Please advise me if it is illegal to park on a footpath? I see vehicles regularly parking two wheels on and two wheels off footpaths. I know people are busy doing their Christmas shopping but they appear to have no consideration for others including parents with buggies, the elderly using walking aids and wheelchair users in particular. I would appreciate your advice.
Not only is it inconsiderate, it also illegal to park on a footpath. In fact it is illegal to park in any way which interferes with traffic flow or obstructs or endangers other road users to include pedestrians. The Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 sets out a number of parking prohibitions including:
• No parking on a footpath (either partly or wholly).
• No parking on a roadway marked with double yellow lines
• No parking on a section of roadway where a no parking sign has been provided, for the period indicated
• No parking within 5 metres of a junction
• No parking opposite a continuous white
• No parking in any place, position or manner resulting in interference to a fire brigade station, an ambulance station or a Garda station
• No parking at a pedestrian crossing or traffic lights, within 15 metres on the approach side or 5 metres on the other side.
• No parking at a school entrance.
• No parking on a grass margin or median
• No parking obstructing any entrance for vehicles except with the occupier’s consent.
Driving on a footpath can result in the driver receiving 3 penalty points on their licence together with an €80 fine if paid within 28 days or €120 fine if paid within the next 28 days.
This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor. Byrne Carolan Cunningham have offices in Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough and Galway.
A person should always contact their solicitor to obtain legal advice specific to their own situation. The above column contains general information and cannot be relied upon as legal advice. * In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement
Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS
Telephone Central Line 090 6478433 info@bccsolicitors.ie www.bccsolicitors.ie
WATCHING People
With PAUL HEALY
CYCLING ACCIDENT
If you were involved in a cycling accident contact Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors
What a comedy!
Huh?
PURE comedy! It was on ALL weekend!
Ah, Fawlty Towers! The Editor loves it! It’s the 50th anniversary of the arrival of Basil, Manuel & Co…
NO! Why are you talking about Fawlty Towers?
A comedy! A drama! A farce! Endangered Species
the most random questions! Far from me to criticise the Fourth Estate!
(They pause to recreate Kelleher’s penalty save from Ronaldo… in Lisnamult soccer grounds)
So, who will he vote for?
Huh?
You said you were watching a great comedy all weekend…
I said ‘What a comedy’! I was talking about the presidential election!
Oh!
You have to admit it’s a bit of a comedy… Well, I don’t know… …and a drama, and a farce!
It’s a serious election! Democracy in action! The highest post in the land!
Yeah, but you have to admit the campaign has been a bit farcical! All weekend… TV, radio, the papers, the internet, even my neighbour… and he hardly ever talks to me!
(They pause to watch replays of Caoimhin Kelleher’s remarkable penalty save against Ronaldo)
So…
So why do you say it’s pure comedy? It’s serious stuff!
PLEASE! Jim Gavin pulls out, but… … he’s still on the ballot paper?
Exactly! I mean, I’ve heard of Hamlet without the Prince… isn’t this some version of the opposite? Like, the main show in town with the guy who pulled out still on the bill?
It’s the Constitution, baby! Er… to
Thebarstoolboyos
paraphrase Eamon Dunphy!
Well, whether it’s the Constitution, or logistics, or down to a printing deadline, all I know is that Jim Gavin’s name is on the ballot… and he’s not running! Anything else?
Yes! Lots! Catherine Connolly’s balljuggling skills! Did you see the video? Yes, yes…
And those journalists! All of them desperate for a scoop, desperate to bring a candidate down! They’re asking
Jim Gavin?
For himself I presume!
But, but… that’s daft! He’s withdrawn! Jim no longer wants to be president! But he’s still on the ballot paper… I know! That was my point at the beginning!
You do realise several Fianna Fáil TDs have said they’ll vote for Jim?
This is madness! HE’S NOT RUNNING!
Mark my words, he’ll get multiple thousands of votes!
What if he’s level with Connolly or Humphreys, and then his own vote pushes him over the line by one! HE DOESN’T WANT THE JOB! It is a bit daft…
Are those FF TDs REALLY voting for Jim?
Apparently!
Guess they’re following the advice of their leader, Micheál?
Eh, not really, Micheál Martin’s voting for Heather!
But he’s the Fianna Fáil leader – and their man, Jim, is still on the ballot! Oh dear! Let’s have some common-sense – and watch a re-run of Fawlty Towers!
It’s been a GOOD week for… ☺
Hopes of peace, with the release of remaining hostages and a new ceasefire deal bringing a welcome moment of calm after two years of conflict in Gaza
Roscommon hurlers Enda Lawless, Mark Ward and Conor Cosgrove, with all three included in a combined Christy Ring/Nickey Rackard/ Lory Meagher Cups Team of the Year
It’s been a BAD week for…
Students, with an announcement in Budget 2026 that will have the effect of them having to pay €500 more in fees compared to previous years
PIC OF THE WEEK: Daithi Murphy, grandson of Tiernan and the late Marie McAleer, having fun at last Saturday’s Roscommon LGFA SFC final. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
A bridge too far
Mullooly calls for action over impact of flooding
Midlands-North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly has called for a comprehensive review of the legislation governing the management of the River Shannon, following significant and repeated flooding in the Shannon Bridge area.
Recent heavy rainfall has led to major flooding on lands adjacent to the river, forcing farmers to move cattle onto higher ground overnight as floodwaters rapidly cut off traditional exit routes. In some cases, farmland effectively became islands, with no safe passage for animals or machinery.
Local farmers in the Shannon Bridge area, a group known as Save Our Shannon (SOS), have highlighted the longstanding ‘pinch points’ along the river that are preventing water from flowing freely, causing unnecessary and worsening flooding impacts. MEP Mullooly is supporting their call for a full legislative review, with the aim of enabling targeted works at these critical bottlenecks.
“This is becoming a regular feature and an increasingly severe problem,” Mullooly said. “There must be a boat available at short notice to help farmers transport livestock off low-lying areas during emergencies. But more fundamentally, the way the river is managed must be modernised. We need a clear, coordinated plan involving both the ESB and Waterways Ireland to ensure water flow management does not undermine the viability of farms along the Shannon’s banks.”
Mullooly stressed that with climate change likely to increase the frequency of heavy rainfall events, the current management system and the legislation is no longer fit for purpose, and legislative change is urgently required to protect farm land adjacent to the shoreline and rural communities.
Mindfulness Meditation Course
Information Evening on Wednesday 29th October (7pm to 9 pm, Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon town), followed by 6-week Mindfulness as a life skill course on following six Wednesday evenings at Hannon’s Hotel
Note: Information Evening is FREE but space is limited, so please email me, Alan Coakley, at machnamhinniu@gmail.com or phone 086 1919000 to reserve a place
The 6-week course will cost €200 (with concessions available) and will focus on mindfulness as a life skill. I will aim to teach mindfulness and mindfulness meditation giving historical and cultural background to the practice and focus on how it can help us today in the modern world
Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening were Esther and Rosemarie McManus. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Midlands-North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly inspects flooding in the Shannon Bridge area
Roscommon Mobile library service celebrates golden
Next Monday, October 20th, is a special day for library services in Roscommon, as that day marks the 50th anniversary of the roll-out of Roscommon County Library’s Mobile Library Service.
The service was a trailblazing one at the time, receiving extensive exposure on local and national media. To mark the milestone, RTÉ television’s Nationwide programme earlier this year captured the spirit of the occasion from a television broadcast of that time.
The Mobile Library service comprised of a new Bedford Mobile Library van, which was purchased at a cost of £11,000. The van was delivered in September 1975 before the service was officially unveiled on Monday, October
20th of that year and blessed by Canon T Hanly (PP) and Rev DW Graham, Church of Ireland Rector, Roscommon.
Throughout its history, the Mobile Library service has evolved to meeting changing demand and modern technologies. The founding mission of the service, to provide books and other resources for those who are distant from or don’t have easy access to their library service, remains as true as ever.
Stock for the new mobile service was purchased from a bank loan of £18,000 spent during 1974 and 1975. Under the Public Libraries Act 1947 (Grant Regulations 1961) the Council enjoyed a 50% refund of the loan charges through An Chomhairle Leabharlanna, other-
wise known as the Library Council. The new service was an immediate success. From the date of its launch to the end of the year, a total of 1,499 people registered with the mobile service with registrations highest in the North Roscommon and Ballintubber areas.
Instrumental to the success of the Mobile Library service was the support of its drivers. John Bruen and Frank Kelly were the service’s original drivers or Driver-Assistants as they were originally known. Both worked on both the Mobile Library and Schools Library services. Later, both Declan Lavin and Kevin McGrath began working on the Mobile service. Among the library staff who have worked on the service during the
past 50 years were Meliosa McIntyre, Dorthe Berg-Gilligan, Louis Carroll, Eithne Murphy, Sinead Cooney, and Ciaran Sheridan.
Others who have worked on the service include Clare Doyle and Sinead Delaney. Over time, branch staff from Roscommon also provided cover, ensuring the service has run efficiently and effectively throughout its storied history.
A new Mobile Library vehicle is planned as part of the service’s ambitious and future proofed plans. The new vehicle will be equipped with Wi-Fi and access to the library’s digitally catalogued system as well as being environmentally friendly.
Speaking in the light of the service’s 50
years, County Librarian Sandra Turner paid tribute not only to the staff of the service but also its many users, stating that “Roscommon’s Mobile Library Service has been enjoyed by generations of families in our county.
“It has provided an invaluable reading and educational resource for thousands of citizens in its half-century of existence.
“I’d like to pay tribute to our many staff, past and present, in particular our service drivers and librarians who have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the service. The service will continue to be at the centre of what our library service is all about, long into the future,” Ms Turner concluded.
Martin Shanagher Audiologist
Claire Shanagher Audiologist
Pictured is the current van in use for Roscommon County Library’s Mobile Library Service.
Pictured at the initial roll-out of Roscommon County Library’s Mobile Library Service, televised by RTÉ in 1975, is the service’s first Mobile Library Van.
Helen Kilcline, the then-librarian for the county, pictured at the initial roll-out of Roscommon County Library’s Mobile Library Service, televised by RTÉ in 1975.
THE RENOWNED SYSTEM 10 WEIGHT
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In most people this ‘switch’ is off.
The TRUTH is there are 3 keys to a genuine weight loss (real fat loss) plan - diet, exercise and metabolism correction. All 3 keys interconnect, one will not work without the other. Your metabolism is the most powerful of all the 3 keys. It is the ‘switch’ that controls everything else.
In most people this ‘switch’ is off.
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 .
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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OUR WEIGHT LOSS PLAN INCLUDES:
THE SYSTEM 10 PLAN INCLUDES:
• An analysis of your metabolism
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• An exercise plan (home - walk, jog or bike) or gym plan including toning.
• Nutritionist designed highly balanced food plans of normal, natural foods, no pills, bars or shakes.
The System 10 weight loss plan, which aims to offer participants the chance to potentially lose up to two stone in ten weeks, has been helping lots of local people with achieving their health and wellness goals.
The plan focuses on three ‘keys’ to genuine weight loss: diet, exercise, and metabolism correction. According to System 10, the latter is the most crucial, the ‘switch’ that controls the effectiveness of diet and exercise.
System 10 runs programmes for both men and women, with weekly clinics taking place every Wednesday at the Hive, Dublin Rd, Carrick-on-
• An exercise plan (home - walk, jog or bike) or gym plan including toning.
• Private weigh-ins, motivational tips and support throughout the programme.
• Nutritional supplement recommendations to rapidly repair your system.
• Private weigh-ins, motivational tips and support throughout the programme.
• We can guarantee that every pound you lose is a pound of fat (you don’t lose water or muscle like most plans). You will lose 2-3lbs every week and because our programme is designed to speed up your metabolism, you will keep the weight off when you finish your plan.
• We can guarantee that every pound you lose is a pound of fat (you don’t lose water or muscle like most plans).
Programmes available for men and women.
You will lose 2-3lbs every week and because our programme is designed to speed up your metabolism, you will keep the weight off when you finish your plan. Programmes available for men and women.
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
WEEKLY CLINIC EVERY THURSDAY At The Cube FlexiSpace, Lanesborough
At The Cube FlexiSpace, Lanesborough Road, Roscommon F42 DX61
BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. TEL MARTINA:
System 10 – helping local people achieve their health and weight loss goals!
Shannon, and every Thursday at the Cube FlexiSpace, Lanesborough Road, Roscommon (F42 DX61). Booking is essential and can be done by calling 086 3846302. For more information, visit system10weightloss.com.
Testimonial from Edward and Margaret Molloy (Sligo)
“We joined the System 10 plan over a year ago, and in that time it has completely transformed our lives. We had some health issues, mainly brought about by carrying some excess weight, but inside a few weeks, the change was incredible – and has continued up until the present day. Our lifestyle has be-
Monday 20th Oct. 12- 2pm: Nutritionist Sarah Fergus (NaturePlus)
Friday 24th Oct.: Juspy Collagen & Protein Tasting
come so much different in many ways, as difficult tasks beforehand have now become much easier to undertake. This is due to not just the weight loss, but also the exercises – and even more so the confidence gained by the superb programme we undertook.
“We are now more aware of the food we should be eating for a healthy lifestyle, and have enjoyed shopping for many new products that we never tasted beforehand.
“Our advisor Martina has been the rock that lay the foundations for our excellent returns. With great support from the programmes devised, we always
felt confident that we could achieve our targets.
“We would strongly recommend everyone and indeed anyone who wants to transform their life for the betterment of their health to contact System 10 and get on the programme as fast as possible and see the benefits which can be achieved!”
Testimonial from local woman Ita
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Health & Wellness
THURSDAY
That election…
The presidential election? It’s dull. Important, but dull. Connolly has all the momentum, Humphreys now under strict instructions to adopt more aggressive tactics (in debates). The sudden tactical change has a contrived feel to it.
The Gavin debacle is a disaster for Micheál Martin. Unimpressed FF backbenchers are in the business of sharpening knives – already.
FRIDAY/SATURDAY
Trump’s deal
It almost feels too good to be true, but it does seem that the ‘Gaza war’ is on the point of coming to a long-overdue end. Tonight, the Israeli Government formally approved the first phase of President Trump’s ceasefire-and-hostage-release deal.
What’s important here is that the killing has ended – the skies are silent. Hostages are being returned to their families. For the devastated people of Palestine, there is hope.
Of course the road to peace in Gaza is fraught with risk, but all involved will surely be well aware of how alienated anyone who threatens this plan would be.
After all, this peace initiative follows two years of slaughter and destruction. It has been unveiled in front of the world – with the blessing of the ‘international community’ – and with the might of America behind it. Shame on anyone who would move to dismantle it. That’s not to say that the ceasefire won’t come under pressure. Most likely it will. But hopefully we are at the start of a new era, of hope replacing heartbreak.
There is no doubt that this is a massive diplomatic achievement for Donald Trump. It came too late for him to win this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, but the American president must be a strong favourite to receive that honour next year. Trump is the most divisive and unconventional of leaders, but his blunt, ‘tough guy’ approach has worked spectacularly well in this instance. Not that the obsessively antiTrump Irish media (some exceptions
PAUL HEALY’S WEEK
A (mostly) light-hearted look at the week that was… paul@roscommonpeople.ie
aside) are likely to give the US President much (or any) credit.
SATURDAY
Penalty drama
As he lined up a penalty for Portugal in tonight’s tense World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland, ageless superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was entitled to be thinking ‘I’m one of the greatest players of all time.’
Perhaps he was thinking ‘I’m the greatest player of all time.’
More likely he was just going through his penalty routine, while also imagining how he would be basking in glory within seconds.
In the ‘green’ corner, our goalkeeper, Caoimhín Kelleher, might have been thinking ‘I’m a Cork man.’
More likely he was just focussing on his routine. Kelleher has form when it comes to the challenging task of trying to save penalties. When he was at Liverpool, it was always enjoyable to marvel at his prowess at saving penalties in big cup games (another great joy came
in observing UK commentators trying to pronounce his first name).
Back to tonight. It’s a very dubious penalty call, hundreds of thousands of Irish fans hollering at the injustice of it all as Ronaldo shapes up. Can Kelleher possibly produce yet another high profile save in this face-off, the showdown that statistically so favours the kicker? Ronaldo shoots, his familiar destiny awaiting. Kelleher dives the ‘wrong’ way, this moment apparently emptied of any hoped for suspense. Ronaldo prepares his customary celebration… only to see Kelleher make perfect contact with the ball with his trailing left leg – elevated before the world like a defiant symbol of Cork’s rebel spirit. The ball is propelled to safety, Kelleher leaps into the air, Ronaldo stands dismayed.
SUNDAY
Reshuffle latest!
Statement on behalf of the Irish media:
“It has come to our collective attention that we may, over recent days, have
gone slightly berserk in our reporting and analysis of some reshuffling of presenters in the radio sector.
“To any members of the public who feel we over-egged the significance of moves involving Kieran Cuddihy, Ray D’Arcy, Oliver Callan, Katie Hannon, Louise Duffy, etc., etc., we hereby apologise for losing the run of ourselves.
“We sincerely regret the use of expressions such as ‘Cuddihy is new Joe Duffy’, ‘D’Arcy’s disaster’, ‘Newstalk and RTE at war’ and ‘McCullagh move raises eyebrows’ and fully accept now that we may have completely overreacted to this ‘story’ and shamelessly foisted several days’ of banal coverage of same on the unsuspecting public.”
When pressed as to why the recent radio moves had caused such a media blitz, a spokesperson denied it had anything to do with ego or self-importance in the sector.
This column then presented the spokesperson with a confidential memo detailing imminent changes in a major building firm, whereby Chief Plumber
Mick will now work from 2 pm to 10 pm – Assistant Chief Plumber David is taking over the gruelling 6 am to 2 pm slot – with Accounts Manager Michelle now working from home (effective November 1st) and Assistant Manager Bernie switching to an afternoon slot. The memo also confirms that Construction Manager Niall and site engineer Rebecca will now present their weekly report on Thursdays instead of Tuesdays. The media spokesperson said he couldn’t promise that these changes would receive widespread media coverage, but he would raise them with his masters.
MONDAY
Diane Keaton
Diane Keaton, who died over the weekend, was one of the most recognisable actresses in the world over many decades. I’m pretty sure she first came to my notice in Woody Allen films, of which there were many classics.
Keaton’s passing at the age of 79 has led to numerous tributes and an outpouring of sadness both in the industry and on the part of millions of movie fans.
Keaton won an Oscar for her role in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall. In total, she starred in eight of Allen’s movies, including Manhattan and Radio Days She will also be remembered for several more outstanding performances in cinema and TV (including in The Godfather). A truly iconic actress, Diane Keaton will be greatly missed. Her great talent will continue to light up screens long into the future.
TUESDAY
Olé, Olé…?
A welcome win for the Republic of Ireland tonight, Evan Ferguson’s goal seeing off Armenia on a tense night at the Aviva Stadium. Despite our disastrous start in this campaign, we still have a slim chance of qualifying. Just don’t go booking tickets to the 2026 World Cup (in the USA, Mexico and Canada) yet!
DERELICT SITES ACT, 1990 NOTICE OF MAKING OF VESTING ORDER
under Section 17(3) of the Derelict Sites Act, 1990
TAKE NOTICE that Roscommon County Council (herein referred to as the “Local Authority”) has on the 14th October, 2025, made a Vesting Order where the land specified in the Schedule hereto will on the 14th November, 2025 vest in the Local Authority in Fee Simple free from encumbrances and all estates, rights, titles and interests of whatsoever kind, pursuant to Section 17 of the Derelict Sites Act 1990.
AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that a copy of the said Vesting Order and the map therein referred to, may now be inspected at the Housing Department, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, F42 VR98 during the hours of 9.30am to 1.00pm, 2.00pm to 3.30pmMonday to Friday.
SCHEDULE
ALL THAT AND THOSE the property known as 49 Shannon Valley, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon F45 KC60 being all of the property comprised in Folio RN30972F and comprising an area of approximately 0.028ha or thereabouts located in the Townland of Kilcolman and in the District Electoral Division (DED) Ballaghaderreen and delineated in RED on attached map
Drawing No. VO-DS-012-025
Any person, who immediately before the making of the above Order has any estate or interest in or right in respect of land acquired, may apply to the Senior Executive Officer, Housing Section, Roscommon County Council, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon F42 VR98 no later than twelve months after the making of the Order for compensation in respect of the estate, interest or rights.
Signed: Chris Flynn, Director of Services Roscommon County Council
Date: 14th October, 2025
PERIODIC SPEED LIMITS
Section 9 (5) of the Road Traffic Act 2004
NOTICE OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION
DRAFT PERIODIC SPEED LIMIT BYE-LAWS
Submissions are invited from the public on the Draft Periodic Speed Limit Byelaws 2025, prepared under Section 9 (5) of the Road Traffic Act 2004. The special speed limit shall apply from Monday to Friday during school terms for the following periods::
• Morning: Start 30 minutes before school starting time, End at school starting time.
• Early collection: Start 5 minutes before collection time, End 15 minutes after collection time.
• Late collection: Start 5 minutes before collection time, End 15 minutes after collection time.
The proposed introduction of periodic speed limits will be at the following locations:
• Ballyleague National School, Ballyleague
• St. Mary’s Primary School, Strokestown
The Draft Periodic Speed Limit Byelaws 2025 may be inspected for a period of four weeks from Friday 17 October to Friday 14 November 2025 during normal opening hours at the offices of Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town F42 VR98. In addition, they may also be viewed online on the Roscommon County Council’s Public Consultation Portal at Home | Roscommon County Council’s Consultation Portal
Submissions or observations relating to the Draft Periodic Speed Limit Bye-Laws 2025 may be made before close of business on Friday 14 November 2025 via the Council’s Public Consultation Portal or alternatively in writing or email marked “Draft Periodic Speed Limit Byelaws 2025” and submitted to: Roscommon County Council, Roads and Transportation Department, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town F42 VR98 or email roads@roscommoncoco.ie
Mark Keaveny Director of Services
Economic, Planning and Physical Development
Date: 17th October 2025
Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) - Part 8
Applicant: Roscommon County Council
Location: 2 Tithe na gCarad, Williamstown Road, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Proposal: Pursuant to the requirements of the above, notice is hereby given of …
A Proposed Residential Development at 2 Tithe na gCarad, Williamstown Road, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. The proposed development will consist of: redevelopment of former HSE dwelling into 4no. independent living units at 2 Tithe Na gCarad, Williamstown Road, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon
An appropriate assessment screening report and environmental impact assessment screening report of the proposed development has been completed and is available for inspection with this development. The reports concluded that a full EIAR is not required, and that the development does not need to proceed to Stage 2 appropriate assessment. Where any person considers that a development proposed to be carried out would be likely to have significant effects on the environment, he or she may, at any time before the expiration of 4 weeks beginning on the date of publication of the notice referred to in Article 81(2), apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have such effects.
Plans and Particulars of the proposed development may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy for a period of 4 weeks from 16/10/2025 during public opening hours at the offices of the Housing Department, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon County Council, Roscommon F42 VR98. Plans and particulars can also be viewed online on the Roscommon County Council website at the following link: https://consult.roscommoncoco.ie/en
A submission or observation in relation to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated, may be made, via the online portal (link above) or in writing before 4pm on 28/11/2025 marked “Williamstown Road, Castlerea Housing Development” and submitted to: Housing Department, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon. Or Housing@roscommoncoco.ie
Signed: Chris Flynn, Director of Services Roscommon
County Council
Date: 14th October, 2025
FÓGRA GO BHFUIL AR INTINN LÁITHREÁN TRÉIGTHE A FHÁIL GO HÉIGEANTACH FAOIN ACHT UM LÁITHREÁIN THRÉIGTHE, 1990
Tugtar fógra leis seo go bhfuil sé ar intinn ag Comhairle Contae Ros Comáin (dá ngairtear “an t-údarás áitiúil” anseo feasta), i bhfeidhmiú na gcumhachtaí a thugtar dóibh le hAlt 14 den Acht um Láithreáin Thréigthe 1990, an láithreán tréigthe a thuairiscítear anseo thíos a fháil go héigeantach faoin Acht sin.
Tá léarscáil den láithreán tréigthe sin taiscthe in oifigí na Roinne Tithíochta, Chomhairle Contae Ros Comáin, Áras an Chontae, Ros Comáin, F42 VR98 agus féadfar é a iniúchadh ansin le linn uaireanta 9.30am go 1.00pm, 2.00pm go 3.30pm – Luan go hAoine.
Féadfaidh aon úinéir, léasaí nó áititheoir (seachas tionónta ar feadh míosa nó tréimhse is lú ná mí), ar nó roimh an 11 Samhain 2025, agóid a chur faoi bhráid an údaráis áitiúil i gcoinne éadáil éigeantach bheartaithe an láithreáin thréigthe. Ní mór aon agóid den sórt sin a bheith i scríbhinn, ag lua forais na hagóide agus a bheith dírithe chuig an Oifigeach Feidhmiúcháin Sinsearach ag an Roinn Tithíochta, Comhairle Contae Ros Comáin, Áras an Chontae, Ros Comáin, F42 VR98.
Foráiltear leis an Acht um Láithreáin Thréigthe 1990 (arna leasú leis an Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt 2000) nach bhfaighidh an t-údarás áitiúil an láithreán tréigthe go héigeantach gan toiliú an Bhoird Pleanála má dhéantar agóid i gcoinne láithreán tréigthe a fháil go héigeantach agus mura dtarraingítear siar an agóid.
TUAIRISC AR AN LÁITHREÁN TRÉIGTHE A BHEARTAÍTEAR A FHÁIL
É sin agus iad seo uile an mhaoin ar a dtugtar 25 Lios na Rí, Lios Ruaín, Béal na mBuillí, Co. Ros Comáin, F42 YV26, atá cuimsithe i bhfóilió RN25391F de Chlár Chontae Roscommon agus atá comhdhéanta de limistéar thart ar 0.0272ha nó mar sin.
Arna dhátú an 16ú lá seo de Dheireadh Fómhair 2025.
Arna shíniú: Chris Flynn Stiúrthóir Seirbhísí Comhairle Contae Ros Comáin
St Comán’s Wood to host
SERVICES FOR ADULTS IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS COUNTY MAYO. WE ARE ACTIVELY RECRUITING FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS.
TEAM LEADERS/PERSON IN CHARGE
NURSING GRADES
Pictured enjoying last Sunday’s Fuerty Fair. Photo: Michael Finan
newsbriefs
Castlerea Drama Group bringing theatre to you!
Castlerea Drama Group’s staging of two short one-act comedies in local pubs this month continues.
The group are presenting ‘Dada’ and ‘What’s for pudding?’ Following last weekend’s successful launch of this unique initiative, the group are appearing in Garvey’s Bar in Ballintubber on Friday, October 17th, followed by another performance in Doherty’s Bar, Castlerea on Saturday, October 18th.
This is a new venture for this well-known group and a good night’s entertainment is assured.
There will be no booking for these plays, so early arrival is recommended. The first play will start at 8 pm and admission is €10.
Local Bridge club results
The most recent results from the local bridge clubs are as follows:
Roscommon Bridge Club – 1st: Mary and Terry O’Keeffe; 2nd: Kitty Dowd and Carmel Plunkett; Gross: Tresina and Tommie Murphy.
Happy ‘71 Bridge Club – 1st: Phil and Seamus Cooney; 2nd: Olive Fahy and Phyllis O’Shaughnessy; Gross: Chris and John McGrath.
St Coman’s Bridge Club – 1st: Kitty Dowd and Kathleen Gordon; 2nd: Honor Lynn and Geraldine Relihan; Gross: Chris McGrath and Nuala Costello.
Ballymurry Bridge Club – (North/South) 1st: Honor Lynn and Geraldine Relihan; 2nd: Kitty Blighe and Kitty Gately; Gross: Evelyn Curley and Judy Adamson. (East/West) – 1st: Susan Farrell and Mary Law; 2nd: Ann Igoe and James Walsh; Gross: Gertie Spillane and Josephine Devaney. Kilbride Bridge Club – (October 1st) 1st: Bernie Fallon and Phil Murray-O’Brien; 2nd: Annette Gaffney and Jane Hunt. (October 8th) – (North/South) 1st: Sheila Macken and Margaret Scott. (East/West) – 1st: Pauline Donoghue and Martina Fallon, and Bernie Fallon and Phil Murray-O’Brien (tie).
K-pop comes to the Midlands
Fans of Korean pop music are in for a treat in a few weeks’ time, as Reepop Expo 2025 lands in Athlone, bringing together a never before seen selection of K-pop music and merchandise.
Tickets for the event at the Radisson Blu in Athlone on Saturday, November 15th, are going fast.
Behind Reepop Expo is 32 year-old Roscommon entrepreneur Rhiannon Curley (née Cole), who has run a thriving mail-order K-pop-themed business for the past three years.
Building on the success of her first Expo event last year, which attracted hundreds of visitors from all over Ireland, Rhiannon said: “We’ve pushed this year’s event nearer to Christmas,
Aughrim-Kilmore Hospice Group present over €29k to Mayo-Roscommon Hospice
Members of the Aughrim-Kilmore Hospice Group, pictured presenting a cheque for the sum of €29,824.30 to Martina Jennings, CEO of the Mayo-Roscommon Hospice. Pictured left to right: Michael McGuire (representing Aoife Culkin), Ann McMahon (committee member), Kieran Lavin (committee member), Martina Jennings (CEO, Mayo/Roscommon Hospice), and Brian Carroll (committee member). The money was raised at the group’s annual cake sale/auction in The Silver Eel in December 2024. The group wish to thank everyone for their unbelievable support.
and we’re hoping a whole new audience who have enjoyed the film K Pop Demon Hunters will join us!”
Rhiannon has also invited other vendors to join Reepop, to sell their handcrafted K-Pop-themed artwork and craft items. In addition, there will be K-Pop music playing for the whole afternoon, bubble tea will be available, and there will be a dance competition, a photobooth, and other entertainment.
Reepop’s impressive range of albums, photocards, light sticks and other K Pop memorabilia will also be on sale.
“Free tickets are limited, and must be booked in advance. We want to get the word out now to Ireland’s K Pop community to join us. It’s going to be
a memorable day of
products and entertainment!” said Rhiannon.
For more information, see reepop. ie.
Collection of Furey papers to be housed locally
Plans are underway to establish a permanent home for the papers of legendary Irish boatbuilder Jimmy Furey, whose centenary will be marked in March 2026.
Mr Furey, born in Mount Plunkett, Roscommon in 1926, was widely regarded as one of Ireland’s finest traditional boatbuilders. His meticulously crafted Shannon boats earned him national recognition, while his lifelong dedication to the craft inspired generations of enthusiasts.
The late craftsman’s estate has confirmed that his surviving papers, notes, and designs are to be
permanently lodged with Roscommon County Library for cataloguing and preservation. The aim, according to the estate, is to create “an easily accessible resource where young talents wishing to follow in the master boatbuilder’s footsteps can learn from and be inspired by his life’s work.”
A spokesperson for the estate said: “While Jimmy was opposed to the idea of any kind of formal museum display, he would have been delighted to see his expertise being used to energise future generations of craftsmen and
women.” To support the project, the estate is appealing to individuals, yacht clubs and sailing or modelmaking associations once connected with Mr Furey to consider donating or loaning relevant materials for inclusion in the collection.
Mr Furey, who died in June 2020, was famously photographed by filmmaker David Shaw-Smith during the making of the Hands documentary series in the 1980s.
Enquiries or offers of material can be made by emailing JimmyFureyCentenary@gmail. com or phoning 089 200 4349.
K-Pop news,
Pictured is Rhiannon Curley, the Midlands entrepreneur running Reepop Expo 25 in Athlone.
Local residents urged to dispose of their household hazardous waste safely – for free
Is your shed overflowing with leftover paint cans? Are old chemical sprays and containers lurking under your sink? Don’t let these hazardous items pose a risk to your family or the environment any longer. Help has arrived for Roscommon residents!
The Regional Waste Management Planning Offices and Roscommon County Council are teaming up to host a free Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Saturday, October 18th, 2025, from 9 am to 1 pm at Castlerea Civic Amenity Site, F45 E162. This vital initiative is proudly funded by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment. This initiative lets you safely bid goodbye to those lingering products tucked away under
newsbriefs
‘Wee Tap’ to be performed in Keadue
‘Wee Tap’, a play written by Rory Nevin Boyle and directed by Mary Blake of Leitrim Village, will be performed in St Ronan’s Hall in Keadue at 8 pm on Saturday, October 18th
the sink or gathering dust in the shed. Think leftover paint tins, harsh cleaning chemicals, bleach, garden herbicides, and forgotten aerosol cans – gone in one clean sweep, with peace of mind.
Why is this so important? Throwing hazardous items like bleach, paints, or aerosol cans into your general waste bin or pouring them down the drain can have serious consequences. These substances can contaminate our soil and water sources, harming wildlife and potentially entering our drinking water supply. They can also pose risks to waste collection workers and cause dangerous chemical reactions or even fires in waste facilities. This FREE collection day provides a safe, responsible, and environmentally sound alternative.
It is described as a “twisty rural tale” set in 1980s/90s Ireland, following one woman’s journey from being dominated by her family to becoming her own person.
Roscommon SPCA Church gate collections
The Roscommon society for the prevention of cruelty to animals (Roscommon SPCA) will be holding Church gate collections at the following churches this weekend.
A collection will be held on Saturday, October 18th, at St Mary’s Church in Ballagh, and on Sunday, October 19th, at the Church of Our Lady of The Holy Rosary in Ballyleague.
The Roscommon SPCA charity is run by a team of dedicated volunteers, with all monies donated going directly towards animal welfare in the county. If you would like to learn more about Roscommon SPCA, please visit roscommonspca.ie.
Roscommon parish Youth Mass
Roscommon parish’s Youth Mass will resume for this term at 7 pm on this Saturday, October 18th 2025, in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon. This Mass has been especially designed for young people, by young people, and everyone is invited to attend. The theme for our Mass is ‘PERSEVERANCE’.
Commenting on the event, Greg O’Donnell, Senior Executive Officer of Roscommon County Council said: “Roscommon County Council is pleased to support this safe and well-organised collection day in partnership with the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices. Please note that only household hazardous waste will be accepted, and these materials should never be placed in general waste bins.
“We encourage all residents to use this opportunity to dispose of their household hazardous waste responsibly and safely, for free.”
For a complete list of accepted materials, visit www.mywaste.ie or www. roscommoncoco.ie
Pictured enjoying last Sunday’s Fuerty Fair. Photo: Michael Finan
FRANK BRANDON
FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...
A night in praise of bees (with one stubborn bat)
Our columnist Frank Brandon talks about Fit-Up Theatre’s recent performance of ‘Bumbled’, upcoming local events, cheeky protests across the pond, and more…
It’s Thursday evening of last week, and for the second week in a row I find myself heading off to our local Kilbegnet Hall, where Fit-Up Theatre are putting on the last of their three touring plays, ‘Bumbled’.
After enjoying the previous Thursday’s ‘Footnote’ so much, I was really looking forward to this, their final offering. Thankfully, the weather was much better this week, so a bigger crowd turned up.
Before the show kicked off, we were told to keep an eye out for a bat that had been disturbed from its slumber. I was safe enough as earlier in the morning, I had visited the barber – and I can only say I got good value for my money! So even if the bat had decided to land on my head, they would have been disappointed; what would have been fruitful pastures in the morning was now barren wasteland! Anyway, the bat stayed out of sight, and at shortly after 8 pm Colin Hamell appeared on stage, and for the next hour he royally entertained us.
A friend of mine had told me the play had a man dressed
as a bee, and that at the end of it all she wasn’t fully sure what it was all about. To be fair, she was right about the first part – Colin Hamell was indeed dressed as a bee, and he was a brave man to appear in his striped get-up (I thought it would look good on me) – but really there was a message there with the costume for all of us humans, as to how important the bee is for lots of different things to do with nature, and how we should be more mindful of their wellbeing.
I told you last week of Irene Kelleher, who put on a superb solo performance in ‘Footnote’. Colin was similarly brilliant. To do a show for a bit more than an hour – with no break – and incorporate several characters and accents without missing a beat is some trick, and he was rewarded with a standing ovation from the enthusiastic audience. Funnily enough, the bat must have enjoyed the show as well, as just when it was over, it reappeared and flew around the hall. It was amazing to see how quickly people found caps and scarves and hats to cover up their heads; the poor old bat never got a chance to get into any head at all! As I was leaving, it was still flying around, but you could tell it was out of luck – for that night at least.
All told, I thoroughly enjoyed both nights. It’s a great initiative from various groups and the Arts Council to bring such high quality performances to little communities in rural Ireland. I know it’s a long way away but I really hope they do it all again next year and that loads of people go to see them.
Why are road signs left in place for so long?
Everywhere I go in this weather there are signs for roadworks and diversions and roads flooded (even when they’re not), as well as road closures and hedge-cutting that have since ended. While all these things are necessary and part of modern road travel, sometimes I wonder why they don’t take down the signs as soon as the work is completed.
A friend of mine told me of a journey he made in the midlands
a week or so ago. Because he followed diversion signs that shouldn’t have been on the road at all, he got totally lost and ended up taking almost an hour longer for his trip than he should have. Whatever diversion had been in place was apparently no longer in use.
Funnily enough, closer to home a couple of weeks ago I came across a road that was closed apart from ‘Local access’. I dutifully followed the diversion signs until I came to
two roads side by side, each with a ‘Road closed’ sign on them. Obviously that was a conundrum, because I had to go somewhere, and after a bit of hesitation I took the road to my left and thankfully found it wasn’t closed at all.
However, it did make me think of tourists, who would have no idea where they were in the first place, and how difficult they must find life with all these signs that shouldn’t be there.
All I am asking is for the various councils to take down all these signs when they are no longer in use. I know there are staff scarcities and the lads and lassies are busy, but surely it would be easy enough to drive around for a while and gather them up.
Launch of Glinsk Fundraising 2025
I am well aware that some of the local communities around us, including our own one in Creggs, are hugely proactive in promoting and developing their own areas. And just down the road, there is no doubt that the people of Glinsk are right up there with the best of them!
My neighbour Pat O’Brien tells me that there is a huge night coming up in Dowd’s Glencastle Lounge on this Saturday, October 18th, when the launch night for the Glinsk Fundraising 2025 takes place.
On the night there will be a Monster Auction with over 50 fantastic lots up for grabs. Local TD Michael Fitzmaurice will be the lead auctioneer, ably assisted by Athleague’s Ivan Connaughton and Ballymoe’s Seamie Connelly. There is an amazing array of stuff for auction and the three boyos will do their best to get top dollar for them.
Doors open for the event at 8 pm, with the auction taking place at 10.30 pm. Glór Tíre winner, Emma Donohue, will be there to provide the music, which starts at 9 pm, and the
All style in Creggs this Friday!
You must be aware by now that this Friday night, October 17th, sees a big style and fashion event for the ladies take place in the school hall in Creggs, with wine, etc at 7.30 pm and the show kicking off at 8 pm. The hottest news from Sheila Beirne is that all of you ladies – as well as getting the chance to source some beautiful dresses for the Christmas at the event – can also buy jewellery and accessories from Faizie Maizie’s latest collection,
which she has just launched this very week. By being there on Friday night, you will have the opportunity to buy the first of her new stock. Tickets for the event are only €20 and you can buy them in Dowd’s, Oscar’s, Roarke’s, and from Sheila directly at 087 8382944. And if by any chance you can’t get tickets in advance, don’t worry, as there will be tickets on the door on the night as well – just bring your purse, and make sure there’s something in it!
whole thing is free of charge!
If memory serves me right, Emma is a farmer and a nurse, as well as a top country music singer – so if the excitement gets too much for you, she’ll be on hand to make sure you’re okay!
On top of all that, there will be the launch of the Glinsk Massive Fundraising Raffle, which will take place on December 28th in the Glencastle Lounge. The top prize in the raffle is a vintage Zetor 6211 tractor or €10,000 (I know which one I’d take, and it’s not the Zetor). All funds raised will go towards the continued development of the community centre campus.
Anyway, all you have to do is hit for Dowd’s on Saturday, and bring a ball of money with you – you could be going home with one, or more, of the fabulous auction items!
And finally…
Over in Portland, Oregon protestors against Donald Trump’s plans to deploy the National Guard on the streets of the city to restore law and order had an unusual way of showing their displeasure… they had a nude bike ride through the streets to highlight their objections.
It seems there is a nude ride there every summer, but because of the seriousness of the situation, they called for an emergency one last weekend and a large number of cyclists turned out. I hope they were allowed to have good padding on the saddles!
‘Til next week, bye for now
Pictured at the Ian Conlon Tractor Run (Roscommon to Ballintubber), held in memory of the late Ian Conlon last Sunday. Photo: Michael Finan
Pictured at the final whistle after St Barry’s had won last weekend’s Roscommon LGFA IFC final were St Barry’s manager Gerard Evans, his son Elliott, daughter Heidi, and some young supporters. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
€150k for Tarmonbarry Garda Station project
Tarmonbarry-based county councillor
Tom Crosby has warmly welcomed the announcement of €150,000 in funding to progress the repurposing of the former Garda Station in the heart of Tarmonbarry village, a building which has remained closed since 2012.
Cllr Crosby, who was nominated by the Tarmonbarry Development & Tidy Towns Association to lead efforts to secure the building for community use, has been working closely with Roscommon County Council and the Tourism Office to bring the project to fruition.
Following discussions with the Office of Public Works (OPW), Roscommon County Council has successfully secured the building and agreed to lease it to the Tarmonbarry Development Association.
In collaboration with Tourism Officer Lisa Joy and her associates, Cllr Crosby presented the proposed plans to the local community in 2023. The community strongly supported the vision to transform the former public building into a Trailhead and Tourism Information Centre, incorporating a multipurpose community facility for use by various local groups.
The proposed centre will feature a dedicated tourism hub (providing visitor information and serving as a central point for exploring the area’s attractions), community and meeting facilities (for youth groups, active age groups, and training initiatives), and a flexible space suitable for IT training, remote working, and local events.
Cllr Crosby stated that the recently announced €150,000 will fund the design, planning, costings, and feasibility reports required to prepare a full application to the Just Transition Fund.
The total project cost is estimated at approximately €600,000.
“This is wonderful news, not only for Tarmonbarry but for the wider region – including Clondra in Co Longford – especially coming in the same week as the €5.1m investment announced for the Tarmonbarry-Rooskey shared cycle and walkway greenway,” said Cllr Crosby.
Cllr Crosby added, “This new tourism and community hub will be a gamechanger for local tourism especially for those visiting the River Shannon. It will provide a welcoming focal point for visitors and an invaluable resource for the local community.”
A good news week for Tarmonbarry!
News of the repurposing of Tarmonbarry Garda Station follows last week’s confirmation of an investment of over €5m for greenway and outdoor recreation projects in County Roscommon. Cllr Tom Crosby, the elected representative on the Roscommon Outdoor Recreation Committee, said €1.5m has been allocated for the development of a new greenway following planning approval by Roscommon County Council, with €3.6m awarded to Bord na Móna by Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme to expand walking and cycling trails.
The €1.5m greenway project will see 7.8 kilometres of shared cycleway and walkway constructed across the townlands of Meelick, Derrymoylin, Cuilbeg, Slattagh More, Dooslattagh, Caul, and Cloonmore in the TarmonbarryRooskey area.
The route will primarily follow approximately 7 km of the former railway line and will include: Three formal gateways and two rest points; Over 3,200 metres of screening for safety and environmental protection; Thematic experiences, including acoustic mirror and acoustic sponge features at historic narrow-gauge rail-
way underpasses; Upgraded agricultural crossings, new fencing, and safety screening where required; Car and bicycle parking facilities, including electric vehicle charging points at selected locations.
The funding received by Bord na Móna will help develop up to 79 kilometres of new walking and cycling trails across suitable areas of the Bord na Móna landbank between Tarmonbarry and Rooskey.
Cllr Crosby paid tribute to all those involved in securing this investment, particularly his colleagues on the Roscommon Outdoor Recreation Committee, which includes senior representatives from Roscommon County Council, Bord na Móna, Fáilte Ireland, Inland Waterways, Roscommon LEADER Partnership, Coillte, and the Roscommon Tourism Office.
“This is wonderful news for Roscommon and for the communities of Tarmonbarry, Rooskey, and the surrounding areas,” Cllr Crosby stated.
“These projects will deliver enormous benefits for tourism, outdoor recreation, and local economies across north Roscommon, the River Shannon, and neighbouring counties.”
Cllr Crosby also highlighted ongoing efforts by the Roscommon Outdoor Recreation Committee to further expand the region’s greenway network. Plans are underway to connect the Royal Canal Greenway which begins in Dublin city centre and travels through the midlands counties to Clondra Village across Tarmonbarry Harbour and integrate it into the new funded greenway network on Bord na Móna lands and redundant railway lines.
“This is just the beginning of a transformative period for outdoor recreation and tourism in Roscommon,” he concluded.
Book Fair at John McGahern Museum
There will be a Book Fair on Saturday and Sunday, October 25th and 26th in the John McGahern Barracks Museum in Cootehall.
The event will run from 12 noon until 3 pm on both days. Proceeds of this fair will go towards the John McGahern Barracks Museum. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Tarmonbarry village… the subject of exciting announcements over recent days. Photo: Michael Finan
The former Garda Station in Tarmonbarry (pictured on Wednesday) is to be repurposed for community use. Cllr Tom Crosby, who is pictured in front of the premises, has welcomed confirmation of the funding for same. Photo: Michael Finan
Ballyleague Tidy Towns unveils magnificent new biodiversity bench
exciting
project by the river in Ballyleague – which was officially unveiled earlier this month – has further enhanced an area already renowned for its beauty.
The project in question involved the creation of a special sculpted wooden biodiversity bench, which was formally unveiled on
Sunday, October 5th. A spectacular work of art, it’s a wonderful addition to this beautiful amenity, and one that is sure to attract huge attention.
The sculpture was commissioned by Ballyleague Tidy Towns, with the support of Roscommon County Council, MEP Ciaran Mullooly, and the local community.
The old adage tells us that ‘seeing is believing’ – and when you see this meticu-
lously crafted sculpture, you will be awestruck by the craftsmanship of Tommy Keenan (‘Tommy K Chainsaw Carvings’) of Cong, Co Mayo.
The hard-working, voluntary members of Ballyleague Tidy Towns devised this project, the origins of which can be traced back to a conversation between MEP Ciaran Mullooly and Gerry Trimble, the latter the chairperson of Ballyleague Tidy Towns.
When Ciaran suggested that a feature of this nature should be considered for the river bank, Gerry and his fellow committee members began to explore options.
A committee member suggested sowing a tree to commemorate deceased and retired Tidy Towns Association members.
While this idea was under consideration, one of the committee members came upon a video of the work of sculptor Tommy Keenan, and following some further consultation it was decided to engage him to create the bench (subject to grant funding becoming available).
In designing the bench, the committee members were conscious of both the environment and biodiversity of the area, and also a need/desire to recognise the activities of deceased, past, present and hopefully future Tidy Towns volunteers.
Gerry Trimble explains: “We felt that the bench covered all these needs… as it provides a practi-
cal use and at the same time recognises the efforts of Ballyleague Tidy Towns volunteers in the care of the environment and biodiversity.”
Mr Trimble said that the committee hopes the bench will enhance the visitor experience in Ballyleague, and that this latest project by the riverside will appeal to locals and visitors alike.
As they reflect on this latest exciting launch, the Tidy Towns Chairperson thanked his colleagues for their ongoing work in maintaining and indeed improving their local environment, with the active support of the wider community.
Mr Trimble also advised that the group would very much welcome new members. If you would like to enquire about joining Ballyleague Tidy Towns, please call Gerry on 087 6474832.
On Facebook… People can keep up to date with Ballyleague Tidy Towns activities via their Facebook page, Ballyleague TidyTowns
Guests pictured at the recent unveiling. Photo: Michael Finan
Local residents pictured at the recent unveiling. Photo: Michael Finan
A thank you from the committee
Speaking to the Roscommon People this week, Gerry Trimble expressed the thanks of the Ballyleague Tidy Towns Committee to all who have helped make this project become a reality.
“The committee is deeply grateful to everybody that helped in any way – no matter how small a part they feel they played in making this project come to fruition.”
The beautiful new bench was financially supported by Ciaran Mullooly MEP and Roscommon County Council Municipal District Funding, support which
Mr Trimble said he wished to publicly acknowledge. He added: “Everybody in our community expresses huge
Guests pictured at the recent unveiling. Photo: Michael Finan
Gerry Trimble, chairperson of Ballyleague Tidy Towns
Local residents pictured at the recent unveiling. Photo: Michael Finan
Guests who attended the recent unveiling of a new biodiversity bench in Ballyleague admiring the work of sculptor Tommy Keenan.
Gerry Trimble, chairperson of Ballyleague Tidy Towns, addressing guests at the recent unveiling. Photo: Michael Finan
Time to celebrate the Creggs Harvest!
A Harvest Festival is traditionally a time when the meitheal can relax after the hard work of bringing home the harvest is finished. Creggs has much to celebrate in Harvest Festival 2025 as the village has been a hive of activity in the past year, with sig-
nificant development work and social initiatives taking place in the village. Major developments in recent times include the new development at Creggs RFC as the club celebrates 50 years and this was also reflected on the sporting field when James Brandon
captained the club side to Junior Cup and League victories in 2025. Huge numbers attend mini rugby in the village on Saturday mornings and there is also a thriving youth scene for both boys and girls, no doubt helped by the new state-of-the-art gym facili-
ties and Creggs RFC Café.
Creggs GAA has also undergone major developments in recent times and plans are now well advanced to build a stand at the Milford Road pitch, where significant ground works have taken place, along with the creation
of a new training pitch. The local school is at the heart of the village and continues to be a place where inclusivity is to the fore. The school also has major development plans for new Sunshine classrooms and facilities at the school are constantly being upgraded. The school was one of the first in the region to achieve a Green Flag and has consistently achieved the standards to attain the prestigious flag and has a proud record when it comes to environmental initiatives.
Apart from the ongoing physical developments in village infrastructure, a number of social developments have taken place in the village in recent weeks and months. Creggs Rural Development was awarded funding by the Heritage Council to create a heritage quilt and work took place on this over the summer months, under the stewardship of Lynn Naughton of Seams Sew Simple in Athleague.
The resulting quilt was launched during Heritage Week in the village, which also featured a number of well attended talks on the Parnell Monument, Donamon Castle and Stoneham’s Lough, organised by Kilbegnet Ballinakill Historical Society. The aim of the quilt project was to bring people together from all backgrounds, those living in the village, children interested in crafts, older people and people with increased social needs. The Thursday evening gatherings proved very enjoyable and successful and as the project came to a close, participants sought a class that would continue the good work.
To this end, a crochet class for beginners was established and takes place on Wednesday evenings from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm. It’s a wonderful opportunity for people young and old to get to know each other and increase community cohesion. Organis-
ers are delighted with the keen interest in this class from young and old and classes will continue until December 3rd.
A major project is also taking place in Kilbegnet Hall, upgrading this important local facility. The hall was the venue for three recent plays by Fit-Up Theatre, which provided many memorable dramatic moments and hopefully will feature further theatre in coming months and years. The Hall will be venue for the annual Senior Citizens Christmas Party held in early December.
Major work has also taken place on the entrance to Stoneham’s Lough in recent months, with further works planned. Access to the renowned fishing lake
has been enhanced and walkways through the local woods have also been created.
Back in the village, huge work was undertaken by the hard-working volunteers of the local Tidy Towns group, along with the Junior Tidy Towns group and the Creggs NS Green Flag Committee. Creggs has an excellent track record in terms of the Tidy Towns Competition and in 2023 won the All-Island Pride of Place Award for Biodiversity and Climate Control at an event held in Armagh. This year’s work saw pollinatorfriendly plants planted throughout the village and beyond and also the installation of wheelchairfriendly pathways and
in Creggs Wildlife Garden. Of course all of this devel-
Creggs prepares for Lip-Sync battle
Creggs is preparing for a Lip-Sync battle royale which takes place on Saturday night, October 25th during the forthcoming Creggs Harvest Festival.
The Lip-Sync event will feature nine acts over the course of what promises to be a fun-filled night for all in attendance. All nine acts feature local clubs whose members have been working hard over the past eight weeks with choreographer Eadaoin McKenna to perfect their stagecraft.
Doors open at 7.45 pm and you’re advised to get there early for the best seats. It’s a BYOB event so make sure to stock up for the night. The acts encompass a range of musical genres, pulling from the talent pools of St Ciaran’s LGFA, Athleague Tremane Camogie, Creggs GAA, Oran GAA,
Athleague Riverbirds and Creggs NS.
The acts themselves will be revealed on the night and you’re sure to be surprised by the talent on show in Creggs on the Saturday night. The event is a fundraiser to help Creggs GAA build a new stand. Tickets cost €20 and the event also features a surprise act at the end of the night.
Tickets available in Roarke’s or from any club member and will also be on sale on the night. There are two awards for the best act, one from the three guest judges and a second chosen by audience votes on the night.
Be sure to get along to Creggs on Saturday night, October 25th and see some of the best of the local talent strut their stuff on stage!
opment work would not be possible without the consistent help of a huge number of volunteers, those who show up for the annual Spring Clean in April, the school children working on the Green Flag, the volunteers of Kilbegnet Ballinakill Historical Society who organise events during Culture Week and the forthcoming Bard of Connacht, as well as the volunteers in Creggs GAA and Creggs Rugby, both on the pitch and off it.
The annual Harvest Festival in Creggs is an opportunity for the local community to come together and celebrate this very special village community. There’s something there to suit all the family, from the annual craft fair and dog show, to nightly entertainment, so we’ll see you in Creggs over the Harvest Festival Bank Holiday Weekend.
Congratulations to Creggs Harvest Festival 2025
Bradley Homes would like to congratulate everyone involved in organising another fantastic Creggs Harvest Festival.
A true celebration of community spirit and local pride. Well done to all who make it such a highlight of the year!
Also, best of luck to Creggs GAA on their Lip-Sync Fundraiser in Creggs National School this Bank Holiday Saturday. It promises to be a brilliant night of entertainment and community fun - I’ll have my judges’ hat on, so bring your best moves! ��
�� LPT Valuation Reminder –Deadline 7th November 2025
All property owners are reminded that Local Property Tax (LPT) valuations must be updated and submitted to Revenue by 7th November 2025.
If you need a professional valuation report, contact Bradley Homes for expert, IPAV-registered advice.
Bradley Homes – Built on Experience & Trust
Creggs RFC continues to be a fantastic positive driving force in the village. File pic from an Aviva U-10 Boys & Girls Blitz in 2023. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
infrastructure
O’Roarke’s Bar Harvest Festival
Saturday
Sunday
by Macvey from 10.30pm
Monday night 27th:
by Kenneth McCormack from 5pm
Creggs heritage quilt launched
The Creggs community recently celebrated the launch of a heritage quilt, with locals encouraged to participate in community events and organisations.
Seán Beirne, Chairperson of Creggs Rural Development, highlighted the quilt project’s benefits, including uniting diverse individuals for a 10-week craft initiative, fostering socialisation, sparking interest in further craft classes, and creating a masterpiece reflecting Creggs’ heritage. He also noted ongoing volunteer efforts enhancing local rugby and GAA clubs and village infrastructure.
Funded through Galway County Council’s Creative Ireland Programme, the project was guided by Athleague’s Lynn Naughton, whose expertise shaped the quilt’s design and creation. The quilt, now displayed in the C.S. Parnell Heritage Centre, showcases the village’s built, natural,
and communal heritage. Cllr Peter Keaveney, Cathaoirleach of Ballinasloe Municipal District, praised the quilt’s representation of local heritage and the community’s enthusiasm, evident in the strong turnout at the launch.
Young crafter Elva Hegarty presented a token of appreciation to Lynn Naughton, while Michele Lambert of Flutterby Crafts honoured Maureen Keane’s birthday. Inspired by the project, Michele has begun creating quilted house representations, gaining popularity.
The quilt launch was one of four Heritage Week events in Creggs, including talks on Rosmoylan Bog, the Parnell monument, and the Donamon and Stoneham’s Lough area. The quilting group is now keen to start crochet classes at the heritage centre this winter, with Creggs Rural Development working to make it happen.
Roscommon-based Lisa Daly Gallogly of
will complement the outfits with her
Lisa is launching her new collection this week so visitors to Creggs will be the first to see it. There will also be a draw for some fashion and well-being themed prizes. Come along for a fun, fashion-filled night, with proceeds going to Creggs Rural
To
Seamus Ward, Chairperson of Kilbegnet Ballinakill Historical Society pictured with attendees of the talk on Parnell to mark Heritage Week in Creggs.
Elva Hegarty pictured making a presentation to Lynn Naughton from Seams Sew Simple, who was the project facilitator for the Creggs Heritage Quilt.
This Friday night, October 17th, Creggs NS school hall will be the venue for a fashion extravaganza.
The first part of the show will feature colour analysis by Marie and Lisa Dillon of Mabel. Later, the duo will work with Canella Lane, a Galway-based online boutique, to put the colour analysis to work in a smart and stylish way.
complement all the various looks,
Faizie Maizie,
jewellery.
Development.
Attendees pictured outside the C.S. Parnell Heritage Centre in Creggs for the launch of the Creggs Heritage Quilt.
CREGGS HARVEST FESTIVAL 2025
Thursday 23rd to Monday 27th October
Thursday 23rd October
• Pumpkin Competition – entries into Heritage Centre between 5.30 & 6.30 pm
• BINGO in Creggs NS Hall starts 8 pm. TOP PRIZE €1000
Friday 24th October
• Junior Bard of Connacht in Heritage Centre 10 am
• School Quiz in Heritage Centre 6 pm
• Harvest Mass in Heritage Centre 7.30pm
Saturday 25th October
• Bake OFF judging begins 12.30 sharp (all entries in by 11 am)
• Creggs Rugby: All Ireland Junior Cup Game. Kilfeackle from Tipperary playing Creggs at 2.30 pm
• Children’s Fancy Dress Parade and Games ... meet at Gannon’s car park to Wildlife Park 12 noon
• Bake Sale
• Dog Show – registration 12am. Judging starts 1pm Creggs NS Yard
• Crow Black Chicken. Creggs NS Hall. Doors open 9pm
Monday 27th October
• The Harvest 5k Run / Walk. Registration 10.30am Heritage Centre. Starts 11am
• Creggs Rugby Family Fun Day On The Green starting at 12 noon.
• GAA Kids Skills starting at 1pm
• Mountain Against The Valley starting at 2pm
• Senior Bard of Connacht in Creggs NS 5pm
• Childrens Spooky Disco in Kilbegnet Church Hall from 6-8pm
• Ultan Conlon in the Heritage Centre – doors open 6.30pm
• Creggs Harvest Raffle Draw in O'Roarkes at 9pm
CROW BLACK CHICKEN
Sunday 26th of October 2025 in Creggs NS Hall F42D592
SUPPORT ACT TO BE CONFIRMED – Over 18s
An original Irish trio from Ireland's deep South combining elements of hard rock and blues.
Catch them live in Creggs before they head off on their exclusive uk tour. Tickets €25.00 on sale now via revolut @arlene_r87 and committee members
Fire Eating Display on the night
We’re hiring!
We are hiring in our Castlerea Store! We have the following current vacancies:
Assistant Deli Manager, Deli Cook and Deli Assistants.
If You Are…
We’re hiring
We are hiring current vacancies: Assistant Deli
If You Are…
1) Visit www.corriboil.com/jobs
Roscommon role in
40th annual IKA Service
An energetic, motivated individual with a passion for providing first class customer service we want to hear from you!
Benefits of working with Corrib Oil
• Competitive Pay.
• Store and Fuel Discount.
• Comprehensive on the job training.
• Career Progression.
• Company Pension.
• Rewarding Refer a Friend Scheme
To Apply
1) Visit www.corriboil.com/jobs
2) Drop-in to the store with your CV
3) Email your CV recruitment@corriboil.com
Irish classes for ‘complete beginners’
Irish classes for ‘complete beginners’ are set to take place in the coming weeks at Roscommon County Library (located beside the Abbey Hotel in Roscommon Town).
Classes will be starting tonight (Thursday,
October 16th), and will run from 6.15 pm to 7.30 pm, every Thursday until November 20th. Feel free to drop in at any of the classes. All are welcome to attend. This class is being delivered free of charge.
Roscommon County Council has decided to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the periods and the reason specified.
Road to be closed: L6144 Scramogue. Length of Closure 150m. Closure starting 100m from the N5 Junction with the LS-6144 and finishing 250m from the same junction
Period of Closure: 18th October to 31st October 2025
Alternative Routes: Via the R371, and back onto the LS-6144 in Scramogue Village
Reason for Closures: To facilitate N5 Road Project
Mark Keaveney
Director of Services
Economic, Planning and Physical Development
On Saturday, September 27th, the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) hosted its 40th Annual Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving, drawing a congregation of approximately 1,500 people from across Ireland and overseas to the Church of the Holy Child in Whitehall, Dublin.
The unique and poignant event honoured deceased organ donors and their families, while celebrating the renewed lives of transplant recipients. Now in its 40th year, the Service has become a deeply meaningful annual gathering for donor families and organ transplant recipients, many of whom attend every year to reflect, remember, and give thanks. This inclusive ceremony brought together celebrants from various faith traditions and non-religious worldviews, each united in their support for organ donation as the ultimate act of humanity. During the moving ceremony, there
were spontaneous rounds of applause at different times.
The President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, patron to the Irish Kidney Association, wrote a letter of support. This was read aloud at the Service by Colin White, husband of a dialysis patient and National Advocacy & Projects Manager for the Irish Kidney Association. In the President’s message, he said, “On this 40th anniversary of the Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving, may I extend my support and thanksgiving for the great gift of organ donation, which has transformed and enriched so many lives, allowing new possibilities and new opportunities for recipients and their loved ones.”
The ruby anniversary Service was opened by Liz O’Sullivan, Chairperson of the IKA, with guest narrators Martina Goggin and Sallyanne Clarke, both bereaved mothers who
have become prominent advocates for organ donation. The names of deceased organ donors were honoured through entry into the Book of Remembrance, available for viewing by their loved ones after the Service. Among the transplant recipients who carried out a role at the Service was Padraig Brehon, from Carraroe, Co Roscommon, who received a kidney donated by his brother Liam 41 years ago. Padraig and Liam brought an award-winning article written by Padraig’s late son Cormac when he was 11 years old. In his article, Cormac had reflected on his father Padraig’s health journey and the gratitude he had towards his uncle Liam. The Service was recorded by Kairos Communications for broadcast on RTÉ One, Radio 1 Extra and RTÉ Player on Sunday, November 2nd, at 11 am. For more information, visit ika.ie.
Glenamaddy Players to perform ‘Widow’s Paradise’
Glenamaddy Players will perform ‘Widow’s Paradise’ this weekend on Saturday (October 18th) and Sunday (October 19th), as well as next weekend on Friday (October 24th), Saturday (October 25th), and Sunday (October 26th).
‘Widow’s Paradise’, by Sam Cree, is a hilarious comedy play with a cast of ten actors – five women and five men – all squashed into a 1970s caravan. The five women have embarked upon a ‘strictly women-only’ getaway to prove they don’t need men. However, their holiday is thrown into chaos when they accidentally occupy the wrong caravan, and are then joined by the male owner, his son, and his brother-in-law.
As the story unfolds, the group is further expanded by the arrival of another party, something of a ‘blast from the past’, as well as a local farmer, leading to a riotous clash of the sexes. With its sharp wit, clever dialogue, and uproarious situations, ‘Widow’s Paradise’ promises to deliver a great night’s entertainment. It certainly is a show not to be missed – you’ll have a laugh-a-minute! The play is directed by Patricia Walsh. Shows commence nightly at 8 pm at Glenamaddy Town Hall Theatre.
Online booking can be done via Eventbrite, or by calling 086 2045896. Visit ‘Glenamaddy Players’ on Facebook and Instagram for more!
Liam and Padraig Brehon from Roscommon pictured at the IKA’s 40th Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving.
Glenamaddy Players will perform ‘Widow’s Paradise’ this weekend on Saturday (October 18th) and Sunday (October 19th), as well as next weekend on Friday (October 24th), Saturday (October 25th), and Sunday (October 26th).
PEOPLE IN BUSINESS
FARMING & RURAL LIFE
Reviving wool heritage: Matty Carroll and the Galway Wool Co-op
A sheep farmer’s dedication to tradition and innovation in the West of Ireland
Matty Carroll, a farmer deeply rooted in Ireland’s sheep farming tradition, tends to his flock of 120 ewes alongside his father and grand-uncle on their farm in Mount TalbotDysart, Co Roscommon. Passionate about preserving the value of Irish wool, he plays a key role in the Galway Wool Co-op, a LEADER-funded, farmer-run cooperative that supplies premium wool from Galway sheep.
Following successful partnerships like the one with Donegal Yarns, the co-op is now collaborating with Avoca in Wicklow for its 2025 wool clip.
“We’re very grateful to anyone who supports us by buying our clip, and we help them in any way we can then to market the products that they make from it,” Matty explains. With around 60 members, the co-op emphasises traceability, ensuring each fleece can be traced back to its farm of origin. Shearing takes place in early summer, followed by a traditional meitheal in July to collect the year’s yield. Sourced from pure-bred Galway sheep, the wool is high-quality, cleaned, skirted, and sorted with strict standards. “We’re very strict on that but we find that the breeders and members are proactive anyway; it’s stressed that the wool has to be clean and dry, rolled and presented properly,” Matty notes. The co-op’s philosophy centres on taking pride in production to secure fair prices in return.
Once prepared, the wool is ready for scouring and spinning. However, Ireland currently lacks large-scale domestic scouring facilities, so fleeces are shipped to the UK for washing and initial processing. Mills in Bradford, England, handle scouring, while partners like Donegal Yarns use their own facilities in Kilcar, Co Donegal, and Avoca will spin the wool in-house after UK scouring. Matty is actively involved in a research project with University College Cork (UCC) exploring business models for domestic scouring in Ireland.
“We’re considering the socio-economic impact, whether it can be financially viable first of all, but if there can be local jobs and local crafts as well that might be worth supporting,” he says. Local processing could bring intangible benefits, fostering growth in wool usage.
Matty reflects on the long-standing history of the Roscommon-Galway area in sheep farming. “South Roscommon, East Galway is a sheep stronghold and it’s a pity we don’t have a way we can process our wool, and that there isn’t so much pride in producing wool as there was one time.”
The price of Irish wool is on a steady, upward trend, which is positive, however, the price is generated from a very low base. The market price for lowland wool is between 30c-50c per kilo, and it has been down to as low as 20c per kilo.
“At a low price it doesn’t incentivise farmers to look after the wool, and shear it, keep it clean and get it shown dry, pack it and store it properly”. While not blaming merchants – he praises local ones like Coffey’s in Lecarrow, Co Roscommon – Matty attributes challenges to the global com-
modity market. Optimistic about growth, he sees potential in building a stronger foundation to preserve tradition and heritage.
Though the Galway Wool Co-op is niche, tied to the Galway Sheep Breeders Association and producing 5-6 tonnes annually, Roscommon boasts its own pure-bred sheep breed and long-standing farming legacy. The Roscommon Lamb Festival once celebrated this with wool crafts, live trad music, and lamb tastings by top chefs during May bank holidays, drawing crowds until its closure in the early 2020s. Having lived in Australia until returning to Ireland in 2019, Matty missed the event but views the co-op as a model: “We produce in the region maybe about 5 or 6 tonnes of wool, but there’s a wider conversation to be had about wool in general. What we would like to be is an example to others – not even just in wool, but farmers working together cooperatively is a good way of getting better outcomes.”
Although Galway Wool Co-op is a niche group, pertaining to the Galway Sheep Breeders Association preserving the pure-bred Galway Sheep, Roscommon has a purebred breed and a long-standing history of sheep farming.
The Roscommon Lamb Festival celebrated this heritage, with wool crafts, live trad music and lamb tastings by top chefs. The festival closed in the early 2020s, but it is well remembered as an event that drew crowds during May bank holiday weekends in remembering and preserving our sheep farming tradition. Matty lived in Australia until returning to Ireland in 2019, so didn’t make it out to the festival before it was discontinued.
“Galway Wool Co-op is maybe a niche group and we produce in the region of maybe about 5 or 6 tonnes of wool, but there’s a wider conversation to be had about wool in general.
“There’s opportunities for the entire Irish grown-wool clip to be used in a range of different products as an alternative to synthetic materials”
What we would like to be is an example to others, not even just in wool, but farmers working together co-operatively is a good way of getting better outcomes”.
Amid recent calls from the INHFA for the Irish textile industry to “embrace woollen products”, the many benefits of using wool as a textile are undeniable. A renewable, sustainable, natural fibre, it supports ethical and sustainable practices, with excellent insulation, lower environmental impact, moisture absorption, and durability for longer use.
“It grows back on the sheep every year. Most sheep breeds need to be sheared every year for their own welfare. We’ve a great sheep tradition in this area, and it would be great if it was valued more” says Matty. 100% authentic Irishgrown wool offers a natural remedy to the problems posed by fast fashion and the high-use of synthetic fabrics. Synthetic clothes have a negative environmental impact, contain microplastics, and pose potential health concerns from chemicals used in production. Of poor quality and lacking breathability, synthetic fabrics contribute to a false economy: low upfront costing offsets the fact that these garments need to be replaced more often.
“There’s opportunities for the entire Irish grown-wool clip to be used in a range of different products as an alternative to synthetic materials”. Wool is a natural, non-toxic material, which has served homes and businesses in RoscommonGalway and the entire country for generations, and ought to be used more looking ahead to the future.
“If anyone is a member of the Galway Sheep Breeders Association or anyone is interested in getting involved in Galway sheep, we’re open to anyone who has pure-bred registered Galway sheep. And we’re always happy to give advice to anyone looking to set up a co-op”.
Residential farm comprising c. 49.5 acres of good agricultural land with extensive farm yard including 4 bay slatted shed with creep, modern yard and crush, 3 bay hay shed with lean-to together with traditional stone outbuildings located in a quiet scenic setting convenient to the waterside towns of Tarmonbarry and Lanesboro. This farm offers extensive shore line onto the River Shannon famed for its excellent fishing and boating. Being sold with the
benefit of 17 entitlements. The farmlands are subject to a lease until 1st May 2026. The residence comprises a modern 4 bedroom bungalow in good condition throughout with private well and new treatment plant sewage system.
NOTE: House and lands can be sold separately should market interest dictate.
Church Street, Roscommon Town, CO. ROSCOMMON
TEL: 090 6627878 FAX: 090 6627877
E-mail info@oates.ie
Website: www.oates.ie
The Manse, Northgate Street, Athlone, CO. WESTMEATH
TEL: 090 6477500 FAX: 090 6477546
E-mail athlone@oates.ie
Website: www.oates.ie
Finding the data!
Teagasc has launched its National Farm Survey (NFS) Farm Enterprise Data Dashboards, a new online tool to provide farmers, advisors and policymakers with clear insights into the economic performance of Ireland’s main farm enterprises.
The Dashboards present key farm population data in an accessible format, making it easier than ever to track performance across Irish dairy, cattle, sheep and tillage enterprises. Users can quickly explore data on output prices, production costs, profit margins and aspects of farm enterprise technical performance. With over a decade’s worth of data included, users can make comparisons across enterprises as well as reviewing trends over time.
Teagasc has also published its Farm Enterprise
Factsheets for 2024, providing insights into the financial and technical performance of a range of farm enterprises. The data behind the Enterprise Factsheets and the Dashboards come from farms participating in the Teagasc National Farm Survey. A series of further Dashboards are due for release in the coming weeks, covering fertiliser use, farm sustainability and other key agricultural data. The launch coincides with the publication of the final results of the 2024 National Farm Survey. The Farm Enterprise Dashboards and the Teagasc Enterprise Factsheets for 2024 are now available to view at https://teagasc.ie/publications/nationalfarm-survey-enterprise-factsheets-
Roscommon Mart –
A commitment to quality underpins the role of the mart, while it’s also a social hub and a key employer
< EMMA HEALY
Roscommon Mart, located on Circular Road, Roscommon, has been a sales venue and meeting place for farmers for 66 years. The mart has not only hosted livestock trading but also facilitated conversation and camaraderie within the farming community.
Tony Conry, Manager of Roscommon Mart, reflected on the current vibrancy of the market when he spoke to the Roscommon People this week.
“This is a very busy time of year. The price(s) of cattle and sheep at the moment are very good, so farmers are getting a just reward for producing their cattle and sheep. It’s developed as a good year for farmers, and farmers seem to be happier and more content.”
Although it is generally an active time of year, Tony noted the significant uptick in activity, stating, “All our numbers and metrics are up this year, thank God.”
Despite a 3.9% national decline in the cattle herd, Roscommon Mart remains resilient, with strong returns for livestock and a positive business outlook. The mart’s continued recent success, particularly in trading weanlings and heifers, is evident in a robust show and sale featuring 600 calves, alongside regular sales of bullocks and heifers every second Friday, drawing around 500 cattle each time, and weekly lamb and cast ewe sales every Wednesday.
Pictured at Roscommon Mart recently. Photos: Michael Finan.
FARMING & RURAL LIVING
at the heart of the community
Reflecting on the broader impact, Tony emphasises the mart’s role in restoring confidence in the suckler industry: “Farmers weren’t getting the just rewards for the animals they’re producing. With the change in business in the last twelve to eighteen months, farmers in Roscommon and the West of Ireland have a renewed sense of confidence.”
He observes that more farmers are now “holding onto their cows and breeding a few more calves, which will hold our numbers going into the future.”
Quality assurance underpins the mart’s operations, with all livestock certified through Bord Bia and the Department of Agriculture’s blue-card system. Tony explains, “Naturally, the higher the standard within the farming community would be the farmers who are registered, quality assured, as there’s certain farmers and breeders who will only buy from quality assured sources – it can be the difference between 20c or 30c/kilo in relation to some animals.” This commitment to quality strengthens the mart’s reputation and ensures better returns for farmers. The advent of online platforms like MartEye has revolutionised accessibility, particularly for part-time farmers. Tony describes it as “a game-changer for all marts – the ability to log on and purchase your animals online.” This increased buyer access, he notes, “creates a little more competition, and naturally more competition is healthy for the industry.”
The mart’s embrace of online sales ensures swift and secure transactions, with payments made within three to five working days and prices locked in at the hammer’s fall – guaranteed. Beyond commerce, Roscommon Mart is a vital employer and community anchor, supporting six full-time and 20 part-time staff,
alongside indirectly sustaining hundreds of local jobs. Its weekly sales schedule – running Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays – keeps the mart lively with activity. Yet, its significance extends beyond economics.
“We have a canteen here, and some of our senior farmers would come in on a sales day to chat and have a cup of tea,” Tony shares. For younger farmers, the mart is a learning hub where they can “engage and talk to peo-
ple, see what they’re doing, and pick up ideas.”
Highlighting the social value the mart brings, Tony says: “It’s a social outing, and we feel that’s very important, and we’d like to continue that for as long as we possibly can.”
Locals encouraged to take part in Nature Restoration Plan events in Roscommon
County Roscommon and Galway communities are invited to take part in special community events on Saturday, October 18th, as part of a nationwide conversation on shaping Ireland’s Nature Restoration Plan (NRP). Ireland is at a turning point as nature faces increasing pressure. The new EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL) sets an ambitious target: to restore at least 20% of the country’s land and sea areas by 2030. Achieving this goal requires more than just policy; it needs people, communities and meaningful dialogue.
To ensure the plan truly works for both people and nature, ACT and Hometree are hosting Community Conversations across Ireland. This collaborative project aims to give people a chance to help shape Ireland’s 25-year Nature Restoration Plan. Discussions, workshops, and walks will take place in all provinces, bringing communities together to share their stories, ideas and lived experiences.
The next event, taking place on Saturday, October 18th, will be held in
Ballyforan, Co Roscommon. The day will begin with a bog biodiversity walk hosted by the Hometree ecology team. Attendees are asked to meet at the entrance of the greenway at 11 am.
Later in the afternoon, people are invited to join Community Conversations Workshop from 4 pm to 6 pm at the St Aidan’s GAA Hall. This open, engaging and inclusive event will give community members the opportunity to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas about the future of Ireland’s natural environment and to learn about the process of developing Ireland’s NRP. It will be facilitated by independent delivery partners, Hometree and ACT, who will feed the outcomes and insights back to the Independent Advisory Committee on the Nature Restoration Plan. The event is free, and everyone is welcome – please note no sign-up is necessary.
Individuals and communities are warmly invited to join the conversation. Your voice and your community matter. Together, we can shape Ireland’s future with nature at its heart.
Gannon’s Eggs and Poultry: A 150-year legacy, embedded in local community
Preserving tradition while embracing versatility in eggs, poultry, and local produce
< EMMA HEALY
Ray Gannon is a fourth-generation proprietor of Gannon’s Eggs and Poultry – the oldest continuously operating egg and poultry business in Ireland, founded in 1875. From freerange flocks to setting up farm shops with traceable, Bord Biacertified food, Gannon’s Eggs and Poultry’s story is one of unyielding commitment to quality produce amid the changes of modern agriculture.
Ray’s poultry farm, located on the Croghan-Frenchpark Road at Carrick-on-Shannon, has stood firm “through the good times and bad times, passed down through the generations. The job has changed a lot over the years but still the chicken and the egg is the basic, startoff ingredient for many home dishes.”
The versatility of chicken, and the protein-benefits of eggs, is something many households rely on daily for nutritious, energising meals. “Chicken goujons,
of poultry farming, Ray Gannon of Gannon’s Eggs and Poultry knows all too well that the job never ‘clocks out’. “It’s a 7-day week cycle, Saturday or Sunday it makes no difference, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day; the show goes on”, he says, as the chickens need constant care.
The working day begin at 7 am, and involves constant shuttling between chicken sheds to monitor feed levels, water supply, and temperature controls. Mornings centre on egg collection, while afternoons shift to grading, sorting into various packs and sizes, and packing. This amounts to a true 24/7 commitment across all 365 days.
“No day off for the hen or the chicken, you’re on call, complete attention to detail and commitment to the welfare of the stock (is required)” Ray said.
Gannon’s Eggs and Poultry has a broad range of eggs, from premium organic options raised on chemical-free feeds to free-range varieties where hens roam outdoors, and reliable barn-fed eggs from sheltered,
with heavy soil structure and the milder climate.
Gannon’s Eggs and Poultry has two locations, one on the Croghan Road in Carrick-onShannon and the other being a prominent location in The Square, Roscommon Town. “Trade has been good in Roscommon” Ray says. “We initially started in a mobile (unit) in the Square every Saturday, and then got the opportunity about five years ago to lease the premises we have now, and we took the plunge and moved in and are now able to offer a more comprehensive package, as it’s now more comfortable for us and for customers on a windy, wet day, which was a bit of a struggle at times”.
Ray’s family all help out on the farm and at the shop in Carrick, and Mary Gilligan manages the Roscommon premises. “We’re lucky to have Mary, she’s been with us a few years now and she’s very capable and knows all the customers”.
Beyond eggs, Gannon’s poultry products include popular meats such as chicken, turkey and duck. “We have quite a nice product available, Silver Hill duck, as full duck or in fillets – a nice alternative. Turkey isn’t for everyone” he says, acknowledging of course that it remains by far the most popular option at Christmas.
“Duck is a nice alternative and people like to be more adventurous sometimes and try a bit of duck, which also has great health benefits, being high in protein but low in fat”. As well as meat, Gannon sells locally sourced vegetables.
“We do our best to source as much local products as we possibly can and have a range of foods across the board, from the milk to the bread, to the local honey, Leitrim cheese, anything that’s in season and is local, free-range or organically produced. We’re always eager to have something a bit different compared to what you might get in some of the bigger stores”.
From his experience sourcing and selling local, fresh produce, Ray says: “There’s some great,
fantastic farmers around the region. You can source nearly any product you want within the three counties of Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon, and there’s some fantastic growers and producers we work with. We’ve tried to support as much local produce as we possibly can, with over 50 suppliers within the three counties.” Ray employs about 15 people in Roscommon, and the business prides itself on being local and supporting local.
“All our services are sourced within the three counties around us, be it from fuel suppliers, to
paper suppliers, garage centres or tyre repair, anything we use within our business, we pride ourselves in (being) local first”. Gannon’s do their best to give back to the local community, sports teams and projects through sponsorship and giving back to community organisations. “You also need the support of your local organisations, so it’s all about keeping the euros in the local community. We’re very happy to be trading in Roscommon. We get on well very well with the people of Roscommon, we’re nearly fifteen
years there and it’s a fantastic town to do business in”. *The Roscommon shop is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 am-5 pm on Allée de Chartrettes, The Square, Main St, Roscommon.
“The chicken and the egg is the basic, start-off ingredient for many home dishes” “
Katlyn Gannon with her father Ray Gannon, Gannon’s Eggs and Poultry from Tullyleague, Carrick-on-Shannon. Ray is a Bord Bia Quality Assured egg packer and member of the Irish Egg Association.
Ray Gannon, Gannon’s Eggs and Poultry from Tullyleague, Carrick-on-Shannon and pictured is his Farm Shop in Roscommon town, (just off The Square).
Gannon’s Eggs and Poultry has two locations, one on the Croghan Road in Carrick-on-Shannon and the other being a prominent location in The Square, Roscommon Town.
From Pasture to Plate:
The enduring appeal of direct-sourced quality food
Farm-to-fork enterprises are proving that going local is a recipe for quality, flavour, and economic vitality. Derek Allen, who runs Castlemine Farm – a fifth-generation business – and Alan Gilligan of Gilligan’s Farm are two Roscommon stalwarts turning pasture-fed beef, lamb, and more into direct-to-consumer meals.
The benefits of opting for local produce instead of imports are clear. Derek from Castlemine elaborates: “It’s the taste and the quality. Anyone that slaughters their own cattle for use – it’s a totally different product than what factories do, which is what supermarkets get. We hang our meat for three weeks, on the bone; it’s a totally different flavour and a totally different meat. That’s what people look for.”
Alan from Gilligan’s shifts the focus to broader ripple effects. “If customers can support local suppliers, it’s keeping business in the locality, keeping jobs in the locality. I think food standards are very high anyways in our country no matter where you buy it. There’s a lot to be said for supporting the small, local family-run businesses, now more than ever. Our food system and supply chain is very much focussed on big supply chains into the larger, multiple supermarkets... We really don’t want to lose quality, our local artisans and producers; it’s really important that they are supported where possible.”
Sourcing straight from Roscommon farms like these does more than secure quality ingredients
and add flavour to meals – it brings life into the local economy and lowers unnecessary waste. Derek highlights the employment boost and community giveback at Castlemine.
Asserting that major multinationals are less likely to directly sponsor causes, Derek emphasised that “local people” invariably support clubs and organisations in their locality.
“It’s always the local people who end up doing all that. When we had the farm here, it was just myself and my father on it, two families, but now we’ve ten staff, so there’s a lot more employment.”
Alan echoes this sentiment on striking a balance when sourcing local food: “Balance is important. And food waste is a huge thing as well. With food being so expensive right now, there’s no reason to be wasting any food. Batch cooking is always something handy for people who are ‘time-pressed’. We’re very lucky with all the accoutrements we have now in our kitchens with slow cookers and air fryers... I think people need to have a bit more respect for their food as well.”
Behind the scenes, the daily bustle never ends!
At Castlemine, Derek describes the busy routine that keeps the farm going: “Every day is busy; we’ve got a lot going on here. We slaughter cattle every week, obviously, for the shops. It’s a different style of farming... we’re slaughtering every week, so there’s cattle to be fed every morning and we’ve such a range of stuff too,
beef, sheep, we’ve four hundred turkeys there for Christmas... and we have a few pigs as well. So you’ve a good few hours every day just to get around to everything before you do anything else.”
To reach customers far beyond Roscommon, both Castlemine and Gilligan’s offer nationwide delivery via DPD in temperature-controlled boxes, ensuring that farm-fresh pasture-fed beef and lamb arrive in the best possible condition. For home cooks who are always looking for ways to elevate their meals, practical advice abounds. Derek advises simplicity and resourcefulness: “Buy good quality and you won’t have any waste; there’s nothing worse than a bad piece of meat that ends up tough. Cook roast beef and have sandwiches the next day, or leftover chicken roast in a soup. Make the most out of what you have.” Alan encourages creativity and planning: “Be creative. There’s so much recipes online these days... Buy what you need and buy what you enjoy. Maybe make a weekly plan if you’re getting bogged down with waste... Support local when you can... There’s always options online as well. There’s loads of smaller, artisan producers selling online and you can buy directly off them.”
Businesses like Castlemine and Gilligan’s are sustaining traditions through shorter supply chains – and reminding us that every purchase can strengthen the fabric of rural Ireland.
Pictures from Castlemine Farm Shop, Roscommon town. Sean Costello pictured centre, bottom row. Pictures: Michael Finan.
ACORNS programme shortlisted for top award
ACORNS, the business development programme for female entrepreneurs in rural Ireland, is this week celebrating after being nominated for honours at the European Enterprise Promotion Awards.
The initiative has been shortlisted at European level in the Investing in Entrepreneurial Skills category. It had already been selected as Ireland’s national entry
to the awards earlier this year.
The overall winner will be announced at a prize-giving event at the SME Assembly in Copenhagen in November.
The SME Assembly is the most significant event for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe. It takes place once a year as part of the European SME Week. The SME Assembly is a Europe-wide event for SMEs and
entrepreneurs and those who support them.
ACORNS is a free initiative for early-stage female entrepreneurs based in rural Ireland. It has been running since 2014 and is funded through the Rural Innovation and Development Fund by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM).
The recruitment and selection process has just been completed, with
more than 50 new participants set to start ACORNS 11 this month.
ACORNS is based on the belief that early-stage entrepreneurs learn best from their peers. Participants interact with each other in the monthly round table sessions, which are facilitated by a Lead Entrepreneur, who has first-hand experience of starting and successfully growing a business in rural Ireland.
Pictured are ACORNS past participant Caitriona Cullen of Cullen Nurseries, Lead Entrepreneur Mary B Walsh of Ire Wel Pallets, past participant Magda Seymour of Pure Oskar and Paula Fitzsimons, Director of ACORNS.
FARMING & RURAL LIVING
MIKE KELLY STONE
In an era where upland farming grapples with biodiversity mandates and economic pressures, Roscommon’s Regenerating the Rocks EIP (European Innovation Partnership) stands out as a pragmatic model. Led by the Karst Farming Network, this initiative aims to protect traditional karst grasslands while keeping local farms afloat – proving that conservation needn’t come at the expense of livelihoods.
As Ireland’s uplands face rewilding debates and scrub takeover, projects like this remind us that farmers are the original environmentalists. Born from “local concern over the loss of traditional grazing and scrub encroachment,” the EIP builds on the Uí
Maine Kingdom group’s groundwork, aiming to unite farmers, ecologists, and community members. Its core goals include: support peer learning, tackle invasive cotoneaster, assess restoration economics, and elevate cultural-ecological value through arts.
Tailored Karst Farming Plans reward farmers for blending productivity with preservation. The project team comprises of Eoghan Finneran (Director), Liam Kildea (Farmer Champion), Linda Gilsenan (Ecologist), Kelsey Daly (Coordinator), Nicola Bowes (Art & Events), and Nicola Auchmuty (Admin). Their trials of using “GPS animal collars known as virtual fencing collars” to target scrub grazing, is aimed at making it easier for farmers to manage livestock grazing in Karst terrain. Controlled grazing helps promote native plant growth and stops scrub encroachment, which is helped by active grazing
and the removal of invasive scrub.
“Farming on the rocky karst terrain is challenging due to steep, rocky land, limited water, and labourintensive work. With Ireland’s older farming population, younger generations often lack experience and skills in managing these unique landscapes. We aim to document the work and best management practices of this land for future generations,” says Kelsey Daly (Coordinator).
The project supports farmers with capital investments like rainwater harvesters and solar pumps to improve water access.
Invasive species such as cotoneaster are managed through Meitheal days, where farmers work together to clear scrub, build walls, and share skills. These efforts help maintain the landscape, reduce labour demands, and foster a community of farmers supporting each other.
“The project is strongly
focused on building farmer capacity, strengthening community knowledge, and fostering long-term empowerment. Our ecologist works with local schools to teach children about native plants and biodiversity, while Celtic Eye connects the wider community to the karst through art, history, mythology, music, and cultural traditions,” Kelsey continued.
“Often compared to the Burren but less well known, Roscommon’s karst deserves recognition, and over the four-year project, we aim to involve more schools and agricultural colleges, highlighting how farming, tradition, and biodiversity are uniquely intertwined here.”
Farmers with karst landscape habitats are invited to get involved by contacting the project team at 089 203 2702. Follow The Karst Farming Newtork on Facebook for updates.
Record livestock prices open door to smarter farm investment, says Ifac
Ifac says the record livestock prices present plenty of opportunities for Roscommon farmers to make smart investments for the future.
“Suckler and beef farmers are currently receiving higher prices than ever before for their livestock sales, both through the live trade and through beef prices received from processors. While these profits are longoverdue recognition of years of investment and dedication, they bring new challenges: higher income tax bills, regulatory demands, and decisions on how best to invest for the future,” said Trevor Boland, Senior Accountant at ifac
“In some cases, weanlings and finished cattle are making €1,000 per head more than last year and, for an average suckler farmer selling 10 weanlings, this is leading to €10,000 extra income in the bank account. Where total sales for the year are up €20,000 on a 20-cow herd, the additional income could lead to an additional tax bill of up to €10,000 for the farmer paying income tax at the marginal rate.
“Farmers now need to be aware now of what their farm profits are for 2024, what tax is payable on these profits and perhaps more importantly,what the likely farm income is going to be for 2025. Many farmers in the past would look at income tax filing deadlines as a target and not need to worry about a tax bill, as quite often many, particularly farmers with off-farm income, found themselves with a low tax bill or indeed a refund.
“For farmers looking at 2024 figures and expected income for 2025, there are possibilities to reduce income tax bills, invest in the farm for the future, invest in family and make the farm a safer place to live and work.”
Tax Planning Opportunities
Farmers are urged to take proactive steps now, including:
• Family Wages: Formalising support from family members to reduce tax liabilities while supporting education and living costs.
• Income Averaging: Spreading income tax burdens over five years to ease cashflow pressures.
• Pension Contributions: Using record profits to strengthen retirement savings and reduce preliminary tax exposure.
Investing in the Farm &
Family
With profits at record levels, 2024/25 is the time to reinvest strategically. Farmers should consider:
• Improving safety and handling facilities to future-proof operations.
• Preparing for slurry storage and regulatory changes.
• Applying early for TAMS grants and accelerated capital allowances to offset investment costs.
Building Long-Term Resilience
The latest insights emphasise that managing higher profits is not just about tax. Strategic financial planning – including pensions and succession – will determine whether farms can support future generations.
“One in five farmers cannot currently afford to retire, underscoring the urgency of forward planning,” said Trevor.
“These profits are the result of many years of breeding and improving the farm’s performance. With the hard work and profits managing your tax cashflow is incredibly important. Suckler and beef farms will have tax to pay this month (October), so you need to get working, get your tax figure and understand your options, then plan for 2025.”
*With its growing 30-office footprint, today ifac boasts a dedicated team of 580 professionals supporting almost 30,000 clients across the country. This includes supporting 18,000 producers, 3,000 clients in the agri-food sector, and 7,000 SMEs with a full suite of professional services, including accounting, tax, audit, corporate finance, consultancy, corporate recovery, payroll, financial planning, company secretarial, and business valuations.
Pictured is Sean Moran (Curraghmore, Ballinasloe) and John Whyte (Keelogues, Creggs, Roscommon) with donkey, Jill, who won the All-Ireland at Ballinasloe Show.
In County Roscommon, over 70% of farms specialise in beef production, primarily suckler systems, supporting a regional cattle herd of approximately 50,000 animals. Roscommon’s limestone-rich grasslands and around 6,500 beef-focused farms contribute to Ireland’s status as the EU’s top beef exporter and the world’s fifth-largest, with net exports reaching 492,000-509,000 tonnes worth €3.05-3.1 billion in 2024, over 90% destined for the UK and Europe. Yet, as 2025 progresses, the EU-Mercosur trade deal threatens to undercut this vital export sector. The agreement, sealed in December 2024, opens EU markets to Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, offering a 99,000-tonne quota of high-value beef cuts at 7.5% tariffs. In return, lower tariffs apply for EU cars and chemicals entering South America. While it may be a monumental deal which has been in the works for twentysix years, EU opposition to it has mounted on the basis of food safety. Ciaran Mullooly MEP (Independent Ireland, MidlandsNorth-West) says, “For a number of years, there have been concerns about the use of illegal animal growth promoters in South American countries”. These are banned in Ireland as the use poses a risk to food safety. Although the argument has been made that Mercosur beef must comply with hormonefree certification requirements, Mullooly says evidence has been found from the European Commission’s auditors in South America in 2024, examining the imports that already enter the EU (up to 100,000 tonnes), that consignments of beef had been infiltrated with growth promoters. Mullooly says High Court affidavits were sworn by Brazilian officials in Rio de Janeiro that no such chemicals were being used, which the EU Commission found to be false, and will not accept the affidavits, “which is symbolic of the breach of trust”.
A bombshell admission from EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič has intensified fears.
Responding to Independent Ireland
TD Michael Fitzmaurice, Šefčovič conceded Irish beef prices could plummet 45% over five years – a 9% annual drop – without triggering Mercosur’s
safeguards. Fitzmaurice called it a “lack of a protective handbrake,” warning, “Under this trade deal, the price of beef could drop by almost half while South American beef would be allowed to flood the market – it is confirmation that this deal would decimate the Irish beef industry.” He added, “It’s utterly reckless to think this would be anything other than a disaster for farmers.”
The European Commission downplays the impact, capping imports at 1.5% of EU beef and touting an “emergency brake.”
The Commission has previously said that in the event that cheaper Brazilian beef imports come in and the Irish beef market dies (goes down by 10%), the Commission will stall the market. However, when asked by Mullooly if it was to go down by 6%, or 8%, no safeguarding action would be taken.
A Government report projects a 0.08% dip in Irish output, offset by €1 billion in gains for whiskey and pharmaceuticals. But for Roscommon, where median farm output is €10,929, these assurances ring hollow.
Live exports – to Spain, Italy, and Northern Ireland – hit record levels in 2025, yet a 3.9% national herd decline tightens supply.
The beneficiaries in this deal, from an EU perspective, would be car manufacturers, an industry Germany has interests in growing.
“They want to sell cars – and we are saying you cannot sacrifice the good name of farming, and food quality and standards, just for the sake of selling cars.”
This raises a question: Should Ireland, with Roscommon’s beef-centric model – unlike finance-driven EU nations like Luxembourg – prioritise greater influence on or alternatives within Brussels’ trade deals over uniform EU approaches? The EU’s common agricultural policy has buttressed farmers since 1962, the IFA warn Mercosur could cost Ireland €100-130 million in beef revenue due to cheaper imports displacing premium
EU beef. Could a bilateral push protect rural Ireland’s premium beef without risking market saturation from non-compliant imports?
Ireland, as an EU member, must adhere to common trade policy, which greatly limits unilateral national trade strategies. However, it can (and does) influence via Council votes, as seen in opposition to Mercosur alongside France, Poland and Austria, and some support from Italy. “Italy is split – they have a very decent farming industry but they also have a significant car industry in another part of the country”. The last vote on Mercosur, in January 2025, voting for an amendment to halt the deal, was lost by 55 votes. Approximately 85 MEPs didn’t vote. A lot of those MEPs were Italian, and discussions continue with Italian representatives to see if their support can be gained, which Mullooly is optimistic about. The next vote on Mercosur will most likely take place on the second last Thursday in December.
MEP Mullooly has voiced strong opposition: “Thousands of Roscommon farmers will lose out in the new Mercosur proposal.” He welcomes Irish Agriculture Minister Hayden’s rejection but warns against abandoning principles, stressing Ireland’s “proud agricultural tradition” and food quality. Mullooly dismisses dairy and drinks benefits as “highly dubious,” citing Numbeo data from August 2025 showing Irish cheese at $11.31 per kilo versus $8.73 in Brazil and $6.73 in Paraguay – up to 40% cheaper, rendering exports unviable. Reacting to Šefčovič’s admission, Mullooly called it the “final nail in the coffin,” adding: “Irish farmers are now being told that prices can collapse year-on-year before any so-called safety net is applied – that is not protection, it is surrender.”
He urges the Tánaiste to block the deal at the Council of Ministers for Trade under Qualified Majority Voting, declaring: “The time for indecision is over... Will he back Irish and European farmers by rejecting this deeply damaging agreement?”
Fitzmaurice and Mullooly demand the Government “wake up before it’s too late,” warning that if the deal passes, “farmers will not forgive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael; the industry will be decimated and that will be on them.” Mullooly claims if the Irish Government goes ahead with the deal, or it is not opposed with enough votes in the EU parliament, “After a buoyant Irish beef industry trade in recent years, it will collapse. The trade in the factories and the marts will die, and the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael government of Micheál Martin and Simon Harris will be to blame because they have not done enough”. Roscommon’s fields deserve more than EU vetoes. A tailored trade approach could preserve the county’s grass-fed legacy and high-quality exported beef, ensuring young farmers stay on the land. Without it, a vital component of Ireland’s export engine risks faltering, threatening communities that have fed the nation for generations.
FARMING & RURAL LIVING
‘Boxer’ Moran
announces flood works funding
Minister ‘Boxer’ Moran and the Office of Public Works (OPW) have announced the approval of Westmeath County Council’s application for funding under the Office of Public Works’ Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Under the scheme, the OPW has approved funding of €18,000 for proposed works which include the installation of a 300mm drainage pipe and gullies to alleviate pluvial flooding at Garrynafela, Athlone, Co Westmeath.
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the Office of Public Works in 2009. Since then, eight funding applications by Westmeath County Council have been supported under this scheme.
The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short timeframe. Under the scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a costbenefit ratio.
Scahill: ‘We need to fast-track electricity supply legislation’
A Fine Gael senator is calling for the fast-tracking of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025, following recent widespread power outages across the west in the aftermath of Storm Amy.
Senator Gareth Scahill said: “This is the third major storm this year – after Storm Éowyn in February and Storm Floris in August – that has left thousands of homes in Roscommon and surrounding areas without electricity.
“The common denominator is clear: unmanaged forestry corridors which continue to pose a serious threat to electricity infrastructure. We can’t afford another winter of uncertainty,” he said.
More than 768,000 electricity customers nationally were affected during Storm Éowyn at the start of the year, and despite Government’s approval for the drafting of the Bill, progress has stalled.
“We were told at the end of July that Government
had approved the heads of the Bill to bolster grid resilience. It’s now October. My constituents are asking how long they’ll be without power when the next storm hits. They deserve answers, and action.”
The Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025 aims to grant ESB Networks enhanced powers to manage vegetation near power lines, establish statutory forestry corridors, and provide a framework for landowner compensation. It also aims to uphold environmental obligations under EU law and align with the Forestry Act 2014.
Senator Scahill stressed the urgency of the situation: “I spent a morning last week in west Roscommon with families who had no power. I’ve seen the exact corridors where trees are threatening lines. Everyone knows where the problem is. We need a multi-agency approach, and we need this legislation enacted now.”
He also referenced a letter from a local resident
detailing repeated outages caused by falling trees in the same stretch of forestry. “This community has been without power for over three and a half weeks this year alone. We cannot wait for another review or another storm. The time for action is now.”
Senator Scahill concluded by calling on the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to publish the Bill without delay.
“Our people deserve a resilient network. They deserve leadership. Let’s get this Bill published, passed, and implemented before the next storm hits,” concluded Senator Scahill.
Senator Gareth Scahill
Pictured at the recent Strokestown Agricultural Show. Photo: Michael Finan
FARMING & RURAL LIVING
Castlerea MART WATCH
There were over 500 lots presented for sale on Thursday last, October 9th, and aided by improved weather conditions and better quality stock, trade was improved all round.
The heifer ring witnessed stores fetch up to 7.40 a kilo, with heavier lots making up to €3320. The weanling rings, with some superb quality calves on offer, witnessed the bulls peak at 8.22 a kilo, while the heifer weanlings make up to 6.60 a kilo. The dry cow ring had a top price of €3590, while cows with calves at foot made up to €3500 and springers €2540. The runner ring recorded a top price of 7.44 a kilo for a Ch bull calf.
At the bullock sale held on Monday last, October 6th, there were over 200 lots presented, with stores making up to 6.25 a kilo and heavier lots making up to €3380 with a good clearance taking place. Sample prices: 490kg €2980, Ch 475kg €2940, Lim 540kg €3380, Lim 500kg €3100, Ch 505kg €3000, Lim 580kg €3100, AA 735kg €3380, Lim 680kg €3340, Lim 655kg €3140, and Ch 610kg €2980. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart on Saturdays
Martin Higgins (chairperson, Castlerea Mart) pictured presenting Gillian Davis with first prize for her Champion Charolais weanling heifer on behalf of Castlerea Veterinary Clinic. Pictured left to right are Eddie Cronin (Norbrook), Martin Higgins, Gillian Davis, Martin Regan (Progressive Genetics). Pic: Glynn’s Photography
Martin Higgins (chairperson, Castlerea Mart) pictured presenting Ray Sloyan with second prize for the best Charolais weanling bull on behalf of Kevin Henry (VS, Castlerea). Pictured left to right are Eddie Cronin (Norbrook), Martin Higgins, Ray Sloyan, and Martin Regan (Progressive Genetics). Pic: Glynn’s Photography
Eamon Fannon (Kilkerrin, Ballinasloe) pictured receiving third prize in the Limousin weanling bull section from Martin Regan (Progressive Genetics). Pictured left to right are Eddie Cronin (Norbrook), Eamon Fannon, Martin Regan, and Martin Higgins. Pic: Glynn’s Photography
FARMING & RURAL LIVING
Weanlings: There was a super entry of good quality weanlings on offer at the weanling sale held on Tuesday evening, October 14th, 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 €6.01 per kilo up to €9.07 per kilo. Heifer weanlings made from an average of €5.71 per kilo up to €7.93 per kilo.
kg, and CH- 795KG - €3100 - €3.90 per kg.
Heifers, sample prices: BBX - 590KG - €5420 - €9.19 per kg, CHX - 570KG - €4020- €7.05 per kg, LMX – 565KG€3900 - €6.90 per kg, LM – 485KG - €3320 - €6.85 per kg, SIX - 585KG - €2860 - €4.89 per kg, and CH - 550KG - €2760 - €5.02 per kg.
The next weanling sale will be held at 4 pm on Tuesday, October 21st Bull weanlings, sample prices: CHX –470KG-€3240-€6.89 per kg, CHX- 300KG -€2720 -€9.07 per kg, LMX- 555KG -€3150 -€5.68 per kg, LM - 575KG-€2900-€5.04 per kg, BBX - 365KG-€2600-€7.12 per kg, BAX - 360KG-€1700-€4.72 per kg, and PTX - 290KG-€1500-€5.17 per kg. Heifer weanlings, sample prices: LMX -530KG -€2900- €5.47 per kg, BBX -580KG-€2840-€4.90 per kg, CHX-330KG- €2500-€7.58 per kg,
CH- 320KG- €2000- €6.25 per kg, and LMX-245KG-€1420-€5.80 per kg.
Sheep: There was a large entry of sheep on offer at the weekly Sale of Lambs and Stag Ewes held on Wednesday, October 15th. Prices for lambs made up to €147 while stag ewes topped out at €246. The next sheep sale takes place on Wednesday, October 22nd. 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: 56kgs - €246€4.39 per kg, 48.2kgs - €244 - €5.06 per kg, 49kgs - €220 - €4.49 per kg, 54kgs - €175 - €3.24 per kg, 55kgs- €175- €3.18 per kg, and 47.1kgs - €175- €3.72 per kg. Cast ewes, sample prices: 91kgs - €242 - €2.66 per kg, 88.5kgs - €238 - €2.69 per kg, 91kgs - €238 - €2.62 per kg, 88kgs€226 - €2.57 per kg, 84kgs - €224 - €2.67 per kg, and 87kgs - €222 - €2.53 per kg.
Eddie Cronin (Norbrook) pictured presenting Ray Sloyan with first prize for his Limousin heifer weanling. Pictured left to right are Martin Higgins (chairperson, Castlerea Mart), Eddie Cronin, Ray Sloyan, and Martin Regan (Progressive Genetics). Pic: Glynn’s Photography
NEW TO THE MARKET DERELICT RESIDENCE STANDING ON A SITE AREA OF 0.72 OF AN ACRE WITH DERELICT OUTBUILDING STANDING THERE ON LOCATED AT KILMURRY, CASTLEPLUNKETT, CO. ROSCOMMON
AMV: €50,000
NEW TO THE MARKET
APPROX 63.42 ACRES OF LANDS TOGETHER WITH 2 NO 2 B/R SEMI DETACHED RESIDENCES STANDING THERE ON LOCATED AT BALLYGAR CO GALWAY
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
New to the market at
Sheehy Meares Team Earley
Keith McLoughlin of Sheehy Meares is delighted to present to the market 32 The Spinney, Roscommon Town. This is a charming two-bedroomed, mid-terraced townhouse, perfectly positioned in the ever-popular estate of The Spinney in Abbeytown, Roscommon Town.
This lovely home is full of character and warmth. Step inside to a bright hallway that leads to a beautifully tiled kitchen, ideal for preparing family meals. The spacious sitting room features an inviting open fire, creating the perfect spot for cosy evenings at home. French doors allow natural light to flood the room and open onto a private back garden, complete with secure panel fencing, a well-kept lawn, and a practical garden shed. A convenient
downstairs WC adds to the functionality of the property.
Upstairs, there are two generouslysized bedrooms – one with its own ensuite – along with a family bathroom serving the second bedroom. The layout feels comfortable, practical, and homely. Oil-fired central heating keeps the property warm throughout the year. The BER rating is C3.
The location is superb, just a short stroll from Roscommon Town including the nearby train station and all its excellent schools, shops, cafe and local amenities. This house offers more than just a place to live – it promises a lifestyle filled with comfort, convenience, and charm.
For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact Sheehy Meares Team Earley (Stonecourt, Roscommon) on 090 66 26579, email info@ sheehymeares.ie, log onto sheehymeares.ie, or contact the auctioneer Keith McLoughlin on 086 0848590.
Sheehy Meares Team Earley close sale on charming cottage-style residence in Tulsk
Keith McLoughlin of Sheehy Meares Team Earley is pleased to advise that he has closed the sale of a charming three-bedroomed countryside farmhouse in Tulsk, offering a peaceful rural lifestyle on a generous site.
Sheehy Meares Team Earley would like to extend their congratulations and best wishes to the new owners.
Sheehy Meares Team Earley would also like to advise that they are urgently seeking
similar detached, derelict, cottage-style residences in all areas for disappointed underbidders.
For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact Sheehy Meares Team Earley (Stonecourt, Roscommon) on 090 66 26579, email info@ sheehymeares.ie, log onto sheehymeares. ie, or contact the auctioneer Keith directly on 086 0848590.
32 The Spinney, Roscommon Town
Sold! Tulsk, Co. Roscommon
Classifieds
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Telephone: 086 8433433 Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon. David Connor BSC (Hon.) Chiro. MSc. Chiropractic Association of Ireland VHI and Laya Covered
Are you affected byAnger Issues, Bullying, Bereavement, Confidence/self-esteem issues, OCD, Stress, Depression, Eating disorders Panic/Anxiety, Relationships, Exam pressure, Sexual Abuse Contact: Billy 094 96 59966 Mobile: 086 0675433 or visit www.billybrogan.com
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to all makes & models
(LED Lights, Brakes, Re-Wiring, etc.)
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Four Roads, Co. Roscommon
GARDENING
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All aspects of plumbing and
Boiler Servicing
• Heating Installation
• Call for FREE QUOTATION
Contact Luke on 085 7359120
or 090 66 27496
• Certified Arborists
• Tree Surgery
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Comprehensive Insurance Cover. I.S.A. member.
Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165 www.parklaw treeservices.com
< GENTLEMAN WOULD LIKE to meet lady, aged between 40 and 50 years, for companionship. Roscommon/Galway area. Apply to Box no. 3126, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon.
HAY FOR SALE
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EMAIL: roscommon mathsgrinds@gmail.com
renting your property. If not no fees are payable. Tel: 086 8212732
Tullys
Podiatrist/Chiropodist
CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI
Sarah
be in Tullys Totalhealth Pharmacy, Castlerea on Monday and Friday and Boyle Totalhealth Pharmacy on Tuesdays.
l
THE FOOT HEALTH CENTRE
PODIATRIST
Corns, hard skin, cracked heels and painful calluses, Nail and skin conditions, Ingrown toenails, Verrucae, Diabetic foot care and monitoring, Lower limb pain and injury Full biomechanical assessment for gait and posture
Prescription orthotics tailored to your needs
ROSCOMMON
MOLLOYS PHARMACY (Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed By Appointment Only –Dylan Byrne DIP CHFP (Monday - Wednesday) Tel: 089 2551716 or Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP (Thursday - Saturday) Tel: 087 2982214
BSc (HonS.) Podiatry McHSi, rGn
• Dept. of Health Approved • CORU Registered For all aspects of footcare 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 nonpublication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.
APPOINTMENTS
SOUTH ROSCOMMON FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE
(A SERVICE OF VITA HOUSE)
Are inviting applications for the post of:
FAMILY SUPPORT/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WORKER (MATERNITY COVER)
The Community Development/Family Support Worker will work closely with the Project Co-ordinator to help the Centre implement its Work Plan.
The ideal candidate should have:
• A relevant third level qualification – minimum Level 6 (for example, Family Support Practice or Community Development);
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience, post qualification, of providing family support in a community-based setting, including experience of:
o facilitating groups & programmes
o providing one-to-one supports directly to parents/families
o organising community events;
o liaising / networking with community, voluntary and statutory agencies;
o providing information and support to individuals and groups;
• Proven experience in accessing funding;
• Excellent IT, social media and report writing skills;
• Access to own transport and a full clean driving license.
Hours of work: 35 hours per week, including anti-social hours when required Contract: Fixed Term Contract for six months.
To request further information and an application form, please contact Felicia Loughrey at southrosfrc@vitahouse.org
Closing date and time for receipt of applications is 12pm on Monday 27th October 2025. Applications will only be accepted on the official application form. CVs will not be accepted.
This position is funded by TUSLA Child and Family Agency.
Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for non-publication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.
THANKSGIVINGS
THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER
Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. K.C.
THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER
Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. A.C.
Ballinasloe Training for Employment CLG
ARE HIRING FOR AN
Assistant Supervisor for their DSP Community Employment Project
This is a full time in person role-not suitable for remote working.
Salary: Starting on point one of the scale €559.92 rising to €606.51 per week
• Own car and full clean Irish driving licence are essential for this role.
• Garda Clearance will apply to this role.
Closing Date for applications 24th October 2025
For a full job description please email: dandowling@ballinasloetfe.ie
Chartered Structural Engineer
• IStructE, MICE or MIEI, Min 10 years Exp.
• Extensive knowledge, of Masterseries, or Tekla. BCMS & BCAR.
• No training provided. Salary €DOE
Chartered Civil Engineer
• C.Eng, MICE or MIEI, Min 10 years Exp.
• Extensive knowledge, of Microdrainage, and SUDS. BCMS & BCAR.
• No training provided. Salary €DOE
2 x Autocad Technician.
• Min 2 years Exp. Prepare planning applications, drainage & structural drawings, steel detailing,
• EIS & Structural survey reports, Maps & conveyancing, for residential & commercial buildings,
• EPA site assessments, GPS topological surveys. Training provided. Salary €DOE
Applications by email only to: info@amconsulting.ie ANDREW MORRIS CHARTERED CONSULTING ENGINEERS.
ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT GREAT FOOD AND PROVIDING EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE?
FLEMING’S SUPERVALU ARE RECRUITING FOR THE POSITION OF
FRESH FOOD ASSISTANT
We’re
We’re
PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH OF CUPERTINO
O Great St. Joseph of Cupertino who while on earth did obtain from God the grace to be asked at your examination only the questions you knew, obtain for me a like favour in the examinations for which I am now preparing. In return I promise to make you known and cause you to be invoked. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. K.C.
PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH OF CUPERTINO
O Great St. Joseph of Cupertino who while on earth did obtain from God the grace to be asked at your examination only the questions you knew, obtain for me a like favour in the examinations for which I am now preparing. In return I promise to make you known and cause you to be invoked. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. A.C.
be provided
THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER
Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. L.M.
THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER
Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. M.R.M.
THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER
Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. M.B.
THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER
Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. T.
GERAGHTY
Martin Philip Abbey Street, Roscommon 25/10/1950 – 17/10/2023 (2nd Anniversary away from home)
A day that’s filled with sadness returns to us today, to mark the day you were suddenly taken away. You had a smile for everyone, you had a heart of gold, you left the sweetest memories this world could ever hold.
A smile can hide our sadness, tears can be wiped away, but the heartache of losing you will never go away. Because you were so special, no words could ever say, how much we love and miss you, today and every day.
Loved and sadly missed by your loving wife, Elaine, son Richard, daughter-in-law Jessica, grand daughter Ellie, grandson Senan, sister Margaret, brother Edmund, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, niece, nephews, grand nieces and nephews and large circle of friends.
Also sadly missed by his friend Bert.
Happy Heavenly Birthday
HEVICAN
Larry
Lisnamult, Roscommon
In loving memory of a dear father and grandfather who passed away on 16th October, 1966, aged 59 years (59th Anniversary)
R.I.P.
Your name is often mentioned, our thoughts are with you still. You have never been forgotten and by us you never will.
Always remembered and sadly missed by your grand daughter Roseanne, daughters Mary, Bridie and Margaret and all the family.
KIRWAN
Joe (Josie)
Upper Roxboro, Co. Roscommon and formerly of Two Mile Bush, Roscommon (3rd Anniversary) 20th October, 2022
In God’s care you rest above, in our hearts you rest with love. Never more than a thought away.
Loved and remembered every day by your wife Carmel and the Kirwan family.
Anniversary Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday 18th October, 2025 at 10am.
DOYLE
John Anthony (Ted)
Roselawn Drive, Ballygar, Co. Galway
In loving memory of my husband who passed away on 1st November 2024 (1st Anniversary)
A smile for all, a heart of gold, the very best this world could hold. Never selfish, always kind, those are the memories you left behind. Your memories are so precious, your presence missed so much. You will always be remembered and missed by all of us.
Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Eileen; sister Olive; brother Joe and his extended family.
Anniversary Mass for John Anthony (Ted) will take place on Friday 31st October at 7.30 pm in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar.
MURRAY
Patrick
Meelick, Williamsown, Co Galway. Who died on 13th September, 2025
Marie, Katie and Patrick wish to thank all who supported us on the sad loss of our beloved Patrick.
A special word of thanks to the medical staff of G.U.H and Beaumont; Dunmore Medical, Garvey’s Pharmacy, P.H.N.; Galway Hospice, Roscommon Hospice for their compassionate care of Pat in his final days.
Sincere thanks to all who attended the Removal and Funeral, those who travelled long distances, sent Mass Cards, online condolences, donated to Hospice. Thank you to our wonderful neighbours and friends for their support and Guard of Honour. Thanks to the Rose of Tralee Roses and Escorts for their attendance and flowers.
Thank you to Fr. Anthaiah and Fr. Mooney for celebrating Mass and Eoin Kenny for the beautiful singing and music. Thanks to the grave diggers for preparing Pat’s final resting place and Mary Pettit for use of the Community Centre.
Thank you to Coneran Undertakers for their compassion and professionalism shown during the Funeral and to Annette O’ Rourke for the lovely mass booklets. Thank you to the Oaklands Hotel and Heneghan’s SuperValu for providing the lovely food.
Month’s Mind Mass for Patrick Murray will be on 19th of October, at 10.30am Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Glenamaddy, Co Galway.
We lost a mother with a heart of gold, how much we miss her can never be told.
She shared our troubles and helped us along, if we follow in her footsteps, we will never go wrong. We miss you from your fireside chair, your loving smile and gentle air, your vacant place no one can fill, we miss you mother and always will. She was a mother so very rare, content in her home and always there. On Earth she toiled, in Heaven she rests, God bless you mother, you were one of the best. Each time we look at your picture, you seem to smile and say don’t be sad but courage take, and love each other for my own sake.
Always remembered by your loving family.
Mary’s Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague on Saturday 25th October at 7 pm.
McLOUGHLIN
(née McNeill)
Bernadette (Bernie)
Coolagarry, Curraghboy, Roscommon
Who sadly passed away on the 26th October 2022 (3rd Anniversary)
Your presence we miss, your memory we treasure, loving you always, forgetting you never.
Your loving husband John. xxx
A daily thought, a silent tear, a constant wish that you were here.
Your loving children, Mark, Keith, Jonathon, daughters-in-law Lorna and Breda and Keith’s partner Mary and grandchildren. xxx
Anniversary Mass will be held at St Brigid’s Church, Curraghboy, on Friday 17th October at 7 pm.
If all the world was ours to give, we’d give it all and more to hear your voice and see your smile and meet you at the door.
Loved and remembered by Patsy and Maureen.
BREHON
Pat
Doughill, Curraghroe Who died 18th October, 1985 (40th Anniversary)
“Great love lives on.”
Lovingly remembered by his family.
BEIRNE Johnny Ballymacurley South, Four Mile House (28th Anniversary)
In loving memory of our brother Johnny, who died on 17th October 1997
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed, still very dear.
Always remembered and sadly missed by your brothers and sister, nieces and nephews and brother-in-law.
Anniversary Mass will take place in St. Ronan’s Church, Taughmaconnell on Friday, 17th October at 9am.
CONBOY
Theresa (Hetty)
Comans Park, Roscommon. Who died on 20th October 2024 (1st Anniversary)
On your First Anniversary away from home
Mam In life I loved your dearly, in death I love you still. You hold a place within my heart that no one else can fill. It’s hard to walk in life alone instead of side by side. I know your love for me will always be my guide. The precious times we shared live forever in my heart. My only wish this day is that we never had to part. I will love and miss you forever.
Loved, remembered and sadly missed by Tony, family, neighbours and friends.
Hetty’s 1st Anniversary Mass will take place on October 18th at 7pm in Roscommon Sacred Heart Church.
MURRAY
Jarlath
Lanesboro, Co. Longford (14th Anniversary) Who passed away on the 4th October 2011
MURRAY
Freda
Lanesboro, Co. Longford (22nd Anniversary) Who passed away on the 22nd October 2003
M cGILL (nee Murray)
Marian Ardara, Donegal (24th Anniversary) Who passed away on the 17th October 2001
MULROONEY
Liam
Cloonlyon, Ballygar, Co. Galway
Cherished memories of a dear husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, who passed away on the 16th of October 2023.
(2nd Anniversary)
How we miss the welcome footsteps of the one we loved so dear.
Often we listen for his coming fully sure that he is near. Thou are gone but not forgotten fresh our love will ever be. For as long as there is memory we will always think of thee.
Those we love don’t go away they walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear. Always in our thoughts, forever in our hearts.
Deeply loved and sadly missed by his wife Nora and family everyday.
Liam’s 2nd Anniversary Mass will be held on Saturday, 25th of October 2025 at 7.30pm in St. Marys Church, Ballygar
SIMMS Denise
Manor, Tulsk, Roscommon
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who supported us and extended their condolences during such a difficult time. We are forever grateful to Denise’s wonderful friends, sisters, nieces, and nephews who dedicated so much of their time to caring for and supporting her throughout her incredibly difficult journey.
A special thanks to Denise’s in-home carers, especially Kasia, as well as the Palliative Care team and Roscommon Hospice, who went above and beyond in their care. We would also like to sincerely thank all her colleagues from Sacred Heart Hospital for the beautiful Guard of Honour. We can never thank you all enough.
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arm around you and He whispered, “come to me.”
With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away, and though we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating, your hard-working hands put to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best
Forever remembered, loved, and sadly missed by your husband Robert; children Shane, Liam, Niamh, and Robert and their partners; siblings, grandchildren, and friends.
Month’s Mind Mass for Denise Simms will take place on 19th October at 11:30 am in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon. All are welcome.
QUEENEY
Annie
Lismaha, Mount Talbot Co. Roscommon Who passed away on18 of October 2024 (1st Anniversary)
Our hearts are full of memories. With pride we speak your name. Though life goes on without you, it will never be the same. Your memories are so special and your presence missed so much. You will always be remembered and loved by all of us.
Always remembered by her nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.
God called your names so softly, that only you could hear, and no one heard the footsteps of Angels drawing near. The Golden Gates stood open God saw you needed rest, His garden must be beautiful, He only takes the best. Always remembered by Greg, Mary, Eoin and David. Anniversary Mass at a later date.
Annie’s Anniversary Mass will take place in the Church of the Good Shepherd, Four Roads on Monday 20th October at 7.30 pm
In loving memory of FOX
Michael
Clooncellan Ballymurry, Roscommon who passed away on the 17th of October 2023 (2nd Anniversary)
You had a heart of gold, filled with love and humour. One of a kind — a free spirit and a gentle soul. Your presence is deeply missed, your laughter and all the quirky little things you used to do. Though you are no longer with us in body, you live on in our hearts and minds every day. We miss you and love you deeply.
Always remembered with love by your wife Mary, daughters, sons, extended family and friends
DEEHAN
Tony and Beaty
Scramogue, Co. Roscommon.
In loving memory of Tony who passed away on October 24th, 1992 and Beaty who passed away on October 7th, 2019
Those we loved don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, still very dear.
You left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always by our side.
Remembered always by their loving family. Anniversary Mass in St. Anne’s Church, Scramogue on Sunday, 19th October at 10am.
Tony (33rd Anniversary)
Beaty (6th Anniversary)
ROSCOMMON COUNTY
COUNCIL
I, Damien Keenehan, intend applying to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission for Change of House Design from that previously permitted under Grant of Planning PD/22/255 with associated site development works at Deerpark Td, Boyle, Co. Roscommon.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
Signed: Michael Hennessy, Advanced Planning & Design Services Ltd, 15A North West Business & Technology Park, Castlecarra Road, Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim. Tel 086 1701549
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
We, Denise and Andrew Harte, intend to apply for Permission for the construction of a dwelling house, domestic garage, the installation of a sewerage treatment unit and percolation area along with connections to all site services and all other associated site works. At: Killinordanbeg Townland, Scramoge, 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.
I, Martin Murray, intend to apply for planning permission and retention permission for development at Castlestrange, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of planning permission for the upgrading of the waste water treatment system, retention permission for domestic garage and retention permission for as-constructed site boundaries.
Signed: Seamus Murray, Project Managers, Engineers & Surveyors. 2 Cherryside Business Park, Castle St, Roscommon. Ph- (087) 2222874.
The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.
A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
I, Michael O’Brien, intend to apply for planning permission and retention permission for development at Carrownderry, Kiltoom, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of – planning permission for the construction of a light engineering workshop at an existing farmyard, waste water treatment system and associated siteworks and retention permission for an existing machinery shed.
2 Cherryside Business Park, Castle St, Roscommon. Ph- (087) 2222874.
The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.
A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
Cuiltygower, Ballyfarnon, Boyle, Co. Roscommon.
We, Sinead O’Connor and Keilan Lindsay, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission for development consisting of the construction of a dwelling house, domestic garage, entrance, wastewater treatment system and polishing filter together with all ancillary site works and services at the above address.
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 opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application, and such submission or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant the application.
Signed: Sinead O’Connor and Keilan Lindsay.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
We, Aideen and Aisling Lyons, intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to fully refurbish and extend existing semiderelict structure (formerly dwelling) install new waste water treatment system and percolation area, associated site works and services at Milltown, Castleplunkett, 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 a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
I, Bernadette Crowe, intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for retention of dormer type extension to rear of dwelling, and domestic garage/store to side of dwelling, associated works and services at Manor, Tulsk, 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 a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
I Dominic Gillooly, intend to apply for Permission for development at Cloontogher, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon. The development consists of the Construction of a Slatted shed to house cattle, with handling facilities and ancillary works (ie concrete yards, all for agricultural purposes only) in a new farmyard utilising existing farm entrance.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Planning Authority of the application.
Signed (Agent): Christopher Kinghan Chartered Surveyor 085 164 6179
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
Joe Keyes intends to apply for planning permission to construct 5 bay calf shed on his lands at Knock, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
Signed: Joe Keyes.
Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for non-publication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.
I Patrick Glennon, intend to apply for permission for development at this site Scregg, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of an extension to existing farm buildings including sheep shed, roofed manure pit and ancillary works for agricultural purposes, in existing farm yard using existing access and entrance.
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: Patrick Glennon.
APPLICATION TO ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL FOR A WASTE FACILITY PERMIT
In accordance with Article 8 of the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations, 2007 (as amended), All-Star Shredding Ltd., of Teevnacreeva Td., Tibohine, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon (Eircode F45 V635), hereby gives notice of its intention to apply to Roscommon County Council for a Waste Facility Permit in respect of an existing industrial premises at the above address.
The nature and purpose of the proposed activity are as follows:
• The acceptance, storage, dismantling, shredding, processing, and preparation for onward recovery of waste computer and electronic equipment (WEEE), and
• The secure acceptance and shredding of paper and confidential documents,
• Together with the secure storage of specialist medical device tools,
• And ancillary works including designated waste storage areas, inspection and quarantine zones, site drainage improvements, installation of a new tertiary treatment system with raised percolation area, and all associated works.
The classes of activity, in accordance with the Third and Fourth Schedules of the Waste Management Act 1996 (as amended) and Part I of the Third Schedule of the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations 2007 (as amended), are as follows:
• R3 — Recycling/reclamation of organic substances which are not used as solvents (applicable to shredded paper and cardboard),
• R4 — Recycling/reclamation of metals and metal compounds, and
• R13 — Storage of waste pending any of the operations numbered R1 to R12 (excluding temporary storage pending collection on the site where the waste is produced).
The application will include the following waste types under the List of Waste (LoW) codes:
LoW Code Waste Description
16 02 14
Discarded equipment (general WEEE including IT equipment)
16 02 16 Components removed from discarded equipment
20 01 01 Paper and cardboard
19 12 07 Paper and cardboard from mechanical treatment of waste
A copy of the application for a Waste Facility Permit will be available for inspection or purchase, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, F42 VR98, during public opening hours.
An application for a Waste Facility Permit will be made to the abovementioned local authority within 10 working days of the date of this notice
A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to Roscommon County Council, on payment of the prescribed fee of €10.00, within 25 working days beginning on the date of receipt by the Council of the application. Submissions or observations will be considered by the Council in determining the application.
The Council may grant a Waste Facility Permit subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant such a permit.
Racing this afternoon (Thursday) is at The Curragh with a flat card starting at 1.15 pm, and they race over the jumps at Thurles starting at 2.12 pm.
Tomorrow evening there is a flat card on the all-weather in Dundalk at 5.15 pm. On Saturday afternoon there is a national card at Limerick with first race at 1.45 pm, and racing on the level at the Leopardstown with two Group 3 races, the Eyrefield Stakes and The Killavullan Stakes –first race at 2.10 pm.
Sunday sees both tracks race again, with Leopardstown off at 1.55 pm and Limerick at 2.07 pm featuring the JT McNamara Munster National. On Monday, Gowran Park race on the level away at 2.19 pm.
Television coverage this Saturday is from Ascot, with ITV and Virgin Media 1 covering all seven races on the card, including five Group 1 races on British Champions Day. The first Group 1 race is the Distance Cup with six runners, and Trawlerman, trained by the Gosdens, is odds-on favourite with Ballydoyle’s Stay True 2nd in the betting. The second
is the Champion Sprint Stakes with sixteen runners, a wide open race in which they go 6/1 the field in which Paddy Twomey has the best of the Irish with King Cuan at 16/1. The Fillies and Mares Stakes is headed by 3/1 shot Andrew Balding’s Kalpana, ridden by Colin Keane with Irish runners Bedtime Story, Aidan O’Brien, Wemighttakethelongway (Joseph O’Brien), and One Look Paddy Twomey all with a chance, and Ballydoyle’s Island Hopping at 66/1. The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes betting has Colin Keane on the 5/4 favourite Field Of Gold for the Gosdens with O’Brien’s The Lion In Winter 3rd favourite at 7/1.
O’Brien has five in the Champion Stakes headed by Delacroix at 5/2 with Ombudsman 15/8 favourite for the Gosdens and it looks a two-horse race but the Aga Khan’s Calandagan, winner of the King George Queen Elizabeth Stakes here, is in with a chance.
Five great races ensure a great afternoon of racing with plenty of Irish interest. Aidan O’Brien has trained 22 Group winners this
Tributes as Ciaráin steps down from county scene
Roscommon GAA star Ciaráin Murtagh (St Faithleach’s) has announced that he is stepping down from the inter-county scene.
The brilliant forward has been a star for club and county over recent years.
Paying tribute, Roscommon GAA said: “Roscommon GAA would like to extend its heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Ciaráin Murtagh, who has announced his retirement from inter-county football after an outstanding career representing the primrose and blue.
“Ciaráin made his senior debut for Roscommon against Longford in the National Football League in 2014, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in the county colours. Since then, he has gone on to make 122 appearances, amassing an incredible 24 goals and 312 points, and playing a central role in many of Roscommon’s most memorable moments over the past decade.
“Over the course of a distinguished career, Ciaráin won a Connacht Senior Football Championship (2017), four National Football League Division 2 titles (2015, 2018, 2020, 2022) and one National Football League Division 3 title (2014).”
Roscommon GAA Chairperson Brian Carroll said: “On behalf of everyone in Roscommon GAA, I would like to sincerely thank Ciaráin for his incredible dedication, loyalty, and commitment to Roscommon GAA. Since making his debut in 2014, Ciaráin has been an integral part of so many of our most memorable days.
“Off the pitch, he has always been a top class person – a leader, a gentleman, and someone who brought positivity and spirit to the dressing room every single day. He will be greatly missed by teammates, management, and supporters alike.”
by Tom Red
calendar year and is six short of his own world record of 28. He should make inroads into that figure, but with what horse? That is the question.
Roscommon review
Racing for 2025 came to a close at Lenebane last Monday with a flat card.
The opening 7f colts and geldings maiden was won by the well backed 2nd favourite Millraceflow, trained by Andy Oliver and ridden by Billy Lee. The second, the Guinness Handicap, was won by Spanish Temptress, a drifter from 3/1 to 6/1, trained by Richard John O’Brien with Colin Keane in the saddle. The extended handicap went to La Tulipe Noire, steady in the betting at 6/1, trained by Aengus King and ridden by 7lb claimer Jessica O’Gorman. The fourth on the card, the Gary’s Gardening Services Roscommon Maiden produced the first favourite to win when Johnny Murtagh’s Mocking won at evens. The 2nd favourite quickly followed when Glenroyal obliged in the conditions race for Joseph O’Brien and champion jockey-
elect Dylan Browne McMonagle at 8/11. The On-Course Vets Handicap provided the biggest priced winner in Ephesus, trained by Denis Hogan with Joey Sheridan doing the steering at 12/1. Trainer Daniel McLoughlin combined with Ben Coen to win the closing handicap at a steady 11/4 and bring down the curtain on Roscommon Races for 2025. Roll on next May!
Racing news
We had a famous victory for Ireland in the 135th running of the Velka Pardubicka in the Czech Republic with Stumptown, ridden by Keith Donoghue and trained by Gavin Cromwell – despite two major errors.
Traynor Cup kick-off on Sunday
SOCCER: This Sunday at the League Grounds, Lecarrow the Roscommon & District Football League representative side play their first game in this season’s Oscar Traynor Cup. Their opponents will be the Galway League. This season’s Oscar Traynor Cup sees the Roscommon & District League in a group with the Galway League, the Sligo-Leitrim League and the Mayo League, with two teams advancing to the knockout stages. Last season, the RDFL travelled to play Galway in their first game. They were slow to settle and while much better after the break they came away with a 2-0 defeat.
Roscommon then drew 0-0 with the SligoLeitrim League before beating the Mayo League 2-1 in Lecarrow. Unfortunately, they just failed to advance to the play-off stages, missing out on goal difference.
Manager Robbie Shine and his assistants have worked hard to prepare the team for this weekend’s vital game and they will be expecting a big performance against a very strong Galway League side.
The game in Lecarrow this Sunday will kick off at 2 pm. Best wishes to the Roscommon side. Strong home support would be very welcome!
His race almost ended at the daunting Taxis Ditch, fence four, the most famous obstacle on the racecourse, where Donoghue did well to keep the partnership intact. Another mistake at the Small Gardens, fences 8 and 9, saw them end up at the tail of the field. With 22 fences left, Donoghue bided his time, picking off rivals one by one moving into 2nd before the last, where the local High In The Sky led. Stumptown wore down the leader on the long run in and won by 1¼l. The other Irish runner, Peter Maher’s Cavalry Master finished 9th. Keith Donoghue, who has ridden Cheltenham winners, said that this win was as big a buzz as he has got.
Local hurlers on ‘Team of year’
Roscommon hurlers have earned three places on the annual Christy Ring Cup, Nickey Rackard Cup and Lory Meagher Cup team of the year, announced by the GAA on Tuesday.
Enda Lawless claims the number 1 jersey and is supported by fellow Rossies in Mark Ward and Conor Cosgrove. En route to winning this year’s Nickey Rackard Cup, Roscommon only conceded two goals.
SENIOR MEN: Christmas Hamper 1st round winner was Michael Sharkey with 36 pts. Cat. 1: Willie Doyle (35 pts); Cat. 2: Christy Dolan (34 pts); Cat. 3: Sergio Benedetti (30 pts); Cat. 4: John Cooney (35 pts). There was only one deuce (Noel Sharkey).
SENIOR LADIES: 1st: Ronnie Clark (17 pts); 2nd: Anne Martin (16 pts); 3rd: Rosaleen McGarry-Lynch (15 pts); 4th: Mary McDermott (15 pts); 5th: Mary Lennon (14 pts).
MEN’S RESULTS: 18-hole competition sponsored by Noel Carr Accountants. Overall winner was Eddie Naughton (44 pts). Gross: Johnny Coyne (33 pts); Cat. 1: Aaron Fullard (38 pts); Cat. 2: Terry Canning (36 pts); Cat. 3: Mick Fitzpatrick (40 pts).
LADIES RESULTS: Christmas Hamper Competition sponsored by Keane’s Centra. 1st: Laarni Beattie (43 pts); 2nd: Noreen O’Grady (41 pts); 3rd: Linda Maxwell (38 pts); 4th: Margaret Egan (37 pts); 5th: Marina Cribbon (36 pts); 6th: Kay Ruane (35 pts).
CBS 9-HOLE COMPETITION: 1st: Samuel Godfrey (23 pts); 2nd: Adam Shams (23 pts); 3rd: Matthew Rabatin (22 pts).
PRESENTATION NIGHT: The last major presentation of the year for the men will take place at the clubhouse on this Saturday, October 18th at 8 pm. A number of weekly competition prizes and the Golfer of the Year prizes will be presented on the night. Please keep an eye on BRS and the WhatsApp during the week for more details.
Keith Donoghue celebrates winning the Velka Pardubicka on Stumptown.
Ciaráin Murtagh in action against Dylan Geaney of Kerry during the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in Killarney this summer. Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Creggs RFC Report
THE GAIN LINE
Creggs back on track with win over Castlebar
Creggs 31 Castlebar 16. Last Saturday night Creggs played host to Castlebar in the 3rd round of the J1A League. Castlebar kicked off and attacked with momentum from the outset, scoring seven points within three minutes.
Creggs steadied themselves and went on the attack from the restart, Ronan Dowd dancing to the try line and also converting. On 12 minutes Dowd got over again to provide another seven points, Creggs now 14-7 clear.
Castlebar attacked deep into the Creggs half, winning a penalty on the 22 in front of the posts, the conversion of which closed the gap to four. After 19 minutes another Castlebar penalty reduced that gap to a single point.
On 38 minutes, Castlebar were pushing hard but fouled a Creggs player. Unfortunately, a Creggs player had a word with the referee who immediately reversed the penalty decision, Castlebar kicking successfully to go 16-14 ahead at half-time.
Six minutes into the second half the Creggs backline handled the ball brilliantly, with Ronan Dowd and Mark Purcell to the fore, the resulting try by Shane Dowd putting the home team 19-16 up. Excellent work by the pack then got Ethan Glennon in for another try, converted by Ronan Dowd.
This bonus point try settled the team, now clear by 26 to 16. After some great varies Creggs won a lineout on the Castlebar 5-metre line where Ronan Dowd got in for his third try, ensuring a 31-16 win.
This was a solid win but also a wake-up call for Creggs who must get the penalty count down and also reduce their handling errors.
WOMEN’S AIL JUNIOR CUP: Creggs senior women lost out to Queens Belfast on Sunday in their
AIL junior cup quarter-final on a scoreline of 44-5.
As half-time approached, the Creggs ladies found themselves two scores down and would have been happy going in with that scoreline. Unfortunately they failed to clear when in possession and gave away a crucial score to go in 19-0 behind at half-time.
Creggs needed to start the second half well but unfortunately they failed to deal with the kick-off and the visitors were in again for an easy score. The visitors scored again soon after to put the game out of Creggs’ reach.
In the last 20 minutes the Creggs ladies eventually formed phases of play and began causing the visitors difficulties. After a few phases Lisa O’Rourke was released through a gap for their only score of the game.
The visitors scored a long-range try (which was converted) with the last play of the game for a final score of 44-5.
It was a great experience for this group of ladies, having qualified to play against the top two teams in each province. Having lost a few players in the close season to the AIL, this group of inexperienced players will learn
from this experience.
U-18.5 BOYS: The Creggs U-18.5 boys kicked off their season with a league game against Galway Bay RFC on Sunday, an outing which resulted in a pulsating 34-31 victory for Creggs (in Creggs). With no challenge games beforehand due to other sporting commitments, the team showed real determination and teamwork to start their campaign with a win.
Creggs struck first when Cian Kiernan powered over for his opening try, Kaylum Curran unlucky to see his conversion attempt hit the post. Galway Bay replied to edge ahead 5-7. Creggs regained the lead when Curran set up Jeff Dolan, who gathered and scored under pressure. Curran converted to make it 12-7 before Galway Bay hit back again (12-14).
Strong carrying from James Trundle and a dominant pack helped Creggs back into an attacking position, and Kiernan peeled off the back of a scrum for his second try. Just before half-
time, Ruairi Webb produced a superb carry and offload to set up Kiernan’s hat-trick, converted by Curran for a 24-14 interval lead.
Galway Bay started the second half strongly, cutting the gap to 24-19. Creggs looked to respond when Jack Finn crossed the line but was judged to be held up. Moments later, a wellworked team move from one side of the field to the other sent Sam Walsh diving into the corner to make it 2919.
Galway Bay showed great fight to score twice and edge ahead 29-31 as full-time loomed. Creggs weren’t done yet and a brilliant offload from Kiernan found Walsh, who sprinted 40 metres and beat several defenders to seal the win in dramatic fashion.
Final score: Creggs 34 Galway Bay 31. Next game is against Sligo. This was a fantastic start to the league and a confidence boost before the lads jet off on their tour to Spain this Thursday!
U-18 GIRLS: On Saturday Creggs U-18 girls travelled to Westport RFC
for a league game. Creggs put up a good fight but Westport came away with the points.
There was improvement in the scrums, and also some great lineouts. A welcome back from injury to Myah Madden. Training continues on Monday nights at 8 pm.
U-14 GIRLS: Creggs U-14 girls played Buccaneers on Saturday morning in Athlone. This was a tough game for our newly-formed team. No one could fault the Creggs team’s effort on the day. This is a young team and they will learn more as the season goes on. Training continues each Monday evening at 7 pm.
MINI SECTION: Well done to all 79 Creggs RFC MINI players who travelled to Buccaneers on Sunday morning. They played well and represented themselves and their club brilliantly. Thanks to Buccaneers RFC for the hospitality.
LOTTO: Last week’s lotto jackpot was not won. The next draw is for €7,700.The lucky dip winner was Karol Keane.
Buccaneers denied by last-gasp try
Buccaneers were decidedly unlucky when going down 14-10 to UL Bohemian in a physical Energia All-Ireland League Division 2B encounter played in near ideal conditions at Dubarry Park last Saturday. Buccs really put it up to one of the joint pacesetters who only took the lead in the dying minutes of a very keenly contested battle. In the closing minutes UL Bohs regained possession from a loose clearance and some phases later Darren Ferrar escaped the clutches of a despairing tackle to run in for a try which they converted to claim a fortunate 14-10 victory.
One minute’s silence was respectfully observed prior to kick-off in memory of Annette Carroll.
U-20s: After a sluggish start, Buccaneers U-20s turned matters around to open their JP Fanagan Leinster Premier League 2 Section A campaign with a fine victory away to De La Salle Palmerston at Kirwan Park last Sunday. After conceding a couple of soft early tries, Buccs got into their stride to control the final hour as they forged a 38-14 bonus point victory.
SECONDS: Buccaneers shipped a heavy 6212 Bank of Ireland Connacht Junior 1A League defeat to Dunmore under the Dubarry Park floodlights last Saturday night. This was a most
disappointing display by the club’s second string in a game that, on paper, should really have been much more competitive.
U-20s: Buccaneers U-20s are home to Naas in the second round of the JP Fanagan Leinster Premier League 2 Section A at Dubarry Park this Sunday. Kick-off is 3 pm for what should be a competitive affair. Naas overcame Wanderers 24-12 in their opening fixture but, on home turf, Buccs will be striving to build on their victory at DLSP.
FIXTURES: Buccaneers make the long journey west to Clifden to face Connemara in the Bank of Ireland Connacht Junior 1A League on Sunday
with the action getting underway at 2.30 pm. Both clubs have made poor starts to the campaign but the Blacks will be hoping that home advantage will give them an edge. Buccaneers Women’s team also head west but just as far as the City of the Tribes where they face Galwegians Seconds in the Connacht League. Kick-off is 1 pm at Crowley Park.
YOUTHS RUGBY: Buccaneers U-15 ‘black’ team travelled to Claremorris last Saturday for their first Connacht League game and came away with a 43-14 win. Buccaneers U-15 ‘yellow’ team played Corinthians in a friendly in perfect conditions on Sunday. It ended 19-19.
Pictured are the Creggs U-18.5s.
Conor Diffley of Creggs attempts a block during this phase of play against Galway Bay.
The Creggs women’s team.
close camogie final on cards
< SEAMUS DUKE
This year’s Roscommon Senior Camogie final is a repeat of last year’s decider as defending champions Oran meet St Dominic’s in Ballyforan this Saturday, with a close contest expected between two teams that look evenly matched. Oran are now chasing back-to-back titles, having bridged a 21year gap in 2024. Their form so far this year suggests that they are well capable of retaining their crown. They have a nice blend of experienced and younger players and have trained hard under Colm Kelly and his management team.
Michaela Fallon, Marie Carty, Shauna McDermott, Orla Connolly, Claire Curley, Hazel Kelly, Anna Hussey and Andrea
Fallon – among others –have all served the club well over the years at the highest level. This year Oran welcome back Deirdre and Catriona Regan, who are huge additions to the team.
Meanwhile, younger players like Hollie McDermott and Isobel Kenny have come to the fore to great effect this season.
For their part, St
Dominic’s will be eager to win back the title after losing out narrowly in last year’s final. They come into the decider after a thrilling battle with Athleague in the semi-final, a game that went to extra-time.
St Dominic’s have a number of outstanding performers who have been playing well this year, including Tara Naughton, Niamh
Watson, Lily Murray, Eimer McNally, Hannah Murray, Aimee O’Connor, Caroline Dowling, Michaela Lohan, Áine O’Meara and Ciara Kilcommins. These are some of the key St Dominic’s players who are likely to play a prominent role in the final on Saturday. There is little to choose between these teams and another very close match is on the cards. Not entirely unexpectedly,
both managers have been quick to claim the underdogs’ role ahead of the match!
I’m giving a hesitant vote to Oran to retain their title. They look to have a very strong squad, including players who can come in off the bench and have a big influence on the outcome. It promises to be a cracking final. Oran to win by two points is the verdict.
Prediction: Oran.
The managers: Kelly and Haughey have final say!
< SEAMUS DUKE
The Oran camogie manager is club legend Colm Kelly, who last year led the team to their first senior title in 21 years. They are back this year with sights firmly set on retaining that cherished trophy.
Colm’s direct ‘opponent’ this Saturday is John Haughey, who has overseen St Dominic’s’ path to the final.
Colm Kelly says the defending champions are expecting another intense tussle against St Dominic’s in what is a repeat of last year’s decider.
“We have trained well and we don’t have any injury worries ahead of the final but we are expecting a huge battle. The standard of the games in the championship this year has been very high. We had great tussles against Roscommon Gaels and Four Roads. We lost out to St Dominic’s earlier in the season so we know what to expect in the final. There is nothing between us.”
Kelly says that they have new players on the panel this year and a few returning stars as well.
“Hollie McDermott and Isobel Kenny are young players who have stepped up this year and we are welcoming back Deirdre and Catriona Regan too. There is great competition for places on the team this year and that’s always welcome.”
It’s interesting that the Oran manager maintains that his side will go into the final as underdogs.
“Last year was our first title in 21 years. St Dominic’s have an experienced squad so they will be the favourites. It will be a battle – and hopefully we can play well on the day and see where that takes us” he concluded.
Haughey’s view When St Dominic’s manager John Haughey spoke to People Sport, he stressed that there is a huge hunger amongst his players to regain the senior title this year.
“The players are up for it, that’s for sure. We know we will be underdogs going into the game,
but as you know finals take on a life of their own and anything can happen.”
John says that they have had a number of changes to the panel this year.
“We have had a few players returning and there are always a few who are not able to commit but that’s in the nature of the club scene.
“The panel have been training hard all year and have put in a huge effort. We have players coming from college in Galway and Dublin and from all over the country and they are giving a huge commitment to the club.”
The St Dominic’s manager asserted that the standard of camogie among the top teams this year has been very high.
“You could throw a blanket over all the teams in the senior championship in Roscommon in terms of form. There is nothing between any of us.
“It took us all our time to get over Athleague in the semi-final but it has given us great preparation for the final. Oran will be a formidable challenge. We will be well prepared” he concluded.
Roscommon JFC Final: Ballinameen v St Croan’s
St Croan’s can make quick return to intermediate ranks
< SEAMUS DUKE
Since being relegated from the intermediate ranks last year, St Croan’s have been the hot favourites to make a quick return – and thus far they have justified that favouritism. They have been the standout team in the junior championship this season and will be long odds-on to come through this decider on Saturday.
The Ballintubber men have scored an impressive 11-97 in their five championship games so far, while only conceding 2-42. They have been dominant in every game, storming into Saturday’s final with little fuss.
Under the guidance of former playing stalwart Vinny Egan, St Croan’s are in very good shape. They have strong players in every line. Mike Holland is now the goalkeeper, having given many years of sterling service out the field.
In the middle of the field Ross Timothy has been back to his best and his partnership with Adam Bracken has been very effective throughout the campaign. Up front, the full-forward line of Aidan Brogan, Kevin Lambert and Conor Kennedy has been on fire, although Kennedy is a doubt for the final because of an injury picked up against Western Gaels in the semi-final.
Eoin Collins, Eoin Kelly, Aidan Collins, Kevin Smyth and Brendan Pacey will all hope to be involved on the day in what is a strong looking St Croan’s outfit.
Ballinameen are in this final on merit. They’ve come through a number of tough battles, contests that will stand to them when it comes to Saturday’s big game.
Prediction: St Croan’s. King & Moffatt JFC A final: Ballinameen v St Croan’s on Saturday in Strokestown at 4 pm
in what was one of the games of the year. In the semi-final, Ballinameen had two points to spare against St Aidan’s in what was a tense battle. They will come into this final as underdogs, but battle-hardened nevertheless.
Ballinameen have a number of experienced players throughout the field that they will be hoping can do the business for them on Saturday. That said, there’s been a big emphasis on youth this year too.
Alongside him in defence, Ger Connaughton, Greg Grogan, Richie Thompson and Mark Kilcommins have been excellent, Thompson excelling with his long-range frees again this year.
Derek Connellan’s charges come into the decider unbeaten in the championship. During the course of the campaign they’ve shown great resilience on more than one occasion. They pipped Roscommon Gaels by a point in the group stages, while a superb long-range two-point free from Dessie Carlos saw them edge out Clann na nGael in the quarter-final
Eoghan Keaveney, David Wynne and Gordon Casey have been outstanding in defence. Finbarr McDermott and talisman Dessie Carlos will probably operate in the middle sector, while up front Peter Keane, Adam Dwyer and Nathan Clarke will be expecting to feature prominently. Ballinameen are a fine side and they will have their eyes on a junior title over the next couple of years. But the facts are that St Croan’s have steamrolled their way to this final, brushing aside all-comers. Their biggest enemy on the day would be complacency and Vinny Egan and his selectors will have to ensure that is not a factor.
The form book says that Croan’s should win with a bit to spare. I expect Ballinameen to give them their biggest test of the year, but I fancy St Croan’s to win it by five or six points.
How it began… representatives of the competing clubs pictured at the launch of this year’s King & Moffatt Roscommon JFC, the final of which takes place this Saturday.
How it began… representatives of the competing clubs pictured at the launch of this year’s King & Moffatt Roscommon JFC, the final of which takes place this Saturday.
Roscommon JFC Final: Ballinameen v St Croan’s
The managers: Derek and Vinny go head to head!
< SEAMUS DUKE
St Croan’s are managed by club legend Vinny Egan, who played for the club with great distinction over many years. In the ‘opposite corner’ is former Kimore star Derek Connellan, now enjoying success as manager of Ballinameen.
When Derek spoke to People Sport last week he was very happy that his charges have reached the county final in 2025. That’s because he sees this as a mission that’s ahead of schedule.
“When we took on this job it was a two-year project. It was our aim to be in the final next year but we are there this year so that’s a bonus for us.”
Connellan says that although they have a number of experienced players, the Ballinameen team is mainly young in age terms.
“We have a lot of young players in their first year playing championship. Our full-back line are all in their early 20s. They have been doing very well so far but they are only learning.” He accepts that opponents St Croan’s will be very hard to overcome.
“We are under no illusions about Croan’s. They are very strong all over the field and have been putting up huge scores this year so we are really up against it in the final.
“We have been in a few battles along the way – against Roscommon Gaels, Clann na nGael and St Aidan’s – so that will stand to us. Of course we are stepping up to another level in the final.”
Derek reiterated that his team are in bonus territory now that they have reached the decider.
“We are delighted to be in the final.
The Ballinameen players have given us a great response all year in training and the management team have been excellent too.
This is a two-year project and we will give it everything in the final – but we know that we are in bonus territory.”
Vinny aims to net title
St Croan’s manager Vinny Egan is on the cusp of guiding the club back up to intermediate level for 2026.
Vinny is happy with the way his side have been playing this year, but while the former
goalkeeper hopes to ‘net’ the title, he’s cautious about this county final against Ballinameen.
“Derek Connellan will have Ballinameen ready for us. They have some very experienced players like Dessie Carlos and Peter Keane and they have some good young players too and we know that we will face a tough battle from them.”
As for his own panel, he says: “We have been going well this year. We have a lot of younger players brought into the set-up, so we have a nice blend of older and younger players but we have had a lot of injuries too.”
While St Croan’s will go into Saturday’s final as hot favourites, Vinny Egan has been sounding a note of caution.
“Our aim at the start of the year was to get back up to intermediate as fast as possible but as you know several good teams have failed to do that in the past and there are no guarantees. It’s not easy to bounce straight back up.”
Vinny says that they have a few injuries after the semi-final, with corner-forward Conor Kennedy doubtful for the game on Saturday.
“We are not sure who will be fully fit for Saturday but look, if we have a few injuries it will give other lads a chance to play.
“Our aim at the start of the championship was to get back up to intermediate and we have one more step to overcome. We are not taking anything for granted and hopefully we can play well on the day” he concluded.
Electoral Area: Roscommon TELEPHONE: 086 1988036
Email: cllrrconboy@roscommoncoco.ie
Northern Harps win goal-fest
< KEVIN EGAN AT BALLYLEAGUE
The club might only be in existence for five years, but there are gaelic games clubs up and down Ireland that have been around for 25, 50 or 100 years who have never had the privilege of featuring in a remarkable county final like that which Northern Harps won on Saturday afternoon.
Unseasonably mild and still weather provided ideal conditions for Harps and St Mary’s to produce a memorable encounter and the players on both sides didn’t disappoint, producing an iconic game that will live long in the memory of anyone who was lucky enough to be there.
All of 25 seconds had expired when Sandra Keane fired in the opening goal for St Mary’s, and if anything it only got better from then on. St Mary’s deployment of Niamh Feeney as a sweeper meant that there was an extra defender in both ends of the pitch but that only forced the two teams to play the ball forward with both speed and consideration, and they did exactly that. Ciara Cunningham and Player of the Match Lauren Shanagher were the leading lights in attack at one end while Sandra Keane was the main thorn in the side of Northern Harps, at least until extra-time when minor attacker Kate Murray defied the stereotype of the younger player tiring against grown adults and instead took the fight to Northern Harps, firing in two late goals.
It wasn’t enough as Northern Harps had outscored St Mary’s by 1-5 to no score in the first half of extratime, but it was at the end of normal time that St Mary’s will have had their regrets, as they snatched the lead late but couldn’t hold on.
Harps were full value for a 3-6 to 3-2 half-time lead and they stretched that out with the first play of the second half, Shanagher finding the net on the back of good play from Orlaith Callaghan, Ciara Cunningham and Shauna McGrath.
St Mary’s produced their best football of the game for the remainder of the second half however, with Feeney, Moylan and Grace Jones taking control of the midfield sector.
With one minute of normal time left Rebecca Keane won a kickout and a free, leading to a Grace Finnerty yellow card, and Murray lobbed the ball into the square. Gráinne Cribbin didn’t get a clear and obvious touch but she did get enough pressure on to force a spill of the ball over the line, and suddenly St Mary’s had an extra player on the pitch and a 4-9 to 4-8 lead.
On a day when Lauren Shanagher kicked some outstanding scores from play, her best and by far her most important was the pressure free she nailed from 30 metres out in reply, sending the game through to extra-time.
In extra-time, it looked like it was Northern Harps who had the extra player. Ciara Cunningham kicked two outstanding points either side of another from Shauna McGrath with Finnerty off the field, and when the wing-back returned, McGrath set up Shanagher for what looked like a match-winning goal.
The sides traded more green flags in the second half of overtime and in any other game, an eightpoint advantage with two minutes to play would have been more than enough.
Not for a game like this however. St Mary’s won
Northern Harps’ delighted players celebrate their win in last Saturday’s Roscommon LGFA Junior A final. They defeated St Mary’s by 6-14 to 7-9 after extra-time. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
a penalty that Murray converted, then she fired another shot through a crowded goalmouth, and referee Tony Brennan gave St Mary’s one last chance to complete the comeback of a lifetime. With it all on the line, Shauna McGrath was able to win that one final, crucial contest and draw a line under a thrilling and historic occasion for the Elphin and Ballinameen club.
Northern Harps: Anna Carty; Sarah Gunn, Rachel Gormley, Kellie Hunt; Sinéad Keaveney, Annette McDermott, Grace Finnerty; Anna McGrath, Leah Casey (0-1f); Louise Enright (1-0), Lauren Shanagher (3-7, 1-0 pen, 0-2f), Shauna McGrath (0-2, one free); Orlaith Callaghan (1-0), Ciara Cunningham (1-4), Freya Finnerty. Subs used: Rachel Bolger for Hunt (38), Tara Duignan for F Finnerty (56), Hunt for Bolger (FT), Hannah Gunn for G Finnerty (69), G Finnerty for Shanagher (77).
St Mary’s: Sara Nally; Ava Flynn, Shona Hanly, Shauna Flynn; Fiona Jones, Ashling Callaghan,
Tessa Cunnane; Grace Jones (1-0), Hannah Moylan (2-0); Sandra Keane (1-4), Kate Murray (3-5, 1-0 pen, 1-2f), Niamh Feeney; Rebecca Keane, Louise Brady, Gráinne Cribbin. Subs used: Lili Réka Gyenes for Cunnane (56), Orla Conroy for Cribbin (60), Cribbin for A Flynn (70). Referee: Tony Brennan (St Ciarán’s).
Stat Attack
Wides: Northern Harps 7; St Mary’s 9 Yellow cards: Northern Harps 2 (G Finnerty, Enright); St Mary’s 0 Red cards: Northern Harps 0; St Mary’s 0 Player of the Match: Lauren Shanagher (Northern Harps)
St Brigid’s win McAleer Cup with masterclass of attacking football
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St Brigid’s made history last Saturday by becoming the first club to lift the inaugural Marie McAleer Cup when they produced a masterclass of powerful attacking football against their old rivals Clann na nGael at Ballyleague.
Clann simply couldn’t cope with a St Brigid’s side who drove forward from the opening seconds to the point where they led by 19 points at the end of the third quarter. Led by a stunning performance from Kate Nolan (who scored 1-9), the Kiltoom side were never in any danger and they stormed to the title in tremendous style.
On a perfect day for football, St Brigid’s had the ball in the Clann net after 40 seconds when Kate Nolan set up Alison Nugent to fire home. Quick-fire points from Nolan (2), Áine O’Brien and Sarah O’Rourke ensured a 1-4 to 0-0 lead after only nine minutes.
Clann got on the scoreboard with their first point from Róise Lennon in the 12th minute. But the pressure applied by St Brigid’s was relentless. The aforementioned Nolan, who was everywhere, Abby Curran, veteran and captain Claire Grehan, Alison Nugent, and Áine O’Brien were all prominent as Niall Mackey’s side drove forward, determined to reverse last year’s defeat by
the same opposition in the corresponding fixture. In the 25th minute Nolan blasted home a brilliant individual goal to leave her side ahead by 2-4 to 0-1.
In fairness to Clann they did manage some improvement before the break and two points from Kara Earle and another from their best player on the day, Ruth Finlass, ensured that they went into the dressing room with a glimmer of hope. St Brigid’s 2-5 Clann na nGael 0-4.
That hope which Clann will have been hanging on to was well and truly extinguished in the third quarter as St Brigid’s scored 2-7 without reply. Once again, Nolan was leading the charge.
In the 36th minute, Sarah O’Rourke scored her side’s third goal (after great work from Áine O’Brien), and when O’Brien drove home the fourth Brigid’s goal in the 44th minute, their lead was a stark 4-11 to 0-4.
Clann battled away and outscored Brigid’s by 1-5 to 0-1 for the remainder of the game but it was over as a contest long before that phase of play. Ruth Finlass scored a fine goal in the 54th minute but it was of consolation value only for Denis Gavin’s side.
This win was sweet revenge for St Brigid’s after last year’s defeat in the final. In winning, they bridged an 11-year gap to their last senior success, back in 2014. A link with that last senior title
win is provided by 43-year-old veteran Claire Grehan, who played in 2014 and captained the team last Saturday. St Brigid’s will now be the first name on the Marie McAleer Cup, introduced in honour of one of Roscommon LGFA’s legendary personalities.
Áine McGrath, Ria Lennon, Claire Grehan, Áine O’Brien, Abby Curran and Sarah O’Rourke stood out for St Brigid’s on the day, but Kate Nolan was the star turn for the new champions. She produced one of the finest individual performances seen in many a long day and was hugely instrumental in what was such an impressive victory.
Clann will have no complaints, having been decisively outplayed on the day. In addition to the very impressive Ruth Finlass, Caitlin Gavin, Shauna Bannon and Kara Earle had many fine moments on what was a challenging day for the Clann players.
St Brigid’s: Caoimhe O’Reilly; Shauna Francis, Áine McGrath, Aoife Minnock; Ciara Walsh, Ria Lennon, Aoibhe Lennon; Abby Curran, Alison Nugent (1-0); Claire Grehan, Kate Nolan (1-9, 5 frees), Sally O’Hara; Marian Nolan, Áine O’Brien (1-2), Sarah O’Rourke (1-1).
Subs: Kara Gallagher for O’Rourke (48), Karen O’Boyle for Nugent (55).
Clann na nGael: Eadaoin Lennon; Ava Gavin, Kelly Colgan, Mia Macken;
Caitlin Gavin, Kim Finlass, Aine Connaughton; Orla O’Neill, Ruth Finlass (1-3); Shauna Bannon (0-1), Caoimhe Lennon, Róise Lennon (0-2, 1 free); Kara Earle (0-2), Hope Glynn, Íde Grehan.
Subs: Megan Kelly for C Gavin (h/t), Ciara Quinn for Grehan (38), Kayleigh Dunning (0-1) for Glynn (46), Roisin O’Brien for K Finlass
Stat Attack
(49). Referee: Declan Hunt.
Red cards: 0
Yellow cards: 0
Wides: St Brigid’s 7 (3, first half); Clann na nGael 8 (3, first half)
Player of the Match: Kate Nolan (St Brigid’s)
Áine McGrath was ‘Player of the Match’ in last Saturday’s Roscommon LGFA Senior Ladies Football final. She is pictured receiving the award from Norman Lenihan, Secretary of the Roscommon LGFA County Board. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Celebrations at the final whistle after St Brigid’s defeated Clann na nGael in last Saturday’s Roscommon LGFA SFC final.
Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
SportsPeople
Claire: ‘Current crop of players are special’
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The captain of the St Brigid’s team is club legend Claire Grehan who, at 43 years of age lined out in the halfforward line last Saturday and played a huge part in the victory. She was understandably emotional when speaking to the Roscommon People after the match.
“I am absolutely delighted. It’s amazing to get the win here today. We worked so hard this year. We had really good challenge games earlier in the year. We were determined to get it right after last year’s defeat. We were devastated when we lost last year and wanted to get back here and win it this time around.”
Claire reflected that the first half followed much the same pattern as in last year’s final.
“You know that the points difference at half-time was
the same as last year… and that was in the back of our minds. The game was not over and we knew we had to put the pressure on in the second half and we did that and kept the scoreboard ticking over.”
Having played for the club for so many years, Claire observed that the current crop of players are a special group.
“I am so delighted for this group of girls. They have worked so hard. Over my career I have seen really talented players who never won a senior county medal. So I am so happy for this group. They are so talented and they deserve their success.”
Finally, I asked Claire what has kept her motivated and playing for so long. It was a simple answer. “My kids keep me going”. With that, this veteran star and servant went off to receive the Marie McAleer Cup!
‘We learned from last year’ – Nolan
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Kate Nolan, the star player for St Brigid’s in last Saturday’s Roscommon Senior Ladies Football final, sported a broad smile as she accepted the congratulations of supporters and family members after the match.
“We were really up for this final today. Even at training yesterday all the players were so excited, but we were determined that nothing was going to stop us. We were nervous, but there was a much better feeling than last year.”
Kate said that during the half-time break they were determined to come out again ‘all guns
blazing’ after Clann had scored a couple of points late in the first half.
“We learned from last year. We came out in the second half focussed on getting a few scores and it worked out great. We have some really experienced players on the squad. We all look up to the likes of Claire Grehan and Áine O’Brien and we wouldn’t be here without them. They are so dedicated and a great example to us all.” She modestly played down her own exceptional performance.
“I am just happy we won. We are thrilled after what happened last year. I am just glad to be a part of it” she concluded.
Fairytales and heartbreak in Junior thrillers
St Brigid’s winning their first senior title since they won their eighth in ten attempts in 2014, St Barry’s delivering on their immense underage promise to go up to senior, and Northern Harps winning their first ever adult title at the end of a rollercoaster 80-minute final against St Mary’s; under normal circumstances, nothing that would happen in the Junior B and Junior C ranks could possibly compete with these storylines for the public’s attention. These were not normal circumstances however, as Friday night’s Junior B Final in Kilbride was a truly special occasion, with roughly 1,000 fans in attendance to take in the showdown between St Michael’s/St Ronan’s and the home club, represented by ‘Rocky’s Rebels’.
The Kilbride side, drawing heavily on players who featured alongside former club captain Rochelle ‘Rocky’ Mullaney during their run of five SFC titles in a row from 2016 to 2020, started the year as a social group, drawn together to honour their friend, who passed away in July of 2024.
However as the year progressed, muscle memory kicked in and it was an array of former stars who gave them a strong foothold in last Friday’s final.
Sandra Shanagher, who refereed the 2024 county senior final and whose daughter Aisling captains Kilbride’s first team, lined out in goal and her connections with another veteran,
St Michael’s/St Ronan’s players and management celebrate winning last weekend’s LGFA Roscommon Junior B football final.
midfielder Bernie Donnelly, gave Kilbride a solid platform of possession.
Roughly 20 years after they all emerged onto the adult scene in Kilbride together, Corina Gormley anchored the team at centre-back. Siobhán Martin (née Tully) put in a tireless display at centre-forward to create a series of opportunities, including a first-half penalty goal from Clodagh Spellman, and Sinéad Clabby led the line with authority, scoring a goal that put them six points up with less than ten minutes to play.
All good, except St Michael’s/
St Ronan’s had their own fairytale they wanted to write. Clodagh Daly scrambled in a goal, Rachel Flynn nailed a free with the last kick, and the match went to extra-time.
20 minutes of further intense action still couldn’t separate the teams and so the hordes of young ‘Saints’ supporters that provided such noise and colour to an already special occasion gathered behind the dressing room end goal at around 10.40 pm for 20-metre free-kicks.
Clabby scored hers, as did Leah McCawley, the St Michael’s/St Ronan’s
teenager who made her debut for the Roscommon intermediates in goal this year.
Seven other kicks fell short or wide as reserves of energy and adrenaline ran dry, leaving substitute Una McGuinness to kick the winner for ‘The Saints’ and give them their first adult silverware in their short history.
In the Junior ‘C’ decider that preceded it, Pádraig Pearses crowned an incredible year for their second team by overcoming St Dominic’s, 3-11 to 0-10. Pearses had teenage stars all over the
pitch with Katie Canning dominating the game at midfield, Sarah Kate Goode scoring 1-4 from full-forward and Bella Downey picking up the Player of the Match accolade for a tireless performance.
Gemma Casey hit 0-5 from play and another free as she led the St Dominic’s attack superbly with the half-back line of Molly Anne Feeley, Hannah O’Connor and Aisling McNally all battling hard but Pearses finished strong with Laoise Costello coming off the bench to strike their clinching goal.
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Action from last Saturday’s Roscommon LGFA SFC final. Kate Nolan on her way to scoring a goal for St Brigid’s, with Kim Finlass of Clann also pictured. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Referee Declan Hunt and team captains, Eadaoin Lennon (Clann na nGael) and Claire Grehan (St Brigid’s), pictured prior to the first whistle in last Saturday’s Roscommon Senior Ladies Football final. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
St Barry’s grasp senior status
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St Barry’s explosive start to last Saturday’s intermediate final left Pádraig Pearses in uncharted waters in Ballyleague, as the South Roscommon club that has grown very used to winning over the last two years was unable to dig themselves out of trouble.
Coming into the final, the narrative was that both of these teams would play senior football and quite possibly meaningfully contest for a senior title by the end of the decade, but St Barry’s showed Pádraig Pearses that the callow and inexperienced Woodmount club, for all their talent, still
have to do a little bit of maturing and hardening before they’ll be ready to take their place in the top tier.
St Barry’s now join St Ciarán’s (2024), Boyle (2022) and Kilglass Gaels (2019) as recent winners at this grade who had to lose at least one final before they won one, and based on their age profile and the track record of the club in recent years, not to mention their record at underage level, Pearses will be expected to follow in those footsteps in 2026. Certainly, they got a few hard lessons in where they need to go from a more mature and developed St Barry’s group on Saturday.
Shannon McGuinness driving through after winning the opening throw-in to set up a goal for Edel Beirne set the tone, and when Beirne put another one into the net two minutes later, Pearses were treading water. Two McGuinness points left them with a mountain to climb, and they simply didn’t have the tools to break down a resolute St Barry’s defence. Throughout the game, the relentless energy and power that the Roscommon senior panellist brought to the fray was a sharp contrast with a Pearses group that leaned heavily on their incredibly talented U-16 Championship winners from last year.
Some of those players stood up incredibly well. Lily Finneran was impressive in goal, Laura Glennon led the fight up front, and with more experienced warriors like Sarah Dooley and Gráinne Lohan working hard around the middle, they were never outclassed. Glennon scored three times in the first half to cut the gap to five, while Katelyn Keogh scoring on her first possession after coming on as a half-time substitute was another indication of a rising Pearses tide, reducing the margin to four points (2-3 to 0-5).
A lot of energy had been expended getting halfway up the mountain however, and St Barry’s flexed their defensive muscle to hold Pearses scoreless for the next 20 minutes and effectively wrap up the win.
Erica Jordan and Eimear Diffley came up with blocks and saves in tight crowds around their own goal and as Pearses poured forward in search of a goal, Cox, Beirne and McGuinness all hit the target. With five minutes remaining St Barry’s succumbed to human nature and dropped a little bit deeper than ideal in their bid to preserve this county final win, inviting two Pearses points and a yellow card
Action from last weekend’s Roscommon LGFA IFC final in which St Barry’s defeated Pádraig Pearses. Shannon McGuinness (St Barry’s) brings the ball under control under pressure from Grainne Lohan. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
for Sarah McVeigh for a desperation tackle. They had too much credit in the bank to be undone at this late stage however and even came up with the last word, a Georgia Gerrity free, to crown a championship campaign that will be remembered as the one where they harvested the reward of serving their apprenticeship in recent seasons. Pearses will hope that they are on the same road, only not quite as far along just yet.
St Barry’s: Eimear Diffley; Oonagh Farrell, Rachel Frayne, Niamh Toolan; Denise Duffy, Holly Rogers, Erica Jordan; Sarah McVeigh, Shannon McGuinness (0-3); Millie Hagan (02), Georgia Gerrity (0-1f), Edel Beirne (2-1); Gaby Compton, Cara Cox (0-2), Orlaith Tighe. Subs used: Erin Hagan for Compton (half-time), Lisa Murtagh for Gerrity (60).
Pádraig Pearses: Lily Finneran; Katie Malone, Ciara Lohan, Emma McGreal;
Chloe Mulryan (0-1), Gráinne Lohan, Ciara Hibbit; Sarah Dooley, Áine Ryan; Esme Halpin (0-1), Lorraine Kenny, Micheala Keogh; Áine Galvin (0-1), Caitlin Malone, Laura Glennon (0-4, 0-3f). Subs used: Róisín O’Sullivan for Hibbit (half-time), Katelyn Keogh (0-1) for Kenny (half-time), Blathnaid Kelly for Galvin (half-time), Kenny for C Malone (55).
Referee: Mark Connell (Clann na nGael).
Stat Attack
Wides: St Barry’s 6; Pádraig Pearses 5 Yellow cards: St Barry’s 1 (McVeigh); Pádraig Pearses 0 Red cards: St Barry’s 0; Pádraig Pearses 0
Player of the Match: Shannon McGuinness (St Barry’s)
St Barry’s players, management personnel and one young supporter (front) celebrate their win over Pádraig Pearses in last Saturday’s Roscommon LGFA IFC final in Ballyleague. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Action from last weekend’s Roscommon LGFA IFC final in which St Barry’s defeated Pádraig Pearses. Edel Beirne (St Barry’s) under pressure from Chloe Mulryan. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Fascinating intermediate final – with a big prize
having been simply phenomenal in the campaign so far.
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The intermediate football final is always eagerly awaited by football fans in the county. There is a good reason for that too as we have had several dramatic deciders over the years.
In fact over the past ten years we have had three replays, two that went to extra-time, a one-point winning margin on one occasion, and a twopoint winning margin twice. So we can expect more of the same on Sunday as Éire Óg and Strokestown do battle for the Jimmy Murray Cup. Since the start of this championship Strokestown have been the pundits’ choice to regain their senior status. They missed out last year, losing to Elphin in the final after going in as favourites. But they have come back in determined fashion this year and are unbeaten.
They go into this final as the bookies’ choice once again, but if one looks at the form of Éire Óg (also unbeaten) so far in this campaign it
could be argued that they have been the team playing the best football overall.
The new rules are certainly suiting the Loughglynn-based club and they have put up some very impressive totals. Of course they are led by Conor Cox, who has kicked more two-pointers in this championship than many of the other clubs put together. He is having a fantastic championship.
In addition to their attack, I have been very impressed with Éire Óg’s strength in depth throughout the field. They have an excellent spine to their team. Colm Lavin in goal, Denis Barron, who is a very experienced full-back, and Enda Crawley, who has been in inspirational form at centre-half back, will lead their defence.
Jamesie Greene and Ronan Cahill have been excellent at midfield while up front, Jason Doory, James McGreal and Cathal Groarke will be hoping to help out the mercurial Cox, with the inter-county ace
Strokestown arrive into Sunday’s final with many players who have inter-county experience at all levels. Most of them also have senior club championship medals in their back pockets from 2022.
Niall Curley, Davy Neary, Colm Neary, Sean Mullooly, Kevin Finn, Diarmuid McGann, Colin Compton, Paddy Brogan and Keith Murphy all have lots of experience, and when you add in the multi-talented Shane McGinley, who is returning from injury, it’s clear that this is a very formidable Strokestown team.
However, the Strokestown management and players will all be aware that while they have reached the final unbeaten, they haven’t been at their very best this year. The games against St Brigid’s and Shannon Gaels were a test for them, but the real scare came in the semi-final against Fuerty.
Strokestown looked to be home and hosed when they scored two goals midway through the second half and led by seven points. But Fuerty staged a dramatic recovery and only a two-pointer from Shane McGinley in injury-time saved Strokestown. They will be hoping to learn from that experience on Sunday.
Having lost out narrowly in two finals in the past three years, Éire Óg will be hoping that their luck changes this year. They can be certain that Strokestown will have a plan to try to curb the threat of Conor Cox and his capacity to kick two-point scores. The outcome could well depend on Strokestown’s ability (or otherwise) to reduce his influence on the game.
Once again the battle at midfield will be crucial. Jamesie Greene and Ronan Cahill will probably be facing Fionn Cusack and either Sean Mullooly or Colm Neary. The winners of that battle will go a long way to deciding who will be taking home the Jimmy Murray Cup.
Éire Óg have every chance of breaking their duck and winning this title for the first time since 1993.
For their part, when you look at the Strokestown panel it’s clear that they have a senior team in all but name. They have the players to win it, but if they don’t produce their best form it could be another year of frustration for them.
I have decided to give a hesitant vote to Strokestown to win narrowly as they look to have a better balanced side and more match-winners overall. It may well take extra-time to separate the sides.
Prediction: Strokestown.
There’s been great excitement at Scoil Mhuire Lourdes, Loughglynn all week as pupils (and teachers) look forward to Éire Óg taking on Strokestown in the Roscommon IFC final this Sunday. Photos: Michael Finan
All at St Mary’s NS, Strokestown are excitedly looking forward to this Sunday’s Roscommon IFC final as Strokestown bid to win the title and regain their senior status. Photos: Michael Finan
Roscommon IFC final: Éire Óg v Strokestown
‘A huge challenge’ – Lavin
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Colm Lavin is one of the most experienced players on the Éire Óg team. The Roscommon goalkeeper for many years, he is looking forward to Sunday’s final but realises the scale of the challenge they face – in the shape of a strong Strokestown team.
“The plan is to win the title this year. We set out at the start of the year to get back to a final and give ourselves the best chance of winning it. Playing Strokestown, we know that they have huge senior pedigree. They were senior champions three years ago. Obviously, the
plan is to get over the line but it will be a huge challenge.”
Colm revealed that Éire Óg felt a little disrespected at the start of the year, with all the focus being on Strokestown and Tulsk.
“The disrespect was outside the group. Within the group we knew what our goal was for the year. We weren’t paying much attention to all the talk about Strokestown and Tulsk. I suppose it was fair comment at the time because Strokestown were senior league and Tulsk were hammering everyone in the intermediate league. But people were only going on form.”
Colm says that the fact that a lot of neutrals will
be on their side makes no difference whatsoever in the build-up to the final.
“We haven’t been really listening to outside noise. We had the expectation of getting to a final. Now that we’re there, we want to give the best possible account of ourselves. We’ll be pushing that outside noise to the outside as much as we can. That’s where the experience of being in two finals (2022 and 2023) will hopefully be a bit of a help.
“We’ve never played Strokestown’s first team. So this appears to be a bigger challenge for us, even though we’ll be going out to win the game” he concluded.
‘We’re
on an upward curve’ – Brendan Greene
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Éire Óg manager Brendan Greene is hoping to steer his club to success after some disappointments in finals in recent years.
So when he took the job on this year did he think that they could get the team to make it over the line this time around?
“I’m not sure if that was the case! At the same time, you know that they’re pretty close. We had a conversation about it. I had a little more free time than I had in the last couple of years. We took it on. I have good people in with me.
Some of them were there already, while myself and Brendan (Crawley) came in from the minor set-up.”
Brendan says that he can see that his side have been improving as the championship has gone on.
“You’re always hoping that you see improvement but sometimes, maybe after a training session, you do wonder is it there. You don’t know until you cross the white line. You might think there’s an incremental improvement and then you have an off-day in the championship. These things happen from time to time. Not everything goes right for you. But overall, I would say that the team are on an upward curve.”
So what would Brendan say to the notion that they are too reliant on Conor Cox for scores?
“The perception is out there that if you can mark Conor Cox, there’s not much else there. On the other hand, there were plenty of games where we didn’t have him in the league and we were still putting up big tallies. When he’s playing, he’s our freetaker so invariably he’s going to post big scores. He’s a huge asset to us. It beggars
belief that he wasn’t brought on for Roscommon in Portlaoise (against Cork). If there was a player in the county you’d look for to get a two-pointer with a few minutes remaining, you’d pick him.” So what does he expect from Strokestown?
“It’s a huge challenge for us. We’re a small rural club. They’ve won a senior championship (in 2022). As a Roscommon supporter being neutral in all this, I’d be wanting Strokestown to come out of the intermediate grade because they could win a Connacht or All-Ireland title. I’m sure it’s on their radar.
“Our ambition is to try and win the Jamesie Murray Cup. We haven’t met them too many times at any level because we end up in different groups all the time. They’re usually at home in the senior league and senior championship. We’re at the other end of the spectrum. It’s a daunting task, but we’ll have a go at it” he concluded.
Éire Óg manager Brendan Greene (holding match programme) and his backroom staff (pictured on the occasion of their team’s semi-final win over St Michael’s.
Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Eoghan Walsh of Éire Óg… in action against St Michael’s in the recent semi-final.
Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Roscommon IFC final: Éire Óg v Strokestown
‘We
need to perform to our best’ – Neary
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One of the stalwarts of the Strokestown team over the past decade has been David Neary, who has played at all levels for Roscommon, while serving his club as a player and an official too. Neary agrees that in this year’s campaign they have had a few scares along the way.
“We had a few tough games in the group, and the game against Shannon Gaels was probably the toughest one we had. We never really got going in that one.
“Against Fuerty (in the semi-final) we started the second half very well but they never let us go too far ahead. But what we want is to get more consistency into our performances. If we can get that for the final hopefully it will get us over the line.”
He says that not winning the championship last
Email: info@sharkeyfuneraldirectors.ie Serving the community with dignity and understanding for more than a century. Best wishes to Éire Óg
year was obviously a significant disappointment.
“We feel like we didn’t perform last year like we know we can. But that’s behind us and we have another chance this year. It is somewhat like last year in that Éire Óg are coming in a bit like Elphin did last year. They have been more consistent than us in the championship so far and we have plenty of work to do but we are hoping to right the wrongs from last year.”
David says that the fact that injuries are clearing up and players are returning to the panel is a big plus for them.
“It was great to see Shane (McGinley) back in the semi-final. He played for 20 minutes.
Ciaran Regan and Dylan Casey are also back so hopefully we will have a full hand to pick from for the final.”
David says that Éire Óg will bring a lot of experience to the table.
“We have the experience of last year’s final, but Éire Óg are in their third final in four years and they will bring a lot of hurt into this final. We are under no illusions, they have been playing well and putting up big scores so we will have our work cut out but we are really looking forward to it.”
Strokestown have been the pundits’ choice to win this championship since the start of the year, but that doesn’t cut much ice with David.
“We haven’t paid much attention to what other people have been saying. We know that we didn’t perform too well when we got relegated and we didn’t perform well in the final last year, so we have to go out and play well and prove that we are a senior team.
“Éire Óg will want to do the same so it will be whoever plays the better football on the day who will get over the line” he concluded.
‘Panel getting stronger’ – Finn
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Kevin Finn is one of the many Strokestown players who have played for Roscommon at inter-county level in the past and a man who has loads of experience with the club over the years.
He accepts that despite being unbeaten in the championship so far this season, there have been a few scares along the way.
“I would agree that we have had a few stumbles on our way to the final. It’s all about trying to get consistency in terms of our performances and on that note Éire Óg have been the most consistent team in the championship so far. They have dealt with every team they have met so far without any fuss so they will provide us with a huge test on Sunday.”
Kevin would concur with the view that the intermediate football championship is very competitive and a very hard competition to win.
“We know all about how hard it is to get out of the intermediate championship. We didn’t do it last year and you know, the standard of this championship is very high every year. The standard of club football in general here in Roscommon is exceptionally high in intermediate and senior.
“Our senior clubs do very well every year in Connacht and you look at the intermediate clubs as well with St Croan’s, Michael Glaveys and St Faithleach’s all doing
really well over the years. It’s a very hard championship to win.”
Kevin says that the Strokestown panel is getting stronger as the year has progressed.
“For the first time since we won the senior title in 2022 we have everyone that is available. Paddy Brogan is back, Sean Mullooly is coming from London, Shane McGinley is back from injury, Ciaran Regan is back too and Thomas Corcoran is back from Canada. He hasn’t played much football in seven years but he is going really well in training. There is a huge competition for places on the team and that’s always healthy.”
So what is Kevin expecting from Éire Óg?
“There is a misconception out there that Éire Óg are a one-man team. Conor Cox may have been shooting the lights out, but the likes of Colm Lavin, Denis Barron, Enda Crawley, Jamesie Greene, Ronan Cahill and Jason Doory are all serious players and we will have to match their energy and work ethic all over the park if we want to have a chance.”
Kevin says that any notion that Strokestown are a senior team in all but name – given the quality of their panel – is not of any value if they don’t put in the hard yards.
“If we don’t work hard and match the intensity of Éire Óg we will be in trouble. If we are lacking in any department then we will get caught. You can have all the talent in the world but if you cannot match that with hard work you are in trouble” he concluded.
The boys in St Patrick’s NS, Strokestown will be cheering on the local club when Strokestown take on Éire Óg in this Sunday’s Roscommon IFC final. Photos: Michael Finan
