20 January 2023 Roscommon People

HIRE

AGREEMENT

I bought a laptop two years ago. I am paying for it by way of a hire purchase agreement which I signed with my bank. Due to financial difficulties I am no longer in a position to keep up payments. I am worried about my credit rating being affected. Is there anything I can do to protect my credit rating?

You are paying for your laptop by way of a hire purchase agreement thereby allowing you to hire your laptop by paying agreed installments for an agreed time period. The agreement is signed by you (the hirer) and the lending institution (the owner). You do not actually own your laptop until the last installment is paid, although you have full use of the laptop throughout the repayment period.

You may terminate the agreement at any time by giving notice in writing to the lending institution but penalties will be applied for breaking the agreement early.

The Half Rule Process is a consumer friendly rule allowing you to end a hire purchase agreement early if you have paid half of the hire purchase price. You must return the laptop and give notice, in writing, that you are ending the agreement. You must check the hire purchase agreement to ascertain exactly what amounts to half of the hire purchase price. You will also be responsible for any arrears owing.

The half rule process benefits consumers in that it will not affect your credit rating.

This column is prepared

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

WATCHING People

With PAUL HEALY

You know I have creative writing skills… you’ve said it before!

Maybe…but this idea is daft!

Look, it’s a new year, a time for new hobbies, new projects! This could even be… cathartic!

I think you mean…catastrophic!

(Editor roots around filing cabinet for the minutes of his first meeting with the boyos, desperately trying to work out why he ever hired them)

Please hear me out! Help you out, more like it! We’ll have two more pints…then I can fully explain the concept!

The pub bore is still outside having a smoke…he was on about the mating routine of giraffes earlier, I think I’d prefer to get back to that conversation!

Look, my idea for a book may be a pipedream, but there’s a market for fantasyfact-fiction…

Maybe, but not all in the one book!

(They pause to observe the pub bore, now making giraffe impressions to two strangers on his return from the smoking area)

I just feel I can write a book, inspired by Prince Harry’s! It will be part-fact, part-fiction. Basically my life story… embellished by some exaggeration and fantasy…

Yeah, just like you live your life…so it will

actually be true!

(Further down the bar, the pub bore is spacing out a row of bar stools to indicate to the strangers how long a giraffe’s neck is)

So, here’s the plot… I didn’t ask!

It’s loosely based on my life so far…. Riveting! …but one day I’m suddenly kid-

napped by members of the Royal family’s security team… WHY?

For intelligence purposes…

HARDLY!

…and I’m being held prisoner in a lavish suite in Buckingham Palace!

Can I check that this is definitely just your second pint?

Look, I’m taking all sorts of artistic license, I don’t deny it!

Is that the entire plot?

No! It gets better! One night, there’s a break-in at the palace. The guard is overpowered. I hear a rustling of keys. I’m terrified. The door opens. It’s… Rebekah Vardy? Huh?

Oh forget it…

No, it’s…PRINCE HARRY! He’s broken into the palace because he wants to recover some secret documents, and to place some bugging devices around!

So, in part two of the book, Harry and I strike up an unlikely friendship…and we plan a coup!

Our drinks have arrived! Your book idea is madness! Let’s switch the subject!

You don’t understand! It’s a farce! Yes, it is a farce! It’s like what the pub bore is subjecting that poor couple to with his ramblings on giraffes…only worse!

WHAT?

A very tall story!

Damien English

The Fine Gael Minister of State resigned after it emerged that he had misled Meath County Council in 2008 when, during the course of submitting a planning application, he failed to declare that he already owned a house in the county

Davy Burke

The new Roscommon senior football manager called for pre-season competitions such as the FBD League to be scrapped (he doesn’t consider them to be helpful in preparing for the NFL). He was speaking after his team qualified for this Friday’s final, courtesy of a win over Sligo

Patrick Kielty

There was a very positive reaction to the comedian’s appearance on the Tommy Tiernan Show on Saturday night, during which Kielty spoke about the murder of his father in 1988, and also outlined his considered views on the prospects for a united Ireland

David Clifford

Yet another man of the match performance from the Kerry star inspired his club, Fossa, to All-Ireland Junior club glory in an explosive final on Sunday

by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor. Byrne Carolan Cunningham have offices in Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough and Galway.

Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS

PIC OF THE WEEK: Micheál Greene and Sarah Redican pictured at the Connacht GAA Air Dome in Bekan last Friday night during the FBD League semi-final between Roscommon and Sligo. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon Drama Group back on stage!

The Roscommon Drama Group are taking to the stage once more together with the Roscommon County Youth Theatre in an evening of entertainment on Saturday night next, the 20th.

The Roscommon County Youth Theatre are presenting an Evening of Improvisation on stage followed by the Roscommon Drama Group’s presentation of the one-act comedy by Tony Layton, Sharks In The Custard directed by Con Connolly.

The play is set in an art gallery where the cleaners are taking a tea break at which they receive bad news. Marie Conroy, Bernadette Stapleton and Jade Gilroy star as the three cleaners, and are joined by Fiona Walsh, Majella Flanagan, Aideen McConn and Con Connolly on stage. Come along for a very enjoyable evening of theatre, guaranteed for all. Tickets are available at the Arc Centre at a cost of €12, concessions €10 or at the door on the night.

Graves of two babies desecrated

Gardaí are investigating acts of vandalism at the joint graves of two babies in St. Coman’s Cemetery in Roscommon town.

Roscommon Gardaí have confirmed they received a report last Friday (13th) of criminal damage to a headstone. It is understood the vandalism occurred some time between last Thursday night (12th) and the early hours of Friday morning.

The mother of the two babies said the headstone was “completely destroyed”. “I’m very upset and I can’t get my head around why someone would do this or go to this level,” she said. “The grave is completely destroyed. It was a very expensive headstone…but everything is destroyed, pictures, bible ornaments, everything”.

The mother said she lost her two children in 1999 and 2007. One child was stillborn while the other was just seven and a half months old.

Roscommon Gardaí have confirmed that investigations are ongoing and they are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious to contact them on 090-6638300.

Ice warning in place until noon today

< DAN DOONER

A nationwide ice warning remains in place until noon today (Thursday) as wintry conditions continue to impact the country.

Met Éireann has warned of icy stretches leading to hazardous driving conditions, particularly on untreated roads.

The national forecaster’s warning came into effect at 7 pm yesterday evening (Wednesday) following wintry showers in many parts of the country throughout the day. A status yellow snow warning was in place for County Roscommon earlier this week and motorists have been advised to exercise caution on the county’s roads as the cold snap continues.

It is expected to remain cold across the country this week with an Arctic airflow bringing severe frost as well as some showers of hail, sleet, and snow.

Roscommon was the coldest county in the country on Monday night as temperatures as low as -7 degrees were recorded at Mount Dillon.

Meanwhile, over 500 homes in west Roscommon were left without power on Tuesday evening as ESB crews worked to repair a number of faults.

1,500 people in the Castlerea, Ballymoe, Oran and Roscommon areas were affected by the outage while 32 homes in Ballaghaderreen were also without power.

170-year-old Church to become a home

Roscommon County Council has granted planning permission for the conversion of a 170-year-old Kiltoom church into a home.

The application for the conversion of the former Anglican Church St. Paul’s, located at Cornaseer in Kiltoom, was granted on December 19th of last year.

According to the application, the former church, which dates from around 1850, is a protected structure and the conversion will include a partial reconstruction and material alteration of the building with the exterior remaining largely unchanged.

Among the 17 conditions attached by the Council, is that a suitably qualified conservation architect be appointed to oversee the works until completion.

HAC welcomes green light for transfer of patients to RUH

< DAN DOONER

The process of transferring non-urgent patients to Roscommon University Hospital in a bid to ease overcrowding in emergency departments across the region commenced on Monday morn ing last.

The programme, which involves strict clinical and geographical criteria, will see a small cohort of stable medical pa tients transferred by the National Am bulance Service (NAS) for treatment.

The Medical Assessment Unit in Roscommon currently treats patients referred by GPs. Under this new agree ment, this referral pathway will now be extended to include NAS paramedics.

The Roscommon Hospital Action Committee has welcomed the move, with Cllr. Valerie Byrne adding the committee’s support for protests at hospitals highlighting the ongoing crisis.

“It’s over ten years since we lost our A&E department in Roscommon and in that time the population of the country has increased and the number of beds in our hospital system has reduced. This has left extra pressures on the hospital system. Roscommon University Hospital can be part of the solution to overcrowding if staffed and resourced properly,” Cllr. Byrne stated.

“We hope that the ambulance service where patients are brought by ambu-

lance and treated at Roscommon Hospital will continue into the future and that this service will remain in place going forward.

“The HAC always maintained that Roscommon University Hospital was an important cog in the wheel for hospital services. It continues to play its role and we look forward to it going from strength to strength”.

Commenting earlier this week, RUH Manager Mary Garvey said: “This pathway involves a clear definition of patient groups who would benefit from

such a referral. This is essential so that all healthcare professionals concerned, including paramedics and doctors, can be assured that we are bringing the right patients to the right location”.

Meanwhile, Chief Ambulance Officer for the West, John Joe McGowan said the ambulance service was happy to expand the pathway to Roscommon University Hospital following similar trials in Cork and Ennis.

Independent TD Denis Naughten said he had been in contact with both the HSE and the Taoiseach last week seeking that

the urgent care centre and medical assessment unit at Roscommon Hospital be used to provide rapid assessment, diagnosis and timely treatment.

“While this won’t resolve the crisis in our local emergency departments, it will mean that patients will get access to more timely care which will allow them to be discharged from hospital far quicker,” he said.

“This new protocol will be of particular benefit to older people who could end up spending up to 24 hours on a trolley in an emergency department”.

‘Disgust’ over lifebuoy vandalism in Castlerea

< DAN DOONER

Local county councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice has said he is “disappointed and disgusted” following an act of vandalism to a number of lifebuoys at the Demesne in Castlerea.

Three lifebuoys located next to the Francis River were stolen or vandalised last week.

Posting on social media last Thursday, Cllr. Fitzmaurice said the vandalism posed a risk to life.

“I’m disappointed and disgusted that three lifebuoys have been stolen or vandalised at the Demesne, Castlerea,” he said.

“Lifebuoys are there to save lives and anyone who removes or interferes with lifebuoys is potentially risking someone’s life”.

An image shared by the councillor on Facebook showed one of the lifebuoys in the river close to River Island in the town.

Cllr. Fitzmaurice said he would retrieve the lifebuoy as soon as water levels at the river dropped – and put it back where it belongs.

Murphy says health issues ‘being rectified’

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy says major difficulties in the health service which have “built up over years” are slowly being rectified.

“The Government, under the stewardship of Minister Stephen Donnelly, have put 1,000 new hospital beds in place, over 350 community beds, and extra ICU beds. There have been over 16,000 new staff put in place, with 4,500 nurses and midwives included in that figure.

“The Minister is moving swiftly to implement new consultants’ contracts and it should get the green light within weeks, even though I acknowledge consultants still seem to have some reservations. Some excellent work is taking place. We also have reductions in some hospital charges”.

Senator Murphy said that he had received a small number of representations from concerned families about possible delays facing cancer patients.

“It seems that after being referred, the patient can be waiting far too long. I intend to speak to Minister Donnelly about this, but also I have to say in some cases people do not have to wait very long to get a further call. We need to cut out any unnecessary delays, particularly for cancer patients”.

Senator Murphy welcomed confirmation that some non-urgent patients can be transferred to Roscommon University Hospital.

He added that this does not mean Roscommon A&E is reopening (“closing it was a mistake, and we know who was responsible for that”).

Gospel Reflection

Sunday 22 January

Today’s Liturgy gives us a lesson in ancient Israelite geography and history. Isaiah’s prophecy in today’s First Reading is quoted by Matthew in today’s Gospel. Both intend to recall the apparent fall of the everlasting kingdom promised to David (see 2 Samuel 7:12–13; Psalm 89; Psalm 132:11–12).

Eight centuries before Christ, that part of the kingdom where the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali lived was attacked by the Assyrians, and the tribes were hauled off into captivity (see 2 Kings 15:29; 1 Chronicles 5:26).

It marked the beginning of the kingdom’s end. The Davidic empire finally crumbled in the sixth century BC, when Jerusalem was seized by Babylon and the remaining tribes were driven into exile (see 2 Kings 24:14).

Isaiah prophesied that Zebulun and Naphtali, the lands first to be degraded, would be the first to see the light of God’s salvation. Jesus today fulfils that prophecy – announcing the restoration of David’s kingdom at precisely the spot where the kingdom began to fall.

His gospel of the Kingdom includes not only the twelve tribes of Israel but all the nations – symbolised by the “Galilee of the Nations”. Calling His first disciples, two fishermen on the Sea of Galilee, He appoints them to be “fishers of men,” gathering people from the ends of the earth.

They are to preach the gospel, Paul says in today’s Epistle, to unite all peoples in the same mind and in the same purpose – in a worldwide kingdom of God.

By their preaching, Isaiah’s promise has been delivered. A world in darkness has seen the light. The yoke of slavery and sin, borne by humanity since time began, has been smashed. And we are able now, as we sing in today’s Psalm, to dwell in the house of the Lord, to worship Him in the land of the living

-Scott Hahn Ph.D., www.salvationhistory.com (courtesy of Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon)

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

A column by Roscommon People editor paul@roscommonpeople.ie

THURSDAY

Loan Ranger…

If Chelsea manager Graham Potter bought the winning lotto ticket just now, chances are that calamity would follow. I can imagine him with the winning numbers, only for a gust of wind to prise the ticket from his fingers, the precious passport to a fortune swirling off into the distance, or maybe being feasted on by a passing dog.

With the sack a real possibility after just one win in ten games, underpressure Potter paid a staggering €11m to loan Portuguese star Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid for a few months. Chelsea’s would-be saviour was hurriedly included for tonight’s crunch game with Fulham.

Not only did Chelsea lose again… Felix, the new kid on the block, got sent off on his debut.

At the time of writing, the likeable Potter is still hanging on to his job. And the €11m ‘loan ranger’ is suspended from playing for a month.

FRIDAY

Ditching Damien

Is it any wonder that politicians get the proverbial bad name?

Over the years, I’ve watched Meath TD Damien English adopt quite the indignant position on a range of topics when challenged by broadcasters and fellow politicians.

He’s no different to most in his position – it’s natural that politicians will defend themselves and their party, even if some of what they are saying is nonsense – but I was always struck by our Damien’s tetchiness, his slightly prickly side, particularly in some of his exchanges with Vincent Browne.

Yesterday, Damien fell on his sword, exposed by new news website ‘The Ditch’ for making a dishonest declaration to Meath County Council, and for failing to declare his ownership of a particular property in the Dáil register.

I’m sure Damien’s a popular guy, but his downfall has come about entirely because of his own conduct.

14 years ago, English applied for planning permission to build a house in rural Meath; on the application form, he neglected to detail that he already owned a house in the area. He would also have signed a declaration to the effect that all the information on the form was accurate. It wasn’t, and he had to know that (most of us have signed similar forms, and been careful not to mislead). In the years since, Deputy English has consistently failed to declare ownership of the said property.

These guys ‘make the rules’ for everyone – but some of them feel they can live by their own. Give us a break…

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

Unbelievable!

It was an enjoyable weekend on the sporting front. Roscommon and Mayo qualified for Friday’s FBD final –

whether new Rossie manager Davy Burke likes it or not! (The manager’s lack of enthusiasm for such pre-season tournaments makes some sense; see page 39).

Manchester United’s dramatic derby win over neighbours City was one of the big talking points of the weekend, with a massive debate over the legitimacy or otherwise of their equalising goal.

I know snooker doesn’t command the same TV audience in these parts as in the 1980s/‘90s, but I greatly enjoyed the Masters’ final, where Judd Trump narrowly defeated the ageless Mark Williams.

Still, the sporting highlight of the weekend had to be Paudie Clifford’s speech as the Fossa captain accepted the cup following his team’s All-Ireland Junior Football Club title win. Praising the match officials, Clifford bizarrely added: “A good job...other than at the end when I was wrongly sent off. Unbe-

lievable how I was sent off”.

Those Clifford boys (his brother, David, scored 0-11) really are rewriting the history books!

MONDAY-TUESDAY

Trials of ‘To do’ list…

I admit it; I never saw this ‘list twist’ coming…

As we know, the world is made up of two types of people (here we go again!). Those who (probably wisely) would never dream of tormenting themselves by making lists…and the rest of us.

I started making ‘To do’ lists at work years ago, scribbling a daily or weekly one on paper. Nowadays, they are typed, giving the prospect of extra satisfaction whereby you can proudly delete a task when it’s done.

Of course the danger is that it becomes a form of madness. Some people make

‘To do’ lists for work, some make a list for home/personal life…some even combine both. True devotees juggle items on the list, so that there are priorities…maybe even ‘before lunch’ and ‘after lunch’ categories. Some people might even use different colours, or create an excel sheet!

Here’s what happened: With it being January – and good intentions abounding – I’ve been flying with my ‘To do’ list lately.

Bring stuff to the civic amenity site. Ticked. Tidy those files. Ticked. Make those tortuous calls to the companies who won’t answer for ages (but who appreciate your call). Ticked. Send that Mass card. Ticked. Ring plumber. Ticked. Get those bulbs. Ticked. Tidy shed (again). Soon.

With such ‘progress’ made, naturally my long-term ‘To do’ list had become shorter…and shorter. Then, the plot twist (or list twist) struck me. Never having been so near to the end of a list before, I hadn’t previously given this any thought. What happens if everything gets ticked off?

Suddenly, as I write, the status quo is under threat. While some people might love ever-present lists, I’ve always assumed that most of us who live by lists are, in a strange way, working towards the utopia of not needing a list (i.e. everything done). But can we function without them? Now it seems that the shrinking list will inevitably be replenished by new entries…

For all those years, I thought the goal was to finish the list(s), to get all done…to end the madness. But it may be that, like taxation and Piers Morgan, the list never goes away…

WEDNESDAY

Paschal’s posters

More ministerial embarrassment, with Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe in hot water over a failure to declare expenses for erection of posters during the 2016 election campaign.

And to think Paschal has been Fine Gael’s ‘Poster Boy’ for financial competence…

BOYLE FURTHER EDUCATION & TRAINING CENTRE, MARION RD, BOYLE.

CREATIVE FUTURES

Our main award ‘Creative Futures’ is open to anyone 16 years and over in both a full and part time capacity, subjects include: Horsemanship, Art & Design, Communications & Teamwork, Horticulture and Permaculture. We are also offering Environmental Sustainability Awareness, a new award developed by SOLAS specifically for the FET sector. The programme aim is to develop learners’ awareness of the impacts of environmental change and the key sustainable practices that can be implemented for Energy use, Waste, Water and Biodiversity at individual and community level.

Part time options. As well as the full –time ‘Creative Futures’ program, we are also offering a number of minor awards on a part time basis.

Interested? fetchcourses.ie or kathleen.mcnulty@gretb.ie

HORSEMANSHIP

Over the next few months we will be offering a taster of Horse Riding and Stable yard Routines at QQI L4. This will then lead on to the full time course starting in September, where the full Level 5 award will be offered, again we hope to offer a part-time option for learners currently employed in the equine industry and those that may like to study part time. We are delighted to have the Stables in Lough Gara as part of the centres facilities in delivering Horse Riding and Stable Yard Routines, our teacher is an accomplished rider in her own right and has a knowledge and passion for her horses that she is enthusiastic to pass on to prospective learners.

Interested? fetchcourses.ie or kathleen.mcnulty@gretb.ie

PERMACULTURE

We are offering this award as a stand-alone minor award, but it will have added value if you decide to pursue the Horticulture Award which begins in September 2023. Out instructor is a fully qualified Horticulturist with many years of practice and teaching. Permaculture is a system which looks to mimic many of the systems in nature by using design principles in line with ‘whole-systems’ thinking. These design principles can be applied to agriculture, our urban landscapes, and our own lives. This course explores some of these ideas, and each learner is encouraged to explore a system of permaculture in our homes, gardens, communities, and wider agricultural systems.

Interested? fetchcourses.ie or kathleen.mcnulty@gretb.ie

ESOL

Both day and evening classes are available in the centre for English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) They range from basic beginners to improvers to advance. All Classes are free and we encourage anyone to participate at the level they are at. All courses are free.

Interested? fetchcourses.ie or fergal.mcdonnell@gretb.ie or jean.feeney@gretb.ie

experience takes place in a bright, modern environment. The building although listed will take on a new dimension in the town and will be the leading provider of Further Education & Training. All courses are certified by QQI and are delivered by fully qualified teachers/Instructors.

EVERYDAY LIVING SKILLS

This programme aims to provide learners with the opportunity to develop their elementary skills in numeracy, ICT and communications to prepare for progression to QQI L2.

This award allows the learner explore a number of subjects from Reading, Writing, Art & Crafts to Listening and Speaking. All courses are free.

Interested? fetchcourses.ie or fergal.mcdonnell@gretb.ie or jean.feeney@gretb.ie

LITERACY, NUMERACY & IT SKILLS

This program caters for anyone who feels that they need help with reading, writing, spelling, computer skills and maths. All courses are free.

Interested? fetchcourses.ie or fergal.mcdonnell@gretb.ie or jean.feeney@gretb.ie

TOURISM WITH BUSINESS

Within the Irish economy, tourism is seen as a major provider of hospitality services in a number of different fields. Boyle has a magnificent historical heritage within its environs. A history of folklore and amazing architectural buildings and sites situated within Boyle itself or on its periphery. Our centre is an ideal location for the delivery of this QQI L5 Tourism award.

This programme has been developed by QQI, looking at the tourism industry’s demand and its constant need for the up-skilling of the current workforce and its infinite need for a newly skilled workforce. Students will cover a number of modules from Frontline Office Skills to Tourism principles and practice. We offer a number of Speakers and field trips so there is a big emphasis on viewing different areas of the hospitality at close quarters. Work Experience is also offered in an area that best suits the student’s needs. You’ll be given the opportunity to explore tourism, its products, realise their potential and see how tourism relates to the need of the local economy.

HERITAGE STUDIES

Currently offered is a stand-alone award for Heritage Studies which will begin next week. This can lead on to the full time course that we hope to offer in September 2023. Interested? fetchcourses.ie or kathleen.mcnulty@gretb.ie

ART & DESIGN

We are offering QQI L4 minor awards in Paint and Design Skills until the Summer. If this proves popular then we hope to expand to the full award on both a full and part-time basis. This award is also available on the ‘Creative Futures’ programme. fetchcourses.ie or kathleen.mcnulty@gretb.ie

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Anyone can apply for any course, please read the notes on the fetch website with regards to ability to participate.

Requirements for all L4 courses would be an expected L3 QQI in General Learning or similar, or we can offer an alternative assessment technique for those who do not have any formal quali cations.

Interested? Fetchcourses.ie or kathleen.mcnulty@gretb.ie

For the full time option, if you are on a Department of Social Protection Payment, we will take over this payment, you will not have to sign on for the duration of the course and you will retain any payments that you are entitled to. If you are under 25 then your money will increase in line with a dependent adult for as long as you are attending the course. There is also a small travel & meal allowance.

Interested? Fetchcourses.ie or kathleen.mcnulty@gretb.ie

IF YOU ARE AN EMPLOYER OR A COMMUNITY GROUP AND HAVE AN IDEA OR A NEED, PLEASE CONTACT US AND WE WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO HELP.

Galway & Roscommon Education & Training Board (GRETB) are the main statutory providers of Further Education and Training in Galway and Roscommon at a local level. Here in Boyle we have a designated Centre that is currently being refurbished to a high standard so that the learner

Abbey Hotel Weddings’ promotional offer extended

WIN GOODIES IN JANUARY GIVEAWAY!

Following the success of our recent wedding fair, the Abbey Hotel (Roscommon) have extended our 10% discount off select wedding packages’ offer until this Saturday, 21st of January.

We have some fabulous wedding supplier

goodies up for grabs in our January Wedding Giveaway extravaganza, including a stunning Flower Arch display from ‘Your forever flowers’, a gorgeous wedding day decor set from Mint Celebrations, a special occasion cake supplied by Pete’s Pops Cake Supplier, a complimentary makeover from EL Make Up Artist Lizzie Loughlin, plus a complimentary bag piper arrivals from O’Ceilligh Bag piper. Perhaps you attended our wedding fair last Sunday and have additional questions and wish

to make an appointment to book? If so, we want to hear from you.

There are Open Viewings of our ballroom this Friday and Saturday with a complimentary glass of bubbly for all newly-engaged couples who book.

To schedule an appointment to register for our free draw which is open to all new weddings booked before Saturday, 21st of January, simply email weddings@abbeyhotel.ie. (T&Cs apply. All winners will be notified on January 30th).

The Civil War 100 years ago

First executions carried out in Athlone Barracks

This Friday, January 20th 2023, marks the centenary of the first executions that took place in Athlone military barracks during the civil war in 1923. In October 1922, the provisional government of the Irish Free State enacted severe legislation that decreed that any member of the anti-treaty republican forces found in possession of arms or ammunition would, on conviction by a military court, be executed.

The first executions under this ‘Army Emergency Powers Resolution’, as it was called, took place in Kilmainham Jail, Dublin, in November 1922, when four young men – James Fisher, (18) Richard Twohig, (19) John Gaffney, (19) and Peter Cassidy, (21) –were sentenced to death and executed. Later that month, Erskine Childers, who had acted as secretary at the treaty negotiations in London and had taken the anti-treaty stance, was executed in Beggar’s Bush barracks, Dublin. Ironically, Childers was arrested while in possession of a pistol which had been given to him by Michael Collins.

By the end of 1922, sixteen prisoners had been executed. Among them were four prominent Republican leaders: Rory O’Connor, Liam Mellows, Dick Barrett and Joe McKelvey. The four men were taken from their cells in Mountjoy on the morning of December 8th 1922 and told that they were to be executed. There had been no court-martial; the killings were seen as a reprisal act by the government for the assassination of a pro-treaty TD, Sean Hales the previous day. None of the men were responsible for the assassination.

The month of January 1923 saw a total of 34 prisoners put to death under the act. The shootings took place all over the Free State, but the biggest number executed in one day took place in Athlone military barracks. On January 20th, one hundred years ago this week, five prisoners including Thomas Hughes from Bogginafin, on the Roscommon side of the Shannon, in Athlone, and four others from Co. Galway were taken from their cells and executed by firing squad in the barracks yard. The four Galway prisoners were from the Headfort region; their names were Stephen Joyce, Martin Burke, Hubert Collins and Michael Walshe. There had been no apparent reason for the killings, no court-martial, just a random killing of five innocent prisoners.

The Hughes family were not informed of their son’s death until later that day. The Hughes homestead was situated close to the military barracks and Thomas Hughes’s parents had heard the gunshots that morning, not realising that their son was being executed. Hughes had been a quartermaster with the Athlone Brigade

before the truce. After Hughes was shot, his body was buried in the grounds of the barracks and it wasn’t until October that his remains were released to the family for a proper burial. His funeral took place to Cornamagh Cemetery.

There were other incidents throughout the county that led to the deaths of republican combatants. Thomas Flannery, Ballaghaderreen, was shot and wounded by Free State soldiers as he was trying to escape from them in the town on January 3rd. He was removed to Dublin by train for hospital treatment for a serious leg injury, but due to bungling and delays

Two

nell, Co. Cavan. Cull was a member of Arigna Company in the 4th Battn. North Roscommon Brigade. He had taken part in the Keadue Ambush which occurred on March 22nd 1921. More next month (An Staraí Áitiuil)

by the medical attendants he died of sceptic poisoning in Portobello hospital on January 4th 1923. Thomas Flannery was a member of Ballaghaderreen Company which was attached to the East Mayo Brigade.

days later on January 6th, Michael Cull, Tullynaha, Arigna, died as a result of an encounter with Free State forces in Ballycon-

LEFT: Pictured is Erskine Childers, who was executed in Dublin in 1922.

RIGHT: Pictured are Liam Mellows, Rory O’Connor, Joe McKelvey and Richard Barrett, who were all executed without trial in 1922.

Pictured is the funeral procession of Thomas Hughes to Cornamagh Cemetery, Athlone, in 1923.

Pictured is Thomas Hughes, who was executed in Athlone one hundred years ago this month.

Pictured left to right are three of the four men that were executed along with Thomas Hughes in 1923: Stephen Joyce, Martin Burke and Hubert Collins.

The County Roscommon Association Supporting People with Special Needs are holding their AGM on Thursday, 26th of January at 8 pm in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Everyone is welcome. Wishing Julie

well in new role!

St Ronan’s Hall Community Company Ltd. wish to extend good wishes to Julie Dockery on her new appointment as manager of Drumsna Community Resource Centre. During her time in Keadue as manager of Keadue Social Services Julie built up a very successful Day Centre and increased the provision of meals to 440 per week, covering a large catchment area. Best wishes, Julie!

Application window for Community Support Fund open

Details of the Community Support Fund (CSF) application process have recently been announced by Roscommon County Council. The closing date for receipt of applications is 1 pm on Friday, February 10th.

The fund, which is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development, is open to community groups to cover running and capital costs, as well as for the provision of women’s sheds. The fund is being provided to support community and voluntary groups with €279,884 allocated to Roscommon County Council.

The Community Support Fund will provide funding for running costs incurred in the period 1st April 2022-31st March 2023 such as energy costs or other non-pay operating costs such as rental/lease costs and insurance bills.

The fund will also cover capital funding for use towards carrying out necessary repairs and improvements to facilities, energy efficiency-type projects, purchase of equipment such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment, etc.

In order to ensure there is sufficient flexibility to allow funding to be targeted to where it is needed in each Local Authority area, the funding will be administered locally by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs). All applications will be accessed by the LCDC with applications being notified of results in early April. Details about the fund are available on http://ow.ly/fook50M96Pt

Applications for the CSF must be submitted through Roscommon County Council’s ‘My Online Services’ at https:// roscommon-self.achieveservice.com. Full details of the scheme are available from www.roscommoncoco.ie

Kilbride Community Games set for spring!

Kilbride Community Games will be facilitating the following events as part of the spring programme: Boys’ Basketball on Wednesdays from 6 to 7 pm (starting January 18th); Girls’ Indoor Soccer on Fridays from 7 to 8 pm (starting January 20th).

Both age groups are U-13 so the child must be over 10 and under 13 on July 31st and resident in the parish of Kilbride. As always, there is a diverse range of sports, games and cultural activities available in the Community Games, so new faces and new ideas are always welcome (people may be interested in providing something other than the above activities).

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal and Church Gate collection

St Vincent de Paul, St Coman’s Conference, Roscommon Town, wish to thank most sincerely all who responded to their recent Christmas Appeal and church gate collection. Thanks for all the monetary donations, hampers, and vouchers – both named and anonymous. Thank you to all the shoppers who contributed food to the supermarkets. Thanks also to the local business people, banks, Roscommon ICA, etc., who gave so generously.

A special thank you to the schoolchildren who, through their carol singing and food donations, contributed so much.

As the demand for our services continues to grow, all donations are appreciated. If you are in need of our help, phone 086 0741352. Written requests can be posted to 15, Castleview, Roscommon Town.

THE BRIDGE CLUB

Roscommon Bridge Club

1st: Ann Kilduff and Kitty Blighe; 2nd: Carmel Plunkett and Joan O’Shea; Gross: Kitty Dowd and Phyllis O’Shaughnessy.

Happy ‘71 Bridge Club

1st: Phil and Seamus Cooney; 2nd: Larry Shine and Larry Curley; Gross: Mary and Vincent Brennan.

St. Coman’s Bridge Club

1st: Nuala Costello and Chris McGrath; 2nd: Honor Lynn and Geraldine Relihan; Gross: Mary Dermody and John O’Gara. Ballymurray Bridge Club

Section A – 1st: Kevin Coyle and Michael Dolan; 2nd: Gertie Spillane and Josephine Devaney; Gross: Valerie and Pat Finneran.

Section B – 1st: Tony McManus and Michael McSharry; 2nd: Kate Walshe and Mary Doyle; Gross: Rita Roughneen and Judy Adamson.

Pictured at the Western Alzheimer’s Charity Walk on St. Stephen’s Day were Margaret Madden, Patricia Finch and Bernie Maher. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

News G D The page

Acclaimed play to open at Roscommon Arts Centre

where a motley gang hang out on a stretch of road.

Acclaimed theatre company Livin’ Dred, in association with Townhall Cavan and Ramor Theatre, will stage their newest production, ‘Danti Dan’, at Roscommon Arts Centre on Friday, January 27th as part of a nationwide tour.

This hilarious and energetic play was written by renowned author Gina Moxley, is directed by Cavan man Aaron Monaghan, and features a stellar young cast.

The play is set in ‘the middle of nowhere’ somewhere outside Cork City in the summer of 1970,

Dan is a busy 14-yearold cowboy, innocent Dolores and wily Cactus’ hormones are raging, Noel is pinning his hopes and his ticket out of town on his racing dog Naked Lady, while Ber is hoping you can’t get pregnant if you were standing up… by the end of the summer, their lives will have changed forever.

Speaking to Roscommon People this week, Livin’ Dred’s multiaward-winning Artistic Director Aaron Monaghan (The Banshees of Inisherin, Assassins Creed, The Foreigner, Hidden

Roscommon Solstice Choir celebrating

Assets, Love/Hate) said he was “excited beyond words” ahead of the tour.

“We originally performed this play in 2021 in Cavan and at the Pavilion, just as venues were opening up following Covid-19,” he said.

“It was very well received and the atmosphere at those venues was electric. It did really well and we wanted to bring it to more people”.

Livin’ Dred are proud to be partnering with “great friends” NOMAD Theatre Network and Aaron says they are also deeply grateful to Ramor Theatre and Townhall Cavan.

“We’re especially proud

10th anniversary

Would you like to join our choir?

Roscommon Solstice Choir is ten years old this year and plans are in train to celebrate this significant anniversary. You can be part of it! We are back to practice for our four May concerts this Sunday, January 23rd.

If you are someone who would like to

join a choir and especially if you are a former choir member, please come along to Kilbride (Fourmilehouse) Community Centre at 7.30 pm this Sunday and introduce yourself to the ladies on the door. No audition required – you just need a strong desire to sing with a great bunch of friendly people. See you there!

Michael celebrates 106th birthday!

that we’ve managed to bring the best of Irish talent together for this show: from Cavan, Cork and further afield. The cast is outstanding, the entire team is stellar, so I’m truly humbled to be part of a play that I know audiences are going to just eat up,” he added.

Gina Moxley’s DantiDan is the shamelessly funny tale of the sexual awakening of five innocent youngsters in a deadend small town. First produced by Rough Magic in 1995 and nominated for the Stewart Parker Trust Award, it is a play about hormones bursting into bloom, sentimental nos-

talgia, and brash young cynicism.

The stellar young cast features top class graduates of Ireland’s leading acting schools, including: Venetia Bowe (who appeared in the latest series of Cold Courage); Eo-

ghan Collins (Valhalla); Meadhbh Maxwell (Normal People and Finding Joy); Chloe O’Reilly (The Young Offenders); and David Rawle (star of the hit TV series Moone Boy and Star of the Sea).

Tickets (€18/€16) for

Danti Dan at 8 pm on January 27th at Roscommon Arts Centre are now available from the booking office at www. roscommonartscentre.ie by calling 090-6625824 or emailing artscentre@ roscommoncoco.ie.

Roscommon footballers graduate from Jim Madden GPA Leadership Programme

Cheers! 106-year-old

glass of Jameson to celebrate his birthday! He is pictured with his nephew, Neil McGarry (left), and Godson, Austin Waldron. Michael, who is older than the Irish State, is originally from Fairymount, Castlerea. He now lives with his nephew Neil in Boyle, Co.

Congratulations to Roscommon senior footballer Donie Smith and Ladies’ captain Laura Fleming, who recently graduated from the Jim Madden GPA Leadership Programme.

The programme develops a group of inter-county players from hurling, camogie and Gaelic football with the necessary skills, motivation and experience to become real leaders in the community.

It sees students paired with a professional life coach with whom they work to address their individual development needs. Participants gain skills which they can draw on in their personal, sporting and professional lives.

The programme has been made possible through the support of Michael Madden and his family who have dedicated this programme and curriculum to the memory of their late father Jim, who was a tireless grassroots GAA and community activist in Tipperary.

Close to 250 inter-county players have benefitted from the programme since it commenced just nine years ago.

(Below)

Pictured

Pictured are the cast of ‘Danti Dan’, which opens at Roscommon Arts Centre on Friday, January 27th: Chloe O’Reilly (Dolores), Eoghan Collins (Noel), Meadhbh Maxwell (Ber), David Rawle (Dan) and Venetia Bowe (Cactus).

< DAN DOONER

Michael Coyne raises a

Roscommon.

Photo: Brian Farrell

< DAN DOONER

(Left)

Pictured having graduated from the Jim Madden GPA Leadership Programme 2022 was Roscommon senior footballer Donie Smith alongside GPA CEO Tom Parsons.

having graduated from the Jim Madden GPA Leadership Programme 2022 was Roscommon Ladies football captain Laura Fleming alongside GPA CEO Tom Parsons.

Gaelscoil de hÍde,

Maidin oscailte ag Gaelscoil de hÍde (Open morning at

Gaelscoil de hÍde)

Gaelscoil de hÍde, the only Gaelscoil in the county, is holding an open morning on Saturday, January 28th from 10.30 am to 12 noon.

Parents and children interested in enrolling in the school for September 2023 or 2024 are welcome to attend and learn what the Gaelscoil offers.

The open morning provides an ideal opportunity to explore the school and its facilities first-hand, meet the principal and other members of the school community, and includes a formal address at 11 am.

Located at Cruby Hill, Galway Road, Roscommon town, Gaelscoil de hÍde was founded in 2000 and is growing from strength to strength throughout the years. This is a very exciting time for the Gaelscoil as our new Gaelscoil is in the design stage and we look forward to the completion of this large-stage project.

The Gaelscoil operates under the rules and regulations of the Department of Education and Science. It is a Catholic school. Irish is the medium of teaching in the school and it is also the means of communication between the teachers, children and Board of Management. The ethos of the school is to create a learning environment where the uniqueness of each child is nurtured.

Gaelscoil de hÍde offers:

*A mixed school with boys and girls being taught together from junior infants to sixth class *Supervision in the school yard from 8.30 am every morning

*An afterschool homework club supervised by school staff

*All mainstream subjects including German *Interactive whiteboards in all the classrooms and a fully equipped computer room and class iPads

*Three buses serving the school

*Sports – football, hurling, camogie, rugby, basketball and swimming from First Class

*Debating and quizzes

*Student Council and Coiste na dtuistí

*Children prepared for Fleadhanna, Scór na bPáistí, The Big Sing, Féile Ceoil, Carol Service and Christmas concerts

*A large number of after-school activities e.g. sport, lego, golf, arts and craft, STEM

*Creative Ireland and Green Schools’ Programme

Gaelscoil de hÍde would like to welcome you along to our open morning on January 28th to hear about the school and consider for yourself if it suits your needs. Email eolasgaelscoildehide@ gmail.com or phone Orla at 090 66 28860 for further information.

Táimid ag súil le bualadh leat ag an maidin oscailte.

‘Evangelising the Culture’ seminar in Radisson Blu Hotel on 28th of January

Conscious that being inactive in the missionary life of the Church is not an option for devout Catholics, a group of lay Catholics in the Roscommon area have come together to form St Patrick’s Team.

Their initial project is to host a seminar in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Athlone, under the title ‘Evangelising the Cul-

ture’. This event will be held on Saturday, 28th of January and will bring together some Catholic catechetical groups with programmes old and new, offering them a platform to showcase their faith formation methods.

Keynote speakers include Dr Alexander O’Hara, Fr Brendan Kilcoyne, Fr Maurice Colgan

OP, and David Quinn (of the Iona Institute).

Presentations will be made by Faith on Fire, Altaration (on the Mass), Alpha Ireland, Called to More, and NET Ministries.

Further details and the registration form can be found at www. saintpatricksteam.ie. Doors open at 9.15 (for tea/coffee) and the sessions begin at 10.30 am.

Pictured at the Western Alzheimer’s Charity Walk on St. Stephen’s Day were Carlo Morelli, Clare Harney and Leo Nally. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

The scourge of drug abuse: Is decriminalisation the answer?

Our man Frank on ex-footballer Philly McMahon’s call for drugs to be decriminalised; Parish pride and the allconquering Cliffords… and on making his (Frank’s) podcast debut!

For all the years that the Dubs dominated the inter-county football scene (during which they won eight

I’ve made my podcast debut

(apparently!)

Speaking of podcasts elsewhere in this column this week, the truth is I still have no idea what they are or how they can be accessed, but I actually took part in one during the week gone by!

Breifni Earley, a good Leitrim man, has a very successful podcast, ‘Final Whistle’, which covers a variety of sports, including Gaelic football, rugby, and soccer, and on Thursday last he asked me to join him on the commentary for a Connacht Schools senior rugby game between Garbally and Colaiste Iognaid in the wonderful surrounds of Creggs RFC.

As it happened, there were three schools matches played on the 4G pitch that day, because there were no other pitches playable – proving once again how invaluable an asset the pitch is to Connacht Rugby.

Anyway, we saw a really competitive game, which The Jes (Colaiste Iognaid) won by a single point. While I have no idea how to get the podcast, I can now say that I took part in one!

I’m told that I must be one of the few people who don’t know how to tune into podcasts, as I’ve heard that Final Whistle has a large audience. I hope my appearance didn’t scupper the audience figures for last week!

All-Irelands between 2011 and 2020, inclusive), one of their most dependable defenders was cornerback Philly McMahon.

During his playing career, McMahon won eight All-Ireland medals, as well as twelve Leinster titles, five National League medals, and two All-Star awards. Well known as a sort of enforcer who always played on the edge, and while adored by the Dubs’ supporters, he was definitely a love/hate figure for the rest of the country’s GAA supporters!

Off the field however, McMahon has been a prominent anti-drugs ac-

tivist, something that was brought about by the death of his brother John in 2012 from a drug overdose. Philly set up a charity called Half Time Talk, which aims to help young adults with social problems. He is also involved with Focus Ireland’s Shine a Light charity, which helps the homeless. And so, when he speaks on drug-related issues, we should definitely listen. This week, he has said something we have suspected for a long time; that young people are using cocaine as much as alcohol. He also warned that heroin use in rural communi-

ties is very much on the rise. He believes that criminalising drug addiction has created a class divide, as the wealthier sector can afford to get treatment to help them break the habit. McMahon says that most of the users who end up in prisons around the country are from the socalled lower classes.

A new Fianna Fáil podcast, ‘Drugs and Ireland – Citizens’ Assembly’ –which examines issues relating to drugs and drugs policy – has been set up, and another contributor, Senator Lynn Ruane, says there is no sector in this society that doesn’t

encounter some drug usage. I don’t know the answer to our huge drugs problem, but Philly McMahon firmly believes that we should decriminalise the personal usage of drugs, thereby taking the criminality away from addiction and allowing it to be treated as a health problem.

Whatever the answer, everyone knows that drug usage is rampant everywhere, and there is no place in Ireland that is free from the scourge of an instantly-available drug supply, so let’s hope this new initiative will at least help focus attention on this major problem.

And finally…

How the Cliffords remind us of our pride in being Irish

It’s a nice, bright, cold Monday morning as I write, and after the horrible wind and heavy rain that we have experienced over the last week or so, it’s almost a relief to wake up to the sight of frosted windows and frozen water.

All my life I have thought that we were unique when it came to our weather and that wind and rain were almost exclusively Irish. But anyone who watched the La Rochelle versus Ulster rugby match on Saturday evening last would have found out that you can get ‘Irish weather’ in France as well.

Howling winds and driving rain were the order of the day over there, resulting in a very low-scoring game. Friends of mine who had to cancel plans to go there at the last minute must have been almost relieved that they couldn’t travel.

Anyway, on this Monday morning, I had to go to talk to one of my regular readers about something that was annoying him. As I drove about twenty miles on slippery roads to see him, I thought about David Clifford and his brother

Paudie, and how they won an All-Ireland junior football club medal on Sunday with their club Fossa.

I have spoken before of my admiration for both players, but especially David (inter-county football player of the year), for putting so much time and effort into playing for their small local junior football club. Today however, I see that their father Dermot happens to be the club chairperson, and in a way that partly explains the reasons why they put so much into it.

According to the national papers, there was an amazing buzz around Croke Park, more like that of an All-Ireland senior county final than a junior club football final, and that was of course down to the Clifford factor – or Cliffordmania as the papers are now calling it. Needless to say, the superstar didn’t disappoint, scoring eleven points (eight from play) as Fossa won by a three-point margin.

As I thought about Clifford and how it meant so much to him to see his brother

Paudie lift the cup, I wondered about another superstar, Ronaldo, and his £173 million-a-year salary from Al Nassr soccer club in Saudi Arabia. Maybe nothing sums it up better than the fact that at his recent unveiling, Ronaldo didn’t even remember what country he was in, and said how delighted he was to be going to play his football in South Africa!

I have always admired Ronaldo for what he has achieved as a footballer, particularly with Manchester United, but I doubt if he would ever have played at junior level for Shiven Rovers. Maybe it’s not our weather at all that puts us apart – maybe it’s just being Irish and being proud to be part of our local community.

The Clifford brothers and their father obviously feel that pride, and all I can say is: well done lads. Ye really are a credit to your club, but also to your family and yourselves –despite both of you getting sent off in the last minute of what turned out to be a highly charged finale!

It’s now Monday night as I write, and I have just happened across the Mid-west country music programme, which seems to be one of the very few that survived the recent cull on Sky TV. I don’t know what happened, but while there used to be loads of such shows on every night, now there seems to be only three – the Mayo boys (although Paul Claffey is a Rossie), Michael Commins, and Hugh O’Brien’s Hot Country.

Anyway, as I watched the show, who appeared but the one and only Bridie Gallagher! It reminded me of the night she brought a crowd of about 1,500 to Brennan’s Ballroom (now Connelly’s garage) in Creggs, way back in the late 1950s. I might be a little off when it comes to exactly which year it was as I was certainly too young to be able to remember it, but to this day locals talk about the huge crowd that attended –it may have been the biggest attendance ever at a social event in our little village.

Since those days we’ve had many top artists appear at Creggs Carnival, including Joe Dolan, Tommy and Jimmy Swarbrigg, Geraldine Brannigan, and Houston Wells, but none of them ever brought the excitement that the original girl from Donegal did! Oh how I would love to see those days again!

Paudie and David Clifford.

Kilteevan NS now accepting

The Board of Management of Kilteevan National School are now accepting enrolment applications for September 2023.

We welcome girls and boys from Junior Infants to Sixth Class.

A rural primary school, within 5 minutes’ drive of Roscommon town, Kilteevan NS offers low pupil-teacher ratio, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, a love for the local natural environment, play-based learning through Aistear, swimming lessons for all pupils from Infants to Sixth Class, art, sport, music, nature walks, gardening, quizzes, school tours and much more!

Prospective pupils and their parents are welcome to visit the school on Wednesday 25th January any time between 9.30 am and 2 pm to see our school in action.

Enrolment application forms can be downloaded from the school website www.kilteevanns.com/enrolment or posted to you by our school secretary, Lena. Simply email  kilteevannsoffice@gmail.com with your name and postal address.

CLOSING DATE FOR ENROLMENT APPLICATIONS IS 20TH FEBRUARY 2023.

Miriam’s MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with

MIRIAM KERINS

This is why I’m glad I’m not looking for love!

What with novelty dating trends like wanderlove, opencasting, dry-dating, infla-dating, nostalgia-stanning, ethical sex-ploration and the latest, cob-webbing, finding your significant other has literally become more complicated than conjugating a verb! I’m so glad I’m not looking for love!

In case this year’s trend is not obvious folks, ‘cob-webbing’ is basically getting rid of the old to make way for the new.

In terms of dating, it’s deleting phone numbers, messages, photographs, gifts, memories; or anything else you’re holding onto that’s left over from an old flame which might serve to interrupt your ‘mental focus’ when starting out with a new one.

While I know it’s unhealthy

to hang onto a failed and emotionally damaging relationship, in my opinion this new-fangled fad of ‘cob-webbing’ could possibly serve to be even more problematic.

As far as I’m concerned, in the context of a relationship, when you’re ‘cob-webbing’ you’re not exactly detoxing your life, as in, dealing, healing and moving on; rather it’s akin to you checking someone you once cared deeply for off a shopping list, as it were.

Clearing out, and cleaning up after a user, abuser, or a plain old idiot former partner is not as simple as slapping a plaster over a cut on your finger, and moving on. Take it from me folks, you can’t just set your heart back to its factory settings; rather you must identify

what went wrong, examine it, and resolve to use your time spent in that previous relationship as a way to progress and do things differently. If we don’t identify and remember the negative and nasty aspects of a former flame/love, how can we look for the positives in a new one?

I’m certainly no expert when it comes to dating, or love for that matter, but I’d have thought trying to attract a partner was difficult enough without the need to buy into this new cobwebbing rule.

But what would I know? I’ve only ever had two ‘serious’ partners in my entire life; both of whom I married – at different times I might add.

I met my second (and current) husband in the very unromantic

setting of a north Dublin petrol station where I’d pulled in one evening to put air in my car’s tyres.

I was on my way to meet a camera crew to film an evening segment for a TV documentary series I was producing. I was exhausted, I was hungry and, due to the bumper-to-bumper rush-hour traffic on the East Link Bridge, I was running late; something which made me very angry. It’s worth mentioning here that I’m not in the least bit mechanically minded, so I was (still am), completely clueless regarding all aspects relating to tyre inflation; so it’s a mystery to me why I even stopped in the first place! Call it fate!

Cue large, tall man on motorbike, who, upon pulling in for

petrol, noticed the harassedlooking, expletive-spewing, small woman who was not only attempting to inflate her tyres, but who was actually trying to do it without the benefit of removing the nozzle caps!

Long story short, he offered his help; I was grateful, and, tyres inflated, he asked for my number. I gave it, and drove away, cursing my make-upfree face, under-eye bags, hair in a scrunchie and hormonal pimple!

Next morning, tyre-inflator saviour rang, we met for coffee, hit it off and, six weeks later he proposed. I accepted, and this summer we’ll celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary! Simples!

Yes folks, meeting some-

one the old-fashioned way is not only unexpected; it’s also uncomplicated. Not a single, solitary Tinder, Plenty of Fish, Bumble, Bado or Ourtime –the new dating app for ‘mature singles’ – was needed! Nor was there any new-fangled apps evaluating each other as a ‘potential match’ in sight; just a kind man offering assistance to a tired, annoyed, but very grateful woman at the end of her tether.

No rules, no obstacles, no snowflakes, no political correctness, no swiping, no ghosting, and no creepy time-wasters using fake statuses.

In short, no surprises, no disappointments; what we saw standing in front of each other that evening was what we got. Try it, you might like it!

January is a Groundhog Day type of month

It’s always great to receive your feedback, and this week I’d like to say thank you and a happy 2023 to a lovely lady I’ll identify only as June F! You know who you are June! It was a pleasure to receive your email, which was passed onto me by our editor.

My reason for mentioning June’s message is twofold. One, I always feel humbled when someone has taken time out of their busy day to write to me, and two, I think it’s very important to acknowledge that fact.

I was particularly delighted to receive and read June’s very positive comments regarding what she describes as my ‘always

Parenting is the hardest job …we should accept help when it’s offered

According to reports, over the past eight years, Tusla – the State’s child and family agency – has placed 726 babies on its child protection notification system (CPNS), with around 100 unborn infants being placed on their ‘watch-list’ each year due to ‘safety concerns’.

Any parent will tell you that the quality of parenting a child receives is a crucial factor in their development as an adult. They’ll also tell you that parenting is the hardest job

in the world for the simple reason, the second we take it on, we become physically, emotionally and financially exhausted due to being placed in charge of another human being’s entire life.

Let me stress, I am not in any way judging any parent who’s receiving support/help, so please don’t think I am. In fact, having been a teenage mother myself, I know only too well how miraculous yet challenging parenting can be; therefore if anyone

needs help they should never, ever feel ashamed to ask for it, and to accept it.

Let’s say, if certain concerns are identified in a family unit, I believe that, in a bid to improve the overall wellbeing of everyone involved, it’s important that those who need help can receive it; as in, parents are provided with advice, support and guidance, and children deemed at risk are protected.

Remember, in a difficult, delicate

or vulnerable situation, an intervention by someone who has our best interests at heart can only serve to be a positive thing. Indeed, when that help comes at the earliest opportunity, it can not only optimise our own outcomes; it can also optimise our children’s outcomes as future parents themselves. Well done to any parent/family for seeking help, and for being open to accepting it; and well done to Tusla for providing it.

interesting, often controversial column’. I’ve been feeling a bit sorry for myself due to the fact I tend to find January to be a horribly, dreary, Groundhog Day type of month where many people (me included) feel trapped in a never-ending cycle of cold, dull, wet and windy weather.

On top of that, the bills come in and the cheery Christmas decorations come down during January…bah humbug; so it was uplifting to receive a nice message. On a more positive note, there is one aspect of January that I do like; my beautiful baby girl Megan, my youngest daughter, was born on 25th, giving our family a reason to celebrate and share our plans for 2023!

Letters to the Editor

Health crisis: We can’t afford to get sick, so can we afford to be silent?

Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim Dear Editor,

It is high time we all decided to stand up and be counted in relation to our hospital crisis – and thank goodness we have the opportunity to do this Saturday, with the countrywide protests planned to take place.

When Paul Reid was appointed as head of the HSE in 2019, I felt optimistic that he might sort out the sorry mess that is the HSE. Covid got in the way, and he led the HSE through that crisis. Sadly, he then resigned after a very tough stint, which he was entitled to do of course.

When has there not been a hospital trolley and overcrowding crisis? Is there nobody in the government or HSE with the brains and common sense to sort it out?

Our politicians tell us about how much money they are spending on health, but the crisis is going from bad to worse. Healthcare workers are worn out, and patients are suffering needlessly in the very places where they should be guaranteed a quality of care and comfort.

Why are we educating and training nurses, doctors and healthcare workers, only to export them to countries where they have regular working hours and proper working conditions? Who can blame them for leaving Ireland? Good luck to them!

Savita Halappanavar, Vicky Phelan, Aishling Murphy (all RIP) and Luke

O’Neill all became the faces of various campaigns in this country in the past few years. I wonder if sixteen-year-old Aoife Johnston and four-year-old Ahana Singh, who both died last month, will become the faces of the hospital crisis? How many people even know their names, or know of the tragic facts surrounding their deaths?

If the same ‘vim and vigor’, money, effort, time and national media investigation was put into the hospital crisis as was put into those other campaigns, the hospital crisis would be long sorted. Shame on our government politicians and the HSE.

Everyone should be shouting from the rooftops all around the country this Saturday at 1 pm at the nationwide protests outside their local hospitals. There will be one at Sligo University Hospital. We can’t afford to get sick, so can we afford to be silent?

Yours sincerely, Mags Bradley

Enrolment in Ballagh NS in 2023

Ballagh National School, Ballagh, Kilrooskey, is a mixed primary school located just 8km from Roscommon town. Our sense of community is a central feature of life in Ballagh National School. We know each one of our students personally, thus ensuring that each child reaches their maximum potential.

A thank you from residents of Drumderrig Nursing Home

Abbeytown, Boyle, Co Roscommon

Dear Editor,

We, the residents committee of Drumderrig Nursing Home in Boyle, Co Roscommon, wish to let your readers know how much we enjoyed the excitement of having Santa and his helpers visit us on Christmas morning.

Each resident received an exciting gift, with useful items specially chosen by the Family Management Team. Items were labelled with residents’ names, making it even more personal. We also celebrated the Christmas period with an in-house Mass, and a residents’ Christmas party in which we had live music, sweets and drinks for the afternoon. All staff and residents danced the afternoon away.

Following our Christmas Day celebrations, on St Stephen’s Day, gifts which had been submitted anonymously by the public were distributed to each resident. These were of a useful nature, such as bed throws, night clothes, cosmetics, scratch cards, sweets, toiletries, etc.

The Christmas lunch was so delicious and nothing was overlooked on this special day by the management. Thanks to all the wonderful people who were so kind to take the time and effort to make our Christmas such a warm and memorable one. We noted that these packages came from locations all over Ireland.

Be assured of a prayerful remembrance in our prayers.

Yours sincerely, The Residents Committee, Drumderrig Nursing Home

As a learning community we aim to prepare students for life beyond primary school. We have high expectations for all our students in all areas of school life.

We pride ourselves on our interest in the STEM subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. We enjoy the Scríobh Leabhar project, which aims to awake pupils’ interest in Irish by encouraging them to design and write their own Irish books.

Ballagh NS was one of the first schools to achieve the Digital School of Distinction status. Technology is integrated into teaching and cooperative group work sessions. All classes enjoy coding and programming skills using Apps and Lego Kits to foster problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Our students are safe and happy. They are encouraged to develop their own individual talents – art, music, song, drama and dance – all of which are an integral part of cultural life in Ballagh. Students can participate and compete in a broad range of sports and physical activities and we are delighted with our new facility – our state-ofthe-art Astro Turf pitch. We have regular soccer, Gaelic, rugby, basketball and rounders training, as well as swimming lessons every year.

We are very fortunate at Ballagh NS to have a thriving school garden.

We in Ballagh NS are focused on health and wellbeing. We also implement positive psychology – the ‘Weaving Well Being Programme’ – which aims to enhance wellbeing and mental health in primary pupils.

We have a very active and supportive Parent Association who do great work and are on hand to help out at all school functions.

If you are considering enrolling your child in Ballagh National School for September 2023 or 2024, please contact the school

by telephoning (090) (6625884) or emailing ballaghns1@gmail.com to request an application for admission form. Complet-

ed forms must be returned by 17th February 2023. Email: ballaghns1@ gmail.com. Website: www. ballaghns.ie

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Locally owned and in the heart of the community!

HAPPY

Roscommon students who participated in the BT Young Scientist Competition, with some notable successes for local entrants, and all who took part representing their county with distinction

Kerry GAA clubs Rathmore and Fossa, this after they both oversaw Tyrone opposition to win the All-Ireland Intermediate and Junior football club titles respectively

Arsenal and Manchester United, these two clubs winning their respective local derbies at the weekend, the Gunners going eight points clear at the top of the Premier League after a comfortable win over Spurs, the revitalised Old Trafford club scoring two late goals to secure bragging rights over Manchester City

Keith Doyle, with the young St Dominic’s footballer adding further to his reputation, having captained Roscommon to victory over Sligo in the FBD League, and capped the day with a personal tally of 2-2 (Roscommon will play Mayo in the final this Friday)

Australian runner Erchana Murray-

Bartlett, this after the 32-year-old set a new world record for the most consecutive daily marathons by a woman, her 3,900-mile journey across Australia representing a marathon a day for 150 days

Fans of Love Island, a new series of which began on Monday night last (ten contestants based on an island in South Africa – let the hype begin!)

for…

Two Fine Gael ministers, with Damien English having to resign from his ministerial post due to his failure to declare ownership of a property…and Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe under the spotlight over failing to declare a donation of services received during the 2016 General Election campaign (he has apologised)

UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who was widely criticised for what many people saw as a very insensitive response to a Holocaust survivor after 83-year-old Joan Salter accused the controversial Tory politician of using dehumanising language when speaking about immigration Bad week for UK Home Secretary, Suella Braverman.

“ The things people say…

Roscommon Community College players celebrate their Roscommon Secondary Schools Juvenile ‘B’ Football Final win over Garbally College last Thursday. RCC won the match by 4-10 to 2-7. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Rainn Wilson (American actor, celebrates 57th birthday on Friday)

Dolly Parton (American singer-songwriter and actress, turns 77 on Thursday)

Evan Peters (American actor, will turn 36 on Friday)

Gary Barlow (English singer, will be 52 on Friday)

I want my children to have all the things I couldn’t afford. Then I want to move in with them” -Phyllis Diller

It’s been a GOOD week for…

It’s been a BAD week

Roscommon supporters Regina Lohan, Maura and James Quigley and Jack and Katie Lohan pictured at the Connacht GAA Air Dome in Bekan last Friday night during the FBD League semi-final between Roscommon and Sligo. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Ulster Bank is closing, and our team are continuing to close current and deposit accounts, along with some of our branches. If your six month closure notice period has passed and your deadline is reached, your account is now queued for closure. You must take urgent action now. All personal and business account deadlines are fast approaching. If

are still relying on your bank account and in need of

Closing date looms for submissions on town centre development

DAN DOONER

The closing date for submissions from the public regarding the next phase in the redevelopment of Roscommon town centre is fast approaching.

The proposed development had been on public display until Friday, January 6th and submissions can still be made in writing until 5 pm on January 23rd

The proposed works provide for a new linear park and cycleways along Circular Road/N61 from the Lanesboro Street roundabout to the Athlone Road

roundabout. It is also proposed to demolish the existing Library store building off Circular Road and redevelop the parking area adjacent to Roscommon Arts Centre.

Further works include Public Realm improvement works on the L70421 and improved pedestrian connectivity from the N61 through Tesco to Main Street and improvement works on Athlone Road and Brogan’s Lane.

Other public realm works include the provision of a cycleway improvement works on Goff Street from Church Street to the N63 junction.

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Ann and Roisin Hussey pictured with Breen O’Donnell at the Connacht GAA Air Dome in Bekan last Friday night during the FBD League semi-final between Roscommon and Sligo. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Anti-immigration protests have more to do with thinly-veiled racism than genuine housing concerns

demonstrations. It is here, in these more aggressive remarks, that the cracks in the pseudoimpartial intentions of many of these protestors reveal themselves, and we see something experience has shown us many times; that ‘anti-immigration’ is more often than not a stance rooted in thinly-veiled racism and xenophobia.

Last week saw a spate of antiimmigration demonstrations being held across the country, with the larger-scale protests in Dublin and Cork leading to blocked roads and causing significant traffic disruption.

Among these demonstrations was the one that took place in Dublin’s East Wall on Wednesday of last week, when around a hundred people gathered to protest over the accommodation of asylum seekers in a former ESB office building in the locality.

East Wall’s anti-immigration protests actually kicked off at the end of last year, when asylum seekers first arrived to the area. Local residents voiced concerns over unvetted people being housed in their neighbourhood without their consent, with demonstrators also citing Ireland’s ongoing housing crisis as reason not to accommodate the asylum seekers – a concern which was echoed by protesters in other areas over the course of last week. Indeed, the issue of the housing crisis undoubtedly has

become a crucial aspect of protesters’ arguments, with “House the Irish” being one of the more popular chants heard at last week’s protests. Undeniably, there is validity in shining light on the state of the housing crisis, and in critiquing how exactly we, on a national level, are prioritising the most basic needs of our citizens – but not accommodating asylum seekers wouldn’t fix the problem.

There are deep-rooted issues within our housing system that have served to instigate and exacerbate the current housing crisis, and it is borderline naïve to suggest that opting not to accommodate asylum seekers would do anything significant to rectify the overall situation.

The housing crisis needs to be tackled at its roots in order for real progress to be made.

The housing crisis however – while one of the biggest arguments brought forward –wasn’t the only issue brought up by protesters; in addition to ‘House the Irish first’, chants of ‘Get them out’ and ‘Go Home’ were also heard at last week’s

The blatant othering of asylum seekers by protestors at demonstrations last week, evidenced by such hostile chants, reveals just how little this is about the political or social issues for many, and just how closely linked anti-immigration sentiment often is to plain discrimination. This feels especially undeniable given how universally welcoming the public were to Ukrainian refugees compared to refugees/asylum seekers from other, ‘less-white’ countries.

There has been a lot of discourse on the influence of the far-right on this issue, with concerns being raised that political groups are capitalising on real problems, such as the housing crisis, in order to stir up antiimmigration sentiment via these demonstrations.

A number of far-right groups and political parties played a big role at the recent protests across the country. Not only did they have a hand in organising and promoting many of these protests, their influence is also felt in the platform they are provided with at the demonstrations, with activists addressing crowds in Dublin through loudspeakers…

using inflammatory language, unsupported claims, and blatant misinformation.

Far-right ideology and misinformation has been growing in Ireland over the past couple of years, and the fallout it has already caused is worrying. And now, these protests have become an opportunity for far-right groups to spread more harmful ideology. As a result, the net effect of the protests will be to intimidate and ostracise the asylum seekers we invited into our country, and nothing tangible will actually be done for housing or any of the is-

sues these protesters claim to care about.

Unfortunately, anti-immigration sentiment is, of course, nothing new; we have seen this discourse play out time and time again whenever the prospect of taking in refugees arises. However, though this issue has been exacerbated to more dire degrees in other countries, up until now, Ireland historically has been a (fairly) welcoming country – no doubt something our long history of emigration plays no small part in. And according to a local East Wall TD, despite recent events in the area, anti-immigration sentiment re-

mains a fringe mentality among members of the community, with the politician in question stating earlier this week that he believes those protesting represent the minority opinion of local residents.

Nevertheless, the considerable spate of protests last week serves to indicate that while many Irish people are indeed still willing to welcome incoming asylum seekers with open arms, this new wave of antiimmigration sentiment, and the inevitable harmful consequences such sentiment brings about, are challenges we cannot opt to ignore for much longer.

All-Ireland basketball heartache for Castlerea Community School

Castlerea Community School fell at the final hurdle in Wednesday’s Pinergy All-Ireland U-16 Boys C basketball decider at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght.

Trailing 30-15 at halftime, the Roscommon school was eventually defeated 58-33 by a dominant St. Finian’s side from Mullingar. The West Roscommon school, which is coached by Joe Henry and Thomas Callaghan, never gave up with Jamie Dowd (8 points), Seán Vaughan (6), and Dara Curran (6) at the forefront of their endeavours.

However, St. Finian’s’ Rian Keaveney and Ryan Bell, who was named Most Valuable Player, helped themselves to a combined total of 37 points as the Mullingar side ran out comfortable winners in the end.

Castlerea Community School: Kevin Hester, James Hawkshaw, Michael Keaveney, Dara

Curran, Cian Fitzmaurice, Ross Flynn, Jack Dolan, Jamie Dowd, Joseph Botton, Seán Vaughan, Kaylum Curran, Dylan Keane.

Castlerea’s captain Seán Vaughan takes a shot during Wednesday’s Pinergy All-Ireland Schools U-16 ‘C’ Boys Cup Final which was held in the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght. Castlerea Community School faced St. Finian’s College from Mullingar and lost out on a scoreline of 33-58. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Local students win at BT Young Scientist 2023

Top Biological & Ecological award for RCC student

< DAN DOONER

Roscommon students won a number of prizes at last week’s BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition at the RDS in Dublin.

Leading the way was Roscommon Community College Fifth Year student, Seán Allen, who took home the Senior Individual Award in the Biological & Ecological category with his project exploring ‘The long-term effects of a more sustainable method of keeping nutrients in the soil as an alternative to an artificially made granule’.

His winning project even received interest from President Michael D Higgins during his visit to the exhibition.

Seán said it was a “surreal experience” and paid tribute to teaching staff at Roscommon Community College, his parents Derek and Lisa, sister, Ciara, and extended family for their support.

into student opinion on Light, Air quality, Space and Temperature in classrooms’.

There was also a Display Award for Coláiste Chiaráin student Aris-

tide Selve’s project ‘Music + Maths = a Perfect Pair’.

Midlands Northwest MEP Chris MacManus had high praise for Roscommon students this week.

“The standard from all over the country was phenomenal but it was great to stop and chat with some of the Roscommon students,” he said.

“They are a credit to their county. Their parents and teachers should be very proud. I genuinely learned something new at every stall I visited.

“I think socially and economically Roscommon has a bright future as these students bring their ideas to the world”.

The overall winners of the 59th BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition were Shane O’Connor and Liam Carew, Sixth Year students at the Abbey School in Tipperary, with their project assessing ‘the impact of second-level education on key aspects of adolescents’ life and development’.

The winners received the BTYSTE perpetual trophy and the top prize of €7,500 from Minister of Education Norma Foley and MD of BT Ireland, Shay Walsh. They will represent Ireland at the EU Contest for Young Scientists in Brussels in September.

Therese Gunning, Legal Director, BT Ireland, presents the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2023 Biological and Ecological Sciences Category 1st Place Senior Individual Award to Sean Allen, Roscommon Community College for the project ‘The long-term effects of a more sustainable method of keeping nutrients in the soil as an alternative to an artificially made granule’. Pic: Chris Bellew/Fennell Photography

President Michael D Higgins, Sabina Higgins and Shay Walsh, Managing Director, BT Ireland meet Seán Allen from Roscommon Community College. Seán’s project ‘The long-term effects of a more sustainable method of keeping nutrients in the soil as an alternative to an artificially made granule’ won the Senior Individual Award in the Biological & Ecological category at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2023 in the RDS Dublin. Pic: Fennell Photography

Tadhg Carroll and Darragh Hoare from Scoil Mhuire Strokestown and their project ‘Coffee Fuel: biofuel made from used coffee grounds’ at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2023 in the RDS Dublin. Pic: Fennell Photography

Rian Kingi, Nathan Mac an Bhaird and Jack Campbell from Roscommon Community College and their project ‘An investigation into the effects of Technostress, Compulsive Social App Usage and Fear of Missing Out on the academic performance of PostPrimary’ at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition 2023 in the RDS Dublin. Pic: Fennell Photography

Pictured are Caoimhe Reilly and Saoirse Supple from Abbey Community College, Roscommon with their project ‘Nature within the Walls’ at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2023 in the RDS Dublin. Pic: Chris Bellew/Fennell Photography

Emma Sharkey and Abigail Fitzgerald from Coláiste Chiaráin, Roscommon and their project ‘An investigation into the microbial properties of pine tree sap’ at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2023 in the RDS Dublin. Pic: Fennell Photography

Erin Hayes and Hollie Thorpe from Roscommon Community College with their project ‘An investigation into the prevalence of graffiti in post-primary school bathrooms and student motivations for graffiti involvement’ at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2023 in the RDS Dublin. Pic: Fennell Photography

Meanwhile, Lanesboro Community College student Ronan Lyons was Highly Commended for his project on ‘Learning environments that LAST: An enquiry

Teacher Yvonne Hanbury with students Daniel Henriques Rodriges and Kylian Crossan from Castlerea Community School and their project ‘Maths Anxiety in Students’ at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2023 in the RDS Dublin. Pic: Fennell Photography

Ifac advises Roscommon farm businesses that trade through a limited company to examine their options for succession

Ifac, the farming, food, and agribusiness professional services firm, is advising Roscommon farmers and farm businesses that trade through a limited company to carefully examine and consider all their options for succession to ensure financial stability for all parties.

pany/pass over the company.

The reliefs available to the ordinary farmer are very well known in that everyone talks about Stamp Duty Relief for the Young Trained Farmer, Agricultural Relief on the transfer of assets, and Capital Gains Tax Retirement Relief for the individual.

A common misconception is out there that there are no reliefs available for those who trade through a limited company.

Reliefs are available for those who trade through a limited company, but they are much more complex, and some of the reliefs may not be available unless properly planned for. The big difference is that the company now owns the stock, machinery, BPS, and maybe even land.

Relief reduces the value of the asset by 90%, similar to agricultural relief, and thus one is only taxed on 10% of the value of the shares. One must transfer the trading business to avail of the relief.

Are you in control of the company, and is the company a trading company?

If investments have been acquired through a company, the part attributable to the investments will not qualify for the relief.

Restructuring the company may bring about the farmer getting relief and non-farming children taking over a new investment entity.

2. Relief from Capital Gains Tax

land if trading through a company. With planning and a review of the structure, it may be possible to minimise the impact.

If one fails to get the relief, as long as consanguinity relief remains at 1% of the value of the land being transferred, then whilst costly - it may not be a deal breaker.

What if land has been bought through the company?

A common misconception is that if land is bought through the company, one must extract the land to pass it on. One is passing on the shares in the company, which owns all the assets in the company and thus, there is no need to extract the land at all.

Succession when trading through a limited company

When one thinks of succession, one is looking at transferring over the business to the next generation. A complication to succession is the emergence of the farming company and the issues it brings up.

No different from any succession conversation, the aim is to keep the asset and the business as intact as possible and to ensure financial stability for the ongoing business and even for the person exiting.

When one looks at this, there are four options available as follows:

1. Transfer your business during your lifetime.

2. Wait until you pass away and transfer it by Will.

3. Sell your business to a third party.

4. Redeem your shares in the com-

The shares in the company derive their value from these assets, and one is not looking at individual assets in the company but looking at the shares.

If land is owned outside the company, this is added into the mix and complicates the transfer, but with a suite of reliefs similar to that of individuals -the overall tax liability can be mitigated.

The available reliefs are:

1. Relief from Capital Acquisitions Tax/Gift or Inheritance Tax

Instead of Agricultural Relief being available, a combination of Agricultural Relief/Business Relief may be available.

Shares in the company do not qualify for Agricultural Relief but may qualify for Business Relief. Business

No different to an individual relief, CGT is available on the value of the shares passing, providing one meets the conditions of the relief. The main conditions are:

• Over 55

• Owned the shares for 10 years

• Been a full-time director for 5 of those 10 years

• It is a trading company. Therefore the same reliefs apply to a company shareholder as to an individual, but more complex planning may be necessary.

3. Stamp duty

The one with the largest divergence in how it is treated is Stamp Duty. Young-trained farmer relief does not apply to the shares in the company. Duty is payable at 1% on the value of the shares. It may affect the ability to get a Young-trained farmer exemption on

What about a build-up of cash within the company, and you want to exit and get access to some or all of the cash?

With proper planning and financial advice, several options exist to get the cash out in a tax-efficient manner on exiting /retiring:

• Payment in pension

• Tax-free termination payment

• Company buyback of shares

• Sale of an asset to the company. This can happen whilst still involved.

As one can see, it is complex, but with proper advice, planning and engaging early with all parties, taxes can be kept to a minimum.

Ifac has been at the heart of agriculture and food since 1975, providing a quality service and expert advice to its farming, food, and agri-business clients across the country. A top ten accountancy firm, ifac has over 30 locations nationwide and 500 people serving 22,000 clients.

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

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

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

< MARTY MURPHY, HEAD OF TAX AT IFAC.

Roscommon putting its best foot forward for 2023

Chairperson of Roscommon Town Team Larry Brennan believes the rollout of high-speed broadband in the town will be hugely beneficial to residents and businesses alike and that the county town can become a regional hub.

“We are lucky in Roscommon town and surrounding areas with our connection to broadband which as ‘high-speed’ as anywhere else in the country,” he said.

“We are also fortunate in Roscommon town and the south of the county that we now have a connection to the 5G mobile network.

The rollout of high-speed broadband across the county enables people to work from home and that’s hugely attractive to those looking to move away from bigger cities.

“We all know that modern internet connection is as important now as the connection to the electricity grid years ago – you simply cannot do business without it”.

While Roscommon’s digital transformation is ongoing, Larry believes there are still a number of challenges facing businesses in the county this year.

“The single biggest challenge is the rising cost of energy. Government inter-

vention is helpful and will probably make the difference between some businesses surviving and shutting their doors,” he said.

“For higher users of energy, however, it won’t be enough and it is a source of some annoyance that this government grant only covers the main grid. I’d ask the powers that be to look at covering other fuel sources also”.

The outlook for 2023 looks positive according to the local publican, who highlighted Roscommon’s return to National Football League Division One as a boon for the town.

“We’re only in mid-January but already we have four home National Football League matches to look forward to, which will be a big boost for the hospitality sector in Roscom-

mon,” he said.

“It’s great to see that plans are afoot for Dr. Hyde Park too because that is one of the most important pieces of infrastructure in the town”.

Speaking of infrastructure, Larry says the redevelopment of The Square will boost tourism.

“Everyone I have been speaking to, particularly those visiting from outside

the county, has commented on how well Roscommon Town Centre looked over Christmas,” he said.

“The next phase of the Public Realm Enhancement is in the final planning stages and I think that’s all very positive for the development of Roscommon as a modern centre for business and leisure and as a hub for the entire region,” he concluded.

Farm safety pilot scheme rolled out in Roscommon

DAN DOONER

Farmers in Roscommon are being invited to sign up for a free health and wellbeing programme aimed at providing them with the tools to live and work productively and safely.

The new six-week programme, developed for FarmConnect, is being rolled out in the county from this week in the hope that will become a national initiative.

The programme, which will be delivered through

six two-hour group sessions on Mondays and Tuesdays in Rathcroghan and Keadue, commenced on Monday evening.

FarmConnect is a European Innovation Partnership project, funded by the Department of Agriculture,

Food, and the Marine and the EU’s Rural Development Programme.

Speaking at the official launch of the programme last September, Minister of State Martin Heydon said: “There is an inextricable link between the physical and mental wellbeing of farmers and farm safety.

“If a farmer feels run down or has a distracted mind, then their full focus cannot be on the task at hand. This can lead to near-misses, and the more near-misses there are the greater the chance of a fatal or life-changing incident”.

Ahead of the launch of the pilot scheme in Roscommon, Programme Coordinator Clare Thoma said that small, practical, and positive changes that

improve a farmer’s personal wellbeing also have positive outcomes for farm safety and productivity.

“Scientific and academic studies have highlighted serious concerns about Irish farmer ill-health and occupational injury. Recent research shows that Irish farmers are seven times more likely to die from heart disease than salaried workers. This is just one example of how farmers’ health can be adversely affected by their way of life,” she said.

The programme will run until February 21st in Roscommon, taking place at the old schoolhouse in Rathcroghan on Monday evenings and in St. Ronan’s Hall, Keadue on Tuesday nights from 8 to 10 pm.

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A project investigating the ongoing flood crisis at Lough Funshinagh took centre stage at last week’s BT Young Scientist Exhibition at the RDS in Dublin.

Marist College students, Michael Henehan from Barrymore and Fionnan Kilcommins from Kiltoom, decided to focus on the south Roscommon turlough in order to raise awareness of the trauma faced by local residents.

“To be honest, my dad had been working on one of the houses that was recently demolished due to the flooding at Lough Funshinagh and he arrived home one evening scarred by what he saw,” Michael said.

“This shouldn’t be happening in our parish and so we decided to raise awareness of the issue by submitting our project to the BT Young Scientist exhibition”.

Michael and Fionnan’s teachers at the Marist were incredibly supportive of the students’ efforts.

As part of their research, Michael and Fionnan spoke to local residents in Rahara including Tommy Carney of the Lough Funshinagh Flood Crisis Committee as well as councillors Tony Ward and Lau-

rence Fallon. They also spoke with Tony Lowes of Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE), the group which was successful in a High Court action aimed at halting flood relief works.

Michael and Fionnan’s research, they said, found the only sensible solution to save both local wildlife and homes is to continue with the pipeline and to pipe the water into Lough Ree.

“We spoke to Mr. Lowes of FIE and he told us that the proposed overflow pipe would cause flooding at a stream in Carnagh (between Lough Funshinagh and Lough Ree). Cllr. Laurence Fallon then showed us figures which showed the water level would rise by half an inch, which wouldn’t lead to flooding in the area Mr. Lowes referred to,” Michael said. “Based on our research, paperwork should not stop proposed emergency works to save homes while the debate continues”. The students’ project received widespread interest at last week’s exhibition, particularly among those living in the midlands.

“We have spoken to Denis Naughten and other TDs and many people from this region took a real interest in it,” Michael said.

Students enter Lough Funshinagh project at BTYS Exhibition Learning about benefits of beef at BTYSTE 2023

Students from Roscommon Community College learned about the benefits of beef at ABP Food Group’s stand at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2023 at the RDS in Dublin last week.

Attendees learned about some of the health benefits of eating beef, which is a source of protein and vitamins. The stand also showcased how Irish beef is among the most sustainably produced and highest quality in the world, and how its production supports communities all

across the country.

The ABP stand also showcased the Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition, an annual competition sponsored by ABP which provides students with practical, hands-on farm to fork insight into the opportunities and challenges of modern-day beef production.

The competition complements agricultural science coursework by providing practical experience and educates students about the workings of the agriculture and food industry.

Over 400 animals presented at the first sale of the year. Trade has started off very brightly with the strong trade that prevailed preChristmas maintained and in some cases improved.

The heifer ring witnessed prices soar to €2,470 while the weanling rings saw bulls make up to €3.82 a kilo and heifer weanlings topping out at €4.52 a kilo.

The bullock ring witnessed strong demand for stores with lots making €3.60 a kilo and heavier lots making up to €2,000. Springer

cows

538kgs €1670, Lm 505kgs €1550, AA 570kgs €1730, Ch 550kgs €1660, Lmx 615kgs €1900, Ch 600kgs €1850, Ch 740kgs €2000, AA 675kgs €1970, Hex 725kgs €1800.

cows, calves, runners, and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am.

Sample prices for bullocks: Lm 435kgs €1570, AA 473kgs €1550, Lm 485kgs €1470, AA

Heifers: Sax 390kgs €1180, Ch 415kgs €1110, AA 405kgs €1060, Lmx 490kgs €1470, Hex 480kgs €1350, AA 445kgs €1300, Ch 775kgs €2470, Ch 635kgs €2080, Lm 585kgs €1970, Lm 575kgs €1950, Lm 585kgs €1970.

Dry cows: AAx 1000kgs €2780, AAx 1045kgs €2760, Lm 785kgs

€2310, AA 820kgs €2290, Lm 800kgs €2180, Fr 440kgs €700, Fr 655kgs €1440, Lm 640kgs €1800.

Weanling bulls: BBx 285kgs €1090, Lm 280kgs €920, Lm 290kgs €910, Chx 465kgs €1390, Sim 430kgs €1360, Lm 335kgs €1130, Lm 325kgs €1090, BB 260kgs €910.

Weanling heifers: Lm 285kgs €1240, Sim 255kgs €950, Lm 295kgs €840, BB 240kgs €800, Ch 360kgs €1570, Lm 305kgs €1380, BB 335kgs €1240, Sim 315kgs €1000.

Marist College students Fionnan Kilcommins, Kiltoom, and Michael Henehan, Barrymore, Athlone, pictured at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition at the RDS last week.

Pictured at the ABP stand at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition are (left to right): Hollie Thorpe and Erin Hayes from Roscommon Community College with Mícheál Dwyer from ABP.

Local Improvement Scheme funding update from Cllr Callaghan

Fine Gael councillor Liam Callaghan is reminding the public that Local Improvement Scheme funding is now open to new applicants.

The objective of the LIS is to fund the construction or improvement of nonpublic roads and grant-aid of 90% of the cost is available to applicants, with the

remainder of the cost to be met with a local contribution.

Cllr Callaghan said the scheme has being a great success over recent years with the resurfacing and upgrading of roads, many of which were cul-de-sacs or poorly maintained lanes leading to farms or bogs.

“This is a great opportu-

nity to avail of funding for many rural families” he said, pointing out that the deadline for applications is the 3rd of February.

Applications are available online from Roscommon County Council. Cllr Callaghan said that anybody needing further advice can contact him directly.

New Year, new hope for Ballyleague Lanesboro?

dead end.

As we look at Lanesboro/Ballyleague and our surrounding communities, it can be said that it is good to see the back of the year 2022!

Despite the wonderful, hugely thought-provoking and encouraging results of the Boardwalk feasibility study, commissioned by Roscommon County Council, I have to say that nothing else has happened by either Roscommon or Longford County Councils to encourage the development of Lanesboro/Ballyleague in terms of tourism or job creation.

As I have said previously, we can have as many feasibility studies as we like – and we have got funding for a good few of them from Just Transition – but when it comes to action, that is where we seem to come to a

Record exports

IFA President Tim Cullinan says the record agri-food export figures announced recently by Bord Bia show the importance of farming to the Irish economy.

“€16.7 billion is the highest figure ever recorded for our exports. What’s significant is the very important economic footprint this creates across the country. Unlike some sectors, the agri-food sector is embedded in every region and the return from exports generates activity in literally every rural parish,” Mr. Cullinan said.

The IFA President said the performance underlines the resilience of the sector in a year which saw massive hikes in the cost of production.

Promises made are not kept. The fact that a commissioned Economic and Enterprise Study has yet to be acted upon would make you wonder what the collaborated efforts of the dedicated people on both sides of the bridge are for.

John Hanley, Managing Director of FDT (Consulting engineers and project managers) has relentlessly continued to do fabulous work on feasibility studies, helping to better his home community. As does Stephen Dowd, who is doing Trojan work to achieve the Food Hub. Any other man would have thrown in the towel long ago, but Stephen’s complete and utter determination will not let his vision die.

Like Lanesboro of old, this area should be the job hub for Bal-

lyleague-Lanesboro and for all the surrounding communities. It should be fulcrum for the revitalisation of the entire area.

With the rush by the Green Party and their supporters in Government to close the power station and downsize Bord na Mona to practically nothing, there is one glaring opportunity that the Greens and friends have missed both here and in Shannonbridge.

Rather than having people stuck in traffic jams throughout the cities and on the M50, both Lanesboro and Shannonbridge could have been transformed into job hubs with traffic flowing freely to both centres in just 20 minutes, hence achieving some of their goals.

Support for our Lanesboro-Ballyleague community and surrounding areas continues to be in very

scarce supply, which is the greatest shame of all considering all the politicians that stood on the platform outside the power station in 2019 and made promising statements in regard to support for the community.

The brain drain has begun in our communities due to the inaction of our politicians and something radical must be done to stop it before there is nobody left from the younger generation. There has to be the development of a job hub creating sustainable communities and bright futures for our young people throughout the region. Let us hope that will begin in 2023.

*Local businessman Joe O’Brien’s always-informative Lanesboro and Ballyleague notes can be viewed each week at www.joeobrien.ie.

“Economist Ciaran Fitzgerald told our Farming and Climate Summit in Thomond Park last week that every 1 per cent drop in output would cost the economy €240 million. If we want to build our export profile, we cannot countenance a drop in output,” he said.

Mr. Cullinan said the figures also show that agri-food exports are getting to markets beyond the UK, even though this remains a very important destination for our products. “68 per cent of the exports reached markets apart from the UK. Bord Bia should continue to develop market opportunities and capitalise on the very strong reputation that our food enjoys,” he concluded.

There was a good entry of stock on offer at our first sale of 2023 last Friday with a strong trade for all. Heifers averaged €2.87 per kilo up to €3.18 per kilo while bullocks fetched from an average of €3.10 per kilo up to €3.36 per kilo. We had a good turnout of dry cows which made an average of €2.24 per kilo up to €3.01 per kilo. There was a good attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.

There was also a good entry of top-quality weanlings on offer at our sale held on Tuesday evening last with a good trade for both bulls and heifers. Bull weanlings fetched from an average of €2.79 per kilo up to €3.42 per kilo, while heifer weanlings made from an average of €3.06 per kilo up to €4.55.

We had a small number of sheep on offer at our weekly sale of lambs and cast ewes yesterday (Wednesday). Prices for finished hoggets peaked at €140. The tops for stag ewes fetched

€162. We had a special entry of In-lamb ewes. Prices ranged from €130 to €154.

Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID Tag set. Next sale of lambs and cast ewes is Wednesday, January 25th 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: Char X 845kgs €2540, Lim X 685kgs €2060, Lim X 815kgs €2300, Lim X 825kgs €2370, Char X 740kgs €2180, Lim X 805kgs €2290, Char X 835kgs €2290, Lim X 645kgs €1930, Char X 915kgs €2490.

Heifers: Char X 390kgs €1240, Char X 455kgs €1370, Char X 490kgs €1440, Char X 495kgs €1420, Lim X 595kgs €1700, Char X 470kgs €1320, Char X 445kgs €1200, SIX 440kgs €1200.

Bullocks: Char X 760kgs €2550, AAX 765kgs

€2350, Lim X 700kgs €2330, AAX 705kgs €2180, Lim X 655kgs €2130, Lim X 625kgs €2010, Lim X 620kgs €1890, Char X 615kgs €1880, BBX 635kgs €1870, Lim X 615kgs €1790, Lim X 545kgs €1680.

Weanling heifers: Lim X 440kgs €2000€4.55 per kilo, Lim X 380kgs €1480 - €3.89 per kilo, Char X 300kgs €950 - €3.17 per kilo, Lim X 380 kgs €1160 - €3.05 per kilo, Lim X 395kgs €1200 - €3.04 per kilo, Char X 345kgs €1040 - €2.98 per kilo.

Weanling bulls: Char X 365kgs €1250 - €3.42 per kilo, Lim X 315kgs €1040 - €3.30 per kilo, Lim X 332kgs €1070 - €3.22 per kilo, Char X 320kgs €1050 - €3.28 per kilo, Lim X 320kgs €980 - €3.06 per kilo, Char X 325kgs €980€3.02 per kilo, Char X 340kgs €1000 - €2.94 per kilo, Lim X 465kgs €1380 - €2.97 per kilo.

Finished hoggets: 57.1kgs €140, 48.6kgs €130, 44.2kgs €113, 40.6kgs €112.

Friday, January 20th at 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Heifers

Also Dry Cows and Bullocks - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Friday, January 27th at 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Bullocks

Also Dry Cows and Heifers

Bookings accepted until Monday, 23rd at 5 p.m. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Tuesday, January 31st at 4 p.m.

Sale of Weanlings

Bookings accepted until Thursday, 26th at 5 p.m. Also

Lambs & Cast Ewes

Each Wednesday at 11 a.m.

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

Wednesday January 25th

Special

Entry of 36 In Lamb Mule Ewes lambing from the 17th of March on –

Doubles and 5 Singles – All Ewes are dosed and done With Heptavac P Plus.

< JOE O’BRIEN

show importance of farming to economy – IFA Chief

FARMING & RURAL LIVING

RURAL LIVING

23-year-old musician Ciara Lawless says there are many advantages to living in Roscommon including wonderful local scenery, shopping, safety, and a well supported local arts scene.

“I would definitely encourage younger people to make the move to Roscommon. There’s fantastic scenery here and so many good places to enjoy walks in the outdoors – Mote Park is amazing!

“I’ve always felt totally safe in Roscommon and I think that’s so important these days. There’s a great variety of shops in the county and it’s close to towns like Galway and Athlone too,” she said.

As for history and the arts, Ciara believes Roscommon is punching well above its weight.

Originally from Dublin, Alana Broderick, 20, works full-time in retail in Athlone, commuting from her home in South Roscommon. She says she enjoys living in Roscommon and would encourage other young people to consider rural life.

“I love living in County Roscommon. Simply put, it’s peaceful and provides a calming environment that a lot of busy towns/cities just can’t match,” she said.

“There’s nothing better than getting home after a long day and just taking a stroll down the country roads. I also love how everyone seems to know one another!”

The friendly nature of Roscommon town is also something Alana appreciates.

“It’s the type of town where you can’t

even do the shopping without running into at least five people you know!

“Roscommon town is also very familyoriented with plenty to do, whether it’s shopping, going for a walk in the park or meeting friends at the cinema or for a quick cup of coffee”.

When it comes to making the county even more attractive to those seeking a life away from the bigger cities, Alana says protecting the local scenery should be high on the agenda.

“I don’t think there’s a lot that needs to be improved to encourage young people to live here. Maybe stricter fines around litter and dumping both in the town and in rural areas would be beneficial. Oh… and to get the roadworks on the N61 finished as quickly as possible! Other than that I love living in Roscommon and would be very happy to settle down here,” she concluded.

“There’s also so much history here and the development at Rathcroghan will have a huge knock-on effect in terms of tourism,” she said.

“As a musician I can also say there’s great support for the arts in Roscommon. Roscommon Arts Centre is an incredible arena and the recently published sourcing guide which showcases local talent would make you proud to be from Roscommon”.

Finally, Ciara has experience in business too as ‘The Flower Fairy’ florist in Roscommon town. She believes more support and guidance for younger entrepreneurs would be helpful.

“While there are so many great supports and services for young people in Roscommon, I’d like to see a little bit more support for young people starting out in business. Maybe a brochure with a list of available supports and advice?”

*Ciara is a radio presenter with RosFM as well as a singer/songwriter. Her debut album is set to be released in March of this year ahead of a European tour. The album features 14 original songs and will be available on all streaming sites.

Lecarrow native David Diffley has been working from home since changing jobs in June 2021 and says it has allowed him to enjoy a better work/life balance.

“I made the switch to working from home when I moved into my current role in June 2021. Previously I had been working up to six days a week and was flat to the mat all week,” he said.

“Now I work the regular five days and can schedule time with clients during or outside business hours. You have to manage distractions – but it beats sitting on the M50 any day of the week!”

David previously worked as an auctioneer in Roscommon town but is now employed as a Property Acquisition Agent with Vodafone’s property arm, Vantage Towers.

“Working from home gives me more time with my young family…it gives me time I never had before,” he explains.

“But it means I can also schedule calls and meetings to suit my clients too. I work three out of five days at home with one day on the road and the other day in the office.

“Where we live (near Lecarrow), high-speed broadband can be a problem because there’s no

chance of fibre in the foreseeable future, but I’m currently using a dongle and it’s sufficient. There are times when it can be a bit patchy but it’s not an impediment at the moment”.

While working from home has improved David’s quality of life, he says it’s something which could greatly benefit workers in rural areas long into the future.

“I have two young kids so it means I can do the school drop-offs and pick-ups and it also means I’m not tied to the usual 9-5…as long as the work is done I’m happy and that means working later sometimes to accommodate clients,” he said.

“I’m also less stressed overall. I was in Dublin for two days last week and I left the office at 5 pm but didn’t get home until 8. I was sceptical about making the move at first but now that I have I’ve realised it

was a no-brainer.

“I think more businesses and employees should consider it as it also has a knock-on effect on the environment with fewer cars on the road too,” he concluded.

The advantages of living in a rural county like Roscommon came to the fore during Covid-19. From scenic walks and work-life balance to a bustling arts scene, Dan Dooner speaks to three local residents about their experience of living and working in the county…

< DAN DOONER

Lecarrow man David Diffley has been working from home since June 2021 and says it has enabled him to enjoy a better work/life balance.

< DAN DOONER

< DAN DOONER

‘There’s

SIRO’s €3m broadband investment in county town

Broadband network operator SIRO has this week announced the roll-out of its full fibre broadband network in Roscommon town as part of a €3 million investment.

The company has confirmed that significant progress has already been made in its delivery of the new network, with almost 70 per cent of the project now complete.

Build works for a majority of the premises targeted (1,600) are already complete and the new broadband service is now available to order. The remaining 750 premises in the town are expected to be completed this spring.

Areas within Roscommon set to benefit from the roll out include: Main Street, Riverdale, Lanesboro Street, St. Ciaran’s Park, Pine View, Castle Street, Sunny Side House, Cherry Drive, Castle Apartments, Knights Court, Celtic Avenue, Cloonbrackna, Brookvale Avenue, and

Lús Leana.

Commenting on the announcement, SIRO Chief Executive Officer, John Keaney, said: “SIRO has one of the most advanced fibre broadband networks in Europe, so we are really pleased to be bringing this network to Roscommon town.

“Over the years, we have received regular queries from Roscommon town residents, particularly its business community seeking better connectivity, so we know the demand exists.

“Individuals and businesses are all too aware of the value of a reliable and resilient broadband connection. It allows them to stay connected at home or when running their businesses, removing what can be a major pain point in daily life if their existing broadband is poor”.

Mr. Kearney added that fibre broadband would have a transformative effect on regional towns, includ-

SIRO CEO John Kearney.

ing allowing employees to work from home.

Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan said the multi-million euro investment was to be welcomed.

“High-speed reliable digital connectivity is an essential requirement to allow Roscommon town to flour-

ish commercially, economically and socially,” he said.

“The availability of full fibre broadband infrastructure greatly supports Roscommon County Council’s ambition for the development of an innovative collaborative digital society and economy in Roscommon over the com-

ing years.

“Digital Transformation in our towns and across society in general, plays a major role in how we receive information, access services, and communicate with each other. This advancement by SIRO will undoubtedly have a very positive impact”.

Roscommon LEO clients created over 219 jobs in 2022

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney has announced the annual results of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) for 2022 which show that LEO Roscommon supported companies created 219 jobs in 2022.

LEO supported clients in 2022 created 64 net jobs, which takes into account companies that amalgamated, ceased trading and those that transferred on to Enterprise Ireland.

The new figures show that the LEO financially supported 176 small businesses in their portfolio across the county these companies in turn employ 1032 people.

The total national figures for the Local Enterprise Offices across the

country were announced with the LEOs now supporting 37,863 jobs across 7,221 companies.

The LEOs also provide substantial funded supports to thousands of other small businesses across the country with programmes such as the Trading Online Voucher, Lean for Micro and Green for Micro along with training and mentoring.

Minister Coveney said the results show the “significant role LEOs are playing in not only creating new businesses and jobs bust sustaining them”.

Commenting on the latest figures, Louise Ward, Head of Enterprise in LEO Roscommon, said: “The results announced today are a tes-

tament to Roscommon’s business community. The last year has seen huge challenges and adversity, and these results show that Roscommon businesses, with the support of the Local Enterprise Office, have not only sustained themselves but have also taken advantage of opportunities to grow.

“Local Enterprise Office Roscommon and Roscommon County Council, with the support of Enterprise Ireland look forward to supporting the business community in Roscommon to overcome the challenges of a difficult economic environment and to identify and take advantage of opportunities for both new and growing businesses”.

Climate Ready Academy hosts open session for local businesses on sustainability courses

The Climate Ready Academy is hosting an open session for businesses in Roscommon interested in upskilling in the areas of sustainability and climate action in 2023

To give businesses an insight into the type of courses and training available, the Climate Ready Academy is providing a free open session on the topics of sustainability management, biodiversity,

waste, and the circular economy.

The online event, hosted by broadcaster Ella McSweeney, will take place on Wednesday, January 27th between 1 pm and 2 pm and is open to businesses of all sizes

and across all sectors. Further details on available courses and resources can be found on the Climate Ready Academy website: https://www.climatereadyacademy.ie/masterclasses/.

Local hoteliers urge Government to retain 9% tourism VAT

Roscommon hoteliers have welcomed recent comments by Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin that she will continue to seek a further extension of the 9 per cent VAT rate for the tourism and hospitality sector in Ireland.

The tourism VAT rate, which is due to expire at the end February, is currently under review by Cabinet. In light of the growing economic challenges facing the sector, local hoteliers are urging the Government to retain the existing 9 per cent rate to safeguard tourism livelihoods and secure the long-term, sustainable development of Irish tourism.

Prior to the pandemic, the tourism industry supported over 270,000 livelihoods nationally, including some 1,200 jobs throughout Roscommon, generating €46

Minister Catherine Martin million in tourism revenues annually for the local economy.

With a full recovery in tourism now likely to be delayed until 2026, hoteliers say an increase in the VAT rate to 13.5 per cent is the last thing that should be contemplated given its inflationary impact and the damage it would cause to Ireland’s tourism competitiveness.

Buccaneers Rugby Club’s Network Business Lunch on February 3rd at Athlone’s Sheraton Hotel is now fully booked out. The event will feature Brian Cody, Eddie O’Sullivan and Liam Toland as guest speakers.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney

41 acres of prime Strokestown lands for sale with RE/MAX Team Earley

This week, Cathal Meares of RE/MAX Team Earley is delighted to present to the market, 41.98 acres (approximately) of prime lands, located at Corboghil, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon (F42 PF70).

Comprised in folios RN21810F and RN41327F, the sale of these lands would offer all farmers a great opportunity to acquire lands in a regarded farming area between Strokestown and Fourmilehouse.

This prime farm is located just off the R368 Fourmilehouse to Strokestown route, offering quality lands in one holding. Standing on the farm is a compact, two-bedroomed slated residence in need of modernisation, together with stone

barns set to the side.

All land is set out in approximately 12 paddocks, with stock proof fencing and handling facilities. The lands boast a suberb location adjacent to the Scramogue River. Services include private water supply and ESB.

Offers after €350,000 will be considered. 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. Contact auctioneer Cathal directly on 086-1409158.

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

ALCOHOLICS

ANONYMOUS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Darren Monaghan intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct single storey dwelling, domestic garage, effluent waste water treatment system and percolation area, associated site development works and services, demolish existing derelict dwelling, refurbish existing stores for use as general storage facilities at Carrownderry, Kiltoom, Co. Roscommon.

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

Phone: 090 6626974 Mobile: 086 8115449

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Cathal and Lorraine Costello are applying to Roscommon County Council for the following:

1. Planning permission to construct extension to side of existing dwelling house

2. Planning permission to retain as constructed extension attached to existing domestic garage

3. Planning permission to retain as constructed dutch clipped gables that differs to that granted under PD 99/479 and all site ancillary development works at Derrane Road, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon F42 CD89

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

Case No: C:LIC:MIRN:2023:000045

Courts Licence No: LIC-10803

Revenue Licence No: RNP056

An Chúirt Chuarda The Circuit Court Midland Circuit County of Roscommon In The Matter Of: THE LICENSING ACTS 1833 to 2010,THE COURTS (SUPPLEMENTAL PROVISIONS) ACT, 1961 AND THE LICENSING (IRELAND) ACT, 1902 SECTION 2(1) AS AMENDED BY THE INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT, 1960 SECTION 23

NOTICE OF APPLICATION

Keenan’s Bar Tarmonbarry Limited - Applicant

TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Keenan’s Bar Tarmonbarry Limited of Tarmonbarry, Roscommon, intends to apply to this Honourable Court sitting at Racecourse Road, Roscommon in the County of Roscommon at the sitting thereof on the 22nd February 2023 at 10.30am and that this application be taken in its order in the Court list for a Certificate entitling and enabling the Applicant to receive a Publican’s Licence (7-Day Ordinary) for the sale of intoxicating liquor by retail for consumption on and off the premises known as KEENANS and situate at Tarmonbarry, Tarmonbarry, Roscommon which said premises are more particularly described upon the drawings and plans accompanying this Application.

AND TAKE NOTICE that this premises known as KEENANS has been lawfully licenced within the period of five years immediately preceding this Application.

Dated this 16th day of January 2023

Signed: Keenan’s Bar Tarmonbarry Limited Applicant

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Sinead Benison and Kieran McCrann, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for permission to extend and renovate an existing dwelling house. The works will include: 1. To raise the roof of the existing dwelling to provide living accommodation in the roof space. 2. The construction of a storey and a half extension to the rear of the dwelling.

3. To construct a new porch at the front of the dwelling.

4. To decommission an existing septic tank serving the existing dwelling and replace it with a new wastewater treatment system and percolation area along with all associated site works at Cloonacarrow, Boyle, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed: Sinead Benison and Kieran McCrann

Case No: C:LIC:MIRN:2023:000046

Courts Licence No: LIC-10806

Revenue Licence No: RNP059

An Chúirt Chuarda The Circuit Court Midland Circuit County of Roscommon In The Matter Of: THE LICENSING ACTS 1833 to 2010, THE COURTS (SUPPLEMENTAL PROVISIONS) ACT, 1961 AND THE LICENSING (IRELAND) ACT, 1902 SECTION 2(1) AS AMENDED BY THE INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT, 1960 SECTION 23

NOTICE OF APPLICATION BAK ZONE LIMITED - Applicant

TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Bak Zone Limited of The Lodge, Tarmonbarry, Roscommon intends to apply to this Honourable Court sitting at Racecourse Road, Roscommon in the County of Roscommon at the sitting thereof on the 22nd February 2023 at 10.30am and that this application be taken in its order in the Court list for a Certificate entitling and enabling the Applicant to receive a Publican’s Licence (7-Day Ordinary) for the sale of intoxicating liquor by retail for consumption on and off the premises known as The Lodge and situate at Tarmonbarry, Roscommon, Roscommon which said premises are more particularly described upon the drawings and plans accompanying this Application.

AND TAKE NOTICE that this premises known as The Lodge has been lawfully licenced within the period of five years immediately preceding this Application.

Dated this 16th day of January 2023 Signed : Bak Zone Limited Applicant

PLANNINGS

PROPERTIES TO LET/ RENT/WANTED

GARDENING

David Duffy 087 9662678

Alan Duffy 086 3992382

www.westsidegardening.ie

GARDENING: Lawns mowed and seeded, Leylandi and Laurel Hedge Cut and Shaped, Tree Felling, Fencing, Posts and Panels, Decorative Stone, Bark Mulch, Power Washing and Waste Removal.

CONCRETE: Kerbing, Paving, Patios, Concrete Slabs and Base, Stone Walls and Plastering

DIGGER: Foundations, Land Drainage, Ditch and Hedge removal

STEEL: Sheds, Gates, Cattle Crushes and Pens, all Welding repairs available

C2 Registered & Insured. Free Quotations

Martin

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

Rockcourt Financial Services Ltd

WE ARE HIRINGOffice

Manager

We are pleased to be recruiting for an Office Manager for our busy office based in Glenamaddy, Co. Galway.

This role will provide the successful applicant with a challenging and rewarding work environment.

Salary: €35,000

Responsibilities will include, but may not be limited to, the following:

The Role

• Processing of new business applications in Pension, Life Assurance, and Investments.

• Checking of policy documentation to ensure they are accurate as per the original application and sending directly to clients.

• Responsible for actioning policy alterations and follow-ups with life companies to ensure they are carried out correctly and in a timely manner.

• Responsible for all aspects of compliance and ensuring all client files are kept accurate, Anti Money Laundering requirements are met and all aspects of the files are adhered to under the Consumer Credit Act.

• Provide a high standard of administrative support to Sales and Management teams.

• General administration duties. E.g. scanning, answering of telephones, post, etc.

• Work on ad-hoc business development projects as required.

The Person

• QFA Qualified.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Highly self-motivated and able to work on own initiative.

• Excellent attention to detail is a must.

• Strong organisational skills.

• Experience in working in a fast pace, busy office environment.

• 4 years of administration experience in the Life and Pensions industry a benefit.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

•

•

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE MUST HAVE

Education & Qualifications:

•

• Operational

•

• Must hold a minimum Level 7 qualification in Childcare awarded by the National Council for education awards or equivalent).

• Relevant Qualification in supervision of childcare facility.

• In-depth knowledge of Child Care Act (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016, Tusla’s Quality and Regulatory Framework, Síolta (Quality Framework) and Aistear (Curriculum Framework).

• Understanding of relevant child development, pedagogical, organisational and leadership theories

• Understanding of requirements by Tusla, Pobal, Dept of Education and Skills and environmental health.

• Knowledge of relevant funding (ECCE, NCS, Core Funding) and experience using funding platforms (Early Years Hive, Tusla Portal).

• Ability to lead a team to achieve Organisational mission, goals and objectives.

•

• Excellent spoken and written English

Skills and Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years relevant experience in crèche facility.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• A proven level of computer literacy.

• Ability to provide exceptional customer service and handle complaints professionally

• Applicants must be outgoing, friendly, have a genuine love of children and strong work ethic

• Applicants should apply with CV to: tulskchildcare@gmail.com

• HOURS: 9.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday – Friday

Closing date

applications: Friday, 27th January, 2023

Directors: Seamus Conway, Michelle Keaveney, Jennifer Payne, Orla Carty.

SITUATIONS VACANT

< 5 STONE MASONS REQUIRED: Michael Gannon Landscaping T/A Temple Nurseries has vacancies for 5 stone masons at Carrown Temple, Four Roads, Co. Roscommon. Duties: Natural stone building associated with the creation of gardens and outdoor amenity areas. Salary €30k p.a. 39 hour week. 2 years experience. CV’s to: temple.nurseries@ gmail.com

Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for non-publication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

HEALING PRAYER

Heavenly Father, I call on you right now in a special way it was through your power that I was created. Every breath I take every morning I wake and every moment of every hour I live under your power. Father I ask you now to touch me with that same power. For if you created me from nothing, you can certainly recreate me. Fill me with the healing power of your spirit, cast out anything that should not be in me. Mend what is broken, root out any unporductive cells, open any blocked atteries or veins, remove all inflamation and cleanse any infection and rebuild any damages areas. Let the warmth of your healing love pass through my body, to make new and unhealthy areas, so that my body will function the way you created it to function. Father, I ask you now to restore me to full health in mind and body, so that I my serve you for the rest of my life. I ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amem. H.B.

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

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

HOARE

Jerry

3 Ard Comain, Henry Street, Roscommon

(9th Anniversary)

KEEGAN

Paddy

Beechwood, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon

In loving memory of Paddy who passed away on 21st January 2019 (4th Anniversary)

My darling husband, when I lost you nine years ago I lost part of myself, but I think you would know I have tried my best to muddle along but it cannot be the same now you’re gone.

So on this day as I do every year I hope you can see just how much I care and until we meet again my love just keep watching me from your cloud above.

Always remembered and loved by your heartbroken wife Kathleen.

Losing our Dad was our rock shattered, we may no longer have been children but oh how Dad mattered.

Our foundations are shaky and we wobble and fall.

So when this day arrives each year we do our best to show how we still care we hope Dad knew how much he was loved and that he is looking down on us.

Always remembered and loved by his heartbroken children.

You made us smile, you made us laugh, it lasted for a while, but now it’s just the past.

We see your face and want to cry, our love for you will never die.

We care about you in our hearts, we’ll love you always even now we are apart. You gave us sweets, you gave us money, but only your love is sweeter than honey. We love you always as you can see, you’re the best grandad there will ever be.

Always loved and remembered your heartbroken grandchildren.

Today is full of memories of a brother laid to rest and every single one of them is filled with happiness. For you were someone special, always such a joy to know and there was so much pain when it was time to let you go. That’s why this special message is sent to Heaven above for the Angel to take care of you and give you all our love.

Always in our hearts , love from your sisters, brother, nieces and nephews, sister-in-law and brother-in-law.

Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Wedneday, 25th January at 11am.

McNAMARA

Frank

Rockfield, Roscommon (14th Anniversary)

Who passed away on the 23rd January 2009

HOARE Annie

Racecourse Road, Roscommon

Will those who think of Paddy today a little prayer to Jesus say.

Lovingly remembered by Kathleen, Maura, Bernie, Richard and Eric Anniversary Mass in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilteevan on Sunday, 22nd January at 10pm.

HANLEY Andrew

Hawthorn Drive, Roscommon

Who passed away on the 19th January 2021

HARRINGTON

Thomas (Tom) Kilnagralta/Morganstown, Athleague, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on the 23rd January 2022 (1st Anniversary)

think of him today, a little prayer to Jesus say.

Remembered by Chris and family.

A special Mum never more than a thought away, loved and remembered everyday.

Loved and missed by your family.

May the winds of Heaven blow softly and whisper in your ear. How much we love and miss you and wish that you were here. Missing your always Andrew.

Anniversary Mass will be held in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Thursday, 19th January at 11am.

BRADY

Robert

Hermitage, Ballinagare, Co. Roscommon.

(4th Anniversary)

In loving memory of my dear husband Robert, father, son, brother, grandfather and uncle who passed away on the 27th January, 2019

Time passes, memories stay, quietly remembered everyday.

Sadly missed by his family, friends and neighbours.

Anniversary Mass in the Church of the Good Shepherd, Four Roads on Friday, 20th January at 7pm.

SHEA

Sonny Lisnaria, Roscommon (2nd Anniversary) Who passed away on 23rd January 2021.

LYNCH

Thomas (Tommy) & Bernadette Bredagh, Dysart, Roscommon.

Thomas who passed away on December 24th 2017 (5th Anniversary)

Bernadette, who passed away on the 3rd November 1994 (29th Anniversary)

R.I.P.

A smile for all, a heart of gold, two of the best this world could hold. Never selfish, always kind, these are the memories you left behind.

Loved and missed by sons Thomas and Gerard and daughters Yvonne and Valerie.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Dysart on Sunday, 22nd January at 10am.

GERAGHTY

Brian

GATELY Dara

We thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new. We thought about you yesterday and the days before that too.

We think of you in silence, we always speak your name, now all we have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is our keepsake with which we’ll never part, God has you in his keeping, we have you in our hearts.

Deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his beloved wife Ethel and children Bobby, Michelle, Liam, Amanda and Paul, sons-in-law Junior and Eugene, daughters -in-law Breege, Louise, grandchildren, extended family and friends.

May the winds of Heaven blow softly and whisper in your ear, how much we love and miss you, and wish you were still here.

Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord.

Loved and remembered by his brothers Marty and Timmy, sisters Marion, Stella, Eileen, Tish, nieces, nephews.

4th Anniversary Mass will be held in The Sacred Heart Church Ballinagare on Saturday, 28th January 2023 at 8pm.

THANKSGIVINGS

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

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

Beloved husband of Betty and much loved dad to Peter, Mags, Libby and Tim. He is very sadly missed by his loving family, grandchildren Megan, Ethan, Elsie, Emily, Tadhg, Tomás, Cian and Ellen, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

May Sonny Rest In Peace. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Ballyleague Church on Saturday, 28th January at 7pm.

THANKSGIVINGS

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this you for this special favour. (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. Say for three days and promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. D.H.

Rocksavage House (22nd Anniversary)

Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon (11th Anniversary)

Oh you, whom I have loved so much on Earth, pray for me and live in such a manner that we may be reunited for ever in Blessed Eternity. (St. Bonaventure) There is one thing I ask of the Lord, for this, I long to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

PS 26

Always loved and remembered in prayer and especially at Holy Mass by Anna, Arthur, Brian, Padraic, Niall, Eddie and Ciaran.

In loving memory of Dara, who passed away on the 24th January 2012.

I thought of you today with love, but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday and days before that too. I think of you in silence, I ofter speak your name, all I have are memories and your picture in a frame.

Your memory is my keepsake, with which I’ll never part. God has you in his keeping, I have you in my heart.

Loved and sadly missed by his family.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Castlecoote Church on Sunday, 22nd January at 11.30am.

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

CURLEY

Josie

Castlestrange, Fuerty, Roscommon

Whose 9th Anniversary occured on 18th January 2023

KELLY

Frank

Mullymux, Roscommon (15th Anniversary)

HOARE Monika

19 Hawthorn Drive, Roscommon (14th Anniversary)

MULLANEY

John and Mary Jo

Rathconnor,

In loving memory of our beloved mother Josie Curley, Castlestrange, Fuerty, who passed away on 18th January 2014

R.I.P. As each day dawns we think of you as each night falls we pray for you and in between no matter where deep in our hearts you are always there.

Always loved and remembered by all your loving family.

MANNION

Martin

Treasured memories of Martin who passed away on 22nd January 2021.

In loving memory of Frank, Husband, Father and Grandfather

Deep are the memories, precious they stay, no passing of time can take them away.

Loved and missed by your family.

Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 21st January at 11am.

REGAN

Ann

Liscoffey, Athleague, Co. Roscommon (18th Anniversary)

Who passed away on the 21st January 2005

Treasured memories of a loving wife and mother who passed away on 19th January 2009

Down the path of memories, we gently tread today. All our thoughts are of you on this our saddest day. We miss you so very much and however hard we try there will always be a part of us that can not say goodbye.

We miss your sense of humour, the sparkle in your eyes, everything you did for us brought happiness to our lives.

Loved dearly and never forgotten by Harry and daughters Martha and Beth.

MONIKA

In loving memory of our dear father John who died on the 14th October 1988 and our dear mother Mary Jo who died on the 19th January 2015

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.

Sadly missed by their daughters, sons, extended family and a wide circle of friends.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Four Mile House Church on Sunday, 22nd January at 11am.

MULHERN Paddy

Athleague, Co. Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

In loving memory of Paddy who passed away on 22 January 2022

McCRANN Noel, Kathleen & Greg

Castle Street, Roscommon (12th and 34th

Anniversaries)

(2nd Anniversary)

Toberroe, Glinsk Co. Galway.

A loved one never leaves you, they’re never far away. They watch you from a distance and guide you every day. They do become your angel and look down from above.

A loved one never leaves you because you always have their love.

Loved and missed every day by his wife Anne, daughters Christina and Bernadette, and son Damien, his mother Mary, his brothers, his sisters and extended family.

Martin’s Anniversary Mass will take place on Sunday, 22nd of January 2023 in St. Michael’s Church, Glinsk at 10am.

MEMORIES

Death leaves heartache no one can heal.

Memories are treasures no one can steal.

Some may forget you now that you are gone, but we will remember no matter how long.

You will always stay loved and remembered, in every way, no tears, no verse, can ever say how much we miss you every day.

Missed always by James, sons, daughters, sons-inlaw, daughters-in-law and all your grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague on Saturday, 21st January at 7pm.

We miss your love and friendship and the bond that we all shared. We miss your words of wisdom and the way you always cared. Of all the gifts of life on earth, however great or small, to have you as our sister was the greatest gift of all.

Loved and missed everyday by your sisters Mary, Camilla, brothers-in-law Jimmy and Donal, niece Ciara and nephew Paul.

MONIKA

Time flies fast, life goes on at its own pace, but some memories can never be forgotten or ereased from the mind of the dearest ones.

You will always remain in our thoughts and hearts.

Forever loved and missed by your sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Anniversary Mass will be held on Saturday, 4th February at 11 am in The Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

We hold you close within our hearts, and there you shall remain, to walk with us throughout our lives, until we meet again. So rest in peace dear loved one, and thanks for all you’ve done. We pray that God has given you, the crown you’ve truly won.

Loved and remembered everyday, your wife Peggy.

In loving memory of Dad It’s so strange that those in need and those we love the best, are just the ones God called away and took them home to rest.

But every time I think of Dad I seem to hear God say: “have faith and trust my promise, you’ll meet again some day”.

Missing you, love Trish, Jeremy and Niamh.

May there always be work for your hands to do. May your purse always hold a coin or two. May the sun always shine on your window pane. May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain. May the hand of a friend always be near you. May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

Love Lorraine, Sébastien, André, Théo and Léon.

In sickness and in health, you set a wonderful example. We miss you every day.

Love Olivia, Niall, Mia and Dara.

In life I loved you dearly, in death I love you still. In my heart you hold a place, that no one could ever fill.

With love Pat, Ruth, Ruairc and Éabha.

Gone are the days we used to share, but in our hearts you are always there. The gates of memory will never close, we miss you more than anyone knows. With tender love and deep regret, we who love you will never forget.

You are always with us. Love Joe, Tara, Saoirse and Oisín.

Paddy’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague on Saturday, 28 January at 7pm.

Gone are the days we used to share, but in our hearts you are always there. The gates of memory will never close, we miss each one of you more than anyone knows. With tender love and deep regret, we who love you will never forget.

Always remembered and sadly missed by their children and extended family and relations.

Anniversary and Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 22nd January at 9am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

MONTH’S MIND MASS

DOOLAN

John

Stone Park, Roscommon

Who passed away 11th of December 2022

We the Doolan family wish to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the kindness and sympathy shown towards us on our huge loss. We would like to thank all who called to our home, who brought food and refreshments and who attended John’s Funeral Mass and Burial, sent mass cards, text messages, phone calls and expressed their condolences.

A special thank you to Fr. Fitzgerald, Fr. Donnelly and Deacon Willie Gacquin for the consoling and touching ceremony.

To Pat Smyth for his professionalism and kindness to all of John’s family through this very difficult time.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone who helped us individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere gratitude and appreciation.

John will be sadly missed for his affability and smile by all who knew him.

John’s Month’s Mind Mass will take place in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday 21st January at 7pm.

Four Mile House (34th and 8th Anniversary)

Greg Noel Kathleen

Treasured memories of Noel and Kathleen McCrann, and their son Greg who passed away on the 9th December 2022

Sports PEOPLE

Ladies travel to Tyrone for league opener

Division

< SEAMUS DUKE

It promises to be a big step up for Roscommon Ladies footballers as they travel to Omagh for their NFL Division Two opener against Tyrone this Sunday.

There will be plenty of new faces on show for the newly promoted side, according to manager Ollie Lennon, who spoke to the Roscommon People this week.

“We have been training since November and we have played a number of challenge games so our preparation has been good, but it is a big step up for us to be in Division Two,” he said.

“But this is where we want to be and it is super to be playing at the highest level we can. It can only be good for the players to be playing against higher quality opposition.

“We have only 14 of the 30 or 32 from last year’s panel for various reasons and as a result there are a lot of new faces this year. That’s the nature of ladies’ football; there is a high turnover of players. Some of the new girls are well established club players while others are talented young players who deserve their chance”.

Tyrone will provide unfamiliar opposition when the sides meet this Sunday.

“They avoided relegation last year by winning a play-off but in Omagh they will be hard to beat,” Ollie said.

“We are expecting a big challenge from them but we have prepared well and are looking forward to getting started in a higher division,” he concluded.

With a high turnover of players, it will take a very good Roscommon performance to secure the points this weekend. And with a very tough game to follow against Armagh, it’s important that Lennon’s charges get off to a winning start.

Laura Fleming will once again captain the Roscommon team this year with Roisin Wynne as vice-captain and the experienced players on the panel will need to be at their best to lead a much-changed side to victory.

FBD League Final:

Mayo

v Roscommon

at the NUIG Connacht Air Dome on Friday at 7.30 pm

< SEAMUS DUKE

The attitude of both camps couldn’t be any further apart as this year’s FBD League Final approaches on Friday night. New Roscommon manager Davy Burke reckons that the pre-season competitions should be scrapped while Mayo’s Kevin McStay couldn’t be more complimentary about the dome, the competition and the prospect of meeting his old team in the decider.

Speaking to Roscommon People after last Friday’s semi-final win over Sligo, Roscommon manager Davy Burke questioned the benefit of the FBD League.

“You have to ask is this (semi-final v Sligo) proper preparation for the league? Do you think Tyrone and ourselves are going to play out a high-scoring game in perfect conditions in two weeks’ time? I don’t think so,” he said.

“These competitions need to be done away with and we should be allowed to play challenge games that suit us. We’d love to be able to play a challenge game on Sunday at our own leisure against opposition of our choice on a grass pitch to prepare for the Tyrone game”.

Contrast that with the view from the Mayo camp, where former Roscommon manager Kevin McStay waxed lyrical following his side’s three-point win over Galway.

“I’m very happy to get another game out of this excellent league in the dome. It’s an attractive occasion for us next weekend now in the provincial league final,” he commented.

This is Roscommon’s ninth year in row to

contest the FBD League Final and despite the different views, it is still a match that will attract a lot of interest within both counties and further afield.

Speculating on what players might be lining out is futile as both panels will be given the opportunity to gain some much-needed match fitness. Despite the complaints about these pre-season competitions, this is still a provincial final with a cup up for grabs and to win it would be a good start to the season.

There will also be a major focus on what happens on the sideline. Kevin McStay is a high profile and very experienced manager who spent three years in charge of the Rossies, while Davy Burke is the young rookie, hungry for success with in his new job with the Primrose and Blue. That scenario alone will be worth watching on Friday night in the dome.

Prediction: Mayo.

Eyes on the ball: Luke Shally from Roscommon Community College in action against Garbally College’s Louis Markham during the Roscommon Secondary Schools Juvenile ‘B’ Football Final in Bekan last Thursday. Roscommon Community College won by 4-10 to 2-7. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Lidl Ladies Football League

Two: Tyrone v Roscommon on Sunday at Healy Park, Omagh at 2 pm

Creggs RFC Report THE GAIN LINE

Creggs set up Connemara showdown!

Connacht Junior Cup: Creggs RFC 61 Galway Corinthians 19. Creggs opened their Junior Cup campaign with an impressive nine-try blitz at home to Galway Corinthians on Saturday evening to set up a quarter-final showdown with Connemara this weekend.

Tries from Ciaran Purcell, David Gacquin, captain Brian Diffley and Ronan Dowd and three conversions from Shane Purcell had Creggs 26-7 up at half-time. The hosts pulled further away in the second half thanks to tries from Dowd, Shane Purcell, Brian Donohoe, Lee Kilcoyne and Mark Purcell while Shane Purcell’s five additional conversions gave him an impressive 21-point tally from the boot.

Creggs are now into the last eight of a competition which they have not won since 1993 but this team looks capable of ending that barren run.

Connacht J1C Cup: Creggs RFC Seconds 24 Tuam Seconds 13. Creggs gained revenge for their recent league defeat to Tuam as they ran out 11-point winners at home in the quarter-finals of the Connacht Cup.

Creggs lead by one point at half-time thanks to a Tommy Devine try in the corner and penalties from Mark Brandon.

Tuam responded in the second half to take a 13-11 lead but super sub Tom Fleming scored under the posts with his first involvement to put the hosts back on top. Two more Mark Brandon penalties saw Creggs finish out the match in comfort to win 24-13.

Connacht Junior Cup

Creggs Firsts are at home to the mighty Connemara All Blacks in the Connacht

J1A Cup quarter-finals this Saturday at 7 pm. Big crowds are expected for this tie so get there early!

The Seconds are also in Connacht Cup action when they host OLBC on Sunday at 2 pm in the semi-finals. Best of luck to both teams.

Youth Rugby

Creggs Boys U-13s: Claremorris Colts were the visitors to Creggs on Saturday morning for a very entertaining game of rugby. The visitors ran out 17-12 winners thanks to two late tries but Creggs gave game time to 29 players in total, who all contributed to a very sporting match.

Creggs Boys U-15s: Creggs U-15 Division Two team travelled to Gort last Sunday where they were defeated 35-28 in what was another entertaining game of rugby in very wet conditions. Tries from Dylan Fallon, James Trundle, Cian Fitzmaurice and Conor Timon with all tries converted by Fitzmaurice.

Creggs have one more league game against Monivea in two weeks’ time.

Creggs Boys U-16s: Creggs enjoyed a fantastic 17-15 league win away to Sligo last Saturday afternoon. This side is playing great rugby at the moment and new recruits are always welcome!

Creggs Girls U-16s: Creggs Girls had their first outing since the end of November when they were narrowly beaten (1412) by a late Loughrea try at home on Sunday morning. A very useful workout, however, with a few new players making their debuts.

Creggs Girls U18s: Creggs U-18 Girls were in Division Two semi-final action against Sligo last Saturday in wet and windy conditions in Creggs. There

BUCCANEERS RFC

was nothing between the sides and they played out a 15-15 draw. Replay to be confirmed.

The Division One side were convincing 50-5 winners at home to Ballinasloe in their semi-final. With a number of players edging towards Connacht interprovincial places, this is certainly a team to watch.

Mini Rugby

Creggs hosted Ballinrobe RFC on Saturday morning with over 80 boys and girls taking to the field. The U-10 and U-12 Girls also took on Ballinrobe with 25 Creggs players in all taking part.

Darts League action resumes!

The Roscommon Darts League resumed last weekend with some excellent darts on show and David Concannon hit top form to help McDermott’s to a convincing 7-1 win over Dalton’s.

Concannon had two maximums as well as 13, 14 and 17-dart legs as the Ballinaheglish outfit stormed to victory.

Elsewhere, Sean Fleming hit a 100 checkout as Spells overcame The Village Inn 5-3 while An Bothar Rua proved too strong for Flanagan’s, running out 6-2 winners.

The match between The Cosy Bar and The Hollywood was cancelled, and Spells were 5-3 winners over The Cosy Bar in the rescheduled round four fixture.

The league now takes a break for one week as the inter-county team takes to Jackson’s Hotel in Ballybofey, Co. Donegal this weekend for the West Coast Challenge. We wish management and players all the best and an enjoyable weekend.

Handball Clare Challenge

Alanna Coggeran of Kilglass Handball Club reached the final of the Clare Challenge Juvenile Tournament last weekend. Alanna had a big win in her semi-final as she beat number one seed Emma Kinane of Galway very comfortably 21-8 21-6.

Alanna then took on Áine Lenihan of Kilkishen in the final but unfortunately went down 21-7 21-15 despite a great comeback in the second game.

The Kilglass girl is now preparing for this weekend’s She’s Ace Ladies’ Festival in Cork. Kilglass youngster Niamh Hall and St. Coman’s’ Fiona Tully will also be in action in Cork and we wish all three the very best of luck.

Soccer results

Buccs edge past Naas

Buccaneers and Naas served up a compelling Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B battle in testing conditions at Dubarry Park on Saturday with the hosts taking the honours 13-11. The Pirates were worthy winners, displaying more enterprise overall as they atoned for their narrow defeat against the same opposition at Tullow just before Christmas. This hard-earned victory keeps Buccs top of the division above City of Armagh on scoring difference.

U-20s lose out to Corinthians

Buccaneers U-20s and Galway Corinthians served up an absorbing JP Fanagan Leinster League Premier 2 duel which finished in a welter of excitement as Buccs threw everything they could at the visitors in their efforts to salvage a share of the spoils at Dubarry Park on Sunday. However, they found the westerners’ defence resilient to the last and the visitors held on for a 14-7 victory that keeps them in second place in this division.

Thirds win in Castlebar

Buccaneers Thirds fashioned a tough 12-0 victory away to Castlebar in the Connacht Junior 2A League in dreadful weather conditions on Saturday night. This was a battle of wills from start to finish with the atrocious weather causing the game to be stopped on two occasions. Buccs were deserving winners, however, thanks to some smart rugby.

Firsts away to Banbridge

Buccaneers Seniors are northward bound on Saturday where they will be striving to

shoot down Banbridge at Rifle Park when the sides clash in the Energia All-Ireland League. This Division 1B match kicks off at 2.30 pm.

U-20s travel to Naas

The U-20s could not find a way to unlock the Corinthians rearguard last week and they will need to improve on their decision making when they face Naas in the JP Fanagan Leinster League Premier 2 at Forenaughts on Sunday.

Class of 2003 set for reunion

In 2003, Buccaneers U-20s reached the All-Ireland final after a memorable league campaign that saw them forge a series of impressive away victories including at Belfast Harlequins and Cork Constitution enroute to the decider. Buccs came up short in the final when a Jamie Heaslip inspired Dublin University came out on top 22-13.

Several of that Buccaneers squad including Conor O’Loughlin, David Connellan and David Kelly went on to wear the green of Ireland while many of them represented Connacht at various levels.

The players and mentors are holding a 20th reunion function in conjunction with Buccs’ next home All-Ireland League match against St. Mary’s College on Saturday, January 28th. Most squad members will be attending and all others are welcome to come along too for this pre-match meal with complimentary wine in The Bounty. Groups or individuals can be catered for. Contact club Administrator Geraldine at 086-1732711 to book.

Rangers 2 Dunmore Town 1 St. Cuan’s Ahascragh United 0 Benbulben FC 2

RDFL Women’s Premier League

Colemanstown United 0 Cam Celtic 2

Ballaghaderreen WFC 2 Shiven Rovers 1

Kilkerrin United 3 Boyle Celtic 0

Soccer Fixtures

Friday, January 20th

RDFL Reserve Division

Shiven Rovers v Moore United. 8 pm

Saturday, January 21st

RDFL Reserve Division

Cloonfad United v Ballinagare Manor United. 12 pm

Sunday, January 22nd

Norio’s Premier Division

Moylough ’79 v St. John’s Athletic. 2 pm RDFL First Division

Ballinagare Manor United v Ballymoe FC. 2 pm

Corinthians’ Blaine Barry puts in a try saving tackle on Cian McCann of Buccaneers during last Sunday’s JP Fanagan Leinster League Premier 2 match at Dubarry Park.

Super sub Tom Fleming makes a burst for the line as Creggs Seconds overcame Tuam in the Connacht J1C Cup last weekend. Pic: Steve Fahey

Horses for Courses

Horseracing this weekend this afternoon at Fairyhouse, has been postponed and rescheduled for next Wednesday, first race off at 12.30 pm.

Tomorrow (Friday) evening racing is under lights on the all-weather at Dundalk, first race at 5 pm. Saturday action is at Proudstown Park outside Navan, racing away at 12.32 pm and features the Grade B Navan Handicap Hurdle.

Sunday sees the action in County Tipperary at Thurles with two Grade 2 races, the EBF Mares Novice Chase and the Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase off at 3.10 pm. If you are going racing this weekend check that the meeting is on.

On Saturday, ITV racing is covering of four races from Ascot including the Grade 1 Clarence Chase and the Grade 2 Mares Hurdle, three Grade 2 races from Haydock, the Supr-

Willie Mullins’ Champion Chase winner Energumene will take on Alan King’s Tingle Creek winner Edwardstone Saturday’s Clarence House Chase at Ascot and he is odds on to win. The pair will only have one other horse to beat Amarillo Sky from Joe Tizzard’s yard.

Racing News

We had just gone to press last week when Davy Russell announced that he was going to ride again to fill in for the injured Jack Kennedy. He resumed at Fairyhouse on Saturday with two rides for Gordon Elliott, both finished down the field.

In Punchestown on Sun-

day, Russell had three rides, two over hurdles and one over fences all for Elliott, winning Div. 2 of the Maiden Hurdle on Sa Fureur at 3/1. He also had his ride over the major obstacles on Minella Crooner in the Grade 3 Novice Chase, finishing third. He rides again today at Fairyhouse with all rides all for Elliott.

Top chasers Galopin Des Champs, Conflated unlikely to run before Cheltenham, Energumene and leading hurdlers State Man, Honeysuckle, and Facile Vega all feature among the entries for the eight Grade 1 races at the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown on the 4th and 5th of February.

There are 11 horses entered in the Paddy Power Gold Cup on the opening afternoon of the two-day spectacle including Mullins’ Galopin Des Champ and Chacun Pour

Soi and Elliott’s Conflated and Fury Road. Sunday’s racing features the Grade 1 Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle with Henry de Bromhead’s super mare Honeysuckle seeking to get back on track and emulate Istabraq and Hurricane Fly by winning it for the fourth year in a row.

Leading Cheltenham Gold Cup contender Venetia Williams’ L’Homme Presse will miss the Festival showpiece in March, connections have announced. Gordon Elliott’s Conflated remains on track for the race and is likely to miss the Dublin Festival, as does Shark Hanlon’s American Grand Na-

tional winner, Henwick, who also has the Aintree National on his radar.

Point-to-Point News

There were two meetings scheduled for this weekend both in the South on Sunday, one at Ballycrystal near Bunclody in Wexford with 68 entries and the second at Dungarvan in Co Waterford which has been abandoned due to ground conditions. The Ballycrystal meeting is scheduled for a 12.30 pm start.

Short putts

Carrick

The time sheet is now open for the Flynn’s Bar Spring League. If you wish to enter this 9-hole Stableford, log on to BRS and put your name

forward. Weather permitting, the league will consist of six weekly rounds, commencing Monday, January 30th and finishing on Sunday, March 12th. Each week, the best five cards from each team will contribute to the team’s score. At least

one lady’s card must be included in the team’s weekly total. Each player will be permitted to enter a maximum of two cards per week, one weekly entry and one re-entry.

Roscommon

The recent Senior Men’s competition was won by N Sharkey with 32 points. Other results: Cat 1 W Doyle (28); Cat 2 J Kilroy (31); Cat 3 B McCormack (31); and Cat 4 S Brennan (30). There were five deuces: N Sharkey, M Sharkey, S McGahon, N Connolly and M O’Connor.

The timesheet for the Ladies’ Spring Matchplay is now up in the ladies’ locker room. The format is Foursomes in February, Fourball in March, and Singles in April. There are only 32 places plus reserves available so please get your name in early. The draw for teams takes place at the end of January.

by Tom Red

Cold snap

Freezing temperatures took their toll on the cross channel racing programme with Fontwell on Monday, Chepstow on Tuesday, Newbury yesterday, and Newcastle today abandoned due to frost. Plumpton will inspect at 2 pm on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday’s meeting.

The first day of Lingfield’s Winter Million fixture on Friday was abandoned on Tuesday afternoon with the £110,000 Sovereign Handicap Hurdle and £50,000 Godstone Handicap Chase transferred to Sunday, where weather permitting there will be a nine-race card.

Swimming Coman’s impress at Sligo Gala

Coman’s Swimming Club was back in action just after Christmas, with 28 members competing at the L2 Swim Gala hosted by Sligo Swim Club at the Regional Sports Centre in Sligo on January 8th.

The gala was a huge success, with participants of all ages and skill levels coming out to compete in

a variety of races.

The Coman’s crew achieved great success with many participants achieving personal best times and collecting medals. The team’s performance was highlighted by the medal winners, who displayed exceptional skill and determination throughout the event.

In addition to the medal winners, the entire team should be commended for their efforts. Their hard work and dedication was evident in their performances, and it was a pleasure to see them all competing together. They look forward to the next competition and even more success.

(News from local golf clubs)

emeTrial Novice Hurdle, the Champion Hurdle Trial Unibet Hurdle and the Peter Marsh Handicap Chase along with one race from Taunton.

Liam Walsh Prize receives his prize from Castlerea Golf Club President Tony Brophy following the 2022 President’s Prize competition at Castlerea Golf Club.

Pic: Mick McCormack

Pictured are Coman’s Swimming Club medal winners at the Sligo Swim Club Gala, which took place on January 8th.

Energumene and Paul Townend win the Hilly Way Chase in Cork.

Freezing temperatures took their toll on the cross channel racing.

‘Scrap pre-season competitions!’

Roscommon into another final but new manager critical of pre-season approach

FBD Connacht League semi-final Roscommon 3-17 Sligo 2-13

< SEAMUS DUKE

New Roscommon manager Davy Burke has bluntly stated that preseason competitions such as the FBD League are no longer justified and need to be scrapped. He was speaking after his first game in charge of Roscommon, an unconvincing sixpoint win over a Sligo side that played most of the second half with 14 men. The victory put Roscommon into the FBD League final for the ninth year in a row.

Burke also questioned the value of playing indoors on a synthetic pitch as preparation for the forthcoming National League.

“You would have to ask is this proper preparation for the league. Do you think that ourselves and Tyrone are going to play out a high-scoring game in perfect conditions in two weeks’ time? I don’t think so.

“These competitions are completely unnecessary. We didn’t tog Dara Cregg or Colin Walsh or any of those lads here tonight. They played in the Sigerson Cup on Wednesday night and are expected to come in here tonight and play. It’s just not fair on these young players.

“These competitions need to be done away with and we should be allowed to play challenge games that would

suit us. We’d love to be able to play a challenge game on Sunday at our own leisure against opposition of our choice on a grass pitch to prepare for the Tyrone game. Don’t get me wrong, this dome and all that’s here is fantastic, but the scheduling of these competitions is wrong”.

With regard to the game itself the new manager said he wasn’t happy with the overall performance. “It took us a long time to win it to be honest. I was disappointed with a lot of aspects of our performance”.

On a more positive note, Burke added: “Diarmuid Murtagh was fantastic. He is working very hard for us. Keith Doyle was fantastic too and was a real leader from midfield. There were other lads who did well too like Robbie Dolan and Adam McDermott when they came on”.

There was a capacity crowd of about 1,000 people in the GAA Air Dome for what was a typical indoor game, with teams attacking non-stop in the perfect underfoot conditions. With Diarmuid Murtagh back to his best, Roscommon went into a 0-5 to 0-2 lead by the 12th minute. Sean Carabine goaled with a thunderbolt for Sligo in the 13th minute, but on the kick-out Roscommon responded with their own three-pointer from Ben O’Carroll, after a sublime pass from Murtagh. A Pat O’Connor penalty helped the Yeats County into a 2-9 to 1-9 lead by half-time.

After multiple substitutions, Sligo were reduced to 14 men in the 38th minute. With the sides level (Sligo 2-11 Roscommon 1-14) Roscommon

found their scoring boots late on, with Keith Doyle – who had a magnificent match – scoring two fine goals, the first after a great pass from Darragh Heneghan.

Roscommon: Colm Lavin; David Murray, Eoin McCormack, Dylan Gaughan; Paddy Gavin, Conor Hussey, Brian Stack (0-1); Niall Daly (0-1), Keith Doyle (2-2); Ciaran Lennon, Diarmuid Murtagh (0-5, 3 frees), Dylan Ruane; Ben O’Carroll (1-2), Conor Cox, Paul Carey (0-3, 2 frees).

Subs: Thomas Crean for Hussey (33), Aengus Lyons for Gavin (h/t), Adam McDermott (0-2) for Cox (41), Darragh Heneghan for Ruane (45), Ruaidhri Fallon for Lennon (50), Cian

Glennon for Daly (50), Robbie Dolan for Gaughan (55), Ciaran Sugrue for Carey (58), Shane Cunnane for Murtagh (62), Conall Kennelly (0-1, mark) for O’Carroll (62).

Sligo: Daniel Lyons; Luke Nicholson, Eddie McGuinness, Nathan Mullen; Brian Cox, Darragh Cummins, Jack Lavin; Paul Kilcoyne, Pat Spillane (0-2); Joe Keaney, Sean Carabine (1-2, 1 free), David Quinn (0-1, free); Cian Lally (0-1), Pat O’Connor (1-3, 1-0 pen), Donal Conlon. Subs: Chris Flynn (0-1) for Spillane, Kenny Gavigan for D Quinn, Gerard O’Kelly-Lynch for Keaney, Luke Towey for Cox, Mark Walsh for Kilcoyne (all half-time), Eoghan Smith for Carabine (62), Paul

McNamara (0-1) for Lavin (62), Evan Lyons for McGuinness (62), Nathan Rooney (0-1) for O’Connor, Niall Murphy (0-1) for Lally (64).

Referee: Chris Ryan (Galway).

Stat Attack

Wides: Roscommon 9 (7, first half); Sligo 7 (2, first half)

Red cards: Roscommon 0; Sligo 1 (Donal Conlon 38, second yellow)

Black cards: Roscommon 1 (Brian Stack 62); Sligo 0

Yellow cards: Roscommon 3 (Dylan Gaughan, Adam McDermott, Ruaidhri Fallon); Sligo 2 (Donal Conlon x 2)

Attendance: Approx. 1,000 Man of the Match: Keith Doyle (Roscommon)

Adam McDermott from Roscommon getting past Sligo’s Darragh Cummins and Nathan Mullen during last Friday’s FBD League semifinal at the Connacht GAA Air Dome in Bekan. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon’s Ciaran Lennon gets past Darragh Cummins of Sligo during the FBD League semi-final at the Connacht GAA Air Dome in Bekan last Friday night. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon’s Ben O’Carroll eludes the Sligo defence during last Friday’s FBD League semi-final at the Connacht GAA Air Dome in Bekan. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell