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Best wishes to Mercy College Roscommon Camogie team in the All-Ireland Senior Camogie B final

Fine Gael looks to Scahill to restore Dáil presence

Gareth Scahill has emerged as the person Fine Gael believes can end over a decade without Dáil representation for the party in Roscommon. If the current government runs its full ﬁve-year course, by the 2029 election it will have been 18 years since a Fine Gael TD was elected in Roscommon.

Mr Scahill, elected to Roscommon County Council for the ﬁrst time just eight months ago, was put forward by Fine Gael leader Simon Harris as one of his ﬁve selections to be included in Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s eleven Seanad nominees last Friday.

The elevation of the Castlerea businessman by the Fine Gael leader is a clear signal that Scahill is seen as the likely front-runner for the

party in the next general election. Fine Gael has been in an electoral purgatory of sorts in Roscommon since the controversy over the closure of the Roscommon Accident & Emergency department in 2011.

Frank Feighan and Denis Naughten had both been elected for Fine Gael in the 2011 General Election – prior to the hospital debacle – but the party hasn’t won a seat here since, having failed to do so in the elections of 2016, 2020 and 2024.

Speaking to the Roscommon People this week, Mr Scahill conﬁrmed his intention to run for the Dáil in the next general election.

“I don’t believe anybody gets appointed to the Seanad to stay there or to be a ﬂy on the wall,” Scahill said. “If there is a general election, I will put myself before the delegates (for prospective selection as a Fine Gael candidate), and I believe I would be in a good position to take a seat – but that decision will be for the party members.” Full story on page 5.

< PAUL HEALY

Senator Gareth Scahill.

Roscommon CBS players celebrate after winning last Saturday’s Connacht Colleges final at Enfield in which they defeated Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown by 0-13 to 1-6. Photo: Michael Finan

Adult Child with Special Needs

My 22-year-old son has cerebral palsy and a severe intellectual disability. He relies on me for all of his needs. I worry that as I get older, I will struggle to care for him. My memories of his birth in the hospital are vivid. I believe that his birth was poorly managed and if he had been born in another hospital then his situation would be much different. I know he is 22 years old now and it might be too late to investigate a case for him but when I read your recent article, I thought you might be able to help me.

The exact cause of Cerebral Palsy is unknown. It is known that if the brain is damaged whilst it is growing then this can lead to Cerebral Palsy. However, in some situations, a lack of oxygen to the brain during labour and delivery can result in Cerebral Palsy.

I note that you believe that your son’s birth was poorly managed. If it can be established that a mother’s pregnancy, labour and delivery were mismanaged by the delivery team and the injury to the baby’s brain could have been avoided, had competent medical treatment been given then certainly questions will need to be answered by the hospital and the delivery team.

I also note that your concerns about your son’s birth management remain after all this time. Under the Statute of Limitations, one normally has two years from the date of an incident/accident to bring a compensation claim for injuries. However, a mentally disabled person has a period of two years from the date on which they cease to be under the disability to bring a legal action. Therefore, and most importantly for you, a person such as your son who is permanently mentally disabled may now investigate a potential legal case in medical negligence.

Any such legal action may be brought on his behalf by you as his mother given that your son would not have capacity to bring legal proceedings in his own right by virtue of his intellectual disability.

Please give me a call on 090 6478433 and I will discuss your query further with you if you wish.

WATCHING People

With PAUL HEALY

Good news this week (or is it bad?)

So, Ireland beat Scotland easily… that’s good!

Well, it’s kind of bad actually… How so?

‘Cos now we’ll be explosively hot favourites against Wales, and there’s a danger of complacency!

Well, Donald Trump’s still signing executive orders… he’s a politician who is actually delivering on campaign commitments! Now THAT’S good!

Nah, that’s bad…

Why so?

Because if you ask me, most of what Donald Trump promised is not good!

Well, I didn’t ask you!

(They pause to hum along to Ireland’s Eurovision entry on hearing it on the radio)

Ireland has selected its Eurovision entry, a most original ditty it is too! Now THAT’S good!

No, that’s bad!

WHY?

‘Cos it reminds us all that the silly circus is coming up!

But the Eurovision is a gathering of eccentrics who dance around the studio grinning at the camera while pleading for votes… it’s fun, that’s good!

No, that’s bad! We already have a gathering of eccentrics who dance around the studio grinning at the camera and pleading for votes every weekend… it’s called Dancing with the Stars!

Endangered Species

Thebarstoolboyos

(They pause to see if Samantha Mumba has posted any more unmissable barbs against the Late Late Eurosong judges)

Well, there’s a new series of The Apprentice on TV, now that’s good… No, that’s BAD! Because most of the

contestants are vain and boring… plus, it reminds me of Donald Trump! After all, he used to star in the US version!

Well, the Super Bowl was on the other night, it’s sheer theatre, one of sport’s great annual events, now that’s good… No, that’s bad, because I backed the Kansas City Chiefs, and they lost!

Well, there’s a new Bridget Jones movie out today… now that’s good! No, that’s bad! Too many sequels is always bad!

(They pause to watch Real Madrid add to Manchester City’s woes with a late, late win in the Champions League)

Well, it’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow! LOVE-ly! Now that’s good!

Oh dear, that’s bad, for now at least! I forgot all about it! I’m gonna have to rush now and get organised!

Hold on! Before you go… St Patrick’s Day is just around the corner! Now THAT’S good!

I dunno! There are concerns that Mr Trump might not invite Mr Martin to the White House! Now that’s bad!

Well, speaking of Mr Martin, the Dáil’s sitting again! Now come on, my old friend, you have to admit… THAT’S GOOD!

What? Another gathering of eccentrics grinning at the camera and pleading for votes every week … nah, that’s bad… for my patience!

It’s been a GOOD week for… ☺

Norwegian singer EMMY, who will represent Ireland at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest with her song, Laika Party

Gareth Scahill, with the Castlerea man having been appointed to Seanad Éireann as one of Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s 11 nominees to the upper house

Roscommon CBS, this following their football team’s win over Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown in last Saturday’s Connacht Colleges SF ‘B’ ﬁnal

It’s been a BAD week for… ☹

Welsh rugby and the national team’s now ex-head coach Warren Gatland, with defeat to Italy in the Six Nations Championship (a 14th successive test match loss for Wales) resulting in Gatland’s departure from the role on Tuesday (by mutual agreement)

PIC OF THE WEEK: Sounding the final final whistle at Saturday’s Connacht Colleges SF ‘B’ final at Enfield (St Croan’s) in which Roscommon CBS defeated Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown by 0-13 to 1-6.

Photo: Michael Finan

Cross-party opposition to proposed EROC extension

Last Friday, Cllr Micheál Frain put forward a motion at the Boyle Municipal District (MD) meeting asking his colleagues “to oppose any further expansion or additions to any International Protection Programmes in towns such as Ballaghaderreen until essential services such as health, education, and Garda numbers are brought to a satisfactory level”.

On December 23rd last, a planning application was submitted by Next Week & Co Ltd seeking planning permission for a two-storey extension to the Abbeyﬁeld Hotel EROC (Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre) to provide additional accommodation. According to the planning documents, the new accommodation would consist of 18 bedrooms in addition to a general purpose room. The application also seeks permission to construct an astroturf pitch and play area.

Cllr Frain advised last Friday’s meeting of a recent socio-economic report, which showed enormous challenges for Ballaghaderreen. He noted that in 2017, when the EROC was ﬁrst announced, there were promises of additional resources, but he says they are yet to be delivered. Additionally, he said that local health and educational resources have “surpassed capacity”.

Tarmonbarry-based Independent councillor Tom Crosby noted that an injustice had been done to the community and those seeking international protection with the ser-

vices in the area deteriorating rather than improving.

Fine Gael’s Cllr Liam Callaghan noted the recent controversy over the building of modular homes in the area and stated that until people are treated equally, there will not be proper integration.

Cllr Valerie Byrne, an Independent based in Elphin, said there had been no consultation with the council and that on one occasion, the arrival of people at the centre was relayed to the council by the caretakers of the premises.

Sinn Féin’s Cllr Leah Cull said there was a moral obligation to help but that the services required to help simply are not present.

Going a step further than his colleagues, Cllr Sean Moylan said that the property in question needed to be converted back into a hotel as this was vital to the development of Ballaghaderreen. He also noted that in his capacity as a representative on the HSE forum, he had been pushing to prioritise a primary care centre for the town.

Director of Services at Roscommon County Council Greg O’Donnell accepted the “fair and balanced” views expressed by councillors; however, he explained that any application could only be assessed on the facts.

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The Ballaghaderreen-based councillor received unanimous support from his MD colleagues, all of whom voiced a series of concerns.

Abbeyfield Hotel EROC (Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre)

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Expressions of interest to be emailed to info@rosfm.ie. with the subject heading QQI Training. (Please include contact details). QQI accredited training equips you with the skills needed to work and engage in the exciting world of radio and media.

Bridge club results

The most recent results from the local bridge clubs are as follows: Roscommon Bridge Club – 1st: Maurice Buckley and Larry Shine; 2nd: Ann Kilduff and Celia Ansboro; Gross: Tresina and Tommie Murphy. Happy ‘71 Bridge Club – (Coleman Shield) 1st: June Halliday and Larry Shine; 2nd: Chris and John McGrath; Gross: Mary and Vincent Brennan. St Coman’s Bridge Club – 1st: Gertie Spillane and Maria Hickey; 2nd: Josephine Devaney and Mary Judge; Gross: Ann Shine and Mary Naughton. Ballymurray Bridge Club – (Section A) 1st: Kevin Coyle and Michael Dolan; 2nd: Patricia Keane and Rosaleen O’Hanrahan; Gross: Evelyn Curley and Judy Adamson. (Section B) 1st: Valere and Pat Finneran; 2nd: Mary Law and Susan Farrell; Gross: Gertie Spillane and Josephine Devaney.

Special Healing Mass in Curraghboy

A Special Healing Mass will take place at Our Lady Star of the Sea Prayer Centre, Curraghboy on Thursday, 13th of February, commencing at 8 pm. The celebrant will be Fr John MocklerConfessions will be available from 7 pm and the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet will be recited at 7.30 pm. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Individual Blessings for Healing will take place after Mass. Refreshments will be available afterwards. All are most welcome. Eircode is N37W704. Any enquiries to 086 4054489.

Peer review of Garda investigation into death of Liam Farrell complete

< EMMETT CORCORAN

It was conﬁrmed on Tuesday of this week that the high-level review of the Garda investigation into the death of Liam Farrell in Rooskey ﬁve years ago is completed and has been sent to Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. Mr Farrell’s family are now requesting a meeting with the Garda Commissioner once he has reviewed the report.

On Sunday, January 12th 2020, Liam Farrell was found dead at his home in Rooskey.

In September of last year, an inquest into the death of the late Mr Farrell at Carrick-on-Shannon Coroner’s Court returned an open verdict. Speaking following the verdict, the family’s solicitor, Frank Buttimer, clariﬁed that an open verdict reﬂects the jury’s inability to determine the precise circumstances of Mr Farrell’s death.

Consultant pathologist Professor Paul Hartel conducted the post-mortem and concluded that Mr Farrell died from a heart attack linked to severe coronary heart disease. However, Professor Hartel later revealed he was not informed that Mr Farrell had been discovered under suspicious circumstances or that a crime scene had been established. He stated that had he been made aware, he would have declined to perform the autopsy, as such cases require a forensic pathologist.

The Farrell family appointed former State pathologist for Northern Ireland, Professor Jack Crane, to review the

autopsy. He was critical of the initial autopsy report and said that he was of the view that Mr Farrell’s injuries were consistent with an assault.

On Friday, December 13th, a senior investigating ofﬁcer within An Garda Síochana who was appointed by the Garda Commissioner to conduct a peer review of the original investigation met with the Farrell family.

On Tuesday of this week, it was announced that the review of the Garda investigation into the death of Liam Farrell was completed and had been sent to Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, who ordered it last September.

The family of the late Mr Farrell, who was 87 at the time of his death ﬁve years ago, believes he was attacked, but no one has ever been charged.

Speaking to the Roscommon People this week, son of the late Liam Farrell, Brendan Farrell, said that the family’s solicitor wrote to the Garda Commissioner on Tuesday requesting a meeting.

“We’re looking for an urgent meeting,” Brendan said.

Mr Farrell added that the family still believe a full new investigation is warranted based on the outcome of the Coroner’s inquest: “We made a lot of submissions during the peer review.”

He concluded his remarks by acknowledging the Garda Commissioner had only received the peer review report but that once he has been able to review it, the family would expect a meeting to be forthcoming.

The plaque in memory of the late Liam Farrell which was unvelied by members of his family last January. Picture: Michael Finan.

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Scahill appointed to Seanad, eyes future Dáil bid

< EMMETT CORCORAN

Roscommon county councillor Gareth Scahill was appointed to Seanad Éireann last Friday, one of Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s 11 nominees to the upper house.

In his maiden speech in Seanad Éireann on Wednesday afternoon, Senator Scahill paid a moving tribute to the late independent councillor Anthony Waldron.

Scahill, who was ﬁrst elected to Roscommon County Council just last June, said the appointment came as a surprise, but he now intends to make full use of the opportunity.

“The Seanad wasn’t on my radar at all,” Scahill admitted: “I had expected to serve out my term on Roscommon County Council, so it is a great honour to be asked to serve in the Seanad by party leader Simon Harris.”

While stepping into national politics, Scahill has not ruled out a future Dáil bid, stating that he sees his role in the Seanad as a stepping stone rather than a ﬁnal destination.

Tributes and transition

Scahill paid tribute to outgoing Fine Gael senator Aisling Dolan, who was unsuccessful in her bid to secure election to the Seanad Agricultural Panel.

In 2020, Dolan was appointed as one of then-Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s nominees to the Seanad. Scahill said that Dolan had done

fantastic work for the constituency and Fine Gael, and she had the full support of him and all the Fine Gael councillors in Roscommon in her attempt to get elected in recent weeks: “The result of a Seanad Election is no reﬂection on the work done in the constituency.”

Scahill also acknowledged the contributions of the late Cllr Anthony Waldron. The Independent councillor from Ballintubber sadly passed over the weekend.

“Before I was ever a councillor, Anthony invited me to the ﬁrst meeting of the three municipal districts – Ballinasloe, Athlone, and Roscommon – to spearhead the Suck Valley Way development,” he said: “He has left a lasting legacy, and I was privileged to work closely with him over the years.”

As Treasurer and Secretary of the Suck Valley Way Development CoOp, Scahill said he hopes to continue the work begun by Cllr Waldron as its Chairperson.

A new vacancy

Scahill’s move to the Seanad now means his council seat will need to be ﬁlled. He said the decision will

be made by his party’s district executive and delegates, adding that there is plenty of talent within the party to step into the role.

He also paid tribute to Cllr John Naughten, who tragically died last October. Cllr Naughten’s replacement will be selected at a selection convention due to take place in the Athlone Springs Hotel on the evening of February 20th. Scahill expressed his hope that his own successor will be selected as soon as possible.

Despite the local elections having been held just over eight months ago, there are now three seats to be ﬁlled on Roscommon County Council, following the sad passing of Cllr Anthony Waldron last weekend.

Challenges

Asked about his priorities, Scahill highlighted the development of an apprenticeship training centre in Roscommon town, a project he has worked on alongside councillors from all parties.

Former senator Eugene Murphy wished Scahill luck in the Seanad this week, noting: “Gareth has a

genuine interest in developing the county and I know one of his goals will be the opening of an apprenticeship college in Roscommon Town.”

Scahill also says he intends to stay deeply connected to RoscommonGalway despite working in Leinster House: “One of the biggest challenges will be balancing life in the Seanad with life in Roscommon and not becoming disconnected from the constituency.”

Storm Éowyn

Reﬂecting on the impact of Storm Éowyn, which left many in Roscommon without power, Scahill praised the resilience of local communities: “The way people pulled together to help one another has been incredible.”

He added: “Community groups have done fantastic work across the county, and they deserve to be supported.”

Our interview had been delayed into the evening as Scahill was still out assisting those without power, a role he said he was more than happy to take on.

He also stressed the importance of having strong representation in Dublin to ensure local groups can access available funding and recover effectively from events like Storm Éowyn and develop in general.

Lemass? What?

Ending on a lighter note, Scahill chuckled when recalling a remark made recently by a colleague who pointed out that he may be “the ﬁrst person to get into the Seanad with no electricity since Lemass was in power”.

Scahill only had his power reconnected late last week, and got power back contemporaneously with the news that he was being given a different kind of power in the Oireachtas.

Gareth Scahill was appointed to Seanad Éireann last Friday.

THURSDAY

Sending wrong message

I’d normally be cynical about calls for the Dáil to be recalled. The calls are usually mere political opportunism, some opposition party breathlessly demanding the immediate return of the Dáil in order that a perceived crisis is urgently addressed. Such calls are no doubt sometimes genuine, but mostly it’s opportunism, those making the call delighting in embarrassing the government of the day. They are well aware that calls for the Dáil to reconvene will resonate with those voters who still have the will to care. Cue ordinary men and women in the street muttering stuff like ‘Did you see that shower are still on holidays? The country is in crisis and the TDs aren’t to be seen anywhere…’. Besides, if the chamber is reopened in the midst of some emergency, does anyone seriously think that venting TDs will achieve anything that would be more beneﬁcial than public servants (elected and non-elected) working away behind the scenes?

All of the above said (I did say I’d normally be cynical on this issue) it hasn’t been a good look for the Dáil not to have sat over the past fortnight (or so). Storm Éowyn had a devastating impact on the country, particularly in the west of Ireland. I do think that the failure to recall the Dáil this time has sent a bad message to the public. Even if it had only been a symbolic gesture, reconvening the Dáil – particularly with a new Government having just taken ofﬁce – would have sent a positive signal to people. It would have given the Taoiseach and his ministers an opportunity to show leadership (beyond soundbites in the media). It would have given people a voice (through their TDs) and most importantly of all, would have indicated that the plight of those most grievously impacted was being formally acknowledged. Instead, we had photos in the media of politicians (the Taoiseach included) attending the Ireland-England game at the Aviva. I think had the Dáil been recalled on this occasion, it would have sent a message of symbolic solidarity, if nothing else, to those communities

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

A (mostly) light-hearted look at the week that was… paul@roscommonpeople.ie

that were most affected. A message to people who – due to storm-induced circumstances – didn’t see Ireland v England in the rugby, or Ireland v Scotland last weekend either for that matter.

FRIDAY

Senator Scahill

Word comes through that Gareth Scahill is one of Micheál Martin’s 11 Seanad nominees (the Taoiseach having received a list of ﬁve choices from Fine Gael leader and Coalition partner, Simon Harris).

It’s an impressively swift rise up the political ladder for the Castlerea businessman. Up to just over eight months ago, he hadn’t yet held political ofﬁce at all, now he’s a member of the Oireachtas – and the clear front-runner for Fine Gael in this constituency ahead of the next general election.

Scahill comfortably won a Council seat last June. However, his foray into local politics has turned out to be short-lived, as he will now have to va-

cate his Council seat following today’s elevation to the Seanad.

Before entering politics, Gareth Scahill had already established himself as a dedicated community activist. His rise to Oireachtas level is positive for Castlerea, and for the constituency. I wish him well in his new role.

SATURDAY

Eurovision latest!

When I realised that last night’s Late Late Show was a Eurovision Special, I was delighted… and availed of the opportunity to catch up on some endof-week sleep on the couch.

Having very intentionally avoided every second of the show, I would have embraced having no knowledge of how our latest search for long-lost Eurovision credibility unfolded, but such hopes were shattered when I inadvertently heard a segment on Newstalk this morning.

Before I could take evasive action, the ever-enthusiastic reporter Henry McKean was breathlessly informing

broadcaster Anton Savage that the winning song last night – and now our entry in this year’s Eurovision – is about a Soviet dog that died in space.

I’m all for originality – and we certainly haven’t had many songs about dogs that died in space – but I must admit to being quite stunned.

It felt like I had been transported into a Monty Python sketch, but it was really happening… Anton and Henry were now discussing the story behind Laika Party, the song that Norwegian singer Emmy will perform for Ireland in the upcoming semi-ﬁnal.

Apparently a Soviet crew brought a dog called Laika into space on Sputnik 2 back in 1957, but the animal sadly died of hyperthermia. Now Laika’s back in the news, with the songwriting team penning a different outcome for the dog, in which it survives and parties in space. Of course that’s not what happened.

68 years on, it might be a bit much to expect a ‘sympathy vote’ for Laika to help reverse Ireland’s recent Eurovision woes. Time will tell!

SATURDAY

In the cinema…

A visit to Omniplex Cinema in Roscommon is always a pleasure. Tonight, we had a ‘family night out’ and went to see ‘A Complete Unknown’ While it’s slow moving, and perhaps not to everyone’s taste, I thought this Bob Dylan biopic was enjoyable, the music very evocative. Timothée Chalamet was excellent as a young Bob Dylan.

SUNDAY/MONDAY

County mourns Tony

The sudden death of Cllr Anthony Waldron has come as a terrible shock. We were very good friends for many years, and it was always a pleasure to meet with this most unassuming of gentlemen.

The people of Ballintubber, Castlerea, Roscommon town and the entire county indeed are shocked by Tony’s untimely passing. We pay tribute to a great Roscommon man on pages 14 & 15 (see also page 10). Rest in peace, Tony.

TUESDAY

A walk in the park

A relaxing walk in Loughnaneane Park, where peacefulness reigns. There is hardly any noise, except for the sound of a saw, operated by a man in the distance.

Like Mote Park, and the Demesne in Castlerea, and other cherished local amenities, the recent storm impacted here; there are hundreds of branches tidily gathered together on the ground, as the clean-up operation continues. The man with the saw, who is working on that clean-up in a cordoned off area, is being watched by a robin and a small dog. It’s obvious it belongs to the man (the dog, not the robin).

Several walkers pass, at least half of whom have a dog with them. Imposing in the distance stands Roscommon Castle, which has survived stormier days than we saw on January 24th. In the pond, the ducks embrace the tranquillity of another day, another year.

€1,070 PRESENTED TO HOSPICE…

Bernie Naughton (right) of PJ’s Bar in Castlecoote is pictured presenting a cheque for €1,070 to Martina Jennings, accepting on behalf of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice. These are the proceeds from a raffle held recently in PJ’s Bar. PJ and Bernie would like to thank all who contributed to the raffle. Thanks also to The Nightingales for the entertainment on the night. The prize, a bumper hamper donated by

was

Photograph shows pupils of Cloonfad National School making a presentation of a cheque to Martina Jennings, C.E.O Roscommon Mayo Hospice.

PJ’s Bar,

won by Gary Doolan, Roscommon.

Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) - Part 8

Applicant: Roscommon County Council

Location: Lisroyne Townland, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

Proposal: Pursuant to the requirements of the above, notice is hereby given of …

A Proposed Residential Development at Lisroyne TD, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. The proposed development will consist of: Construction of 2 No units (Universally Designed + Single Story 4 Bedroom Dwelling unit and a 2 bedroom standard Universally Designed Unit) at Lisroyne, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon including all associated site works.

An appropriate assessment screening report and environmental impact assessment screening report of the proposed development has been completed and is available for inspection with this development. The reports concluded that a full EIAR is not required, and that the development does not need to proceed to Stage 2 appropriate assessment. Where any person considers that a development proposed to be carried out would be likely to have signi cant e ects on the environment, he or she may, at any time before the expiration of 4 weeks beginning on the date of publication of the notice referred to in Article 81(2), apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have such e ects.

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

Plans and Particulars of the proposed development may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy for a period of 4 weeks from 14/02/2025 during public opening hours at the o ces of the Housing Department, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon County Council, Roscommon F42 VR98. Plans and particulars can also be viewed online on the Roscommon County Council website at the following link:

https://consult.roscommoncoco.ie/en

A submission or observation in relation to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated, may be made, via the online portal (link above) or in writing before 4pm on 02/04/2025 marked “Lisroyne Strokestown, Roscommon Housing Development” and submitted to:

Signed: Fiona Ní Chuinn,

Acting Director of Services Housing, Culture & International Protection

Roscommon County Council has decided to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the periods and the reason speci ed.

Roscommon County Council has decided to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the periods and the reason specified.

Road Reference Townland Closure duration Section of Closure Proposed Diversion LS-6022 (East) Shankill 24th February 2025 – 25th April 2025 Length of closure 150m. Closure starts 150m from the LS-6022 Junction with the N61 and finishes at the junction head

Reason for Closures: To facilitate N5 Road Project

Greg O’Donnell

Acting Director of Services

REPORTING OF POLITICAL DONATIONS BY ELECTED

MEMBERS

Diversion will be via the LP-1412.

LOCAL ELECTIONS (DISCLOSURE OF DONATIONS AND EXPENDITURE) ACT 1999 AS AMENDED BY THE ELECTORAL (AMENDMENT) ACT 2001 (SECTION 58), THE ELECTORAL (AMENDMENT) ACT 2002 (SECTION 5) AND THE ELECTORAL (AMENDMENT) (POLITICAL FUNDING) ACT 2012

Housing Department, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon. Or Housing@roscommoncoco.ie

Date: 14/02/2025

Donation Statements submitted by Members of Roscommon County Council for the period 1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024, in accordance with the above legislation, are now available for public inspection. Statements may be viewed, during opening hours, at the Corporate Services Department, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, F42 VR98.

Caitlín Conneely, Director of Services

TUAIRISCIÚ TORTHAÍ POLAITIÚLA ÓN MBALL THOFA

AN tACHT UM THOGHCHÁIN ÁITIÚLA (SÍNTIÚIS AGUS CAITEACHAS A NOCHTADH), 1999 MAR A LEASAÍODH AN ACHT TOGHCHÁIN (LEASÚ) 2001 (ALT 58), AN tACHT TOGHCHÁIN (LEASÚ) 2002 (MÍR 5) AGUS AN ACHT TOGHCHÁIN (LEASÚ) (CAITEACHAS PHOLAITIÚIL) 2012

Tá Ráitis Síntiús a chuir Comhaltaí Chomhairle Contae Ros Comáin isteach don tréimhse 1 Eanáir 2024 go 31 Nollaig 2024, de réir na reachtaíochta thuas, ar fáil anois lena n-iniúchadh ag an bpobal. Is féidir ráitis a fheiceáil, le linn uaireanta oscailte, ag an Rannóg Seirbhísí Corparáideacha, Comhairle Contae Ros Comáin, Áras an Chontae, Ros Comáin, F42 VR98.

Caitlín Conneely, Stiúrthóir Seirbhísí

Councillor Anthony Waldron to be laid to rest on Friday after sudden passing last weekend

A great Roscommon man: 2-page tribute on pages 14 & 15

< PAUL HEALY

The late Councillor Anthony (Tony) Waldron has been remembered this week as a visionary public representative, an outstanding community activist and a passionate advocate for County Roscommon.

His sudden passing from natural causes last Sunday morning stunned his family, friends, political colleagues and the wider community. He was aged in his early 60s. Tributes have been paid by fellow politicians, community groups and members of the public.

The Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, Shane Tiernan, summed up Cllr Waldron thus: “To his ﬁnger-

tips, the late Cllr Anthony Waldron was an absolute gentleman.”

Former Minister of State Michael Finneran and his wife Betty, close friends of the late Cllr Waldron for many years, posted the following: ‘Our deepest sympathy to the Waldron family on the sudden and sad passing of Tony. We have great memories of our times together. You were always such a gentleman.

Roscommon has lost one of its favourite sons. May Tony rest in peace.’

Councillor Waldron, of Ballintubber, Castlerea, County Roscommon, and formerly Carrowneaden, Aghamore, Ballyhaunis, County Mayo, died peacefully at his home on Sunday morning.

In a statement, Roscommon County Council said that it was with shock and great sadness that the executive

OPEN EVENING

and elected members of the Council learned of his untimely passing.

As a mark of respect to the late Cllr Waldron, both the tricolour and the Roscommon ﬂag have been lowered to halfmast at Aras an Chontae (Council HQ). A Book of Condolence for the late Cllr Waldron is available for the public to sign at Áras an Chontae.

Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice, Cathaoirleach of the Council, said the late Cllr Waldron commanded respect across the political divide and that his loss would be deeply felt by the communities he served with dedication and integrity.

“As Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council I share the deep shock and sadness on learning of Cllr Anthony Waldron’s passing. As a colleague on Roscommon County Council, Anthony Waldron was respected across the political divide as a hard-working, sincere and dedicated public representative.

“To Cllr Waldron’s family and friends, I would like on behalf of all my colleagues on Roscommon County Council to extend my sincere and heartfelt sympathies on the passing of the late Cllr Anthony Waldron. May he rest in peace.”

Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan said he had learned of the “untimely death of Cllr Waldron with deep shock and sadness.”

Mr Tiernan continued:

“At the outset, I would like to extend my sympathies to Cllr Waldron’s family and friends on his sad and untimely passing.

“News of Anthony’s death has been received with great shock, not only among the members and staff of Roscommon County Council but also in the wider community of Ballintubber and in the Roscommon Municipal District which he served so diligently as a public representative.

“To his ﬁngertips, the late Cllr Anthony Waldron was an absolute gentleman. He was genuine, unassuming and kind and reﬂected all that was good in human nature.

“Cllr Waldron cared deeply for people and for communities. He was a passionate advocate for the people he served and was universally regarded by all sections of the wider Ballintubber community as well as by his colleagues on Roscommon County Council. He believed passionately in Roscommon and the people he served as an elected member of the Roscommon Municipal District.

“Cllr Waldron also believed passionately in what County Roscommon had to offer through its history, heritage and natural amenities. Perhaps the late Cllr Waldron’s biggest achievement as an elected representative was being instrumental in the development of The Suck Valley Way as a key

tourism and recreational attraction in the county.

“Cllr Waldron established an annual Suck Valley Way Conference which highlighted what the wider area had to offer driven by his steadfast belief in the potential of this pivotal natural amenity” the Chief Executive concluded.

The late Anthony Waldron was ﬁrst elected to Roscommon County Council in 2004, serving until 2009. After taking a break from politics to pursue his business interests, he was successfully returned as an Independent member of the local authority in 2019, and was re-elected in last June’s local elections.

Cllr Waldron, who was predeceased by his parents Jim and Mary, and his uncle Tony, is mourned by his siblings Mary, Breege, Sheila, Seamus, Padraic, Trish, Eamon and David, further relatives, his good friend Tommy Joe Finnegan, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

The late Anthony Waldron will repose at The Old School House, Ballintubber this evening, Thursday, 13th of February 2025 from 4 pm until 7 pm. Removal will follow to St Bride’s Church, Ballintubber. Funeral Mass in St Bride’s Church on Friday, 14th of February (at 12 noon) will be followed by burial in Aghamore Cemetery, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo. May he rest in peace.

Playground at Cloontuskert NS

Soccer success for Cloontuskert NS

Junior & Senior Infants in Cloontuskert NS before their Christmas Performance

Cloontuskert NS pupils during their Christmas Performance of Straw and Order

(Always) flying the Roscommon flag… the late Cllr Anthony Waldron (right) pictured at the Suck Valley Way Conference (which was his brainchild). On left is Cllr Peter Keaveney, then Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Rallying behind George and Isaac in fight against DMD

The wonderful community of Roscommon town is once again demonstrating its extraordinary spirit, as students and staff at Roscommon Community College (RCC) come together in support of George and Isaac Naughton, second year students at the school, who have been given a lifechanging opportunity to participate in a groundbreaking clinical trial in the United States.

The trial offers hope – not only for George and Isaac, but for countless others battling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). It aims to determine whether a speciﬁc treatment can slow the progression of cardiac damage leading to cardiomyopathy, a lifethreatening complication of the disease.

Their parents, Paula and Padraic Naughton, have made an urgent appeal for support to ensure their sons can access this vital treatment. The cost of the ﬁrst 20 treatments for each of the boys stands at €650,000 – a formidable target that the Join Our Boys Trust is determined to reach by the end of February 2025.

In response, George and Isaac’s classmates, along with staff at Roscommon Community College, have mobilised to support the appeal, launching a major fundraising rafﬂe to contribute to the effort.

A remarkable selection of prizes has been secured for the rafﬂe, which will take place on Friday, March 14th. The top prize is an Ireland rugby jersey signed and worn by

prize is a signed, new Roscommon men’s jersey, fourth prize is a signed, new Roscommon ladies jersey, ﬁfth prize is a signed, new Roscommon hurling jersey, and sixth prize is for Green Fees for Roscommon Golf Course.

Tickets will also be available for purchase at the Roscommon vs Monaghan match on Sunday, February 16th, at Hyde Park, with RCC’s ﬁfth year students generously volunteering their time to assist with sales.

For more information on how to support George and Isaac’s journey, visit joinourboys. org. Rafﬂe tickets can be purchased via idonate.ie/fundraiser/RCC.

€55k for Strokestown project

Submissions are being sought for a new permanent sculpture for Strokestown town centre.

Roscommon County Council’s Arts Ofﬁce are seeking submissions for a new permanent sculpture, the design of which should consider the architectural signiﬁ-

cance of the design of the town and buildings and the historical context of the town.

Additionally, the project, which has a commission of €55,000 (inclusive of VAT), notes in its criteria that the design should be an impactful feature that evokes

public curiosity and that there should be collaboration with the community in the research of the piece or creation of the work. Original designs submitted will be assessed by a selection panel including representatives of Strokestown Town Team,

Strokestown Tidy Towns Group, Roscommon County Council, a Roscommon-based artist, the National Famine Museum and Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown.

The deadline for stage 1 submissions is 5 pm on Monday, April 7th.

Caelan Doris. Second prize is two tickets for Connacht vs Munster in MacHale Park. Third

Students and staff at Roscommon Community College have come together in support of George and Isaac Naughton, second year students at the school who are battling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, to raise money for a groundbreaking clinical trial in the United States.

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

Digital deception

Our columnist Frank Brandon on the prevalence of online scams, a busy sporting weekend in Creggs… and (unrelated) pest problems!

I am the ﬁrst to admit that when it comes to iPhones and iPads and broadband and apps and all those now everyday things, I haven’t a clue. When people discuss AI and the Internet and all the stuff that can happen on it, it more or less goes over my head.

One thing I know is that there seems to be hundreds of scams out there – including one that saw a woman think she was in a relationship with Coldplay’s Chris Martin, in which she handed over €25,000 to her imaginary lover for some bogus charity!

However last week when I opened an email that landed in both my junk and bin boxes, I have to admit that I got a bit of a fright. The gist of it was that they had very bad news for me because they had hacked everything that could be hacked about me, and they knew every detail about my bank accounts (they wouldn’t be much good to

them), my PPS number, and information on all my family members. Furthermore, they informed me that I was very active on adult sites that I shouldn’t be on, and that if I didn’t pay $1500 by return they would expose me to the world as being that type of man.

Now I had no idea how they would have got my email address and so I rang my daughter Tara, to see whether or not they could have actually got my account number and PPS number. She told me immediately that it’s possible to get anyone’s email address and that it was obviously a scam.

Now I know it wasn’t the most sophisticated or elaborate scam of all time, but I suppose they might sometimes get lucky. If indeed I was a regular on those X-rated sites (which, by the way, I’m not), I might well have agreed to pay some money to keep things quiet

As it was, I simply deleted the emails but I can’t deny that when I read the line “we have very bad news for you” my heart skipped a beat. I suppose the message has to be to stay alert and watch out for any stuff that doesn’t seem right. There seems to be no length that scammers won’t go to!

Community spirit to the fore on memorable weekend

It’s Monday morning, and I am just home from my four laps of the beautiful walk around the rugby club, reﬂecting on a weekend that has to be among the very best, if not the best, in the 50-year history of Creggs RFC.

Now I am conscious that some of my readers (at least two) have warned me not to write too much about sport, but this piece is not about sport – more about the positive impact sport can have on a tiny rural community.

It all started on Saturday morning, when a number of us golden oldies like myself and Paddy Hannon (he claims he’s too young to be a golden oldie) and several more were summoned to be on duty from 9.30 am to act as stewards for the Connacht U-12 blitz that was due to take place in Creggs that morning.

I had been out socialising on Friday night (won’t ever do it again), and so I was a tiny bit late in arriving for my duty, and was amazed to see that even though the action wasn’t due to start until 10 am, the rugby club car park was already almost full. By the time the blitz actually started, every part of the village was covered by parked cars – literally as far as the eye could see in every direction. The car park at Gannon’s pub was packed; as I’ve said before, if you were an alien from outer space who just landed on earth you would have thought that Creggs was the centre of this universe!

There were several buses and 27 different groups had children there, and in total, 430 kids

took part in a hugely enjoyable day’s rugby.

The economic spin-off for the village was huge, with Mikeen’s, Gannon’s, and the new cafe in the club itself all beneﬁtting from the huge inﬂux of people. A lot of the 430 participating children had parents or other relatives with them, and on a cold but dry winter’s morning cups of coffee and little snacks (or even the full Irish) were an absolute must.

As for us golden oldies, we helped with parking and keeping some order on the proceedings. On a personal level, I think it’s imperative that the proposed pedestrian crossing at the top of the village gets installed immediately. The trafﬁc that comes in the Glenamaddy road is invariably coming in pretty fast, and as the children from the buses and cars in Gannon’s car park cross over at that corner, a pedestrian crossing would be a godsend. If anyone from Galway County Council reads this, please act quickly and get the crossing sorted out asap!

It appears that we are going to host several Connacht Schools ﬁnals in the next few weeks, and upwards of 1000 people are expected to attend those games – there is no doubt that we need that pedestrian crossing as a matter of urgency, so please politicians, get it done.

I travelled to Cortoon again after my spell of duty was up to see my grandchild Riley take part in another Little Kickers session (as mentioned here last week), which again was great craic and thoroughly enjoyable. I’m told

that the Connacht Senior second row Joe Joyce turned up in Creggs after my departure and was a huge hit with everyone, posing for photos with the children, and even with some adults. He seemingly created a very positive impression! Anyway, everything went off very smoothly at the blitz, and so fast-forward to Sunday morning when, for a small club, the dilemma facing our supporters was huge.

At 12.30 pm, our ladies team was to play a big league final in Castlebar – at the same time our first men’s team was to play a Connacht junior cup semi-final in Ballinrobe, and our men’s seconds had a Plate quarter-final in Headford.

After much soul-searching, I decided that the ladies and the ﬁrsts would be well supported in their hugely important games, and so I headed off to Headford where I was rewarded with a performance full of commitment, grit, and determination, along with a large dose of skill, where our seconds brought off a win that ranks with our best victories of all time.

As I headed to the Galway town, I have to admit that I was sceptical, at best, of our chances – particularly as our ﬁrsts had found the same team, Corrib (that’s what Headford are called), a tough nut to crack in the ﬁrst round of the Junior Cup. So to come away with a 25-12 point win was bordering on the miraculous!

Our firsts also won their semi-final in Ballinrobe to qualify for the cup final against Dunmore, who were surprise winners of their

semi-ﬁnal out in Clifden, where they downed the fancied All-Blacks. Sadly, the ladies lost out in Castlebar, but injuries played a huge part in that defeat, and they were right in the game until the closing stages when without some of their key players they conceded a couple of late scores.

However both of the men’s teams did the business, and it’s ironic that ourselves and neighbouring Dunmore, both of whom are celebrating their 50th anniversary, should be going forward to meet in the final at the end of March. The seconds now have a semi-final at home against University of Galway’s first team (not yet fixed), and it is almost unbelievable to find ourselves in such a position. Throw in the fact that the firsts have a huge league game this weekend against Tuam in Creggs on Sunday at 2.30 pm, and that they could conceivably have a league final fixture in the coming few weeks – and the month of March could be hugely significant in our overall season.

For now, Sunday’s achievements were just fantastic, and were properly celebrated in Creggs last night. Well done everyone – and here’s to some more stupendous victories!

And finally…

A couple of years ago, you may recall that I had to call on the services of AOK (Alan O’Keeffe) pest control to get rid of two large nests of wasps from my garden: that wasn’t so bad looking back, as last week in Sydney 102 venomous snakes were removed from a suburban back garden.

The garden owner, David Stein, called in pest control experts after seeing six snakes moving around in a pile of mulch, only for them to ﬁnd another 96 baby snakes hidden inside. He has vowed to get rid of the mulch as it’s feared it could attract other snakes to move in again. As the summer is (hopefully) coming, it makes me think that a couple of nests of wasps aren’t so bad after all!

‘Til next week, Bye for now

Celebrations for Roscommon CBS players at the final whistle in last Saturday’s Connacht Colleges final at Enfield in which Roscommon CBS defeated Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown by 0-13 to 1-6. Photo: Michael Finan

Coaches from Connacht clubs who attended the U-12 Rugby Festival in Creggs last weekend. Photo: Steve Fahey

FEEVAGH N.S.

Dysart, Co. Roscommon

www.feevaghns.ie

Enrolment Evening

Tuesday 18th February, from 6:30 pm

Come along and see our wonderful, modern school. All Welcome!

2025 Admissions Now Open

Contact info@feevaghns.ie for an Enrolment Form, phone 090 6622200 or download the form from our website, www.feevaghns.ie

NS on Tuesday 18th February

Feevagh National School is a three teacher school (two Classroom Teachers and one Special Education Teacher) located less than ﬁve minutes from the village of Dysart in the parish of Ballyforan, Dysart and Tisrara in the beautiful South Roscommon countryside. Feevagh N.S. offers an excellent opportunity for pupils to enjoy their primary education in a friendly, welcoming and child-centred environment. We offer a low pupil teacher ratio ensuring all children beneﬁt from a more personalised and supportive learning environment.

We follow the primary school curriculum, placing emphasis on numeracy and literacy to challenge the abilities of all children attending. A catholic ethos ﬂows through the life of the school and we aim to cater for the academic and social needs of children of all abilities. We strive to deliver the curriculum using a variety of methods in a friendly, warm, supportive and caring environment.

Sport

Feevagh N.S. promotes physical education offering a range of activities including Gaelic football, hurling, soccer, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, rounders, cycling, table-tennis and dance. We have been awarded three Active Flags in recognition of our outstanding sporting achievements. A new multi-purpose playing pitch has been installed to the back of the school with state-of-the-art netting and goalposts to further enhance our modern school facilities.

Feevagh N.S., Dysart Enrolment Evening

Green Schools and Environmental Education

Tuesday 14th Feb. from 6:00-7:00 pm

Come along and see our wonderful, modern school. All Welcome!

What Can We Offer:

Supervision for Infants from 2.10pm to 3.10pm

2023 Admissions Now Open Contact info@feevaghns.ie for an Enrolment Form, phone 090 6622200 or download the form from our website, www.feevaghns.ie

We are currently on track to receive our 9th Green Flag (Global Citizenship – Travel). At Feevagh N.S. we are promoting long term, whole-school action for the environment. The children lead the Green-Schools programme, and we work closely with our local Tidy Towns Committee. Children get the opportunity to care for their local area by participating in An Taisce’s National Spring Clean. We have received numerous gold and silver awards for our participation in the Agri Aware Incredible Edibles Project. This is a healthy eating project for primary schools which aims to educate students about growing fruit and vegetables and to increase their knowledge of food origin and quality.

The Arts

Low pupil-teacher ratio ensuring individualised learning

Strong ties to the local community

• Low pupil-teacher ratio ensuring individualised learning

• Strong ties to the local community

• Well-resourced classrooms

• Play-based learning

• Welcoming and inclusive of all children

Well-resourced classrooms

Aistear play-based learning

Welcoming and inclusive of all children

Feevagh N.S. values the promotion of drama and music. We hold a Christmas Concert in our school each year and offer the opportunity for students to learn the tin whistle. We attend performances in Roscommon Arts Centre and local Secondary School musicals.

Supervision for Infants from 2.10pm to 3.10pm

STEM

Catering for the academic and social needs of children of all abilities.

• Catering for the academic and social needs of children of all abilities.

Delivering the curriculum using a variety of methods in a friendly, warm, supportive, and caring environment.

• Delivering the curriculum using a variety of methods in a friendly, warm, supportive, and caring environment.

School Initiatives and Activities:

• Sport: Gymnastics, Soccer, Gaelic Football, Hurling/Camogie, Basketball, Swimming, Athletics (Participation in the Active School Flag Programme)

Sport: Gymnastics, Soccer, Gaelic Football, Hurling/Camogie, Basketball, Swimming, Athletics (Participation in the Active School Flag Programme)

Feevagh N.S. promotes a hands on, inquiry-based approach to STEM learning. This year we have already taken part in Maths Week and Science Week and we look forward to participating in Engineers Week. Children have the opportunity to work individually on laptops and tablets and utilise Google Workspace accounts. Several new laptops have been invested in this year. We were recently awarded a Science Foundation Ireland Curious Minds Award. This year we are participating in BRICS, a programme which aims to engage children in 3rd to 6th class in real-world integrated STEM learning.

Languages

N.S. recognises the importance of student wellbeing and are currently participating in the

Amber Flag Programme for the second year running. This initiative recognises our school’s effort to create a healthy, inclusive environment that supports mental wellbeing.

• STEM: Participation in Science/Engineering/ Maths Week, individual use of laptops and tablets, coding, cyber safety, Google workspace accounts for senior students,

• The Arts/Music: Trips to the Theatre, Tin-Whistle, Christmas Play

• Lego Spike – a Cross Curricular STEAM solution for primary education

STEM: Participation in Science/Engineering/Maths Week, individual use of laptops and tablets, coding, cyber safety, Google workspace accounts for senior students, Doodle Learning App in Maths and English giving every child a personalised work programme tailored to their strengths and weaknesses

We will soon be starting our third module of French lessons through the ‘Say Yes to Languages’ Programme. Children are emersed in the language during

Our opening evening for new enrolments takes place on Tuesday 18th February from 6.30-7.00 pm and we look forward to welcoming parents and children to view our school and meet staff members. Enrolment forms may be requested from the school (090) 6622200 or downloaded from our website (www.feevaghns.ie).

The Arts/Music: Participation in BLAST (Bringing Live Arts to Students and Teachers),

Creative Schools (run by the Arts Council), trips to the Theatre, Tin-Whistle in Senior Classes, Christmas Play

• Environmental Education: Working towards our 9th Green Flag, Participation in Incredible Edibles (4 consecutive gold awards) run by AgriAware encouraging children to grow their own fruits and vegetables

• Wellbeing – Participation in the Amber Flag Programme creating a healthy, inclusive environment that supports mental well-being

Environmental Education: Working towards our 8th Green Flag, Participation in Incredible Edibles (3 consecutive gold awards) run by AgriAware encouraging children to grow their own fruits and vegetables

Enrolment forms can be requested by email or downloaded from the school website www.feevaghns.ie or find us on Facebook

Wellbeing – Participation in the Amber Flag Programme creating a healthy, inclusive environment that supports mental well-being

an 8 week course provided by PPLI Tutor Lesa Rice. Wellbeing Feevagh

Pieta

POLITICAL TRIBUTES

Local political figures have been paying tribute to the late Cllr Anthony Waldron. Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane said: “My sincere condolences to the family, friends, many supporters and colleagues of Cllr Anthony Waldron. Anthony was always friendly and courteous, and we had worked together on the rural crime issue more recently which he cared about hugely. He loved County Roscommon. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam – may his gentle soul rest in peace.”

Describing Cllr Waldron as a longtime friend and a great colleague on Roscommon County Council, Cllr Liam Callaghan said he was “a very unique person who always wanted to bring out the best in people and communities.”

Cllr Callaghan said that the late Cllr Waldron believed that funding projects wasn’t the key to progress in itself, but that it was the injection of the spirit and ability of people that made a lasting difference.

“Anthony was a vital link in this process and was a great listener but equally so had huge awareness of how best to improve or move on a situation. He never sought the limelight but rather was happy to get the job done. He was a strong voice for rural communities and the challenges people faced.

“He was always coming up with new ideas… the Suck Valley Conference, the Rambling House initiative, Suck Valley Kayaking, and the promotion of Roscommon sheep are just a few of his many achievements. Tony’s philosophy was every person has a story to tell and with that approach Tony brought considerable change.”

Extending his sympathies to the Waldron family, former TD and senator Eugene Murphy described the late Cllr Waldron as “a dear friend for many years” and said that his untimely passing has “robbed the county of one of its finest citizens.”

“Tony Waldron was decent and honourable and very forward thinking in everything he did. He had a genuine concern for all people suffering from loneliness. He felt for people suffering from loneliness and many times tried to help people in that dilemma.

“He will always be linked to the Suck Valley and did tremendous work there. He had huge plans for that route. He did a huge amount of work on promoting Roscommon’s heritage and also organised public meetings aimed at addressing crime levels in the county.”

‘Ballintubber and Roscommon will be too quiet without his laugh’

< EMMETT CORCORAN

Innumerable community groups have paid tribute to the late Cllr Anthony (Tony) Waldron following his unexpected passing on Sunday morning. The councillor was the driving force behind the development of the Suck Valley Way trail and Roscommon tourism was a cause that was very close to his heart.

On Facebook, Ballintubber Tidy Towns said: “The sudden passing of our friend and neighbour Anthony Waldron has created an air of gloom and loss around the village today.

“Anthony was always helpful to Tidy Towns and very active in the (Ballintubber) Castle restoration… RIP Anthony.”

Adding to the tributes being paid to the late councillor and community activist on social media, Ballintubber Community Development said: “As a committee and a community, we are deeply saddened at the sudden and untimely passing of one of our members, Cllr Anthony Waldron.

“Tony was not only a committee member and our local elected representative but also a much loved and cared for neighbour and friend.

“We will miss him greatly, his legacy will live on in the memories that remain, the individuals he supported and the many community projects he initiated and developed.”

Anthony’s local GAA & LGFA clubs, St Croan’s, added to the tributes by highlighting his many contributions to Gaelic Games in his local

community: “St Croan’s GAA Club are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend Cllr Anthony Waldron.

“Anthony was a proud St Croan’s man and an incredible ambassador for our club. Anthony held the positions of Chairman, Secretary and managed numerous teams over the years.

“Anthony served in these positions with great honour and distinction. Anthony was a member of St Croan’s ﬁrst intermediate winning side in 1978, he also managed Croan’s to a Junior B title in 1996, an under-21 team to a county ﬁnal in 1998, a minor division two title

in 2000 and managed the intermediate team to a county ﬁnal in 2003.

“Anthony’s contribution to St Croan’s GAA Club and the wider community will never be forgotten. Anthony leaves behind a lasting legacy.”

Castlerea Town Team also paid tribute to the late councillor: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Cllr Anthony Waldron. From the very beginning, Anthony was a key part of the Castlerea Town Team – a great friend, a dedicated worker, and a wise advisor who always had time to listen and help.

“A lifelong community activist, Anthony was also Chairperson of the Suck Valley Way Development Co-Op Ltd, working hard to promote and develop tourism and amenities across the region. His passion for local projects and his ability to bring people together made a real difference.

“Anthony will be truly missed by all of us who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him.”

The group ‘Castles in Communities’ that examines castles in communities, both past and present, across the Irish landscape, and are currently

focusing on Ballintubber Castle said: “It saddens us to hear of the sudden passing of the great Cllr Anthony Waldron. Castles in Communities would not be the same without him.

“While there are many moving parts and people involved with getting the work done, Anthony was a glue which helped bridge Ballintubber and the greater community with the political landscape of Ireland. He worked tirelessly to promote it and to give back.

“Ballintubber and Roscommon will be too quiet without his laugh. Thank you Anthony for all your hard work.”

A community champion with heart of gold

< SEAMUS DUKE

Despite having done this job for a long number of years by now, I have always found it very difﬁcult to write about a friend who has passed away, especially when that death has occurred suddenly. Writing about Tony Waldron is no different. In fact it feels weird even mentioning Tony in the past tense. I met him only last week. He was as chirpy as ever, looking forward to a number of events that are coming up over the next few months.

Last Sunday morning I was utterly shellshocked on hearing the news that Tony had died suddenly. Like us all, Tony had his faults, but his many qualities easily outshone anything else. I got to know him really well when he asked me to join

the Roscommon Rose Committee many years ago. From that point on, we were ﬁrm friends. Tony Waldron loved Roscommon. He loved the football team, he loved the music, he loved the history and the culture – and he loved the people. He spent his entire life trying to improve things here in Roscommon. When it came to County Roscommon, the glass was always half full with Tony. He had so many ideas in his head as to how prosperity could be brought to the county. Oftentimes I told him that whatever his latest idea was hadn’t a chance of succeeding. His answer was always the same. “Why can’t Roscommon people think big?”

He was a huge believer that County Roscommon had so much to offer as a tourism destina-

tion. He set up the Suck Valley Way Conference in recent years and invited people from all over the country to take part (and attend). Tony was really proud of that. He was involved in so many tourism initiatives over the years and was a tireless worker when it came to promoting both the entire county and his native Ballintubber.

He was also very outspoken on rural crime (and organised a number of public meetings recently to highlight problems in that regard). He started up a return to the old Rambling Houses and held a number of functions in rural pubs designed to get people out of their homes and to interact with others.

Tony had a heart of gold. I will relate just one story that’s personal to me. When the Covid-19 pandemic came, I lost all my work (both media

and other). He called about two weeks later and asked me to do a bit of PR work for him, preparing and sending out statements to the local media. I was so grateful at the time but I knew all along that he was doing it just to help me out. That was an example of the kind of man he was. No more than the rest of us, he had his good times and his bad times over the years, and one remarkable thing about Tony was that the bad times never got him down. He always fought back.

He was great company, and loved the craic. Most of all, he loved Roscommon and his native Ballintubber. Tony Waldron was one great Rossie. We shall all miss him. May his kind, compassionate, and gentle soul rest in peace.

The late Cllr Anthony Waldron pictured at a Suck Valley Way National Conference at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. From left: Then councillor Orla Leyden; Martina Earley, CEO, Roscommon LEADER Partnership; Cllr Emer Kelly; Cllr Waldron (RIP); Cllr Laurence Fallon; then councillor Kathleen Shanagher; Cllr Liam Callaghan. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

A crushing loss to our community… but the happy memories of Tony will never fade

< PAUL HEALY

In life, you just never know. I was due to be meeting Tony Waldron in Castlecoote at 8 am last Monday morning, for a catch-up by members of the Percy French Festival committee on plans for this year’s event. Instead, less than 24 hours before that scheduled meeting, there was the shock news of Tony’s untimely and sudden passing. What a crushing loss to our community. He was a uniquely popular man, a person of seemingly effortless charm who quietly threaded goodwill and generosity of spirit through the communities he touched in his 64-odd years on earth.

For all who knew him, the sense of loss is huge. Meeting Tony was always a great pleasure. He was the most good-natured, modest and kindly of gentlemen.

A man of boundless ideas, he tirelessly promoted his beloved County Roscommon. Tony lived his everyday life with an absolute conviction that Roscommon could always be developed further, that we had untapped potential the world needed to know about. His belief that we had so much to be proud of, so much to showcase, was inspiring.

For Tony, it was all about realising our tourism potential, highlighting our heritage and history, our castles, rivers, lakes, walkways and other amenities. He dreamt big. He was also a doer. Every week of every year – through his interactions with individuals and agencies, his steady persistence and conﬁdence – he patiently and passionately teased out his vision, building blocks, sowing seeds. While born in Co Mayo, Tony moved to Ballintubber, Co Roscommon as a child. Thereafter, he ‘bled primrose and blue’ if I may use that phrase. Unassuming, sincere, unfailingly courteous, he was a great ‘people person’.

It is striking now to reﬂect on the scale of his contacts, though contacts seems a slightly crude word in the context of Tony. They were friends, acquaintances certainly, but mostly friends. He was great at making friends. People liked him. He was close to a huge amount of people across all walks of life, having a wonderful quality for developing friendships. It was remarkable how he had the time (and energy) to have so many close friendships, always making the company he was in feel special. He did, after all, have that very endearing trait: he

was a very good listener. He had a great sense of humour too. The projects he achieved progress on are widely known. He initiated and drove the Suck Valley Way enterprise. He introduced a ‘Rambling House’ project a while back, thus addressing rural isolation and loneliness. He was making progress on his campaign to have hundreds of famine victims who are buried in unmarked graves in Roscommon Town formally commemorated. He devised plans to promote the historic ‘Roscommon sheep’. There was the ‘Castles in Communities’ archaeological project in Ballintubber, and any number of other voluntary inputs by Tony in his beloved village.

On and on it went. He helped develop angling and other sporting amenities. Time and time again he spoke to me about the need to further promote our history, heritage, architecture and landscape, both in Ireland and abroad. He was ambitious for job creation. He had a range of creative ideas around how we could better connect with the Irish diaspora. He had speciﬁc ideas on how he felt wealthy investors from abroad could be attracted to Roscommon.

That he could do all that he did

while having business interests over the years, pursuing a political career, and supporting every community gathering that was positive for our county, being a passionate sports fan too – not to mention enjoying an active social life with his huge circle of friends – is remarkable. But then he was such a people person, such a dedicated community activist. On the political front, Tony was a ﬁne county councillor and had the cards fallen some other way at some other time, he would have entered the national political stage.

Our lives takes unexpected twists and turns, the trajectory of our existence essentially beyond our control. Roscommon has lost a very ﬁne man, a man who loved his county with great passion. The suddenness of his passing has left us bereft. Unable to say goodbye to a man who moved effortlessly amongst us, there is grief and a deep sense of loss. He has been called early… but we can celebrate his life, remember good times shared, be inspired by his legacy – and guided by what he believed was possible. Tony Waldron will be so greatly missed. The happy memories of him will surely never fade.

A man who selflessly gave his support to so many local initiatives, and who sat on numerous committees, Tony (Anthony) Waldron was due to attend a meeting of the Percy French Festival Committee in Castlecoote last Monday morning. On news of his untimely passing on Sunday, festival chairperson Kevin Finnerty, in cancelling the meeting, sent this moving correspondence to committee colleagues (the email is reproduced here with permission)…

‘Tony represented the local… we must pick up the baton’

Dear committee colleagues, Owing to the sudden and unexpected death of our esteemed friend, colleague and representative, Tony (Anthony) Waldron, our committee meeting for tomorrow, Monday 10th is called off. Personally, I am upset at this untimely and pitiful loss. Tony was always so pleasant, eloquent, mannerly and always so well attired. He never imposed

himself upon you, though he was steadfast and ardent in his tireless efforts for togetherness and unity in community and parish.

Tony represented the local, he knew the importance of locality and worked to bring the local and the issues therein to the forefront of all his efforts. If the retaining, the reviving or the founding of something meant unity for that par-

ticular local community or part thereof, then Tony was at the helm. And it’s very, very sad now to lose that tireless gospel in our midst today. Especially as these values he espoused – the other, family, community – are being subsumed for a focus on the self ﬁrst; resulting in isolation and its devastating loneliness. Tony moved silently, almost apologetically, never with exultation and the onus

is on us to pick up his whisper and honour his efforts in earnest. Communities in the West of Ireland are struggling after Storm Éowyn, and the Government and its agencies are only concerned, not about their conspicuous and shameful absence during it all, but only about who will pay for it, instead of looking out for people like… the elderly living on their own without heat or light.

Despite our busyness, and in the spirit of Tony the community activist, it is up to us, who knew and regarded Tony, to pick up the baton that he has now suddenly let go of, make the effort to know our neighbour and like him look not for credit but plough on in his name.

Sincerely, Kevin Finnerty.

The late Cllr Anthony Waldron, (8th from right), pictured with friends and supporters at the count centre in the Dr Hyde Centre in 2019 where his political comeback to Roscommon County Council was confirmed.

The late Cllr Anthony Waldron pictured in front of the site of Bully’s Acre in Roscommon town. He was campaigning for famine victims who were buried there to be formally commemorated.

ENTERTAINMENT Culture&ARTS

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

Dr Mary McAleese in conversation at The Dock

As part of a special event held recently in support of the Croghan Community Development Fund, Dr Mary McAleese was interviewed by journalist Carole Coleman at The Dock on Friday, February 7th.

The event, which saw Dr McAleese reﬂect on her life’s work, was completely sold out.

Celebrate 100 years of swing music at Roscommon Arts Centre

Roscommon Arts Centre will host Luke

Thomas and The Swing Cats on Saturday, February 22nd as part of their Kings of Swing Tour, a show celebrating 100 years of swing music.

The performance will trace the evolution of swing from the 1920s to today, featuring Big Band-era classics such as Sing Sing Sing and Puttin’ on the Ritz, as well as crooning standards like Fly Me to the Moon and Moon River. The setlist will also include New York, New York, a song synonymous with the genre’s lasting appeal.

Thomas has established himself as a leading ﬁgure in Irish swing music, with a career that includes two No 1 albums, three TV concert specials, and performances on The Late Late Show, Ireland AM, and The Six O’Clock Show. He has also performed eight times by request for President Michael D Higgins and appeared at Electric Picnic and The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival.

The tour has drawn strong audiences across the country, with its mix of classic swing arrangements and contemporary energy.

Tickets for the Roscommon performance are priced from €28 and are available from www.theswingcats.ie or the Roscommon Arts Centre.

The Texaco Children’s Art Competition, now in its 71st year, is accepting entries from young artists across Roscommon until Friday, 28th of February 2025.

Recognised as Ireland’s longest-running arts sponsorship, the competition celebrates creativity among children and teenagers. Participants are divided into six categories based on age and open to those as old as 18 years. There is also an additional category for those with special needs.

In last year’s competition, Charley Bell, a 17-year-old student from Methodist College Belfast, was honoured as the overall winner for her portrait titled ‘Anticipation’. She was the first ever back-to-back overall winner of the Texaco Children’s Art Competition. Charley got the top prize of €1,500 for the second year in a row. Teachers and students interested in participating can find further details, including entry forms and submission guidelines, on the official competition website: www.texacochildrensart.com.

Irene O’Meara to adjudicate at Drama Festival

Irene O’Meara has been invited to adjudicate at Roscommon Drama Festival. Her interest and skills in all things theatre are manifold and manifest in many ways.

She has worked in the Drama Department in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, and currently tutors with Hibernia College in the areas of Drama, Literacy, and Integrated Arts. She also designs and delivers CPD courses for teachers and practitioners in process drama as well as holding workshops in acting, ensemble work and directing. Her interest in the expressive arts has led her to create courses for Baboró International Festival, Youth Groups, Intercultural Centres, Play Therapy and Psychotherapy groups, etc.

Irene’s love of working in the area of the arts expands to choreography for Kids On Stage (musical theatre school), leading an acapella choir The Village Singers and holding harmonic singing weekends and workshops.

And so, to marry her love of drama with her keen interest in nurturing people’s ability to improve their craft, she found the ideal opportunity in adjudicating.

Charley Bell, a 17-year-old student from Methodist College Belfast, has won the Texaco Children’s Art Competition for the last two years.

Dr Mary McAleese pictured being interviewed by journalist Carole Coleman. Pic: Brian Farrell

Gerry and Mary Farrell from Manorhamilton pictured with their daughter, Becky. Pic: Brian Farrell

Dr Mary McAleese pictured being interviewed by journalist Carole Coleman. Pic: Brian Farrell

Pictured are Trevor Lyons from Ballinameen and Una Conway from Kiltubrid. Pic: Brian Farrell

Renée Dolan and Rosie Dolan pictured at the event. Pic: Brian Farrell

At Connacht Colleges final…

Supporters who attended last Saturday’s unique all-Roscommon Connacht Colleges final at Enfield in which Roscommon CBS defeated Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown by 0-13 to 1-6. Photo: Michael Finan

Eoghan Carthy, captain of Roscommon CBS, receives the cup from James Martin. Photo: Michael Finan

New speed limit reductions divide public opinion

Since last Friday, February 7th, the speed limit on rural, local roads has changed from 80 km/h to 60 km/h. These roads are designated with an ‘L’ followed by a number or do not have a number. The move has seen public opinion divided, with proponents of increased road safety measures welcoming the move and others saying it is an unnecessary step.

Welcoming the change, Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said: “This speed limit reduction will save lives because driving slower saves lives.” He continued: “Driving at a lower speed means that if you get into a collision, either as a driver or a vulnerable road user, death or serious injury is a signiﬁcantly less likely outcome. It also means you are

less likely to be involved in a collision at all.”

Whilst the general consensus among most in the public sphere is that the move is a necessary one for road safety reasons, critics of the move have taken to social media to express their displeasure.

One user on X.com (formerly Twitter), @Jordan_W_Taylor, said: “I don’t usually post politics, but…This month the Irish government starts reducing speed limits by 20kph across local & regional roads, to the limp-hand clapping of people who enjoy having their time stolen.”

Another member of the public in Galway told RTÉ News last Friday that she was not in favour of the move as her experience with speed limits was that there was a lot of “hopping back and forth” and that you could be “80 one second and 60 the

other” arguing that speed limits should be left as they are and that drivers should be “trusted to take care on the road.”

Acting Director of Services with Roscommon County Council Greg O’Donnell said the local authority has been engaging with the Department in recent months in anticipation of these new changes: “In a rural county like Roscommon, we have a considerable local road network.”

He continued: “These new measures will improve road safety, not only for motorists, but particularly residents and other road users using these roads.

“These new speed limits will reduce incidents and the severity of road trafﬁc accidents and inform drivers of the importance of driving at a speed that is consistent not only with prevailing road conditions, but with the status of that

road. As a local authority, we welcome these changes.”

Reducing speed limits is part of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy and is one of a range of measures intended to reduce fatalities and protect all road users. Local authorities have received grant funding from the Department of Transport to purchase and install poles and signs to display the new speed limit on the relevant roads.

The ‘rural speed limit sign’, which is used as an alternative to numeric speed limit signs on speciﬁc single-lane rural roads, now means that a maximum 60 km/h limit is in force.

The Department of Transport has been working closely with An Garda Síochána and stakeholders to ensure the 60 km/h limit will be enforced.

RISE Community Fund to award cash grants in Roscommon throughout February

The RISE Community Fund has announced plans to award new cash grants to small businesses, farms, social enterprises, schools, charities and community groups in County Roscommon, with funding available to those who can demonstrate innovative plans to use technology to scale the positive impact of their work and beneﬁt the local community.

Supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company responsible for delivering the Irish Government’s National Broadband Plan, as well as other corporate partners, the RISE Community Fund has travelled the breadth of the country in recent years to provide a cash injection for community organisations thinking creatively about how they can use technology.

Previous Roscommon groups to receive grant funding from the RISE Community Fund include

Creggs Rural Development, Midlands Polish Community CLG and Tulsk Macra Hall.

Applications for the cash grants recently opened and will close on February 28th 2025. Grants of up to

€1000 will be available to successful applicants across the county. Read more about the RISE

Community Fund and gain access to the grant application at riseglobalfoundation.com.

Aurivo CEO to step down in 2026

Aurivo has announced that its CEO, Donal Tierney, will step down following the Co-op’s Annual General Meeting in May 2026. His retirement will mark the end of a 15-year tenure, including six years as CEO. Under Tierney’s leadership, Aurivo has strengthened its ﬁnancial position, maintained low debt levels, and expanded its milk

pool. The Co-op also successfully navigated signiﬁcant challenges, including the Covid pandemic. Currently the agrifood business employs 700 people across the regions. It exports its produce across the globe and is a leader in its industry.

Aurivo chairman Raymond Barlow praised Tierney’s tenure, describing him as “an

exceptional leader who has driven growth and has set Aurivo on a path of sustained success.” He highlighted several key achievements, including the acquisition and integration of Arrabawn’s liquid milk and van sales business, a €70 million investment programme, and a steady improvement in employee engagement.

“His vision, dedication, and ability to inspire those around him have beneﬁted the business strongly and will continue to do so until he steps down in 2026,” Barlow said.

Reﬂecting on his time at Aurivo, Tierney said it had been “an extraordinary privilege” to lead the organisation and work with a committed team.

The RISE Community Fund, supported by NBI and partners, has distributed over 130 cash grants to date.

FARMING & RURAL LIVING

HSE must strengthen rural healthcare for future storms – Daly

Dr Martin Daly TD has called on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to urgently strengthen rural GP surgeries and primary care centres against extreme weather events. With storms becoming more frequent, he stressed the need to keep essential services fully operational.

Recent storms have left many rural healthcare facilities without electricity, internet, and phone lines, severely disrupting patient care. While GP surgeries remained open, service outages affected referrals, lab results, and communications.

Dr Daly has urged the HSE to assess risks and implement contingency plans, including investment in back-up power sources such as generators and alternative communication networks, including satellite broadband, to ensure uninterrupted service.

“The recent storms exposed major gaps in rural healthcare,” he said. “GPs continued to see patients, but without power, internet, and phone lines, essential services such as referrals, lab results, and communication were disrupted. The HSE must act now to ensure GP surgeries can continue functioning as normal, even in extreme weather.”

He also called for the Government and HSE to collaborate with emergency response agencies, utility providers, and telecoms companies to develop a national risk mitigation strategy for rural healthcare.

Council scales back response to Storm Éowyn, as telecom restorations almost complete

< EMMETT CORCORAN

On Monday, Roscommon County Council announced it was scaling back its humanitarian response “as the majority of areas affected by Storm Éowyn have their power and water supplies restored”. It noted that supports were still available through the Community Department of Roscommon County Council for those still requiring assistance.

Roscommon emerged from the storm as one of the worstaffected counties. A spokesperson for the council said: “Following the devastating impact of Storm Éowyn upon local communities in the county, Roscommon County Council wishes to acknowledge the support of all stakeholders and communities who provided support to people affected.”

The local authority was supported by over 30 community hubs throughout the county and provided ongoing support through its 24/7

Helpline. Additionally, it provided a meal voucher system. Over 2,000 meals were provided to affected families.

Mark Keaveney, Director of Services for Roscommon County Council’s Community and Enterprise Department, said: “I’d like to

sincerely thank the work of community and voluntary groups throughout the county who opened the doors of their community resources to support those most in need.”

Mr Keaveney also thanked both internal and external staff who worked over and

above the call of duty to support families in need.

Locally, the extent of the damage – both in terms of mobile network failures and broadband outages – has been one of the most shocking aspects of the storm’s aftermath.

As of last Friday, eir said it

had restored service to over 9,156 homes and businesses in Roscommon, representing more than 95 per cent of the conﬁrmed faults. At its peak, close to 10,000 households and businesses across the county were left without voice and broadband services.

Over 50 mobile sites were initially knocked out across Roscommon; however, over 90 per cent have been brought back online. The storm’s impact on mobile connectivity, in particular, left large swathes of the county unable to make calls or access the internet for updates, underscoring just how vital resilient infrastructure is.

Roscommon County Council’s Emergency Helpline will be replaced by the Roscommon County Council Community Department number 090 6637100 from 9.30 am to 5 pm daily.

Members of the public who require assistance are invited to contact their local Community Welfare ofﬁce during ofﬁce hours on 0818 405 060.

FARMING & RURAL LIVING

Auctioneers, Valuers & Livestock Salesmen

Friday 30th Sep. at 7.00 pm

Ring 1: Dry Cows, Sucklers and In-calf Cows

Ring 2: Factory and Store Heifers

Ring 3: Weanling Bulls and Bullocks

MEP Maria Walsh’s new EU-UK role on Agriculture Committee

Fine Gael MEP for Midlands-North-West Maria Walsh has been appointed as the standing rapporteur for UK matters on the European Parliament’s Agriculture and Rural Development Committee.

In this role, she will oversee EU-UK agricultural trade discussions, assess the impact of regulatory changes, and engage with stakeholders on challenges facing Irish exporters and farmers.

The appointment comes at a critical time for Ireland’s agri-food sector, with 38% (€6.8bn in 2023) of exports going to the UK. Recent import rule changes introduced in January 2024 have added further

complexities to trade, alongside the ongoing review of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).

Castlerea MART WATCH

550 lots were presented for sale at Castlerea Mart on Thursday last, February 6th. Numbers presented continue to grow, with a very strong trade on offer for all classes of stock.

Forward bullocks made up to €2550, while heifers hit €2510. Dry cows made up to €3170, while the weanling rings saw bulls soar at €5.79 a kilo and the heifer weanlings hit €4.50 a kilo. The suck calf ring, with more numbers on offer, reported a good clearance.

Bullocks, sample prices: Lmx 470kgs €1910, Ch 400kgs €1780, Lm 480kgs €1890, Ch 545kgs €2030, BBx 500kgs €1990, AAx 525kgs €1980, Chx 570kgs €2280, AA 575kgs €2130, Ch 610kgs €2290, Lm 680kgs €2550, Ch 680kgs €2400, and AA 605kgs €2010.

Heifers, sample prices: Lm 415kgs €1690, Lm 405kgs €1590, Ch 425kgs €1590, BBx 435kgs €1940, Lm 440kgs €1800, Ch 435kgs €1750, AAx 700kgs €2510, Lm 540kgs €232,0 Lm 540kgs €2260, AA 585kgs €2140, and Lm 665kgs €2460.

(February 7th). There was a large attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.

There was a small entry of dry cows and they made an average of €3.18 per kilo up to €3.81 per kilo. Bullocks fetched an average of €3.74 per kilo up to €4.56 per kilo.

Dry cows ranged from an average of €3.18 per kilo up to €3.81 per kilo. Sample prices: CHX -895KG -€3010 -€3.36 per kg, LMX805KG- €3070- €3.81 per kg, CH -780KG€2770- €3.55 per kg, LMX -720KG -€2740€3.81 per kg, CHX-635KG- €2350- €3.70 per kg, and CHX- 590KG- €1930-€3.27 per kg.

Bullocks ranged from an average of €3.74 per kilo up to €4.56 per kilo. Sample prices: CHX-910KG- €3580- €3.93 per kg, CH830KG- €3240 - €3.90 per kg, LMX-805KG€3100- €3.85 per kg, CHX- 770KG- €3000€3.90 per kg, CHX-725KG-€2980-€4.11 per kg, CHX-685KG - €2910- €4.25 per kg, and BBX- 610KG - €2780- €4.56 per kg.

Special organic sale

There was a good attendance of customers at the ringside at the special organic sale held on Saturday, February 8th, with online bidders also active.

Heifers fetched an average of € 3.52 per kilo up to €4.25, while bullocks/bulls

Commenting on her new role, Maria Walsh said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as the Agriculture Committee’s Standing Rapporteur for EU-UK relations. This position will give me a leading role in dealing with the UK on a range of issues crucial to the Irish and EU agricultural sectors.”

MEP Walsh also highlighted the impact of Brexit on the Irish agrifood industry: “Brexit has impacted the agri-food trade more than almost any other sector, with the classiﬁcation of the UK as a third country for the EU presenting serious challenges for the Irish agricultural industry.”

Dry cows, sample prices: Lmx 410kgs €1640, Fr 495kgs €1040, Lm 470kgs €1810, Ch 925kgs €3170, AAx 940kgs €3030, Lmx 835kgs €2920, Lmx 760kgs €2560, and Lm 760kgs €2540.

Springer cows made from €1400 to €2730. Young calves made from €90 to €430 with more forward lots making up to €540. Runners made from €490 to €1300 for continental lots.

Weanling bulls, sample prices: Ch 290kgs €1560, Lm 245kgs €1420, Ch 280kgs €1370, Lm 285kgs €1270, BBx 420kgs €1850, Lm 360kgs €1510, AA 390kgs €1530, and Ch 420kgs €1500.

Weanling heifers, sample prices: Lmx 270kgs €1160, Ch 295kgs €1070, AA 285kgs €1080, Ch 245kgs €980, Ch 355kgs €1600, Lm 365kgs €1560, Ch 355kgs €1370, Lm 310kgs €2200, and Ch 340kgs €1260. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart every Thursday. On Thursday, February 27th, Castlerea Mart will hold their special sale of breeding heifers and organic cattle in conjunction with the usual sale.

fetched an average of €3.74 per kilo up to €4.55.

Heifers ranged from an average of €3.52 per kilo up to €4.25 per kilo. Sample prices: AAX -605KG -€2120 -€3.50 per kg, AAX560KG- €1950- €3.48 per kg, CHX -460KG€1620- €3.52 per kg, LMX -395KG -€1250€3.16 per kg, LMX-310KG- €1200- €3.87 per kg, and AUX- 250KG -€850- €3.40 per kg. Bullocks/bulls ranged from an average of €3.74 per kilo up to €4.55 per kilo. Sample prices: AAX- 635KG- €2,020- €3.18 per kg, AAX- 585KG- €1,910- €3.26 per kg, AAX525KG- €1,790- €3.41 per kg, AAX- 430KG€1,770- €4.12 per kg, CHX- 385KG- €1,700€4.42 per kg, and LM- 305KG- €1,380- €4.52 per kg.

Sheep

There was a small number of sheep on offer at the weekly sale of hoggets and stag ewes on Wednesday, February 12th. Prices for hoggets made up to €230 while stag ewes topped out at €282. There was also a good entry of ewes in lamb, making up to €254, while ewes with lambs made €340. The next sheep sale takes place on Wednesday, February 19th. The yard opens at 8 am and all stock must be penned by 10 am. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID tag set. The sale can be viewed live on livestock-live.com.

MEP Maria Walsh.

Association of Irish Regions 3rd annual event takes place in Athlone

The Association of Irish Regions (AIR) held its third Annual Training Seminar on 5-6 February 2025 in Athlone, Co Westmeath, bringing together over 270 delegates to discuss multi-level governance, EU Cohesion policy, and regional spatial planning and economic development.

The event also marked 10 years since the establishment of Ireland’s three Regional Assemblies in their current form, celebrating their role in strategic policymaking and securing investment for urban and rural communities.

Speaking at the event, Clare Bannon, Acting Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, emphasised the importance of regional collaboration. “This seminar has provided a wonderful opportunity for all participants to come together at a pivotal time in both domestic and international politics to discuss key issues of importance as we look forward towards the next ten years of Regions in Ireland.”

The two-day event featured speakers from national and local government, international institutions, and academia. Topics ranged from the future of Cohesion Policy post2027 to economic development, climate change, and transport planning.

The seminar concluded with the launch of the National Census Atlas and Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) Dashboard, unveiled by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD. The new digital tools, developed in collaboration with Maynooth University, will support data-driven decision-making by providing interactive visualisations of social, economic, and environmental trends across Ireland.

Minister Burke described the initiative as “a groundbreaking tool providing access to key data which will be instrumental in supporting evidence-based policymaking”, positioning Ireland at the forefront of international best practice.

Speakers who addressed The Association of Irish Regions (AIR) Annual Training Seminar on 5-6 February 2025 in Athlone, Co Westmeath.

Prime four-bedroomed bungalow new to the market at Remax Team Earley

Keith McLoughlin of Remax Team Earley is delighted to present this beautiful four-bedroomed (with scope for more) detached property, located in the peaceful and highly sought after area of Gortgallon, Ballyleague, Roscommon.

Built in 1976, this charming home boasts a generous ﬂoor area of approximately 1,790 square feet, and is set on an impressive 1.16-acre site, with the option to purchase an additional 0.61 acres, offering even more space for outdoor activities, gardening, or simply enjoying the serene countryside setting.

The property is bright and well proportioned, offering ample space for family living. A front porch with a sliding door allows for plenty of natural light. The home features a large sitting room with elegant coving and a sizeable window, as well as a spacious and bright living room. The kitchen provides ample storage, while the adjacent utility room includes additional units for storage and laundry services.

The ground ﬂoor includes three wellsized bedrooms, a fully tiled family bathroom, and an additional room that could serve as an ofﬁce or a small bedroom. Upstairs, there is one bedroom, with potential for more, along with a convenient WC. The BER rating is F. Outside, the property is surrounded by mature lawns with trees and additional

shrubbery, creating a picturesque setting. The well maintained tarmacadam driveway boasts a gated entrance, ensuring privacy and security. The property also includes a garage to the side and an additional outbuilding to the rear, providing excellent storage or workspace options.

The location of this property offers the perfect blend of countryside tranquillity and convenient access to amenities. Situated less than 2km from Lanes-

borough, a picturesque town nestled on the River Shannon at the northern end of Lough Ree, the area provides a wealth of outdoor activities including ﬁshing, boating, and water sports. The town itself offers a selection of shops, coffee shops, and essential services. Families will appreciate the proximity to excellent local schools, including three primary schools and a secondary school. For those who enjoy outdoor pursuits, the surrounding area boasts

scenic riverside and woodland trails, making it an ideal location for nature lovers.

Despite its serene rural setting, the property is just a 10-minute drive from both Roscommon and Longford, where a wider range of amenities await, including shopping centres, cinemas, swimming pools, gyms, and golf courses. The area also beneﬁts from excellent transport links, with train services to Dublin, ensuring that the city is easily accessible

for work or leisure. This property combines the best of comfortable modern living with the charm of a countryside setting, making it a truly exceptional home for its next owner.

For further details or to arrange an appointment to view, please contact Remax Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon, on 090 66 26579, email teamearley@remax.ie, log onto teamearley.ie, or contact the auctioneer Keith on 086 0848590.

Gortgallon, Ballyleague, Roscommon.

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CHIMNEY CLEANING

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

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods

Telephone: 086 8433433

Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon. David Connor BSC (Hon.) Chiro. MSc. Chiropractic Association of Ireland VHI and Laya Covered

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

Kathleen Wynne MCFHP, MAFHP Foot Care Practitioner 086 3562718 kathleenwynne63@gmail.com www.kathleensmobilefootcare.ie

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon 087 9268424

TRAILERS

stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

COUNSELLING

& HYPNOTHERAPY

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

SERVICING & REPAIRS

to all makes & models (LED Lights, Brakes, Re-Wiring, etc.) Call TrailerFix on 086 4041875 Rooskey, Co. Roscommon

FENCING/GATES

Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping •

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Áine Gallagher and Edmund Betagh, are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct domestic dwelling house along with domestic garage, new Treatment system and percolation area, and all ancillary site development works at Corlis, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee, €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The

& elaine@jlce.ie Web: www.jlce.ie Planning & Design Consulting Engineers

Design Consultation Planning Applications

New Build, Extend, Renovate

Bespoke Design Domestic, Commercial & Agricultural 086 3482387

info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Full planning permission is being sought from Roscommon County Council for the proposed alteration of 7 no. storey and a half type dwelling houses that were previously granted full planning permission under planning permission reference number PD/24/60235. the proposed alteration includes changing the wall plate level so as to increase the height of the proposed dwellings from storey and a half type dwelling houses to two storey type dwellings and all ancillary works at Lisnaree, Lisroyne, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon for Avenir Homes Ltd.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Alex Neilan intend to apply for planning permission for:

A: Demolition of Chimneys to existing dwelling,

B: Proposed alterations to existing dwelling including:

1: Demolition of porch & replacement with proposed porch,

2: Demolition of rear extension & replacement with proposed rear extension

3: Proposed Side Window to Kitchen,

C: Proposed upgrade of existing septic tank to proposed proprietary treatment system & percolation area, and associated works at Rathbrennan, Co. Roscommon.

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

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

Signed: Stephen Blake, M.R.I.A.I., Registered Architect, Trihill, Ballinamore Bridge, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. 090 6624681 / 087 635 8949 / stephen@sbarchitect.ie

Notice re. Memoriams and Anniversaries

FAMILYNOTICES

COYNE

Teresa

Turville, Tremane, Roscommon Who died 17th February 2008 (17th Anniversary away from home)

DEELY

Christy Tarmonbarry, Co. Roscommon (1st Anniversary – 13th February 2025)

You can only have one mother, patient, kind and true;

house on large site in Glenvale, Castleplunkett, Co. Roscommon. Eligible for derelict grant. Tel 086 8561959.

PROPERTIES TO LET/ RENT/WANTED

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

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

The family of the late Christy Deely, would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our neighbours, friends and relatives, who came and sympathised, expressed their condolences through RIP.ie and who generally offered support and kindness at the time of Christy’s passing; particularly all his carers who greatly contributed to his well being over the last years of his life. He was greatly loved and sadly missed. His spirit lives on in each of us.

May he rest in peace

LENNON

Michael (died 14th March, 1999)

Kathleen (died 11th January, 2013)

Gerard (Gerry) (died 25th February, 2022)

Late of Cloonmurray, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon Fondly remembered by their loving family.

Remembrance Mass in Tulsk Church on Sunday, 16th February 2025 at 11:30am

Mary and George

The Racecourse, Ballymurry, Roscommon (12th and 25th Anniversaries)

In loving memory of Mary, who died on 16th February 2013 and George who died on 13th February 2000

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.

Always in our thoughts and prayers, Florrie, Cathal, Eilish and grandchildren. Mass has been offered.

Very Rev. Donal Gerard Morris

Parish Priest of Kilbegnet & Glinsk, Kiltultogue/Ballinaheglish, Co. Roscommon

Donal’s parents Kathleen and Eamon, brother Edward and sisters Carol, Catriona and Audrey, together with the extended Morris family, would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who sympathised with us on our recent heartbreaking loss.

Special thanks to our wonderful relatives, neighbours and friends who called to our home, brought food and for their incredible continued support during this difficult time.

Thank you to all who telephoned, sent messages, sent sympathy cards and all who left condolences on RIP.ie

We would like to sincerely thank all those who attended Donal’s Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial.

A special thanks to all those who travelled long distances including from abroad to attend the Funeral.

To Donal’s dear friend, Fr. Jim Murray, for his meaningful and supportive words, prayers and for celebrating Donal’s beautiful Funeral Mass. It gave us all such comfort. Thank you, it will never be forgotten.

A special word of thanks to Bishop Doran and his brother priests who attended and helped celebrate Donal’s Funeral.

Thank you to all who formed Guards of Honour – the people from the parishes of Kilbegnet and Glinsk, the staff and children from Creggs, Glinsk and Runamoate National Schools.

We will be forever grateful to Pat and Gillian Smyth and John Smyth, Smyth’s Funeral Undertakers for their support, guidance, attention to detail and professionalism during Donal’s Funeral.

A sincere thank you to the community of Ballinaheglish and Oran who helped prepare the church, prepare flowers, organised the church grounds and organised parking for the Funeral.

Our deepest gratitude to all the gravediggers and those who helped prepare the grave for Donal’s resting place and to those who provided food for the gravediggers.

A special thanks to An Garda Siochana for the Garda escorts.

A heartfelt word of thanks to the Ballinaheglish and Oran choir and to Aileen O’Connor and Ellen Costello for their beautiful singing and wonderful music that made Donal’s Funeral Mass so special.

Thank you to the Abbey Hotel for the beautiful food provided after the burial.

We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to all of the staff in Roscommon Hospice. The compassion and care showed to Donal will never be forgotten.

A special thank you to Professor Ross MacNicholas, Dr. John Garvey and Barbara Martin and all the staff of St. Vincent’s Private hospital for their excellent care, kindness and friendship to Donal.

A sincere thanks to Oliver and all in McGuinness Pharmacy for their help and support to Donal over the years.

A special thanks to all in the Phlebotomy Department in Roscommon University Hospital for all your care. Thank you to all the staff, past and present, in Medical Centre, Roscommon for their care shown to Donal.

As it is not possible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere thanks and deepest gratitude and appreciation. We will forever be grateful for the support, love and compassion shown to us during this time. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

Fr Donal’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated in St Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet, Creggs on Saturday 15th February at 12pm

May Donal’s gentle soul rest in peace.

DUNNE

Padraic

Lisnamult, Roscommon

Who passed away on 12th February 2018 (7th Anniversary)

To some you may be forgotten, to others a part of the past, but to us who loved and lost you your memory will always last.

Forever loved and greatly missed by his wife Mary, son Niall, daughters Ursula and Caroline.

Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday 15th February at 10 am. Online on http:llwwwchurchtv.ie/ roscommon

BRACKEN LIAM

Grange, Four-Mile-House, Co. Roscommon (5th Anniversary) Who died on the 14th February 2020

Sadly missed along life’s way, quietly remembered every day. No longer in our life to share, but in our hearts, you’re always there.

Deeply missed and loved always by his children Teresa, James, Tim and Mike and their families.

Liam’s Anniversary Mass will take place in St. Brigid’s Church, Four-Mile-House on Friday, 14th February at 7pm.

McNEILL

Sean Gallowstown, Roscommon. (5th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Sean McNeill who passed away on the 20th of February 2020.

Sadly missed along the way, quietly remembered every day, no longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts you are always there.

Loved and remembered by his wife Mary, sons and daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, extended family and friends. Masses offered.

CONNAUGHTON

Thomas Sandfield, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon (10th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Thomas who passed away on the 13th February 2015

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

Forever in our hearts.

Sadly missed by his brothers sisters, brother-in-law, sistersin-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives and friends.

Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Saturday, 15th February at 7pm.

NOONE

Christopher

Greenfield Road, Lisnamult, Roscommon (Acknowledgement & 1st Anniversary)

As we remember Christy on his First Anniversary, we his family would like to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and kindness we received from relatives, neighbours and friends.

A sincere thank you to all who attended the Funeral, sent Mass Cards and messages of condolences.

We would like to thank the staff of Roscommon University Hospital and the Mayo Roscommon Hospice.

We would also like to thank Dr. Valerie Morris and the staff of the Medical Centre at Golf Links Road.

Our sincere thanks to Fr. Ultan Naughton for celebrating a beautiful and thoughtful Funeral Mass and also to Chloe Donnellan for the beautiful singing.

Thanks also to everyone at Smyth’s Funeral Directors and the Abbey Hotel.

Always remembered by his daughter Martina, sons Bernard and Patrick and their partners Paula and Pauline, his brother Willie, son in-law John, his grandchildren, great grand-daughter and all extended family.

Mass for Christopher and his late wife Rosaleen will be celebrated in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on 15th of February 2025 at 7pm.

DEVANEY

Nora

Convent Court, Roscommon/ Tubbercurry, Sligo. (4th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Nora, who died on the 16th February, 2021

Beautiful memories are treasured forever of happy days when we were together.

Loved and very sadly missed by your dear friend Anne. Also, your former colleagues, neighbours and many friends.

May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace that she so richly deserves.

KENNY Eamon

Cloverhill, Roscommon (20th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Eamon Kenny, who died on February 13th 2005

Quietly today your memory is kept, no need for words, we will never forget. No longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts you are always there.

Always remembered by your loving wife Pauline and family and grandchildren. Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 15th February at 7pm in Cloverhill Church.

BEIRNE

Anthony J. (12th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Anthony J. Beirne, Bridge Street, Strokestown, who died 19th February 2013 R.I.P. Silent memories keep you near as time unfolds another year. Out of our lives you may have gone, but in our hearts you still live on.

Always in the thoughts of your loving wife Bridie and family. Anniversary Mass on Sunday 16th February at 11.30am in the Strokestown Parish Church.

TIMOTHY

Patrick Corgarva, Creggs, Co Galway.

In loving memory of Patrick Timothy whose 40th anniversary occurs at this time.

Sadly missed along life’s way, quietly remembered every day. No longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts you are always there.

Sadly missed by his wife Elizabeth and family.

Mary 5 Circular Road, Roscommon (11th Anniversary)

Who passed away on the 16th February 2014

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

Lovingly remembered by

KILDUFF

Hugh, Anne, Thomas, Eddie, Jenni, Ruth and Evelyn.

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES

KILGARRIFF

Paul

Ballygar, Galway Who passed away on 17th February 2014 (11th Anniversary)

R.I.P.

You were so very special and had the nicest ways. You did so very much in life and never asked for praise.

Remembering you is easy Paul we do this every day but losing you is the heartache that never goes away.

You had a smile for everyone, you had a heart of gold, you left the sweetest memories the world could ever hold.

Never selﬁsh, always kind, these are the memories you left behind.

Lovingly remembered by your parents Sean and Marguerite, sister Sinead, brothers James, Niall and David, family and friends.

Anniversary Mass for Paul will be held in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar on Saturday, 15th February at 7.30pm.

KELLY

Frank

Strokestown

Who passed away on the 14th February 2002 (23rd Anniversary)

Raise a glass and recall fond memories of a scholar, gentleman and father on this day.

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and II took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference.”

Remember also his wonderful wife, Anne (nee McCrann) (2002). You are both still guiding your sons and grand daughters.

CARR

Tommie Joe Thornfield Drive, Lisnamult, Roscommon In fond remembrance of Tommie Joe Carr Thornfield Drive, Lisnamult, Roscommon, who was called to Heaven on February 17th, 2015 (10th Anniversary)

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered ‘Come with Me’. With tearful eyes we watched you suffer and saw you fade away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove He only takes the best.

Always remembered and sadly missed by his wife Kathleen and family.

Anniversary Mass will be offered in The Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, February 15th at 10am.

DONLON Patsy

Moher, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon. Who passed away on 17th February 2023 (2nd Anniversary)

Lonely is the home without you, life to us is not the same. All the world would be like Heaven to have you here again. Missed each day and remembered by Christine, Edward, Niall, Patricia, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law and her grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass for Patsy and Pete will be celebrated in The Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Sunday16th February at 11.30 am.

BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE

BEATTIE

Sile

Ballagh, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon.

Remembering Sile on her 39th birthday which occurs on the 19th February.

Your birthday is here, but you are not. We would send a gift but we know that we can’t. So we will make a wish upon a star, to carry our love to where you are.

Sadly missed by all the family.

In loving memory of LOHAN

Joe Ballindrimley, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon (and formerly Aughrim, Galway) who passed away on 14th February 2023 (2nd Anniversary)

Don’t think of him as gone away, his journey’s just begun, life holds so many facets this Earth is only one. Just think of him as resting from the sorrows and the tears in a place of warmth and comfort, where there are no days and years. Think how he must be wishing, that we could know today how nothing but our sadness can really pass away. And think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched, for nothing loved is ever lost and he was loved so much.

Always remembered by his loving wife Anne, sons, daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren Charlie and Grace.

Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Castlerea at 8pm on Saturday, 15th February 2025.

BEATTIE Sile

Ballagh, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon (5th Anniversary)

In loving memory of a loving partner, daughter and sister, Sile, who passed away on 17th February, 2020, (Age 33).

R.I.P.

Quietly today your memory is kept, no need for words we will never forget, When thoughts go back as they always do, We treasure the memories we have of you.

Missed every minute of every day by your partner Tom, mother Mary, sister Sinéad, brothers Cathal, Fergal and Padraig.

BEATTIE Frank

Ballagh, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon (6th Anniversary)

In loving memory of a dear husband, father and grandfather, Frank, who passed away on 12th August, 2019, (Age 83).

R.I.P.

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

From your wife Mary, sons Cathal, Fergal, Padraig, daughter Sinéad and grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass for Sile and Frank will be on Sunday, 16th February at 10am in Rahara Church

www.brianmuraystone.com E: brianmurraystone@gmail.com

Killerney, Roscommon who died on 19th February 2024

On this the 1st Anniversary of Ben’s death his wife Anne, daughter Amanda, son Alan along with his brothers Marcus, Dennis, Terry, sisters Liz, Joan, Kay and Grace wish to express our sincere gratitude for all the kindness, support and sympathy we received at the time of Ben’s passing.

To our neighbours and to all those who called to our home, attended the Funeral, sent Mass Cards, messages of condolences, made donations to Roscommon Hospice and to his former colleagues at McSharry’s for their guard of honour.

Thank you to Fr. Kevin Fallon for the celebration of the Funeral Mass, To Fr. Joe Fitzgerald and to Fred Mulryan for the music and singing at the Mass.

Thank you to Dr. Harrison and staff, to Hynes Pharmacy for their support over the years, and to the staff at Roscommon Hospice who looked after Ben and the family during his final days.

To Smyth’s Funeral Directors for their professionalism and guidance. Thank you to the Abbey Hotel and staff for their hospitality.

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

Ben’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Sunday 16th February in the Sacred Heart Church Roscommon at 11:30 am.

and

In loving memory of Maisie, who passed away on 22nd January 2023, and her husband Johnny, who passed away on 22nd February 1991, and their son Kieran (Aged 9), who died on 6th May,

– Cherished memories of our dear parents and beloved brother. Time slips by and life goes on. but from our thoughts you are never gone.

Fondly remembered by all the Bosquette family.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in the Parish Church, Strokestown on Sunday 16th February at 11.30 am.

BALFE Ben

Individually Designed and Printed

Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

Maisie BOSQUETTE

Late

Ballyhammon, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon (2nd, 47th

34th Anniversaries)

1978.

Johnny Kieran

We, the family of the late PJ Kenny, would like to express our sincere gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to everyone who sympathised with us on our recent sad loss of our beloved father.

We would like to thank all those who attended PJ’s Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial. We would also like to thank those who offered online condolences, sent Mass cards, phone calls and text messages.

Our sincere thanks to Fr. John Gannon and Fr. John McManus for the beautiful Funeral Mass and for all of their support and guidance. We would also like to thank the Tulsk Choir for the beautiful singing and to everyone who participated in the Funeral Mass. Sincere thanks to our friends, neighbours and relatives for their wonderful help and support.

Thanks to his sons James and Patrick for the wonderful care he received at home and to the staff of Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe, the ambulance crew and the Roscommon Primary Care Team.

Thanks to John, Pat and Marion McHugh of McHugh’s Funeral Directors, Strokestown, for their support, guidance and professionalism.

A sincere thanks to the grave diggers who prepared PJ’s final resting place in Killina Cemetery.

Thanks to the staff of the Friary Restaurant and Hannon’s Hotel for the food provided on both days.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our sincere thanks and deepest gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

PJ’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated on Sunday 23rd February, at 11.30 am in Sts. Eithne and Fidelma Church, Tulsk.

• Wall Plaques and

• Grave Maintenance Service

Contact James on 087 3549574 or David on 087 6086723

E-mail: info@anthonymurrayandsons.com www.anthonymurrayandsons.com

FLYNN Seamus

The Green, Lanesborough, Co. Longford Who passed away on the 13th February 2024. R.I.P.

We, the family of the late Seamus Flynn, who passed away suddenly on 13th February 2024, wish to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all who sympathised with us and supported us on the sad loss of Seamus, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Thanks to all who called to the house, the huge number of people who attended the Funeral Home, Requiem Mass and Burial, those who travelled long distances, sent Mass Cards, sympathy cards, Perpetual Enrolment Masses, letters, donations to the Heart Foundation and thoughtful online condolences. We are extremely grateful to the emergency services, Dr. Colm Farrell and staff as well as Kevin Madden from the Fire Brigade Service for their assistance at the time of the sudden passing of Seamus.

A special thanks to our family, friends and neighbours who provided comfort and food at our home and to The Rustic Inn who provided the beautiful meal following the Burial.

Thank you to Glennon’s Funeral Directors for their compassion and professionalism in taking care of the Funeral arrangements and the preparation of the final resting place of Seamus. We would also like to express our thanks to Fr. Baxter, Fr. Bardon, Fr. O’Sullivan and to Fr. Peter Burke for the lovely, heartfelt and personal homily given at the Mass.

Sincere thanks to Rathcline GAA, Fire Brigade Staff and all who organised and participated in providing the Guard of Honor to Clonbonny Cemetry in very wet conditions. We would like to thank Sean Hussey, Teresa Donlon and Jodie Sheridan for the beautiful singing/music in the church and cemetery.

As it would not be possible to thank everyone individually, please accept this as an acknowledgement of our sincere gratitude to everyone who helped us in any way through this sad and difficult time.

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

Seamus’ first Anniversary Mass will take place on Saturday 22nd February 2025 in St. Mary’s Church, Lanesborough at 6.30pm.

MONAGHAN

Mary

Edmond, London and formerly Gallowstown, Roscommon (11th Anniversary) Who died 16th February 2014

As each day dawns we think of you, as each night falls we pray for you and throughout our lives no matter where, in our hearts you are always there. Loved and always remembered by your loving sister Kathleen. xxx

CONNOLLY

Tom and Nell

Newtown Ballymacurley, Co. Roscommon.

In loving memory of Tom and Nell Connolly, whose 4th anniversaries occur on 1st February and 26th February 2025 (4th Anniversary)

Loving memories never die, as years roll on and the days pass by. In our hearts a memory is kept of the ones we love and will never forget.

Forever in our hearts from Maureen, Tommie, Mark, Alan, Brenda, Gary, Shane and Niall.

We hold you close within our hearts and there you shall remain, to walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again.

Loved and remembered by Martin, Anne, Orla, Ciara and Rory.

Sunshine passes and shadows fall but love and memories outlast them all. You live in our hearts and walk by our side, from Heaven above you are always our guide. Unseen, unheard you are always near.

Loved and missed every day from daughter Nuala, Kevin, Donna, Stacey, Kelly and Sarah.

M cDERMOTT

Drinane, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

Who passed away 18th February 2022 (3rd Anniversary)

Sadly missed along life’s way, quietly remembered every day.

Loved always by your daughter, Mary.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday 16th February in Strokestown Parish Church at 11.30 am.

ROGERSON Daniel (Danny) Jamestown, Four Roads, Co. Roscommon Passed away 10th February 2023 (2nd Anniversary)

We thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new. We thought about you yesterday. and days before that too. We think of you in silence, we often speak your name. 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 every day. Never forgotten.

Danny’s Second Anniversary mass will be celebrated in the Church of the Good Shepherd, Four Roads on Sunday, 16th of February at 11 am.

KENNY PJ

Corker House, Tulsk, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Car

- Commercial/ Domestic Cleaning*

Any manual work considered, indoor or outdoor. (*equipment/ materials must be provided)

Hourly/day rates available, not hard paid. Full or half days preferred, ongoing/ regular work also fine. Early or late starts/ finishes not a problem.

Brazilian man with basic English. Reliable. Lots of energy. Physically fit Doesn’t have a licence but can drive Can be dropped to and collected from work reliably.

Enquiries by text/ phone/WhatsApp to 083 818 4319.

Please apply in writing to:

Site Manager, Murray Timber Group, Hermitage, Ballygar, Co. Galway or Email: info@mtg.ie

have your advert

for the right person

Full-time BUTCHER REQUIRED

• With experience slaughtering and de-boning beef carcass

• 40 hours per week and overtime available if required

Full-time CLEANER REQUIRED

to power wash and clean our butchery & factory

• 5 evening shifts (Monday - Friday)

• Typical 19-24 hours per week

• Flexible working times, can start any time from 4pm on

• Located outside Roscommon Town

VACANCY

Post Ofﬁce Clerk(s)

Full-Time / Part-Time

Are you committed to providing quality service to customers? Do you want to work in a progressive commercial environment? Fleming's SuperValu, will open it’s new An Post Retail Unit in March 2025, We are currently seeking suitable candidates for upcoming vacancies.

The ideal Candidate will have:

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• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work well as part of a team

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• Must have previous cash handling experience and the ability to maintain a high standard of accuracy & care in handling cash, stock and balancing accounts etc.

If you are interested, please send a letter of application with current CV before 19/2/2025

PODIATRIST

Tullys

Podiatrist/Chiropodist

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI

 FOR SALE: Turf and ﬁrewood for sale. Tonne bags. Excellent quality turf and ﬁrewood at €50 per bag delivered. Call Tom 086 2628439.

Roscommon

Physical Therapy Clinic

Movement Matters

20 years experience treating babies to adults. Everyday aches & pains to sports injuries.

Sarah

Safe Electric Registered. Domestic and Industrial, All work considered. No Job too small. Phone Paul 086 2553153 or email: p0862553153 @gmail.com

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

Department of Health Approved House Calls Available

Chiropody

FOR SALE: Seasoned hardwood logs. Tel. 086 8237630. JAMES SHANNON

 TURF FOR SALE: In tonne bags, delivery to Roscommon town and surrounding areas. Price €60. Bag and delivery also included in price. Tel: 086 8534011

Physical Therapy

CranioSacral Therapy

Medical Dry Needling

Prescription Orthotics Pilates – Small Classes

Can we help you? Call us today to enquire 090 663 0009

Like us on Facebook www.rosptc.com 1 Castleview, Roscommon F42 C902

Chemist Main Street, Castlerea For appointment, phone: (089) 4142233

20 years experience

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.

and first aid

Heating & Plumbing 087 2407847

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Sports PEOPLE

Roscommon eyeing top spot!

Allianz Football League

Division Two: Roscommon v Monaghan on Sunday in King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park at 2 pm

< SEAMUS DUKE

The two teams who were relegated from Division One in 2024 meet this Sunday in Dr Hyde Park in an eagerly awaited clash. In fact Roscommon’s only league victory in last year’s campaign came against the Farney County.

As we all know, the Gaelic football landscape is changed utterly in 2025, following the introduction of new rules. Both teams go into this Sunday’s game on the back of two wins from two, and both have scored heavily – with Roscommon accumulating 4-38 and Monaghan notching up 4-51.

Roscommon manager Davy Burke has again stressed that winning home games is vital in terms of a successful promotion push.

“It’s so far so good with two wins, but we have only three home games this year… and I have said it before, we have to win those games as part of the campaign. So we will be targeting a win on Sunday.”

The manager says that the whole group has re-set for the rest of the campaign. “We gave the players a few days off after the Louth match. We

played Mayo in a challenge last weekend using the players that have not featured so far. That went well, and we are all back training this week so there is a good buzz in the camp.”

Burke says that Monaghan will provide a tough test for his side. “Monaghan are going well after two wins and will travel down conﬁdent so we will have to be at our best.”

Rory Beggan and Conor McCarthy have led the way for Gabriel Bannigan’s Monaghan so far in 2025. Under the new rules, the multi-talented Beggan now has an even bigger inﬂuence on his team’s performances than previously. He has scored an impressive 0-10 in just two games so far in this campaign.

While Conor McCarthy has been named in the half-back line in both of Monaghan’s games to date, he has been a revelation in terms of scoring, contributing a total of 1-11 –which includes 0-7 from play against Westmeath.

Killian Lavelle, Ryan Wylie, Ryan McAnespie, David Garland and Stephen Mooney have all been playing well and Monaghan will pose a serious threat to Roscommon if there is any hint of complacency in the home camp.

Roscommon are motoring nicely too. New recruits Colm Neary and Pearse Frost have been impressive in defence. Niall Higgins and team captain Brian Stack have also been doing well.

Meanwhile, players like John McManus, Shane Cunnane,

Senan Lambe, Ruaidhri Fallon and Tim Lambe will all be hoping to see some action on Sunday.

Keith Doyle had a ﬁne match against Louth and he and Eddie Nolan will have vital roles to play in the midﬁeld engine room. It’s up front once again where Roscommon will hope to have a decisive edge.

The Murtagh brothers, Enda Smith and Daire Cregg all look certain starters. Davy Burke will then have to choose from Donie Smith, Conor Cox, Ben O’Carroll, Cian McKeon, Shane Killoran, Ultan Harney and James Fitzpatrick for the other

starting places. It’s a welcome selection headache for the manager and his selectors.

Monaghan seem to have coped well so far without Conor McManus but I think Roscommon will provide tougher opposition than Cavan or Westmeath, the two sides they’ve beaten in rounds one and two.

In common with both games since the introduction of the new rules, I am expecting that the Roscommon attack will prove the difference between the teams and I take the home side to win by four or ﬁve points. Prediction: Roscommon.

Around the grounds in Division Two

Cork v Westmeath at Pairc Ui Caoimh on Saturday (5 pm)

Cork were surprised by Down in the last round and will want to get their promotion bid back on track. They should be too good for Westmeath on their own patch.

Down v Meath in Newry on Saturday (6 pm) Down will be boosted after beating Cork in the last round. Meath are struggling of late but had a morale-boosting win against Cavan last time out. A hesitant vote goes to the home side.

Cavan v Louth in Cavan on Sunday (2 pm)

This is a close one to call. Cavan will be desperate for the two points having lost both games so far. Louth are much improved and if they ﬁeld a strong team they could edge this by a point or two.

GAA results

North & West IFC

Kilmore w/o v Strokestown Tulsk Lord Edwards w/o v St Barry’s North & West JFC

St Ronan’s w/o v St Croan’s

GAA fixtures

Saturday, 15 February

North & West SFC

preliminary semi-finals

Peader Earley Memorial Park: Michael Glaveys v Boyle. 2 pm

Venue TBC: Castlerea St Kevin’s v Elphin. 2 pm

North & West IFC

Ardcarne Park: St Michael’s v Éire Óg. 4 pm

North & West JFC

Kilronan Park: St Ronan’s v Ballinameen. 2 pm

Sunday, 16 February

North & West IFC

Tulsk: Kilmore v Tulsk Lord Edwards. 11 am

Enda Smith keeps his eye on the ball! The Roscommon All-Star, pictured in action against Down last month, will be a key figure for Davy Burke’s team when they take on Monaghan this Sunday. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

THE GAIN LINE

Creggs Firsts into cup final

Connacht Junior Cup semi-final

Ballinrobe RFC 17 Creggs RFC 25

Creggs are back in the Connacht Junior Cup Final but they were made earn it by a very organised and well coached Ballinrobe side that pushed them all the way.

Creggs opened brightly by forcing Ballinrobe to defend and a great block down by scrum-half Mark Dowd on Ballinrobe fullback Steven Conroy led to Dowd touching down for an early try near the corner. Creggs continued to apply pressure with surging attacks by Eoghan Cahill and captain James Brandon leading to second row Xavier Woodhouse being held up over the try-line.

Ballinrobe responded with strong carries from their forward pack with number 8 Jack O’Toole prominent. This led to a ﬂowing move involving forwards and backs and Liam Lynch crashed over for a try after 20 minutes. This was converted by out-half Dylan Keane.

Creggs replied with a searing break by Brian Difﬂey who led from the front throughout, resulting in a lineout on the Ballinrobe 22. Prop forward Tom Farrell then crashed over for an excellent unconverted team try from the resultant drive. This left the halftime score 10-7 in favour of the away team.

The second half saw Ballinrobe rally with the loud home support cheering them on. A Creggs infringement led to a penalty from Dylan Keane which levelled the proceedings.

It was all to play for now. Creggs showed true grit and character with some superb tackling by centres Eoghan Coyle and backrows Lee Kilcoyne, Nato Kiripati and James Brandon. Slick interplay between wingers Mikey Dunne, Ronan Dowd and Mark Purcell set up a lineout positioned deep in Ballinrobe territory. Shane Purcell passed to full-back Shane Dowd who danced through a number of would-be Ballinrobe tacklers to score the all-important second try. The conversion was missed but Creggs continued applying the pressure with forwards Ciaran Purcell, Eoghan Cahill and particularly his brother Ronan, who made a huge impact off the bench, setting up an opportunity for man of the match, Tom Farrell, to score his second try which Shane Purcell duly converted from the touchline.

At 22-10 the game looked over, but Ballinrobe were not ﬁnished yet. A converted try by Steven O’Connor put just ﬁve points between the sides until a crucial late penalty by Shane Purcell eased the nerves for the Creggs men.

The strength of the Creggs bench was very important to this victory with Cormac Dolan, Darren Gately, Tommy O’Brien, Danny Arnold and the aforementioned Ronan Cahill all making telling contributions.

This was a tremendous team performance that mixed really good defence with some excellent interplay, bringing quality and energy which was the difference in the end. Creggs still have lots to improve on as they look forward to a Junior Cup final date on March 30th against near-neighbours, Dunmore RFC. Creggs: Tom Farrell, Nato Kiripati, Eoghan Cahill, Ciaran Purcell, Xavier Woodhouse, Lee Kilcoyne, James Brandon (captain), Brian Diffley, Mark Dowd, Shane Purcell, Ronan Dowd, Eoghan Coyle, Mark Purcell, Mikey Dunne, Shane Dowd, Danny Arnold, Tom O’Brien, Ronan Cahill, Darren Gately, Cormac Dolan. CONNACHT JUNIOR PLATE: Corrib RFC 12 Creggs RFC 25. Creggs travelled to Headford to face Corrib RFC in the quarterfinal of the Junior Plate last Sunday.

A penalty by Mark Brandon gave Creggs an early lead before Corrib hit back with seven points by out-half Evan Flynn. Creggs had to survive a sin-binning during which time they kept their opponents frustrated with some staunch defensive play. Creggs turned around at half-time trailing by four, but hit the front in the 43rd minute with a brilliant try by winger Callum Fahey, who collected a cross-kick by scrum-half Brandon and scored in the right corner. Mark Brandon landed an excellent conversion from the touchline to put Creggs 10-7 ahead.

A high tackle on Eoin Kelly led to a penalty and a yellow card which left Corrib a man down and Creggs took full advantage when Tommy Curley burst through for a try in the 54th minute which Brandon converted for a 10-point lead.

Corrib responded with a well-worked try in the 65th minute from centre Ross Gibbons. Creggs in turn responded with the score of the game when Mark Kilcommons sprinted clear for a superb try after a move involving both backs and forwards.

A late penalty by Mark Brandon conﬁrmed a Creggs victory which was well deserved following a hugely committed display by the entire squad. Creggs now advance to the semi-ﬁnal and await

the draw to determine who their next opponents will be. Creggs: Michael Farrell, Callum Fahey, Jason Hoare, Tom Callaghan, Luke Meehan, Mark Kilcommons, Mark Brandon, Patrick Fitzmaurice, Tommy Curley, Jack Tucker, Aodhan Kelly, Eoin Kelly, Peter Lohan, Michael Feeley, Luke Divilly, John O’Brien, Kevin Battles.

CONNACHT WOMEN’S LEAGUE FINAL: Creggs 12 Tuam/ Oughterard/Colts (TOC) 46. Hard luck to Creggs RFC senior women’s team who lost to Tuam/Oughterard/Colts’ joint team on Sunday in the Senior Women’s league ﬁnal played in Castlebar RFC grounds. The scoreline certainly doesn’t reﬂect the team effort where the game was in the balance until the last 20 minutes at which stage Creggs were 21-12 down but knocked on near the Tuam/ Oughterard/Colts’ try-line. TOC went on to score 25 unanswered points in the last 20 minutes.

Playing in their ﬁrst senior ﬁnal, nerves certainly played their part as Creggs began the game by giving away two soft tries but they regained their composure and some huge carries from team captain Susan O’Reilly and Kelley Haugh gave them ‘go forward’ ball and they went on to score a try through Jemima Adams Verling and another from Hannah Coen.

Creggs had all the territory in the first 20 minutes of the second half but couldn’t break down the TOC defence. An injury to Jemima Adams Verling and a yellow card for Gabrielle Kilcommons created space in midfield and even after some great defence from the likes of Shannon Haugh and Seren Griffiths, TOC got their off-loading game going to score 25 points without reply.

It has certainly been a learning curve for the team in what was their first final, having only formed last season. Well done ladies. Creggs: Jennifer Morris, Seren Griffiths, Jemima Adams Verling, Shannon Haugh, Stacey Corbally, Éabha Dowd, Elaine O’Grady, Susan O’Reilly (captain), Orla Timon, Sabrina Egan, Rachael O’Grady, Gabrielle Kilcommons, Hannah Coen, Merisa Kiripati, Kelley Haugh, Michaela Gillooly, Nadine Fitzmaurice, Isabelle Quinn, Abbie Murray, Tara Waldron, Victoria Livermore, Ailish O’Rourke, Grace Scanlon, Grace Hanley.

CONNACHT U-12 FESTIVAL: Creggs RFC ran the Connacht U-12 Festival on Saturday morning. Over 400 children attended, including boys and girls from 15 separate clubs across Connacht. The village was a hive of energy as players, coaches and parents ﬂocked in.

Joe Joyce from Connacht Rugby made a guest appearance and posed for photos with the players and gave some words of wisdom to our eager minis. The festival went ahead with precision timing and the club thank all the co-ordinators, parents and of course the players for making this a special occasion.

U-14 BOYS: Creggs Boys U-14s played a challenge game against neighbours Buccaneers RFC on Sunday in Creggs. This was played in 3 x 20 minute games giving coaches on both sides an opportunity to use their full squads in different positions in preparation for the cup. 27 Creggs players were togged for these games which was a great exercise.

LOTTO: The lotto jackpot wasn’t won and now increases to €4200. The lucky dip winner was Patrick Coffey.

The Creggs men’s Firsts who played Ballinrobe last weekend.

The Creggs women’s team who contested the league final last Sunday. Photo: Steve Fahey

Creggs boys U-14s.

Racing action over coming days

Horses for Courses

Racing this week in Ireland starts this afternoon (Thursday) at Clonmel, with ﬁrst race off at 12.35 pm.

Tomorrow evening there is ﬂat racing on the all-weather at Dundalk, away at 4.05 pm.

On Saturday, Irish racing takes place at Gowran Park featuring the Grade 2 Red Mills Chase and the Grade 3 Red Mills Hurdle, with ﬁrst race at 1.20 pm. On Sunday, racing is at Punchestown (off at 2.10 pm), featuring the Grand National Trial Handicap Chase worth €100k. There is no racing on Monday.

On Saturday at Gowran, the Grade 3 Red Mills Trial Hurdle has nine entries – three of then trained by Willie Mullins, and two by Gordon Elliott. Mullins has Kitzbuhel (a winner at Punchestown in December), Sir Gerhard (who won the stable lads race at Punchestown this month), while there’s also Beacon Edge (second behind Anzadam at Naas) and Fils d’Oudairies (a well beaten 4th behind State Man in the Irish Champion at Leopardstown).

Break My Soul has her ﬁrst run for Ian Donoghue (brother of jockey Keith) since leaving Nicky Henderson’s yard, but will need to

show some improvement. Mullins and Townend’s selection look set to continue their good run. In the Grade 2 Redmill Chase, there are seven runners, four of them trained by Mullins, and again Townend’s selection is taken to win.

Racing review

Racing at Thurles this day week was abandoned following the second race, when ﬁve horses came down at the last – three fell and two unseated.

Michael O’Sullivan, on faller Wee Charlie, was seriously injured and had to be airlifted to hospital where he is still in intensive care.

At Navan on Sunday, Gordon Elliott had a treble on his home course, including both Grade 2 races. In the opening maiden hurdle, Honesty Policy won under Sam Ewing. In the Boyne Hurdle, Maxxum –ridden by Danny Gilligan – beat Noel Meade’s Thedevilscoachman with Elliott’s Farren Glory and Ewing third. In the Ten Up Novice Chase, Elliott had a 1, 2, 3 with Better Days Ahead, giving Ewing a double on the day, beating Stellar Story and Gilligan by a neck. Three Card Brag ﬁnished third.

On Tuesday at Ayr, there was

an Irish training double with the opening Handicap Hurdle going to the Patrick Neville trained Upfordebate, and the closing bumper to the Stuart Crawford trained Royal Hillsborough.

Racing news

Nicky Henderson’s Sir Gino missed an intended run at Newbury on Saturday due to a small wound on a hind leg, which has now become infected and rules the ﬁve-yearold out for the rest of the season –including the Arkle at Cheltenham, for which he was ante-post favourite.

Colm Murphy’s nine-year-old mare Impervious, unbeaten over fences, suffered a further setback and has been ruled out for Cheltenham. She has not been seen on a racecourse since comfortably winning the Mares Chase at the Punchestown Festival, a month after she had won at last year’s Cheltenham Festival. The County Wexford handler had hoped to have her ready for Cheltenham. She has gone home to owner JP McManus in Martinstown, Co Limerick.

The Grand National weights were published this week and not surprisingly, last year’s winner – JP

McManus’s I Am Maximus – topped the ﬁeld when allotted 11st 12lb. Mullins has a total of ten (including Grangeclare West and Nick Rockett, Meetingofthewaters and L’Homme Presse), Gordon Elliott has 13 (headed by Minella Crooner), and Gavin Cromwell has eight entered (headed by Inothewayurthinkin).

Following the publication of the weights, the new favourite for the race is JP McManus’s Inothewayurthinkin (now 8/1 from 33/1 earlier in the month), replacing I Am Maximus. He ﬁnished fourth in the Irish Gold Cup behind Galopin Des Champs at

Tribute to Jeremy O’Connor at launch of Midland Motor Club rally

Midland Motor Club held its rally launch at the Longford Arms Hotel, rally HQ, on Sunday, February 9th, with the event being attended by a huge number of rally enthusiasts and supporters.

Club Chairperson Vincent Collins welcomed all to the launch and spoke in particular about Jeremy O’Connor (former rally clerk of the course and club member), who sadly passed away in June 2024, and what he meant to the club – as an ofﬁcial, and as a friend. Jeremy’s family attended the launch.

Cyril Rollins (clerk of the course) gave a brief outline of the event and thanked all sponsors – in particular Orlagh Reynolds from the Longford Arms Hotel and Paul Rowley from Admore Air Conditioning.

Inspector Declan McGlynn spoke brieﬂy about the role of

AquaSprint Swim League starts with

a splash!

Well done to all the swimmers from Comans Swimming Club and Trident Swimming Club, Connacht, Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim who took part in the ﬁrst event of the AquaSprint Junior Swimming League last weekend.

A special shout out to our 27 incredible Comans swimmers who gave it their all, showing amazing teamwork, effort, and spirit in the pool.

A massive thank you to Roscommon Leisure Centre for hosting; Trident Swim Club for joining us; Our dedicated coaches, committee, and parents for making it all possible.

the Gardaí during the rally, noting they will have a high proﬁle on the roads over the rally weekend. He wished the organisers well and asked that fans drive safely and enjoy the rally.

All championship sponsors were in attendance for the launch giving their support for the rally. With only three weeks to go, the 2025 Triton Showers National Rally Championship roars to life with the Jeremy O’Connor Longford Arms Hotel Stages Rally, on March 2nd.

All eyes will be on World Rally Championship driver Josh McErlean, driving a Ford Fiesta Rally2 alongside co-driver Eoin Treacy. Fans will have the chance to meet the duo at the ceremonial start, which will be hosted at the Longford Arms Hotel on the eve of the event.

The ceremonial start commences at 6 pm outside the rally HQ, where the top crews and top local crews and their cars will be interviewed by well-known sport journalist Sean Moriarity.

the Dublin Racing Festival, but antepost bettors beware that, as Cromwell says, he is not guaranteed a runner and holds other options.

There has also been money for Iroko, who is trained by Oliver Greenall, and Josh Guerriero for McManus, who has ﬁve runners left in. Next in the betting is Tom Gibney’s Intense Rafﬂes. If you feel like an ante-post bet, I like the look of Meetingofthewaters, also owned by McManus (it has been backed from 50/1 to 20s), and Elliott’s Three Card Brag is well weighted, if he gets a run.

BUCCANEERS RFC

No joy for Buccaneers

Despite putting in one of their best performances of a difﬁcult campaign, Buccaneers came away empty-handed following the 700km round trip to Ballymena last Saturday. The northerners came out on top after an absorbing and energetic encounter by 2212.

Buccaneers Firsts are home to Old Crescent in the Energia AllIreland League this Saturday with the Round 14 ﬁxture kicking off in Dubarry Park at 2.30 pm.

The Limerick side lie seventh in the league table and will be eager to forge a win that would maintain their breathing space above Navan and Ballymena in the bid to avoid the relegation playoff berth.

Buccs have shown improved form recently, helped by a more settled starting XV, so a ﬁnely balanced duel is anticipated.

It is also ‘Ladies Day’ at the club when our female supporters and friends enjoy ‘Prosecco by the Pitch’. This event, which is virtually sold out at time of writing, has now become a ﬁrmly established ﬁxture on the Buccaneers calendar. Appropriately, our President this season is a lady and we wish Lorna Stuart Trainor and all our guests a very enjoyable and successful occasion.

SECONDS: Buccaneers Seconds, despite opening the scoring, could not match the pace and energy of University of Galway when they succumbed to a 52-17 defeat in the quarter-ﬁnal of the Bank of Ireland Connacht Junior Plate at Dubarry Park on Sunday.

Our Seconds are away to Dunmore in the Bank of Ireland Super 4s this Sunday. Kick-off at The Fairgreen, Abbeyland South, is at 2.30 pm for what will be a stiff challenge for the Athlone side.

YOUTHS NEWS: Buccaneers U-16s travelled to Ennis on Saturday last to play the local team. Buccs played with great ambition at times, the ball passing through numerous hands up, down and across the ﬁeld.

A younger Ennis XV found it hard to contain a talented Pirates side who are beneﬁting from a more intensive training regime. Buccs continue their preparations for the upcoming cup campaign with a game next week v Nenagh Ormonde.

Buccaneers U-14s travelled to Creggs on Sunday to play a friendly on their Astro Turf pitch at The Green. 3 x 20 minutes periods gave both clubs an opportunity to give all their squad players a game before the start of the U-14 Cup next weekend.

Buccs just about came out on top as they utilised all 26 of their players who attended. Many thanks to Creggs for hosting us.

Best wishes to Castlerea St. Kevin’s from

by Tom Red

Inothewayurthinkin and Mark Walsh winning the Mildmay Chase at Aintree last year.

Darren O’Connor, Ciara O’Connor, Cora O’Connor, Cyril Rollins (clerk of the course), Cathal O’Connor, and Vincent Collins (Midland Motor Club chairperson) pictured at the recent rally launch.

Roscommon CBS finish strongly to take Connacht title

Strokestown overpowered after a bright start

Mezzino.ie Connacht Colleges SF ‘B’ final Roscommon CBS 0-13 Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown 1-6

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon CBS came good in the second half to overwhelm a gritty Strokestown side and win the Connacht Colleges ‘B’ title for the first time since 2019 in this unique provincial decider played in Enfield last Saturday. With two Roscommon schools meeting in the final, the game drew a big crowd for a match that was played in perfect weather conditions. But in truth the game never reached any great heights in terms of quality.

Scoil Mhuire dominated in the ﬁrst quarter of the match but once CBS found their rhythm they began to get on top and overall the better team won the contest.

The Strokestown side had the ball in the Roscommon CBS net after just 90 seconds. It was a ﬁne move too as Cillian Harrington set up Conor Tighe for a smart ﬁnish. Stephen Tighe and Darragh Devaney were doing well around the middle as Strokestown looked lively early on.

Eoghan Carthy, Sam Hannon and Owen Rogers slowly got the CBS going and they began to reel in their opposition. Hannon, Rogers and Colm Fitzgerald were all on the mark for the CBS. At half-time there was only a point between the teams with Strokestown ahead by 1-3 to 0-5.

The CBS really stamped their authority on this ﬁnal in the third quarter. Five points on the spin – from Tom Beisty, Sam Hannon (3), and Owen Rogers – opened up a four-point gap. It was a decisive period in terms of the ﬁnal outcome.

In fairness to Strokestown they battled right to the end and late points from Devaney and Tighe reduced the margin to just a goal, but Rogers capped a ‘player of the match’ performance for

the CBS with a super point from play in injurytime.

Apart from the aforementioned Sam Hannon, Eoghan Carthy and Owen Rogers, Colm Fitzgerald, Michael Gillooly, Seamus Hussey, Tom Beisty and sub Cian Duggan stood out for the CBS, while for Strokestown, Conor Tighe, Darragh Devaney, Cathal Enright and Stephen Tighe were most prominent.

Roscommon CBS now face St Peter’s, Dunboyne in the All-Ireland semi-ﬁnal at a neutral venue later this month. The County Meath side beat Enniscorthy CBS by 0-13 to 1-7 in the Leinster ﬁnal, which was also played last Saturday.

Teams & scorers

Roscommon CBS: Gavin Staunton; Ivan Bikoi, Michael Gillooly, Colm Fitzgerald (0-1); Colin Murray, Eoghan Carthy, John Farrell; Seamus Hussey, Sean McDermott; Owen Rogers (05, 2 frees), Sam Hannon (0-5, 4 frees), Aaron Dolan; Christopher Feerick, Freddie Kelly (01), Tom Beisty (0-1). Subs: Seamie Carthy for Farrell (40), Cian Duggan for Kelly (48), Cian Mulry for McDermott (54).

Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown: Cillian Hussey; Martin O’Dowd, Dylan Tynan, Tadhg Carroll; Conor Tighe (1-0), Cian Quinn, Adrian Jackson; Tadhg Rogers, Darragh Devaney (01); Dominik Grzegorski, Cathal Enright (0-1), Patrick Martin; Cillian Harrington, Stephen Tighe (0-4, 2 frees), Tristan Hoey. Subs: Tadhg Morris for Jackson (h/t), Jamie Connellan for Martin (39), Patrick Grehan for Harrington (48). Referee: Dermot Lyons.

Player of the match Owen Rogers (Roscommon CBS)

‘Attitude of the players is excellent’ – Coll

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon CBS joint manager Eoghan Coll acknowledged to People Sport after the match that last Saturday’s Connacht ﬁnal had been a tough battle.

“That was hard going out there at times. Strokestown are a right good team and we had to battle very hard to win. There were a lot of errors on both sides but I think our work rate got us there in the end.

“We have a lot of improvements to make but it’s great to get the win today. The players have worked hard all year and they deserve it.”

The CBS joint manager said that the slow start from his side was a worry.

“We were slower to the breaking ball and we made

a couple of other errors early on. We had the players well warned in that regard but let’s give Strokestown credit, they were tigerish and ﬁrst to the ball in the early stages. But when we got our game going we found more space and we got some nice scores.

“I thought our defence was good, especially in the ﬁrst half. There were a few scores there towards the end (for Strokestown) with a couple of high balls that went in, but we dealt with them well.”

Looking ahead to the All-Ireland semi-ﬁnal, Coll said: “We will settle down after this now and prepare as best we can. We will be doing our very best. This is a new bunch of players but their attitude is excellent and there is a great buzz around the school. We will drive it on for the semi-ﬁnal now.”

Roscommon CBS players pictured with the cup after their 0-13 to 1-6 win over Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown in last Saturday’s Connacht Colleges SF ‘B’ final at Enfield (St Croan’s). Photo: Michael Finan

Action from last Saturday’s Connacht Colleges SF ‘B’ final at Enfield (St Croan’s) in which Roscommon CBS defeated Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown.

Photo: Michael Finan

SportsPeople

Ladies lose, but lots of green shoots!

Lidl Ladies Football League Division Two Galway 1-18 Roscommon 1-11

Something big is quietly stirring with this Roscommon ladies team. On the face of it, a seven-point loss looks a disappointing defeat. But behind the ﬁnal score is the reality of this having been an excellent display from Finbar Egan’s charges.

For much of the game Roscommon more than matched their opponents, a team that contested the 2024 AllIreland senior ﬁnal against Kerry (who won). So a team will real pedigree then. It was only in the ﬁnal quarter that Galway pulled away in this game, played at Tuam Stadium last weekend.

The fact is that Roscommon were ultracompetitive for most of the contest, something that bodes very well for the rest of the year.

In the opening half Roscommon matched their illustrious opponents score for score. Caoimhe Lennon and Caoimhe Cregg were outstanding as Roscommon more than held their own.

However, on the stroke of halftime referee Eddie Cuthbert awarded Galway what looked like a very soft penalty. Kate Slevin made no mistake from the spot, the goal giving the home side a 1-8 to 0-8 half-time lead. Galway never looked back after that.

Roscommon battled away in the second half and were rewarded with a late goal from Abby Curran. Manager Egan and his selectors will be very encouraged by this display with the rest of what looks a challenging league campaign to come.

In the next round Roscommon will face Donegal at home on Sunday, 23rd of February before making the long trip to Cork on Saturday, March 1st. Roscommon: Helena Cummins;

Saoirse Wynne, Megan Kelly, Rachel Brady; Saoirse Timon, Grainne Lohan, Ria Lennon; Abby Curran (1-0), Niamh Watson; Shannon McGuinness, Laura Mannion, Caoimhe Cregg (02); Aisling Hanly (0-2, 1 free), Roise Lennon (0-5, 3 frees), Caoimhe Lennon (0-1). Subs used: Orla O’Neill, Megan McKeon, Ella Thompson, Niamh Feeney, Shauna Fitzmaurice, Marian Nolan (0-1), Aimee O’Connor, Lauren Shanagher.

Short putts

ROSCOMMON

A big crowd was present for the 2025 Drive-in at Roscommon Golf Club last Sunday as President Johnny Walker, Lady Captain Una Gleeson and Men’s Captain Robbie McConn began the golﬁng year in cold but perfect weather conditions.

Winners of the 10-hole scramble on a day that was kindly sponsored by Gleeson’s Townhouse were Carmel Walker, Simon Walker and Laura Grifﬁth. In second place were Noreen O’Grady, Jackie Somers and Seamie Byrne.

COURSE WORK: It is hoped that more holes will be open for members this week as work on the course continues. Keep an eye on the WhatsApp group and BRS for more information. Once again the club are indebted to our volunteers who continued their clean-up operations (after the recent storm) last weekend.

COMPETITION: There will be a ladies 9-hole re-entry competition again this week. There will be a men’s competition this coming Saturday and Sunday. Details from the men’s committee later in the week.

OLIVIA: We wish Olivia Costello the best of luck as she represents Ireland in the Octagonal Tournament in Spain this week. The matches start on Wednesday, February 12th and continue for four days.

SYMPATHIES: There was deep sadness throughout the club at news last weekend of the passing of Teresa Browne who served as Lady Captain of Roscommon Golf Club in 1989. Teresa was a very popular member and ofﬁcer over many years. The club extends deepest sympathy to Teresa’s husband Richard, sons Neil, Richie, and Daragh and daughter Carol, her brother and sisters, and all her extended family and many friends. May she rest in peace.

Richardson makes his Mark

In local soccer last weekend, the Joe’s Bar-sponsored Challenge Cup took centre stage with round two games being played.

In the local derby at Taughmaconnell, Skyvalley Rovers are through to the next round following a 1-0 win over Premier title contenders Moore United.

Skyvalley Rovers ﬁnally broke the deadlock 27 minutes into the second half. A long delivery into the Moore penalty area deceived their ‘keeper and Mark Richardson had an easy chance to score.

Premier side Boyle Celtic advanced to the next round at the expense of Cloonfad United’s second side. It ﬁnished 7-0.

Division 1 side Glen Celtic beat Premier side Shiven Rovers 2-1 at Newbridge. Just when extra-time seemed likely Gavin Hegarty scored the winner for the Glenamaddy side with what was almost the last kick of the game.

In an all-Premier Division clash at Ballaghaderreen, the home side, who were struggling for most of the season, knocked Castlerea Celtic out of the cup.

The game was a real thriller with six goals, extra-time, a penalty shootout and a sending off before Ballaghaderreen

won 5-4 on penalties.

Cup holders CP Ajax were beaten 2-1 away to a good Moylough side, the winner coming from a penalty with 15 minutes to go.

St John’s Athletic have two teams in round three following wins over Cloonfad United and Ballymoe FC. Their ﬁrst team beat Cloonfad United 2-0 at Cloonfad. St John’s second side caused the shock of the day when they beat Premier side Ballymoe FC 9-1 at Lecarrow.

Division 1 side Dunmore Town are through to the next round following a 6-2 win over Division 2 side Roscommon United at Dunmore.

Women’s League

In the Women’s League, Kilkerrin United beat Shiven Rovers 5-2 at Kilkerrin. Mya Grogan scored two for the winners.

Castlerea Celtic beat Ballinasloe Town 3-0 at Castlerea. Megan Flanagan scored two and Clodagh Diggins one for the winners.

Dunmore drew 0-0 against Ballaghaderreen in a competitive ﬁxture played in Dunmore.

Local darts update

35 players entered the Roscommon Masters Youths Competition in a packed Hannon’s Hotel last Saturday morning. A very high quality ﬁnal featured Adam Doran and Dean Hoare. After a tremendous ﬁnal, it was Adam who came out on top.

Roscommon Youth Darts would like to thank the county darts board for their support, Martina, Amanda, Brendan, Martin, the Roscommon Youths Darts volunteers and the parents who helped to run the competition.

Many thanks to management and staff of Hannon’s Hotel who were very helpful and served lovely food to all present. Finally, major thanks to the youth darts players for making this a very enjoyable day. We are now preparing for the Inter-Counties Youth Championships taking place in the Shearwater Hotel,

Ballinasloe on the 8th and 9th of March. Roscommon will have two teams.

LEAGUE: The Hannon’s Hotel Roscommon Darts League continued last weekend. Results were as follows: Hollywood 9 Tower Bar 0 (24 to 3 on legs); An Bothar Rua 7 Dalton’s 2 (21 to 10 on legs); Sportsman’s 1 Flanagan’s 8 (8 to 22 on legs); Cosy Bar 3 Village Inn 6 (15 to 19 on legs); McDermott’s 7 Holly Tree 2 (21 to 9 on legs).

Round 8 rescheduled games: Village Inn 7 Tower Bar 2 (21 to 10 on legs); Flanagan’s 7 Cosy Bar 2 (20 to 10 on legs).

The following Round 5 games are set for this Friday, 14th of February: Flanagan’s v An Bothar Rua; Dalton’s v Hollywood; Tower Bar v McDermott’s; Holly Tree v Cosy Bar; Village Inn v Sportsman’s.

Pictured at the annual Drive-in at Roscommon Golf Club last Sunday were (left to right) Padraic Cuddy, Men’s Vice-Captain; Johnny Walker, President; Una Gleeson, Lady Captain; Robbie McConn, Men’s Captain; Una Clay, Ladies Vice-Captain.

Caoimhe Lennon playing for Roscommon against Shiofra Ni Scanláin of Galway in the Lidl LGFA Division Two Round 3 clash at Tuam Stadium in Galway last Sunday. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

The Roscommon players line out ahead of last Sunday’s Round 3 Lidl LGFA Division Two clash against Galway at Tuam Stadium. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

‘Competitive semi-finals will bring us on’

< SEAMUS DUKE

Mercy College are managed by Teresa Hession and Martin McManus. I spoke to Martin this week as preparations continued for the big game this Saturday.

“Firstly, we are under no illusions about the standard of the opposition that we are meeting in the ﬁnal. Johnstown beat their Cork opponents in the semi-ﬁnal and we know how strong camogie is in Kilkenny.

“Having said that, the two competitive matches we had in the semi-ﬁnal will stand to us and we have a very united group here that will battle all the way.”

McManus reﬂected on the dramatic semi-ﬁnal games that have seen Mercy College into the decider.

“We were disappointed to have let that seven-point lead slip against Terenure in the drawn game. We felt we were much the better team that day overall. But we held the Terenure number 11 (Helen Duignan) who was their main threat well in the replay and we were the deserved winners in the end.”

He says that the ﬁnal is a great chance for the Roscommon team to show what they can do.

“We have no injuries and a full panel to pick from and we will relish this challenge on Saturday. A lot of people might say that it’s Roscommon against Kilkenny and the gap in standard is too wide but we feel we have a great chance and we are all looking forward to it” he concluded.

Ready for the final! Some of the Mercy College squad, pictured at training on Wednesday. Photo: Michael Finan

Joint managers Teresa Hession and Martin McManus with key team leaders. Photo: Michael Finan

Joint manager Teresa Hession addressing players at training on Wednesday evening. Photo: Michael Finan

Mercy College Roscommon chasing

All-Ireland glory on Saturday

All-Ireland Colleges Camogie Senior ‘B’ final: Mercy College Roscommon v Colaiste Mhuire, Johnstown on Saturday at St Rynagh’s GAA Grounds, Banagher at 12 noon

< SEAMUS DUKE

After the dramatic drawn and replayed semiﬁnals against Our Lady’s Terenure, Mercy College Roscommon have a chance of AllIreland glory when they face Kilkenny side Colaiste Mhuire of Johnstown on Saturday in the decider in Banagher.

Seven points up going into injury-time in the drawn game, the Roscommon town side coughed up two goals and a point to see almost certain victory snatched away from them.

In the replay in Dublin on Wednesday of last week, the Roscommon girls once again built up a handsome lead only to see Terenure make another comeback. However this time Mercy College held ﬁrm and emerged winners by 3-11 to 4-4.

Laura McSharry, Siofra Hession and Alannah Sutton were the Roscommon goalscorers in the replay as victory was assured with a strong defensive display late on.

There has been a big improvement in camogie standards at underage level in Roscommon over the last couple of years and this Mercy College team is part of that upward curve. They have some top class performers.

The Roscommon school have many excellent players who will line out on Saturday and they will be hoping that their leading lights such as goalkeeper Molly Finneran, Grace Geraghty, Lily Murray, Kaitlin Egan, Hazel Kenny, Siofra Hession and Laura McSharry can inspire the rest of the team on the day.

While I haven’t seen Colaiste Mhuire, Johnstown play, it is clear that they are a talented side, but if the Roscommon girls can get a couple of early scores they could create a shock.

Mercy Roscommon panel: Molly Finneran, Maria Bolger, Mia White, Anna Hussey, Ciara Killeen, Grace Geraghty, Eve Connaughton, Lily Murray, Kaitlin Egan, Alannah Sutton, Hazel Kelly, Siofra Hession, Laura McSharry, Tara O’Brien, Katie Kenny, Molly Tully, Sarah Jane O’Connor, Ella Lynch, Niamh Dawson, Shauna Walsh, Alanna McCormack, Isabel Kenny, Rachel Campbell, Ciara Corrigan, Moira Delaney, Grace Campbell, Aoife Connolly, Sarah Reilly, Ruth King, Aisling Faughnan, Iona Hanley, Eve McNeill.

Joint managers

Teresa Hession & Martin McManus