The DiscoverEU initiative is a program of the European Union (EU) that offers young Europeans the opportunity to travel across Europe for free, mainly by train, to explore its diversity, cultural heritage, and shared values. There are two application rounds per year, one in spring and one in autumn.
It provides 18-year-old EU citizens and residents (and sometimes participants from associated countries) with a free travel pass to explore Europe for up to 30 days.
The goal of the initiative is to encourage European identity and unity among young people; promote sustainable travel (train-based) and to foster cultural exchange and youth mobility across Europe.
To apply, applicants must be an EU citizen or resident and be 18 years old at the time of application i.e. must be born in 2007 for Autumn application.
Successful applicants will receive a free travel pass (mostly Interrail tickets) and access to discounts on accommodation, cultural visits, local transport, learning activities, etc.
Successful applicants in the Autumn application can travel for up to 30 days between 1st March 2026 and 30 April 2027.
40,000 travel passes are available as part of the Autumn application round. Applications open on Thursday 30th October 2025 at 12:00 and close on Thursday 13th November 2025 at 12:00.
Applications can be made via the European Youth Portal (youth.europa.eu/discovereu).
WATCHING People
With PAUL HEALY
Catherine Connolly is our president. THAT’S good!
Yeah, fair play… but it was a flawed campaign! One candidate withdrew! A mere TWO candidates remained! There was a lack of choice! Now that’s BAD!
Oh please! Let’s not go over old ground!
Good v bad… featuring President Connolly and Kim Kardashian! Endangered Species
Bottom line is… this is a triumph for a Galway woman of spirit and conviction! A win for the underdog! THAT’S good!
Well the media obsession with it takes the spotlight off the challenges facing society… THAT’S BAD!
I think not! Anyways, let’s lighten the mood! What a show that Celebrity Traitors was! Alan Carr won, now that’s good! Dunno! That show celebrates deception! That’s bad!
But reality TV kind of brightens our daily lives! THAT’S good! I mean, you have The Kardashians for starters, and Sister Wives…
That reminds me! Kim Kardashian just failed her law exam… now that’s bad!
Yeah, but it’s avoided a media circus in the event of her actually representing someone in court! That’s good!
Speaking of media, the BBC’s in turmoil! That’s bad!
But they edited a speech by President Trump in a quite dishonest manner, and
Thebarstoolboyos
that’s now been exposed! So that’s good!
But Trump’s a bit of a rascal! Now he’s smugly threatening to sue the BBC for a billion! That’s bad!
Well RTE has done an overhaul of presenters! So refreshing! That’s good! Yeah, but speaking of broadcasters, Ivan Yates and Matt Cooper are squabbling! That’s kind of bad!
It’s also entertaining! That’s good! Well, it distracted from the inauguration of Catherine Connolly! That’s bad! Nah, the inauguration went seamlessly! That’s good!
But it kind of took the limelight off Micheál Martin’s problems! The Fianna Fáil review of their botched presidential campaign has been postponed. That’s bad!
On the contrary, it means we have more time to enjoy speculating about the outcome! That’s good!
The Christmas ads are on TV and radio non-stop – will you at least admit that’s BAD?
Far from it! It means we have lots of time to think about what presents to buy, it’s good for SMEs, plus it creates a festive atmosphere. That’s good!
Well it’s only three weeks to the Late Late Toy Show, and we both promised our partners and children last year that we wouldn’t go to our local this year… instead we’d stay at home and enjoy the communal experience! Both: Oh dear… THAT’S BAD! (Only joking)
It’s been a GOOD week for… ☺
Catherine Connolly, who was inaugurated as the 10th President of Ireland on Tuesday Shamrock Rovers, who won their first league and cup double in 38 years, defeating Cork City 2-0 in Sunday’s FAI Cup final Meath footballer Sean Rafferty, who won his county’s first football All-Star award in 18 years
It’s been a BAD week for… ☹
The BBC, this after the broadcaster’s Director-General Tim Davie and its CEO of News Deborah Turness both resigned over criticism of how a speech made by US President Donald Trump was edited in a Panorama documentary (the allegation being that viewers were misled, in turn undermining public trust in the BBC)
PIC OF THE WEEK: Grainne and Iarlaith Dolan were supporting St Brigid’s in last Sunday’s Connacht LGFA Senior Club final in Castlerea. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Student raises €2k for charity
13-year-old Joshua Lohan, a first year student from the CBS Roscommon, took it upon himself to complete a 60k cycle last Saturday, November 8th, to raise funds and awareness for the ‘Movember’ charity campaign.
At the time of writing, Joshua has raised almost €2,000 in just a few days. His effort comes as ‘Movember’ continues the annual campaign to fund projects in mental health, suicide prevention, as well as prostate and testicular cancer.
“I think every human should have a good healthy mind and that self-harm and suicide are driven by unnecessary things such as bullying, cyberbullying and isolation”, said Joshua.
“In my opinion, ‘Movember’ is great because it encourages people to exercise for a good cause and it makes a great reason to get out of the house for a walk or run every so often.”
Joshua’s 60km cycle journeyed from his home town of Roscommon, through Strokestown, Scramogue, and Lanesborough, before finally arriving back to Roscommon. Donations can still be made online at movember.com/ donate/details?memberId=15456 134#amount.
It’s simpler than ever to get a professional design for your new sliding wardrobe! The process will start with a visit to your home or workplace, where Ronan Hegarty will discuss the storage options for your space. As the company manufacture sliding doors from floor to ceiling, the heights of your ceiling will have to be checked, as well as checking whether your existing floor is level, your walls are plumb, whether your existing fitted wardrobe (which Ronan Hegarty Kitchens & Wardrobes can take out) has any pipes or sockets hidden behind it, as well as checking for vents, curtains, radiators, etc. After the space is measured, Ronan Hegarty Kitchens & Wardrobes will also find out extra information: How many users per wardrobe? Boy or girl? Your height is important too; have you any special requirements? Are all your longer clothing items dragging on the ground when they hang? It’s also important to get your interior design and colours right: the look, the feel! Ronan Hegarty Kitchens & Wardrobes may not be interior designers, but if you’re looking for quality bedroom furniture at a price that suits your pocket, they have a great range of dressing tables, bedside lockers, headboards, blanket boxes, and loads of accessories. A big question at the moment when it comes to bedroom designs is shoe storage – the same old story for handbags. Well, Ronan Hegarty Kitchens & Wardrobes have something just for you, designed and built to your requirements, with their adjustable shelving options. All your storage needs are covered at Ronan Hegarty Kitchens & Wardrobes – to find out more, visit ronanhegartykitchensandwardrobes.ie
There is a beautiful kitchen collection available At Ronan Hegarty Kitchens & Wardrobes in a diverse range of materials, finishes, colours and styles. We expertly create kitchens which give you individuality. From start to finish, your kitchen is your story. We expertly create kitchens which give you individuality. We supply solid in-frame kitchen furniture, comprising of the highest quality materials and craftsmanship. Every material has been specially selected, and each component carefully crafted to provide expertly designed fitted furniture built to stand the test of time which is why Ronan Hegarty Kitchens and Wardrobes is the provider of choice for quality and value. Visit ronanhegartykitchensandwardrobes.ie
Pictured is 13-year-old Joshua Lohan, who has raised nearly €2,000 for ‘Movember’.
Further new public art features to be launched in Roscommon
As part of a wider public art engagement process, Roscommon County Council’s Arts office are set to launch even more public art commissions in the heart of Roscommon Town.
These new artworks follow previous commissions where artists responded creatively to the town’s laneways, such as ‘The Poetry Laneway’ on Chapel Street and ‘The Bee Lane’ on Alleé De Chartrettes.
The new works, Sculpture on the Square by Simon Carmen and Dr Helen Sharp, officially titled ‘Held Together,’ and ‘The Mosaic Laneway’ by Chris Judge and Triskill Design, are parts of the final elements of the ambitious Roscommon Town Main Street and Market Square Public Realm Project.
These new features highlight Roscommon’s considerable tradition in craftwork and celebrates our rural agricultural community and local history.
Anyone interested in hearing more from the artists are welcome to come along to the formal
unveiling of the works on Saturday, November 15th, from 10.30 am. The meeting point for viewing will be outside the Bank of Ireland on The Square in Roscommon Town.
The launch will continue at 11 am sharp in the Function Room at Gleeson’s Restaurant, featuring opening words by Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr Liam Callaghan and talks from the two artist on each commission. The event will end with a film screening of ‘Roscommon’s Mosaic Tradition’.
These newest works are part of the ‘Living Laneways’ initiative, a public art trail that provides visual enhancement to the laneway links approaching the Main Street and Market Square in Roscommon Town.
‘Roscommon’s Mosaic Tradition’ is a documentary funded by the Heritage Council as part of Heritage Week 2024. Roscommon County Council Heritage and Arts Office commissioned the film in collaboration with local Roscommon businessman Liam Stephens. Filmed by Pure-
Designs, it features insights on Roscommon’s unique mosaic heritage that has been synonymous with Roscommon Town for generations and features contributions from locals who worked in the industry, including Tom Kilroe, Sergio Benedetti, Patsy Flanagan, Benny Mulhern, and many more who contributed photos.
AGM of Ballymoe Development
The AGM of Ballymoe Development will be held at 8 pm on Thursday, November 27th, in the Fr Flanagan Community Centre, Ballymoe. All people from within the community of Ballymoe are invited to attend.
Bridge club results
The
Shared reading group for those affected by dementia
Roscommon Library is holding a shared reading group for people living with dementia on Fridays at 11.30 am. This group is part of the ‘Still Reading’ project developed by researchers at Queen’s University Belfast. Shared reading is a gentle, enjoyable way to connect through literature.
Everyone is welcome – including people living with dementia, friends, family and carers. No advanced preparation is needed.
Martin Shanagher Audiologist
Claire Shanagher Audiologist
most recent results from the local bridge clubs are as follows.
Roscommon Bridge Club – (Hurley Cup). 1st: Tresina and Tommie Murphy; 2nd: Maurice Buckley and Larry Shine; 3rd: Kitty Blighe and Mary McDermott; 1st Session: Phil and Seamus Cooney; 2nd Session: Mary Farrell and Veronica McManus. Happy ‘71 Bridge Club – (Margaret Hession Memorial). 1st: Judy Adamson and Veronica McManus; 2nd: Olive Fahy and Phyllis O’Shaughnessy; Gross: Tresina Murphy and Larry Shine; 3rd: Mary and Terry O’Keeffe.
St Coman’s Bridge Club – 1st: Agnes Murray and Mary Judge; 2nd: Rita Roughneen and Josephine Devaney; Gross: Kitty Dowd and Celia Ansboro.
Ballymurry Bridge Club – (Section A). 1st: Marian Byrne and Paula Whyte; 2nd: Rita Roughneen and Maria Hickey; Gross: Ann Shine and Kathleen Corcoran; (Section B) 1st: Geraldine Relihan and Honor Lynn; 2nd: Jill Farrell and Pat Lyons; Gross: Peggie Kelly and Anthony Mahony.
Roscommon’s Mosaic Laneway will be launched alongside a new sculpture on the Square on
A new sculpture on the Square will be launched alongside Roscommon’s Mosaic Laneway on Saturday, November 15th
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Metabolism problems like Slow Thyroid, Type 2 Diabetes, Sluggish Liver, Hormone Imbalances, PCOS, Endometriosis, Infertility and Digestive Problems like Constipation, IBS and Diverticulitis will limit or stop your weight loss, no matter how much dieting or exercise you do . Work on fixing your metabolism problems for amazing results. Combine this with a reasonable diet and exercise and you will get the best, the fastest and the easiest weight loss ever.
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• An exercise plan (home - walk, jog or bike) or gym plan including toning.
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WEEKLY CLINIC AT THE HIVE, DUBLIN ROAD, CARRICK-ON-SHANNON EVERY WEDNESDAY.
WEEKLY CLINIC AT THE HIVE, DUBLIN ROAD, CARRICK-ON-SHANNON EVERY WEDNESDAY.
WEEKLY CLINIC EVERY THURSDAY At The Cube FlexiSpace,
WEEKLY CLINIC EVERY THURSDAY
At The Cube FlexiSpace, Lanesborough Road, Roscommon F42 DX61
BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. TEL MARTINA:
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The sudden death of Catriona Hanly, the acclaimed Roscommon fashion designer, has led to widespread sadness and grief across the county and beyond.
A member of one of the best-known business families in County Roscommon, Ms Hanly, of Parkowen, Strokestown, Co Roscommon and Dublin, died peacefully on Saturday last, November 8th. She was just 52 years of age.
A graduate of London’s prestigious St Martin’s College of Art and Design, Hanly built a multifaceted career spanning fashion, interiors, and jewellery. Her signature pieces – embellished suits, tailored pussy-bow blouses, and vibrant, quality-driven garments – were worn by stars including Madison McKinley (The Wolf of Wall Street), Yolanda Kettle (The Crown), Laura Whit-
more, Amy Huberman, Vogue Williams, and Celia Holman Lee.
Highlights of her success included winning Designer of the Year at the 2018 Rose of Tralee Fashion Show, securing a VIP Jewellery Style Award, and showcasing at the House of Icons pre-Oscar Fashion Show in Hollywood. She also lent
her creative touch to transforming bedrooms at Kilronan Castle, her family’s restored historic property in Roscommon.
The Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council echoed the sense of shock in the wider community when he led tributes on Sunday.
Cllr Liam Callaghan said:
“There is widespread sadness throughout the county and beyond with the sudden passing of Catriona Hanly. She was a wellknown fashion designer, highly regarded both nationally and internationally in the fashion world. The Hanly family are highly regarded in the county and I offer my deepest sympathy to the entire family at this very sad time.”
Renowned for her philanthropy as much as her artistry, Hanly raised funds through fashion shows for causes including the Rape Crisis Foundation, Hope
Foundation, Cancer Care West, and Mayo-Roscommon Hospice Foundation.
A proud ambassador for Irish design, Catriona’s work blended tradition with contemporary flair, and earned her a loyal following and lasting legacy in the global fashion industry.
The late Catriona Hanly is mourned by her parents Bertie and Imelda, brothers Alan, Marcus and Enda, sister Tara, sisters-in-law Olga, Linda and Sinead, brother-in-law Neil, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncle, cousins, relatives, neighbours, and a wide circle of friends in Ireland and around the world.
Catriona’s reposing at the family home in Parkowen, Strokestown on Wednesday was attended by a large number of mourners. Funeral Mass at Kiltrustan Church today (Thursday) will be followed by burial in Strokestown Cemetery. May she rest in peace.
throughout the programme.
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• Suitable for men and women. Weekly clinics take place in The Cube FlexiSpace, Lanesborough Road, Roscommon
The Foot Clinic, formerly located upstairs at Molloy’s Pharmacy in Roscommon Town, has relocated to the Golf Links Road, Roscommon (F42 YX65) – directly behind The Curtain Centre. The new premises, now on the ground floor, has wheelchair access, ample parking, and is a perfect location for all customers.
The Foot Clinic treats a variety of common problems such as ingrown toenails, verruca, corns, calluses, athletes foot, and diabetic footcare. In addition to foot problems, leg, lower back, ankle, knee, and hip strain can often be directly attributed to poor posture and gait arising from incorrect footwear.
In addition to a full chiropody service, a biomechanical assessment service is also provided. This assessment analyses walking patterns and in turn orthotic supports and exercise programmes may be recommended, which can greatly assist with general foot, knee, hip, and back pain.
F42 DX61 and The Hive, Dublin Road, Carrick-on-Shannon. All appointments are private and one-to-one, so early booking is essential. Please telephone Martina on 086 3846302 for more information and bookings.
The clinic also stocks a range of competitively priced products to assist with foot problems such as fallen arches, hammer toes, ankle pain, calloused feet, painful bunions, and ingrown toenails. Additionally, a range of supportive insoles are supplied to help support and realign the foot, and in turn reduce pain and minimise further injury.
Treatment for a range of sports-related injuries, including tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and heel spurs is also provided, by combining exercises plans together with corrective orthotic supportive insoles.
Treatment is provided for both adults and children.
Catriona and Dylan are looking forward to treating all their customers at their new premises.
To make an appointment with The Foot Clinic, phone 0872982214.
Catriona Hanly. R.I.P.
THURSDAY
Carr the star
A year or two ago, when I first saw ‘The Traitors’ reality show, I wasn’t at all sure about it. Pretty much by definition, the show involves deception and suspicion. There is also constant reference to ‘murdering’ of contestants (as per the structure of the game).
Many people have criticised it, describing the language as insensitive, while also frowning at what they see as the psychologically manipulative nature of the show. Ultimately, I warmed to The Traitors. I still don’t like aspects of it – the constant references to murder, backed up by a ‘coffin task’ that many people consider in bad taste – but it is a slick and entertaining reality drama, now established as one of the most popular shows on TV.
Tonight’s final of Celebrity Traitors (BBC) drew in the region of 14 million viewers. It was a highly entertaining first celebrity version, and the undoubted star was comedian Alan Carr, who was also the overall winner.
The ever-good-humoured Jonathan Ross can take a lot of credit for the entertainment value of the series too. As ever, Claudia Winkleman was fantastic as host, a role that will undoubtedly define her career.
FRIDAY
On Steve Coogan…
I was nervous when I heard comedy genius Steve Coogan would be appearing on the Late Late Show – again. One watches his occasional appearances on the show with a degree of embarrassment, Coogan inevitably sharing the studio with (significantly) inferior talent – while invariably being subjected to ‘tell us about your Irish roots’ codology.
As it turns out, the cringe count was low enough. Coogan and Éanna Hardwicke were on to
PAUL HEALY’S WEEK
A (mostly) light-hearted look at the week that was… paul@roscommonpeople.ie
promote the new movie, Saipan, in which they play Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane respectively. Hardwicke, a rising star, was modest and likeable. Coogan, the aforementioned genius (creator of the Alan Partridge character), was gracious and funny.
Still, when comedian Jarlath Regan joined the ‘Saipan duo’ and began talking about his new book – ‘The Gobshite Guidebook’ – my worst fears were realised. Host Patrick Kielty and Regan (a nice chap who’s not unfunny) couldn’t resist trying to engage Coogan – which was a bit like a street musician eagerly sharing notes with Mozart or Beethoven as they walked by.
SATURDAY
Early start…
I was taken aback on discovering that kick-off time for today’s Ireland-Japan rugby international at the Aviva Stadium is 12.40 pm. I’ve now established that the remarkably early starting time was chosen in order to accommodate a TV audience in Japan. Japan is nine
hours ahead of Ireland.
Still, isn’t there a risk that such early kick-offs can lead to excessive drinking by supporters in the pubs around the stadium?
More updates from the ‘Amateur Curmudgeon Society’ in due course.
SUNDAY
Say it ain’t so
Imagine my shock on browsing the front page of today’s Sunday Independent. Top right, there was a large photo of then-president, Michael D Higgins. He was admiring a bust of himself.
Above the photo, there was a very large ‘headline’ – BLACK FRIDAY SALE. Then a second headline… ‘Michael D Higgins bids farewell to the Áras.’
Surely not? Surely crafty Michael D wasn’t proposing to sell off all the furniture and ornaments – that bust would fetch a nice price – on the eve of his departure from the very splendid residence that is Áras an Uachtaráin?
Phew! Thankfully the gravitas we associate with the great man remains intact! The BLACK FRIDAY SALE
was an advertisement for Harvey Norman, and unrelated to Michael D and Sabina’s departure. The relief!
MONDAY
Matt & Ivan
It’s not quite Roy v Mick, Al Capone v Eliot Ness, Joan Crawford v Bette Davis, Trump v Biden, Blair v Brown, Haughey v FitzGerald, Ali v Frazier –or even Twink v Linda Martin.
Still, the little (implied) falling out between broadcaster Matt Cooper and his erstwhile podcast-hosting colleague Ivan Yates has been at least a touch entertaining to observe!
Here’s the story so far: er… Cooper quickly dropped Yates from their Path to Power podcast when it emerged that Naughty Ivan had never declared he’d been working with Fianna Fáil and their short-lived presidential candidate, Jim Gavin.
Not content with what some people would consider an act of disloyalty to a friend, Mischievous Matt has since then rather smugly milked the controversy, even going as far as to comment on Yates’ psychological make-up.
Next Ivan, fresh from a few days’
hibernation as the wider ‘conflict of interest’ controversy raged, gave David McCullagh – new host of the Today programme (RTÉ Radio 1) – an early Christmas gift by appearing as his first guest this morning.
Insisting that he has nothing to say about Matt, Ivan promptly went on to claim that he had already been planning to leave their podcast, and that Cooper was far from happy about that.
On the more substantive issue – his failure to openly declare that he had worked with Gavin – Yates defended the decision on the grounds of ‘client confidentiality’.
To which I would respectfully say… ‘Baloney, Ivan.’ The reason I say so is as follows: If you want to credibly co-present a podcast on which you discuss an election campaign – and also stand in for Pat Kenny on his current affairs show during said campaign – you really do need to inform listeners that you’ve been working with one of the candidates.
As for Ivan v Matt, they could always try to resolve their differences by hosting a one-off podcast showdown at the 3Arena – with Twink and Linda on the undercard.
TUESDAY
New era…
Good luck to President Catherine Connolly (the inauguration ceremony was held today). On balance, I’m a fan. As I wrote in the People after her election win, Catherine Connolly is authentic. She believes everything she says. Unfortunately, that’s not the case with all politicians (to put it mildly).
Of course Ms Connolly is essentially leaving conventional political matters behind now, as she assumes the non-political role of president. It remains to be seen whether or not she will push boundaries, as her predecessor Michael D did (with apparent relish).
I wish President Connolly well, and I also wish good health and happiness to Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina. Welcome back west!
Coláiste Mhuire Ballygar,
OPEN DAY
Strong Community Roots
Coláiste Mhuire is one of the few secondlevel schools in Ireland founded, funded, and still run by the local community. This deep connection fosters a strong sense of belonging and pride among students, staff and families.
Holistic & Inclusive Education
The school offers comprehensive curriculum with small class sizes, a successful Transition Year Programme and Leaving Certificate Applied Programme. It also has a strong focus on pastoral care and Special Education Needs support, ensuring every student is valued and supported.
Vibrant Student Life & High Progression Rates
From sports and music to science and student council, Coláiste Mhuire provides a wide range of extra-curricular activities. The school also boasts very high progression rates to third-level education, preparing students for future success.
Health & Wellness Store
Goff Street, Roscommon town. Tel. 090 66 30492
OPENING HOURS: 10am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday
celebrates 2nd anniversary
Portiuncula: Call for action on Maternity Reports
At a recent meeting of the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee, Galway East TD Albert Dolan raised the ongoing concerns about maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital with HSE CEO Bernard Gloster.
In his response, Mr Gloster stated that the difficulties in Portiuncula were “not a resource problem” and were instead largely “cultural”. Roscommon-Galway TD Dr Martin Daly said that characterising the situation as solely a cultural matter is deeply unfair to staff and misleading to the public.
“Of course culture plays a role in any organisation, but that is not what has put Portiuncula in difficulty,” Dr Daly said. “The problems here are rooted in leadership, governance, and delivery. The Walker Report in 2018 set out what needed to change – an obstetric theatre beside the labour ward, reliable communication systems, and adequate consultant staffing.
“Seven years later, many of those recommendations remain incomplete. There are only three wholetime equivalent obstetricians, less than half of what is required, and the service continues to rely heavily on locum cover. That is clearly a resource and planning issue.”
Dr Daly said the situation has also been made worse by a lack of clear communication from different parts of the system. “We have
been given conflicting information by the HSE, the Department, and HIQA”, he said. “That confusion has undermined confidence. We cannot expect the same management structures that allowed this situation to drift to now lead the recovery.”
Deputy Albert Dolan, whose questioning in committee helped bring these inconsistencies to light, said he fully supports Dr Daly’s call for renewed focus and accountability.
“Portiuncula serves eight counties and remains central to maternity care in the west”, he said. “Staff
have done remarkable work under immense pressure, but they need proper support and leadership. It is time for clear decisions and for the commitments made after the Walker Report and the most recent Sam Coulter Smith review to finally be delivered.”
Both deputies said the priority now must be the immediate and full implementation of the recommendations from both the Walker Report and the Sam Coulter Smith Report, with clear timelines, transparency, and accountability from the HSE and the Department of Health.
Pictured outside the premises is Susan Reynolds, proprietor of Au Naturel.
Au Naturel, Goff Street, Roscommon, recently celebrated its 2nd anniversary. Photos: Michael Finan
Avril McManus, nutritionist advisor for Planet Paleo, chatting with a customer at the recent 2nd anniversary celebrations for Au Naturel, Goff Street, Roscommon.
Au Naturel, Goff Street, Roscommon, recently celebrated its 2nd anniversary. Pictured at the store are staff members Sharon Hislop and Siobhan Glancy with proprietor Susan Reynolds (on right).
Local projects honoured at Pride of Place awards
There were jubilant scenes in Limerick last Friday when two Roscommon community projects were successful in the prestigious Irish Public Bodies (IPB) Pride of Place awards, hosted in conjunction with peace building charity, Co-Operation Ireland.
Roscommon’s first award recipient, ‘The Abbey’ Housing Estate in Cloontuskert, won the Urban Neighbourhoods and Housing Estates category, beating Tournore Court, Waterford, and Rivervalley Community Centre, Swords, into runners-up spots.
Judges praised the commitment of the residents: “The Abbey Housing Estate, Cloontuskert, is a vibrant rural community rooted in heritage and resilience. Developed
in 1952 as Roscommon’s only Bord na Móna housing scheme, it has evolved into a hub of cultural and community activity. Central to the Irish Architecture Foundation’s Reimagine Workers’ Villages project, the estate highlights Ireland’s industrial past while embracing sustainability.”
CycleUp Textiles is based at the Riverside Centre in Athleague and is led by Roscommon Women’s Network. The creative social enterprise addresses climate action and biodiversity through innovative textile upcycling.
Roscommon County Council was represented by an unprecedented five groups this year. The county’s remaining nominees were Curraghboy
National School who were nominated for their QR Code Litter initiative and for winning a Global Goals Award for their project ‘How coding can help us be a more sustainable school: Teamwork makes the Green Work.’
Roscommon Underwater Search and Recovery Club (RUSRC) were nominated in the category for community initiatives serving a population of over 5,000.
The county’s fifth nominee, the Roscommon Men’s Choir, is an inclusive, non-auditioned community choir uniting over 60 men from across the county through music, fostering mental wellbeing and reducing social isolation.
To date, the choir has raised nearly €20,000 for local charities.
IPB Chairperson John Hogan pictured presenting residents of The Abbey Estate with the award for winning the Urban Neighbourhoods and Housing Estates category at the IPB Pride of Place Awards. Also pictured (extreme left) is Cllr Liam Callaghan, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council.
Management and the Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Liam Callaghan, pictured with representatives from Roscommon Men’s Choir and Roscommon Underwater Search and Recovery Club (RUSRC), who were nominated at last Friday’s All-Ireland IPB Pride of Place Awards in Limerick.
Coming together to prioritise mental health this Winter – You’re Not Alone
As the long evenings fade and we step into winter, many of us begin to feel the quiet shift – not just in the weather, but in our overall mood and wellbeing. The drop in temperature and reduced daylight can impact our mental health, making the transition from summer a little harder than expected. As we spend more time indoors and less time outside in nature, it’s natural to feel a little low or out of sync.
World Mental Health Day, October 10th was a timely reminder for us all to pause, reflect, and prioritise our mental health.
In today’s fast-paced world, the demands of daily life – work stress, financial pressures, and even constant news updates – can take a toll on how we think, feel, and act. In Ireland, despite growing awareness, mental health challenges are still of-
ten faced alone and in silence, especially in rural areas. The stigma that surrounds mental health challenges can prevent people from asking for help, or even recognising when they’re struggling.
But there is local help available.
Grow Mental Health, a registered
Irish charity, offers free, confidential, community-based support groups to anyone experiencing mental health challenges. With a long-standing presence across Ireland, Grow’s approach is simple but powerful: support in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. Group
Sliabh Bán Harvest Festival video screening
This Friday night, November 14th, there will be a screening of video footage from the very successful Sliabh Bán Harvest Festival, which was held recently.
Organised by Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club, the festival comprised an array of activities, and this is a chance
to see some of the highlights from the day.
The showing will take place in Compton’s Central Bar in Strokestown, and the programme is scheduled to commence at 9.45 pm. Food will be served and everyone is welcome to attend.
participants can give and receive support, sharing how they have overcome challenges. People share their own stories. The groups are focused on empowering people to take small, manageable steps toward personal growth and improved wellbeing.
Support groups
Locally, Grow Mental Health hosts two weekly support groups in Roscommon:
*Every Wednesday at 7 pm in the Ozanam Centre, Ballaghaderreen
*Every Thursday at 6 pm in Regari Recovery College, Roscommon Town
Prefer the comfort of your own home? An online peer support group is also launching soon, meeting Tuesdays at 6.30 pm. These groups are open to anyone feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or simply looking for a safe space to talk. Whether you’re navigating a tough patch or seeking support to maintain your wellbeing, Grow Mental Health is here to help. For more information, visit www. grow.ie, or to join a local group, call or text 086 1659277.
Roscommon County Council intends to close the roads set out in the schedule hereunder for the period and the reason specified.
Road to be closed: L7043 The Square, Roscommon (Eight til Late to Post Office)
Period of Closure: 6pm on Friday 5th December to 6am on Monday 8th December 2025
Road to be closed: L7042 (St. Ciarans Park to the Old Jail)
Period of Closure: 4pm to 8pm each day on Saturday 6th December & Sunday 7th December 2025
Alternative Routes: R366/L7048/L7046/L7042
Reason for Closures: To facilitate Roscommon Town Christmas Festival 2025
Objections in respect of the proposed closure may be made in writing to the Roads and Transportation Department or e-mailed to roads@roscommoncoco. ie to arrive not later than 5.00pm Wednesday 19th November 2025.
Mark Keaveney
Director of Services
Economic, Planning and Physical Development
Management and staff of Brennan’s Centra in Roscommon Town celebrate their success.
Award for Brennan’s Centra
Brennan’s Centra Abbeytown (Roscommon Town) has been recognised at the prestigious Pride of Centra Awards, held at the Round Room in Mansion House, Dublin. The awards, Centra’s national celebration of retail excellence, honour the very best stores, teams, and individuals across Ireland.
Brennan’s Centra Abbeytown won Deli of the Year in the ‘Neighbourhood’ category on the night. Jordan’s Centra Tallaght and Thornton’s Centra Drumcondra went home with the prestigious title of ‘National Centra Store of the Year’, officially recognised as the top two Centra stores in Ireland.
All-Ireland champions up first for Rossies
Roscommon’s fixtures for the 2026 Allianz Football League Division One season have been provisionally confirmed. Under new manager Mark Dowd, Roscommon will have four home games and three ‘on the road’. Their opening fixture will be away to All-Ireland senior football champions Kerry on the weekend of January 2425. Further away fixtures will follow against Connacht rivals Galway and Mayo.
January 24/25: v Kerry (A)
January 31/February 1: v Monaghan (H)
February 14/15: v Armagh (H)
February 21/22: v Galway (A)
February 28/March 1: v Dublin (H)
March 14/15: v Donegal (H)
Roscommon’s home games will be against Monaghan, Armagh, Dublin and Donegal. Full details as follows:
March 22: v Mayo (A)
‘Rooted in Roscommon’ –a special tourism event
‘Rooted in Roscommon’, a special tourism industry event, will take place in the Vaulted Stables of Strokestown Park House on Monday, November 17th, beginning at 9.30 am.
This landmark gathering will bring together tourism leaders, local businesses, community representatives, and development agencies to explore how collaboration and regenerative tourism can shape a sustainable future for County
Roscommon.
A highlight of the day will be the official launch of the new Roscommon Tourism Strategy 20252030, an ambitious roadmap for developing a thriving and connected tourism sector across the county.
The event will be hosted by Tina O’Dwyer, founder of The Tourism Space and one of Ireland’s foremost voices in sustainable tourism.
‘Rooted in Roscommon’ will
Sod-turning at Athleague
NS for €2m extension
Exciting times lie ahead for Athleague National School as work begins on the new €2m school extension.
Pictured at the sod-turning ceremony are Jelli Monelli (architect with Coughlan Associates), Allen Kenny (Allen Kenny Construction Ltd), Anthony Flaherty (Chairperson of the Board of Management), Avril Hickey (principal), and Adrian Sheedy (project engineer with Coughlan Associates).
feature two engaging panel discussions. The first of these panels will look at the ‘The Power of Collaboration’, exploring how partnerships between communities, businesses, and public bodies can create stronger, more resilient destinations.
The second focuses on the ‘Economic Impact of Tourism’ – highlighting how tourism can deliver real, lasting benefits for local
economies and rural communities.
The event will provide an inspiring platform for networking, idea sharing, and celebration, uniting stakeholders from across the county and beyond who are committed to building a vibrant, future-focused tourism industry in Roscommon.
For more information, or to register your interest, please contact Gillian McGarry at gmcgarry@ roscommoncoco.ie.
Kerrane seeks cost to reopen Castlerea Fire Station
Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon/Galway Claire Kerrane has asked the Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council to provide the cost of reopening the Fire Station in Castlerea and the projected annual running costs.
Deputy Kerrane said: “It remains totally unacceptable to me that Castlerea Fire Station remains closed. I want to know from the Chief Executive exactly what it would cost to reopen the Fire Station. I’ve also asked for call data from
neighbouring Fire Stations who are now serving Castlerea.
Deputy Kerrane made the point that people in Castlerea pay their local property tax – and deserve better.
“Many will pay more as re-valuations continue now. A fire service is a life-saving service and it should be available in one of the biggest towns in our county. I await the response of the Chief Executive.”
Tulsk supporters Maura Servis, Kayleigh-Mai Murray and Katie Higgins pictured at last Saturday’s Roscommon Junior B FC semi-final in which St Dominic’s defeated Tulsk. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
FRANK BRANDON
FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...
Keeping the engine going
Our columnist Frank Brandon on traveling to his recent pacemaker check-up, hosting his daughter and grandchildren, signs, potholes, and more!
It’s Monday morning of last week, and I’m heading to Dublin for the annual check-up on my pacemaker in St James’s Hospital. As usual, I decide to travel by train. I have said before that, for all his many faults, Charlie Haughey did a lot of good for people other than himself (admittedly he helped himself a fair bit as well).
Knock Airport and the arts in particular benefitted hugely from his commitment to the development of both. He also had a deep and genuine concern for the elderly throughout his political career and tried to ensure that they had not only the very basic necessities in life, but also that they had some comfort and companionship in their later years.
And so in the Budget in 1967 Haughey introduced free travel for pensioners, an initiative which writer Micheál Ó Nualláin described as “the greatest thing since fried bread or the sliced pan”.
As a long-standing member of the free travel club, I decided to take the train from Athlone because there are a lot more scheduled services from there than from Roscommon. Mind you, going from Athlone raises its own issues.
There must be a big increase in the number of people using public transport because you wouldn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of getting parked in the station’s car park. That
meant I had to park in the Council car park opposite the new town shopping centre but, just as happened me in Longford some weeks ago, I couldn’t buy an all-day parking ticket.
A two-hour stay is all you are allowed, and so I headed off to Dublin petrified that my car would be clamped when I got back. Thankfully it wasn’t, but I really think towns that have busy train/bus stations whose parking facilities can’t cope with the increased volume of business should make allowances for passengers who have to travel further.
An all-day (or longer) ticket would solve the problem and take unnecessary stress out of such travel. As for my old pacemaker, it must have been in good shape because all was good with the check-up. However, my stress wasn’t fully gone because as I walked back to where I’d parked my new 06 Lexus I could see lights in the distance – and it felt suspiciously like the brightness was coming from where I had parked the car more than eight hours earlier.
For some reason, since I got this car I never seem to turn off my lights, which is okay at night because I can see them in the dark, but in daylight hours it can be detrimental. I have lost count already of the number of times I have run down the battery.
Anyway, after I trudged through the dark and the wind and the rain, my worst fears were realised. It was indeed my car that had lots of lights left on, but remarkably, and to my immense relief, it actually started.
When I eventually made it home I reflected on a day that, despite everything, turned out pretty well. It’s another 12 months before they want to see me in St James’s again. In the meantime, I must look up the manual in the Lexus and figure out how to properly set the lights.
Family matters
It’s a beautiful Sunday morning and my daughter Lisa and her two young children, Riley (aged 4) and Hayley (2) have been visiting me since yesterday (Saturday) along with her two dogs, Panda and Rocco. Despite being away from their usual surroundings, the Crosswell air must have agreed with everyone, as all concerned (dogs included) slept like logs and we had a completely peaceful night. We were up early this morning and shortly after 9 am headed off to the playground in Loughnaneane Park in Roscommon.
The entrance to the park is adjacent to the football (now the cricket) grounds known as Coman’s Park. On Sunday morning it could easily have been known as Coman’s lake, as the pitch was literally a sheet of water.
I tried to explain to Riley that games used to be played there during the summer but I don’t think I got the message through. All she saw was the water – she kept asking where the grass was. When we got to the playground it was still quiet enough with only a handful of people there –a couple of young children with their parents and like myself, a grandfather who had come along for the ride.
I have to say Riley and Hayley had great fun. As I’ve said before, it’s a huge pity we have no playground in Creggs. Every village around us seems to have a really good one but sadly, despite the incredible improvements that have taken place in our village during my lifetime, we still don’t have
one for our local children.
By the time we left (shortly after 11 am), the playground was getting pretty full. The fresh air had made us all hungry so we made a little detour to the cafe in Creggs Rugby Club where we all sat down for breakfast.
With young children you never know exactly how their appetites can be, but we needn’t have worried! They ate all around them and thoroughly enjoyed their breakfasts while (as usual) I tucked into the full Irish.
The cafe was very busy. I met two lads from Ballintubber who had made the trip to Creggs, while there was also a group of eight or ten cyclists from Glenamaddy who stopped in
for a snack while on their regular Sunday morning outing. Several more customers were coming and going while we were dining.
When all was done we went out to support the senior women’s rugby team who were playing, and beating, the women from Our Lady’s Boys Club in Galway. My two grandchildren really enjoyed the game, although as yet Riley says she won’t ever be a player. Hayley couldn’t care less either way, but I suppose at two years of age she’s entitled to feel that way.
Anyway, after all that they all headed back home to Castlebar, leaving me to reflect on how different life is now that I am more than a year on my own. I have to admit that I really hate the fact that Carol, who so looked forward to having grandchildren, didn’t get very long with them.
Sign of the times
Fast-forward to Monday – again it was a beautiful morning – and I find myself doing my daily walk around the local rugby club grounds. The deer are out in the distant fields and the bird app on my phone tells me that the robin is singing its heart out, but I am ignoring all those wonderful acts of nature. Instead, I’m looking at and thinking about all the advertising signs that are erected around the main playing pitches. A couple of days ago my one regular reader rang me to bring a sign he saw recently on the Galway Road outside Moylough to my attention. Now in a family newspaper I cannot tell you what was on the homemade sign, but basically it was about a description of a local pothole – and obviously not in favour of the particular pothole. It made me think how huge the signwriting business has become. When I was young there was hardly any such thing as advertising signs, but now there’s a sign for everything. Weddings, all types of matches, festivals, businesses, floods, road works, parking, accidents, oil spills, even funerals and many other events all have their own signs – and signs are on it (the worst pun ever) as we now have a number of big successful sign companies in every locality. Anyway, as a result of my reader’s phone call I decided to see could I Google the Moylough sign and see it for myself. Sadly I had no luck. However there were more than three thousand pictures of potholes and all kinds of pothole signs from all over the world.
My favourite one came from Ballybofey a couple of years back. It read ‘Potholes ahead: Remove dentures! Tighten bra straps!’ As for the outside Moylough sign, all I can say is it definitely got its message across. My reader wonders did Galway County Council sort out the problem.
And finally…
You will recall that we organised a coffee morning for the Mayo/ Roscommon Hospice a few weeks ago in the hall at Creggs National School in memory of my wife, Carol.
Well the great news is that, thanks to the generosity and support of so many members of our community and beyond, we were able to present the extraordinary sum of €5,000 to the Hospice.
I have to say that in our wildest dreams we never anticipated anything like that amount, so on behalf of myself and my family, all I can say is thank you all so very, very much.
As I told you at the time I sadly burned the buns that I was making for that morning, but please God we will do it again next year, and this time (if I’m still around) I will get them right! Anyway, thanks from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who helped in any way. We really appreciate it!
‘Til next week, bye for now
Ballymurray NS Parents Association hosted a Sensory Garden Workshop for adults and a Halloween-themed Fancy Dress Disco for kids in St John’s Hall, Lecarrow. Photo: Michael Finan
Pictured supporting St Brigid’s ladies recently were Eva McGowan, Zoe O’Connor and Isobel Norton. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Providing emotional, practical, and compassionate support to those affected by cancer
A comprehensive range of services are provided by Roscommon Cancer Support for people who are affected by cancer. These free supports are available to people who have been diagnosed with cancer, to those who have recovered, and also to their family and friends.
“We provide one to one counselling services by appointment, and also provide a range of complimentary therapies” explains Laura Mullooly, Coordinator of Roscommon Cancer Support, based at Vita House in Abbey Street, Roscommon.
“These services are freely available to individuals and families who are affected by cancer. It’s all about supporting people during their journey” Laura adds, highlighting a service that addresses the emotional and psychological health of individuals in a compassionate, professional and confidential manner.
“As we know, cancer affects a lot of families in our community. The person with cancer needs to be supported on their journey… a cancer diagnosis will also affect loved ones, including family and friends.”
Laura said that the services provided by Roscommon Cancer Support give emotional, practical and compassionate support to people at a time of need.
“There is very little waiting time for services. Once we are contacted, people are seen very quickly.”
The counselling services, provided by experienced psychotherapists, are available to adults, children, adolescents and families.
The range of complimentary therapies has been expanded in response to the growing needs of the public, with services
including (but not confined to): massage, reflexology, Indian head and Reiki therapy, pilates, yoga, meditation, wellness programme, exercise classes, workshops on diet and nutrition, etc.
Specialist services include manual lymphatic drainage, breast care service, nail oncology, foot care in oncology, and postmastectomy care fitting clinic.
Expressing thanks to everyone who supports Roscommon Cancer Support – including through generous fundraising projects and donations – Laura emphasised that such financial aid from within the community is needed more than ever.
She confirms that with more people being diagnosed with cancer than in the past, demand for their services has grown significantly.
“We receive great support from the local community and we are very grateful for this” Laura says. Looking ahead to the concert in the Abbey Hotel on December 11th, she notes this now annual fixture on the local social calendar is a major support to the service at Vita House.
“This concert is now in its third year, and we really want to establish it as an annual event. The first two years were great, and there’s a wonderful line-up this year. It’s always a great night.
“We are extremely grateful to everyone who supports it by attending, and also with sponsorship, spot prizes, etc. In particular, I’d like to thank Dermot Hughes (of Dermot Hughes Cars) for very generous sponsorship, and also the Abbey Hotel for their great support. We also thank all of our sponsors and donors.”
Shortt and Coughlan amongst line-up for ‘Festival Folk’ concert
The third annual ‘Festival Folk’ concert – being held once again in aid of Roscommon Cancer Support – is the most star-studded to date.
Always a memorable social occasion, it guarantees great entertainment – while raising funds for the wide range of cancer support services that are available at Vita House (Abbey Street, Roscommon).
This year’s event will be held in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on Thursday, December 11th, and features a fantastic line-up of entertainers, including Mike Hanrahan & Pat Shortt, Mary Coughlan & Ultan Connolly, and a host of well-known local artists.
Tickets (€25) are now on sale at the Abbey Hotel
(090 6626240), Vita House (090 6625898), and online via Eventbrite.
Roscommon Men’s Choir, Michael Banahan & Bill Shanley, Vincent Pierce, and the Shannon Academy School of Dance will
also perform on the night. It promises to be a fantastic concert, all in aid of a great cause. Make sure to book your tickets now! The concert will commence at 8 pm and will be compered by Deirdre Kelly.
How to access these
Roscommon Cancer Support, which was established in 2013, is affiliated to the Irish Cancer Society. Its vision is to provide support that will enhance recovery from cancer for individuals and also for their families.
services
All services are provided by suitably qualified practitioners on a strictly confidential basis.
To contact Roscommon Cancer Support, email info@vitahouse. org or call 090 6625898.
People who would like to avail of any of the supports that are available can self-refer – just contact Vita House for details on how to proceed. Referrals can also be made by GPs, hospital consultants, the Irish Cancer Society, clinics, community-based nurses and other relevant organisations in the community.
Mary Coughlan Pat Shortt
Roscommon Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Briefing (in association with LEO)
Pictured at the recent Breakfast Briefing in the Abbey Hotel were Michael Nally, Pádraic Ó Máille, Aengus Oates, Louise Ward (Roscommon LEO) and Cahal Mahon.
Pictured at the recent Breakfast Briefing in the Abbey Hotel were Cahal Mahon, Michael Loughnane, Pádraic Ó Máille (guest speaker) and Michael Nally.
Pictured at the recent Breakfast Briefing in the Abbey Hotel were Ann Marie Kelly and Cahal Mahon.
Pictured at the recent Breakfast Briefing in the Abbey Hotel were Deirdre McElroy and Michael Nally.
Pictured at the recent Breakfast Briefing in the Abbey Hotel were Ivor Trimble, Michael Loughnane and Joe Fallon.
Pictured at the recent Breakfast Briefing in the Abbey Hotel were Louise Ward (Roscommon LEO), Frances Greene and Padraig Greene.
Pictured at the recent Breakfast Briefing in the Abbey Hotel were Shane May, Aaron Jones, Mairead O’Grady and Graham Glynn.
Pictured at the recent Breakfast Briefing in the Abbey Hotel were Enda Cannon (Roscommon LEO), Declan Molloy and David Molloy.
FarmingPeople
Castlerea MART WATCH
There were slightly smaller numbers presented at the weekly sale of heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings held on Thursday last, November 6th, with trade and prices holding for quality stock.
The heifer ring witnessed high demand for quality breeding heifers, with lots peaking at €3700 with an overall lively trade for all classes on offer. The weanling rings had bulls peak at €7.14 a kilo, and €3660 was paid for a BBX weanling heifer or €11.80 a kilo.
Dry cows made up to €3560, and cows with calves at foot made up to €3680, with €4150 paid for springers. The runner ring recorded €9.65 a kilo for a 230kgs BBX heifer, with an excellent clearance taking place.
The bullock sale held on Monday, November 3 rd , saw 200 bullocks on offer, with trade and prices unchanged from previous weeks. Quality stores in particular were in strong demand, with lots making up to €6.00 a kilo.
Sample prices: Ch 478kgs €2860, Lm485kgs €2700, AA 445kgs €2400, Lm 535kgs €2990, Lm 505kgs €2780, Ch 575kgs €3090, AA 555kgs €2870, Lm 630kgs €3200, Ch 600kgs €3060, Sim 685kgs €3170, and AA 770kgs €3160.
Sales continue at Castlerea Mart on Mondays with the weekly bullock sale, and on Thursdays with the weekly sale of heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am.
Roscommon MART WATCH
Cattle: There was a very large entry of stock on offer at Friday’s general cattle sale and special sale of heifers (November 7th), with trade remaining strong for both heifers and stripper cows. There was a large attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.
Heifers fetched an average of €4.84 per kilo up to €7.68 per kilo. There was a large entry of dry cows and they made an average of €3.68 per kilo up to €4.28 per kilo.
Dry cows, sample prices: CHX - 970KG - €3890
- €4.01 per kg, BBX – 785KG - €3250 - €4.14 per kg, LMX – 870KG - €3220- €3.70 per kg, AAX - 815KG - €3110 - €3.82 per kg, SAX - 850KG - €3080 - €3.62 per kg, and SIX- 755KG - €2600 - €3.44 per kg.
Heifers, sample prices: AAX - 760KG - €5460€7.18 per kg, LMX - 620KG - €3960- €6.36 per kg, LM – 550KG - €3900 - €7.09 per kg, BBX – 510KG - €3600 - €7.06 per kg, AAX - 610KG€2730 - €4.48 per kg, and CHX - 590KG - €3360 - €5.69 per kg.
Weanlings
Weanlings: There was a super entry of good quality weanlings on offer at the sale held on Tuesday evening, November 11th, with a strong trade for both bulls and heifers. There was a very good attendance of customers ringside with online buyers also active. Bull weanlings fetched from an average of €5.52 per kilo up to €7.5 per kilo. Heifer weanlings made from an average of €5.42 per kilo up to €11.73 per kilo
The next weanling sale takes place on Wednesday, November 18th.
Bull weanlings, sample prices: CHX – 505KG€2680-€5.31 per kg, LMX- 475KG -€2980 -€6.27 per kg, BBX- 400KG -€2300 -€5.75 per kg, LM - 400KG-€2200-€5.50 per kg, CHX - 395KG€2520-€6.38 per kg, BBX - 555KG-€2290-€4.13 per kg, and LMX - 440KG-€2200-€5.05 per kg. Heifer weanlings, sample prices: LMX -375KG -€4400- €11.73 per kg, CHX -450KG-€2600€5.78 per kg, AAX - 485KG- €2080-€4.29 per kg, LMX - 340KG- €2030- €5.97 per kg, and AAX - 465KG - €1960 - €4.22 per kg.
Sheep
Sheep: There was a good entry of sheep on offer at the weekly sale of lambs and stag ewes on Wednesday, November 12th. Prices for lambs made up to €260 while stag ewes topped out at €285. The next sheep sale takes place at Wednesday, November 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 marteye.ie.
Lambs, sample prices: 48.8kgs - €260 - €5.33 per kg, 55kgs - €177 - €3.22 per kg, 58kgs€177 - €3.05 per kg, 54kgs - €177 - €3.28 per kg, 51kgs- €176- €3.45 per kg, and 53.7kgs€176- €3.28
Martin Higgins (chairperson, Castlerea Mart) pictured presenting Daniel Higgins (Castlerea) with third prize for his Charolais weanling bull. Pictured left to right are Eddie Cronin, Martin Higgins, Daniel Higgins, and Martin Regan. Pic: Glynn’s Photography
Martin Regan (Progressive Genetics) pictured presenting Michael Brady with first prize for his Limousin bull. Pictured left to right are Eddie Cronin (Norbrook), Martin Regan, Michael Brady, and Martin Higgins. Pic: Glynn’s Photography
Castlerea Mart Manager amongst speakers at Teagasc National Beef Conference 2025
Teagasc is inviting all beef farmers to the National Beef Conference 2025, which takes place on Tuesday, November 18th in the Raheen Woods Hotel, Athenry, Co Galway.
This year’s theme is ‘Beef Farming 2025: Value, Profit and Renewal’, with a strong focus on producing high-value weanlings, managing farm profitability, and supporting generational renewal.
The event is free to attend and kicks off at 5 pm, with two action-packed sessions featuring expert speakers, farmer insights, and panel discussions.
Session I: High-Value Weanlings – From Breeding to the Market
The Chair for the first session is Keith Fahy, Teagasc Drystock Advisor & Host of Country Life on Galway Bay FM. The topics to be discussed and speakers are: Brendan Egan, Manager, Castlerea Mart – What the market wants and how to meet that demand
Prof David Kenny, Head of Animal & Bioscience, Teagasc Grange –Managing the suckler cow before and after calving for better fertility and performance
Dr Katie Quigley, Geneticist, Irish Cattle Breeding Federation – Understanding the myostatin gene and finding the right balance between muscling and calving ease
John Barry, Future Beef programme participant will share his approach to breeding weanlings in demand at home and for export
Thomas O’Connor, Beef finishing farmer from Co Kildare will discuss what he is looking for when buying cattle to finish on his farm
Following this, there will be refreshments and an opportunity to meet Teagasc advisers and industry stakeholders.
Session II: Beef 2025 and Beyond – Prices, Profits & Passing on the Farm
The Chair for the second session is Damien O’Reilly, former presenter of RTÉ Radio 1’s Countrywide. It will start at 7.15 pm. The topics to be discussed and speakers are: Rupert Claxton, Meat Director at GIRA – Global beef market trends, what’s
driving prices, and where the market is going
Trevor Boland, Beef Farmer & IFAC Accountant – Farm profits in 2025 and beyond: practical advice on tax planning and staying profitable
This will be followed by a panel discussion on Generational Renewal –tackling the challenges and solutions of succession on Irish beef farms. Panellists include:
Dr Emma Dillon, Teagasc National Farm Survey Economist
The evening wraps up by 8.45 pm. Experts from the following Teagasc programmes will be available on the night to answer your questions:
*Future Beef & DairyBeef500
*Teagasc Organic Team
*Signpost Programme
*Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme
As International Men’s Day falls on November
19th, the conference will also highlight farmer health and wellbeing.
There are information stands and free health checks with Croí, plus foot care advice and mental health supports. Local health initiatives like Healthy Galway and Taking Stock will also be present, offering resources and support.
The night will also mark the 6th anniversary of the Teagasc Beef Edge podcast, which recently passed 300 episodes and 300,000 listens. Find it on the Teagasc website or your preferred podcast platform.
Coping skills programme for women
‘Seeking Safety’ is a free coping skills programme for women affected by PTSD/trauma, and/or addiction. Learn new ways to cope safely with your own triggers, impulses and symptoms. Gain a more compassionate understanding of yourself, and ‘take back your power’ from the impacts of trauma and/or addiction. The programme is funded by the HSE and is being delivered in Castlerea, Boyle and Roscommon Town. For more information, please contact Lorraine in complete confidence on 094 96 21690, or at lcampbell@ rwn.ie.
Speaking ahead of the conference, Pearse Kelly, Head of Drystock at Teagasc, said: “We’ve designed this year’s conference to give farmers clear, practical information on how to add value, plan for profit, and prepare for the future. We’re delighted to have Rupert Claxton joining us to provide a global perspective on where the beef market is heading.”
Pat Clarke, Teagasc Galway Clare Regional Manager commented: “With the highest concentration of suckler beef farmers in the country based in this region, the topics of highvalue weanlings, breeding strategies, and market demands couldn’t be more relevant. There’s something in the programme for everyone, and we look forward to welcoming you on the night.”
Whether you’re looking to improve your breeding, planning for tax, or to start the conversation about passing on the farm – this free event will have something for everyone. All are welcome. Further details available via www. teagasc.ie/beefcon25
Community policing visits
A community policing event will be running locally next week, with the ‘mobile Garda Station’ set to call to the following areas:
On Tuesday, November 18th, the event will visit Ballyforan from 9 am to 12 pm, and Taughmaconnell from 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm.
On Wednesday, November 19th, the event will visit Ballyleague from 9 am to 12 pm, and Knockcroghery from 12.30 pm from 3.30 pm.
Crime prevention advice will be given on the day, and if people need any other advice in relation to Garda matters they are invited to come along. All welcome.
Night of ‘Beauty Tips and Skin Care’ in Ballaghaderreen
A night of Beauty Tips and Tricks and Skin care advice will be hosted by Ballaghaderreen Ladies Golf Committee on Friday, November 14th (from 8 pm) upstairs in Durkin’s Bar. Join Niamh (Niamh’s Beauty Quarters) and Amanda (Mayo Aesthetics) for an evening of skin care advice and treatments plus make-up demonstrations. Tickets from all local salons, Imelda Towey’s, Niamh’s Beauty Quarters, and Amanda. Raffle, spot prizes and free glass of Prosecco on the night!
Loughglynn Senior Citizens Annual Christmas Party
The Loughglynn Senior Citizens Annual Christmas Party will take place in Creaton’s Lounge in Loughglynn at 2 pm on Sunday, December 7th. The committee extends a warm welcome to all senior citizens to attend.
A hot meal will be served, followed by live music, dance, and entertainment.
Please leave your name with Katie in Creaton’s or Tina in the Village Inn if you can join for the party. Alternatively, you can contact Mamie on 087 7857285.
Self-care programme for those affected by drug/alcohol misuse
A self-care programme for men and women over 18 years old will be held in Roscommon Town on Fridays from 10 am to 1 pm – starting this Friday, November 14th This programme is aimed at people who are affected by their own or another person’s drug and/or alcohol use. Activities include cookery classes, art, pottery, exercise and much, much more.
For more information, or to register, call Maria on 087 1030493.
Special Healing Mass in Curraghboy
A Special Healing Mass for the Holy Souls will take place at Our Lady Star of the Sea Prayer Centre in Curraghboy (N37W704) at 8 pm on Friday, November 21st. The celebrant will be Fr John Walsh. Confessions will be available from 7 pm, and the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet will be recited at 7.30 pm. Fr John will bless Holy Water and all religious items before Mass. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Individual Blessings for Healing will take place after Mass. Refreshments will be available afterwards. All are most welcome to attend.
Table quiz in aid of RosFm
A table quiz in aid of RosFm Community Radio (94.6 FM and www.rosfm.ie) will be held in Foxe’s pub, Roscommon, at 8.30 pm on Friday, November 14th. A table of four costs €40, or €10 each. Your support would be greatly appreciated. RosFm is broadcast from 9 am to 7 pm, Monday to Friday.
Martin Higgins (chairperson, Castlerea Mart) pictured presenting Michael Cahill (Knockmurray, Castlerea) with second prize for his Charolais weanling bull on behalf of Kevin Henry (VS, Castlerea). Pictured left to right are Eddie Cronin (Norbrook), Martin Higgins, Michael Cahill, and Martin Regan. Pic: Glynn’s Photography
Successful Castlerea Croí Walk…
Committee member Breege Callaghan, Yvonne Ryan, Senator Gareth Scahill, Susan Gaynor and the TY students, organisers of the Castlerea Croí Walk, pictured at the Trinity Arts Centre.
Committee member Breege Callaghan, Yvonne Ryan, Senator Gareth Scahill, Susan Gaynor and members of the Civil Defence pictured at the Castlerea Croí Walk at the Trinity Arts Centre.
Susan Gaynor, Declan Flanagan and Lisa Pearson (Croí fundraising administrator) pictured after the recent Castlerea Croí Walk.
Participants who took part in the recent Castlerea Croí Walk at the Trinity Arts Centre. Photos: Michael Finan
Susan Gaynor, Senator Gareth Scahill, Lisa Pearson (Croí fundraising administrator), Deputy Martin Daly, 2025 Castlerea Rose winner Saoirse Webb, Nial Tully, Breege Callaghan and Yvonne Ryan pictured at the Castlerea Croí Walk at the Trinity Arts Centre.
FINAL OFFERS THIS FRIDAY 14TH NOVEMBER 2025
APPROX 63.42 ACRES OF LANDS TOGETHER WITH 2 NO 2 B/R SEMI DETACHED RESIDENCES STANDING THERE ON LOCATED AT BALLYGAR CO GALWAY
OFFERS IN EXCESS OF €375,000 INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY NEW TO THE MARKET 3 NO. 1 BED APARTMENTS TOGETHER WITH OFFICE SPACE ROSSMORE HOUSE, LANESBORO, CO. LONGFORD
SET OUT IN LOTS
LOT 1 - 39.41 acres approx. roadside lands and boglandsKILCOOSH, BALLYGAR, CO. GALWAY – comprised on Folio GY5846 PRICE GUIDE €150,000
LOT 2 – 10.35 acres of roadside lands - LISAVRUGGY, BALLYGAR, CO. GALWAY – comprised on Folio GY50935 PRICE GUIDE €40,000
LOT 3 – 7.72 acres of roadside lands together with 2 no 2 b/r semi detached residences standing thereon BER E1 – LISAVRUGGY, BALLYGAR, CO. GALWAY H53 YT67 – comprised on Folios GY50935
* Note: can be sold independently should market interest dictate PRICE GUIDE €160,00
LOT 4 – 3.45 acres of roadside bog located at LISVRUGGY, BALLYGAR, CO. GALWAY – comprised on Folio GY50935PRICE GUIDE €2,000
LOT 5 – 2.49 acres approx of roadside lands located at DORANSTOWN, BALLYGAR, CO. GALWAY – comprised on Folio GY50935 PRICE GUIDE: €40,000
Final offers invited for approx. 63 acres of lands with two residences
Cathal Meares of Sheehy Meares is now taking final offer for 63.42 acres of lands and boglands, together with two two-bedroomed, semi-detached residences, located at Ballygar, Co Galway. Final offers by this Friday.
The property has been set out in the following lots.
Lot 1 comprises approximately 39.41 acres of roadside lands and boglands at Kilcoosh, Ballygar, Co Galway, comprised in folio GY5846. The price guide is €150,000.
Lot 2 comprises 10.35
acres of roadside lands at Lisavruggy, Ballygar, Co Galway, comprised on folio GY50935. The price guide is €40,000.
Lot 3 comprises 7.72 acres of roadside lands, together with two two-bedroomed, semi-detached residences standing thereon at Lisavruggy, Ballygar, Co Galway (H53YT67), comprised in folios GY50935. Please note they can be sold independently should market interest dictate. The price guide is €160,000.
Lot 4 comprises 3.45 acres of roadside boglands located at Lisvruggy, Ballygar,
Co Galway, comprised in folio GY50935. The price guide is €2,000.
Lot 5 comprises 2.49 acres of roadside lands located at Doranstown, Ballygar, Co Galway, comprised in folio GY50935. The price guide is €40,000. For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact Sheehy Meares Team Earley (Stonecourt, Roscommon) on 090 6626579, email info@ sheehymeares.ie, log onto sheehymeares.ie, or contact the auctioneer Cathal Meares directly at 086 1409158.
63.42 acres of lands and boglands, together with two two-bedroomed, semi-detached residences, located at Ballygar, Co Galway. Final offers by this Friday.
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Castlecole, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon
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Golf Links Road, Roscommon town F42YX65 (behind Curtain Centre) (Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed By Appointment Only –Dylan Byrne DIP CHFP Tel: 089 2551716 or Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP Tel: 087 2982214
in Roscommon, Castlerea & Boyle For appointment phone: 086 8630008 E.: itabetts@gmail.com
Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for non-publication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any
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DILLON Gerry
Dublin, late of Churchboro Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon.
Who died 14th August, 2025
The family of the late Gerry Dillon would like to express their thanks to all that sympathised with them, telephoned, sent Mass Cards, messages of condolences, letters of sympathy, and all who travelled to Dublin. Thanks to those who called to his house, attended his Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial, we will be forever grateful.
A Remembrance Mass for Gerry will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Saturday 22nd November at 11 o’clock.
THANKSGIVINGS
PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN
O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days.
THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. M.C.
FARRELL
Thomas (Tommy)
Carrowkeel, Dysart 17th November 2022
(In loving memory — 3rd Anniversary)
Three years have passed since you went away, yet it feels like yesterday. Your love still leads us through each passing day, and never fades away. We feel you near in all we do, Your spirit lights our way. Forever missed, forever loved, In our hearts you’ll always stay.
Sadly, missed by his loving wife Kathleen and family.
DOYLE
Clare
11 St. Ciaran’s Park, Roscommon Town.
In loving memory of my dear Mother who died on the 22nd November 1965
R.I.P.
Time can never take away the memories we have, you may be unseen and unheard, but you are always in my heart where I hold you tight, always.
You were such a good mother and always did what you could for me, you can only have one mother to cherish, I was lucky to have you as mine.
I love you always Mum. Sadly missed always by your loving daughter Bridie, grandson James, daughter-in-law Joanne and grandchildren and great granddaughter Sophie Antonio.
Anniversary Mass for Clare in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Friday, 21st November at 11am.
Mam, I have always loved you.
MULLIGAN
Tommy
Curraghreevagh, Creggs. Died 12th November 2017. (8th Anniversary)
No farewell words were ever spoken
No time to say goodbye
You were gone before we knew it
And only God can tell us why. It broke our hearts to lose you
But you did not go alone For part of us went with you The day God called you Home.
Lovingly remembered by his parents, Tommy Joe and Mary; sisters Elizabeth and Maria, brother-in-law Joe, niece Dayna, nephews Dylan and Patrick.
Anniversary Mass in Kilbegnet Church on Sunday 16th November at 11.30 am.
HANLEY
Mary
9 St. Coman’s Park, Co. Roscommon (11th Anniversary)
Those special memories of you will always bring a smile, if only we could have you back for just a little while. Then we could sit and talk again just like we used to do.
You always meant so very much and always will do too.
The fact that you’re no longer here will always cause us pain, but you’re forever in our hearts until we meet again.
With love from Sonny, Dorothy, Paula, John, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Anniversary Mass in The Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday 15th November at 10 am.
FALLON G erry
Carranure, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon Who died on 9th November, 2024 (1st Anniversary)
Bernie, together with her son Niall; daughters Lorraine and Emma; daughter-in-law Emily; son-in-law Ollie; Emma’s partner Declan; grand daughters Sienna, Ellie and Lyla; brothers Davy, Noel, Dennis and Christy; sisters Betty, Annie, Rita, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces and nephews wish to express their heartfelt thanks to all who offered support following the sad and untimely passing of their beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother and uncle.
Thanks to members of An Garda Siochana, Ambulance Service, Doctors and Parish Priest Fr. Ray Milton for their compassion and professionalism on the morming of Gerry’s passing. Thanks to Niall and Emily (Gerry’s son and daughter-in-law) who worked on Gerry before the ambulance arrived.
A special word of thanks to our extended family, neighbours in Carranure and Ardmullen, those who visited our home, travelled long distances to be with us, brought food and shared warm stories of Gerry. We would like to express our gratitude to all who got in contact by telephone, sent Mass Cards, floral tributes and left messages of sympathy online.
Sincere thanks to Pat, Gillian and John Smyth, Funeral Directors for their professionalism, sensitivity and attention to detail in managing the Funeral arrangements and to the gravediggers who prepared Gerry’s resting place in St. John’s Cemetery.
Special thanks to the pupils and teachers of Glanduff National School who formed a Guard of Honour as the cortege passed on its way to the Church. His grand daughters Ellie and Lyla are pupils of the school. Thanks to Mary Larkin who recited the Rosary with the family and our neighbours.
The family are especially grateful to Fr. Michael McManus, Parish Priest, Kiltoom, for Celebrating the Funeral Mass; Aileen O’Connor and choir for the beautiful hymns and music which enriched the Ceremony.
A special thank you to Mrs. Phil Feeley and Brian Cunniffe for the lovely tributes paid to Gerry in the local papers. Finally, thanks to Paddy McCaul and staff of The Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone for their beautiful meal after the burial.
As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our sincere gratitude and deepest appreciation.
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions at Knock Shrine.
Gerry’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Friday 14th November, 2025 in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow at 7 pm
CARR
Thomas, Mary & Michael
Mote Park, Roscommon
Remembering our parents Thomas and Mary and our brother Michael on their anniversary. Words and times we can no longer share, but in our hearts you are always there. Remembered by your loving family.
Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Monday 17th November at 7pm.
LEYDEN Jimmy
Quarry View, Ballybride, Roscommon Town Died 30th September, 2025.
We, Jimmy’s family, wish to express our gratitude to all who supported us during our loss of our beloved Jimmy. We wish to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Portiuncula Hospital, Galway University Hospital and St. Vincents Hospital, for their excellent treatment and care to Jimmy over the past few years. We would like to sincerely thank Roscommon Hospice for their outstanding care, kindness and devotion to Jimmy during the final hours of his life.
Thank you to Smyth’s Funeral Directors for their professionalism, compassion and exceptional quality of service.
Thanks to Fr. Joe Fitzgerald for the lovely funeral and to Fred Mulryan for the wonderful singing during the mass. Thank you to our local community and everyone in Quarry View for the lovely guard of honour, and for all the support shown to our family. We are so grateful for your kindness, company and generosity.
To all those who sympathised with us, sent cards, messages, and shared lovely stories of Jimmy, we thank you. All of your support has meant so much to us.
In loving memory of Jimmy Leyden. A beloved husband and father, a true Roscommon native, a gifted stonemason and a friend to all - A man whose warmth, laughter and love for family will never be forgotten.
Month’s Mind Mass for Jimmy Leyden will take place on Saturday November 15th at 7pm in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon Town
EARLEY
Patrick (Paddy) and Kathleen
Donamon, Co. Roscommon
Who passed away on 28/10/2022 (3rd Anniversary)
Who passed away on 23/12/2022 (3rd Anniversary)
It’s lonely here without ye, we miss ye more each day, for life is not the same to us since ye were called away. To your resting place we visit, put flowers there with care, but no one knows our heartache, when we turn and leave ye there.
Forever in our hearts Mary, Brian, Patricia and Martin.
Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Clooneycolgan Church on Sunday, 16th November at 9.30am.
Michael (35th Anniversary)
Thomas (23rd Anniversary) Mary (6th Anniversary)
FAHEY (née Sampey ) ANNA
Ross, Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly and formerly of Buckhill, Fairymount, Castlerea, Co Roscommon 16th November, 2024 (1st Anniversary)
The Fahey and Sampey families wish to express our grateful appreciation and heartfelt thanks to everyone for the love, kindness and support shown to us during this time of immense sadness.
Thank you to all those who attended the arrival of Anna’s funeral in the Church of the Assumption, Tullamore, Requiem Mass and Burial, and all those who travelled long distances to be with us. Thank you to everyone who sent messages, mass cards, letters of sympathy and messages of condolences on line.
Sincere thanks to Fr Celsus Tierney PP, Holycross, Fr Michael Whittaker PP Rahan, Fr Joe Campbell, Tullamore, Fr Condron PP, Tyrrellspass and Fr Michael Donnelly PP, Fairymount for a very special Funeral Mass. Thank you to the nurses and doctors in the Blackrock clinic who took such good care of Anna during her brief illness.
As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere and heartfelt appreciation
Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there, I do not sleep
I am the thousand winds that blow I am the diamond glints on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night
Do not stand at my grave and cry I am not here. I did not die.
Always loved and sadly missed by your loving husband Frank, children Aisling, Maeve, Patrick and John; sisters Liz, Imelda and Una; brothers Michael, Declan and Aidan; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and many friends.
SOMERS
Sr. Nora (PBVM)
Lusaka Zambia, Hollygrove, Athleague, Co. Galway (5th Anniversary) Pray for Sr. Nora who died on November 15th 2020
Oh, you, whom I have loved so much on Earth pray for me, and live in such a manner that we may be re-united forever in Blessed Eternity. (St. Boneventure)
Loved and remembered in prayer, especially at Holy Mass by Somers - Geraghty family.
Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague on Saturday, 22nd November at 7 pm.
FINNERAN
Eileen Roxboro, Roscommon. (8th Anniversary)
In loving memory of Eileen who passed away on 16th November 2017
R.I.P.
A gentle reminder that we’re never far apart, My spirit will live on forever there within your heart. And when you see a butterfly, here to brighten your day, remember that I’m here with you, and there I’ll always stay.
Always loved and remembered by her family and friends.
Anniversary Mass will be held in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Derrane on Saturday, 15th November at 7pm.
KILROE
Jack and Mary J.
Curragh, Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon 71st and 20th Anniversaries and all the deceased members of the Kilroe family
Always remembered and sadly missed by all the family.
Anniversary Mass will be held in Castlecoote Church, on Friday 14th November at 7pm.
OWENS
Thomas (Tommy)
Ballybride, Roscommon (6th Anniversary)
In loving memory of Tommy who passed away on 16th November 2019
A day that’s filled with sadness, returns to us today, to mark the day you left us, and gently slipped away.
Always remembered by Theresa and family.
Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon at 10am on Friday, 14th November 2025.
In loving memory of Sharon who passed away on the 15th November 2018.
I often sit and think about the years that have passed by and of the happiness and joy shared by you and I.
I think of all the laughter, the smiles and all the fun and before I even know it my tears have once again begun. For, although it brings me comfort to walk down memory lane. It reminds me how without you life has never been the same
Missed, loved and remembered every day by all her family.
A Mass will be offered in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 15th November at 10am.
HICKEY
Patrick (Patsy) and Pauline Cloonara, Roscommon (9th & 3rd Anniversary)
In loving memory of Patsy who passed away on 21st November 2016 & Pauline who passed away on 9th November 2022.
Our thoughts are ever with you though you have passed away, and those who have loved you dearly, are thinking of you today.
Always remembered by Colm, Maeve & Ciaran and families; brother and sister-in-law – Noel & Sally; the Cahill and Hickey families .
Anniversary Mass will be held in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Derrane at 7.00 pm on 15th November 2025. All will be remembered in our prayers
MULRENNAN
John Joe and Anna Cloonakilla, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon (6th Anniversaries)
Who died on November 5th and November 19th, 2019. R.I.P.
, LANNON (née Somers)
Frankie Racecourse Road, Roscommon (2nd Anniversary) Predeceased by her loving husband Frank.
Always a smile instead of a frown. Always a hand when one was down. Always true, thoughtful and kind. Wonderful memories you left behind. Sadly missed by sons Michael, Frank, daughter Mary and extended family members and friends.
Anniversary Mass will be offered on Saturday 15th November at 10 am in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon. May her gentle Soul rest in peace.
GALVIN Mary Cloonloughlin, Mount Talbot, Co. Roscommon (5th Anniversary)
In loving memory of Mary, who died on 12th November 2020
R. I. P.
A special day, another year a loving thought, a silent tear, a little prayer to keep in touch with someone loved and missed so much.
Loved forever and sadly missed by Marie, Shay, Sean, Noel and families.
Anniversary Mass in The Church of the Good Shepherd, Tisrara on Sunday, 16th November 2025 at 11 am.
Though time has gently carried on and six long years have flown, the love you shared, the joy you gave, still warmly lingers on.
Your voices echo in our hearts, your laughter lights our way, and in the quiet moments, still, we feel you near each day.
Loved and remembered always, your memory ever dear –Anna and John Joe, in our hearts, you are with us, year by year.
Forever remembered by your loving family.
Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in memory of Anna and John Joe on Sunday, November 16th in Sts. Eithne & Fidelma Church, Tulsk at 11.30am.
FAMILY NOTICES APPOINTMENTS
AINSLEY
Malcom and Bridget
Elphin, Co. Roscommon (8th and 16th Anniversaries)
Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Elphin on Sunday 16th November at 11:30am.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
I, Gerard O’Loughlin, am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the following :
(i) Construct 4 no. semidetached single storey two bedroom bungalows
(ii) 6 no. car parking spaces
(iii) Alterations to existing site boundaries, landscaping, connection to services and all associated ancillary site development works at Ardsallagh Beg, Roscommon Co. Roscommon.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed:
United F.C. intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct Astro football pitch with associated fencing and lighting at Faltia Td., Oldtown, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
Signed: Agent: Brendan McGettigan & Associates Ltd., 9 Belhavel, Golden Island, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. T: 0906478744
TARPEY
Lilly Scrine, Rahara (18th Anniversary)
A quiet thought, a silent prayer for someone special in God’s care. Forever in my thoughts, your loving friend Teresa. Mass offered.
PLANNING NOTICES
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
Gortanabla, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon. I hereby apply to the above authority on behalf of Maura Lyons for planning permission to construct a fully serviced private dwelling house with waste water treatment system and private garage / fuel shed to include all associated site works at the above location.
The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
We, Tomás & Patsy Donegan, are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to refurbish existing house to include demolition of front bay window, alterations to elevations, to construct new rear extension, to install upgraded treatment system and percolation area, and carry out all ancillary site development works at Aghmagree, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon F42T658. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed:
We, Conlon Consulting Engineering Ltd, on behalf of Eugene Broderick, intend to apply for permission (retention permission) for development at this site: Grove, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon
The development will consist of: Permission for Retention and completion of development.
This permission concerns the retention of the as constructed dwelling house, including:
A) Revised elevation from those granted under PD 03/644 & PD01/952.
B) Alteration to overall height of structure.
C) Revised fenestration.
D) As constructed Extension to west side of property.
The
Signed: Conlon Consulting Engineering Ltd (Agent) on Behalf of Eugene Broderick
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
Aras an Chontae, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon
Site Notice of Submission of a Natura Impact Statement (N.I.S)
Name of Applicant:Pat Donoghue.
Address of Development: Monksland, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.
Ref Number of the Application:- 24 60605. The Development applied for consists of:Demolish Outbuilding formerly serving a Dwelling which had previously been Demolished & Construct 99 No Dwelling Units and a Creche Facility. The Development will consist of 6 No 2 Storey x 2 Bed Units (2 Blocks x 3No Units), 2No x 2Bed Apartments over a Creche Facility, 36No
2 Storey x 3 Bed Semidetached Units, 34No
2 Storey x 4Bed Semidetached Units, 21No 2 Storey x 4Bed Detached Units. The Development will also include a Foul Sewerage Pumping Station, Surfacewater Attenuation Tanks and all necessary Ancillary Siteworks and Services at Monksland, Athlone.
A Natura Impact Statement (N.I.S) has been furnished to the Planning Authority in respect of this Proposed Development in accordance with Article 240 , and is available for inspection or Purchase at the Offices of the Authority during its Public Opening Hours The Natura Impact Statement (NIS) is available for inspection or Purchase at a Fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the Offices of the Planning Authority during its opening Office Hours.A Submission or Observation in relation to the Natura Impact Statement (NIS), may be made in writing to the Planning Authority within the statutory Time Limit. A submission or observation must be accompanied by the prescribed fee of €20, except in the case of a person or body who has already made a submission or observation.
Signed: Signed on behalf of Applicant by the Agent:-
St, Roscommon Town
I, Matthew Colum, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct a new 2 bay double slatted/ dry bedded shed with all associated site works at Cloonrabrackan Td, Strokestown, Co Roscommon.
The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
Signed: Matthew Colum, Cloonrabrackan, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
I, Tommy Ward, intend to apply for Permission for the following; (a) demolition works to an existing dwelling house including demolition of a front porch annex (b) demolition of an existing derelict shed (c) internal renovations and elevational changes to the existing dwelling house together with the construction of single storey extensions to the front, rear and side elevations of the existing dwelling house (d) installation of a new sewerage treatment system and percolation area (e) revised site boundaries (f) along with connections to all site services and all other associated site works. At: Tully Townland, Kilglass, Co. Roscommon.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the 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.
< PART-TIME BAR STAFF REQUIRED for pub in Roscommon town. Must be available for weekend work. Experience desirable. Apply with CV to doorly196@ gmail.com
< KIND RELIABLE CHILDMINDER REQUIRED in Athleague. Experience, initiative and enjoyment of childcare essential. Approx 30 hours over four days. Please send details of experience and why you want the role. Apply to PO Box no. 3127, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon.
THANKSGIVINGS
PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN
O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days.
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BROTHERS OF CHARITY SERVICES IRELAND –WEST REGION
PROVIDING SERVICES TO PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
We wish to invite applications for the following post in: The Quality Enhancement and Development Department Job Ref: 88517
TEMPORARY FULL-TIME ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT
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Duration of Contract: Fixed Term x 2 years
Office Location: Roscommon Town area
To view the full job description and to make an application on-line, please log onto the Brothers of Charity Careers Portal at https://www.rezoomo.com/company/brothers-of-charity-services-ireland/ Informal enquiries to: Anja Hanley, Quality Enhancement, Development & Learning Officer on 087 4311950
The closing date for receipt of all applications/CV on-line is 5pm, Thursday, 20th November 2025.
Interviews will take place the week of 8th December.
The Brothers of Charity Services Ireland is an equal opportunities employer
Vacancy for Senior Accountant
Noel Carr & Co.
Chartered Accountants, Castle Street, Roscommon.
Position: Senior Accountant
Main Duties will include
• Dealing directly with Clients
• Preparation and completion of Annual Accounts and related Tax Assignments
• Preparing Personal and Corporation Tax Returns and ensuring compliance
• Prepare and file VAT returns and ensure full compliance with Irish tax and accounting regulations.
Qualifications and Skills
• Fully Qualified Accountant with at least 2 years’ experience in practice
• Strong accounts preparation skills
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• This is a full-time, in-office role and the successful individual will work as part of a collaborative and supportive team.
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• Our office hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Email CV
WAREHOUSE SUPERVISOR – Full Time (Roscommon)
Image Furnishings, a high-growth wholesale furniture company supplying retail partners across Ireland and beyond, is seeking an experienced Warehouse Supervisor to join our team in Roscommon.
This hands-on leadership role is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day running of the warehouse — including goods receipt, storage, dispatch, and inventory control — ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and safety at every stage.
The successful candidate will:
• Lead and motivate warehouse staff to achieve performance targets
• Maintain stock accuracy through effective use of Warehouse Management Systems
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and quality standards
• Support process improvements and contribute to continuous operational excellence
• Adapt quickly within a fast-paced, changing environment
Requirements:
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• Minimum 2 years in a supervisory or team leadership role
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• This is a full-time, permanent role offering long-term career growth with a progressive, expanding company.
Apply in confidence to: michelle@imagefurnishings.com
Fairyhouse rescheduled after ‘rain break’
Horses for Courses
Racing this afternoon (Thursday) is at Punchestown, with a national hunt card starting at 11.55 pm featuring the Red Mills EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle. Tomorrow evening, there is a flat card on the all-weather in Dundalk at 5.30 pm.
Saturday afternoon sees day one of a two-day festival meeting at Navan, featuring the Lismullen Hurdle and the Fortria Chase, both Grade 2 races, starting at 11.50 pm. Sunday’s card features the Troytown Handicap Chase and the Monksfield Novice Hurdle, both Grade 3 races, away at 11.47 pm.
Coverage on TV starts tomorrow with four races from Cheltenham, featuring two Grade 2 races, the Shloer Chase, and the Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle, on ITV 4. On Saturday, there are four
BUCCANEERS
more races from Cheltenham, featuring the Grade 2 Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial, and two from Wetherby on ITV and Virgin Media 1. On Sunday, coverage includes five from Cheltenham and one from Fontwell on ITV, and RTE 1 is covering racing at Navan from 1.10 pm.
On Tuesday, racing at Fairyhouse was postponed because of a waterlogged course following torrential rain and the meeting has been rescheduled for November 21st. This is a hugely different problem to that at Taunton who have had to abandon today’s meeting because the track is unsuitable for racing due to firm ground.
Navan preview
On Saturday, eight runners will contest the Lismullen Hurdle and nine the Fortria
Chase, both Grade 2 contests. Gordon Elliott trains three in the Lismullen, including favourite The Yellow Clay at 5/4.
In the Fortria, Barry Connell’s Marine Nationale makes his seasonal debut and is trading at 6/4 with Captain Guinness 7/2 and Dinoblue 4/1. Soft ground will not suit the favourite and there is an outsider that could be e/w value, Gordon Elliott’s Firefox, who will go on the soft at 10/1.
On Sunday, there are ten entered in the Monksfield with Elliott’s leading the market at 13/8, 4/1 bar.
Henry de Bromhead’s Walks In June has done all that has been asked of him since his lay-off and could give the favourite all to do at 4/1. There are 29 in the Troytown, and as usual it is an open race with the layers going 6/1 the field.
by Tom Red
Racing news
The Willie Mullins yard has received a major blow for the season, with the injury to star hurdler State Man. The 8-Y-O, who has won twelve Grade 1 races, including the 2024 Cheltenham Champion Hurdle, has suffered a tendon injury on the gallops and will not run this season. He was set to reappear in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown Saturday week, which Barry Connell’s William Munny will also miss having suffered a minor setback in training.
Former leading lady rider Rachael Blackmore is an ambassador to the Cheltenham Festival as Head of Ladies Day, as the committee aim to attract more female racegoers. Ladies Day is being reintroduced on Wednesday, March 11th, and was last held in 2019.
Jamie Melham, only the second female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup (on Half Yours on November 4th), has been banned for 30 meetings for a riding incident on the Flemington card two races later. Melham pleaded guilty to a careless riding on Fancify in the Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes when her mount moved off the rails causing She’s Got Pizzazz to stumble and inflict serious leg injuries to her jockey Blake
Buccs take on Skerries
Buccaneers travel to Holmpatrick on Saturday afternoon to take on Skerries in the sixth round of the Energia All-Ireland League. This Division 2B game has a 2.30 pm kick-off.
The north Dublin club sit in mid-table and will be boosted by an away victory at Malone last time out. Meanwhile, Buccs, after improving game by game, will wish to banish thoughts of the off-colour display they produced when losing at home to Navan.
U-20s: Our U-20s put in a Jekyll and Hydetype performance when going down 38-29 to Wanderers in their JP Fanagan Leinster Premier League game played at Merrion Road, Dublin last Sunday.
The teams shared eight tries, with the homesters helped considerably by a litany of errors from the visitors. The Pirates will certainly reflect on this as a lost opportunity to acquire five points on a fine afternoon.
Basic errors which kept Wanderers in the hunt must be eliminated ahead of the visit of Section
A leaders Queen’s University on Sunday next. That JP Fanagan Premier League 2 fixture takes place at Dubarry Park, when the action gets underway at 2.30 pm.
After three convincing victories, the Students’ winning run came to an end last weekend when Naas held them to a draw at Forenaughts. This will be an acid test for the Pirates as they are likely to be missing a number of key players who will surely be involved in the senior game away to Skerries.
WOMEN’S TEAM: The team travel to Loughrea on Sunday where they face combination side South-east Galway Warriors in the Connacht League. Kick-off is 1 pm.
GRAND DRAW: All teams should have received their ‘Your Club Your Country’ Grand Draw tickets by now. There is a super array of
prizes on offer. All on offer for only €10! The draw takes place on November 28th.
ON IRELAND CALL: Three Buccaneers players were on Ireland duty last Saturday with Robbie Henshaw contributing to the senior squad’s 41-10 victory over Japan.
Later that evening Darragh Murray and Paul Boyle were part of the Ireland A team that defeated Spain 61-24. Both players scored a try, bookending the first-half action. Congratulations guys!
U-15s: Buccaneers U-15 Black squad travelled to Corinthians on Sunday and came away with a 57-10 Connacht League win.
Prominent for the Athlone side were Rob Connors and Oisin Daly in the backs and Owen Murphy and Jordan Murray in the forwards. Scorers were O Muphy (2), O Daly, F Kelly, R Connors (2), J Murray, T Rohan and G Girdon. C Kelly landed six conversions.
Coffee Mornings raise €4.5m for local Hospice
Buccaneers RFC Administrator Geraldine Kenny hosted not one but two Coffee Mornings recently in The Bounty in aid of the South Westmeath Hospice.
Such was the turnout and generosity that the significant sum of €4,520 was raised for this most worthy local charity. Sincere gratitude is extended to Geraldine for her endeavour.
At a pleasant, informal function in The Bounty, Syra Reid accepted a cheque on behalf of South Westmeath Hospice and was most grateful to receive such a large donation.
Meanwhile, Geraldine thanked all her volunteers and helpers, including Stella Devine and Mary Kilcline, and extended thanks to Ireland rugby international Anna McGann and Councillor Frank Keena who helped raise the profile of the two Coffee Mornings. She also acknowledged the support of Tom Silke and the staff at The Bounty for their assistance in hosting them.
Shinn who was taken to hospital after. Stewards took into account Melham’s guilty plea and good record, along with the Group 3 status of the race in deciding the penalty. The ups and downs of horseracing!
Roscommon AC athletes impress
Participants, coaches and supporters were greeted by blue skies, sunshine, and perfect XC conditions at Ballinrobe Racecourse last Sunday morning for the Connacht Uneven Ages Cross-Country Championships.
Jack Kelly, Roscommon AC, finished in 9th position overall, out of a strong field of 116 competitors in the U-11 Boys 1500m race, securing qualification for the National Championships in Abbotstown on December 7th This was a brilliant achievement for this young runner. The U-15 Girls from Roscommon AC took on the 3500m course with Juliette Fallon running superbly to finish 5th overall, also earning her spot at the Nationals in Abbotstown next month. Sarah Kelly narrowly missed qualification this time, placing 13th after a strong performance. Both Juliette and Sarah gained National Qualification in the U-16 competition at a challenging Enniscrone course two weeks ago, and are Derry-bound on November 23rd for the National Even Ages Cross-Country Championships.
National Schools Combined Events
Congratulations to Emily Clyne (Reeside AC) and Emily Gately and Muireann Mulry (both Roscommon AC) who competed in the Schools Combined Events Competition on Saturday last in TUS Athlone. All three girls were representing their school, Mercy College Roscommon.
Barry Connell’s Marine Nationale has Saturday’s Fortria Chase in sight.
Jack Kelly, Roscommon AC U-11 Boys.
Juliette Fallon, Roscommon AC U-15 Girls.
Syra Reid accepts the cheque – proceeds of two Coffee Mornings at Buccaneers RFC which were organised by Geraldine Kenny – on behalf of South Westmeath Hospice. Also in photo are Eoin Reid (President, Buccaneers RFC), Mary Kilcline, Stella Devine and Tom Silke (of The Bounty).
Creggs RFC Report
THE GAIN LINE
Ballina prevail in Cawley Cup final
Creggs RFC faced old rivals Ballina RFC in the Cawley Cup final at Glenina (Galwegians’ home ground) last Saturday afternoon.
Ballina got off to a great start with a try by hooker Billy McVann after just 60 seconds. Out-half Cian Anderson converted. Stunned by this early setback, Creggs responded with a well-worked try by out-half Shane Dowd after 12 minutes, a score which followed a period of sustained pressure. Mark Purcell converted to level the scores at 7-7.
The lively McVann scored a second try in the 19th minute following a lineout near the Creggs line. This was brilliantly converted from close to the touchline by Conor Connolly. A penalty from halfway by the surefooted Connolly extended Ballina’s lead to 10 points (17-7) by 60 minutes before Mark Purcell landed a penalty for Creggs to reduce the deficit to 17-10.
Another converted try by Ballina left Creggs with a mountain to climb but winger Mikey Dunne demonstrated serious pace to score a fine try, giving his team a lifeline. Mark Purcell’s conversion left seven points between the teams with just four minutes remaining but Ballina defended with determination to ensure that the Cawley Cup would be heading to Mayo.
After the game Mrs Cawley presented the cup to Ballina captain Luke Sweeney to rapturous applause from their large travelling support. Creggs had battled bravely to the end and finished strongly but they have little time for reflection as they must prepare for another difficult fixture away to St Mary’s RFC in Limerick this Saturday in an All-Ireland Junior Cup quarter-final.
J1B LEAGUE: Westport RFC 45 Creggs RFC 0. Creggs played Westport in perfect conditions at Westport RFC grounds at Carrowholly last Sunday.
Despite lacking a number of key players, Creggs performed admirably, testing Westport to the hilt for over 50 minutes, by which stage the home side led by a mere 5-0.
ln a closely contested opening half Westport hit the front after 22 minutes with a try following a series of strong drives by the home pack. They added a second try from no. 8 Cormac Lyons in the 53rd minute. Out-half Stephen Loftus took full advantage of a favourable bounce for Westport’s third try moments later before another forward move yielded a bonus point try for the Bulls. Loftus converted from the touchline and he then ran from halfway for an intercept try as the understrength Creggs team tired visibly, Westport adding a few tries in the closing stages.
Despite the final scoreline, Creggs played with great spirit until being overrun by the powerful Westport team in the final 20 minutes, with the introduction of veteran Kevin Corcoran a key factor in their storming finish.
WOMEN’S LEAGUE: Creggs women continued their recent good league form with
a victory over OLBC/Corinthians on Sunday in Creggs in round 4 of the Senior Women’s League.
Creggs’ first score actually came after they were reduced to 14 players (yellow card). On 14 minutes a loose pass in midfield was intercepted by Seren Griffiths who ran 50 metres to score under the posts. Eabha Dowd converted for a 7-0 lead.
Seren Griffiths received the ball out wide and touched down for another try shortly after. Eabha Dowd again converted for a 14-0 lead. On 27 minutes, Creggs again broke the defence and it was Griffiths who touched down in the corner to leave the half-time score at 19-0.
Creggs had the better of the territory in the second half, and their first score came from captain Susan O’Reilly, who dived in from close-range after excellent carries from Kelley Haugh and Sabina Egan. Creggs continued to attack and Eabha Dowd got in for a try with 15 minutes remaining, a score which she expertly converted to stretch the lead to 33-0 (the final score).
Congrats to Kate Coyle who made an impressive debut for the Creggs Senior women. MEN’S U-18.5 LEAGUE: Creggs U-18.5s travelled to Corinthians last Sunday for what turned out to be a thrilling, hard-fought encounter in perfect conditions.
Creggs got off to a dream start when Cian Fitzmaurice raced over the line for the opening try. Kaylum Curran added the extras, putting Creggs 7-0 up. Corinthians responded quickly with an unconverted try.
Both teams traded scores throughout, showcasing some great attacking rugby and determined defence. Tries from Cian Fitzmaurice (2), Luke Kilcommons and Cian Trimble kept Creggs in contention, with Kaylum Curran slotting three conversions.
In the closing ten minutes Corinthians capitalised on two turnovers deep in their own 22, breaking away for decisive scores. Despite a strong effort to the final whistle, Creggs were narrowly defeated on a 34-26 scoreline. This was a tough loss, but there were plenty of positives to take from the performance, teamwork, and determination shown by the team.
BOYS U-17 LEAGUE: Last Sunday Creggs RFC travelled to Ballinrobe RFC for round 2 of the league. Final score: Creggs 55 Ballinrobe 15. Well done to the team.
BOYS U-16 LEAGUE: Creggs RFC travelled to Galway last Sunday to take on Corinthians RFC, a fixture that always delivers a tough battle. This one was no different! Creggs won 17-12. This was a fantastic team performance. Congrats to the team.
U-15 BOYS: Creggs Boys U-15s welcomed Dunmore RFC on Sunday afternoon with perfect conditions for the game. Final score: Dunmore 26 Creggs 21.
U-14 BOYS: Creggs Boys U-14s travelled to Corinthians RFC on Sunday morning for round three of the league. They were up against a very strong Corinthians team who have won all their games in the league so far. The final score was 43-24 to Corinthians. This was a much-improved effort by the Creggs side. Their next league game is in a little under two weeks so it leaves time for more training to get this team bonding.
U-14 GIRLS: Creggs U-14 girls played Westport RFC in the league on Sunday on The Green in Creggs. Creggs battled hard throughout but Westport were winners. Training continues on Mondays at 7 pm.
U-13 BOYS: Creggs RFC 17 Carrick RFC 21. A fantastic Friday night game under lights took place at Creggs RFC between these two young sides. After going 17-0 behind, Carrick
didn’t give in and fought back with three late tries to edge it 21-17.
Huge credit to both teams for the entertainment, skill and effort shown and also the sportsmanship by all players. Even though a home draw for Carrick, the game was played in Creggs where Carrick RFC supplied great hospitality. Thanks also go to referee Micheál Glennon for excellent officiating.
MINI RUGBY: It was a busy morning last Saturday with Creggs U-10s and U-11s playing Sligo RFC in Creggs. Our U-12s, U-9s and U-8s travelled to Sligo for similar matches. Training continues on Saturday mornings at 10 am in Creggs.
LOTTO: Creggs RFC lotto jackpot was not won and now rises to €8100. The lucky dip winner was Gavin Tucker. Please join and support the running of the club teams.
Action from the Creggs v OLBC/Corinthians women’s game. Photo: Steve Fahey (@foxshots77)
The Creggs players lined up prior to last weekend’s Cawley Cup final. Photo: Steve Fahey (@foxshots77)
The Creggs U-15 Boys, who played Dunmore. Photo: Steve Fahey (@foxshots77)
Action from last weekend’s game between Creggs U-14 Girls and Westport U-14 Girls. Photo: Steve Fahey (@foxshots77)
SPORTS DESK
Paul Healy
Pep’s milestone, Andrews off to a great
start
I enjoyed last weekend’s soccer – at least until I realised that another of the dreaded ‘international breaks’ was upon us!
Far from being washed up, Mr ‘1000 games
in management’ has a… er, Pep in his step again. Pep Guardiola reached the 1000-gamesas-manager milestone in familiar style, his rejuvenated Manchester City team pretty much coasting to a 3-0 win over defending Premier League champions, Liverpool.
A true ambassador for ‘The Beautiful Game’, Pep has won 716 of those 1000 games – a stunning statistic. He’s won them in style too. Long may Pep continue to innovate, entertain, and generally grace the sport.
Also last weekend, Sunderland continued their remarkable form, stopping league leaders Arsenal in their tracks. A late equaliser secured a 2-2 draw for Sunderland. Arsenal still lead Manchester City by four points.
Spurs and an in-form Manchester United drew 2-2, three of those goals coming in the closing stages. Former Republic of Ireland international Keith Andrews maintained his very promising start as Brentford manager, his team defeating Newcastle 3-1. Andrews is confounding the doom merchants – and fair play to him. Meanwhile, Aston Villa are on an impressive run, their 4-0 win over Bournemouth taking
them into sixth place.
As for Leeds United, they were utterly uninspiring in a timid 3-1 loss to Nottingham Forest. On current form, Leeds are undoubtedly relegation ‘contenders’. That may change of course.
If it doesn’t, expect manager Daniel Farke to be out of work well before Christmas.
*Good luck to the Republic of Ireland in our World Cup qualifier against Portugal at the Aviva Stadium tonight (Thursday). Kick-off at 7.45 pm
Big GAA Weekend
There’s still life in the GAA year. St Brigid’s v Ballina is a mouth-watering prospect at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park in the Connacht Club Championship this Sunday.
Strokestown and St Croans’s (Roscommon’s intermediate and junior representatives respectively) are in action too. Wishing all three Roscommon clubs every success this weekend!
Stars that touched our hearts: Ilie Năstase
(An occasional series, in which we remember sports stars who moved us – irrespective of medals, titles or longevity)
I’ve always been drawn to the entertainers. Mavericks, even. Alex Higgins. George Best. Muhammad Ali. Seve Ballesteros. Jimmy White. Frank Worthington. René Higuita (the Columbian goalkeeper of Scorpion kick save fame). And a host of other footballers (I’ve read so much about him, it feels like I knew the splendidly eccentric Len Shackleton; I didn’t).
John McEnroe was captivating on the tennis circuit – part-magical shot-maker, part-human volcano – but even ‘SuperBrat’ couldn’t get my pulses racing in the way that Romanian entertainer par excellence Ilie Năstase did. McEnroe’s boorishness was a turn-off; Năstase’s charm was such that you tended to indulge his tantrums.
From the first time I saw him, I was a huge fan. Năstase (pictured) was a gifted tennis player – but one arguably got as much joy from the entertainment value he brought to the sport through his theatrics and those (occasional) tantrums. He was the clown prince of tennis. Oh he could play too. Năstase won two majors, and despite his
erratic behaviour he was world number one for a 40-week stretch.
Jimmy White once said of Alex Higgins that he was the only player other snooker players would covertly sneak into a venue to watch (i.e. joining the other spectators). That was the scale of Higgins’s early impact. I’m quite sure Năstase had the same effect on his fellow pros. He was wonderful to watch.
His antics? I loved them. A handful of his funny/ combative ‘moments’ are on YouTube. Eccentric, with a flamboyant playing style, he seemed to want to entertain as much as to win – shades there of Higgins’ philosophy, of Best’s too. But Năstase was temperamentally unpredictable, erratic in his behaviour, as prone to angry, abusive outbursts as he was to making spectators laugh and smile. Like McEnroe, he often argued vociferously with umpires. Năstase was known to stage sit-down protests on the court, even to walk off in dissent over officiating calls.
Still, humour was central to his histrionics. On one occasion he ‘borrowed’ a spectator’s dog, placed it on the baseline, and suggested that the pet could do a better job than the umpire.
At Wimbledon, when volunteers were dragging covers over the court to protect it from rain, Năstase joined in, and did a shift with them. Another time, he took an umbrella from a spectator and shaped
up to face his opponent’s serve while holding it above his head.
Of course memories of Năstase’s actual tennis skill should never be overshadowed by his clownlike conduct. He was supremely gifted, frequently mesmerising opponents and spectators with his brilliance. Here, he could be compared to golfing genius Ballesteros. Of course Năstase should have won more, but then that can be said of most eccentric geniuses. As it was, he won those two majors – the US Open in 1972, and the French Open the following year. Twice he was a finalist at Wimbledon. In all, he won 64 singles titles worldwide (and 45 in doubles). Not bad for the Court Clown.
A former member of the Romanian Senate, and now aged 79, Năstase lives in Bucharest. He has been married five times. One more, and it will be ‘six love’ (Mrs Năstase, I jest).
Controversial and chaotic he most certainly was. At one stage, the media labelled him ‘Mr Nasty’. He wasn’t without his flaws, and he most certainly misbehaved – and aggravated. But that’s also true of a million and more people who never gave us the joy this man did.
Năstase thrilled with his talent, and entertained like no other tennis player in history. He was one of sport’s greatest characters. Ilie Năstase, thank you for the memories.
St John’s and Moore setting Premier pace
SOCCER: The Norio’s Premier Division is very close as the halfway stage looms. It’s currently ‘as you were’ – with last season’s champions St John’s Athletic leading, and last season’s runners-up Moore United in second place. Both Boyle Celtic and Castlerea Celtic are still in contention as they have games in hand.
Leaders St John’s Athletic had a comfortable 5-1 win over Skyvalley Rovers at Onagh Park, Taughmaconnell on Friday night. Kevin Brennan, Tommy Hurley, Cian Kelly, Ronan Morris and Daire Keenan scored for the winners, with Brian Croffey replying for the losers.
High-flying Moore United had a 6-2 away win over Ballymoe FC, Charles Nevin scoring a hattrick.
Boyle Celtic beat Shiven Rovers 5-2 at Newbridge. Michael Corrigan gave Boyle a 1-0 lead but Rory Cunningham had the sides level by half-time. David Callaghan and Shane Battles both netted twice for Boyle in the second half.
Castlerea Celtic and Dunmore Town were involved in a real thriller. With the score level at 2-2, John Curran scored a late winner for Castlerea.
Division One
In Division One, leaders Ballinahown beat
Ballaghaderreen 4-0 at the League Grounds, Lecarrow.
Terry Byrne (2), Nemanja Bozic and Cathal Mannion scored the goals. Ballinahown are now seven points clear at the top.
Second-placed St John’s Athletic were beaten 1-0 by an improving Moylough side. James Fahy scored the only goal of the game to secure the points.
Cloonfad United boosted their hopes of
promotion with a 1-0 home win over Ballinasloe Town. Aidan Sloyan scored the winner shortly after the hour mark.
Division Two
Ballyboro welcomed Cloonfad United’s second side to Lanesboro. Ballyboro scored first, a cracking goal from Jordan Donlon who lobbed the ‘keeper in the 22nd minute. Jack Murray added two more. David Rooney added a fourth and Jack Murray completed his hat-trick before the break.
Vital Traynor Cup game for Roscommon
This Sunday sees the second round of games in this season’s Oscar Traynor Cup competition being played. The Roscommon & District League travel to Sligo where they play the Sligo/Leitrim League. The game will be played at McSharry Park, Sligo on Sunday, November 16th with a 2 pm kick-off time.
The Roscommon & District League is in a fourteam group with Galway League, Mayo League, and the Sligo/Leitrim League.
The Roscommon & District League have already played the Galway League in the 2026
competition. After going 2-0 ahead, Roscommon ran out of steam in the second half and eventually lost 5-2.
Roscommon faced a similar situation last season to the one they are now in. Back then, having lost away to Galway, they took on Sligo/Leitrim League needing a win to advance, but were held to a 0-0 draw.
Roscommon manager Robbie Shine will be hoping his charges can improve on that result this weekend. A Roscommon win is very much achievable.
Glen Celtic received a walkover against Rahara Rovers. Ballinagare FC beat Cam Celtic/Dysart 4-2 at Ballinagare, Aaron Dowd scoring a hat-trick. Roscommon United drew 1-1 at home to Moore B.
Mark Dwyer scored for the home side and Leo Greene equalised for Moore.
Carrick Town beat St Cuan’s/Ahascragh United 9-2 in Ahascragh. Roscommon United B beat Lough Harps 3-2 at Roscommon. Brian Bermingham gave the Ballinlough side a 1-0 lead, but Joao Pedro scored two and Robert Hughes one for the winners with Brian Bermingham adding his second in reply.
Women’s League
In the Women’s League, Ballaghaderreen continued their fine run of results with a hardearned 1-0 away win over Boyle Celtic. Kayla O’Reilly scored the only goal of the game after 15 minutes.
Shiven Rovers beat new side Roscommon United 6-1 at Newbridge. Katie Delaney scored five of their total with Ciara Crehan adding the sixth. The Castlerea Celtic v Carrick Town game was abandoned after a Carrick player was injured. Thankfully the injury was not as serious as first feared.
Attending the recent Connacht IHC quarter-final at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park between Four Roads (Roscommon) and Tooreen (Mayo) were Cian McGarvey, Senan Crosbie and Mikey Fallon.
Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
SportsPeople
Timely goals clinch title for Caltra
< SEAMUS DUKE
Connacht
The winning margin of nine points in the Connacht Club final in Kiltoom last Saturday was extremely unfair on Roscommon champions St Barry’s.
In fact for a lot of this decider the Tarmonbarry club were the better team. They had more possession, for a start. Unfortunately, St Barry’s missed a number of goal chances and also failed to convert some scorable frees. At the other end of the pitch, a couple of defensive lapses cost them dearly on the day.
On a perfect day for football, St Barry’s took the game to Caltra from the throw-in. The Hagan sisters, Erin, and Millie, Edel Beirne, Holly Rogers, Sarah McVeigh and Shannon McGuinness were all to the fore as the Roscommon side pinned Caltra back with powerful running and tigerish tackling.
The sides swopped points in the opening four minutes with Shannon McGuinness (St Barry’s) and Caragh Mullins on target. The first piece of bad luck to strike St Barry’s manifested in the 10th minute when Orlaigh Tighe’s pile-driver came back off the Caltra crossbar. However, they were still in the ascendancy, points from Edel Burke and McGuinness putting them two ahead by the 17th minute.
Despite St Barry’s dominating possession, it was clear that the Galway side would be dangerous in attack. With Saoirse Murray and Emma Reaney coming into the game as it progressed, they always looked a threat. Indeed Murray and Reaney pointed to level the scores by the 24th minute. A minute later, disaster struck for St Barry’s.
When a kickout went astray, Reaney pounced to blast the ball to the net for an opening goal for Caltra Cuans. Points from Murray (2) and Rosa Bleahene quickly extended their lead to five. Millie Hagan’s point in injury-time sent the teams in at the break with Caltra leading by 1-6 to 0-5.
It was hard to believe that St Barry’s were behind, because on the general balance of play they looked the better side. However, a couple of wides from ‘close-in’ frees and a number of other scoring efforts that were dropped short in that opening half would prove crucial.
Junior camogie titles for Pearses and Oran
The TMOB Contracts Ltd-sponsored Roscommon Junior Camogie Championship finals were held at Rockfield on Saturday, November 1st. In the Junior A Championship final, Pádraig Pearses were comfortable winners over Four Roads, a strong second-half showing propelling them to a 2-13 to 1-3 win. Meanwhile, Oran won the Roscommon Junior Camogie B Championship final. In a closely contested decider, they defeated Tulsk by 5-3 to 2-9.
St Barry’s started the second half well, Edel Beirne pointing in the 32nd minute. But Caltra were to deal another hammer blow to their opponents in the 38th minute. Reaney and Murray were once again involved before Ciara Murray finished the move with aplomb, scoring her team’s second goal to extend the lead to six. In fairness to St Barry’s, they battled away, but Caltra now had that six-point cushion, and were also able to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Pointed frees from McGuinness (2) reduced the margin to four with ten minutes to go, but St Barry’s needed a goal. It never looked like coming.
The Galway side finished strongest with ‘Player of the match’ Reaney on target in the 56th minute. Then in injury-time, after she had pointed a free, Ciara Murray scored her side’s third goal following another defensive lapse by St Barry’s.
After the match, some of the St Barry’s supporters were not best pleased with the performance of referee Gerard Canny, and while there were some questionable decisions during the match, in the final analysis those misses and the defensive mistakes essentially decided the outcome.
Caltra Cuans: Theresa Loughnane; Caoimhe McCabe, Nicole Conway, Helen Cullinane; Aisling Murray (0-1), Sarah Noone, Caoimhe Ni Cheallaigh; Ellen Bleahene, Aoibheann Fitzpatrick; Rosa Bleahene (0-1), Saoirse Murray (0-3), Caragh Mullins (0-1); Ciara Murray (2-1), Emma Reaney (1-2), Laura Naughton. Subs: Laura Noone for Mullins (37), Aoife Quinn for Mullins (44).
St Barry’s: Eimear Diffley; Erica Jordan, Rachel Frayne, Niamh Toolan; Erica Hagan, Holly Rogers, Denise Duffy; Georgia Gerrity, Sarah McVeigh; Orlaigh Tighe, Edel Beirne (0-2), Gaby Compton; Shannon McGuinness (0-5, 3 frees), Cara Cox (0-1), Millie Hagan (0-1). Subs: Oonagh Farrell for Toolan (28), Karen O’Boyle for Gerrity (33), Oonagh Farrell for Jordan (57), Grace Cox for Compton (59).
Referee: Gerard Canny (Mayo).
Player of the Match Emma Reaney (Caltra Cuans)
Cara Cox (pictured in action against Pádraig Pearses in the recent Roscommon county final)… scored 0-1 for St Barry’s in last weekend’s Connacht IFC final defeat to Caltra Cuans. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Pádraig Pearses… recently crowned Roscommon Junior A camogie champions. Oran… recently crowned Roscommon Junior Camogie B champions.
Róisín O’Sullivan (Pádraig Pearses) was awarded player of the match for her outstanding performance in the recent Roscommon Junior A Camogie final. Making the presentation is County Board Secretary Marion Conway.
Oran captain Amy Fitzmaurice accepted the trophy from County Chairperson Kieran Kenny after her team’s victory in the recent Roscommon Junior Camogie B final.
Oran’s Aoife Conneely was awarded player of the match for her performance in the recent Roscommon Junior Camogie B final. County Chairperson Kieran Kenny made the presentation.
Four Roads… runners-up in the recent Roscommon Junior A Camogie final.
High Noone for St Brigid’s
Led by Noone sisters, champions prove unstoppable
< DARREN KELLY IN CASTLEREA
Kilkerrin-Clonberne delivered a record equalling eighth consecutive AIB Connacht Senior Club Championship title in Castlerea on Sunday as three goals shared between the Noone sisters saw them run out comfortable winners. Player of the match Eva Noone got the first green flag on 12 minutes before setting up her sister Lynsey for a second goal nine minutes later. The latter
profited from a turnover to send the third into the net on the three-quarter mark.
This was St Brigid’s first provincial final appearance since 2012 and their efforts were better than the scoreline at full-time suggested. The Roscommon champions played two sweepers at the back to try to limit space but their opponents’ experience was the difference.
Kilkerrin-Clonberne raced into a 0-4 to 0-0 lead by the 7th minute with
Niamh Divilly, Louise Ward, Chloe Miskell and Eva Noone on target, all before Kate Nolan got St Brigid’s first from a 9th minute free.
However, the Galway champions gained a cushion when after another point, Eva Noone finished a four-player move, started by Chloe Costello’s interception, for the first goal. A Miskell point made it 1-6 to 0-1 on 13 minutes.
The teams shared the next six scores evenly with sisters Marian and Kate Nolan (2) contributing the St Brigid’s scores. But after points from the three Divillys (Niamh, Siobhán and Olivia), a rebound off the upright led to Eva passing across for Lynsey’s first goal.
Kilkerrin-Clonberne led 2-11 to 0-7 at half-time as Eva Noone and Miskell contributed for the winners. St Brigid’s goalkeeper Caoimhe O’Reilly also delivered two great saves but they finished positively through Kate and
Marian Nolan, and Ciara Walsh. Niall Mackey’s team needed a strong third quarter but the first three scores went against them thanks to Eva Noone, Miskell and Niamh Divilly. Claire Grehan, an All-Ireland junior winner with Roscommon in 2001, ended the St Brigid’s drought on 38 minutes.
Kate Nolan added a free on 44 minutes as the green and red trailed 2-16 to 0-9, with Eva and Lynsey Noone registering for Kilkerrin-Clonberne. The challengers wouldn’t score again.
After O’Reilly’s restart was won by Siobhán Divilly on 45 minutes, she fed Lynsey Noone who lobbed the ‘keeper for Kilkerrin-Clonberne’s third goal.
A 10th provincial crown was secure and the winners finished with three Eva Noone scores along with Olivia Divilly and Miskell points to set up an All-Ireland semi-final meeting with Waterford’s Comeragh Rangers.
Scorers – Kilkerrin-Clonberne: E Noone (1-8, 3f); L Noone 2-1; C Miskell (0-5, 0-1 pen); N Divilly 0-3; O Divilly 0-2; L Ward, S Divilly 0-1 each. St Brigid’s: K Nolan 0-5 (5f); M Nolan 0-2; C Grehan, C Walsh 0-1 each. Kilkerrin-Clonberne: L Murphy; L Finnegan, S Gormally, K Mee; C Costello, N Ward, N Divilly; L Ward, S Divilly; O Divilly, H Noone, Aisling Madden; E Noone, C Miskell, L Noone. Subs: E Hynes for Costello (45), A Shaughnessy for L Noone (50), S Fahy for Finnegan (50), C Boyle for S Divilly (55), Aoibhinn Madden for Mee (55). St Brigid’s: C O’Reilly; S Francis, K Sammon, A Minnock; A Lennon, A McGrath, S O’Hara; R Lennon, A Curran; C Grehan, M Nolan, C Walsh; A Nugent, K Nolan, S O’Rourke. Subs: L Sheffield for Walsh (46), J Hughes for Francis (50).
Referee: G Chapman (Sligo).
St Brigid’s (Roscommon) players line up prior to the start of last Sunday’s Connacht LGFA Senior Club final, played at O’Rourke Park, Castlerea. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Action from last Sunday’s Connacht LGFA Senior Club final in Castlerea. Abby Curran (St Brigid’s) protects possession from Niamh Divilly. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Eyes on the ball! Kilkerrin’s Chloe Miskell and St Brigid’s duo Sally O’Hara and Ciara Walsh track the ball during this phase of play in last Sunday’s Connacht LGFA Senior Club final. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
If St Croan’s bring their shooting boots, they can upset odds against Kiltimagh
Croan’s conquer Cloonacool
< SSEAMUS DUKE AT KING & MOFFATT DR HYDE PARK
St Croan’s had eight points to spare against Sligo champions Cloonacool at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park in this Connacht JFC quarter-final last Sunday. The Roscommon champions have to travel to face Mayo champions Kiltimagh in the provincial semifinal this weekend.
The margin of victory would suggest an easy passage for Vinny Egan’s men, but the truth is that they made hard work of it. There was just a point between the teams with 10 minutes to go, but a good finish by St Croan’s ensured that victory and spared their blushes. In perfect weather conditions, the opening half was very enjoyable. St Croan’s were the better team in the early stages and points from Eoin Collins (2) and an Aidan Brogan free saw them ahead by 0-3 to 0-1 after nine minutes, Hughie Marren on target for the Sligo side. Cloonacool drew level by the 15th minute, courtesy of points from Marren and Eoin Carty. Both sides were guilty of some poor shooting before the game came alive in the 20th minute. Cloonacool corner-forward Kevin Carnahan was upended in the large square and Hughie Marren dispatched the resultant penalty beyond Michael Holland. That score put the underdogs 1-3 to 0-3 ahead.
The response from St Croan’s before the break was excellent. Points from Eoin Collins, Adrian Collins and Kevin Lambert saw them draw level by the 25th minute. Then in the final minute of the half we saw the move of the game, initiated by Ger Connaughton, and finished with Freddie Kelly blasting to the Cloonacool net. Half-time score: St Croan’s 1-6 Cloonacool 1-3.
The third quarter saw the intensity levels dropping and both sides struggling to score. Aidan Brogan’s free extended the St Croan’s lead before points from Michael Clifford (2), and Hughie Marren
Connacht Club JFC semi-final: St Croan’s v Kiltimagh on Sunday in Ballyforan at 1.30 pm
< SEAMUS DUKE
After a less than convincing win against Sligo champions Cloonacool last weekend, St Croan’s face a stiff challenge against Mayo champions Kiltimagh in Ballyforan this Sunday, with a place in the provincial decider at stake.
Kiltimagh have a similar story to tell as St Croan’s do. The Mayo club were relegated from the intermediate ranks in 2024, but they’ve bounced back immediately, winning their junior championship with a convincing 1-17 to 0-7 victory over Eastern Gaels in the final.
GAA President Jarlath Burns opened their new pitch and related facilities just a couple of weeks ago, and the club –one of the oldest in Mayo – is on the crest of a wave and now hoping to advance in the Connacht Junior Championship.
Kiltimagh have a number of players to watch out for including team captain Liam Kelly, and Jack Niland in defence. Paul Kelly is an excellent midfielder while up front they have skilful performers like Brian Gallagher and Fionnan Burke.
While St Croan’s never looked like losing their clash against Cloonacool last Sunday, they will have to ensure that they take their chances when they come up against the
Mayo side. A repeat of the 14 wides they recorded against Cloonacool won’t be good enough this time around. St Croan’s will be hoping that they can get the injured Ross Timothy and Ger Grogan back on the pitch for Sunday’s game. They are so important to the team’s game plan. Kevin Smith is very doubtful after leaving the field last Sunday with a serious looking leg injury.
I was impressed with Ger Connaughton, Alan Conroy, Eoin Collins and Aidan Brogan in the quarter-final, while Keith Muldoon was very effective too when joining the action off the bench.
This promises to be a very hard-fought match. With ‘home’ advantage, St Croan’s will have to get stuck in early and get a few scores on the board. If they can get even one of their injured stars back on the field they are in with a great chance. Kiltimagh go into the game as favourites but a look at their championship journey in Mayo reveals that they were pushed all the way in the semi-final by Ardagh (1-18 to 2-13). That will give the Roscommon team hope.
St Croan’s have had a great year in the championship and one more big performance will see them through. If they bring their shooting boots, they can win.
Prediction: St Croan’s.
(free), brought the Sligo team to within a single score of their opponents with 10 minutes still left on the clock.
But Croan’s upped the ante in the final few minutes to secure their semi-final spot. Points from Aidan Brogan, Alan Conroy and Kevin Smith put some daylight between the sides by the 60th minute.
In the second minute of injury-time, Adam Bracken’s shot was parried by Cloonacool goalkeeper Diarmuid Henry, but only into the path of St Croan’s substitute Keith Waldron, who fired the ball to the net. Farrell Moran replied with a point for the Sligo team but St Croan’s finished with a flourish and points from the impressive Conroy and another from Muldoon completed their tally.
It was a good win in the end for St Croan’s, but a wides total of 14 will be a worry to their management team. Even more serious is a growing injury crisis at the club as they prepare for this Sunday’s semi-final against Kiltimagh.
Talisman Ross Timothy is currently out with a hamstring problem, while Greg Grogan also missed last Sunday’s game (with a rib injury). Both are doubtful for this weekend. At the end of last Sunday’s game Kevin Smith was carried off with a nasty looking leg injury, suggesting he may well be a doubt too.
Amongst those who impressed for St Croan’s were Ger
Connaughton, Alan Conroy, Adrian Collins, Eoin Collins and Aidan Brogan. For Cloonacool, Liam Carty, Eoin Carty, Hughie Marren and Michael Clifford were most prominent.
St Croan’s: Mike Holland; Brendan Pacey, Ger Connaughton, Ryan Hanley; Richie Thompson, Mark Kilcommins, Alan Conroy (0-2); Adam Bracken, Freddie Kelly (1-0); Adrian Collins (0-1), Kevin Smith (0-1), Eoin Collins (0-3); Kevin Lambert (0-1), Aidan Brogan (0-3, 2 frees), Cathal Connelly. Subs: Keith Waldron (11) for Lambert (42), Calum Pacey for Kilcommins (58), Calleann Sheridan for Smith (64).
Cloonacool: Diarmuid Henry; Donnacha Henry, Fergus Leonard, Sean Carnahan; Aaron Moylan, Liam Carty, Finn Hunt; Thomas Grismanausks, Eoin Carty (0-1); Farrell Moran (0-1), Hughie Marren (1-3, pen, 3 frees), Shane Prendergast; Michael Clifford (0-2), Padraig Murtagh, Kevin Carnahan. Subs: Fiachra Haughey for Hunt (46), Finn Hunt for Leonard (55), Padraig Cully for Prendergast (59), Oisin Hunt for K Carnahan (62).
Referee: Shane Corcoran (Mayo).
Man of the Match
Alan Conroy (St Croan’s)
Alan Conroy (St Croan’s)… was man of the match in last weekend’s Connacht JFC quarter-final, in which St Croan’s defeated Cloonacool of Sligo. Alan is pictured on the ball in the recent Roscommon JFC final. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Aidan Brogan… in action for St Croan’s in the recent Roscommon JFC final.
Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Old rivals with big ambitions ready for battle
Connacht Club SFC semi-final: St Brigid’s v Ballina Stephenites on Sunday in King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park at 1.30 pm
< SEAMUS DUKE
This clash of the old rivals should draw a big crowd to Dr Hyde Park on Sunday. Taking the field will be two teams who have ambitions of achieving provincial glory – at the very least. The sides met in the Connacht final in 2007 with Ballina emerging the two-point winners, so Brigid’s will have revenge on their minds this weekend.
Both teams go into the match battlehardened after surviving replays in their respective county finals, St Brigid’s after two epic games against Pádraig Pearses, and Ballina after dramatic clashes with Westport.
Ballina have just won their third Mayo title in a row –which is no mean feat – and they are determined to advance in Connacht. Beating St Brigid’s would be a major achievement for them.
The Mayo side looked like they were well beaten in the replayed county final when they were 10 points down with about 10 minutes to play against Westport, but inspired by their captain Evan Regan (a man with Roscommon
STROKESTOWN SET SIGHTS ON FINAL!
Connacht Club IFC semi-final: Strokestown v Allen Gaels on Saturday in King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park at 1.30 pm
< SEAMUS DUKE
This promises to be a very interesting clash between two teams who have tasted glory at senior level in recent years and who are hoping to build on impressive county championship campaigns with success at provincial level.
Allen Gaels, based in Drumshanbo, is a club steeped in history. Having won senior titles in 2001 and 2002, they fell down the pecking order in Leitrim and were relegated to intermediate ranks in 2021.
This year they have been really impressive, effectively strolling to intermediate championship success. The closest any team got to Allen Gaels was Gortletteragh, who were still eight points behind them. In the final, Allen Gaels thrashed Dromahair by 3-16 to 1-7.
An interesting aside to this clash is that former Roscommon Gaels player Kieran Kilcline has been starring for Allen Gaels all year. In the Leitrim county final, he scored an impressive 1-6. Strokestown have had a few weeks to regroup since their county final win and given the quality of the players on their panel, they will be hoping to progress in Connacht.
connections) they came with a late scoring burst. Regan kicked the winning point in the dying seconds as Ballina won by a point, 2-13 to 1-15.
St Brigid’s survived the formidable challenge of Pádraig Pearses to win the Fahey Cup by four points after an excellent replay which itself followed a dramatic drawn match.
Ballina have one Connacht game behind them this season. From speaking to a few people who were present, it appears they were less than impressive when defeating North London Shamrocks in the quarterfinal in Bekan last Saturday evening (1-15 to 0-10), a couple of late twopointers for the Mayo men making all the difference.
St Brigid’s manager Anthony Cunningham would most likely agree that his side have not played their best football in this year’s championship. It is a reality that they were not allowed to play to their best against an excellent Pearses outfit. However it is true to say that we have only seen flashes of brilliance from St Brigid’s during the entire course of the championship. Of course they still achieved their aim –i.e. they won the title!
Conor Carroll has been a fantastic addition to the Brigid’s team this year and alongside him in defence Séan Trundle, Brian Stack, Ruaidhrí Fallon and Rúairí Smith have all been playing well.
St Brigid’s will be hoping that they can get at least an even break in the middle of the park with Eddie Nolan
and Shane Cunnane up against a formidable Ballina pairing of Mikey Murray and Frank Irwin.
It has been notable that St Brigid’s have not scored many two-pointers in their campaign to date, but it hasn’t really affected their scoring rate, and Bobby Nugent, Ben O’Carroll, Conor Hand and Brian Derwin will all be expecting to feature on the scoresheet on Sunday.
It will be interesting to see if Anthony Cunningham opts to start Senan Kilbride once again. The veteran has been a valuable asset to the St Brigid’s panel in the recent county finals. Maybe he will be an impact sub this time around?
Sam Callinan, Pádraig O’Hora (if fit), Evan Regan and Conor McStay will provide the experience for Stephenites, and if Brigid’s have an off-day Ballina have the players to take advantage.
Having been in the All-Ireland final in 2023/2024, St Brigid’s were devastated last year when they were beaten in Roscommon by Pádraig Pearses. The Kiltoom kingpins are determined to launch another serious bid to win this championship (which they so memorably won in 2013). If they can get over this weekend’s hurdle, bigger challenges will certainly come down the line, but I am backing the Roscommon champions to win by three or four points and advance to play Leitrim Gaels or Moycullen in the Connacht final.
Prediction: St Brigid’s.
There is a worry for Strokestown manager Pearse McGinley and his selectors as his team were outplayed at midfield in the county final by the Éire Óg duo of Enda Crawley and Jamesie Greene. They will have to come up with a strategy for that area. Allen Gaels are strong in that sector with brothers Arek and Radek Oberwan outstanding in the championship campaign so far.
Strokestown will be hoping for big performances from players like Davy and Colm Neary, Colin Compton, Shane McGinley, Kevin Finn, Keith Murphy and Diarmuid McGann.
Strokestown’s ability to get scores when they were required was very impressive against Éire Óg and if they can repeat that it will be a huge asset to them in Hyde Park on Saturday.
This could be a very close match. Allen Gaels are strong throughout the field and have a number of excellent performers. The full-forward line of Ciaran McMorrow, Ciaran Walsh and Kilcline will have to be marked tightly by the Strokestown defence.
I’m expecting a huge challenge from Allen Gaels but it must be remembered that Strokestown were winners of the Roscommon Senior Football Championship as recently as three years ago. They have plenty of players with big-match experience. Home advantage is a notable plus. There will be a few bumps along the way but Strokestown should win by two or three points.
Prediction: Strokestown.
Keith Murphy… will hope to make a big contribution for Strokestown this weekend.
Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Conor Hand… in action for St Brigid’s in the recent drawn County SFC final. St Brigid’s won the replay and are in Connacht Club SFC semi-final action this Sunday. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
