted robbery took place just after 8.15 pm on the evening in question.

It shows a man in a grey tracksuit and black runners and wearing a hood and face covering entering the shop with a hammer in his hand. He approaches two staff members in a threatening manner before appearing to strike the counter top with the hammer.

The footage shows the man making his way around the tills, where one staff member can be seen making a phone call before

he leaves the premises.

One of the women caught up in the incident said at first staff thought the assailant was joking with them.

“He just came in and asked us to open up the till and give him money. We thought it was a joke and then when he hit the counter with the hammer we knew it wasn’t. We were terrified,” she said.

As the man made his way around the counter, the

Curraghboy artist wins Da Vinci award

An artist from Curraghboy in Co. Roscommon was over the moon recently after having been presented with a prestigious International Prize Leonardo Da Vinci Award in Milan.

Avril Egan said she was “very happy and honoured” to receive the award and was

staff member made the brave decision to call the local Garda station.

“I just said that I was phoning the guards… looking back, it probably wasn’t the best thing to say to him!

“When he heard the

Garda station on the other end of the phone he just left,” she said. The harrowing ordeal was caught on the shop’s CCTV system and will be used by Gardaí in their investigations, which are ongoing.

A Golf Classic in aid of Ballymurray National School will take place on Saturday, May 6th at Roscommon Golf Club There will be a timesheet in operation and teams of four cost €160 while tee sponsorship is available for €100. There will be food available on the day and presentation of prizes will take place at 9.45 pm, followed by music and a raffle. For more information, please contact Richie Evans on 083-1669965.

RWN to host Open Day

Roscommon Women’s Network (RWN) invites you to a free open day to learn how to explore opportunities of reuse and repair, acquire the relevant skills, and enhance your CV. At the event, you will hear about our new flexible skill-building ECCO programme, and enjoy interactive demonstrations and talks from local circular economy enterprises, with lunch included on the day. Join us from 10 am to 1 pm on Friday, April 21st, in the RWN Training Centre in Castlerea and/or on Friday, April 28th, in the RWN CycleUp Riverside Centre in Athleague. For further details or to register your interest, contact 094 9621690 or 086 8099154, or email cycleup@rwn.ie.

Tulsk History Society news

Tulsk History Society will hold their annual AGM next Tuesday, April 25th, at Tulsk Macra Hall at 8 pm. All society members and those from outside the society who wish to attend are invited to do so.

Tulsk History Society projects are ongoing, and the election of officers at this year’s AGM will undoubtedly be the foundation for events and activities for the year ahead. Initial preparations are underway for this year’s National Heritage Week and the second newsletter of the year is now being prepared. You can contact the society on historytulsk@gmail.com

Joseph’ s Journey

humbled to have her work featured in the Italian publication ‘Contemporary Celebrity Masters’ and ‘Leonardo Da Vinci – The Universal Artist’.

The awards ceremony took place in the Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo Da Vinci in Milan earlier this month.

Fundraising Auction

Authentic Mitre football signed by George Best - 1994 Republic of Ireland Replica Jersey signed by Steve Staunton Husqvarna Voucher for €500 from RM Tool Hire - Titan Bike worth €250 from Slaughter House Rycoll Boarding Kennel €200 from John Ryan - Signed Mayo/Roscommon/Galway GAA Jerseys Outback BBQ from Top line Wards - Egg Chair from Mc Nultys - 32 Inch Tv from Finn Electrical And many more amazing items for auction

The Raffle running at the moment will be drawn on the night. Tickets available in shops throughout the county

Curraghboy artist Avril Egan receives her International Prize Leonardo Da Vinci Award from curator and art critic, Salvatore Russo, in Milan recently.

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

National disgrace: Why do some animal rights protestors feel they are above the law?

Our man Frank on being unimpressed by the Grand National protestors; A heartwarming story of a Belfast girl’s initiative and generosity of spirit; Deputy Paul Murphy’s ‘rant’ on the Joe Biden visit… and reaching out to a fan in Seattle…

One of the big issues that’s always in the news is animal welfare. Of course, there are lots of

legitimate concerns about the manner in which animals are treated – from domestic pets to circus animals to racehorses, there are genuine concerns about their welfare. It is only right and proper that such worries are voiced. And yet it seems to me that a lot of animal rights protestors have little or no regard for law and order and feel they can literally take the law into their own hands. Many times we have seen such protestors disrupt hunts – oftentimes they attack both riders and horses.

Last Saturday, a group of protestors decided to disrupt the biggest horse race of the year –the Grand National – by breaking into Aintree Racecourse, climbing over fences, chaining

themselves to the railings, and generally doing enough damage to delay the start of the race by 15 minutes. And yet, as so many people in the horseracing industry pointed out, all their actions really did was cause anxiety and upset to the horses themselves – and further annoy people who actually share their concerns over the treatment of all animals.

Peaceful and law-abiding protest is everyone’s right, but from I can see, many animal rights protestors seem to think they are above the law. A hundred or more of them were arrested on Saturday following their disgraceful behaviour. I hope they discover that they too have to obey the law.

As for the race itself, a few days ago I read

Paul Murphy should focus on issues affecting people here

It’s Sunday morning as I am writing this, and the cynics and sceptics have had their say about the visit of President Joe Biden to Ireland, and especially to Mayo.

One of my least favourite politicians, People before Profit TD, Paul Murphy, has had a big rant about Biden being a warmonger and a climate polluter, among other things.

Now Murphy is entitled to his opinion, but surely the economic benefit to Ireland as a result of the president’s visit has to be taken into account. As a nation, it has to have been hugely beneficial to have had four days of worldwide coverage of the US president’s visit.

I make no secret of the fact that I am not a political person, but as an old age pensioner who is, like many

of my generation, struggling with the outrageous rise in the cost of living, it is my opinion that our politicians should be concentrating more on the problems our own people are having rather than on the foreign policies of the US.

What Paul Murphy thinks of Joe Biden and his policies won’t make one bit of difference, but maybe if our TDs tried to solve our homelessness issues and health service deficits we might all be better off.

Anyway, my mind went back to the years I spent working in both Dundalk and Ballina as I watched the excitement and the huge welcome Biden got in both towns. I can only say that I really enjoyed the coverage and I imagine the craic in both towns must have been fantastic.

In my days (and long nights) in Dundalk, I lived over The Jockeys pub, where my very sound landlord was the late Jimmy McGeough. The same Jimmy bought The Windsor Bar & Restaurant where the Biden crew visited. It is now run by his son, Donal. It all brought back great memories of good times in Dundalk back in the 1970s. Anyway, I have to say that I thought the visit of the American president was great for this country. It is my opinion that the thousands of ordinary Irish citizens who turned out to welcome him represent the feelings of our people far more than the People before Profit TD, Paul Murphy, who – by the way – is on €107,000 a year, meaning homelessness won’t be an issue for him.

an article about trainer, Lucinda Russell, and Sligo jockey, Derek Fox. On reading it, I was convinced they were going to win – and so I decided to back them. Needless to say I changed my mind, and then watched with ever-increasing despair as Fox rode Corach Rambler to Grand National success. At 10 to 1 (at the time), I missed out on a little windfall!

As for the animal rights people, the deaths of three horses at the huge Aintree fences would surely have strengthened their case without any of their disgusting behaviour. Hopefully some day they will resort to peaceful, mannerly protest. I won’t hold my breath.

Jasmine shows individuals can make a difference

For Christians all around the world, Easter is a hugely important time. Even for those people who may have become a little lax in the practising of their religion, there is a feeling that Easter represents a new beginning, and that, along with the arrival of spring, it gives us a bounce in our step as we look forward to better and brighter times.

And yet, as always, there are people who haven’t so much to look forward to. Included in that number would be many of the children who find themselves as patients in hospital beds.

In 2016, a then six-year-old girl, Jasmine Parker, asked her mother if the Easter Bunny visits sick children in hospital, and when her mother said she didn’t think so, the little girl decided to do something about it.

That year the little girl launched an appeal for Easter eggs. Having asked for donations via Facebook, she managed to distribute 171 eggs to children in Belfast hospitals. Each year since then (apart from during Covid), she has continued to gather Easter eggs for hospitalised children. The Easter just past, Jasmine –along with her mother and father – distributed an amazing 2,000-plus eggs to kids in hospitals all around Belfast.

It is a common enough thing for older folks like me to criticise our young people from time to time – we put the blame for all kinds of things at their doorstep – so it is really uplifting to read about someone like Jasmine, who, at six years of age, was sufficiently caring to think about children less fortunate than herself.

As I say, Easter is a time for new beginnings and new hope. Is there anything more inspiring and uplifting than the story of Belfast girl, Jasmine Parker? If ever there was a hero, she surely is one. Funny enough, her actions inspired some big companies to get involved in a supportive way. Whenever someone tells you that individuals can’t make a difference, don’t believe them. Tell them the story of young Jasmine Parker. That will put them right.

And finally…

As we rambled around Roscommon the other day, Carol and myself ran into an old friend of Carol’s, Theresa Lynch. During our lengthy chat, Theresa reminded me of the days and nights of The Karaoke King, and of the fact that her daughter, Rachel, used be one of my resident singers on occasions when the Queen herself, Dympna Collins, was unavailable.

Rachel now lives in Seattle, but by the modern miracle of technology she gets to read the Roscommon People on the Internet every week, and loves to hear of all the happenings on the old sod!

It’s been many years now since the King was on the road, and it was nice to be reminded of the fun and craic that we had during those wild days, so I just want to say hello to Rachel all those miles away in Seattle. If at some point – like Bruce Springsteen and Neil Diamond and all the other older acts who came out of retirement – I ever make a comeback, she might yet get to sing again with the Karaoke King! (That’s of course is if Dympna couldn’t make it).

Anyway, it’s good to know that over there in America Rachel is thriving, and reading the Roscommon People

People before Profit TD, Paul Murphy

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

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

All Ireland Drama off to flying start in Glenamaddy

The Bostik All Ireland (Confined) Drama Finals, currently running in Glenamaddy, continue this week.

Tonight, Thursday the 20th of April, Kilmuckridge Drama Group will present ‘Sive’. On this Friday, 21st of April, local group Glenamaddy Players will present ‘Proof’. Doors open at 7 pm each night, with curtain up at 8 pm. Ticket enquiries to www. glenamaddydrama.ie/booking or 086 2045896.

A spokesperson for Glenamaddy

Roscommon County Youth Theatre return to stage with ‘Romeo and Juliet’

Roscommon County Youth Theatre are set to hold their first major production since Covid, with their performance of ‘Romeo and Juliet’, directed by Catherine Sheridan, in the Roscommon Arts Centre at the end of the month.

Experience Shakespeare in a way that will excite, engage and inspire! Enter a world filled with love, friendship, loyalty and the bitter sting of betrayal; girl meets boy, they fall in love, only to have tragic consequences with romance turning to tragedy as feuding families destroy all hopes of a happily ever after. A story of love and conflict that erupts into bloodshed where rivals can’t let sleeping dogs lie. This ongoing dispute serves as the catalyst which sees two star-crossed lovers collide and fall fast in love, risking everything to be together, only to take their own lives in a tragic twist of fate.

The cast is made up of thirteen to eighteen year olds from across County Roscommon. The performances will be held on April 27th, 28th and 29th, comprising of matinees for schools (April 27th and 28th sold out) and evening performances on April 28th and 29th

Buy your tickets now at roscommonartscentre.ie/ event/romeo-juliet-roscommon-county-youth-theatre/.

Theatre Festival said the finals have been “a magnificent success” so far. The event opened in Glenamaddy Community Centre last Thursday and continues until this Friday, with productions being staged on nine consecutive nights.

This Saturday night, 22nd of April, a Gala Awards ceremony will be held in Raftery’s Oakland Hotel in Glenamaddy. Tickets (€20) are on sale now. Call 086 2045896 or email glenamaddydrama@gmail.com

The Reel Thing music sessions – this evening

Join John Wynne, Daithí Gormley, Oisín Mac Diarmada and Brian McGrath for ‘The Reel Thing: Music from these parts’ om Thursday, 20th of April at 8 pm in Roscommon Arts Centre.

Daithí Gormley (button accordion) from Sligo is an accomplished, sought after musician who in recent years has won the coveted All-Ireland senior button accordion title. Oisín MacDiarmada, on fiddle, is recognised as one of the finest younger generation exponents of the celebrated Sligo fiddling style.

John Wynne is widely recognised as a leading player in the North Connacht flute playing style, and Brian McGrath from Fermanagh (on piano) has been the leading accompanist on the scene over the last number of years. Tickets are €15, available online or at box office on 09066 25824.

John will also be hosting ‘Pull up a chair and play’ – a series of ‘slow sessions’ for musicians starting off or picking an instrument back up (for players of any instrument and at any level). This will take place at 6.15 pm on the same day (20th of April).

Pictured are the talented young actors from Roscommon County Youth Theatre who are set to bring their production of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ to the Roscommon Arts Centre later this month.

Pictured at the opening night of the All Ireland (Confined) Drama Finals in Glenamaddy Community Centre were Plunkett and Patricia Nugent and Eilish and Martin Kelly.

Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the opening night of the All Ireland (Confined) Drama Finals in Glenamaddy Community Centre were Kenneth Comer, Geoff O’Keeffe (Adjudicator for All Ireland Finals), Breda Keaveney and Coman Keaveny (Glenamaddy Theatre Festival Director).

Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the opening night of the All Ireland (Confined) Drama Finals in Glenamaddy Community Centre (the event is being hosted by Glenamaddy Theatre Festival) were Carmel Mahe and Mary Kilmartin. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the opening night of the All Ireland (Confined) Drama Finals in Glenamaddy Community Centre were Yvonne Collins and Maureen Briones. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Miriam’s MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM

KERINS

What did I like most about Joe’s visit? It ticked off elements of the British media!

It was emotional, it was personal, it was passionate, it was (financially speaking), exorbitantly excessive, but most of all it was a resounding success, not just for the country, but also for the people of Mayo, (especially Ballina), who hosted a céad míle fáilte for favourite son, US President Joe Biden. Of course we must not forget Ballina is also the home of Ireland’s first female president, Mary Robinson, the former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and a passionate advocate for women and gender equality! The brief was simple – showcase our little island on the world stage, reinforce our very important friendship and our political alliance with the superpower that is the US, and mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. Oh, and for good measure, if the chance presents itself, cradle a cute baby in your arms. I don’t know about you folks, but my heart skipped a beat when Joe forgot his ‘powerful man’ persona and, wearing his heart on his sleeve, morphed into doting Irish granddad mode, carefully, tenderly cradling baby Margot in his arms! What a

wonderful, historical photo op for mammy, Senator Rebecca Moynihan to showcase at (for example) Margot’s 21st birthday party. Much as that moment moved me, it paled in comparison (sorry baby Margot) to the chance meeting between Joe Biden and Fr Frank O’Grady, the priest who’d administered the last rites to his dying son, Beau Biden. Perhaps I’m being overemotional, or perhaps I’m just being a typical Irish mammy, but I shed a few tears when I saw the Biden family’s moving, hand-clasped-overmouth reaction as they viewed a plaque dedicated to Beau outside of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice and Palliative Care Centre. It was touching, it was tender, and it was warm; but above all, it was human. No matter what nonsense anyone tells you about ‘time healing all wounds’, it’s my experience that we grieve for our lost children/grandchildren until our very own last breath leaves our bodies. Anyone who has lost a precious child or grandchild will attest to this. While all of the above made for great telly, it also proved energetic enough to be promoted as perfect

2024 campaign rallying fodder. However, nostalgia aside, for me, the best bit of Joe’s visit is how it really ticked off elements of the bitter British media! I’m not ‘Britbashing’ – I have huge respect for our nearest neighbours, so much so I married one! And no, it wasn’t because I wanted to ‘make him pay’ for his country’s 800 years of torture and misery; I do genuinely love this

man; but, at the end of the day, I’m Irish; cut me in half and I’ll bleed the tricolour…but I digress.

I loved how we, (especially the Mayo people) practically handed over the keys of the country to Joe. In fact I loved how his visit virtually enshrined the Republic of Ireland as the 51st United State of America, and rattled the British media to such an extent, I’m nearly (not quite) willing to tolerate his ‘Mayo for Sam’ rally cry!

British media comments around the way the US President chose to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement; their sniping about how he made ‘an insulting decision to prioritise Ireland over the UK’ and criticism around him ‘not attending’ Charles’ coronation next month made me laugh out loud. Er, bitter much?

There was also the utter tripe being spewed about Joe ‘sticking two fingers up’ to ‘Great Britain and its illustrious history’! The ‘illustrious history’ bit being so funny, it made me convulse.

I think if these elements of the British media should only educate themselves, they’d realise that, when

THE STARDUST TRAGEDY: A night I’ll never forget

They’ve spent 42 years fighting for justice, and this week the families of the 48 people killed in the Stardust tragedy finally got their chance to have their voices heard when a jury was selected and sworn in for the biggest inquest in the history of the State.

In what is known as The Stardust Inquest, a panel of 15 jurors (and some reserves) will examine the horrific and devastating events which took place in the small hours during a St Valentine’s Day disco in 1981. 48 young people (some of them my friends) lost their lives in a fire that raged through the Stardust Ballroom in Artane, Dublin 5.

I was meant to be there that night with my friends (even though I was underage). However, a simple twist of fate relating to another friend being ‘inappropriately dressed’ (they wore jeans to what the bouncers/security personnel insisted was a ‘formal affair’), saw us being turned away at the door. We decided not to make a fuss and instead opted to take a taxi into town and grab a bite to eat. It was on the way home in another taxi that we saw the flames rising from what is unquestionably the worst fire in the history of the Irish State.

The people of north Dublin, and, in par-

ticular, if I may say, the people of Coolock, have never, ever been the same since that fateful night when 48 innocent lives were lost.

To this day, whenever I head home to Dublin, I cannot bring myself to pass the place where The Stardust once stood; I cannot forget the funerals, and I cannot forget the anguish, the pain and the grief etched across the faces of my friends’ parents. May those 48 souls rest in peace, and may every single one of their family members (and the people of Coolock) finally get the justice they not only seek, but so richly deserve.

it comes to their nation’s history, there’s nothing whatsoever illustrious, respected or admired about what they once did to the people of this country. Joe Biden’s ancestors, along with one and a half million of our people, had to flee Ireland to escape dying in the great famine; a genocidal, social and economic holocaust caused by the so-called ‘illustrious’ British.

That very famine obliterated our proud little land, starved over one million of our ancestors, halved our population, and oppressed our culture and our language. Yet, despite it all, we emerged triumphant of those begrudging ‘illustrious’ British (the establishment).

As for Joe, well, he’s kind of a rock star, isn’t he? Mind you, his visit did come at a significant cost to the taxpayer, so let’s hope we recoup our ‘investment’ from American tourists visiting the ‘auld sod’.

In the meantime, if Joe shows the same energy and charisma as at last week’s Ballina (or Bawl-in-aw as he calls it) junket, I’d say his 2024 presidential campaign bid is in the bag!

Well done to all at RosFM

Well done to all who work and volunteer at our local community radio station RosFM on their shortlisting for a Media Literacy Ireland award for 2023.

As someone who has worked across both print and broadcast media, (radio and TV), I have to say, when starting out on my career, there was nothing more exciting than finding stories and bringing them to the public in a factual, engaging and entertaining manner. However, back then, as a fledgling hack, there was no such thing as community radio where I lived, nor was there a seasoned, experienced journalist to take me under their wing and train me up in an easygoing, supportive environment.

When I was offered a column in the Evening Herald (before I even left college), and when someone in the newsroom identified my natural ability to be nosey and mouthy added ‘investigative journalist’ to that brief, I had to literally wing it in a ‘sink or swim’ cut-throat, highly charged and very scary industry.

The participants who engage with RosFM’s media training are very lucky to have hands-on mentorship and guidance from the lovely people who work at and manage the station. Finding support on a one-to-one basis, framed in a professional context, will not only teach candidates about the overall workplace environment, it’ll also provide them with professional experience, skills and knowledge to benefit them for the rest of their lives. Maith sibh and comhghairdeas RosFM!

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Lambs & Cast Ewes

Each Wednesday at 11 a.m. Stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m. – Gates close at 10 a.m.

IFA ‘Succession and Inheritance’ meeting in Roscommon on May 4th

< DAN DOONER

The IFA has announced a Roscommon venue for one of its upcoming Regional Farm Succession and Inheritance meetings which are due to kick off in the coming weeks.

The Abbey Hotel in Roscommon town will play host to one such meeting on Thursday, May 4th from 8 pm.

Announcing the series of events, IFA National Farm Family and Social Affairs Chair Alice Doyle said it is important farmers start thinking about a succession plan as early as possible.

“Setting out a succession plan can be a long and emotive process, and it

is important to start to plan as early as possible,” she said.

“By proactively planning, for succession and inheritance, you can avoid potential stress, relating to and the uncertainty around, the future of the farm”.

Guest speakers on the night will include Clare O’Keeffe, Succession Ireland; Gordan Peppard, Teagasc; Martin Clarke, Ifac; and Agri Solicitor Aisling Meehan.

IFA’s National Farm Business Chair Rose Mary McDonagh said the purpose of these events is to help farm families familiarise themselves with some of the complex issues that can

Roscommon MART WATCH

There was a good entry of stock on offer at last Friday’s special bullock and heifer sale with a very strong trade for all classes.

Bullocks fetched from an average of €3.18 per kilo up to €4.24 per kilo. Heifers fetched from an average of €2.95 up to €3.78 per kilo. There was also a large entry of dry cows and they made an average of €2.49 per kilo up to €3.13 per kilo. There was a good attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.

We had a larger number of sheep on offer at our weekly sale of lambs and cast ewes. Prices for finished hoggets peaked at €176. The tops for stag ewes fetched €200.

Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID Tag set. Next sale of lambs and cast ewes is Wednesday, April 26th at 11 am. Yard opens at 8 am. All stock must be penned by 10 am. Sale can be viewed live on www.livestock-live.com.

Sample prices for dry cows: Lim X 600kgs, €1,880 Lim X 810kgs €2,360, Char X 785kgs €2,400, Lim X 805kgs €2,270, Char X 665kgs €1,740, AAX 740kgs €2,090, Lim X 740kgs €2,140, Lim X 695kgs €1,990, Char X 680kgs €1,950.

Bullocks: Char X 290kgs €1,230, Char X 555kgs €2,280, Char X 520kgs €2,160, Lim X 520kgs €2,120, Char X 650kgs €2,350, Lim X 635kgs €2,400, Char X 590kgs €2,220, Char X 665kgs €2,300, Lim X 580kgs €2,200, AAX 695kgs €2,290, Char X 555kgs €1,960, Char X 530kgs €1,880, Lim X 540kgs €1,950, Char X 475kgs €1,720, Char X 480kgs €1,680, Lim X 450kgs €1,530, Char X 455kgs €1,570, Lim X 405kgs €1,450, Char X 435kgs €1,600, Lim

TELEPHONE: 094 9620300

Email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com Web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com

THURSDAY 20th APRIL:

SALE OF HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS

MONDAY 24th APRIL:

BULLOCK SALE

THURSDAY 27th APRIL:

FarmingPeople KEEP

SALE OF HEIFERS, BULLOCKS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS

PLEASE NOTE AS AND FROM 27/4/2023 BULLOCKS WILL BE SOLD ON THURSDAYS.

ALSO DAIRY SALE CONSISTING OF 14 MILKING DAIRY COWS, 1ST LACTATION TO 8TH AND 8 DAIRY SPRINGERS, 6 ARE HEIFERS, 1/3RD , 1/4TH CALVES. DUE END OF APRIL ONWARDS TO PB AA BULL ALL AI BRED STOCK.

FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT MART OFFICE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.

YOUR FARM SAFE

ICA to host Flower and Craft Festival

Local Irish Countrywomen’s Association guilds will host a Flower and Craft Festival over the May Bank Holiday weekend (April 28th to May 1st) at St Mel’s Cathedral in Co. Longford.

The official opening will be conducted by Fr Michael McGrath on Friday, April 28th at 6 pm and refreshments will be served afterwards in the Temperance Hall Civic Suite.

The cathedral will be open on Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10 am to 6 pm with events taking place right through the weekend.

Saturday’s highlights include Craft Fair and Demonstrations, a gardening talk by Laura Shaw (Longford Garden Centre), a visit from Helena Golden of Willow Weaving, and a painting demonstration by Mary Gray.

Sunday will see a showcase by Sandra Bogan from Crafts of Ireland and a talk and demonstration by Treel Nurseries at the HQ Unit in the Old Barracks (N39 EA43).

The festival will close on Monday, May 1st with a talk by Derek Healy from Creations Garden Centre and a Family Fun Day at the Old Barracks with Mary’s Meals.

For more information on the ICA’s Flower and Craft Festival 2023, please contact May Campbell on 086-3751242.

Calls for action after over 70 sheep killed in Kerry

The IFA’s national sheep chairman has called for urgent action to be taken following a devastating dog attack in Kerry which saw over 70 sheep killed.

Kevin Comiskey has called on Agriculture Min-

arise while developing a farm succession plan.

“It is essential for every farmer to have a farm succession plan in place. There are complex legal and taxation rules that, if planned for, can be managed easily. If not planned for, however, there could be a major impact on the viability of the farm businesss,” she said.

The meetings are expected to explore the emotions involved in succession and inheritance; inform participants of the options available; highlight main areas where professional advice may be needed; and encourage early action on a succession and inheritance plan.

There were slightly fewer numbers on offer this week as the recent inclement weather conditions impacted on the numbers on offer.

Trade and prices remained firm with demand for quality stock remaining very high. The heifer ring saw prices reach €2,040 with the top quality feeding stores exceeding €4 a kilo.

The weanling rings witnessed the bulls peak at €4.21 a kilo and a top price of €2,340 was paid for a 370kgs BBX heifer or €6.32 a kilo.

The dry cow ring saw prices peak at €2,550 while cows with calves at foot made up to €2,510 and springers made up to €2,520. The calf ring witnessed a good clearance with a variance in price depending on quality. Runners made up to €1,020 for continental lots. There were 200 bullocks on offer at our recent sale with lots making up to €2,250 and a good trade prevailing for the store bullocks on offer.

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today (Thursday, April 20th) with our weekly sale of heifers, cows, calves, runners, and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am.

Sample prices for heifers: Sax 425kgs €1700, Lm 355kgs €1570, Lm 420kgs €1360, Ch 405kgs €1300, Ch 465kgs €1750, Lm 450kgs €1670, Chx 630kgs €2040, SA 610kgs €1970, Ch 595kgs €1880.

Dry cows: Six 905kgs €2550, Sim 860kgs €2380, AA 775kgs €2180, Lm 720kgs €2180, Lm 795kgs €2340, AA 860kgs €2380, Fr 405kgs €840, Fr 495kgs €720, Fr 690kgs €1570.

Calves: AA bull €225, Lm bull €330, Lm hfr €380, AA bull €240, Lm hfr €150, Sh bull €60, Fr bull €20.

Weanling bulls: Lmx 285kgs €1060, Sax 285kgs €1040, Lm 270kgs €980, Ch 375kgs €1500, Ch 375kgs €1480, Ch 325kgs €1370, Ch 355kgs €1440, AA 380kgs €1190.

Weanling heifers: BB 275kgs €1040, Ch 250kgs €960, Ch 235kgs €880, BBx 370kgs €2340, Ch 340kgs €1450, Lm 370kgs €1310, Ch 315kgs €1210, Ch 430kgs €1730, Lm 445kgs €1335.

Bullocks: Lm 480kgs €1680, Ch 375kgs €1580, Ch 520kgs €1820, Lm 5245kgs €1810, AA 540kgs €1780, Ch 530kgs €1750, Lm 585kgs €1970, AA 585kgs €1960, BA 600kgs €2250, Hex 645kgs €1940, Hex 680kgs €2230, AA 615kgs €1900.

FARMING DESK

ister Charlie McConalogue to act on dog control before further attacks.

The IFA has said that over 70 ewes and lambs were attacked and killed or forced into the sea where they subsequently drowned in the past few days in the Sneem area in Kerry, leaving a local farmer devastated.

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

Recently, stronger regulations were brought before the Cabinet but the IFA says more needs to be done to ensure serious consequences for the owners of dogs found attacking livestock.

INHFA calls for ‘closer look’ at restoration law

The President of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association has called on the Government and the

EU to “take a closer look” at the proposed Nature Restoration Law.

Vincent Roddy expressed his concerns about the proposed EU law following recent engagement with Minister Malcolm Noonan and National Parks and Wildlife officials.

Highlighting the lack of dedicated EU funding for the law’s implementation, Roddy said that “could be a blessing in disguise for farmers”. Roddy added: “It is important to ensure that any future policies and programmes take into account the concerns of farmers and other stakeholders”.

The Deputy President of ICMSA, Denis Drennan, has also expressed serious doubts regarding both the proposed law and the source of funding to supply it.

Biodiversity recommendations are a real concern – IFA

Reacting to the report of the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss, IFA President Tim Cullinan voiced serious concerns about the potential impact some of the recommendations could have on Irish farming and the rural communities they support.

Among the report’s recommendations are the introduction of a levy on exports as well as on retailers, and dietary recommendations including calling on consumers to move to a more plant-based diet.

“Any levy or charge that is placed on food production ends up be just another tax on farmers and will do nothing to improve biodiversity,” he said.

Mr Cullinan also criticised what he described as implications within the report that EU agricultural funding was environmentally harmful.

Castlerea MART WATCH

Prioritising soft power could be a huge boost for Ireland

Let’s talk about ...

Last Friday, US President Joe Biden departed the country via Ireland West Airport, concluding his recent trip to our shores and also the endless stream of news app notifications my phone was getting about every single place he visited along the way.

According to the notification pile-up at least, it seems Biden made good use of his time here, appearing across Belfast, Dublin, Mayo and Louth over the course of his well-documented and much-publicised trip. His visits to Mayo and Louth in particular were among the more popular news stories doing the rounds, his Irish roots having been traced back to areas within both counties, and Biden, in true ‘yank’ form, being eager to claim his Irish heritage.

There’d also been invites extended to the American President to add Galway to his list of places to see during his visit, after it was reported that genealogist Megan Smolenyak had identified another branch of cousins of Biden’s in the area. But needless to say, an appearance in the city of the tribes by the American politician didn’t end up happening. Still, while Joe never made the trek, the city is not at a loss for visitors from across the pond.

Walking along Shop Street, through Eyre Square, or around Galway in general right now, the familiar sound of an American accent seems to be cropping up more and more. Like Biden, many of them seem to be making the visit to pay homage to their Irish roots; such as the two ladies who stopped me the other week to ask me to take their picture in front of the ‘Tribes of Galway’ banner with their mother’s

Letter to the Editor 5-a-side good old days – now check Community Sports Park!

Roscommon town

Dear Editor,

I’d like to commend you on the brilliant article you wrote in last week’s Roscommon People (issue dated 14 April 2023) about the good old days of 5-a-side soccer in Roscommon town.

I’d just like to let readers know that we have a fabulous 4G Astro turf facility at Roscommon Community Sports Park in Lisnamult.

Anyone interested in arranging a game/ enquiring about bookings can call John on 086 8538519 or book online by searching sportskey roscommon.

Yours sincerely, Liam Stephens, Roscommon Community Sports Park

maiden name on it. Similar once again to Biden’s remark last week that visiting Ireland felt like ‘coming home’, they told me their trip was going well and our country felt like a second home to them.

It’s nice to see how much so many of our tourists from across the pond value our comparatively little country and whatever ancestral links they may have to it… even if it is often joked about how some Americans with even just the slightest hint of Irish ancestry seem to cling on to it like bragging rights.

But for the most part, our perception as a sort of ‘homeland’ for many Americans does a lot of good for us – Biden’s trip and the benefits for Ireland that a visit by such a high profile figure alone naturally entails being a prime example of this. The same went for other visits by Biden’s predecessors: like, for example, Obama, whose 2011 trip to our island also included making a stop at his ‘ancestral home’ as it were, in this case Moneygall in Offaly.

Beyond the big and sometimes controversial examples of US presidents’ visits, this idea of Ireland as a homeland in general affords us a lot of soft power on the global scene that should not go underestimated.

More and more recently, we are seeing just how much of an advantage prioritising the soft power at our disposal could be. Just look at the amount of exposure the country garnered from this year’s raft of Irish Oscar nominations. In addition to the obvious short-term benefits of such exposure, these accomplishments serve to legitimise our future artistic projects abroad.

And just like continuing to invest in the arts will doubtlessly do wonders for our international recognition and soft power sway, it seems to me that so too would encouraging the widely dispersed diaspora of Irish and ancestrally-Irish people to visit the ‘old country’ and engage in the culture. Being the relatively small country that we are, it can be easy to feel like we often get lost on the international stage. But there does truly seem to be a general affinity and sense of connec-

tion established among the yanks (affectionally dubbed) when it comes to Ireland that can’t be denied. I noticed it again while visiting Dublin last week to see American band Paramore perform at the 3Arena, when frontwoman Haley Williams addressed the crowd saying, “Jumping across the pond, it feels like home”. (This was, funnily enough, before a little snafu later in the concert when, in setting up for a cover of The Cranberries’ ‘Dreams’ to honour the late Dolores O’Riordan, Williams accidentally seemed to imply we were part of the United Kingdom before

being met with a round of ‘boos and rushing to clarify, “I know you’re not the UK!”).

At the end of the day, it’s my opinion that nurturing the perception we seem to have as a homeaway-from-home or homeland to those with family roots here, and staying true to the inviting culture we evidentially present to our tourists, could do a world of good for us – both in terms of international attention and investment, and also in terms of fostering our relationships and standing with other countries, all while still honouring our own culture and Irishness.

Roscommon features in award-winning travel article

WRITER INSPIRED BY TRIPS TO GLEESON’S

American writer Kathy Mangan has family roots in Kerry, but over the years she’s developed a real grá for Roscommon.

Last spring, after her latest visit to Gleeson’s in Roscommon town, Kathy wrote an article entitled ‘Best under-the-radar travel experiences in Ireland 2022’ for global digital media organisation insider. com. It struck a chord in the USA, and has just won the Silver Award for the Travel Tips and Advice category in the 2022 writing competition for the North American Travel Journalists Association.

Kathy is a well-respected author, published in nearly ninety consumer and trade print and online publications. She has won a dozen top writing awards from North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA), Association of Food Journalists, Travel Classics and the Caribbean Tourism Organisation.

“We’re absolutely delighted with this award for

Kathy”, said Cáit Gleeson, manager of Gleeson’s Townhouse in Roscommon this week.

“Since we met Kathy some years ago through Tourism Ireland, she’s been a wonderful ambassador for us and for Roscommon. She really deserves this award and we’re thrilled to be featured in the winning article”.

Kathy is a familiar face in Roscommon town, staying at Gleeson’s Townhouse nearly every year as she travels the country doing research for her articles. When she’s not in Ireland, Kathy is at her home base in Maryland, USA.

Gleeson’s is a great example of a proud, familyowned business who have weathered the storm of Covid-19 and come out the other side. They are a regular in awards shortlists, both locally and nationally. They are recognised by significant guides such as Georgina Campbell’s Ireland Guide and the McKenna’s Guide from John and Sally McKenna. The business was set up by Eamonn and Mary Gleeson and is now managed by their daughter, Cáit.

*More on kathleenmangan.com

Alannah Ita Healy

(A student’s perspective)

AMERICAN TOURISTS

Kathy Mangan trying her hand at baking Irish soda bread in the kitchen in Gleeson’s in Roscommon town.

Two-bedroomed apartment new to the market with RE/MAX Team Earley

This week, Keith McLoughlin of RE/ MAX Team Earley is delighted to present to the market, 13 Silver Quay, Athlone.

A beautiful, owner-occupied, twobedroomed, one-bathroom apartment, this property boasts spacious open kitchen-living area and two large double bedrooms. The main living area compromises of a fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances, ample storage, and a large living and dining room area.

The two generously sized double bedrooms are situated towards the rear of the apartment, offering a

peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The bedrooms come complete with fitted wardrobes and large windows that allow plenty of natural light to flood the rooms.

The BER rating for this property is C2.

Situated in the heart of Athlone, this apartment offers easy access to a wide range of local amenities, including shops, restaurants, cafes, and public transport links. Whether you are a young professional or a small family, this property is the perfect place to call home.

This property has been owner-

occupied and as such is not subject to any rent caps. This apartment is sold with an underground carparking space.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity and book your viewing today! The auctioneer highly recommends viewing of this ready-to-go property.

For further details or to arrange an appointment to view, please contact RE/MAX Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon on 090-6626579, email teamearley@remax.ie, or log onto teamearley.ie, or contact auctioneer Keith directly on 086-0848590.

Houses wanted urgently – Remax Team Earley

For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact Remax Team

Earley, Stonecourt Roscommon on 090 66 26579, email teamearley@remax.ie, or log onto www.teamearley.ie. Contact the auctioneers directly by contacting Keith on 086 0848590, Cormac on 086 3519492, or Cathal on 086 1409158.

Connaughton Auctioneers sold a residential farm in Dysart by online auction last Friday, April 14th, on the LSL Platform (Livestock Live). The property was available for sale in lots with the Residence on approximately 19.9 acres selling preauction for an undisclosed figure and the remaining approximately 22.10 acres selling under the hammer for €210,000 to local landowners.

Auctioneer Ivan Connaughton commented on the auction: “We were delighted to be selected as agents for this sale. To the disappointment of many, the

vendor agreed the sale of the Residence and 19.90 acres before the auction with the remaining lands achieving close to €10,000 per acre.

“We are actively looking for similar properties in the general Dysart area for awaiting clients and disappointed underbidders. This online auction was our first of 2023 with a further three online auctions planned for May alone and around ten more over the summer months”.

For further information, contact the office on 090-6663700 or Email: info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie.

Residential farm in Dysart

Silver Quay, Athlone.

week, Remax Team Earley is looking for properties in the south Roscommon area due to a volume of residential sales over the past number of weeks.

Team Earley now urgently require properties in Knockcroghery, Lecarrow

and Kiltoom areas for mortgage approved and cash clients. All properties will be considered, and we

PropertyPeople

Business

VINTAGE CAR AND MACHINERY AUCTION

FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION ON SATURDAY 29th APRIL at 1pm ON THE LANDS AT LISHEEN STROKESTOWN FOR THE REPS OF THE LATE JOHN McEVILLY.

ITEMS TO CONSIST OF: 1961 FORD CONSUL, 1975 VW CAMPER VAN, MF 35 4 CYLINDER, MF 35 3 CYLINDER, MF 20, McCORMACK FARMHALL CUB, 5 TONNE DIGGER, NUMEROUS OLD TRACTORS FOR PARTS, FULL CONTENTS OF GARAGE ALSO FOR SALE. VIEWING ONLY FROM 8am ON MORNING OF AUCTION. AUCTION LIVE ON LSL PLATFORM

For Further Details Contact: Tom 0872602909 or John 0863077091

ENTITLEMENTS 2023

‘Westcountry Willows’ wins at Irish Business Design Challenge

< DAN DOONER

A Roscommon husband and wife-led business has won the ‘Micro Category’ at the 2023 Irish Business Design Challenge awards which were announced on Thursday last.

Westcountry Willows, based in Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon and run by Kate and Alan Burrows, won out over 43 other nominees to take the award.

The winners of Design & Crafts Council Ireland’s Irish Business Design Challenge 2023 (IBDC) were announced on Thursday morning last at an awards ceremony in Tangent, Trinity College Dublin by Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Neale Richmond.

development of a new, hand-made coffin woven entirely from willow.

“This product substitutes the use of environmentally damaging varnishes and other chemicals used in traditional coffin making with naturally biodegradable willow”.

Aengus Oates Financial Services

For all your entitlements need, buying, selling, leasing in or leasing out, contact Tom 087 2602909

For all your entitlement needs, buying, selling, leasing in or leasing out, contact Tom 087 2602909

LARGE OPEN SPRING FARM MACHINERY AUCTION

on Friday evening, 5th May at 5.30pm at Hannon’s Field, Athlone Road, Roscommon.

For entries contact Tom 087 2602909, John 086 3077091 or Mattie 086 8100701

Auction will be online also on LSL Platform. To register contact Thomas J Cox.

For Viewing, Maps & Information contact the Auctioneer: Thomas J. Cox & Co., Auctioneer Valuer & Livestock Salesman, Elphin Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. Email: thomasjcoxandco@gmail.com Tel: 071 96 33826 / 087 260 2909

002176

The three category winners, micro, small and medium, will each receive a prize of €15,000. Three runners-up prizes of €2,000 each were also awarded, and two entries were highly commended by judges.

Westcountry Willows specialises in making a range of handmade basketry products using locally sourced, naturally grown and renewable willow.

The citation for the award read: “The Roscommon business has demonstrated innovation and foresight in the

THE BUSINESS BRIEF(S)

NBP surveying completed in Roscommon

National Broadband Ireland (NBI) has announced that surveying works as part of the national broadband rollout in the Rooskey and Knock deployment areas in Co. Roscommon are now complete.

NBI say crews have made substantial progress in the county, where 877 premises in the Rooskey deployment area and a further 427 premises in the Knock deployment area in Roscommon have recently completed surveying work.

“These vital survey works enable “Fibre -to-theHome” network designs to be completed for each of the 559,000 plus premises in the Intervention Area, as identified by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications,” a spokesperson said.

“Additionally, there are 7,660 homes, businesses, and farms in County Roscommon that can order or pre-order high-speed, reliable broadband, with 1,777 connections already made to the network”.

Triest Press shortlisted for five awards

A social enterprise with offices in Roscommon town and Castlerea has been nominated in five categories at this year’s Irish Print Awards.

Publishers Triest Press have been named as finalists in the Connacht/Ulster/Munster Small Printer of the Year, and Reports and Accounts Printer of the Year. It has also been shortlisted twice in the Brochure Printer of the Year and the Graphic Design and Print Collaboration Award for ‘Orla and the Go Faster Stick’.

In operation since 1987, Triest Press is a thriving social enterprise providing a professional digital print service, coupled with meaningful employment for people with intellectual disabilities.

Manager Noel Strange said the nominations were “an amazing endorsement”.

“These nominations mean so much to us at Triest Press, as we extremely proud of our company and our county, so to have peer recognition for our success is high praise indeed and a testament to the valued work carried out by our team,” he said.

The winners will be announced at a gala dinner hosted by Alan Shortt on Friday, May 12th in The Crowne Plaza, Dublin.

Ballinlough restaurant shortlisted for three YesChef awards

The Old Stone House Restaurant in Ballinlough has been shortlisted in three categories in this year’s YesChef Awards.

The popular eatery has been nominated for the Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year, Local Restaurant of Year, and Front of House Team of the Year awards. The restaurant was recently announced as a winner in two categories at the Connacht regional final of the Irish Restaurant Awards which took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa in Sligo.

Westcountry Willows, run by Kate and Alan Burrows, picked up the ‘Micro category’ award at the recent Irish Business Design Awards.

ALCOHOLICS

ANONYMOUS

< ALCOHOLICS ANONY -

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

RP21 (1st Floor). Meet-

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

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Complete Chimney Services

Chimney Cleaning

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

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods

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Telephone: 087 2798704

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All areas covered Mob: 086 2495851

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Chimney Cleaning

Fireplaces, Stoves, Ranges etc.

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

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

Fully Registered. Call Dave on 085 8888833

Submit your Classified online

Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie

or alternatively call 090 66 34633

CHIROPRACTOR

Kathleen’s Mobile

Footcare

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

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COUNSELLING

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

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

COUNSELLING

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Such as depression, anxiety, life or spiritural crisis. Are you having difficulties in relationships at work? Have you experienced sexual abuse or abuse and need counselling to help you?

Online counselling available. Please call Glynis on 085 2514394 email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk web: www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

CONSTRUCTION

Career Guidance & Counselling

Eithne Jarrett

M.Ed. Adult Guidance & Counselling

l Cert. Psychology

l Cert. Assistive Technology

l Cert. Psychometric Assessment

l Member of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors

Telephone: 087 1431821

Email: jarretteithne@gmail. com

GARDENING

JOE HEALY Tree Services

• Hedge Cutting

• Dangerous Tree Removal

• Wood Chipping

• Fully Insured

Phone: 087 2721193

GATELY GARDENING

Four Roads, Co. Roscommon

• Landscaping

• Timber Decking

FARMING

GARDENING

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

• Patios

• General Maintenance

Contact Liam on 086 8749550 or 090 66 27496

Tommy’s Trees & Hedging

e-mail: thomasneilan4@ gmail.com D.A.F.M. Approved Reg No: EI000083

TO LET: 25 acres approx. grazing for sheep. Creagh/ Ballinasloe area. Maybe interested in shared farming arrangement. Contact: dan2001@eircom.net or telephone 087 6482070.

FENCING/GATES

FOR SALE

We supply all types of trees and hedging, Laurel, Beech, Whitethorn, Oak, Elder Birch, Dog Rose, Gelder Rose, Crab Apple, Wild Cherry and Holly.

Suitable for ACRES & GLAS Scheme and REPS Scheme.

Can be delivered

Card payment accepted.

Phone: 087 4177148

For all your fencing needs.

l GLAS Fencing l Grant Fencing

l Post Rail Tel: 087 2172281

• Tree Surgery

• Dangerous Tree Removal

• Wood Chipping

• Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped

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

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

Mop & Mow

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, CHRIS KOZAILY, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission at my home, AGHAFIN, DRUMSHANBO, CO ROSCOMMON N41 FC42, for A ) Convert garage and reconstruct garage roof (B) Replace garage door with window (C) Construct Single storey side extension and (D) Construct new home office/Studio workshop.

C/W all other site works as required.

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: Durkin Design (Agent). www.DurkinDesign.ie

Architectural Designs Tel: 086 83 72 933

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Paving & Kerbing

l Foundations

Footpaths

l Drainage & Septic tanks

l Driveways

Telephone Ger: 086 8745180

HAIR SALON

Kathleen’s LADIES & GENTS HAIR SALON

Williamstown

Tel. 085 8514270

• Indian Head, Back & Shoulder Massage

• Mobile hairdressing also available on request

For appointments 094 964 3286

Gift Vouchers Available

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

The Orthodox Monastery of the Life-giving Spring intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning

Permission to carry out alterations and erect an extension to a chapel and to construct all ancillary site works to facilitate same at Raghrabeg, Shannonbridge, Co. Roscommon.

The Planning Application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Application and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Sr Iosifia Dinu Abbess (Mother Superior)

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Hubert Maxwell, intend to apply for permission for development at Drummin, Peak, Tullaghan and Gortnagoyne townlands, Bellanagare, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of the extraction and processing of limestone aggregate (quarry extraction area of 1.7 Ha.), to a depth of 83 mOD, for a 7 year period and all ancillary activities within an application area of 4.2 Ha..

A Natura Impact Statement has been prepared in respect of the planning application.

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

THANKSGIVINGS

NOVENA TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

Holy Spirit, You who make me see everything and showed me the way to reach my ideals, You who gave me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me, and you who are in all instances of my life with me. I want to thank You for everything and confirm once more that I never want to be separated from You no matter how great the material desire may be. I want to be with You and my loved ones in Your Perpetual Glory. Amen. Mention your request. While making the request, promise to either publish this prayer of to circulate the favour. Say prayer for three days. After the third day, the request will be granted. M.K.

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

We, Brian and Siobhan Geraghty, are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission:

1. to retain access road and entrance

2. to construct domestic dwelling house along with domestic garage, new Treatment system and percolation area and all ancillary site development works at Curlea, Curraghboy, 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: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529

E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie

Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers

I, Michael Dolan intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to erect a garage with office accommodation for the purposes of carrying out car repairs/ valeting and to construct all ancillary site works to facilitate same at Kilgarve, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon.

The Planning Application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Application and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Michael Dolan.

The Planning application, and Natura Impact Statement, 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.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I am applying to Roscommon County Council on behalf of Robert Clarke for full planning permission to construct a dairy parlour and cubicle shed with underground slatted slurry storage and associated site works at Ardkeel, 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 & 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.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Contact David who is a Chartered Engineer in regard to applying for your planning application. For further details, please contact any time after 6pm week days or any time on Saturdays on: 083 095 0732

BEng, BEng(Ord), High. Cert., MIEI, CEng. Chartered Civil / Structural Engineer

< HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION IN THE ALGARVE: Albufeira, Portugal. Luxury 1 or 2 bed apartments for rent, Sky TV, Shared Pool, long and short stays. Telephone Sean: 087 2371716

< ACCOMMODATION

NEEDED: 2nd Year student looking for shared accommodation in Limerick City, near Mary I College, any help or contacts would be greatly appreciated. Tel: 087 7671148

< TO RENT: 1 room to rent in Cloverhill, shared accommodation, sitting room, WiFi all included, private park- ing, O.F.C.H. and solid fuel central heating. Tel: 087 6056974

•

Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. L.F.

NOVENA TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

Holy Spirit, You who make me see everything and showed me the way to reach my ideals, You who gave me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me, and you who are in all instances of my life with me. I want to thank You for everything and confirm once more that I never want to be separated from You no matter how great the material desire may be. I want to be with You and my loved ones in Your Perpetual Glory. Amen. Mention your request. While making the request, promise to either publish this prayer of to circulate the favour. Say prayer for three days. After the third day, the request will be granted. M.K.

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. L.M.

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.F.

•

•

FOR SALE

FOR SALE: 2007 N issan Primera car. Taxed and NCT’d. In good condition, working well. Has reversing camera. Met. silver/ grey in colour. Also 2 wooden inside doors. Old-type teak door and frame. Lawnmower and weed strimmer. Tel. 083 8828882.

FOR SALE: Quad shaker, 10ft – 6ft tipping trailer, 5ft transport box, 8x4 cattle trailer, 12x4x28 tractor wheels for 35 Tractor. Call: 087 773 3181

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES

GRADY (nee Goode) Bridie

Ballincurry, Glinsk, Castlerea, Co Galway. (1st Anniversary)

GERAGHTY (nee Hurson) Bridie

In loving memory of our cherished mother and devoted wife Bridie who passed away on the 14th April 2000.

(23rd Anniversary)

RAFTERY Fionán

Hyde Court, Roscommon

Who passed away on the 18th of April, 2011

(12th Anniversary)

MALONEY

Noel Carrownabrickna, Racecourse Road, Roscommon (7th Anniversary)

As we lovingly remember Bridie on the first anniversary of her death, Mickey, her husband, and family wish to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation for all the kind expressions of sympathy and support we have received.

We wish to express our appreciation to all those who attended the house, funeral home and the Funeral Mass and burial. A special thanks to people who travelled long distances, sent mass cards and sympathy cards, online condolences and to those who donated to the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland. Sincere thank you to Fr Donal Morris for his kindness and support and for celebrating her Funeral Mass, and to Lisa Tyrrell for the beautiful musical accompaniment.

We would also like to thank Drs Hanratty and Keaveney who attended Bridie’s medical needs over the years and to Dr. Sabina Fahy who took such good care of Bridie during her illness. We are also extremely grateful to Declan McGarry and all the nurses and carers and other staff at Oakwood Nursing Home for their excellent care of Bridie, which was always given with kindness and respect.

Thanks to Heneghans Supervalue and The Glencastle Lounge for providing all the food and refreshments.

Thanks to the Undertaker Tommy Dowd for his professionalism and sensitivity at all times, and to the Grave Diggers who prepared Bridie’s final resting place so carefully

We would also like to thank all the friends, relatives and neighbours who have continued to show such tremendous kindness and support to us over this past year.

Since it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of Our heartfelt gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of Mass will be offered for your intentions.

“Never more than a thought away, Loved and Remembered every day”

1st Anniversary Mass will be in St. Michael Church, Glinsk, on Sunday April 23rd at 10.00 am.

Oh Sacred Heart of Jesus, we place our trust in Thee.

Remembered today and every day, from your loving husband Pat, Caroline, Sinead, Aine, Jonathon, Timothy and Graham, grandchildren and extended family. Anniversary Mass on 30th April in Rahara Church at 10am.

Cuddy (née Haddigan)

Anne

Oran, Donamon. Who passed away on 21 April, 2018.

(5th Anniversary) Rest in Peace.

It doesn’t take a special day to bring you to our minds. For days without a thought of you are very hard to find. You always did your best. Your heart was true and tender. You simply lived for those you loved, and those you loved remember.

Loved and sadly missed by your mother Betty; sister Siobhán, brother-in-law Eamon, niece Leanne and nephew Darragh.

Anniversary Mass was held in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Tuesday, 18th April at 11am.

CONNAUGHTON

Phil Late of Glenview & Clooneen, Athleague, Co. Roscommon. Who passed away on 19th April 2021 (2nd Anniversary)

Who passed away on April 20th 2016

A day that’s filled with sadness, returns to us today. To mark the way you left us in such a sudden way. Time slips by, life goes on, but from our hearts you will never be gone.

Loved and missed by Barry, Lisa, John and family. Masses offered.

COYNE

John James

LEONARD

William & Ann Creemully, Castlecoote, Co.Roscommon. (30th & 26th Anniversaries)

In loving memory of our father William who died on the 8th April 1993, and of our mother Ann who died on the 15th February 1997.

Rest In Peace. No matter how life changes, No matter what we do, A special place within our hearts, Is always there for you .

Lovingly remembered by Anna Mae, Bridie, Liam and Pauline. Anniversary Mass in St.Columcille’s Church, Swords, will be celebrated on Wednesday 26th of April at 10 am, and via live webcam at www.swordparish.ie

McGOWAN

Michael John

Lack, Whitehall, Roscommon (8th Anniversary) Who passed away on 23rd of April 2015

BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE CARTHY Joey

Ballydooley, Donamon, Roscommon

The family of the late Noel Joyce, Corbally, Comer, Tuam, Co. Galway, who passed away on the 22nd of November, 2022; and his brother Tom, London and formerly Glinsk, Ballymoe, Co. Galway, who passed away on the 15th of February 2023, would like to express their sincere gratitude to those who sympathised and gave support following their recent loss.

The support shown at that time is much appreciated. As it is impossible to thank each person individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our heartfelt thanks and gratitude.

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

Love Lives On

Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on, and cherished memories never fade because a loved one’s gone. Those we love can never be more than a thought apart, for as long as there is memory, they’ll live on in the heart.

Remembered with love forever by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family.

It doesn’t take a special day to bring you to our

thought of you are very hard to find.

You always did your best. Your heart was true and tender. You simply lived for those you loved, and those you loved remember.

Sadly missed by her family.

Anniversary Mass will be held in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday 29th April at 10.00 am.

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

often spoken, our thoughts are with you still, you haven’t been forgotten what’s more you never will. We cannot stop the hands of time or live again the past, but we will love and pray for you as long as life will last. Time may hide the sadness like a smile can hide a tear, but memories last forever of the one we loved so dear. May the winds of Heaven blow softly and whisper in your ear, how much we love and miss you as time unfolds another year.

Remembered with love and prayers always by your sister Margaret, family and friends.

Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Dysart on Saturday, 22nd April at 7.30pm.

Will those who think of Michael John today. A little prayer to Jesus say.

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife and daughters.

Anniversary Mass in Sacred Heart Church Whitehall on Sunday, 23rd April at 11.30pm.

Thinking of you with love Joey, on this special day 24th April

Your birthday we remember, as we’ve always done before. For it marks the start of a special life, we will treasure forever more.

Loved always by family and friends.

JOYCE Noel and Tom

NOTICES ....

GIBLIN

Winifred (Winnie)

St Teresa’s Road, Lisnamult, Roscommon Town

Who passed away on Tuesday 7th March 2023

CREAN Raymond

Rushfield, Creggs, Roscommon / Blanchardstown, Dublin

Who passed away on th March 2023

BEIRNE Dermot

Moydow, Athleague, Co Roscommon (10th Anniversary)

In Loving Memory of Dermot Beirne, who died on 19th April 2013

HANNON

Teresa and Paddy

Bornacurra, Ballygar, Co.Galway (8th Anniversary)

The family of the late Winifred (Winnie) Giblin of St. Teresa’s Road, Lisnamult and formerly of Mote Park, Roscommon, would like to thank everyone far and wide who sympathised with them on their loss, including neighbours, relatives, friends and the wider community.

We offer heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff of St. Joseph’s Ward, Portiuncula Hospital; Dr. Flory Daniels and his Team and the staff of Roscommon Hospice Palliative Care Centre.

To Fr. Ray Milton for a funeral Mass that was a lovely celebration of Winnie’s life, as well as the beautiful singing. Thanks also to Pat Smyth, Smyth’s Funeral Directors for an excellent service and for arranging the online broadcast for those in the US who could not travel for the funeral.

Thanks to those who prepared the grave for Winnie’s final resting place.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere appreciation and gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

Winnie’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated in St Patrick’s Church Knockcroghery at 11am on Saturday 22nd April 2023.

We, the family of the late Raymond Crean would like to express our sincere thanks to all who empathised with us on our recent sudden loss of our dear son, brother, uncle and grand-uncle. We offer our heartfelt thanks to the many friends, neighbours and work colleagues who attended the Removal, Funeral and burial and who offered much support and kindness. A special word of thanks to the emergency and hospital staff of James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown for their excellent treatment and care of Raymond, and for all who travelled from far and wide to offer their condolences. To Smyth’s Funeral Directors, we wish to thank them for their sensitive and professional support and kindness as we said goodbye to Raymond. Thank you to Fr. Fitzgerald, Fr. Curley and Fr. O’Brien who concelebrated Mass and led prayers as Raymond was laid to rest. Also, for all who expressed sympathies by sending Mass cards, your kind words have given our family great comfort. Please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our appreciation, as it would be impossible to thank each one individually

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions.

Month’s Mind Mass for Raymond will be offered on Sunday, April 23rd, 2023 @ 11:30 in Kilbegnet Church, Creggs, Co Roscommon.

WARD (nee Conway) Brid

formerly of Raheenbar, Co. Mayo, Ballinakill, Glinsk and Cois Teampaill, Co. Galway

Who died on the 16th March 2023

The family of the late Brid Ward (nee Conway), formerly of Raheenbar, Co. Mayo, Ballinakill, Glinsk and Cois Teampaill, Co. Galway, who died on the 16th March, would like to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised with them on the loss of a wonderful Mother & friend.

We offer our sincere thanks to the many friends, neighbours who visited our home, attended the wake, Funeral Mass & burial. For those who telephoned, travelled long distances, sent cards and messages of condolences & support

A special word of thanks to Brid’s Homehelp team Rebecca, Karla, Nicola,and to Kay from Cope Galway & Mollie from Alone Galway for their dedication and support to Brid.

To Tommie & Dolores Dowd , The Grave digger, The Glinsk Choir, The Emergency Services, Dr’s & Staff at Newcastle Medical Centre, Galway. The Franciscan Brothers, Galway. Fr Donal & Fr

To those who helped in any way, your contribution made our loss more bearable. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

The Month’s Mind Mass for Brid Ward will be held on Saturday 29th April at 10.30am in the Franciscan Abbey Church. St Francis St, H91 C53K.

Life is not measured by how long we live, it’s the person you were and all that you did. Your generous nature and your heart of gold are the memories of you that never grow old. A beautiful life came to an end, you died like you lived, everyone’s friend. A laugh, a chat, a joke or two, this is how we remember you.

Loved and missed every day from your loving wife Avril and sons Kevin and Emmet.

Anniversary Mass in St Patricks Church, Knockroghery on Saturday 22nd April at 7pm.

FITZMAURICE (nee Naughton)

ANNE

(20th Anniversary)

Late of Castleplunkett and Culleen, Knockcroghery

Who died on April 23rd 2003

Treasured memories of Teresa and Paddy, beloved parents and grandparents, Teresa who passed away on 29th January 2015 and Paddy who passed away on 23rd April 2015.

In loving memory of Mum and Dad

We look back in fondness every day, at the joyful times we had, No one could wish for such a perfect pair, as our special Mum and Dad.

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

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

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

Loved and remembered by your sons John, Joseph and Kevin, your daughters Ann and Mary, son-in-law John and daughterin-law Anne.

Nanny and Grandad

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

Love from your grandchildren, Lisamarie, Shauna, Rachel and Ciara. xx

We cannot bring the old days back, When we were all together, But memories of happy times, Will stay with us forever. Each one of us in our own way, Have special thoughts of you today.

Forever in our hearts, Joe, Aileen, Sarah and Timmy, her brothers, sisters, sisters-inlaw, brother-in-law, nephews, nieces and friends.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday 23d April at 10am in Kilmurray Church.

Paddy and Teresa’s Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St.Brendan’s Church, Toghergar on Sunday, 23rd April at 9.30am.

May their gentle souls rest in peace

Tullys

Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Sarah Fleming

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI

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

Home visits available

For any of your foot issues call: 094 9620009

PODIATRIST

For all foot ailments

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

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

CONNOLLY Contracting

Hire & Groundworks • 13 Tonne Track Machine with Rock Breaker and Saw Head

Tractor & Dump Trailers • Tractors & Hedgecutters AVAILABLE FOR ALL TYPES OF WORK Fully insured & VAT Registered Tel. 087 147 6117

< SOCIAL DANCING:

Every Friday night in An Bothar Rua, Elphin with live music from 9.30pm til late. This Friday night Sean Brennan. Dance 9.00pm til late. Dance class with Frank from 8.00pm. Tel. 087 9809432

AtYourService

RCS SERVICES

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

Appointments

< WOMAN AVAILABLE for childminding in Castlerea area. Own transport. Tel. 087 062 9353.

Notice re. Memoriams and Anniversaries

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

call us on 090 6634633

by post, along with your name and contact details, to

< PART-TIME STAFF REQUIRED: For village pub close to Roscommon Town. Weekend work, experience great but not necessary, own transport required. Reply with CV to: PO Box No 3071 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon.

< COACH BUS DRIVER required for school run. D Licence for coach essential. Up-to-date CPC’s required. Experience desirable. Tel. 089 2202349.

< CHILDMINDER REQUIRED to mind 2 children of school going age, Monday to Friday, in childminder’s home if possible. Will consider in children’s own home if necessary. Person must be able to drive as pick ups from school in Athleague will be required. Please call 0871353641

NewsPeople

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

Roscommon Comhairle na nÓg at Croke Park!

Over 500 young people involved in Comhairle na nÓg, including members from Roscommon (pictured), gathered at Croke Park stadium on Tuesday, April 4th to showcase and celebrate their wide range of achievements and be inspired by a host of speakers and entertainers. The National Showcase is a biannual event that highlights the work of the members of Comhairle na nÓg and how young people have had their voices heard on policies, services and issues that impact on their lives. The event gave the 31 Comhairle na nÓg groups the opportunity to exhibit their work and engage directly with local and national decision-makers to inform them about the topics and issues that are important to them.

Sports PEOPLE

GAA Results

Hero’s welcome for champion Olivia

< SEAMUS DUKE

There was a big crowd at Roscommon Golf Club on Saturday night last to welcome home Olivia Costello who won the Scottish Girls’ Open Championship (U18) last weekend.

The 15-year-old Roscommon town player won the title defeating a world-class field by four shots.

She finished with a 7 under par total of 212 which included rounds of 71, 69 and 72 on the par 73 Longliddry Golf Club course. It’s the biggest triumph of her career so far and she has been progressing steadily through the ranks over the past two years.

Olivia and her family were welcomed back to the club by Lady Captain Paula Miley, Men’s Captain PJ Moran and by Golf Club President Mary Cunningham.

Fixtures

Bros London Division Two O’Gara Cup (8 pm)

At Kilbride: Kilbride v Michael Glavey’s At Kiltoom: St Brigid’s v Éire Óg

At Woodmount: Pádraig Pearses v Creggs

Atlantis IPS Division Three Tansey Cup (8 pm)

At Ballyforan: St Aidan’s v Strokestown

At Pairc Naomh Bearra: St Barry’s v St Dominics

Saturday, April 22nd

5th & Mad - East Side, New York Division One O’Rourke Cup (6 pm)

At Woodmount: Pádraig Pearses v Western Gaels

At Rockfield: Oran v Tulsk Lord Edwards

At Ballyleague: St. Faithleach’s v St Brigid’s

At Lisnamult: Roscommon Gaels v Boyle

Leydon Bros London Division Two O’Gara Cup

At Johnstown: Clann na nGael v Kilmore. 5 pm

At Enfield: St Croan’s v Shannon Gaels. 6 pm

Atlantis IPS Division Three Tansey Cup

At Kilronan Park: St Ronan’s v Castlerea St Kevin’s. 5 pm

At Kilteevan: St Joseph’s v St Michael’s. 6 pm

At Kilglass: Kilglass Gaels V Ballinameen. 6 pm

Sunday, April 23rd

Leydon Bros London Division Two O’Gara Cup (11.30 am)

At O’Rourke Park: Castlerea St Kevin’s v Strokestown

Atlantis IPS Division Three Tansey Cup (11.30 am)

At Rockfield: Oran v Western Gaels

Junior Hurling Championship (Group A) (11 am)

At Knockcroghery: St Dominic’s v Four Roads

At Lisnamult: Roscommon Gaels v Pádraig Pearses

PICTURED RIGHT: 2023 Scottish Girls’ Open Champion Olivia Costello with President Mary Cunningham, Lady Captain Paula Miley, and Captain PJ Moran at Roscommon Golf Club last weekend.

Stopped in their tracks: Odhrán McCann gets to grips with Roscommon’s Conor Mulry during last Sunday’s Nickey Rackard Cup game between Roscommon and Armagh in Dr Hyde Park. Armagh won the championship opener by twelve points. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

First local meeting of 2023 in Kilbeggan

Horses for Courses

This week starts in Ireland today (Thursday) with a flat meeting at Tipperary starting at 4 pm and a national hunt meeting at Kilbeggan at 4.15 pm, their first of 2023.

Tomorrow sees their second off at 4 pm, another jumping card and on the flat at Cork at 1.58 pm.

On Saturday, there are two flat meetings in Limerick first race at 2.10 pm and in Navan away at 2.20 pm with three listed races. There is no Irish racing on Sunday.

On Tuesday, the last of the national hunt festivals, Punchestown, holds the first of its five days of top racing.

Early racing coverage on TV this week with ITV and Virgin Media 1 covering five races today (Thursday) with four on the flat from Newmarket and one over hurdles from Cheltenham.

No coverage tomorrow but on Saturday there are four national hunt races from Ayr including the Scottish Champion Hurdle, the Future Champions Novice Chase, both Grade 2 races, and Grand National, with coverage of four

on the level from Newbury including three Group 3 races.

There are 31 left in Saturday’s Scottish National with the betting headed by Monbeg Genius trained by Jonjo

O’Neill and Kitty’s Light trained by Christian Williams. The four remaining Irish-trained contenders are the Gavin Cromwell-trained Malina Girl, Gordon Elliott’s Gevrey, Liz Doyle’s Flash De Touzaine and Waitnsee for John Ryan.

Aintree Grand National

There were 39 runners in the Grand National with 26 trained in Ireland, but Lucinda Russell’s Scottish-trained favourite, Corach Rambler, gave Sligo native Derek Fox his second win in the race, winning from six Irish-trained horses, Gavin Cromwell’s Vannilier, Willie Mullins’ Gaillard Du Mensil, Emmet Mullins’ Noble Yeats, Peter Fahey’s The Big Dog, Paul Gilligan’s Born By The Sea and Patrick Griffin’s Roi Mage.

Roscommon-owned Longhouse

by Tom Red

Poet disappointed, unseating at the 8th, but sixth-placed Born By The Sea is trained in a small yard west of the Shannon in Athenry. The race was delayed by fifteen minutes due to a number of protesters invading the track.

Review of the week

The Irish got off to a great start on Thursday winning the first two races with Joseph O’Brien’s Banbridge and WP Mullins’ Zenta, a Grade 1 double, and Henry de Bromhead’s Dancing On My Own completing a treble.

Friday opened with another Irish treble with Elliott’s Gerri Colombe, John McConnell’s Fennor Cross and de Bromhead’s Inthepocket winning the first three races.

They followed up with a on Saturday with a double for Elliott with Irish Point and Sire Du Berlais. Davy Russell retired after the meeting ended having ridden Irish Point to his last victory for Elliott and is joining RTÉ’s coverage of Punchestown as a pundit.

Competition Corner

The winners of the tickets for the twoday meeting at Kilbeggan on tomorrow and Friday are Jacinta O’Boyle, Cian Heavy and Mick McGarry who all knew that I Am Maximus won the Irish Grand National.

This week we have tickets for Roscommon on May 8th and to win please tell us what horse won the Ain-

tree Grand National in 2023? Answers as usual please to the Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon or by email to tomred17@gmail.com by 5 pm on Wednesday, May 3rd and don’t forget to include your name, address and a contact phone number with all competition entries.

Tickets will have to be collected in the office in Abbey Street, Roscommon.

Short putts

Athlone

The Marsh Nissan Women’s competition on April 7th was won by Clare Dowling with 36 points. Runner-up was Yvonne Walsh with 36.

Anne Egan Farrell was the winner on April 8th while Helena Lennon won the Savoury Fare competition played over the 8th, 9th and 11th Meanwhile, the recent 9-hole competition was won by Anne Evans (15 points) while Bernie Watson (25 points) was the ’97 Club winner.

Boyle

The golfing season is well underway in Boyle and one of the most sought after prizes, the ‘Voucher’ competition, takes place this Sunday. The lucky winner is entitled to free membership for the year. Other notable pending fixtures include the Committee Cup on May 7th and President’s Day on June 11th Boyle are playing their first interclub match of 2023 against Strokestown this Saturday in the Connacht 9-hole Club. If you would like to be considered for the team, contact Brendan Gaffney.

Carrick

Congratulations to the winners of the club’s Masters Challenge which was an outstanding success. Results: 1st Charlie Farrell (€1000), 2nd Keith Tighe (€500), 3rd Donagh O’Mahony (€200). The club would like to thank all those who helped this organise this fundraiser.

Congratulations to Maureen Egan (36 points) who won the Ladies Easter Open competition and to Daniel Egan (40), Gerry Emmett (37) and Gerard Fennelly (43) who won Divisions 1, 2 and 3 in the Gent’s section.

Results of the Gents’ 9-hole competition: Cat 1 Finbar Cregg (21), Cat 2 Ciaran Cafferky (23), Cat 3 Gary Goldrick (23).

Results of the Gents’ 18-hole competition: Division 1 Alan Ffrench (37), Gross Paul Roche (36), Division 2 Robert Donaldson (43), Division 3 Cathal Dowd (40).

(News from local golf clubs)

Elizabeth Muldowney was the winner of the last weekend’s Ladies’ competition with 34 points. This weekend’s competition is the Maria Talbot Perpetual Cup.

The Ladies are holding an Open Day on May 19th including an 18-hole Stableford with prizes valued at over €1,500.

Last Thursday’s Senior outing was cancelled and next Monday (24th) there is an outing to Roscommon. The outing to Athlone has been rescheduled to Monday, October 9th

Castlerea

The results of the Norio’s Takeaway competition were as follows: 1st Jimmy Joyce (44), 2nd Tony Reilly (43), Cat 1 Anto Kelly (35), Cat 2 Peter Hester (39), Cat 3 Eugene Flanagan (36). There will be a ‘Get Into Golf’ registration evening on Monday, April 24th at 6.30 pm. Call/text Paul (087-3515991) or Dympna (086-0682109) for more information.

Roscommon

Congratulations to Clement McCormack, who was the winner of the Michael Craven Cup last weekend with 44 points. Other results: Cat 1 Jack Sharkey (38); Cat 2 James Quigley (42); Cat 3 Robert Hill (40); Gross Mario Costello (36).

The Ladies’ 18-hole competition was won by Patricia Donnelly with 34 points.

Senior Men’s results: Winner C Doherty (37); Cat 1 G Finn (34); Cat 2 J Kilroy (33); Cat 3 J Cunningham (34); Cat 4 P McDonagh (31).

Senior Ladies’ results: 1st M McManus, 2nd P Donnelly, 3rd P Keane, 4th N McDonagh.

The final of the Ladies’ Spring Matchplay took place last Saturday. The eventual winners were Team A of Anne Quirke, Kay Ruane, Patricia Finneran, Mary O’Gara, Marina Cribbon, Sandra Kelly, Nuala Hughes and Patricia Donnelly with 10.5 points.

The runners-up were Team C of Mary Lalor, Colette Glynn, Claire Keane, Joan Moran, Bernie Maher, Paula Whyte, Kay Condon and Marie Cleary.

SPORTS DESK

All-Ireland titles for Castlerea BC

Congratulations to everyone involved at Castlerea Boxing Club as four of the club’s talented young fighters took home three gold medals and one silver from the All-Ireland Boys’ and Girls’ Boxing Championships in Dublin last weekend.

There were Irish titles for Amy McDonagh, Frances Bergin, and Olivia Cameron while Bethany Ward brought home a silver medal.

More success for Ballyforan kickboxer

Ballyforan kickboxer Gary

McDonnell has been in impressive form of late, taking gold at the Austrian Classics Wako World Cup in Innsbruck before defeating Tallaght fighter Troy Gannon in Dublin.

McDonnell was taking part in his first international event of the year in Austria, where he defeated Aleksandr Petrovskij and Henry McPherson to take the title and number one spot in the WAKO rankings.

In Dublin, McDonnell defeated Gannon on the undercard of a main event which saw Gary’s Irish teammate, Damian Darker, claim the WAKO Pro European title.

Next up for the Roscommon man is the World Cup in Hungary in June followed by an international training camp in Finland in July. He will then travel to a World Cup event in Italy as preparation for the World Championships in Portugal in November.

No luck for Rossies in Handball Masters

There was no luck for local handballers in All-Ireland Masters

With Dan Dooner

B Doubles action in Croke Park recently: Danny O’Shaughnessy and Martin Conroy were defeated by Cork’s Michael Linehan and Paul Kerins in the Golden final (21-5, 21-10); John Coggeran and David Coggeran went down 21-11, 21-11 to David Stanners and Michael O’Neill (Wexford) in their decider; and Pierce Kilkenny and James Nolan lost to a Kilkenny pairing in their Silver semi-final.

Silver Eel retain their

pool title

The Silver Eel, the most successful pool team in Roscommon, made it back-to-back Division

One titles recently as the Roscommon Pool League marked its 25th anniversary.

The Silver Eel overcame Kenny’s of Ballintubber to record their eighth league title overall. Leading 5-4 from the first leg, the champions were convincing 5-1 winners at home on Sunday, April 2nd

Afterwards, Roscommon Pool Association PRO Darren Dunne thanked both teams, officials and Fintan Duffy for live streaming the event. He also thanked all teams involved in the 25 years of the Roscommon Pool League, sin-

gling out Silver Eel players Bobby Hanly, Dara Duke and captain Sonny Hanly, who have played in each of those years.

Silver Eel captain Sonny Hanly thanked Kenny’s for a hard-fought battle and his own teammates and the Silver Eel pub for their support.

Athlone gymnasts impress at nationals

Athlone Gymnastics Club took home four medals from the National Women’s Artistic All Round Championships, which took place at the National Sports Arena in Blanchardstown, Dublin recently.

The club had eleven gymnasts competing in the two-day event, winning gold, two silver and bronze medals.

A spokesperson for the club said: “Well done to Isla, Saoirse, Laoise, Emilia, Eva, Sarah, Mya, Katie, and particular mention to the medal winners Kate (Gold on Beam and Bronze All Around), Aoibhinn (Silver on Beam), and Niamh (Silver on Vault).

“We would like to thank our dedicated coaches Elisha, Saoirse and Tara who worked so hard to have the gymnasts at their best on the day”.

Out on a high goes Davy Russell after riding Irish Point to victory in the Grade 1 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree.

Ballyforan kickboxer Gary McDonnell (centre) has been in impressive form of late, taking gold at the Austrian Classics Wako World Cup in Innsbruck before defeating Tallaght fighter Troy Gannon in Dublin.

Heavy opening round defeat for minors

Electric Ireland Connacht U-17 Football Championship (Round One)

Mayo 2-17 Roscommon 0-11

< SEAMUS DUKE

After a promising first quarter, Roscommon’s minor footballers were eventually outclassed by an impressive Mayo outfit in this first round game played at Dr Hyde Park on Friday evening last.

Playing against the strong wind in the opening half, Roscommon were competitive early on but the visitors held a slight advantage, 0-5 to 0-4, after 15 minutes. John McGuinness and John Curran in attack looked lively for the home side.

Mayo gained control after that and they outscored the hosts by 0-8 to 0-2 in the second quarter to lead by 0-13 to 0-6 at the break. Mayo midfielder Dara Neary led the way with three excellent long-range points.

With the strong wind at their backs in the second half, there were hopes that Roscommon could mount a challenge, but it was the visitors who

Buccs miss out on promotion

Energia All-Ireland League: Buccaneers 24 City of Armagh 31. Despite a monumental effort Buccaneers came up tantalisingly short in their bid to qualify for the promotion play-offs when losing 31-24 to Division 1B winners City of Armagh in their final Energia All-Ireland League fixture of the season, played in front of the biggest gate of the year at Dubarry Park. Thirds up for the cup!

Ard Na Cregg Cup Final: Buccaneers

Thirds 24 Galwegians Thirds 5. Buccaneers made it a memorable league and cup double when they defeated Galwegians 24-5 in the Ard-Na-Cregg Cup decider at Corinthian Park, Galway, on Saturday. This motley Pirates crew did not have it all their own way initially but eventually pulled away from willing opponents to repeat their double feat of a decade ago.

Youth Rugby

The U-16s advanced to the Connacht Cup fi-

nal following a hard-earned 17-14 victory over Creggs at Dubarry Park on a cold Wednesday evening. Leading 12-0 at half-time, Buccs were made to work all the way to hold off the visitors in a hard-fought second half.

The U-18.5 squad scored a notable 24-14 Connacht Cup semi-final over Corinthians at Dubarry Park on Sunday and will square up to old foes Galwegians in the decider at Galway Sportsground.

going to receive an International cap! Fixtures against the Pumas were not recognised as full test matches back then. Leo captained Athlone RFC in the year of his Ireland appearance and the unassuming giant was a key player for Connacht during an interprovincial career that spanned from 1969 to 1980.

took over and in truth it was a very one-sided second period. In the 34th minute, Gavin Forry shot low past Aaron Cox for a Mayo goal and it was an uphill task for Roscommon after that. With Tommy Lydon, Colm Lynch and Darragh O’Beirne playing well, Mayo pulled away and won easily in the end and Forry fisted home a second goal in the 50th minute after a fine Mayo move.

It was a very disappointing start to the campaign for Roscommon and it doesn’t get any easier as they now have to face Galway in Tuam this Friday night. Eoghan Carthy, John McGuinness and John Curran did well but a huge improvement will be needed if the team is to progress to the play-off stages.

Mayo: Conor Meaney; James Lavelle, Eoin McGreal, Yousif Coghill; Jamie Clarke, Rio Mortimer, Fionan O’Reilly; Dara Neary (0-3), Shane Cunningham; Colm Lynch (0-2), Tommy Lydon (0-5, 2 frees), Senan Guilfoyle (0-1); Darragh Beirne (0-5, 3 frees), Josh Carey, Gavin Forry (2-0). Subs: Tiernan Egan for Guilfoyle (45), Ryan Gibbons for Carey (45), Conor Jennings for O’Reilly (54), Matthew Leonard for Beirne (54), Conor Ryder (0-1) for Lynch (62).

Roscommon: Aaron Cox; Conor Grogan, Nikita Berzins, Ryan Hanley (0-1); Ruadhan Henry, Conor Dowling, Eoghan Carthy; David Higgins, Lee Taylor; Jamie Betts (0-1), John McGuinness (0-1), Sean McDonnell (0-3, 2 frees); John Curran (0-2), Niall Heneghan, Eoghan Murray (03, 2 frees). Subs: Cathal McKeon for Dowling (36), Ruairi Kilcline for Heneghan (43), Rory Coyle for Taylor (43), Colin Murray for Hanley (43), Keelan Kelly for Henry (55).

Referee: Rory Hynes (Sligo)

Soccer results

The U-17s, meanwhile, progressed to the Connacht Cup final by virtue of a high-scoring 51-26 victory over Galwegians at Crowley Park, Galway, on Sunday.

Congratulations to a club icon on getting this long overdue recognition. Leo will be presented with his cap at a pre-match event ahead of Ireland’s fixture against England in the Aviva Stadium on August 19th

Player of the Year

Buccaneers U-15s will be striving to also reach the Connacht Cup final when they take on Corinthians in their semi-final at Dubarry Park on Saturday, kick-off 2 pm.

Leo finally receives Irish cap

Some fifty years after playing for Ireland against Argentina in 1973, Leo Galvin is finally

What’s the Score?

The Rovers side have progressed to the quarter-finals of the U-14 cup following a comfortable away win against St John’s Athletic. Rian Grogan, Lewis Smyth, Aaron Miley, William Godfrey and Eoin Naughten were on target. Our Atlético team lost out to Ballaghaderreen in Lisnamult and will play our Real Roscommon side in the Shield next Monday.

The boys’ U-16 first team recovered from a two-goal deficit to reach the cup semi-final after overcoming Glen Celtic with Jonathan Ben Martin scoring the winner in the second period of extra-time. They will now play Castlerea Celtic in the last four. Town 2 host Shiven in the Shield this evening (Thursday).

It was a busy evening for the boys’ U-11 section. Town 1 CL won away to Dunmore while the EL side drew. A win and a draw also for our respective Town 2 CL and EL sides, who hosted Skyvalley Rovers. There was no luck however for the boys’ U-18 side who lost out to St John’s on a 3-2 scoreline in the rain in Lecarrow. Adam Hannon and Izidro Ribas were on target. They are in action on Saturday evening when they travel to Shiven Rovers.

Ramadan Respect…

After a month of prayer and fasting, our Muslim club members conclude Ramadan tomorrow (Friday). We have a lot of respect for our players who have trained and played matches over the last month while fasting.

Eid Mubarak!

Buccaneers Player of the Year awards event takes place at the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone on Saturday, April 29th. For tickets (€40), contact Geraldine on 086-1732711.

The following Buccaneers players represented Ireland during this past season: Robbie Henshaw (senior), Harry West (U-18s), Niall Tallon (U-18s), Patrick Egan (U-18s).

Allez Senan!

Senan Grogan travelled to France recently with the RDYSL Academy to participate in a tournament. Well done Senan, we are proud of you!

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Noah Feely

Team: Roscommon Town U-14s

Position: Defender

Three words that describe me: Fast, Confident, Funny

Skill strength: Defending

Skill weakness: Kick ups

Favourite team: Man United

Favourite player: Virgil Van Dijk

Favourite Irish player: Shane Duffy

Best stadium in the world: Aviva Messi or Ronaldo or Neither: Ronaldo PlayStation or Xbox or Neither: PlayStation

Favourite film: Beverley Hills Cop

Favourite food: Chicken wings

Favourite book: Anything by David Walliams

What makes me happy: Food

Why I play soccer: For fun

Hopes for this season: To improve

Creggs RFC Report

U-16s suffer cup heartbreak

THE GAIN LINE C’mon The Town

Connacht U-16 Cup Semi-Final: Creggs 14 Buccaneers 17. Creggs U-16s narrowly missed out on a place in the Connacht Cup final following this narrow away defeat to Athlone side Buccaneers on Wednesday evening last.

This was always going to be a tight contest and Creggs performed bravely in the second half to almost overturn a 12-0 halftime deficit.

James Blighe crossed for an early second-half try which was converted by Cathal Maloney and by this stage Creggs looked to be on top.

The hosts, however, hit back with a try in the corner before Leo Anic responded with another converted Creggs try to leave three points in it with just ten minutes remaining.

Creggs once again applied the pressure but just couldn’t find another score. Buccs were relieved when the referee appeared to blow the final whistle perhaps prematurely.

The hosts attempted to kick a penalty out of play but the ball looked to have dropped short only to be batted forward into touch by a Buccaneers player.

Heartbreak then for the U-16s but this team has gone from strength to strength this year.

Players on parade!

Creggs RFC were represented by President Adrian Leddy and club captain Brian Diffley as well as a number off Youth and Mini players in the Roscommon Easter Parade on Easter Monday last. The players were tasked with pushing a number of large inflatables including Superman! Thankfully the weather played ball right to the end.

Roisin’s Irish cap

Roisin Maher travelled with the Irish team to England for the Six Nations festival recently. Roisin played a number of games and enjoyed her time with the national team. She was presented with her cap at the tournament. Congratulations Roisin, the club is extremely proud of you.

Girls’ final finally?

The Girls U-18 Connacht Cup final, which has been rearranged a number of times by the Connacht branch, looks like it will finally go ahead this Saturday (22nd) at 2.30 pm in Ballyhaunis.

U-15s in cup showdown…

Moylough U-7s played St. John’s Athletic on Saturday in the Roscommon U-7 soccer league.

The boys’ U-15 side is in cup final action on April 29th but as of now their opponents are unknown. Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates.

U-13 away to Sligo

The U-13s travel to Sligo RFC to play in the cup semi-final this Saturday (22nd) with a 12.30 pm kick off. Best of luck lads!

Orchard’s sweet revenge!

Hurlers fall to opening Nickey Rackard defeat

Armagh exacted sweet revenge on Roscommon for two recent defeats when they had twelve points to spare (2-24 to 0-18) against Seamus Qualter’s men in the first round Nickey Rackard Cup match at Dr Hyde Park last Sunday.

A goal in each half were key scores as was the dismissal on a second yellow card of Roscommon attacker Adam Donnelly who was sent off on in first-half injury-time.

Connor Reneghan struck seven minutes before the break for Armagh’s first goal and at half-time The Orchard led by 1-11 to 0-12. The visitors struck again three minutes after the break when Eoin McGuinness was on tar-

Comeback

kids!

U-20s recover to secure final spot

Roscommon’s U-20 hurlers showed remarkable recovery powers as they came from eight points down to defeat Down in a thrilling All-Ireland ‘B’ semi-final played at Darver in County Louth last Saturday.

As a result, Mike Fallon’s men, who gained revenge for last year’s final defeat to the same opposition, will now face Derry in the final on Saturday week.

Shortly after half-time, Down were leading by 0-16 to 1-5 but Roscommon got a grip of proceedings after that and they took over completely to record a memorable win.

Cormac Mulry had scored a goal in the 14th minute of the opening half but Down were dominant early on and led by 0-13 to 1-5 at the break.

But Roscommon, led by Sean Canning, Micheal Hussey, Jack Ryan, Mikey Lohan and Cormac Mulry, came storming back into the match and goals from Canning in the 47th minute, and sub Chullain Dowd in the 50th minute, were key as the Rossies swept into the final.

get and Roscommon were struggling after that. It will up an uphill task for Roscommon now in this championship after this surprising defeat, however the team should get back on the winning trail this coming weekend when they face Louth.

Armagh: Conor McAnallen; Stefan McParland, Oisin O’Hare, Odhran McCann; Paudie Lappin, Tiernan Nevin, Odhran Curry; Peadar McBride, Barry Short (0-1); Tomas

Galvin (0-4), Connor Reneghan (1-1), Cormac Jennings (0-1); Fionntain Donnelly (0-11, all frees), Eoin McGuinness (1-1), Tom McKavanagh (0-2). Subs used: Shea Harvey (0-2) for McBride (57 mins), Neil Curry for McKavanagh (62 mins), Danny McGee (0-1) for Galvin (66 mins), Kane Laverty for McGuinness (69 mins).

Roscommon: Enda Lawless; Dara Mullen, Mark Ward, Padraic Brennan; Joe Brennan,

Conor Cosgrove (0-1), Eamon Flanagan (0-2, one free); Mickey Joe Egan (0-6, 1 free, 1 ’65), Eamon Mulry; Darragh Finn, Adam Donnelly (0-1), Paddy Fallon (0-6, 5 frees, 1 ’65); Naos Connaughton, Conor Mulry (0-1), Brendan Mulry. Subs used: Caoileann Dowd for E Mulry (half-time), Jack Dowling (0-1) for Flanagan (40 mins), Sean Dowd for Connaughton (46 mins), Cormac Mulry for Finn (55 mins). Referee: Brian Keon (Galway).

Conor Mulry leaves his marker Odhrán McCann on the ground as he takes off in attack. Action from last Sunday’s Nickey Rackard Cup game between Roscommon and Armagh in Dr Hyde Park. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon’s Conor Cosgrove in action against Armagh in last Sunday’s Nickey Rackard Cup game in Dr Hyde Park. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

‘Galway will pose a different challenge to Mayo’ – Burke

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It’s hard not to be swept up with the infectious enthusiasm of Davy Burke. The Roscommon manager, who is the youngest inter-county Gaelic football boss at senior level, is clearly enjoying his adventure with the Roscommon footballers this year. Chatting to him last weekend, it was evident that he cannot wait for the next major challenge – and that comes this Sunday against Galway at Dr Hyde Park.

The new manager knows how much the win against Mayo meant to his players – and to Roscommon GAA fans. While he is happy to chat about the famous victory in Castlebar, his focus is very much on what he calls a “completely different challenge” against Galway.

“Ah look, the win against Mayo was fantastic and it was a great performance from the lads. We all enjoyed it but we have had two weeks to get ready for Galway and that’s our focus now. The lads have come back in and are training hard. We know that Galway will pose a different challenge than Mayo and we have to be ready for that. But we are playing in

front of our own crowd in the Hyde, it’s our home ground and we have to make that our fortress”.

Burke knows that Galway will bring plenty of quality to the game on Sunday.

“We know the class players they have with the likes of Shane Walsh, Damien Comer, Paul Conroy, John Daly and many more. They were in the All-Ireland final last year and were only beaten by a few points. Galway are a serious outfit so we know what we are facing. We have to be ready for it, but I think we will be”.

The manager is happy with the fitness levels of the squad. “We have very few injuries. Daire Cregg and Cian Glennon are back in full training and the only one who is out long-term is Tadhg O’Rourke.

The work that Noel Flynn (strength & conditioning coach) has been doing has been phenomenal”.

Burke is playing down the excellent form of many of his more experienced players like Niall Daly, Davy Murray, Donie Smith, Ciaráin Murtagh, Diarmuid Murtagh and Niall Kilroy, who are playing some of the best football of their careers in 2023.

“There was always going to be a bounce

after new management arrived but these are all class players anyway and they are giving so much to the cause. They have been outstanding this year. They are all great lads, every single one of them. Diarmuid Murtagh is a class act. His attitude and dedication since I came in has been top class. I couldn’t be happier with every lad on the panel, to be honest. They are putting in a massive effort”.

Burke says that Roscommon’s win against Galway in the league will not matter at all when the teams take the field on Sunday.

“That was a completely different game altogether. It was real winter football and we snatched it at the end. Sunday’s game will be ultra-competitive and hardfought. Neither side will want to lose.

“There is a lot of football to be played this year yet. Galway are another big rival for Roscommon and this will be a very tough test for our lads. We don’t want to lose at Hyde Park and we are really looking forward to the challenge. The lads have a great attitude and they are enjoying their football and I am expecting them to put in another big performance”.

Roscommon will need to summon spirit of Castlebar!

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Roscommon footballers’ memorable 2023 moves on to another stage this Sunday when

they welcome another fierce rival, Galway, to Dr Hyde Park. It is another tough challenge for Davy Burke and his team. After the heroics against Mayo, expectations will be high. There will be a big crowd and a great atmosphere. If Roscommon can repeat the intensity they showed in Castlebar two weeks ago then they will provide the Tribesmen with a serious test.

Galway have had three weeks to lick their wounds after their league final defeat to Mayo. They are determined to win another Connacht title and go into the new All-Ireland series as number one seeds from the West.

Roscommon were magnificent against Mayo. Every single player (including the subs who were used) made a massive contribution to that victory. The same will be required on Sunday if Roscommon are to come through. The confidence and ‘feelgood factor’ generated by that superb win against Kevin McStay’s men cannot be underestimated

In my view Galway have much better forwards than Mayo. Shane Walsh and Damien Comer are obvious threats, but Robert Finnerty, Matthew Tierney, Johnny Heaney and Peter Cooke are all scoring forwards too. The Roscommon defence will have to be at its very best on Sunday.

Having said that, there are continuing question marks over the Galway defence and goalkeeper, and if Roscommon can hit the ground running and show the same appetite for hard work that we saw against Mayo, then a close game is on the cards. Roscommon will hardly be making too many changes from the Mayo game.

Conor Carroll is one of the finds of the year and continues to be an excellent goalkeeper.

The full-back line of Conor Hussey, Conor Daly and Davy Murray were fantastic against Mayo. It will be interesting to see who Davy Burke puts on Shane Walsh. My money would be on Conor Daly. Either way, it’s a tough task for whoever is detailed to mark Walsh as he is a class act and always seems to play well against Roscommon.

Niall Daly is having his best season in a long time in the half-back line while Brian Stack has been arguably Roscommon’s best

Niall Daly has been a defensive rock and also an attacking asset as he continues to star in the Roscommon jersey. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Enda Smith… after his magnificent performance against Mayo, Roscommon supporters will be hoping for a similarly influential display from the Boyle man this weekend. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell player this year. Eoin McCormack never put a foot wrong against Mayo and will relish the challenge this Sunday.

It looks likely that Dylan Ruane and Keith Doyle will form the midfield partnership. Both players are doing very well and their battle with the Galway midfield could decide the outcome. Paul Conroy will definitely start for Padraic Joyce’s men, but the big question is will Conor McDaid be alongside him? If he is back from injury then Galway will be strengthened considerably. It is up front where Roscommon can have

the edge on Sunday. Diarmuid Murtagh is playing the kind of football that we all knew that he was capable of, while Enda Smith is having a super season. If the All Star team was being picked this week he would be a shoo-in. Ben O’Carroll has been a massive find, while Donie Smith, Ciaráin Murtagh, Ciaran Lennon, Conor Cox, Daire Cregg, Cian McKeon and Niall Kilroy can all fit into the attack seamlessly.

Padraic Joyce has All-Ireland ambitions with this Galway team. They were unlucky enough in last year’s final against Kerry,

and feel they can go a step further this year. They certainly do not want to be losing to Roscommon at this stage, so it will be ultracompetitive on Sunday.

From a Roscommon point of view I would be fearful of that potent Galway attack, but if the Rossies can repeat the type of game plan and attitude that they showed against Mayo, it will take a very good team to beat them.

Roscommon are on a roll. I think they can win it by a point or two.

Prediction: Roscommon.

Pressing matters: Martin looks back on two decades at the Hyde

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To those of us in the media game, Martin Walshe was always a familiar and friendly face for big matches at Dr Hyde Park.

The Éire Óg clubman, who spent almost 24 years working as a steward at the county town venue, would be at the ground up to three hours in advance of throw-in to show members of the media into the press box.

This week, at his home in Errit, Co. Roscommon, close to the Mayo border, he looked back fondly on his time acting as gatekeeper for visiting sports journalists, and meeting everyone from local hacks like yours truly to household names and national broadcasters.

“I had been working as a steward for around three years when one day during a game,

the late Gerry Finneran, a great friend of mine, tapped me on the shoulder and told me he had a job for me,” Martin said.

“I sat down in a chair inside the press box door and was told to stay there until someone came and told me to move…no one every did!”

During his time in the press box, Martin met them all: Jimmy Magee (“one of the soundest”), Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh (“lovely man”), Marty Morrissey (“some man!”), Michael Lyster (“absolute gentleman”) and the “wonderful” Brian Carthy. Gerry O’Malley, Paddy Cummins and Tom Mullen were also regular visitors, while his great friend Dermot Earley would pop by on his way into the match too.

The late, great Dermot was Martin’s best friend, he says,

and the Walshe family played a huge part in the erection of a statue of the Roscommon legend in Gorthaganny.

“He gave me that,” Martin says as he points out a framed photograph of the former AllStar and Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces. Just outside his ‘memorabilia room’ there’s a jersey from the 1960s that was given to him by another Rossie legend, Gerry O’Malley.

Martin speaks highly of everyone he met through his work with Roscommon GAA, from the “ladies who made the tea and sandwiches” to announcer Gerry Kehoe and members of the County Board.

Apart from his family, the Rossies, and Éire Óg, Martin’s other major love is Arsenal. A tenuous soccer fling started before he left Roscommon for London as a 20-year-old in

1970. It became a full-blown love affair after a season standing on the terraces of Highbury.

“Will they win the league this season? Well, it’s like this, Mikel Arteta has done a great job but they’ve dropped back a bit lately in those games against Liverpool and West Ham. They’ll need to win on Friday night and then they just can’t come away from The Etihad beaten,” he says.

What about Roscommon this Sunday at the Hyde?

“I like Davy Burke. Roscommon have great forwards…and our backs looked like they had a plan and knew what they were doing against Mayo. Galway are a great team but if we can stay close to them into the last fifteen minutes then we have a great chance,” he said.

Martin’s time manning the press box came to an end with the outbreak of Covid-19. There was no need for stewards with the crowds gone, he says.

This Sunday, Martin and his wife Kathleen will drive down to their daughter Ann’s house, which just happens to be right opposite the Hyde! The couple have three children in all: Ann, Martina and Vincent, as well as two grandchildren and two ‘Man United supporters’ as sons-in-law.

When he was working in the press box, he’d have to leave the house four hours before the Castlerea Brass & Reed Band started up, but now match days are a far more laid-back affair.

“We can drive straight into Ann’s house now for about 3 o’clock or a quarter past this Sunday, park the car and walk back towards the Hyde. It gives us more time with the family,” he says.

Despite not being involved as a match day steward anymore, Martin still calls into the press box to say hello to old friends.

And, much like Dublin legend Stephen Cluxton, there has yet to be an official retirement statement issued from Errit!

“If the County Board or someone called me and said they were stuck for stewards I’d go back in,” Martin says.

But right now he’s happy with another trip to the Hyde, a venue filled with memories of old friends, and where a chat and cup of tea will always await him among the biro pushers and broadcasters on championship Sunday.

Martin Walshe pictured at his home in Errit, Co. Roscommon.

Proud Padraig Pearses and Roscommon supporters Daniel, Noel and Eamon Fallon pictured in MacHale Park, Castlebar at the recent Connacht SFC quarter-final against Mayo. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Members of the Bruen family from Ballyfarnon supporting Roscommon in MacHale Park, Castlebar at the recent Connacht SFC quarter-final against Mayo. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon v Galway Facts & figures

Roscommon and Galway are meeting in the championship for a third successive year and for the eighth time (including a replay in 2016) in eight seasons.

Last five…

2022: Galway 2-19 Roscommon 2-16 (Connacht final)

2021: Galway 2-11 Roscommon 0-12 (Connacht semi-final)

2019: Roscommon 1-13 Galway 0-12 (Connacht final)

2018: Galway 0-16 Roscommon 2-6 (Connacht final)

2017: Roscommon 2-15 Galway 0-12 (Connacht final)

Galway are having their first outing in the championship on Sunday, having earlier reached the Division One League Final where they lost to Mayo.

Roscommon defeated Mayo by 2-8 to 0-10 in the Connacht quarter-final last Sunday week. Diarmuid Murtagh was their top scorer with 0-6.

Galway and Roscommon have met 66 times in the championship in all. Galway have won 39 to Roscommon’s 21, with six draws. The last draw was in the 2016 Connacht final. Galway won the replay.

Galway are bidding to reach the Connacht final for an eighth successive year.

Roscommon defeated Galway by a point (0-9 to 0-8) in this year’s Allianz League game in Pearse Stadium (in February). The low scoring was in marked contrast to their Connacht final meeting at the same venue last year, which Galway won by 2-19 to 2-16.

Galway footballer and Audi Brand Ambassador Shane Walsh pictured with Roscommon ‘super fan’ Paddy Joe Burke at Galway Audi recently. Paddy Joe, who recently purchased his new wheels from the dealer, said he was extremely impressed by the Galway and Kilmacud Crokes player, describing him as “a lovely lad with an awful lot of manners”.

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shootout

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John O’Mahony is probably better placed than most people to give an informed assessment of Sunday’s match. When it comes to top level football, he knows both counties very well indeed.

Having managed Galway to win two All-Ireland titles, and having been involved with Roscommon club St Brigid’s over the years, the Ballaghaderreen man is now manager of the Salthill-Knocknacarra senior football team.

Yet for all his insights into Gaelic football, in common with many pundits this week John is struggling to call Sunday’s game.

“Roscommon were magnificent against

Mayo and thoroughly deserved their win. The big question is can they get back to the level of intensity that they showed in Castlebar?

“Listening to Davy Burke and the players after the Mayo match, they were focussing on that (Mayo) match for a long time. But they will have had to get back down to earth after that win and re-focus on Sunday’s match, which won’t be easy”.

John says that Galway will pose a different threat on Sunday than that provided by Mayo.

“There is no doubt that the Galway attack is very sharp, but there are fitness doubts over Johnny Heaney and Cillian McDaid. If they were absent

it would affect Galway’s chances.

“Remember too that Galway are without two of the defenders that helped them to the All-Ireland final last year, Kieran Molloy and Liam Silke”.

John says that he can make a case for both sides on Sunday.

“Roscommon are at home in Dr Hyde Park and they never have a problem playing Galway over the years. But if the Galway attack get going like they can, they will give Roscommon problems.

“It’s a very hard game to call. I can see it going to extra-time but hopefully not penalties, because that is not a way to settle any championship game” he concluded.

Anja Grehan, Sinead Murray and Romy O’Sullivan pictured in MacHale Park, Castlebar at the recent Connacht SFC quarter-final clash between Mayo and Roscommon. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

‘There is nothing quite like the championship. And while the provincial set-up is facing change, for now it retains a significant relevance, especially when county pride is on the line in a rollercoaster against an established rival’. Enda Smith (Roscommon) and Jordan Flynn (Mayo) get up close and personal prior to throw-in in the recent Connacht SFC quarter-final.

On Sunday, yet again, hope and mystery rhyme

45 years or so on from first experiencing that special championship fever, Roscommon People Editor PAUL HEALY fully expects more hair-raising, adrenaline-rising excitement at Dr Hyde Park on Sunday…

The GAA may be diluting the overall significance of the provincial championships, but try communicating that to your heart when your team is tearing out of defence after a vital turnover midway through the second half of a close game, the stand erupting with noise and adrenaline. Not really the time for nuanced reflection on the changing environment (and all the better for that).

You might as well stare down a ravenous lion as it eyes its prey and try to advise it that the World Health Organisation has issued revised guidelines on the dangers of animals biting human flesh.

Once the battle heats up this Sunday, the heart isn’t likely to be open to misgivings about the future of the provincial championships.

I’ve no doubt that the ‘provincials’ will lessen in importance in the coming seasons – the process is underway – but a championship showdown with a neighbour will still stir the passions when the battle is raging.

This is why we love the championship. I first attended a game back in the late 1970s, when

Roscommon were in their pomp, dominating Connacht and playing with a swagger which had supporters believing anything was possible (which it was).

Once they experience the ‘championship adrenaline’ most people become hooked. It has much to do with footballers we personally know, with an appreciation of the game, with tactics, formations and skills, but it is also about one’s parish and place, about pride in your county and its jersey. It really is about who we are.

‘The moment’ usually comes midway during the second half of a close game. It’s a superb fetch from the skies, an epic point from a tight angle, a fierce shoulder-charge, the winning of a vital 50-50 ball close to the sideline, or very often a heroic charge from defence after a turnover has been won. That’s the moment. That’s when the roar rises in the crowd, when the players fistpump, when the collective adrenaline soars, and when a strange combination of nervous energy, excitement and hope takes control of you.

We love it, we endure it, we live it. That moment is the emotional summit of the day to that point, and from that moment on – assuming it’s a close encounter – we are taken to another place.

Passion takes over. Fear too. The margins slight, the prize precious.

Now it’s the white heat of battle, now the minutes are ticking away – the clock your friend one moment, then your enemy – the game is ebbing and flowing… every ball, every tussle, feeling like the outcome depends on them. Now the championship fervour peaks… and we are at the mercy of the momentum of the game.

There is nothing quite like the championship. And while the provincial norm is facing change, for now it retains a significant relevance, especially when county pride is on the line in a rollercoaster against an established rival.

There’s a long season ahead, and an exciting one too. Both Galway and Roscommon could comfortably deal with a Connacht exit before regrouping to take their place on the fascinating new All-Ireland championship pathway to dreams.

Before that new mystery reveals itself, a great battle seems likely in Hyde Park this Sunday. On the sod, warriors will rise, while in the stands, men, women and children will invest in the frantic magic of it all.

The championship. It is thrilling, exciting, terrifying, glorious. What will the last quarter bring, what will Sunday’s mystery look like when it is fully revealed? With the game in the balance and our county’s honour on the line, who will ponder on championship format?

This is Roscommon v Galway, in the Hyde. This is our past and our present merging. Tradition. Heart. Pride. This is for us, and for those who have gone and whom we fondly remember.

On Sunday, be prepared for the temperature rise, for that phase in the second half when the lateral lows of the tentative early stages fade into memory and the emotional release happens… for when the game opens and erupts. When will the moment come? This is the GAA, our games, our county. On Sunday, yet again, hope and mystery rhyme.

Photo: Bernie O’Farrell