Roscommon People - 18 August 2026 by RossiePeople

The BIGGEST readership of ANY Roscommon newspaper! Readership is now 80,000 people every week!

www.roscommonpeople.ie ABBEY STREET, ROSCOMMON Tel. (090) 66 34633

advertising@roscommonpeople.ie news@roscommonpeople.ie sport@roscommonpeople.ie

Out & About!

14 August 2026

The Local Paper

SEE INSIDE

VOLUME: 1001

TOMMIE KELLY ELECTRICAL

iles and athrooms

Athleague, Roscommon – 090 6663385 ROSCOMMON TOWN – 090 6634465

Golf Links Road, Roscommon (090) 66 37620

Outdoor Tiles now in stock

Do you need your domestic appliance repaired? If so contact us!

090 66 34465 tommiekelly.ie

Frances’

Greenforce Lawn Feed, Weed & Mosskiller

Finishing Touches Large Range of Ready Made Curtains Reduced to Clear!

650m2 Bag

€27.95

Wards

Contact Frances on 087 6500931

Circular Road, Roscommon town Tel. 090 6626172

Open 9.30 - 6.00 pm

The Square, Roscommon

Tel.: 090 6626270 or 087 6500931

See you again in 2090! A spectacular view of Wednesday evening’s partial solar eclipse over Roscommon. Photo: Michael Finan

ROSCOMMON

Order Online

Lifestyle Pharmacies & Health Stores

– Now in Stock

ROSCOMMON DRIVING SCHOOL CONTACT: 087 2295551

Goff Street, Roscommon

Suffering recurrent Urinary Tract infections?

Tel. 090 66 25573

Try this natural product. Only available in Molloys.

Back to School/ College

McGUINNESS

Large selection of laptops

Main Street, Roscommon T. 090 66 26193 F. 090 66 28789

Please ring the Constituency Office in advance to make an appointment, tel: 090 66 28479 or email michael.fitzmaurice @oireachtas.ie

Mood Stones by Kylie Jenner

Hynes Pharmacy

Pharmacy

Tel. 090 66 38000

Learn to drive with

Finn Electrical

Watch Batteries

CASEY’S

Castle Street, Roscommon.

Tel. (090) 66 34147 LOCATED IN

ALLPERSONAL PERSONAL INJURY MATTERS: ATHLONE ALL INJURY MATTERS: ALL PERSONAL INJURY MATTERS:

Road Traffic Accidents, Workplace Accident, Road Traffic Accidents,Child WorkplInjury ace Acci dent,Claims Child Injury Claims Road Traffic Accidents, WorkplaceinAccident, Injury Claims Accident PublicChild Places, Medical Accident in Public Places, Medical Accidents, Injury Board Applications Acci d ent i n Publ i c Pl a ces, Medi c al Acci d ents, Inj u ry Board Applications Accidents, Injury Board Applications Road Traffic Accidents, Workplace Accident, Child Injury Claims

LOCATED IN

LOCATED IN ATHLONE

ALL PERSONAL INJURY MATTERS:

MICHAEL

Fitzmaurice TD Mobile:

ATHLONE MOATE MOATE

LANESBOROUGH MOATE

Accident in Public Places, Medical Accidents, Injury BYRNBoard E CAApplications ROLAN CUNNINGHAM LLP SOLICITORS Standing up for the small farmer on CAP

LANESBOROUGH BYRNE CAROLAN CUNNINGHAM RNELCALRPOLLP LSANOCSOLICITORS ULNINCINIGTHAOMRLLSP SOLICITOLANESBOROUGH RS GALWAY BYRNE CAROLAN CUNNINGHABYM

086 1914565 Michael.Fitzmaurice@Oireachtas.ie

lukeming lukemingflanagan lukemingflanagan lukeming.flanagan@europarl.europa.eu 9:30am - 4:30pm

094 962 2710 | 086 368 5680

GALWAY

When Experience Matters

Phone: 090-6478433 • Email: info@bccsolicitors.ie • Web: www.bccsolicitors.ie

*In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

When Experience Matters

When Experience MattersMatters When Experience

GALWAY

Phone: 090-6478433 • Email: info@bccsolicitors.ie • Web: www.bccsolicitors.ie

Phone: 090-6478433 • Email: info@bccsolicitors.ie • Web: www.bccsolicitors.ie Constituency Office: Priory House, Barrack St, *In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a *InRoscommon contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or settlement Castlerea, Co. or ofaward award or settlement *Inpercentage contentious busiorness,proportion a solicproportion itor may notofcalcany ulate fees orany other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

PeoplePeople CllrDomnickConnolly PAUL HEALY in conversation with the Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Describe your childhood in three words… Busy, fulﬁlling, happy. If you were Taoiseach, what’s the first positive change you’d like to make? I’m very clear about this, and I’ve said it to Government. I strongly believe that the person who gets up in the morning and goes to work should have to pay less tax than they currently do. That person needs to be rewarded and supported. What makes you happy? Meeting people and helping them in their everyday life. As a local politician, you won’t always be able to get everything for people, but it’s nice to help people out. Being with family and friends. As a passionate sports fan, I’m very proud that my two sons have both captained Athleague hurling teams to senior county titles. Favourite social media app and why? I’m not really into social media, but I do a small bit on Facebook.

What is your favourite sport? It has to be GAA. Football (men and women), hurling, camogie, the lot! It has given me great pleasure, and continues to do so. An alien arrives from space. Describe Roscommon to them in three words… A great place to live (sorry, ﬁve words)! Cost is no issue… where would you like to holiday for a fortnight? Australia. I’d just love to go there. I lived in England for two years, and I’ve been to America. I’d really like to experience Australia. Three people (living or historical) you’d invite to a Dinner Party? President John F Kennedy, Dermot Earley, and Garret FitzGerald. A song, film or book that you will never forget? The Streets of New York is a song that I really love.

Cllr Domnick Connolly

I enjoy meeting people and helping them in their everyday life Someone who has been a big influence on you? The late Liam Naughten (former TD, senator and councillor, who also served as Cathaoirleach of the Seanad). Liam was a gentleman. In a political context, he was a straight-talking man. When I entered politics he always gave me great advice. On a wider national front, I was very inﬂuenced by the late Garret FitzGerald.

You have to spend one week on a desert island with an Irish celebrity. Who is it? It has to be Cllr Larry Brennan! What skill/talent that you don’t feel you possess would you like to have? It would be nice to be ﬂuent in some foreign language(s).

What is a special memory? I’d like to pick two. On the political front, getting elected to Roscommon County Council in the last local elections (2024) was very special. During the count I didn’t think I was going to make it, but it worked out in the end. As a keen sports fan, I’m very proud of winning a County Minor Division One Football medal with Athleague-Oran. It’s quite a story! Both ourselves (Athleague) and Oran only had seven or eight players, so we amalgamated. We played Roscommon Gaels three times, all in Athleague. They had a starstudded team! In those days there was a Mid-South final and the winners went into the county semi-final. In the first game, we beat the Gaels by a point. But we had one illegal player in our team! The late Brother Dwyer knew the player was overage, so the Gaels lodged an objection, and a replay was called. We drew the replay. Then we had a second replay. We won that by a point with a goal in the last minute. We were tearing into the Gaels – there was skin and hair flying – the headline in the Roscommon Champion read something like ‘Roscommon Gaels lose Mid-South final in interest of their safety’. In the semi-final we beat Clann na nGael, then we beat Strokestown well in the final!

Which famous person would you least like to be stuck in a lift with? Eh… Terry Leyden! What is your best quality? I think it’s that I listen to people. I listen to people and try to act positively on their request. A personal goal? Mary and I have seven grandchildren. I believe it’s harder to raise children now than when we were raising our children… there are so many distractions and pressures these days. I’d like to see our grandchildren progressing through life in what are quite tough times – and enjoying healthy and happy lives. What has life taught you? I always say that working and living in England was a major experience or life lesson for me. I went to England around 1970. I thought it was the greatest education ever. I was there for about two years. Travelling around England, working with people of different nationalities, was a real eye-opener. I came across drugs – I didn’t touch them, but I was offered them. That whole experience… the variety, travelling and working with people of different nationalities, it was as good as ﬁve years in university!

It’s been a GOOD week for… Traditional music, with Belfast’s ﬁrst Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann having been hailed as a massive success, drawing record crowds. Fota Wildlife Park, which announced the birth of a rare Indian rhinoceros – only the second of the species ever born in Ireland. Irish eclipse watchers, with Ireland preparing for its best solar eclipse in years on Wednesday evening, when the moon will obscure almost all of the sun from parts of the country.

It’s been a BAD week for… Farmers, with prolonged dry weather and deteriorating grass growth prompting the Irish Farmers’ Association to call for the National Fodder and Food Security Committee to reconvene, amid concerns over animal-feed supplies.

PIC OF THE WEEK: The newly crowned Roscommon LGFA All-Ireland Intermediate champions celebrate with members of the All-Ireland Under-16 team at the Roscommon GAA Wall of Fame launch in Fairymount.

Ireland’s secret agents, after Ireland was reportedly ranked at the bottom of a European league table for intelligence services — although one Irish Times letter writer suggested that being considered the worst at spying might actually mean we’re the best at it.

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

NewsPeople

Family Day returns to Roscommon Races Roscommon Races hosts its annual Family Day on Tuesday, August 18th, with plenty of activities planned for younger racing fans and a special family ticket available for just €20. Face painting, arts and crafts, a magic show and more will be among the attractions as families enjoy one of the ﬁnal outings of the summer before children return to school. The recent Style Night on August 4th was hailed an enormous success, with details of the prize winners available across Roscommon Races’ social media channels. Next Tuesday’s meeting will feature an all-ﬂat card, while the Jockeys’ Championship is continuing to take shape. Dylan Browne McMonagle, Billy Lee – who enjoyed a brilliant seven winners at Galway – and Colin Keane are all vying for top spot and are likely to be in action at Roscommon.

Very little separates the trio at present, with the contest expected to remain tight for the remainder of the campaign. All three also boast strong records around Roscommon. Sponsors for the meeting include QuinnBet, the Irish EBF, Willis Insurance Brokers, Abbey House Coffee Bar and Class Grass, while the Best Turned Out prizes are sponsored by YK Signs, Athleague. There will also be plenty of entertainment both on and off the track, with further updates available across Roscommon Races’ social media platforms. A list of remaining ﬁxtures, along with ticket information and other details, is available at roscommonracecourse.ie. Enquiries: contact@roscommonracecourse.ie or 087 2203288. Come for the Racing: Stay for the Craic!

‘MixPix’ exhibition extended Due to the huge level of public interest it has attracted, the ‘MixPix’ exhibition – featuring about 300 photographs taken by the late photographer Mick McCormack – was extended by a week. The exhibition, being staged during opening hours on a daily basis at Ballaghaderreen Library, continues until (and including) Saturday, August 15th. Admission is free.

TUESDAY, 18TH AUGUST, 2026

y l i m Fa Day FIRST RACE: 5.10PM TOP CLASS RACING

FREE BETS

on Race Card Competition Music after 2nd Last Race Come for the Racing, Stay for the Craic!

10% DISCOUNT

on Admission Prices when purchased online. Cash and Card Payments accepted at the gate. Free entertainment for the children to include -

• FACE PAINTING • MAGIC SHOW • ARTS AND CRAFTS • BALLOON TWISTING Special Admission Price: 2 Parents and Children just €20

Pictured at the recent launch were Seamus Duke; Imelda Towey; Paul Healy (Editor, Roscommon People, who officially opened the exhibition); Geraldine O’Mahony; Patsy McGarry (Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival committee). Photo: Liam Reynolds

All Enquiries: 087 220 3288

Photo from the opening of the MixPix photography exhibition in Ballaghaderreen Library. Around 300 photos taken by the late Mick McCormack feature. The exhibition continues each day until close of business this Saturday. Photos: Eithne Gallagher

Email: contact@roscommonracecourse.ie Web: www.roscommonracecourse.ie for updates

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

NewsPeople

Is rebuilding Roscommon’s vacant properties the answer to the housing demand?  KARLA BROWNE

When it comes to the housing situation, most would think that the only solution is constructing new homes. But a growing body of evidence suggests Roscommon should also be asking another question: how much of the county’s housing demand could be met by bringing existing buildings back into use? That question becomes more pressing when recent population growth is compared with the assumptions underpinning the current County Development Plan. The CSO estimated Roscommon’s population at 75,200 in April 2025. By comparison, the plan projected a population of between 73,000 and 74,500 by 2031 — meaning the 2025 estimate was already around 700 people above the upper end of that range. Population growth is only one part of the picture. The Plan’s Core Strategy provides for approximately 2,353 additional homes, equivalent to an average of around 392 new homes a year. Yet planning permission was granted for 152 residential units in 2023, considerably below the annual rate implied by the

strategy. Is Roscommon planning for a smaller population than it already has? Vacancy is another important part of the housing picture. A 2025 GeoDirectory Residential Buildings Report estimated Roscommon’s residential vacancy rate at 10.1%, compared with a national rate of approximately 3.7%. However, an empty property is not necessarily an available home. Census 2022 analysis indicated that around a quarter of vacant homes in Roscommon were linked to a deceased former owner, meaning some properties may remain tied up in probate, inheritance or ownership issues. Others may require extensive structural works such as roof repairs, plumbing, and heat upgrades. In some cases, the cost of refurbishment can be signiﬁcant relative to the value of the property. Ordinary turnover in a housing context usually refers to the rate at which tenants move in and out of a dwelling. It is preferable to keep this quick, to avoid turnover costs. Sometimes when turnover is slower than desirable, we can classify it as short-term vacancy.

Long-term vacancy refers to properties that have been unused for a long time, usually requiring a substantial amount of refurbishing. Derelict properties usually require major structural intervention and are often legally complex properties. It is important to recognise these differences, because simply counting vacancies does not reflect how many of them can realistically be turned into homes. Commercial vacancy also presents a major opportunity. Boyle, for example, has previously recorded a commercial vacancy rate of 29.8%, while high levels of vacancy are visible on many town streets across the county. Empty shops, former offices, closed pubs and other mixed-use buildings may contain space that could be converted for residential use. Upper floors above shops could provide apartments where access, fire safety and structural conditions allow, while former office accommodation may also lend itself to conversion. But not every vacant commercial unit should become housing. Town centres also need shops, services, hospitality, child-

care, healthcare and space for new businesses. A balance is the best way of using commercial vacancy to strengthen towns, rather than relying on one option alone. As well as retail outlets, some could be used to provide facilities, such as healthcare and childcare. Others could be more hospitality-tailored such as coffeeshops or small salons and barbers. Ideally, enterprise startups and local businesses should make the most of these opportunities where possible. Government support has expanded in recent years to encourage regeneration. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant provides up to €50,000, which rises to €70,000 where a property is classiﬁed as derelict. To date, 404 grants have been approved in County Roscommon, with a total value of €24.8 million, while 165 projects have been completed and €9.7 million issued. There are also supports aimed at bringing vacant space above shops back into use, while other schemes and SEAI supports can help with conversion and energy-efﬁciency works. Despite these incentives,

Hydrangeas Instant colour

EXCITING NEW VARIETIES Now In Stock

Hydrangea paniculata

QUALIT Y

• VA L U E • C H O I C E • A DV I C E

Ardcarne Garden Centre At two great locations: Ardcarne, Boyle, Co. Roscommon Tel: 071 966 7091 Lanesboro Road, Roscommon Town Tel: 090 662 7700

We’re here to help

ARDCARNE GARDEN CAFÉ (Boyle branch) Open 7 days

www.ardcarne.ie

Open Monday to Saturday 9-6pm Sundays and Bank Holidays 12-6pm

significant barriers remain. Cost, ownership issues, planning requirements, access, fire safety and the condition of older buildings can all make refurbishment difficult. There are, however, signs of progress. Plans continue to be lodged for the reuse of vacant buildings, while 190 properties have been returned to use since 2022. Roscommon County Council said vacancy and property activation have an important role to play in meeting housing demand in the county. “Every property which is brought back into use via the various schemes available is an addition to the housing stock of the county and contributes greatly to housing need,” the Council said. Ultimately, Roscommon is not short of buildings. It is short of buildings that are usable, livable and economically viable as homes. The answer to the county’s housing challenge is unlikely to be either new construction or refurbishment alone. It will require both – building new homes where they are needed, while making far better use of the housing and buildings that already exist.

newsbriefs Fundraising Dance for Tanzania Missionaries A dance is being held in aid of Vincentian Lay Missionaries in Masanga, Tanzania. The event takes place at The Four Provinces in Rathallen, Crogan, Roscommon, on Friday, August 21st. Doors open at 8 pm. Music by John Molloy. For further information contact Jane Scott on 087 279 2871.

Rahara Field Names Project Rahara Tidy Towns and Development are inviting current and former landowners to help record local field names and the stories behind them as part of National Heritage Week. The event takes place at Rahara NS on Sunday, August 16th, at 10.30 am. The project forms part of the wider Roscommon Field Names Project and is funded by Roscommon County Council. For more information, contact Orla on 086 603 6432.

Water Heritage Day in Kilteevan Kilteevan Tidy Towns will host ‘Protecting our Local Rivers and Streams’ on Sunday, August 23rd, from 11 am to 1 pm, meeting at Kilteevan Community Centre. The event will include a presentation and training with Community Water Officer Janet Laffey, along with the launch of a new leaflet Protecting Our Local Rivers and Streams by Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Domnick Connolly. Places are limited. To register, email kilteevantidytowns@gmail.com.

Lough Derg day trip A day trip to Lough Derg will take place on Saturday, September 12th, departing from the Sacred Heart Church car park at 6.30 am. For bookings, contact Teresa on 087 120 6343 or Noreen on 086 352 9916 / 090 662 5209.

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

Certificate in Psychology 2026/27 In association with Maynooth University

Why do people think, feel, and behave the way they do? Explore these questions and more in this engaging introduction to psychology. Learn about human behaviour, wellbeing, communication, motivation, learning, and psychological research while developing skills that can enhance both your career and everyday life. • Open to all over 21 years of age. • No prior psychology qualification required • Evening delivery suitable for working adults • There are up to 25 places available

Closing Date: September 11th for applications Venue: Vita House, Roscommon, In association with NUI Maynooth. When: Starting in October – Monday evenings: 7.30pm to 10pm – 4/5 Saturday lectures – TBC – Visit to NUI Maynooth – TBC

Course Delivery: Onsite, In Person Cost: €1200 *Instalment plan available with inquiry

Dr. Brian McClean, one of the facilitators of the Certificate in Psychology Course at Vita House, Roscommon.

Sinead Raftery, Director of Services, Vita House

DURING THE COURSE, YOU WILL • Gain a solid understanding of key psychological perspectives, including biological, cognitive, behavioural, psychodynamic, and humanistic approaches. • Apply psychological concepts to everyday life, work, and society. • Learn from experienced Psychology lecturers and subject experts. • Develop transferable skills for people-focused careers and family life. • Strengthen academic writing, communication, and teamwork skills. • Explore further study and career opportunities with professional guidance.

PROGRESSION The Certificate in Psychology is a Level 7 course validated by NUI Maynooth worth 20 credits. This course can be used as a platform for further studies. Enquiries on course progression and content to Eithne Jarrett on 0857322261 “Completing the Psychology Course has changed the way I approach my work as an agricultural advisor, it has reminded me that sometimes the most valuable support I can offer isn’t just technical advice its making someone feel heard, understood and less alone.” – Brendan.

I would strongly encourage anyone who is even slightly interested or curious about Psychology and getting back into education to do this course. You are so well supported as an adult learner by the course facilitators, and it has definitely opened doors for me and led onto discovering a new direction for me in my life. I met some wonderful new friends through Vita House and am sorry I didn’t take the leap sooner.” – Shanna.

“After my brain injury, I wasn’t sure what the future would look like. Starting the psychology course was a leap of faith, but it gave me purpose, confidence, and a new direction. It showed me that recovery isn’t just about getting back to where you were – it’s about discovering who you can become.” – Derek.

“It was an invaluable experience … it gave me the courage and the strength to go forward... I will always be indebted to this Course and Vita House for creating a pathway for me to continue in further education and complete a 4 Year Degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy.” – Donal.

ia n o m i t Tes

*Commencement of the course is subject to numbers

For further details you can contact Mags at info@vitahouse.org or 090 6625898

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

NewsPeople OPINION

froam

DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE A column by Emma Healy

Roscommon People contributor Emma Healy explores serious topics affecting life on a micro and macro level through analogy to help explore things from a different perspective

The Natural Prevalence of God EMMA HEALY on faith, science, and why the two were never really in competition There are certain things I find hard to explain, because to me they seem obvious before I’ve even found the words for them. I’ll read an explanation of a scientific theory, or a mathematical principle, or some idea from psychology or economics, and think: yes, of course. Not because I knew the terminology, or because I’d done any of the work required to prove it. Just because the thing being described already made sense to me instinctively, somewhere underneath the technicalities. Working something out and understanding it, I’ve come to think, aren’t quite the same thing. We’re very good at rewarding the first kind of intelligence. Solve a difficult maths problem, or make sense of a complicated piece of engineering, and people will call you clever, probably rightly. What I sometimes find curious is why we often view one particular form of intelligence to become almost synonymous with intelligence itself. Numbers are information, but so are words, so is music. History has patterns, and a sequence to it, and so do people. Understanding sometimes comes from calculating those patterns, and sometimes simply from seeing them. My own instinct is nearly always to begin with the second. Widen that thought slightly and something stranger comes into view. It is a peculiar fact that the universe is comprehensible at all. Human minds can uncover mathematical relationships that correspond to physical reality, spot patterns in nature, turn them into equations, and then use those equations to predict things that have not happened yet. The interesting question is not really how clever human beings are. It is why reality should be structured in such a way that a human mind is capable of understanding it in the first place.

Which is partly why I ﬁnd DNA so fascinating. I’m interested in the science, but before I get near any of the detail, I’m stopped by the bigger, stranger fact underneath it: life runs on information. A person starts out as a set of instructions, which get copied and inherited and altered and switched on and off, until eventually there’s someone standing there capable of turning around and wondering how any of that happened. We can name every process and describe the sequence in which things unfold, and all of that knowledge is genuinely valuable, yet none of it makes the underlying fact seem ordinary to me. If anything, the more thoroughly it gets explained, the stranger it becomes, because at some point matter has organised itself into a mind capable of asking what matter is. In some ways, the more we explain it, the stranger it becomes. I think this is part of why I have never understood the idea that science must somehow diminish belief in God. I believe in God, and

discovering another mechanism through which life or the universe operates has never seemed to me like evidence against that belief. Knowing how something happens and knowing what ultimately lies behind it are not always the same question. If someone explains exactly how a thing happens, they have not necessarily answered why there is a reality in which it can happen at all, which is a different sort of question, and one that a complete mechanical explanation would not settle either way. And perhaps consciousness is where this becomes most interesting to me, because the mind is the thing doing all of the observing in the ﬁrst place. We use it to study matter, to construct scientiﬁc theories, to understand mathematics and to investigate the brain itself, yet consciousness remains the point from which every one of those investigations begins. I suspect we understand a lot less about the mind, and about how it relates to the body, than we will one day. I’m drawn, too, to the idea that it might not be as neatly contained inside individual heads as we assume. Something like collective consciousness makes intuitive sense to me — not as some mystical fog hanging over everyone, but because people are constantly passing information to each other in ways that are sometimes obvious and sometimes very hard to pin down. Someone believes something, that belief changes what they do, and what they do changes what happens to somebody else — until whatever started off invisibly inside one head has become something real in the world. None of this, I should say plainly, amounts to ‘proof’, and no one can offer an equation that ends in God. What I’ve got is more like a conviction underneath the reasoning than one built by it, the same kind of instinct I started this piece with, the sort that recognises a pattern or sequence before it can explain it. I don’t think that’s a weakness, particularly. Most of what any of us actually believe, about people, about right and wrong, about what genuinely matters, was felt long before it was argued.

I sometimes wonder, too, whether science occasionally talks us out of things we already knew perfectly well. A mother senses something’s wrong with her child before any test says so. A room changes the second a certain person walks into it, and everyone feels it shift without being able to say why. A decision feels wrong before you can put your ﬁnger on the reason. We’re taught to wait for the explanation before we trust the feeling, and I’m honestly not sure that’s the right way round. Sometimes the explanation just turns up later to give a name to something we’d already worked out for ourselves. None of this is an argument against science… science is one of the most remarkable things human beings do. It takes intuition, observation and curiosity and submits them to discipline, and that discipline is precisely what allows us to tell the difference between something that merely feels true and something that actually behaves consistently in the physical world. My disagreement, if I have one, is not with science but with the assumption that if something cannot currently be measured, it either does not exist or is not worth taking seriously. We tend to assume that the more science explains, the less mystery is left standing. My experience has been closer to the opposite. The more ordered and intelligible everything turns out to be, the more interesting the question of what’s behind that order becomes. I started this by saying some things seem obvious to me before I’ve found the language for them. God is the largest example I’ve got. I don’t have proof of God. But in many ways, in the natural world and elsewhere, I see a world where pattern and sequence turn up everywhere, and I refuse to believe that’s an accident. Understanding the mechanism has never removed God from the picture for me. More often than not, it’s precisely the mechanism that makes me think of Him.

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

NewsPeople

ESB needs stronger powers to clear overgrown trees – Scahill Legislation to give ESB Networks stronger powers to manage vegetation around power lines has still not been published almost 18 months after Storm Éowyn, Fine Gael Senator Gareth Scahill has said. Senator Scahill said families and businesses across the country, particularly in areas badly affected by power outages such as Roscommon, cannot be expected to face another winter relying on legislation dating back to 1927 to help keep electricity supplies secure. The proposed legislation on vegetation management was promised by Government after Cabinet approved the Heads of the Bill in July 2025. However, Senator Scahill said the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment conﬁrmed last month that the draft heads were still being revised and that no Bill had yet been published. “We were told the heads of the Bill were approved

well over a year ago. Families in the west are still losing power for weeks at a time when trees come down on lines and we’re being told the legislation is ‘being progressed’. That’s not good enough,” Senator Scahill said. ESB Networks currently relies on Section 98 of the Electricity (Supply) Act 1927 to cut trees and hedges obstructing electricity lines. Senator Scahill said the proposed legislation would provide greater statutory clarity around vegetation and forestry management near power infrastructure. “Every winter we wait, we’re gambling with people’s electricity supply. This Bill needs to be published and passed before the next storm hits, not after,” he added. Senator Scahill said he would continue to press the Minister to publish the legislation without delay so that ESB Networks has the statutory powers it needs ahead of this winter.

newsbriefs Rescheduled Tibohine Charity Fly-In Tibohine Flying Club will host its annual charity fly-in this weekend, Saturday, August 15th, from 1 pm to 6 pm, and Sunday, August 16th, from 11 am to 6 pm. The event was rescheduled from late July due to weather conditions and will raise funds for Childhood Cancer Ireland. Aircraft are expected to visit from around the region, weather permitting, with family-friendly activities planned across both days. All are welcome to attend and support the fundraiser. Eircode: F45 YV82.

Coman’s Swim Club will hold trials for new swimmers aged 6–11 at Roscommon Leisure Centre on Thursday, August 13th, from 6.30 pm to 7 pm. Swimmers must have passed Level 5 and register in advance by emailing swimcomans@gmail.com.

Roscommon SPCA Church Gate Collections Roscommon SPCA will hold its annual Church gate collections this weekend at St Brigid’s Church, Breedogue, on Sunday, August 16th; St Catherine’s Church, Killina, on Saturday, August 15th; and the Church of the Sacred Heart and St Barry, Tarmonbarry, on Saturday and Sunday, August 15th and 16th.

Kilcroan Cemetery Mass Thanks have been extended to all who helped with the recent clean-up at Kilcroan Graveyard ahead of the Cemetery Mass, which will be celebrated there this Sunday at 3 pm.

– NEXT BINGO – Tuesday 18th August

at 8.30pm (Eircode: F42 P440) JACKPOT €8,100 (on 48 numbers)

25 Card Drive (Double Hand) Every Monday night at 8.30pm

New speed limits proposed for Roscommon

Ann Marie Kelly Qualified Audiologist (HAD, MISHAA)

Vicky Kelly Qualified Audiologist (HAD)

Latest Hearing Aid Technology Ear Wax Removal Tinnitus Therapy Free PRSI Hearing Aids

Public invited to have say on proposed new speed limits across County Roscommon

Call us today on 094 9861698 / 089 9492269

Members of the public mon County Council. can make submissions are being invited to have Detailed schedules or observations on the their say on proposed and maps showing the proposals by email to the new speed limits on roads proposed changes have across County Roscom- been published as part of Council’s Roads Departmon. the consultation and are ment or by post. The consultation opened Roscommon County available to view online. Council has opened a They can also be inspect- on July 28th and the clospublic consultation on ed during normal office ing date for submissions the proposed County Ro- hours at the Roads and scommon Special Speed Transportation Depart- is 5 pm on Thursday, AuLimit Bye-Laws 2026, ment at Áras an Chontae gust 27th. which form part of Phase in Roscommon town, the The Council says the pro2 of the National Speed Boyle Municipal Dis- posed bye-laws are being Limit Review. trict Office at Cootehall prepared in accordance The proposed bye-laws Street, and the Athlone with Phase 2 of the Nawould provide for special Municipal District Office speed limits on public at Athlone Civic Centre tional Speed Limit Renews adverts JULY 2026.pdf 3 23/07/2026 10:05 view. roads within the adminin Monksland. istrative area of RoscomMembers of the public

EXPERTLY CRAFTED WINDOWS & DOORS

Coman’s Swim Club trials

ATHLEAGUE BINGO

• FAHY OPTICIAN’S Tuam & Claremorris, Boyle, Ballyhaunis • JOHNSTON’S PHARMACY, Ballygar • KEARNEY’S PHARMACY, Castlerea • OPTIQUE OPTICIAN’S, Briarhill, Galway BRANCH OFFICE – BALLAGHADERREEN 25 CLINICS NATIONWIDE

Day or night We’re here when life’s difficult

Tel. 116 123 Athlone & Midlands

samaritans.ie

SEAN DOYLE WINDOWS LTD WINDOWS•DOORS

Our wide selection includes windows and doors in uPVC, Aluminium, AluClad and Hardwood, designed to suit every home. Call in to chat about SEAI window and door grants and how we can support your upgrade.

CMY

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM:

Circular Rd, Roscommon, F42 DY02

(Appointment only) Mon-Fri .........8.30am - 6pm Saturday .......10am - 3pm

090 6626753 sales@sdwindows.ie

TRUSTED IN ROSCOMMON SINCE 1979

Experts in uPVC, aluminium and hardwood windows and doors. From design to installation - we take care of everything. PREMIUM QUALITY

ENERGY EFFICIENT

MADE TO LAST

LOCAL EXPERTS

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

NewsPeople

New Boyle Experience Trail showcases town’s hidden gems Visitors are being invited to discover Boyle and the wider Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands region in a new way with the launch of the Boyle Experience Trail. The new initiative combines a printed visitor guide with an interactive digital map, bringing together the town’s heritage, culture, family attractions and local businesses. Visitors can take in attractions including Boyle Abbey, King House and Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, as well as local cafés, shops and cultural attractions throughout the town. The trail aims to encourage visitors to spend longer in Boyle, explore more of the area and support local businesses during their stay. An interactive map is available through VisitRoscommon.ie, while printed copies of the Boyle Experience Trail guide can be collected from Úna Bhán Tourism, the ofﬁcial starting point for the trail. The initiative was developed by Roscommon County Council’s Tourism Department in collaboration with the Boyle Town Team and local tourism businesses, with the support of Fáilte Ireland. Boyle has beneﬁted from €470,000 in funding through Fáilte Ireland’s Destination Towns Funding Scheme in recent years. The investment has supported improvements to public spaces, pathways and

laneways, orientation signage and the area surrounding King House. Lisa Joy, Tourism Officer with Roscommon County Council, said: “The Boyle Experience Trail is an invitation to experience the town at your own pace and discover what makes Boyle so special. “From our remarkable heritage and stunning natural landscapes to our thriving cafés, shops and visitor attractions, the trail encourages people to explore beyond the obvious, stay a little longer and create lasting memories.” Ciaran Sheerin, Chair of the Boyle Town Team, said the trail reflects the pride of the local community and connects the places, stories and businesses that make Boyle unique. Fiona Fitzgerald, Regional Development Officer with Fáilte Ireland, said the trail would encourage longer stays and help deliver economic benefits for the town and surrounding area.

Members of the Boyle community pictured at the launch of the Boyle Experience Trail.

Louise O’Grady, Roscommon County Council; Domnick Connolly, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council; Anastasia Sandulenko, Úna Bhán; Lorraine Sheehan, Fáilte Ireland; and Ciarán Sheerin, Boyle Town Team, pictured at the launch of the Boyle Experience Trail – a new printed guide and interactive digital map showcasing the town’s heritage, culture and local food businesses.

Roscommon Rose among favourites for Tralee crown

Roscommon Rose Rebecca Collins is among the leading contenders in the betting ahead of this year’s Rose of Tralee. The 24-year-old, who hails from Kiltoom, was quoted at 8/1 with Ladbrokes earlier this week to secure the coveted crown in Tralee. Rebecca works as a Home Economics and religion teacher in her former secondary school, while her interests include drama and soccer. She has previously played the lead

in Steel Magnolias and has won cups and leagues with her local soccer team. Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: “Roscommon have never had a winning Rose in Tralee, however the locals have high hopes for Rebecca who would be a ﬁtting winner to wear the crown for The Rossies.” The Rose of Tralee International Festival gets underway this Friday, August 14th, and runs until Tuesday, August 18th.

Roscommon Rose Rebecca Collins, from Kiltoom, who will represent the county at this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival. Photo. Michael Finan

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

NewsPeople

Mountbellew Agricultural Show launched ahead of 122nd anniversary event The Mountbellew Agricultural Show Society officially launched its 122nd anniversary show last Friday in the grounds of Mountbellew Agricultural College, where this year’s event will take place on Saturday, August 22nd. The launch was attended by members of the Show Committee, stewards, exhibitors, sponsors and special guests. Show Chairperson Sean O’Neill welcomed those in attendance and outlined some of the events and attractions planned for show day. All of the traditional classes will feature once again, with particular emphasis on the highly regarded All-Ireland Pair of Galway Ewe Lambs Class, a long-standing and much-anticipated feature of the Mountbellew Show. The cattle section will also provide plenty of interest, including the Young Handlers Under-16 Competition, which carries €350 in prize money and the new Bernie Mannion Perpetual Cup, kindly sponsored by Michael Mannion and family. Another major highlight will be the Connacht Pedigree Interbreed Male Calf Championship, with €1,000 in prize money, sponsored by O’Meara’s SuperValu, Mountbellew. There will be a wide range of classes across the cattle, sheep and horse sections, supported by sponsors including the Malthouse, Briggs Drapery, Miland’s Garden Centre, Arrabawn, Mary Smith and WestMidlands Credit Union, the Show’s main sponsor. There will also be plenty on offer beyond the livestock rings, with a number of classes revamped for this year, Including the popular cat and dog sections. Following the success of last year’s fashion show, featuring local models, the event will return again this year. One of the new attractions for 2026 is the Mountbellew Agricultural Show Scarecrow Competition, aimed at encouraging creativity, sustainability,

Children enjoying the launch of the Mountbellew Agricultural Show with Maggie the Scarecrow and Bessie the Cow. Sponsors pictured with members of the Mountbellew Agricultural Show Committee. Back (l-r): Fr Karl Burns, Frank Collevy, Martin Shaughnessy (horse sponsor), John O’Meara (SuperValu), Sean O’Neill, Garret Halpin (Malthouse), Padraig Dilleen (Arrabawn), Kieran Nutley and Derval Nutley (The Bus Stop). Front (l-r): Colm Byrne and Yvonne O’Meara (SuperValu), Mary Smith (horse sponsor), Bernie Diskin and Nicola Oates (West-Midlands Credit Union), and Emma Loftus (Arrabawn).

community involvement and family participation. The competition will feature two classes. The first is the Field Scarecrow Competition, with participants encouraged to use recycled, repurposed and sustainable materials. All entries will be displayed in a dedicated Scarecrow Village and Walkway, creating a colourful attraction for visitors. The second is the Fancy Dress Scarecrow Parade, where participants will be encouraged to get into the spirit of the occasion and dress up as scarecrows themselves. There will be prizes on offer in both classes, kindly sponsored by Derval Nutley of The Bus Stop, Mountbellew. The Show will also feature a children’s corner, with entertainment for younger visitors as well as free pony rides. Chief Steward Phil Keating and his team are already busy preparing for the event. Visitors will also be able to enjoy a demonstration from the local Crochet Club, whose members will showcase their craft and display some of the pieces they have created. With livestock, horses, com-

petitions, crafts, entertainment, family activities and a number of new attractions, organisers are promising something for all ages at this year’s Mountbellew Agricultural Show. The Show Society has also paid tribute to the committee, stewards, exhibitors, volunteers and sponsors whose support makes the annual event possible. Speaking at the launch, Sean O’Neill highlighted in particular the important contribution made by the Show’s sponsors. The Mountbellew Agricultural Show takes place at the grounds of Mountbellew Agricultural College on Saturday, August 22nd. Whether you are a long-time supporter or visiting the Show for the first time, organisers are encouraging families to come along, enjoy the atmosphere, support the exhibitors and help celebrate 122 years of the Mountbellew Agricultural Show. Exhibitors are reminded that entries close on Saturday, August 15th. Online entries and full details are available at www.mountbellewagrishow.ie.

Pictured are (l-r): Derval Nutley, Nicola Oates, Bernie Diskin, Emma Loftus, Gareth Halpin, Kieran Nutley, Michael Mannion, Padraig Dilleen, Frank Collevy, Colm Byrne, Martin Shaughnessy, Yvonne O’Meara, Willie Flynn with his pedigree heifer Beyonce, and Sean O’Neill.

Members of the Mountbellew Agricultural Show Committee. Pictured (l-r): Frank Collevy, Michael Mannion, Julie Reynolds, Anne Meehan, Pauline Gavin, Fr Karl Burns, Sean O’Neill, Michael Kitt, Paul Connaughton, Cllr Michael Connolly, Matt Lohan, Rita Hughes, Brian McHale and Martin Gavin.

g e s -

e ,

s -

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

NewsPeople

Creative Youth Week to bring young people’s ideas to life in Ballaghaderreen

o e /

Young people in Ballaghaderreen are being invited to get creative this August as Creative Places Ballaghaderreen hosts a free ﬁve-day Creative Youth Week. Taking place from Monday, August 17th to Friday, August 21st, the programme is open to young people aged 13 to 17 and will offer opportunities to explore photography, clay, drawing, painting, mapping and a range of creative experiments. Based at the Community Resource Centre, The Shambles, Ballaghaderreen, the week will run from 12 noon to 4 pm

each day, with participants also heading out into the town as part of the programme. Creative Youth Week will be led by local artists April, Elisha and Tuesday, who bring experience across visual art, theatre, music, performance, photography and creative facilitation. They will also be joined on two days by Sparkcatchers!, the Tuam-based collaborative arts duo founded by multidisciplinary artists Jojo Hynes and Midie Corcoran. Sparkcatchers! work with young people, communities, schools and organisations through creative workshops and events.

Cheyenne Moore and aspen the dog pictured at the Castlerea Agricultural Show at Castlerea mart grounds. Photo: Michael Finan

At the heart of the week is an opportunity for young people to explore their own creativity while sharing their ideas about Ballaghaderreen and what they would like creativity and the arts in the town to look like. No previous artistic experience is required. Instead, participants are encouraged to bring curiosity, imagination and a willingness to experiment. There are just 16 places available, with priority given to young people living in Ballaghaderreen and the immediate surrounding area. The programme is completely free, with places funded by Creative Places Ballaghaderreen. Applications can take a creative form, with young people welcome to respond in writing, through drawing or by video. The application deadline has been extended to Saturday, August 15th. For further information or to apply, contact Joanna, Creative Places Ballaghaderreen Coordinator, by email at creativeplacesballagh@gmail.com, or call/WhatsApp 086 837 2921.

YOUR TOWN. YOUR IDEAS. YOUR CREATIVITY! ld

April T am bl in

fie ul

Elis h

aC a

BALLAGHADERREEN CREATIVE YOUTH WEEK g

FREE creative week for ages 13–17 Make • Shape • Create • Explore

Spend five days exploring Ballaghaderreen through: Photography • Clay • Drawing • Painting • Mapping • Creative Experiments Hosted by local artists April, Elisha & Tuesday with special guests Sparkcatchers! from Tuam

WHEN?

J oJ o

Moyle

Monday, August 17th – Friday, August 21st 12 noon – 4 pm daily

C ie id

orcoran

WHERE?

Community Resource Centre, The Shambles, Ballaghaderreen FREE to attend Only 16 places available

APPLICATIONS CLOSE SATURDAY, AUGUST 15TH Want to know more or apply? Email: creativeplacesballagh@gmail.com Call or WhatsApp Joanna: 086 837 2921 Places funded by Creative Places Ballaghaderreen

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

NewsPeople

Abbey Hotel to host Summer Wedding Showcase Newly engaged couples are invited to the Abbey Hotel Roscommon’s Summer Wedding Showcase on Sunday, August 16th, from 2 pm to 5 pm. The family-run hotel, which has been hosting weddings for more than 60 years, will welcome couples for an afternoon of wedding inspiration, with free admission and complimentary refreshments. Couples will have the opportunity to meet the Abbey Hotel’s Weddings Manager and wedding team, view the bridal suite and grounds, and meet a selection of local wedding suppliers. The hotel’s chefs and banqueting team will also be on hand to discuss menus and dining options. Geraldine Grealy, Marketing and PR Manager at the Abbey Hotel, said: “Whether you’re

dreaming of an intimate gathering, an outdoor civil ceremony in our secret garden or a spectacular celebration in our ballroom, our team will be on hand to showcase our bespoke wedding packages and help bring your vision to life.” Couples are encouraged to book a personal appointment in advance if they would like dedicated time with the Weddings Manager to discuss their plans. Everyone who registers at the Wedding Showcase will also be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win an overnight stay in the hotel’s Bridal Suite. Terms and conditions apply. To register or arrange an appointment, email weddings@ abbeyhotel.ie or contact Lisa on 090 6666211.

Growing demand for information, advice and advocacy services

South Connacht Citizens Information Service (SCCIS), which recently published its annual report for 2025, has reported continued high levels of demand for its services. The rising cost of living and the increased move of public services online were two of the main reasons people contacted the service. Citizens Information provides free, impartial and confidential information, advice and advocacy on a wide range of public services in Ireland. It helps people understand and access their rights and entitlements in areas including social welfare, employment rights, housing, health, immigration, money and tax across Galway,

Mayo and Roscommon. Commenting on the publication of the report, Richard Regan, Development Manager with Roscommon CIS, said: “In 2025, we continued to see strong demand for our services. People really value the independent and confidential information, advice and support they receive from our trained Information Officers. It can make a big difference to their lives.” During 2025, SCCIS provided a service to 29,648 clients and answered a total of 56,756 queries. Social welfare was the single largest category of queries dealt with by SCCIS during the year, accounting for 48 per cent of all queries. Other major categories included housing (12

per cent), employment (7 per cent), health (7 per cent) and money and tax (7 per cent). As well as providing information and advice to people on their rights and entitlements, SCCIS also provides an advocacy service, empowering people to assert their rights and claim their entitlements. Where necessary, the service represents clients and negotiates on their behalf. This advocacy work can include helping clients secure a social welfare payment, access the housing waiting list or receive a redundancy payment following the loss of a job. SCCIS also seeks ongoing feedback from users of the service, with its 2025 figures showing high levels of client satisfaction. Some 99 per cent of clients surveyed were either very satisfied or satisfied with the service they received, while 96.5 per cent found staff friendly and welcoming. A further 98.5 per cent said they would recommend the service to others. Members of the public can find information on their rights and entitlements, as well as centre opening hours, at www. citizensinformation.ie. Roscommon Citizens Information Centre can be contacted on 0818 07 6360, while Boyle Citizens Information Centre can be contacted on 0818 07 6330.

Karst event set for Taughmaconnell The Karst Farming Network will host a special day celebrating farming, nature and community in Taughmaconnell on Saturday, September 5th. Rocks to Roots: Celebrating Karst will take place at Taughmaconnell Community Centre and will showcase the work of the Regenerating the Rocks European Innovation Partnership, which brings together farmers, conservationists and local communities in the South Roscommon karst landscape. The day begins with a guided Karst Farm Walk from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm, with registra-

tion from 10 am. Participants will visit working farms and learn about species-rich grasslands, habitat restoration, biodiversity and grazing practices, including the use of goats for scrub management. A free community celebration will follow at Taughmaconnell Community Centre from 2 pm to 6 pm, officially opened by Dr Brendan Dunford. The programme will include discussions on farming and nature, heritage and folklore, traditional music, sean-nós dancing, children’s activities, local crafts and food.

The karst landscape at the heart of the Regenerating the Rocks EIP, which will be celebrated at a special farming and community event in Taughmaconnell on September 5th.

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

NewsPeople

FRANK

BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

A week of slow driving and great celebrations Our columnist Frank Brandon talks about the dangers of slow driving, the homecoming for the victorious Roscommon ladies, the success of the Belfast Fleadh, and more! It’s Thursday evening of last week, and while driving on a rural road a bit away from Creggs, I come up behind two big tractors pulling two of those long trailers that seem made specially for round bales. The ﬁrst lad, who is obviously driving the second tractor, pulls in and lets me out, and I assume the other lad will do the same. Sadly, even though we turn onto a bigger road, he makes no attempt to let me pass, and carries on at between thirty and forty kilometres an hour. There is no safe place for me (or, eventually, the six more vehicles behind me) to pass him out, and despite there being several places where he could have pulled in and let the build-up go, he carries on. It’s six miles later before he turns off the main road. Now I can’t deny that I was thick enough, but in the end I decided that since it’s the time of year that’s in it – when farmers and contractors are literally having to make hay while the sun shines – it might be churlish and

small minded to mention it in my piece. And so I had more or less forgotten about it… until I came across not one, but two, feature articles in our national papers during the week. Both the Daily Mail and the Irish Independent devoted full articles to the dangers of slow driving. They both pointed out that speeding is punishable by ﬁnes and points on your licence, and that slow driving can result in accidents, as people take risks to pass when it’s not safe to do so, in addition to it causing road rage and confrontations. In truth, there is nothing to force anyone to be considerate for the queues that form behind the offending driver. Of course it’s not only tractors that cause problems, as slow moving trucks can do the same. One of the articles told of a journey recently from Strokestown to Westport that the piece said was “conducted at a snail’s pace”. Funnily enough, that evening I again travelled behind a slow moving vehicle, and I estimated that the driver had twenty places where they could have let the trafﬁc by, but didn’t! I suppose the only answer is for drivers to have a bit more consideration for those behind them. If they can make the effort to let the tail back pas them by, it would mean a lot.

Roscommon’s winning welcome Back to Tuesday evening of last week, when the message comes to my phone that the victorious Roscommon ladies All-Ireland winners are coming to Mulhern Park, Fuerty, at around 6pm for a meet and greet session with their fans and supporters. As I told you last week, we were delighted out here in Creggs to have our own hero, Laura Mannion, on the team, but St Ciaran’s, which is our local ladies football club, also had Fuerty girl Rachel Fitzmaurice involved with them. And so my son Paul and myself decided that we would go on the short journey over road to show our solidarity with the girls and be there to greet them when they arrived. Sadly, the only Roscommon jersey that I had in the house, which used to ﬁt me a few years ago, must have shrunk quite a bit in the wash, as it barely made it over my head. And so we were in our civvies as we arrived at Mulhern Park. To be fair to the Fuerty club, everything was very wellorganised. The stewards ensured there was no problem with parking and we were well positioned when the bus arrived. The trophy was carried in by the two Ciaran’s girls to a wonderful reception, and there was a great local attendance. It was heartening to see so many children there to meet their heroes, and unlike me, they were nearly all adorned in

their primrose and blue jerseys and togs! After a welcoming few words by our near-neighbour Niall Connolly, the players all took to the pitch where they were available for chats and selfies and autographs and family photos, and mingled very comfortably with the large crowd. Fuerty native and Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Dominic Connolly, complete with his resplendent chain of office, arrived to add an official feel to the whole event, and I have to say that it was a really enjoyable celebration – even for a Galway man! There is no doubt that the success on the football pitch has lifted

the whole county, and indeed the province, with Mayo and Galway winning the mens’ and womens’ senior All-Irelands. As we made our way home, Paul pointed out that as a Galwayman, it was ironic that he went to welcome home both the Mayo and Roscommon teams and not the Galway girls! Afterwards, the team made their way back on to the bus and headed off to South Roscommon to do the same again. The thought crossed my mind that as hard and tiring their training had to be, the celebrations must be even harder, and I’m sure they will all be glad to get back out on the pitch again!

Pictured at the unveiling of the new Roscommon GAA Wall of Fame at Fairymount Memorial Garden are Club Rossie Chairperson Joe Gilligan, Roscommon LGFA Chairperson Pat Heneghan, Roscommon GAA Chairperson Thomas Murray and County Board Vice-Chairperson Frank Egan. Photo: Michael Finan.

Pictured at the launch of the new Roscommon GAA Wall of Fame at Fairymount Memorial Garden are team mentor Colin Sheridan, captain Éabhanna Sheridan, player Robyn Keane, U-16 team manager Tommy Keane and Roscommon LGFA Chairperson Pat Heneghan. Photo: Michael Finan.

A reel success! A year ago, I remember writing about the All-Ireland ﬂeadh which was held in Wexford, and how each night, from the Thursday through to Sunday, there was a programme on TG4 featuring all the goings on; it was just such an enjoyable, uplifting, and inspiring show, as it highlighted all that is good about our Irish music. This year, it has just been held in Belfast, and if anything, this year’s one seems to have been even better than last year! I suspect that the mere fact that it took place in Belfast, the scene of so much devastation down through the years and of such sectarian divides, gave it a very special meaning. You could literally feel the pride that the people of Belfast had in making the whole thing such an enormous success. There is no doubt that we have some wonderful musical talent – from the very young to those not-so-young – and the quality of the ceilidh bands on show was just superb. After the brilliant night we recently had in Creggs with Sharon Shannon, I wonder could we get one of these top ceilidh bands to visit us! Watch this space…

Anyway, there was every class of musician in action, and for me, one of the highlights was the amazing performance of Sexy Tadhg. Apparently this Carlowbased drag entertainer, along with his band, are among the hottest musical acts in the country just now, and have played at massive festivals like Electric Picnic and All Together Now. They are also going on a nationwide tour in October/November, where they will play in venues like Vicar Street in Dublin and the Marquee in Cork. Now they are not solely a traditional music band, as they play everything from jazz to rock to soul, and Tadhg has a particularly powerful voice, but they certainly proved a huge hit with the Belfast audience. We mightn’t be ready for them yet in Creggs, but never say never! The good news is it is all happening again in Belfast next year, so time to book your accommodation now! A friend of mine who made it up there this year had such a good time that he couldn’t ﬁnd his hotel, and only made it back in time for the breakfast! Nevertheless he can’t wait to go back for next year, but this time he’s going to save the details in his phone… hopefully he doesn’t lose that!

And ﬁnally…

Friday night, and again on Saturday morning, where her clear round qualified her for that evening’s grand final! Twelve of Ireland’s best make it to the grand final, and as she reached the last fence, it looked as if she was going to be in the jump-off with the only other three riders who were clear. Sadly she knocked the very last fence, but as her horse BEC Phoenix is only a novice in terms of competing, Tara was delighted at how well she performed. It’s tough going up in Dublin, and as I write this on Monday morning, I have no doubt she is glad to be home after spending almost a full week up there. However it was well worth it!

Sometimes we can forget what a great country it is that we live in. Last weekend, while the ﬂeadh was going on in Belfast and a sold-out big boxing night being held in the 3Arena saw Monaghan man Aaron McKenna become our newest world middleweight champion, we also had the big Dublin horse show taking place in the RDS. The Rolex-sponsored horse show is one of the biggest and best in the world, and for us as a family, we had the great thrill of watching my daughter Tara take part in the All-Ireland amateur showjumping ﬁnals. Thanks to Horse and Country TV, we saw her jump on

‘Til next week, bye for now

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

NewsPeople – Advertorial –

President Catherine Connolly visits RSG County Roscommon Disability Support Group CLG (RSG) was honoured to welcome President Catherine Connolly, accompanied by her husband Brian McEnery and members of her delegation, on Thursday, July 30th, in what is believed to have been the President’s first official visit to County Roscommon. The Presidential party received a warm Roscommon welcome on arrival, where they were greeted by members of staff, Board of Management Trustees and service users. A particular highlight was a greeting as Gaeilge delivered by Michael Cleary, Board Trustee, which set the tone for what would become a memorable and enjoyable day for all involved. During their visit, President Connolly and Mr McEnery spent more than two hours meeting service users, staff

members and Board Trustees. Taking time to speak individually with many of those present, the President engaged warmly with the stories, experiences and achievements of the people who make up the RSG community. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the work of RSG and celebrate the strong sense of community across the organisation. Service users and staff were delighted to share their personal journeys, discuss the supports provided by RSG, and highlight the positive impact the organisation continues to have throughout County Roscommon. President Connolly and Mr McEnery’s warmth, friendliness and willingness to engage with everyone present made a lasting impression. Conversations flowed easily throughout the day, with many stories

shared and plenty of laughter along the way. Speaking after the visit, members of the RSG community expressed their appreciation for the time the President and her husband dedicated to meeting people individually and learning more about the organisation’s work. Tony Byrne, an RSG service user, said: “It was a real privilege to welcome President Connolly to RSG. Her warmth, kindness and sincere engagement with everyone she met made the visit incredibly special. We were proud to share our stories and experiences with her, and it is a day I will never forget.” Elaine Hanly, RSG’s Services and Clinical Governance Manager, said: “Being chosen to host the Presidential visit was a tremendous privilege and an honour for all of us at RSG. We were delighted to show-

Pictured are President Catherine Connolly with RSG staff and service users during her visit to RSG.

President Catherine Connolly and her husband Brian McEnery pictured with RSG Board Trustees Margaret Treacy, Rita Kearney, Eric Frazier, Jim Ganly, Eddie Harte and Michael Cleary during their visit to RSG recently.

case the work of RSG and to see President Connolly and Mr McEnery take so much time to engage with our service users, staff and trustees. It was a very special occasion and one that we will remember for many years to come.” Chief Executive Officer Joan Dowd, who was out of the country on a pre-arranged commitment, said she was immensely proud of the welcome extended by RSG to President Catherine Connolly and her delegation. She expressed her gratitude to the President for her visit and thanked the staff, service users and Board Trustees whose commitment and hard work ensured the occasion was both memorable and meaningful

for all involved. The visit was a proud occasion for RSG and one that will be remembered fondly by all who attended. It was a day marked by inclusivity, conversation and celebration, reflecting the values at the heart of RSG’s mission. Everyone at RSG extends sincere thanks to President Catherine Connolly, Brian McEnery and the Presidential delegation for their visit and for making the day such a special and memorable occasion. County Roscommon Disability Support Group CLG, known as RSG, is a not-forprofit organisation and HSEapproved provider of disability and home support services.

Established in 1989, RSG delivers person-centred supports to people with physical and sensory disabilities across County Roscommon, as well as older persons’ home support services in Roscommon and surrounding counties. Through its Personal Assistant Services, Home Support Services and Resource Centre (DALE) services, RSG promotes independence, choice, inclusion and community participation. For more than 37 years, the organisation has been committed to enhancing quality of life and empowering individuals to live as independently as possible within their communities.

Celebrating and protecting Roscommon’s heritage National Heritage Week 2026 takes place from August 15th to 23rd, with a wide range of events planned across County Roscommon. The popularity of National Heritage Week has grown steadily in recent years, with more than 2,500 heritage events taking place across the island of Ireland in 2025 — a record year for the programme. This year’s theme, ‘Heritage at Risk’, invites individuals and communities to consider the aspects of our heritage that may be vulnerable or under threat, from historic buildings and archaeological sites to natural habitats, traditional skills, folk-

lore, language and ways of life. Events throughout County Roscommon will celebrate the richness of local heritage while also highlighting the importance of protecting and sustaining it for future generations. The programme includes talks, guided tours, children’s and family events, opportunities to explore nature and wildlife, buildings and archaeology, and much more. Special themed events will also take place for Wild Child Day on August 22nd and Water Heritage Day on August 23rd. A number of digital projects will also be available to access from home, while many events

are free of charge. See the accompanying advertisement for a full listing of events in County Roscommon. Further details on events and digital projects nationwide are available at heritageweek.ie, where searches can be filtered by county, date or event type. Updates can also be followed on social media using #HeritageWeek2026. Roscommon County Council Heritage Officer Nollaig Feeney paid tribute to the work of local volunteers and community groups. “The work of volunteers and community groups is invaluable in caring for and conserving

our heritage. Many of the National Heritage Week events in Co. Roscommon are organised by volunteers and community groups,” she said. “National Heritage Week is a wonderful opportunity for community groups to celebrate their achievements and showcase the work that they do.” National Heritage Week is supported locally by Roscommon County Council Heritage Office as an action of the Roscommon Heritage Strategy 2025–2029. Ceangal, the Local Authority Heritage Programme, is delivered in partnership between the Heritage Council and Local Government Ireland.

Children enjoying the Big Dig event in Roscommon last year.

Heritage Led Regeneration guided walk in Strokestown last year.

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

Roscommon Event Guide 15th - 23rd August 2026 Date Sat 15th

Sun 16th

Mon 17th

Tues 18th

Time

Event Customs & Cures - Roscommon's Holy Wells Exhibition: Explore the rich traditions, folklore, rituals, and healing beliefs associated 10am – 5pm with Roscommon’s holy wells, highlighting their importance as a unique part of the county’s cultural heritage. Around the Bridges: in the Footsteps of Margaret Gillespie Cousins: Guided Walk through Boyle’s rich history with Maire Egan Paul 11am – 12pm bringing to life the town’s iconic buildings, bridges and pathways, sharing memories, stories and surprising facts. A Meitheal for our Time - Together we tend Tomorrow: Explore “Heritage at Risk” at the Decarbonising Zone Expo, with talks and 11am – 4pm demonstrations on the impacts of climate change. Free Entry to Douglas Hyde Centre: Explore the Douglas Hyde Interpretive Centre and discover the life and legacy of Ireland’s first 11am – 5pm President and co-founder of the Gaelic League. Guided Tour of Roscommon Castle with Dr. Kieran O’ Conor: Join Dr Kieran O’Conor for a free guided tour of Roscommon Castle, 12pm – 1pm exploring its history and resilience. Booking via clonmacnoise@opw.ie. Griffiths Valuation record for Kilkeevan, Baslick & Ballintubber Parishes: Explore the Griffith’s Valuation records for the Castlerea 12pm – 6pm hinterland, providing a unique insight into local families and communities in post-Famine Ireland. 15th – 18th August Echoes of Immersion: Showcasing artworks inspired by the Immersive Art Workshop at Willowbrook Park, this exhibition explores 2pm – 3:30pm creative responses to nature, place, and the surrounding landscape. On display from 15–22 August during gallery opening hours. Conservation of Historic Wallpaper Talk at Strokestown Park House: Explore the history and conservation of Strokestown Park’s 2:30pm – 3:30pm historic wallpapers through a special talk and guided tour showcasing ongoing restoration work. Booking required 071 9633013 Uilleann Pipes at Boyle Abbey: Experience the haunting sound of the uillean pipes as musician Martin Byrne performs a selection of 2:30pm – 3:45pm traditional tunes in one of Ireland’s finest examples of medieval Cistercian church architecture. Turning the Sod: An evening of appreciation of our bog landscape from a cultural, heritage, social and ecological perspective 8pm- 9:30pm following the themes of preservation, conservation, memory, harmony, biodiversity and climate creativity. Admission €5 10:30am (after Rahara Field Names Project: Join us in helping preserve Rahara’s heritage by sharing local field names and stories, no matter how few, mass) to ensure they are recorded for future generations. Free Entry to Douglas Hyde Centre: Explore the Douglas Hyde Interpretive Centre and discover the life and legacy of Ireland’s first 11am – 5pm President and co-founder of the Gaelic League. Griffiths Valuation record for Kilkeevan, Baslick & Ballintubber Parishes: Explore the Griffith’s Valuation records for the Castlerea 12pm – 6pm hinterland, providing a unique insight into local families and communities in post-Famine Ireland. 15th – 18th August Coffee, Chat & Community History: Over a cup of tea or coffee, we’ll share memories and stories about how our church was built, the 12:30pm – 2:30pm history of the former church that is now our community centre, the old school and our local history. Preserving Our Past: A talk by Dr. Gerri O’ Neill on what the archives tell us about Ballyfarnon and Keadue during the Irish Revolution 3pm period 1913 to 1923 Tracing Our Ancient Routes: screening of a new short film 'Tracing our Ancient Routes - Rathcroghan Royal Complex' & meet the 12pm – 1pm archaeologist involved in the proposed Tulsk to Rathcroghan Active Travel Project. Griffiths Valuation record for Kilkeevan, Baslick & Ballintubber Parishes: Explore the Griffith’s Valuation records for the Castlerea 12pm – 6pm hinterland, providing a unique insight into local families and communities in post-Famine Ireland. 15th – 18th August ICA Drumboylan Heritage Day: Come along and meet our knitters and crafters, enjoy a cup of tea and snacks and delve into our rich 2pm - 5pm cultural heritage in Drumboylan. Customs & Cures - Roscommon's Holy Wells Exhibition: Explore the rich traditions, folklore, rituals, and healing beliefs associated 10am – 5pm with Roscommon’s holy wells, highlighting their importance as a unique part of the county’s cultural heritage. 11am – 12pm

Griffiths Valuation record for Kilkeevan, Baslick & Ballintubber Parishes: Explore the Griffith’s Valuation records for the Castlerea hinterland, providing a unique insight into local families and communities in post-Famine Ireland. 15th – 18th August Roscommon - New Discoveries: Explore fascinating new insights into Roscommon’s past as historian Vincent Delany reveals 6:30pm -7:30pm discoveries from the archives of the Earls of Ranelagh and Essex, uncovering stories of landownership, tenants, and local history. The Archaeological Heritage of Kilronan and Ardcarne Parishes: Dr Kieran O'Conor Lecturer in Archaeology in NUI. Galway will talk 8pm – 9:30pm about the Built Heritage and monuments in the Kilronan and Ardcarne Parishes and the Risks it Faces. Customs & Cures - Roscommon's Holy Wells Exhibition: Explore the rich traditions, folklore, rituals, and healing beliefs associated 10am – 5pm with Roscommon’s holy wells, highlighting their importance as a unique part of the county’s cultural heritage. From Planters to Platoons: A History of King House: Join Thomas Campbell for a fascinating lecture on the King family, life in King 3pm – 4pm House, and the social and architectural history of Ireland in the 17th and 18th centuries. Call 0871444739 to book. Farming Rathcroghan: Where Farming and Archaeology Meet: Online talk with Community Archaeologist of Farming Rathcroghan 7pm - 8pm Alan Healy, hosted by The Council for British Archaeology in their This Is Archaeology Series. Táin Bó Cúailnge Book Launch & Art Exhibition by Liam Ó' Broin: Discover a unique exhibition and book launch featuring Liam 7pm – 8:30pm Ó'Broin’s striking ink illustrations of An Táin Bó Cúailnge, bringing Ireland’s epic ancient tale to life through art and storytelling. Exploring the Forgotten History and Culture of Lough Ree's Shoreline: Enjoy a fully accessible guided boat tour on Lough Ree, 9:30am – 2pm exploring the rich history, archaeology, legends and heritage sites of the Roscommon shoreline. Tours depart at 10am & 12:30pm. €20 Donation. Booking essential on 0892625505 Free Entry: National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park: Explore the parallel lives of Strokestown Park’s aristocratic landlords and 10am – 5:30pm their tenants during the Great Irish Famine at the National Famine Museum. Free Entry King House Tours: Explore Boyle’s magnificent King House, a grand Georgian mansion that brings centuries of Irish history 11am – 4pm to life through its historic rooms, exhibitions and stories of Gaelic Ireland, aristocratic life and military heritage. Customs & Cures - Roscommon's Holy Wells Exhibition: Explore the rich traditions, folklore, rituals, and healing beliefs associated 1pm – 8pm with Roscommon’s holy wells, highlighting their importance as a unique part of the county’s cultural heritage. & Launch of Finnbennach Bull Sculpture: Celebrate the launch of the Finnbennach Bull Sculpture and enjoy storytelling 3pm – 4pm Storytelling that brings to life the legendary tale of the White Bull of Connacht, Queen Medb, and the epic events of the Táin. 12pm – 6pm

Wed 19th

Thurs 20th

Conservation of the Victorian Walled Gardens with John O’Driscoll: Join a guided tour of Strokestown Park’s Victorian Walled Gardens and discover their history, conservation, and ongoing restoration. €5. Booking required 071 9633013

Venue Ballaghaderreen Library, F45E3C3 No. 7, The Crescent, Boyle, F52WP26 Roscommon Agricultural Show, Hannon’s, F42PH33 Douglas Hyde Centre, Frenchpark, F45HD56 Roscommon Castle, Roscommon Town Trinity Arts Centre, Castlerea, F45AW27 An Ríoga, Bridge Street, Boyle, F52NX73 Strokestown Park House, F42 H282 Boyle Abbey, F52XE16 Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk, F45 HH51 Rahara N.S, F42XR20 Douglas Hyde Centre, Frenchpark, F45HD56 Trinity Arts Centre, Castlerea, F45AW27 Community Centre, Castlecoote, F42KH66 Ballyfarnon Community Centre, F52XH70 Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk, F45 HH51 Trinity Arts Centre, Castlerea, F45AW27 Drumboylan Hall, N41FY01 Ballaghaderreen Library, F45E3C3 Victorian Walled Gardens, Strokestown Park, F42 H282 Trinity Arts Centre, Castlerea, F45AW27 Roscommon Branch Library, F42 RP49 St. Ronan’s Hall, Keadue, F52N928 Ballaghaderreen Library, F45E3C3 King House, Boyle, F52WR26 Online Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk, F45 HH51 Portrunny, Ballymurray, Co. Roscommon National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park, F42 H282 King House, Boyle, F52WR26 Ballaghaderreen Library, F45E3C3 Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk, F45 HH51

See www.heritageweek.ie for event details Supported by Roscommon County Council as an action of Roscommon Heritage Strategy

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

Roscommon Event Guide 15th - 23rd August 2026 Date Date

Time Time

Event Event

10am – 5pm Roscommon Castle Tour - Join OPW guides for a tour of the SW tower of this dramatic & imposing 13th century Norman castle If Fields Could Talk – Collecting Roscommon’s Field Names: Join Rita Kearney for an introduction to the Roscommon Field Names 4pm – 5:30pm The President’s Cup 1889/90 – Lecture and launch of a booklet commemorating Roscommon's first great Gaelic Football comp. 10:30am Project, discovering how local place names help tell the story of the county’s landscape, heritage and communities. 11am - 2pm Eco bog talk and walk at Kilteevan and Cloonlarge Bog – Talk followed by 5km walk. Free but registration required Roscommon County Council Archives Welcome Evening: Join Roscommon County Council Archives for a special evening exploring 11am – 12 5:30pm – 7pm Tour of Frybrook House - Journey back in time to 1753 & dig into the foundations and vibrant history of this house County Roscommon’s heritage, featuring highlights the Douglas Hyde Collection the launch ofto the new Archives webpage. 11 - 3.30pm Douglas Hyde Interpretative Centre – Ireland’s firstfrom president Dr. Douglas Hyde and and his contribution modern Ireland. Free 12 - 2:30pm Caife, Craic Agus Ceoil - The Irish Language Café - Traditional music session follows at 1pm. Free event, no booking required A Talk on the 1926 Census: Join family and local heritage consultant Martin Curley for a fascinating talk on the 1926 Census of 8pm– –5pm 9:30pm Tully Lough Cross Walk – Walk from Kilmore Church to Tully Lough, where 7th C Tully Lough Cross was found, talk & boat trips 3pm Population of Ireland and its value for exploring local and family history. 4:30 – 6pm Guided walk on Ballydangan Bog Red Grouse Project - Presentation and refreshments, followed by a guided visit to bog, N37HT68 Customs & Cures - Roscommon's Holy Wells Exhibition: Explore the rich traditions, folklore, rituals, and healing beliefs associated House - The People and the Legacy – Talk by Author Julian Vignoles on David Thompsons acclaimed “Woodbrook" Fri 21st 8:30pm 10am – 5pm Woodbrook with Roscommon’s holy wells, highlighting their importance as a unique part of the county’s cultural heritage. Sun 10am – 5pm Roscommon Castle Tour - Join OPW guides for a tour of the SW tower of this dramatic & imposing 13th century Norman castle The of BigFrybrook Dig Boyle: Kids -Event! ‘Viking & archaeological excavation for children 6+.vibrant Free. Booking for a 45-minute slot. 17th 11am – 12 House Journey backHouse’ in time to 1753 & dig into the foundations and historyadvised of this house 11am – 3pm Tour Booking on Eventbrite 11am - 12 Bilingual Mass – Celebrate mass in Irish/English in the Church of the Immaculate Conception Roscommon's Forgotten A Talkphotos, by Author Danny Tiernan: The talk & will explore the lives and stories of men andF52A497 women 2 -12pm 6pm – 1pm Exploring our Past - DisplayHeroes of old -school Schools Folklore collection the 'Ardcarne Messenger' (1958–1966). from Countyof Roscommon contributions sacrifices during of war have been overlooked. 2:30 - 3:30 Foundations Grandeur: whose Richard Cassels andand Strokestown Park –times tour focused 18thoften C architect Richard Cassels. Booking Required Mon 9-1 & 2-3pm Customs & Cures Roscommon’s - Exhibition the rich heritage of holy wells Co Roscommon Discovering Castlerea – GuidedHoly BuiltWells Heritage Walkinghighlighting Tour: Join conservation professionals from in Studio Myco for a guided 1pm – 18th walking tour of Castlerea, exploring the town’s historic buildings and streets while highlighting the role of heritage in shaping its future 11am – 12 Tour of Frybrook House Journey back in time to 1753 & dig into the foundations and vibrant history of this house 2:30pm regeneration. Old Buildings New Life - guided walk to view historic properties in the Heritage Council’s Historic Towns Initiative 2025 11am 11am – 4pm Tour of King Cultural Centre, Boyle -Free admission to the tour & exhibitions Discover theHouse Local Historical Roots of a&Global Legacy: Discover the inspiring legacy of Ballymoe-born humanitarian Father Edward J. Flanagan – 5pm Customs Tues 9-13pm & 2-3pm Cures Roscommon’s Holy Wells - Exhibition highlighting the rich heritage of holy wells in Co Roscommon through & a guided tour and interactive discussion. For Booking: 087 7665219 / info@fatherfl anaganvisitorcentre.ie th 19 11am - 5pm Family History Clinic - Genealogy clinic to help you reconnect with long lost family. Places are free but limited, booking essential 6:00pm – Bog Walk - Ballydangan Bog Red Grouse Project: Learn about the Ballydangan Bog Red Grouse Project at Moore Community Centre 11am – 12 Tour of Frybrook - Journey time tosite 1753 & dig into the foundations and vibrant history of this house 7:30pm before taking partHouse in a guided tourback of theinproject 11am – 3:30 Family friendly Tour of Connaught Rangers Museum – Family friendly tour, for children 8 years and over. Free. Booking essential 8:00pm Is ourTalk Heritage Risk? Laura Burke, Social Historian, will impact AI and technology for information gathering 11am – 4pm– Walk & BoatatTrip - Follow the path of St Diarmuid ondiscuss a shortthe walk, boatoftrip on Lough Ree. Numbers limited. Booking&required examineCrochet the credibility of resources onExhibition the internet– versus the reality onEnterprise the ground. All welcome. 2pm9:15pm - 4pm Knitting, & Traditional Crafts in the CDC Centre, Kiltullagh House 2:30 - 4:30 Royal Sites&Short Screening – Holy Celebrate historic landscapes the six Royalfolklore, Sites ofrituals, Ireland. Free. F45HH51 Customs CuresFilm - Roscommon's Wellsthe Exhibition: Explore the of rich traditions, and healing beliefs associated Sat 22nd 6:30pm 10am – 5pm Roscommon Town From Earliest Times – talk Vincent Delany on thepart development of town of Roscommon. Booking required with Roscommon’s holy wells, highlighting theirbyimportance as a unique of the county’s cultural heritage. 8pm Keadue's Archaeology and Built Heritage - video on archaeology followed by lecture by archaeologist Dr. Kieran O'Conor. Free Drawing&from the Woods - WildHoly ChildWells Day at Rinnaganhighlighting Nature Reserve: Joinheritage a family-friendly woodland workshop exploring Wed 9-110:30am & 2-3pm– Customs Cures Roscommon’s - Exhibition the rich of holy wells in Co Roscommon nature, art, and heritage creative activities. or 087 195 3629 to book 20th 11am 1pm – 12 Tour of Frybrook House -through Journeyguided back inwalks timeand to 1753 & dig into thejeremy.casey@nativewoodlandtrust.ie foundations and vibrant history of this house 11am Restoration of Rockingham Farm Building - tour by architects Paddy Dunne & Fiona Brugha of their home. Booking required HalfKing Price Guided Tour of Clonalis House: Explore the history, heritage and traditions of Clonalis House, ancestral 1pm Connection - Talk by Tom Campbell, on the historical links between Boyle Abbey and King House. Free home of the 11am – 1pm The O’Conor family, on a fascinating guided tour. €8. Booking required on www.clonalishouse.com 2pm – 4pm St Coman's Church of Ireland, Roscommon - Open Afternoons - Explore this historic church & its 250-year role in the community Guided Tour of Donamon &Park Surrounding Enjoy a guided tour of blessing Donamon exploring its rich history and heritage, 2pm 4pm Palace Neighbourwood & SensoryArea: Garden - official opening, ofCastle, the park and guided walks 11am – 1pm The followedofby a talk at Stoneham’s LoughChurch, focusingRoscommon on the biodiversity of the area and itsanniversary tributary, theofRiver Derryhippo. 7pm Aspects the History of St. Coman's - Celebrating the 250th the present church. Talk by local historian, Albert Siggins;Hyde bookCentre: launch,Explore visual display & performance by Roscommon One Town the Onelife Voice Community Choir first Free Entry to Douglas the Douglas Hyde Interpretive Centre and discover and legacy of Ireland’s 11am – 5pm President and co-founder of the Gaelic League. Thurs 9-1 & 2-3pm Customs & Cures Roscommon’s Holy Wells - Exhibition highlighting the rich heritage of holy wells in Co Roscommon 21st 11am – 12 Tour of Frybrook House - Journey back in time to 1753 & dig into the foundations and vibrant history of this house Sat 16th

12:30pm –

Fri 22nd

11:30am 1:30pm 2pm – 4pm 2pm -2pm 8pm– 3:30pm 3pm -5pm 3 - 7pm 8pm 2pm – 4pm 9-1 & 2-3pm

Strokestown Park, Heritage at Risk Talk: Join Strokestown Park Curator, Ciara Mc Cormac for a talk on built heritage and the many

Guided Tourbyofour thehistoric Victorian Gardens, Park071 – With John O'Driscoll. Booking required. F42H282 risks faced builtWalled environment. €5,Strokestown Booking required 9633013 St Coman's Church of Ireland, Roscommon - Open Afternoons - Explore this historic church & its 250-year role in the community Boyle Abbey, Patronage and its influence on Connacht’s Stonemasonry in the 12th & 13th Centuries: Join Gary Dempsey for a Family Clinic Genealogy clinic to help you reconnect with longwork, lost family. Placesthe are free but limited. Booking essential lectureHistory exploring the-infl uence of medieval patronage on stonemasons’ highlighting abbey’s remarkable architecture and Rambling House agus Comhra – in the CDC Centre, Enterprise Kiltullagh House stone carvings Exploring our Past - Display of old school photos, Schools Folklore collections & the 'Ardcarne Messenger'. F52 A497 Talk by Tamlyn McHugh on Customs & Cures - Roscommon's Holy Wells: Join archaeologist Tamlyn McHugh for a talk on the Who Shot cures Queen Medb? Storytelling with Mike McCarthy recounting some of the tales. Booking required customs, and sacred- waters associated with Roscommon’s holy wells, drawing onoldest extensive countywide research and local Customs stories. & Cures Roscommon’s Holy Wells - Exhibition highlighting the rich heritage of holy wells in Co Roscommon

Food Thought - Farming Rathcroghan 2025. A wide range Booking Required. Irishfor Sign Language Interpreted Guided Conference Tour of Roscommon Castle: For of thespeakers. first time Free. OPW are offering a free ISLF45HH51 tour of Tour of Frybrook House - Journey inistime to 1753 dig into the ground. foundations and vibrant history of this house Roscommon castle. Please note theback event outdoors and&over uneven The Big Dig – Kids Event! ‘Viking House’ & archaeological excavation for children 6+. Free. Booking advised for a 45-minute slot Scavenger Hunt at Loughnaneane Park – Kids event & colouring competition! In conjunction with Roscommon Pride 2026. Free Family History Clinic - Genealogy clinic to help you reconnect with long lost family. Places are free but limited. Booking essential Movement in Nature A Wellbeing Workshop with psychologist & Eco Marianne Fallon. Booking essential The Potts Family and- Correen Castle: Discoverfor theChildren history of–Correen Castle and the infltherapist uential Potts Family in this talk by Moore History Group Chairperson, Padraic Kilduff Half Price Guided Tours at Clonalis House. - Explore the legacy of the O’Conor family with expert local guides. Booking required Creative Workshop withJoin Geraldine Finn – inFallon CDC Centre, Enterprise House session, where you can learn about Bat TalkWriting in Roscommon Castle: ecologist David for an evening bat Kiltullagh talk and discovery ask questions, and use a bat detector to- experience these fascinating up church close. & its 250-year role in the community Stbats, Coman's Church of Ireland, Roscommon Open Afternoons - Explore creatures this historic Kilmore Church, The Mausoleum, Echoes of The Past - talk by Trevor Hunt and Tommie Kenoy. Launch of podcast by Ronan Turner Kilteevan - Protecting Our Local Rivers & Streams: Join Janet Laffey, Community Water Officer, to learn about local rivers and Sun 23rd 11am – 1pm and Camilla Kilmore; Echoes of the citizen Past. Admission streams andKelly howentitled to identify river insects through science. €10 8pm Book Launch - Master Hoare’s History of Knockcroghery - Followed by a short talk. The book can be purchased on the night A Day of Automotive History: Join the Roscommon Classic Cars ‘A Day of Automotive History’ 2026. castle Adult admission Sat 23rd 10am – 5pm Castle Tour - Join OPW guides for a tourSports of the&SW tower ofClub this for dramatic & imposing 13th C Norman 11am – 5pm Roscommon €10, Children free 10:30am Our Woodland Heritage with the Native Woodland Trust: Lecarrow Reserve – Family friendly walk. Free. Booking required 9 - 4:30pm 3pm– –12 4pm 11am 11am – 3pm 3:30 – 5pm 11am - 5pm 12pm7pm – 1pm – 1pm8:30pm – 3pm 2pm8:45pm – 4pm – 2pm10:30pm – 4pm 8pm

Free EntryArea to Douglas Explore areas the Douglas Hyde Interpretive Centre andassemble discover the life and legacy of Ireland’s first 11am HeritageHyde WalkCentre: – showcasing of historical and heritage interest, at Donamon Castle 11am – 5pm Donamon President and co-founder of the Gaelic League. 11am – 12 Tour of Frybrook House - Journey back in time to 1753 & dig into the foundations and vibrant history of this house Old Buildings New Life - Guided Walk in Strokestown: Joinheritage Conservation Dunne Fiona Brugha for a guided walk 11am2pm – Dillon House Ballaghaderreen - The building blocks of our – KidsArchitects Event! ForPatrick children 8-10&years. Free. Booking required 3:30pm

Guided Ecology & Heritage Walk at Ballyforan Bog - Join Bord na Mona ecologists around the 3km Ballyforan Greenway loop

2 - 4pm

St Coman's Church of Ireland, Roscommon - Open Afternoons - Explore this historic church & its 250-year role in the community.

2:30pm – 11 - 3.30pm 3:30pm Library Hours

in Strokestown to see ongoing conservation works at three historic buildings in the town.

11am

2-5pm

Venue Venue

Roscommon

Roscommon Branch Library, Online F42 RP49

Kilteevan Community Centre

Local History Room, Frybrook House, Boyle Roscommon Branch Library, Frenchpark, F45 HD56 F42 RP49

Strokestown Park, F42 H282

Creggs Heritage Centre, Kilmore F42 X674 Church, N41 T6K1 Moore Hall, Ballydangan

Ballaghaderreen Library, Ardcarne Ch of Irl, F52 RR97 F45E3C3 Roscommon

King HouseHouse, Courtyard, Boyle, Frybrook Boyle F52 WR26 Ballinlough

Boyle CraftCommunity Shop, Grounds of Crossna Centre King House, Boyle, Strokestown ParkF52FW01 House

Aras an Chontae Roscommon

Market Square, Castlerea. Frybrook House, Boyle F45HV29

Bawn Street, Strokestown King House, Boyle Father Flanagan Visitor Centre, Aras an Chontae Ballymoe, F45 Y260Roscommon Castlerea Library Moore Community Centre, Frybrook N37 HT68 House, Boyle King House, Boyle Ardcarne of Ireland, Portrun Church Harbour F52RR97 Ballinlough Rathcroghan Visitor Centre Ballaghaderreen Library, Roscommon Library F45E3C3 St Ronan's Hall, Keadue Rinnagan Nature Reserve and Aras an Chontae Roscommon Tree Nursery, St. Johns Road, Frybrook House, Boyle Rinnagan Rockingham, Boyle F52 XC78 Clonalis House,Boyle Castlerea, F45 King House, H265 Roscommon, F42 AW26 WindmillCastle, Road, Roscommon Elphin Donamon St Coman's Church, Roscommon Town Douglas Hyde Centre, Frenchpark, F45HD56 Aras an Chontae Roscommon Frybrook House, Boyle F42 Strokestown Park House, Strokestown Park H282 Roscommon F42 AW26

Boyle Library Boyle Abbey, F52XE16

Ballinlough Crossna Community Centre Ballaghaderreen Library, Roscommon Arts Centre F45E3C3 Aras an Chontae Roscommon Rathcroghan Visitor Centre Roscommon Castle, Frybrook House, Loughnaneane ParkBoyle

Market Square, Roscommon Strokestown Library Strokestown Park,Hall, F42 H282 Moore Community Ballydangan, N37HT68 Castlerea, F45 H265 BallinloughCastle, Roscommon Loughnaneane Roscommon, Park F42 AW26 Community Centre, Dangan, Kilteevan Community Centre, Kilmore, N41 RC79 F42DX57 Knockcroghery, F42 DA26 Grounds of Strokestown Park, Roscommon F42 H282 Lecarrow

Loughnan Park, Roscommon

Douglas Hyde Centre, Donamon Castle, F42 YE13 Frenchpark, F45HD56 Frybrook House, Boyle Ballaghaderreen Library Bawn Street, Strokestown Ballyforan Greenway

Portrunny Bay Lakeside Storytime: A fun, interactive session for children aged 4-10 exploring how small actions can help care for Douglas Hyde Interpretative Centre - Ireland’s first president Dr.isDouglas nature through discussion and art. Parental/Guardian supervision requiredHyde and his contribution to modern Ireland. Free

Portrunny Bay,F45 Ballymurray Frenchpark, HD56

Customs & Cures - Roscommon's Holy Wells Exhibition: Explore the rich traditions, folklore, rituals, and healing beliefs associated Tour The Nurseries, - Home of the head gardenerasfor Rockingham. Associated Johnheritage. McGahern. Booking required withof Roscommon’s holyGrevisk wells, highlighting their importance a unique part of the county’swith cultural

Ballaghaderreen Library, Grevisk, Boyle, F52 F793 F45E3C3

Roscommon, F42 AW26

See www.heritageweek.ie for event details Supported by Roscommon County Council as an action of Roscommon Heritage Strategy

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

Glenamaddy

Best wishes to Glenamaddy Summer Festival from

Tommy Dillon Farm Buildings Kilkerrin Road Glenamaddy, Co. Galway

Telephone: 094 9659187 Mobile: 087 2616955 Best wishes to Glenamaddy Summer Festival from

RAFTERY’S Oakland Hotel Glenamaddy • Tel: 094 9659065

Food & Accommodation Available MUSIC ON MONDAY NIGHT, MARCH 16TH

Best wishes to Glenamaddy Summer Festival from

SUMMER Festival

Glenamaddy gears up for five days of festival fun Excitement is building in Glenamaddy ahead of the return of the Glenamaddy Summer Festival, which will run from Thursday, August 20th to Monday, August 24th. Organised by the Glenamaddy Residents and Traders Association, this year’s festival will feature five days of family entertainment, live music and community events. The festival gets underway on Thursday with the popular Car Treasure Hunt, departing from the Community Centre at 7 pm, followed by the official launch of the Heritage Board at 8.30 pm. The evening will conclude with an Open Mic Karaoke Night in Jim Pete’s Pub from 9 pm. Friday will have a strong family focus, with a free Children’s Movie Screening taking place in the Raftery Oakland Ballroom. Doors open at

5 pm and parent supervision is required. Later that evening, local knowledge will be put to the test at the Battle of the Pubs Quiz at 9 pm. Saturday is one of the busiest days of the festival. A Coffee Morning will be held at Glenamaddy Garden Club at 11 am, followed by a Kids’ Treasure Hunt at 2 pm and a Children’s Disco in the Community Centre from 3 pm to 5 pm. The entertainment continues on Saturday night with the much-anticipated Lip Sync Battle in the Oakland Ritz. A number of local clubs, organisations and businesses are preparing to take to the stage, with organisers promising a night of music, laughter and memorable performances. Doors open at 8.30 pm, with admission €10. On Sunday, August 23rd, the Collins Park Family Funday gets underway at 1 pm before

Live music in the Square There will be plenty of live music in Glenamaddy on Sunday, August 23rd, with Broken Plain getting proceedings underway at 4 pm before One For The Road take to the stage

in Glenamaddy Square at 5 pm. The entertainment will continue afterwards with music in Hartes, rounding off a busy Sunday at the festival.

live music takes centre stage. Broken Plain will perform at 4 pm, followed by One For The Road at 5 pm in Glenamaddy Square, with the entertainment continuing afterwards with live music in Hartes. The festival will conclude on Monday night with a special Candlelit Concert by Michael English in St Patrick’s Church, Glenamaddy. Doors open at 7 pm, with the concert beginning at 8 pm. The Glenamaddy Residents and Traders Association is encouraging locals and visitors alike to come along and enjoy the programme of events over the five days. Festival organisers have also thanked the volunteers, local businesses, sponsors and community groups whose support helps make the annual event possible.

Lip Sync Battle promises a night to remember One of the highlights of this year’s Glenamaddy Summer Festival will be the Lip Sync Battle in the Oakland Ritz on Saturday, August 22nd. A host of local clubs, organisations and businesses are getting ready to take to the stage for a night of music, laughter and plenty of surprises. Among those taking part are Hartes Corner House, Raftery’s Oakland, Glen Blinds, Mabel, Glenamaddy Musical Society, Garvey’s Pharmacy, Glenamaddy Williamstown Ladies FC and SuperValu, with more contestants also set to join the line-up. Doors open at 8.30 pm, with admission €10 at the door.

St Francis Nursing Home, Kilkerrin, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway H53 DC 84 Email: info@stfranciskilkerrin.ie Website: stfranciskilkerrin.ie Telephone: (094) 96 59230 / 086 603 7434

Best wishes to Glenamaddy Summer Festival from

Kilkerrin Road, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway www.west-bake.com

Free movie for the family Families can also enjoy a free Children’s Movie Screening at the Raftery Oakland Ballroom on Friday, August 21st, with doors opening at 5 pm. Parent supervision is required.

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

Glenamaddy

SUMMER Festival

FESTIVAL AT A GLANCE THURSDAY: Car Treasure Hunt • Heritage Board launch • Open Mic Karaoke FRIDAY: Free Children’s Movie • Battle of the Pubs Quiz SATURDAY: Coffee Morning • Kids’ Treasure Hunt • Children’s Disco • Lip Sync Battle SUNDAY: Collins Park Family Funday • Broken Plain • One For The Road • Music in Hartes MONDAY: Michael English Candlelit Concert Best wishes to Glenamaddy Summer Festival from

One For The Road will perform live in Glenamaddy Square at 5 pm on Sunday, August 23rd, as part of the Glenamaddy Summer Festival.

GARVEY’S Pharmacy Glenamaddy

Keep up to date with all the latest Glenamaddy Summer Festival news by following Glenamaddy Residents & Traders on Instagram

Tel. (094) 9659012 Open Monday - Friday 9.30am - 6pm Saturday 10am - 5pm

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

NewsPeople

Injury Unit attendances up almost 55% as Roscommon named in proposed enhanced urgent-care pilot < LIAM DONOHOE DUNNE

Fifteen years after the closure of the A&E department at Roscommon Hospital, new figures showing a major rise in attendances at the hospital’s Injury Unit have added weight to calls for the expansion of urgent-care services locally. Roscommon Hospital’s Emergency Department closed on July 11th, 2011, when it was replaced by a minor injuries service which subsequently developed into today’s Injury Unit. The HSE is this summer marking 15 years of the service, which has treated more than 138,000 patients since opening in July 2011. Demand has risen particularly sharply in recent years. Figures supplied by the HSE in response to a parliamentary question from Roscommon-Galway TD Martin Daly show that annual attendances increased from 12,733 in 2022 to 19,693 in 2025 – a rise of almost 55 per cent in just three years. Attendances stood at 15,042 in 2023 and 16,351 in 2024. Deputy Daly had also asked the Minister for Health about plans to extend the operating hours of the Injury Unit, which currently operates from 8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week. However, while the HSE response provided the attendance figures, it did not address the question of extending opening hours.

The anniversary and rising attendances come as Roscommon University Hospital has also been named as one of two proposed locations for a new Enhanced Urgent Care Centre pilot scheme put forward for consideration ahead of Budget 2027. The proposal has come from Friends of Ennis Hospital (FEH), a voluntary Clarebased health campaign group established to campaign for improved hospital and emergency-care provision in Clare. The group has proposed that enhanced urgent-care pilots be developed at both Ennis Hospital and Roscommon University Hospital and has asked the Department of Health and HSE to establish a joint working group to examine the feasibility of the plan. While Friends of Ennis Hospital is primarily a Clare campaign, the group’s chairperson, Angela Coll, also has a family connection to Roscommon. Ms Coll, who was born and raised in Clare, has a Roscommon father and a Leitrim mother and said this familiarity with rural communities and the distances residents face in accessing hospital care helped prompt her to consider whether the Ennis model could also work in Roscommon. However, the group says Roscommon was not proposed simply because of that personal

Boost for Ballaghaderreen as €3.8m wastewater upgrade gets underway Ballaghaderreen is set to benefit from a major infrastructure investment as work begins this month on a €3.8m upgrade of the town’s wastewater treatment plant. The project, delivered by Uisce Éireann, will improve the performance and resilience of the wastewater treatment infrastructure while helping to protect the local environment. Works will include the construction of a new storm tank, upgrades to the wastewater treatment process, improvements to

pumping infrastructure and enhancements to monitoring and operational control systems. Together, these improvements will enhance the reliability and efficiency of the wastewater treatment infrastructure while continuing to safeguard local waterways and the surrounding environment. The upgrade works will be carried out by Conway Engineering on behalf of Uisce Éireann and are expected to be completed in Autumn 2027.

connection. Both Ennis and Roscommon have existing urgentcare infrastructure, serve substantial rural populations and are linked to Model 4 hospitals experiencing significant overcrowding – University Hospital Limerick in the case of Ennis and University Hospital Galway in the case of Roscommon. Under the proposed model, the range of patients who could be assessed and treated locally would be expanded through measures including enhanced diagnostics, GP-referred assessment, IV treatment, ambulatory care and short-stay clinical observation. The aim would be to allow more patients to receive appropriate treatment closer to home while reducing avoidable pressure on larger Emergency Departments. The case for enhanced local urgent care also comes against the backdrop of Roscommon’s rural geography. Census 2022 recorded a county population of 70,259, while new CSO research published last month found that Roscommon households have the longest median distance in the State to their nearest HSE Emergency Department, at 44.4km – compared with a national median of 12.9km. Commenting on the proposed pilot, Ms Coll said Ennis and Roscommon were established hospital sites serving significant rural populations and that trial-

ling the model across two separate HSE regions could provide stronger evidence of its impact on Emergency Department attendances, hospital admissions, patient travel and overcrowding. She stressed that the proposal was not intended as a replacement for additional acute hospital capacity, but as a means of providing more care closer to

home while longer-term hospital development continues. Separately, Roscommon University Hospital is due to receive 20 additional acute inpatient beds under previously announced national capacity plans, with delivery scheduled between 2029 and 2031. For now, the enhanced urgentcare pilot remains a proposal and no funding commitment has

been made. However, 15 years on from the closure of Roscommon’s A&E department, the combination of sharply rising Injury Unit attendances and the county’s long distances from emergency care is once again focusing attention on what additional urgent-care services could be delivered at Roscommon University Hospital.

Irish motorists say local loyalty influences the cars that they buy County pride appears to extend beyond the GAA pitch and onto Ireland’s roads, with new research from Carzone finding that almost two-thirds of motorists say a car’s county registration can influence whether they would buy it. The survey found that 63% of Irish motorists consider the county on a registration plate when buying a used car, while 58% said they would choose a vehicle carrying their own county registration if factors such as age, mileage and condition were otherwise identical. The research also found that almost half of motorists would be less likely to buy cars carrying certain county registrations. Reasons cited included perceptions that vehicles in some counties may have been driven harder, concerns about future resale value and assumptions that poorer road conditions may have resulted in greater wear and tear. Cork motorists emerged as the most loyal to their own county registration, with 70% saying they would choose a Cork-registered car where all other factors were equal. Conor Faughnan, Independent Motoring Expert at Carzone, said registration plates can influence buyers, but should not outweigh

more important considerations. “It may be less important than a car’s age and condition, but 63% of motorists say the county of registration matters. That’s enough to influence buying decisions,” he said. Mr Faughnan said buyers may make assumptions based on where a car has spent most of its life, including whether it was primarily driven on urban or rural roads. However, he advised motorists to look beyond county perceptions when choosing a used vehicle. “There are some sensible reasons to ask where a car has spent most of its life. Coastal locations can increase the risk of corrosion, poor road surfaces can put more strain on suspension and steering, and urban driving can be tougher on certain engines,” Mr Faughnan said. “But those factors aren’t unique to any one county and they should always be considered alongside the car’s overall condition and maintenance history.” Carzone recommends checking a vehicle’s service and NCT history, inspecting it for signs of damage or corrosion, taking it for a thorough test drive and, where possible, having it independently inspected before purchase.

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

NewsPeople

Busy autumn ahead for Roscommon Solstice Choir Following the success of its Songs that Built a Nation show at Roscommon Arts Centre in June, Roscommon Solstice Choir is preparing for a busy programme of performances this autumn. The choir will bring the show to Backstage Theatre in Longford on Wednesday, September 9th and Thursday, September 10th. Written by Roscommon playwright and historian Tommy Murray, Songs that Built a Nation explores key moments in Irish history from 1798 to 1921 through ballads, songs, poetry, music and speech. The production has been warmly received for its innovative and refreshing approach to telling the story of this pivotal period in Irish history. Later in the month, the choir will perform at the 12 noon Mass in the Basilica at Knock on Sunday, September 27th. It will be a special occasion for the group, which last performed at the Basilica in 2017. From October 3rd to 8th,

choir members will travel to Medjugorje, where they are due to perform at a number of events and venues. Performing both at home and abroad has been a hallmark of Roscommon Solstice Choir since its foundation in 2013. On their return, members will turn their attention to rehearsals for the choir’s popular Christmas concerts. This year’s concerts will take place in Ballygar on December 4th and Granlahan on December 11th. The concerts form part of the choir’s ongoing fundraising work for local causes and charities, which has raised more than €400,000 to date. For many supporters, the annual concerts have become a much-loved part of the festive season and are regarded as the beginning of their Christmas celebrations. Further details on the Christmas concerts will be announced closer to the dates.

Members of Roscommon Solstice Choir on stage in June in Roscommon Arts Centre during their staging of ‘Songs That Built A Nation’. Photo: Michael Finan

Public urged to have their say on future of Ballaghaderreen Plots As part of the project: ‘Enabling the Potential of the Ballaghaderreen Plots’, Roscommon County Council will hold a second open engagement event on Thursday, August 27th from 4pm to 7pm in Ballaghaderreen Public Library, F45 E3C3. This is an open engagement event and all are welcome to drop in to share their thoughts on the future of the Plots. If one is unable to attend and would like to share their views, please email: streets@studiodwg.com The community’s views, suggestions and ideas will contribute to the development of a masterplan for the Plots area. This engagement following a previous public consultation back in May which featured considerable public engagement and feedback on proposals for the masterplan development.

SCHOOL OF CHOICE GALWAY ROAD ROSCOMMON TOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON

T: 090 6626496 | E: info@cbsroscommon.ie | W: www.cbsroscommon.ie

RETURN TO SCHOOL TIMETABLE AUGUST 2026

Recently renovated Ballaghaderreen Library at the historic Dillon House, where a second public engagement event on the future of the Ballaghaderreen Plots will take place on Thursday, August 27th

DATE:

YEAR GROUP:

TIME:

Thursday 27th August

1st and 3rd Year students only from

8.55am- 1.10pm

Friday 28th August

5th and 6th Year students only from

8.55am- 1.10pm

Monday 31st August

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th year students commence on full days. TY students commence work experience session 1

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

NewsPeople

Athleague set for End of Summer Festival weekend Excitement is building in Athleague ahead of the second Athleague End of Summer Festival, which takes place from Friday, August 21st to Sunday, August 23rd. The three-day festival will bring music, family entertainment and community events to the village, with a fully covered dance ﬂoor and licensed bar available throughout the weekend. Organised by a dedicated local committee, the festival returns for its second year following its addition to the summer calendar in 2025. A packed programme is planned, with live performances, children’s activities, food, amusements and a heritage event among the attractions. Tickets are available through Eventbrite and will also be available at the door. Friday, August 21st Country Music Night The festival gets underway on Friday night with a celebration of Irish country music. Brendan Shine – 10 pm Veteran performer Brendan Shine will take to the stage at 10 pm, bringing more than 50 years of experience and a catalogue of well-known hits. Mike Denver – 12 am One of Ireland’s best-known country performers, Mike Denver, will headline the night with a live show from midnight. Entry: €20 Doors: 9.30 pm Over-18s only Saturday, August 22nd Vinegar Bill – 10 pm Roscommon ﬁve-piece Vinegar Bill will open Saturday night’s entertainment, bringing their mix of folk, traditional music and contemporary ballads to the festival stage. Proud Mary & The City Limits Band – 12 am Saturday night will continue with a Tina Turner tribute from Proud Mary & The City Limits Band, featuring many of the rock icon’s best-known songs. Entry: €20 Doors: 9.30 pm Over-18s only Earlier on Saturday, a Village Treasure Hunt will leave from Athleague Community Centre at 1 pm.

At 3 pm, author and historian Paul Connolly will give a heritage talk entitled The Castles & Big Houses of the Athleague Area in the Community Centre. Sunday, August 23rd Family Fun Day Sunday afternoon will feature a programme of family entertainment, live music, food and community activities. Gates open at 4 pm, with a barbecue running from 4 pm to 6 pm. Danny Arnold – 4 pm to 6 pm Danny Arnold will provide the afternoon’s live music, with a set ranging from classic rock favourites to contemporary hits. Admission to the Family Fun Day is €10, with children under 16 admitted free. A Children’s Toy Tractor Run will also take place at 2 pm in the Circle of Life Park. Participants are asked to bring self-propelled vehicles only.

21, 22 & 23 August 2026 Friday 21st

Saturday 22nd

Sunday 23rd

Sunday Night, August 23rd Qween – 10 pm The weekend will conclude with Qween, a Queen tribute act performing a two-hour show featuring favourites including Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Ga Ga and Somebody to Love. Entry: €20 Doors: 9.30 pm Over-18s only Five Star Amusements will be in place throughout the weekend, along with ice-cream, crepe and catering vendors. Athleague - Celebrating community and culture Festival organisers said the weekend is focused on bringing together locals, neighbours, families, friends and members of the Athleague diaspora. “The End of Summer Festival is all about bringing people together. It’s a chance to celebrate what makes Athleague so special – music, hospitality, heritage and a great community spirit – and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to join in the fun.” The Athleague End of Summer Festival 2026 takes place from Friday, August 21st to Sunday, August 23rd.

TINA TURNER TRIBUTE C OV E R E D D A NC I N G & S E AT E D A R E A S

C OV E R E D D A NC I N G & S E AT E D A R E A S

D TILL 2AM EACH NIGHT DJ

C OV E R E D D A NC I N G & S E AT E D A R E A S

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

NewsPeople

Minister opens new childcare facility in Ballaghaderreen Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary TD officially opened The Growing Tree 4 Early Years Education and Childcare Facility in Ballaghaderreen on Thursday, July 30th. The new facility will provide early years education and childcare services for local children and families and represents a significant investment in childcare provision in the town. The official opening was at-

tended by representatives from Roscommon County Council, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Roscommon County Childcare Committee, Roscommon LEADER Partnership, local elected representatives, community organisations and project partners. Micheal Frain, Chair of Roscommon LEADER Partnership, said the project demonstrated the value of organisations working together to support local families and

communities. Roscommon LEADER Partnership acknowledged the support of the Community Recognition Fund, administered by Roscommon County Council on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, as well as Tusla. Thanks were also extended to all those involved in bringing the project from its initial stages through to completion.

Representatives from Roscommon County Council, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Roscommon County Childcare Committee, Roscommon LEADER Partnership, local elected representatives, community organisations and project partners. Photo: Michael Finan.

New lifts and footbridges planned for Roscommon and Castlerea stations Iarnród Éireann has submitted planning applications to Roscommon County Council for accessibility upgrades at Roscommon and Castlerea railway stations. The applications form part of Iarnród Éireann’s ongoing Accessibility Programme, funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority. New footbridges incorporating lifts and stairs are proposed for both stations. Additional works would include the widening of existing platforms to accommodate the new bridge structures, associat-

ed fencing and the construction of new waiting shelters. Ancillary works are also proposed, including a temporary construction access path from St Theresa’s Road at Roscommon Station and the temporary removal of a wall to provide construction access from the N60 at Castlerea Station. Separately from the planning application, it is also proposed to develop a Changing Places toilet at Roscommon Station. Changing Places facilities are designed for people who may require additional support and equipment during personal care tasks, providing enhanced safe-

ty, comfort and dignity for users and additional support features for assistants. A spokesperson for Iarnród Éireann said: “Our ongoing programme to enhance accessibility at our stations is designed to ensure all customers have access to public transport and beneﬁt from our continuing investment programme. “These planning applications are an important milestone, and we look forward to progressing works at Roscommon and Castlerea, subject to planning and funding approvals.”

Three-day household paint collection announced for Roscommon Roscommon residents will be able to dispose of unwanted household paint free of charge during a three-day collection event later this month. The event, organised by the Regional Waste Management Planning Ofﬁces and Roscommon County Council, will take place from August 25th to 27th at Roscommon Town Civic Amenity Site, Lanesborough Road, from 8 am to 4 pm each day. Householders can dispose of up to 10 cans of paint, which must be in their original containers with the original labels clearly visible. Paint from businesses, contractors, farms or other commercial premises will not be accepted. The initiative aims to provide a safe and environmentally responsible way for households to dispose of leftover or unwanted paint, which

should never be placed in general waste bins or poured down drains. Greg O’Donnell, Senior Executive Ofﬁcer with Roscommon County Council, encouraged householders to avail of the service: “We’re delighted to partner with the Regional Waste Management Planning Ofﬁces to provide this dedicated three-day collection event, giving householders a convenient and responsible way to dispose of leftover and unwanted paint that’s stored in sheds and garages,” he said. Only household paint will be accepted during the event and other forms of household hazardous waste cannot be disposed of as part of the collection. Residents are advised to arrive at least 20 minutes before closing time.

Photo: Michael Finan.

SUMMER SHOWCASE

AUG

SUNDAY

16 2026

12pm - 3pm

Join us at Hodson Bay Hotel for The Wedding Edit – Summer Showcase! Explore our exclusive wedding suite, ceremony space and stunning ballroom, meet leading wedding suppliers, and speak with our experienced team. The perfect opportunity to envision your dream day at the Hodson Bay Hotel. BOOK YOUR WEDDING ON THE DAY AND ENJOY A COMPLIMENTARY LUXURY DRINKS PACKAGE UPGRADE. To book your place, contact weddings@hodsonbayhotel.com hodsonbayhotel.com | +353 (0) 90 644 2004

HODSON BAY HOTEL

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

NewsPeople

Perhaps Ireland needs a monarch to keep its politicians in their place A QUESTION WORTH ASKING With EMMETT CORCORAN I recently watched an interview Stephen Fry gave in Canada in which he made an unexpectedly powerful argument for constitutional monarchy. It was not an argument based on deference, inherited wealth, crowns, carriages or royal spectacle. Nor was it based on any belief that a monarch is naturally wiser than an elected politician. It was about humility. Fry asked his audience to imagine Donald Trump being required to travel to Capitol Hill every week to meet a person called Uncle Sam, the living embodiment of the United States, before whom the president would have to bow. The purpose of that bow would not be to acknowledge the personal superiority of Uncle Sam. It would remind the president that he was not America. He was merely its temporary servant. Fry compared this imaginary arrangement with the British prime minister’s regular audience with the monarch. He described the sovereign as a “living flag”: a human personification of the country, its history and its constitutional continuity. The argument has stayed with me. Before anyone reaches for the smelling salts, I am not proposing that Ireland import the House of Windsor. Neither am I suggesting that we reopen Dublin Castle, purchase several gold coaches and begin awarding hereditary estates to government supporters. Nor should any Irish monarch possess the slightest independent power to govern. The point is almost precisely the opposite. Could the existence of a permanent, hereditary and politically powerless head of state prevent elected politicians from imagining that they personally embody the nation? Could it remind a Taoiseach that winning an election does not make him or her the owner of Ireland? In a constitutional monarchy, the government governs but does not personify the State. The monarch personifies the State but cannot govern it. Each office limits the pretensions of the other. Political power has become in-

creasingly personal. Parties now build themselves around leaders rather than ideas. Everything becomes the Taoiseach’s initiative, the minister’s announcement or the party leader’s personal mission. Social media has greatly worsened this tendency. Political leaders are encouraged to perform the State continuously before cameras and mobile telephones. The distinction between serving the country and personifying it becomes dangerously blurred. That problem is not confined to Donald Trump or the United States. It can arise wherever a leader begins to believe that criticism of him amounts to criticism of the nation. The hard left and hard right share more of this tendency than either side would care to admit. The hard right frequently treats the flag as its private property, defining national loyalty according to narrow tests of identity, ethnicity, migration, religion and cultural conformity. The hard left often makes the opposite mistake, regarding the very idea of national identity with embarrassment or suspicion, as though attachment to a country must inevitably lead to exclusion, aggression or racism. One side tries to seize the nation. The other sometimes appears ready to surrender it. Between them stands a substantial majority of Irish people who love their country without hating anybody else, who value sovereignty without embracing isolation and who understand that national identity need not be either a weapon or an apology. Could a permanent head of state embody that middle ground? Ireland presently has a directly elected president, and we have been fortunate in many of those who have occupied the office. Mary Robinson, Mary McAleese and Michael D Higgins each developed its moral and cultural influence in different ways. This is not a personal criticism of President Catherine Connolly, who began her term in November 2025, or of any individual president. It concerns the structure of the office. But there remains an uncom-

fortable question about its political origins. Éamon de Valera was the central political force behind the Constitution of 1937 and personally drove the creation of the new constitutional order. I have long suspected that de Valera designed the presidency in a manner which allowed Fianna Fáil to retain effective possession of both the headship of government and the headship of state for as long as the party remained dominant. That is my interpretation. I cannot produce a private note in which de Valera admits to such an intention, and it would be wrong to present speculation as established historical fact. But consider the outcome. Fianna Fáil candidates held the presidency continuously from 1945 until 1974, and again from 1976 until Mary Robinson’s victory in 1990. De Valera himself moved directly from leading Fianna Fáil and serving as Taoiseach into the presidency, where he remained for 14 years. Was this merely the natural consequence of Fianna Fáil’s electoral strength? Perhaps. But the constitutional architecture and the party’s political dominance fitted together with remarkable convenience. The Irish presidency is formally above politics. Yet presidential elections are fought through political parties, endorsements and political organisations. However dignified the successful candidate may become, he or she first has to win a political contest. A hereditary monarch has no electoral mandate. That is normally presented as the decisive argument against monarchy. But could it also be one of its constitutional advantages? Because the monarch has no mandate, the monarch has no authority to impose a political programme. There is no manifesto to implement, constituency to reward or party organisation to satisfy. The hereditary principle removes the head of state from the electoral auction. It deprives the monarch of democratic power but may, in return, allow the office to represent the democratic State without competing against its government.

The obvious objection is that inherited public office offends the principle of equality. It simply does. No honest argument for monarchy can pretend otherwise. A child should not ordinarily receive a constitutional office merely because of his or her parents. The question is whether that limited unfairness might produce a greater constitutional benefit. A monarch could not be the property of one political party, religion, class, region or ideology. The institution would succeed only if it represented the full national community. Would it solve the housing crisis? Of course not. Would it shorten hospital waiting lists, build roads, control public expenditure or reform immigration policy? Plainly not. But constitutions are not judged only by whether they repair roads. They also determine how power is understood, limited, transferred and symbolised. Ireland’s present political divisions increasingly concern the meaning of Ireland itself. Who belongs here? What does sovereignty mean? Is patriotism respectable? What does Irish identity rest upon? No elected politician can conclusively answer those questions on behalf of everybody. But a permanent and politically neutral institution might at least prevent competing parties from pretending that they alone possess the answer. Then comes the practical question. Where would Ireland find a monarch? The last figure commonly described as the High King of Ireland before the Anglo-Norman intervention was Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, the King of Connacht, who died in 1198. Medieval Irish high-kingship was contested and substantially different from the later centralised monarchies of Europe. Tracing one uncontested line of succession across more than 800 years would be an extraordinary undertaking. So let us give the historians something useful to do. A commission of historians, genealogists, archivists and constitutional lawyers could examine the principal surviving lines of the old Irish royal dynasties. Its purpose should not be to discover some absurd notion of pure Irish blood. Any ethnic qualification for the office would be both dangerous and profoundly un-Irish. The commission could identify historically credible dynastic lines and recommend a constitutional method of selection. A national

convention might choose the first holder according to character, public service, historical connection and political neutrality, with the people having the final say in a referendum. After that first democratic act of establishment, succession could become hereditary under clearly defined constitutional rules. The crown would possess no executive authority and no right to express partisan opinions. The idea is admittedly improbable. It may even be preposterous. But Fry’s point was that an institution need not be wholly rational to perform a rational function. Flags are pieces of cloth. Anthems are songs. Parliaments are rooms in which adults shout at one another before walking through different doors. Human beings nevertheless require symbols. The attraction of an Irish monarchy would not lie in making one family more important than everybody else. It would lie in creating one office before which every politician was required to acknowledge that he or she was less important than Ireland. Imagine the weekly scene. The Taoiseach arrives to report on the business of government, having won an election, dominated the Dáil and spent the week appearing on every available television programme. But he or she must still bow before the constitutional embodiment of a nation which existed before the government and will survive long after it. Not before an autocrat. Not before a political opponent. Not even, in the final analysis, before an individual. He or she bows before Ireland. Would that humble our politicians? Would it reduce the growing belief that every election is a struggle for possession of the national identity? Would it give the country a permanent centre while the political fringes pull furiously in opposite directions? I do not know. I am, however, extremely fascinated by the notion. In my opinion, it is a more serious question than our settled republican assumptions permit us to admit. Any historian prepared to begin tracing the descendants of Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair? Read the full version of Emmett Corcoran’s column online at roscommonpeople.ie

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

ENTERTAINMENT Culture& Culture &ARTS

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

Roscommon talent shines at All-Ireland Fleadh

Pictured is Henry Gunn of CCÉ, Elphin, Roscommon, who came 1st place in All Irelands for Storytelling (12-15 years) at the 2026 Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Belfast. Photo: Anna Allen Photography Mullingar

Submissions sought for Autumn Leaves 2026 Roscommon County Council Arts Office is inviting submissions for Autumn Leaves 2026, its annual literary broadsheet showcasing writing by people with a strong connection to County Roscommon. Poetry, prose and short fiction will be considered, with nature-themed and uplifting work particularly welcomed.

Poems should be no longer than 30 lines, while prose and fiction submissions are limited to 300 words. Each writer may submit one piece. This year’s editor is Louise G. Cole and the publication will appear in late autumn. The closing date for submissions is 4 pm on Thursday, September 3rd.

Roscommon competitors returned from Belfast with an impressive haul of honours following Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026. Among the county’s successes was Vincent Pierse of CCÉ Baile Ros Comáin, who was crowned All-Ireland champion in the over-18 storytelling competition, while Henry Gunn of Elphin CCÉ took the All-Ireland title in the 12–15 storytelling category. There was further success for Elphin, with Celine Shannon finishing second in senior lilting. Elphin Set Dancers also enjoyed a memorable weekend, taking second place in the U18 Mixed Half Set and third place in the 12–15 Mixed Full Set. Diarmuid Pléimeann of CCÉ Baile Ros Comáin also se-

cured a podium finish, taking third place in the 15–18 storytelling competition. Roscommon musicians, singers, dancers and storytellers were among more than 5,000 competitors who travelled from around the world to take part in the All-Ireland competitions during the week-long celebration of Irish traditional music, song and dance. It was the first time Belfast had hosted Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, with competitions, concerts, céilithe, sessions and cultural events taking place throughout the city. Belfast City Council said citycentre footfall reached more than 1.65 million between August 2nd and 9th, almost double the figure recorded during the corresponding week in 2025.

Pictured Vincent Pierse of CCÉ, Roscommon Town, Roscommon, who came 1st place in All Irelands of the Lizzie Crowley Memorial Cup for Storytelling (over 18 years) at the 2026 Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Belfast. Photo: Anna Allen Photography Mullingar

Heritage Week events at Rathcroghan Rathcroghan Visitor Centre in Tulsk will host a number of special events as part of National Heritage Week. On Wednesday, August 19th at 7 pm, the centre will host the launch of Liam Ó’Broin’s Táin Bó Cúailnge, accompanied by an exhibition of 18 ink drawings inspired by the great Cattle Raid of Cooley. The exhibition presents a contemporary artistic interpretation of the ancient story closely associated with the landscape of Rathcroghan and will remain

on display until August 29th. The following day, Thursday, August 20th at 3 pm, storytelling will accompany the launch of a new Finnbennach Bull sculpture. Created by Longford artist Liam Kavanagh and funded through Roscommon LEADER Partnership, the stainlesssteel sculpture represents Finnbennach, the White Bull of Connacht, and will serve as a new landmark for Tulsk. Both events take place at Rathcroghan Visitor Centre.

Artists sought for two public art commissions Roscommon County Council is inviting submissions from artists and artist teams for two major public art commissions in Monksland and Ballaghaderreen. The first will see a permanent artwork, or series of artworks, created for Clúain na Coillte, a new 51-home social housing development in Monksland. The commission has a budget of €112,500, with artists invited to respond to themes including landscape, nature, woodland heritage, community and the changing character

of Monksland. A second commission at Shannon Valley, Ballaghaderreen, carries a budget of €40,500 and will combine an artist residency with the creation of a permanent public artwork. The project is being delivered in partnership with Creative Places Ballaghaderreen, with €15,000 allocated to the residency programme. Artists may apply for either or both commissions. The closing date for submissions is 4 pm on Monday, September 7th.

A conjectural reconstruction of Rathcroghan Mound, by J.G. O’Donoghue (Archaeological Illustrator) in collaboration with Joe Fenwick (Archaeological Field Officer, NUI Galway)

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

OUT& OUT &ABOUT

To feature in this section, call 090-6634632 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie Castlerea Agricultural Trade & Craft Show Where? Castlerea Mart grounds When? Monday, August 3 Photos: Michael Finan

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

OUT& OUT &ABOUT

To feature in this section, call 090-6634632 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie Roscommon GAA Wall of Fame honorary celebrations Where? Fairymount Memorial Garden When? Saturday, August 8th Photos: Michael Finan

BUSINESS NEWS Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

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

Is Ireland’s jobs market Retail tills rise as shoppers buy little more beginning to soften? Value of retail sales up 2.8 per cent while Latest figures show unemployment and the Live Register edging higher, with a notable rise in youth unemployment Fresh labour market figures suggest some signs of softening in Ireland’s jobs market, with both unemployment and the seasonally adjusted Live Register increasing during July. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 5.1 per cent in July, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), up from 5.0 per cent in June and 5.0 per cent in July of last year. The estimated number of people unemployed increased by 2,800 in the space of a month, from 147,100 in June to 149,900 in July. The figure was also 2,600 higher than in

July 2025. There was a particularly noticeable movement among younger workers. The unemployment rate for those aged between 15 and 24 increased from a revised 11.8 per cent in June to 12.3 per cent in July, with an estimated 44,400 young people unemployed. Among those aged from 25 to 74, meanwhile, the unemployment rate increased slightly from 4.0 per cent to 4.1 per cent. The rate for women stood at 5.3 per cent in July, compared with 4.9 per cent for men. Separate CSO figures published this week also showed an increase

Five Roscommon food producers reach Blas finals Five County Roscommon food producers have been named as finalists in the 2026 Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards. Do Me A Flavour, Nice Ice Cream/Castlerea Organic/ Noble, Oliver Carty & Family, VOA Foods Unlimited Company and Waldron Family Meats have all reached the final stage of the national competition. More than 3,000 entries were submitted from across the island this year, with judging taking place during June and July. The Roscommon finalists will now travel to Dingle, where the 2026 awards will be presented on Friday, October 2nd.

Approval for new Monksland manufacturing facility A health supplement manufacturer has been granted planning permission for a new production facility at Monksland Industrial Estate. Macánta Nutrition Ltd, which is based in Ballinasloe, has received approval from Roscommon County Council to convert 442 square metres of an existing warehouse into a manufacturing area incorporating a clean room, quality control room and plant room. The company manufactures food supplements, vitamins and minerals and said the Monksland facility will increase its production and distribution capacity. The development is expected to employ between four and six people initially, with staffing potentially increasing to between 10 and 12 over the next three years.

the actual volume of goods sold increases by just 0.6 per cent

in the Live Register. The seasonally adjusted total rose by 1,200 people to 174,500 in July. The unadjusted Live Register was 3.4 per cent higher than a year earlier. A total of 137,103 people had been on the register for less than a year, up 6 per cent compared with July 2025. By contrast, the number registered for one year or more fell by 2.7 per cent. These figures, released by the CSO is an unemployment estimate for July, and remains subject to revision as further labour market information becomes available.

Ireland-France electricity link pushed back to late 2028 The commissioning of the Celtic Interconnector, which will directly connect the Irish electricity grid with France, is now expected in the final quarter of 2028. The project is being developed by EirGrid and French transmission operator RTE and will provide a 700MW electricity connection between east Cork and Brittany. The interconnector would allow electricity to be transferred in either direction between Ireland and France and will provide Ireland with its first direct electricity connection to continental Europe. The project had previously been expected to enter service in 2027. EirGrid has cited delays to submarine cable manufacturing and installation, along with changes to the subsea cable burial programme, among the factors affecting the project timetable.

Irish retailers took in more money in June than a year earlier, but new figures suggest the increase in actual goods being purchased was considerably smaller. The value of retail sales increased by 2.8 per cent in the 12 months to June, while the volume of sales rose by just 0.6 per cent, according to the latest CSO Retail Sales Index. When motor trades were removed from the figures, sales value was 3 per cent higher than a year earlier, while sales volume increased by only 0.3 per cent. The distinction is important because the value measure records the amount of money being spent, while the volume measure adjusts for changing prices and gives a clearer indication of the quantity of goods being sold. The contrast was particularly evident in the fuel sector. The value of fuel sales was 6 per cent higher than in June 2025, even though the volume of fuel sold was 3.6 per cent lower.

There were considerable differences between other parts of the retail economy. Hardware, paints and glass recorded the strongest annual increase in sales volume, rising 6.8 per cent, followed by books, newspapers and stationery at 3.8 per cent and pharmaceutical, medical and cosmetic products at 3.7 per cent. Furniture and lighting moved sharply in the opposite direction, with sales volumes falling 6.8 per cent year-on-year. Department store volumes were down 1.2 per cent, while electrical goods fell 0.7 per cent. On a monthly basis, overall retail sales volume increased by 0.4 per cent between May and June. The figures point to a retail environment in which overall spending continues to grow, but where higher turnover does not necessarily translate into an equivalent increase in the amount of goods being bought.

Headline services boom masks much flatter picture Headline figures showing double-digit growth in Ireland’s services sector mask a much flatter picture across parts of the wider economy. The volume of activity across all services was 12.6 per cent higher in June than a year earlier, while the value of services output increased by 15.4 per cent. Much of that growth, however, was driven by the Information and Communication sector, where activity increased by 20 per cent year-on-year. When Information and Communication is excluded, services volume was up by just 0.1 per cent compared with June 2025.

The contrast was also evident across individual sectors. Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities recorded annual growth of 12.4 per cent, while Transportation and Storage rose by 9.2 per cent. Accommodation and Food Service Activities increased by just 0.5 per cent, while Wholesale and Retail Trade, including motor vehicle repair, fell by 1.6 per cent. Overall, the picture is one of a two-speed services economy, with strong growth in some internationally focused sectors obscuring much more subdued activity elsewhere.

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

FarmingPeople DRUMSHANBO MART

DRUMSHANBO PLC DRUMSHANBO MART MART PLC

Auctioneers, ValuersPLC &Valuers Auctioneers, Livestock Salesmen & Livestock Salesmen Auctioneers, Valuers &

Livestock Salesmen CATTLE SALES CATTLE SALE EVERY FRIDAY

CATTLE Friday 30 August Sep. SALES at 7.00 pm pm Friday 14th at 7.00 th

FridaySucklers 30th Sep. and at 7.00 pm Cows Ring Dry Cows, In-calf Ring1: 1: Dry Cows, Sucklers and In-calf Cows Ring 1: Dry Cows, Sucklers and In-calf Cows Ring Factory and Store and Heifers Ring2:2: Weanling Heifers Dry Heifers Ring 2: Factory and Store Heifers Ring3:3: Weanling Bulls Bulls andBullocks Bullocks Ring Ring 3: Weanling Bullsand and Bullocks

**ALL ANIMALS MUST HAVE 2 TAGS TO ENTER THE MART**

AUTUMN SH/SHX SALEininconjunction conjunction with normal sale sale AUTUMN SH/SHX SALE with normal

SHEEP SALE EVERY THURSDAY DAY SALE SHEEP SALE SHEEP SALE Thursday 13th at 12 noon Thursday 29 August Sep. at 12.00 noon th

Thursday 29th Sep. at 12.00 noon

ORGANIC SALE OF CATTLE &and SHEEP Sale of Store and Fat Lambs, Breeding Ewes Rams

Saturday 22nd August at 12.00 noon Sale of Store and Fat Lambs, Breeding Ewes and Rams

SHOWS & SALES

HORSE, PONY & SALE WEANLING BULLS Tue. 4th Oct 2022 SHOWS &DONKEY SALES Saturday HEIFERS 29th August at 11.00 am WEANLING WEANLING BULLS Tue. th4th Oct 2022 & STRONG HEIFERS Tue. 11for Oct 2022 Phone the Mart Office to book animals all sales WEANLING HEIFERS Drumshanbo Mart PLC & STRONG HEIFERS Drumshanbo Mart PLC PSRA Licence No: 003868

PSRA Licence No: 003868 Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim K41 KH61 Drumshanbo Co Leitrim K41 KH61 Phone: 071 9641116 / 7 Phone: 071 9641116/7 Mobile: 086 839 2568 Mobile: 086 Mart 839 2568 Email: drumshanbomart@gmail.com Drumshanbo PLC www.drumshanbomart.ie Email: PSRA drumshanbomart@gmail.com Licence No: 003868 www.drumshanbomart.ie

DOWNLOADth MARTBIDS APP Tue. 11 THE TO Oct VIEW SALE2022 AND

Drumshanbo Co Leitrim K41 KH61 Phone: 071 9641116/7 Mobile: 086 839 2568 Email: drumshanbomart@gmail.com www.drumshanbomart.ie

DOWNLOAD THE MARTBIDS APP TO VIEW SALE AND REGISTER TO BID

FOLLOW THE MART ON FACEBOOK

Property Services Providers Licence No. 002249

TELEPHONE: 094 9620300 Email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com Web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS THURSDAY WEEKLY:

SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS FORTHCOMING SHOWS AND SALES: THURSDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER:

SHOW AND SALE OF CONTINENTAL WEANLINGS MONDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER:

SHOW AND SALE OF CONTINENTAL BULLOCKS THURSDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER:

CONTINENTAL HEIFER SHOW AND SALE AND BELGIAN BLUE WEANLING SHOW AND SALE MONDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER:

AA BULLOCK SHOW AND SALE THURSDAY 1ST OCTOBER:

AA HEIFER SHOW AND SALE BOOKINGS TAKEN FOR ANY OF THE ABOVE SHOWS AND SALES FROM TUESDAY 4TH AUGUST AT 9 A.M. FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT MART OFFICE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

Athlone meeting to Joe Mulvihill & Son CONTRACTOR focus on livestock AGRI Lime Spreading Service Now Available export concerns Corbane, Elphin, Co. Roscommon

Independent Ireland Agriculture Spokesperson Michael Fitzmaurice TD has criticised the disruption caused by animal rights protesters following a meeting with Brittany Ferries Chief Executive Christophe Mathieu. Deputy Fitzmaurice and Midlands-NorthWest MEP Ciarán Mullooly said they were told that protests involving around 20 to 25 people at Portsmouth were a significant factor in Brittany Ferries’ decision to withdraw from the Irish livestock export trade. Deputy Fitzmaurice said the impact of such a small number of protesters on an important export route was a serious concern for Irish farmers. “Our farmers depend on reliable access to European markets, and we cannot allow a small group of activists to effectively dictate whether Irish livestock can reach those markets,” he said. He added that Brittany Ferries had sought assistance but had been unable to find a legal means of preventing the disruption. Mr Mullooly also raised concerns over claims made by NGOs regarding the European Commission’s position on Irish livestock transport.

All areas covered. Tel: 086 192 5031

(Proudly serving farmers for over 67 years) Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373 Independent Ireland Agriculture Spokesperson Michael Fitzmaurice TD

Deputy Fitzmaurice said the Irish Government must now engage directly with the British Government, Brittany Ferries and the European Commission in an effort to find a solution. He said Brittany Ferries had indicated that it would be prepared to review its position. Independent Ireland TDs, councillors and MEP Ciarán Mullooly will host a public meeting on the issue this Saturday, August 15th, at 7.30 pm in the Athlone Springs Hotel.

Roscommon MART WATCH Cattle: There was a good entry of stock on offer at the sale held Friday, August 7th, with a strong trade for both bullocks and stripper cows. There was a large attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also very active. Bullocks achieved an average of €4.17 per kilo up to €5.22 per kilo. There was a good entry of dry cows and they made an average of €3.09 per kilo up to €3.70 per kilo. Dry cows, sample prices: BYX – 675KG - €2500 - €3.70 per kg, LMX - 745KG - €2470€3.32 per kg, HEX – 700KG - €2000 - €2.86 per kg, CHX – 590KG - €1850 - €3.14 per kg, and FRX – 615KG - €1525 - €2.48 per kg. Bullocks, sample prices: AAX - 645KG €2490 - €3.86 per kg, LMX –727.5KG - €3070 - €4.22 per kg, CHX – 665KG - €2960 - €4.45 per kg, SIX - 650KG - €2450 - €3.77 per kg, BBX - 525KG - €2330 - €4.44 per kg, CHX - 450KG - €2350 - €5.22 per kg, and LM -

485KG - €2110 - €4.35 per kg. Sheep: There was a super entry of sheep on offer at the sale held Wednesday, August 5th. Prices for spring lambs made up to €236, while stag ewes topped out at €305. Sheep sales continue Wednesdays at Roscommon mart. The yard opens at 8am, and all stock must be penned by 10am. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID tag set. The sale can be viewed live on marteye.ie. Spring lambs, sample prices: 52.5kgs €184 - €3.50 per kg, 57kgs - €190 - €3.33 per kg, 53.7Kgs - €19 - €3.65 per kg, 47.4Kgs €236 – €4.98 per kg, 44.6Kgs - €180 – €4.04 per kg, and 42.2kgs - €147 – €3.48 per kg. Cast ewes, sample prices: 118kgs - €328 €2.78per kg, 104kgs - €310 - €2.98per kg, 95.1kgs - €269 - €2.83 per kg, 87kgs - €222 - €2.55 per kg, 77.3kgs - €236 - €3.05 per kg, and 63.3kgs - €150 - €2.37 per kg.

Castlerea MART WATCH Mart Market Report Re sale 6th August 2026 There were bigger numbers of stock presented for sale on Thursday, August 6th. There was very little change in prices or trade from previous weeks, with a good clearance taking place. Lighter stock are the best sellers at the moment, while both store heifers and bullocks are still commanding good prices, despite no improvement in beef prices. Dry cows made up to €2880, while cows with calves at foot hit €3450. Springers made up to €2200, weanling bulls made up to €5.29 a kilo, and the weanling heifers made up to €4.94 a kilo. Young calves made from €210 to €850 and the runners topped out at €1440. Bullocks, sample prices: Ch 470kgs €2060, Ch 445kgs €1960, Lm 435kgs €1850, Sim 380kgs €1770, Ch 530kgs €2300, Lm 510kgs €2150, Ch 570kgs €2350, LM 685kgs €2660, Ch 675kgs €2625, and AA 680kgs €2500.

Heifers, sample prices: Lm 410kgs €2010, Lm 400kgs €1910, Lm 395kgs €1820, Lm 480kgs €2410, Lm 470kgs €1900, AA 630kgs €2520, Lm 560kgs €2350, AA 680kgs €2430, and Ch 470kgs €1860. Dry cows, sample prices: Lmx 880kgs €2880, Lm 740kgs €2560, Lm 665kgs €2420, Sim 770kgs €2580, Ch 840kgs €2830, and AA 730kgs €2390. Weanling bulls, sample prices: Ch 395kgs €2090, Ch 405kgs €2000, Lm 635kgs €2350, Ch 455kgs €1900, Lm 323kgs €1740, Lm 430kgs €1950, and Ch 345kgs €1700. Weanling heifers, sample prices: Lm 295kgs €1460, AA 285kgs €1300, Lm 385kgs €1650, Ch 365kgs €1650, and Ch 300kgs €1420. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart on Thursdays with the weekly sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings. Sales commences at 11am.

Friday 14th August @ 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Heifers Also Dry Cows & Bullocks --------------------------Friday 21st August @ 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Bullocks Also Dry Cows & Heifers

Bookings accepted until Monday 17th August @ 5 p.m. --------------------------Friday 28th August @ 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Heifers Also Dry Cows & Bullocks

Bookings accepted until Monday 24th August @ 5 p.m. ---------------------------

Sale of Lambs & Cast Ewes Each Wednesday @ 11 a.m. Stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m. – Gates close at 10 a.m. ---------------------------

Tuesday 11th @ 4 p.m. Sale of Weanlings --------------------------Saturday 15th August @ 11 a.m.

Sale of Breeding Ewes and Hoggets ***********

Pedigree Charollais Sheep Sale @ 1.30pm --------------------------Friday 21st August @ 7 p.m.

West Region Texel Club Premier Show and Sale

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

Email: roscommonmart@gmail.com Visit our website: www.roscommonmart.ie

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

Find us on facebook

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

TOM ROGERS

TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 (090) 96 87651

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon Tel. (071) 96 34783 and (071) 96 33344

Lowest price GUARANTEED

Your LOCAL Collector Guaranteed lowest price

Daily collection

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

PropertyPeople

NEW TO THE MARKET

PRIME AGRICULTURAL ROADSIDE LANDS 36.35 ACRES APPROX WITH DERELICT RESIDENCE STANDING THEREON LOCATED AT

CASTLEPLUNKETT, CO. ROSCOMMON COMPRISED IN FOLIO RN32443

The property comprises two parcels extending to approximately 14.71 hectares (36.35acres). The first parcel contains six paddocks with piped water, four gated entrances, a three-pen agricultural shed with feeding area and cattle crush, and a vacant slated-roof

PRELIMINARY NOTICE OF FORTHCOMING ON LINE AUCTION

FRIDAY 28TH AUGUST 2026 AT 2P.M. 21.5 ACRES APPROX OF ROADSIDE LANDS LOCATED AT

BALLYCONBOY, BALLINAGARE, CO. ROSCOMMON

The Residence requires full renovation. The house may qualify for refurbishment and energy-upgrade grants of up to €100,000, subject to eligibility. The second parcel, located opposite,comprises two paddocks with piped water and two gated entrances. The lands are in good condition, with well-maintained boundary and electric fencing. Recently ploughed and reseeded, they are suitable for a wide range of agricultural uses.

Viewing by Appointment | Contact: Cathal Meares, 086 1409158

PRICE ON APPLICATION

22 Abbeyfields back on the market due to cancellation Keith McLoughlin of Sheehy Meares Team Earley is delighted to present to the market once again this superb three-bedroomed, mid-terrace, twostorey home, presented in pristine condition and located at 22 Abbeyfield, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon (F45HK24). The property was fully renovated by the current owners in late 2024 to a very high standard, and boasts a BER rating of B3, offering excellent energy performance and comfort throughout. Downstairs accommodation includes a welcoming entrance hallway with attractive feature timber panelling, a bright open-plan kitchen and dining area with double sliding doors leading to a wonderful rear garden, and a well-presented sitting room with an open fire and beautiful display areas on either side of the fireplace, while large windows allow a natural flow of light into the room. A utility room provides convenient laundry facilities and additional storage space, and a guest WC completes the ground floor. Upstairs, there are three bedrooms, one of which benefits from an ensuite, along with a well-appointed family bathroom. To the rear of the property is a beautifully-maintained garden space with timber panel fencing, raised flower beds, a fishing pond, and stepping stones that lead to an attractive garden studio built by Connaught Garden Studios, which is fully insulated and fitted with four double sockets, making it suitable for a variety of uses, including as a home office, hobby space or studio. To the front of the property there is a tarmacadam driveway providing convenient off-street parking. The property is ideally located within walking distance of Ballaghaderreen town centre and all local amenities, including shops, schools, restaurants and leisure facilities. It is also less than a twenty-minute drive to Ireland West Airport Knock, making it an excellent base for commuters and travellers, while easy access to the N5 provides convenient links to Castlebar and surrounding areas.

21.97 acres of high-quality roadside agricultural lands at Manor, Tulsk, County Roscommon.

22 Abbeyfield, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon (F45HK24).

Presented in excellent condition and ready for immediate occupation, this property will appeal to first-time buyers, those seeking a family home, and investors alike. The AMV for this property is €195,000. Viewing is highly recommended. For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact Sheehy Meares Team Earley (Stonecourt, Roscommon) on 090 66 26579, email info@sheehymeares.ie or log onto sheehymeares.ie, or contact the auctioneer Keith directly on 086 0848590.

Sheehy Meares Team Earley close sale on approximately of agricultural lands at Tulsk Keith McLoughlin of Sheehy Meares Team Earley is pleased to advise that he has closed the sale of an exceptional parcel of approximately 21.97 acres of high-quality roadside agricultural lands, comprised in part of Folio RN9397F and located in a renowned farming area at Manor, Tulsk, County Roscommon. Offered in one block, the lands

are of good quality throughout. The property is ideally suited to a variety of farming enterprises, including beef, sheep, or mixed use. Sheehy Meares Team Earley would like to extend their sincere congratulations and best wishes to the new owners. Sheehy Meares Team Earley would also like to advise that they are urgently seeking similar agricultural lands in the Tulsk/Elphin

area for disappointed underbidders. For further details or to book a free pre-sales valuation, please contact Sheehy Meares Team Earley (Stonecourt, Roscommon) on 090 66 26579, email info@ sheehymeares.ie or log onto sheehymeares.ie, or contact one of the auctioneers directly by phoning Keith on 086 0848590 or Cathal on 086 1409158.

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

MAIN STREET

ATHLEAGUE

IVAN CONNAUGHTON

CO. ROSCOMMON F42 TW70 PSRA No. : 004422

IVAN CONNAUGHTON

KYLE CONNOLLY

RACHEL FLYNN

CONTINUING TO GET THE BEST RESULTS FOR OUR SELLERS...!

VALUATIONS - CALL US NOW FOR A QUOTATION!

Thinking of Selling - Thinking of Letting - Probate / Administration - Family Transfer HSE Fair Deal Scheme - Insurance - Family Law - Mortgages - Retrospective Valuations

www.dngivanconnaughton.ie

090-6663700

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

Property/NewsPeople Auctioneers & Estate Agents Main Street, Ballygar. Tel 090 6624531 087 2786664

Email info@moranandco.ie PSRA no. 001472

moranandco.ie

Own Centre

Castlegar, Ahascragh, Ballinasloe H53F252

Exclusive 4 Bed. Residence

Toomard, Newbridge, Co. Galway.

LAND FOR SALE c. 11.76 acres

Main Street, Ballygar, F42 P735

4. Bed. Two Storey

together with 3 bay shed, old outbuildings and bog

c. 238 sq.mts. standing on c. 0.5 hectares with attic space c. 80 sq.mts. and shed c. 55 sq.mts.

Desirable family home which must be viewed to appreciate all that it has to offer. Great location convenient to Ballinasloe and Ahascragh. Commuting distance to Roscommon, Athlone, Athenry, Loughrea and Galway.

The lands which requires some investment have frontage on to the public road and may have site potential. Some of the land may be suitable for forestry. This is an opportunity to purchase a small holding or additional land in the area. Convenient to Newbridge, Mountbellew and Ballygar.

Prime town centre location. Beside all amenities. Ideal family home / investment opportunity Viewing recommended.

Full Details from the auctioneer David Moran, MSCSI MRICS

Roscommon home completions more than double in first half of 2026 141 new homes completed between January and June, compared with 65 during the same period last year The number of new homes completed in County Roscommon more than doubled during the first half of 2026, with a particularly sharp increase in houses being delivered as part of larger developments. A total of 141 new dwellings were completed in the county between January and June, compared with 65 during the same six-month period in 2025. There were 67 completions in Roscommon during the first three months of this year, followed by a further 74 between April and June. By comparison, 36 homes were completed in the first quarter of 2025 and just 29 in the second quarter. The latest quarter therefore represents an increase of more than 150 per cent on the corresponding

period last year. Much of the improvement has come from scheme housing – houses constructed as part of multi-unit developments. There were 74 scheme homes completed in Roscommon during the first six months of this year,

compared with just eight over the same period in 2025. A further 59 one-off homes were completed between January and June, along with eight apartments. During the first half of last year, there were 51 one-off houses and six apartments

completed in the county. The increase comes as Roscommon County Council progresses changes to its County Development Plan in response to revised national housing growth requirements. The baseline housing requirement for Roscommon for the period from 2025 to 2034 is 392 homes per year. Planning guidelines also allow for additional provision of up to 50 per cent above that baseline, with the Council proposing changes to its Core Strategy and residential land zoning to accommodate future growth. While the latest figures cover only the first half of the year, they point to a marked improvement in housing delivery in Roscommon compared with the opening six months of 2025.

Former Elphin post office could return to residential use

A former post office building on Main Street in Elphin could be brought back into use under plans recently lodged with Roscommon County Council. The proposal would see the vacant premises converted into a two-bedroom dwelling, with associated site works also forming part of the application. The property previously operated as the town’s post office and occupies a prominent position on Main Street. Roscommon County Council received the application in July and it remains at planning stage, with no decision issued to date.

Plans for apartments at The Rooster Bar

Plans have been submitted for the development of two apartments at The Rooster Bar on Church Street in Roscommon town. The planning application seeks permission for the partial demolition of the rear of the existing public house, together with the construction of a single-storey one-bedroom apartment and a two-storey two-bedroom apartment. Associated site and services works are also included in the proposal. The application was submitted to Roscommon County Council in November 2025. Further information was subsequently requested by the local authority and was received in July. The application remains under consideration and no decision has yet been made.

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

Classifieds

Everyone wants it Everyone reads it 80,000 PEOPLE READ OUR NEWSPAPER EVERY WEEK!

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

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS  ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Roscommon Town Group, Castle Street, Roscommon. Eir Code: F42 RP21 (1st Floor). Meetings: Tuesday 8pm to 9pm; Wednesday 1pm to 2pm; Thursday 8pm to 9pm; Saturday 8pm to 9pm; Sunday 12 noon to 1.pm Ladies Meeting Friday 8pm to 9pm.

CHIMNEY CLEANING

PAINTER

COUNSELLING

CHIROPRACTOR

PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AVAILABLE

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

FOR ALL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING

KEEN RATES

Tried & Trusted Since 1993

Phone JOHN

COMPLETE CHIMNEY SERVICES CHIMNEY CLEANING • Power brush and vacuum technology for cleaning chimneys, stoves, ranges and open fires • Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods

CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS • Can be cleaned from the bottom up • Chimney cowls and crow guards fitted

Telephone: 087 2798704

PLUMBING Plumbing & Maintenance • Bathroom planning and design to suit you • All aspects of plumbing and maintenance • Boiler Servicing • Heating Installation • Call for FREE QUOTATION

Contact Luke on 085 7359120 To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! The most read newspaper in County Roscommon!

083 8838022 TRAILERS

TRAILER SERVICING & REPAIRS to all makes & models (LED Lights, Brakes, Re-Wiring, etc.) Call TrailerFix on 086 4041875

Rooskey, Co. Roscommon

www.trailerfix.ie

COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY

FIONA HEALY

Counselling & Psychotherapy ROSCOMMON

Individual and Couples Counselling For further information, please contact

087 7737063

hello@fionahealy.ie

–––––––– oOo ––––––––

FIONA HEALY

BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy Accreditated Member of

Are you affected by Anger 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

FENCING/GATES

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD

Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Telephone: 086 8433433

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

VHI and Laya Covered

GARDENING

Tree Care & Plant Hire Residential & Commercial Tree Care

Tree removal Tree crowning ● Site clearance and mulching ● Wood chipping ● Stump grinding ● Fully insured and certified ● ●

Telephone: 087-3477546 Email: kerinsplantcivilsltd @gmail.com

●

Alan O’Toole

• WINDOW CLEANING • GUTTER & FACIA CLEANING • SOFT WASHING Commercial/Domestic Registered and Insured All areas covered TELEPHONE

087 9795226

l Tree Shearing l Tree Felling

Telephone: Date: 3 August 2026 Tom on 086 0815802 Contact: Serena • CertifiWalsh ed Arborists

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

• Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped

DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED

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

PERMIT NO: NWCPO - 09 - 03267 - 05

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165

SEPTIC TANKS

COVERING ROSCOMMON AREA TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

www.parklaw treeservices.com

Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Call Owen for ground work

086 895 3884

Call Padraic for concreting

085 226 4664

–––– Free Quotation ––––

EDITING/PROOFING Editing and proofreading books • reports theses • stories articles • CVs newsletters essays • etc.

Make your writing clear, effective, and error-free. 087 667 4567

stancarey.com

stan@stancarey.com

SEASONED FIREWOOD FOR SALE

Mixture of Ash and White Thorn, all Hardwood Suitable for stoves and open fires.

ALL TYPES OF ROOF REPAIRS

Phone: 083 0684011

PAINTER & (Commercial & Domestic) DECORATOR Harpur Bros, Castlecole, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon AVAILABLE • 10% discount with Stan Carey – draft 1-column ad for the Roscommon People for all your painting this advertisement. Tar & Chip Driveways needs, keen and • Fully insured and work guaranteed Size: 64 mm × 34 mm competive prices. Harpur Bros, Castlecole, for 5 years l Dangerous Tree Removed

FIREWOOD / COAL/FUEL

ROOFING CONTACTORS

• All leaks, gutters, ridge pointing and valleys of homes • Cleaning and painting roofs • Painting of Roofs, Haybarns and Sheds

Tel: 087 2172281 HOME MAINTENANCE

POWERWASHING

Kerins Plant Ltd

PLANT HIRE & GROUNDWORKS

For all your fencing needs. GLAS Fencing Grant Fencing Post Rail

WINDOW CLEANING

Contact Mike 089 9661849.

Excellent quality

PERSON AVAILABLE  MAN LOOKING FOR WORK: Man in his 60s (retired) looking for 2/3 days a week part time van driving or taxi work. Full clean driving licence and small P.S.V Licence. Give me a call please on 089 451 3669. If I do not answer leave me a message and I will get back to you.

BOOKKEEPING SERVICES

 BOOKKEEPING SERVICES: Professional, reliable bookkeeping for companies, SMEs, sole traders and individuals. Accounts, VAT returns, Payroll, Bank Reconciliations, Invoicing, Financial Administration. Contact PO Box 3139 at Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon Town. Roofer available for all types of roofing needs.

ROOFER

PETER GORMLEY • New Builds ROOFING & • Timber work CARPENTRY • Slating

• TilingWork • Timber • Flat Roofs • Slating/Tiling All typesRoofs of roof repair undertaken • Flat • Roof086-8864516 Repairs Contact

All types of roof repair undertaken Contact:

086 8864516

FOR SALE  SOFA BED: As new, in excellent condition. Creggs area. Tel: 087 995 4908

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

Classifieds PAINTER

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR For all your decorating needs

CONTACT JOHN

086 4679798

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

USEFUL SERVICES

First Choice Rubbish • House Clearance • Shed and Garage Clearance • All Household Furniture

ALTERATIONS/ REPAIRS

Klassic Cleaners ALTERATIONS & REPAIRS

Including zips repaired or replaced, waist adjustments, hems turned up/let down

Service Washing:

Blankets, Duvets, Throws, Team Kits, etc.

GARDENING

Podiatrist/ Chiropodist

- Chimney Repairs - Soot & Smoke Problems - Demolish, Re Build & Re Flue Line - Chimney Fires - Flexible Stainless Steel Liner - Insurance Claims processed For Professional Advice Contact: Tel: 090 9673336 Mob: 086 2678350 Email: info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie athlonechimneyrepairs@gmail.com

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI Sarah will be in Tullys Totalhealth Pharmacy, Castlerea on Monday and Friday and Boyle Totalhealth Pharmacy on Tuesdays. ● HSE Trained and Approved ● Home visits available For any of your foot issues call: 094 9620009

SOUL MATES AREAS WE COVER: • Gardening • Landscaping • Carpentry • Patios • Fencing/ Post & Rail/ Laminate Floors • Power Washing • Concreting

ITA BETTS 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

Don’t be alone!

SOUL MATES

WINDOWS AND DOORS

HANLEY WINDOWS AND DOORS LTD S.E.A.I. APPROVED

• Full Retrofit Service • Composite, PVC, Patio, French Doors • PVC Windows in a wide range of styles & colours. • Replacement Hinges, Handles, Locks, Restrictors, Double & Trible Glazed Units • All Repairs and Service Work Carried Out Contact Pat: 086 600 2721 or Email: pjmhanley@gmail.com CLEANING

Meet that special person for friendship and romance with like minded people. Safe, secure and confidential

Tel: 087 9216302 or 087 7720250 PODIATRIST

FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON Golf Links Road, Roscommon town F42YX65 (behind Curtain Centre) (Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle --------

Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed By Appointment Only –

Dylan Byrne DIP CHFP

PODIATRIST/ CHIROPODIST

Contact Maurice on 086 2538169 or Kenneth on 086 8044030 Gannon Environmental Services Ltd.

Tel: 090 6621220

Tullys SARAH FLEMING

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

Phone: 083 1628531

Email: richie689dooner@gmail.com

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAIN JETTING SERVICE

PODIATRIST

086 8115928

Any Grant work sought

ANY FITTING REQUIRES APPOINTMENT

Phone Paul 086 2553153 or email: p0862553153 @gmail.com

Mobile:

● Kitchen/Utility/bedroom units

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

FULL LAUNDRY SERVICE – including

We believe true wellness comes from understanding the root cause, not just managing symptoms.

● Sliding Wardrobes

TEL. 090 6625995 Church St., Roscommon.

Permit no NWCPO/15/11595/03

WELLNESS

● Luxury Bathroom Renovations

Call Bernie 086 3921255

Safe Electric Registered. Domestic and Industrial, All work considered. No Job too small.

Also Wooden Venetians, Velux Window Blinds.

Carpentry & Construction Slatta, Kilglass, Roscommon

Fitting Services Available

Electrician Available

BRENDAN DOOLIN

Richie Dooner

Covers West of Ireland

USEFUL SERVICES

BLINDS

CARPENTRY & CONSTRUCTION

Tel: 089 2551716 or

Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

Tel: 087 2982214

PODIATRIST

For all foot ailments

Corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, verruca, orthotics, diabetic assessments and treatment CORU Registered

Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I. Department of Health Approved

KEARNEY’S CHEMIST Main Street, Castlerea

For appointment, phone: (089) 4142233

• 20 years experience •

WINDOWS, DOORS & REPAIRS SHOWROOM:

Racecourse Road, Roscommon F42 W294

We SUPPLY & FIT Double & Treble Glazed Windows & Doors, Patio Doors, French Doors, Porches and Conservatories

WIDE RANGE OF COMPOSITE DOORS 10 YEAR GUARANTEE

Telephone: 090 66 33026

W: roscommonwindowsanddoors.com E: roscommonwindows@hotmail.com

BUILDER

Builder Available NEW BUILDS ONLY FREE PROFESSIONAL QUOTATION Send your plans and a brief introduction to:

m1@ardline.ie

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

TILER

Professional Tiler available Contact Mike on 087 2392139 at

Kilroe Tiling

or email michaelkilroe123@gmail.com for all your tiling needs.

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

Classifieds INSULATION

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

GARDENING

Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, Call in or contact us for free SIGA Airtightness advice and quotes New Buildings & Retrofit Call in or contact us for free andfrom quotes Unit advice 2,Grants Ballybrit Industrial

€1,214 to Estate, Galway €3,500

091 768 768

Ballybane Industrial Estate, Block 12, Unit 2,info@ecowise.ie Ballybrit Industrial Estate, Galway Galway H91 P5k5 www.ecowise.ie

091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie

www.westside-gardening.com GARDENING: Lawns mowed and seeded, Leylandi and Laurel Hedge Cut and Shaped, Tree Felling, Fencing, Posts and Panels, Decorative Stone, Bark Mulch, Power Washing and Waste Removal. CONCRETE: Kerbing, Paving, Patios, Concrete Slabs and Base, Stone Walls and Plastering DIGGER: Foundations, Land Drainage, Ditch and Hedge removal STEEL: Sheds, Gates, Cattle Crushes and Pens, all Welding repairs available OLD HOUSE RENOVATIONS: All house renovations covered

C2 Registered & Insured. FREE QUOTATIONS

www.ecowise.ie

WINDOWS, DOORS & REPAIRS

PODIATRIST

GLM WINDOWS, DOORS & REPAIRS ((uPVC) uPVC) Keen Rates

The Galway Podiatrist FOOT AND ANKLE CLINIC

Aoife Reilly BSc Pod, MChSI, SCPI (registered with VHI, AVIVA, LAYA & GloHealth)

ROOFING

ALPHA ROOFING

DAVID DUFFY 087 9662678

Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness Bonded Cavity & Wall Insulation NewBead Buildings Retrofit

MAINTENANCE

Over 20 years in business

Window and Door Replacement Double Glazing Units Replaced No Call Out Maintenance Carried Out to Existing Charge Windows and Doors

Contact Gerry Martin on 086 2203335 or Luke on 087 9916652 Email: gerrymartin198@gmail.com

Professional & Fully Insured

HOME & GARDEN

SERVICES EXPERT

PAINTING - GARDEN MAINTENANCE POWERWASHING - ROOF CLEANING ROOF SPRAY PAINTING – TILING CALL US NOW

Grass cutting from

€50 089 4101609 For a FREE quote

onwards

www.wmmaintenance.ie

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Cllr. Valerie Duffy Electoral Area: Athlone Roscommon County Council

Ballydangan, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

TELEPHONE: 087-3995199 Email: cllrvduffy@roscommoncoco.ie

MATHS GRINDS

GROUND WORKS

Maths Grinds

For Bookings Contact: College Road,

For Bookings Contact: Mountbellew,

(087) 707 5803 Co Galway

(087) 707 5803 (Saturday & evening appointments available)

H53 D7W8

(Saturday & evening appointments available) Treanrevagh, Mountbellew, Co. Galway H53 D7W8 Open under Goverment + HSE Guidelines 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.

GF Ground Works ● Landscaping ● Paving & Kerbing ● Foundations

● Footpaths ● Drainage & Septic tanks ● Driveways ● Tree/Hedge Removal ● Fully insured ● References available

Telephone Ger: 086 8745180

Weekly LCHL & JCHL Maths Location & Schedule • Venue: The Quad Youth Club, Roscommon Town

• Duration: LCHL [2 hours] & JCHL [90 mins] per class • Start Dates: 6.00pm, Tue 01 Sep [LCHL] & 6.00pm Thu 03 Sep [JCHL] Don’t let maths stress you out this academic year. Instead, enjoy targeted support to build confidence, eliminate anxiety, and maximize your CAO points.

Book your place today

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

CAN’T FIND ANYONE to do that small job, or you haven’t got the time ...

WE DO ANYTHING

From ﬁtting Curtain Rails to laying that footpath • Fast Reliable Service • Professional, Courteous Employees • Trustworthy

ONE CALL DOES IT ALL ! 094 9373445 087 9100477

www.oddjobsolutions.ie Established since 2005

Caramore Electrical Ltd.

Registered Electrical Contractor

• Domestic • Commercial • Agricultural – All areas covered – No job too small! • Installation of Electric Car Chargers • Installation of ESB Changeover Switches

Tel. 087 905 3870

Mobile: 086 8874576 Email: info@alpharooﬁng.ie Web: www.alpharooﬁng.ie

CONSTRUCTION

Roscommon Construction Services • Registered SEAI Plumber • Heat Pump Grants • Bathroom Renovations • Vacant House Grant Works • Council Approved Contractor • Extensions and Renovations

Contact

087 288 5556 PLUMBING & HEATING

LMC Plumbing & Maintenance

• Bathroom planning and

• Days: Tuesday [LCHL] and Thursday [JCHL] evenings

USEFUL SERVICES

● Slate roofs ● Tiled roofs ● Flat roofs, using all type of materials ● Roof windows ● Lead replacing ● Pointing work ● Leak detection ● All rooﬁng repair work

Contact: Kevin McStay on 087 997 4003 or email: kevinmcstaymaths@gmail.com

CARPENTRY

design to suit you • All aspects of plumbing and maintenance • Boiler Servicing • Heating Installation • Tiling and Plastering • Call for FREE QUOTATION LMC PLUMBING & MAINTENANCE

LMC

Contact LUKE

on 085 735 9120 LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB? TELEPHONE: 090 66 34633 EMAIL: advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

Classifieds

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

FAMILY NOTICES WALSH Paddy

CARTY Kevin

Antogher Road, Roscommon.

Turpane, Ballyforan

(4th Anniversary)

In loving memory of our dear son Kevin who died on 13th August 1996 (Aged 15 years) (30th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Paddy who sadly passed on the 13th of August 2022.

CONNAUGHTON John Laragh, Ballintubber, Castlerea, County Roscommon (4th Anniversary)

BRIAN MURRAY MEMORIALS • Superior Quality Headstones • Restoration work carried out • New Inscriptions added

CONTACT HAZEL

R.I.P.

087 6758874

www.brianmuraystone.com Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon E: brianmurraystone@gmail.com

Now I am contented that my life it was worthwhile, knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile. When you are walking down the street and you’ve got me on your mind I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind. And when you face the gentle breeze or the wind upon your face, I’m giving you a great big hug or just a soft embrace. So please don’t be unhappy, just because I’m out of sight, remember that I’m with you, every morning, noon and night. When those we love become a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Anniversary Mass for Paddy will be celebrated on Saturday, 15th of August at 10.00am in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

Also in loving memory of his beloved wife

Rita Walsh Antogher Road, Roscommon. (6th Anniversary) Who sadly passed on the 19th of September 2020. R.I.P. Anniversary Mass for Rita will be celebrated on Saturday, 19th of September at 10.00am in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon. Always loved and sadly missed by their children Declan, Stephanie, Robert and Caroline, sister-in-law Eileen, daughters-in-law, son-in -law, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, extended family and many friends.

MORAN Thomas Grange, Four Mile House, Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

August comes with sad regret, the day, the month we will never forget, a tribute of love to a son so dear, so close to our hearts, each day of the year. Falling tears and aching hearts, are things we have to bear, but losing Kevin the way we did, will always seem unfair. Pray for us, O Dearest Father, to Jesus Christ our King, that he may bless our lonely home, where thou once dwelt therein, and pray that God may give us strength, to bear our heavy loss, for no one knows only He, the treasure we have lost. Loved and sadly missed by Mammy and Daddy. ~~~~~~~~~~~ KEVIN No matter how life changes, no matter what we do, a special place within our hearts, is always kept for you. Always remembered by your brother Frank and sister-in-law Susan. ~~~~~~~~~~~ KEVIN To have you for our brother was cause enough for pride, no one could ever equal you, no matter how they tried. Although we cannot see you, you are with us night and day, for you have a special love, death cannot take away. Your gentle nature, your kindly ways, leave golden memories of bygone days, never selﬁsh, always kind, what happy memories you left behind. Will those who think of him today, a little prayer to Jesus say. Loved and remembered always by your brothers Michael and Frank. ~~~~~~~~~~~ KEVIN So many things have happened, since you were called away, so many things to share with you had you been left to stay. Every day in some small way, memories of you come our way, though absent, you are ever near, still missed, loved and always dear. Loved and remembered always by your brother Michael, sister-in-law Maria and nephews Ciarán, Rónán and Michéal.

In loving memory of John, who died on August 18th 2022. Those we love don’t go away, you walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed, and very dear. Loved and remembered by wife Mary, sons John, Frank, Gerard, Nicholas, Paul, daughters-in-law, grand children Dylan, Cillian, Krystal, great grand children Darcy and Capri. Anniversary Mass on Tuesday, 18th August in St. Croans Church, Ballymoe at 7pm.

O’DONNELL Ada Edel Vale, Circular Road, Roscommon (15th Anniversary)

FINNERAN Gerry & Mae Ballinagare, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon (12th Anniversary) Mae, whom God called home on 1st May, 2014 Gerry, whom God called home on 26th July, 2014

Dear Mum & Dad It’s 12 years now since ye passed on, to a better place with God above. To lose you both so close together, left a heartache that will last forever. We look back in fondness everyday, at the joyful times we had. No one could wish for such a special pair, as our special Mum and Dad. We are grateful for what ye taught us, and we’re grateful for yer love. And we know ye watch over us from Heaven up above. Both of you are missed so dearly, and so many tears we’ve cried. It is so sweet and ﬁtting that ye sleep softly side by side. Ye shared yer love, ye shared yer lives, and shared many precious times together. Now ye are spending eternity, hand in hand forever. Remembered fondly and loved by their son, Micheál, their daughter Martina, their son-in-law Daniel and their daughter-in-law Rose. Also our aunts – Elizabeth and Patricia; uncle-in-law Brian, our cousins, extended family, neighbours and friends.

In loving memory of Ada, who died on 27th August 2011 Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by Derry and family. Anniversary Mass in The Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Friday, 21st August at 11am.

Anniversary Mass for Gerry and Mae will take place in the Sacred Heart Church, Ballinagare on Friday, 14th August at 7pm.

CONBOY Josie Tubberavaddy, Athleague (30th Anniversary)

Anniversary Mass for Kevin will be held on Friday, 14th August, in Ballyforan Church at 7.30pm.

In loving memory of Tom, who died on 31st July, 2025. Bridie, Michael, Ann Marie and Ciaran express heartfelt thanks to family, friends and neighbours for the support shown to them over the past year. They also extend gratitude for the friendship and kindness of Tom’s colleagues and fellow members from the organisations he was so proud to be part of, including, Roscommon Community Games, Kilbride Community Centre, Kilbride GAA, the Pioneers and Kilbride Bridge Club. A First Anniversary Mass for Tom will be celebrated at St. Brigid’s Church, Four Mile House on Sunday, 23rd of August 2026, at 11:00 a.m. May he Rest in Peace

THANKSGIVINGS THE MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this you for this special favour. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Say for three days and promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. K.McL.

FAMILY NOTICES • ANNIVERSARY REMEMBRANCE • ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS • BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE

Phone: (090) 66 34633 • Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

In loving memory of Josie, who died on 12th August, 1996 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 remembered by his wife Pat, son Finbarr, daughterin-law Jacqui, daughter Gillian Molloy, son-in-law Donie and granddaughter Olivia.

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

Classifieds

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

FAMILY NOTICES TUNNEY Jim (Seamus)

O’BEIRNE Charlie

ROGERS Mary Frances

Lisroyne, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon In loving memory of Jim who passed away 4th June, 2026

Carnagh, Kiltoom, Co. Roscommon.

Scramogue, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

The family of the late Jim (Seamus) wish to express their sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all those who supported and sympathised with us on our recent sad loss. We are deeply grateful to all who called to our home, attended the Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial, sent Mass cards, sympathy cards, letters, messages of condolence and supported us in any way. We wish to sincerely thank the doctors, nurses, carers, the Chaplain Fr. Peter Murphy and all of the staff of the Mater Private who cared for Jim with kindness, dignity and respect. We also wish to express our gratitude to the Irish Cancer Society. Thank you to Fr. Eamonn O’Connor, Fr. Vincent, Canon Ciarán Whitney, Fr. John Judge, Fr. Charlie McDonnell and Rev. Ian Horner who officiated at Jim’s Funeral Mass and Final Commendation. We also wish to express our gratitude to the choir and the organist for their beautiful music. We were deeply touched by the various guards of honour; Jim’s former colleagues – retired members of An Garda Síochana on the evening of the Removal, Strokestown Golf Club and the members of the Strokestown Men’s Shed after the Funeral Mass, An Garda Síochana for escorting the Funeral Cortége on Jim’s final journey from the town to the cemetery and again from Westport to Aughavale Cemetery and the children of Brackloon NS at the cemetery. A special word of thanks to Pat, Marian and John McHugh and Michael Carlos for their professionalism, guidance and compassionate support in arranging Jim’s Funeral. Similarly, we express our gratitude to the assistance received in Westport from Tom Navin Undertaker and the gravediggers who prepared Jim’s final resting place with such care and attention, and finally the Castlecourt Hotel for the lovely meal following the burial. To everyone who helped us in any way, thank you sincerely. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deep gratitude and appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. “We hold you close within our hearts And there you shall remain, To walk with us throughout our lives Until we meet again.”

MURRAY Patrick Lisphelim, Knockcroghery. (41st Anniversary) Who passed away on August 16th, 1985

(27th Anniversary) In loving memory of Charlie, who died on August 17th, 1999. R.I.P.

(2nd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Mary Frances Rogers who died on the 14th August 2024 Thinking of you is easy, we do it every day. But missing you is the heartache that never goes away. We hold you close within our hearts, and there you shall remain. To walk with us throughout our lives, until we meet again.

Deep in our hearts you are always there. Loved and remembered every day.

Sadly missed and always remembered by her sons Anthony, Raymond, Brendan and Gary; daughters Marea, Josephine, Angela and Tina; sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, much loved grandchildren, extended family and friends.

Sadly missed by his wife Maura, sons, daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family. Anniversary Mass will be held in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow on Sunday, 16th August at 11.30am.

Mary’s Second Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 16th August in St. Ann’s Church, Scramogue at 10.00am.

FITZPATRICK Joe - Joseph

DONLON Joe Moher,Ballyleague. Celebrating his 92nd Birthday 14th August

(7th Anniversary)

FITZPATRICK Joe

The calendar turns to the fourteenth of August, A date held so dear through the years. But the morning feels different, the house is too quiet, As we toast through a glimmer of tears. Ninety-one years of life lived so full, Now celebrated on shores out of sight. No candles to blow out, no packages wrapped, Just peace in the soft, morning light. We felt a sharp ache when he left us behind, And the world seems a strange, hollow place. But the sorrow is softened by one certain thought: He is looking on mum’s smiling face.

Cloonagera, Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon

So Happy Birthday, Dad, up in the stars, Give our love to the Mum we miss too. You aren’t alone, and we aren’t apart, For we carry the best parts of you.

(7th Anniversary)

Mary G. Donlon. Missed by your loving daughter Mary Geraldine and Family.

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed

Always remembered by your daughter Geraldine.

In loving memory of our dear brother Joe, who died on 15th August 2019 Forever in our hearts. Remembered with love by Kay, Maura, Nuala and our families.

(10th Anniversary)

In loving memory of our parents John who passed away on 20th of June 1993 (33rd Anniversary) and Mary who passed away on 17th of August 2016 (10th Anniversary).

Sadly missed and fondly remembered by their daughters Marian, Evelyn and Caroline, sons John, Michael, Peter, Padraic and David and extended family. Anniversary Mass for Mary and John will take place on Sunday, 16th August at 11am in St. Brigid’s Church, Four Mile House.

RAFTERY Buddy and Bridie In loving memory of Bridie and Buddy, late of Bracklin, Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon.

She was there at the crossing to take up his hand, To guide him and show him the way, The duo is back where they always belonged, Hand-in-hand on his beautiful day.

Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

Every day, in some small way, memories of you come my way. Though absent you are always near. Still missed, still loved and ever dear.

(33rd Anniversary)

A tribute of love to parents so dear, so close to our hearts each day of the year, we will always have memories to cherish and hold, of wonderful parents more precious than gold.

Dad only got to celebrate 91 years on this earth, he will celebrate his 92nd in Heaven.

Anniversary Mass in St Mary’s Church, Ballagh. Saturday 15th August at 7.30pm

Rathmore, Four Mile House, Roscommon

Birthday Remembrance

Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon

who died 15th August 2019. R.I.P. Never more than a thought away, Loved and remembered every day. Always remembered by his wife Bridget and family.

KEEGAN John and Mary

Bridget (Bridie) Raftery (Nee Shaughnessy) 7th Anniversary (19th August 2019)

Michael (Buddy) Raftery 5th Anniversary (30th November 2021)

Those we love don’t go away They walk beside us everyday And when old times we do recall It’s then we miss them most of all. Deeply loved, sadly missed and always remembered by their sons Donal and Adrian, daughter Martina, grandchildren Rian, Olwen, Darragh, Robyn and Ruth, extended family, neighbours and friends. Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet, Creggs, Co. Roscommon, Sunday, 11th October at 11:30am.

Email or call for Sample Pack

DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISING IS TUESDAYS AT 2.00 pm

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

Classifieds

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

FAMILY NOTICES GALVIN Gerry

HAMILL Tom, Patricia, Thomas & Irene

FLYNN Brian and Ann

Corryderryhugh, Athleague, Roscommon In loving memory of Gerry who passed away 16th July, 2026

Cloonslanor, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

Donamon (23rd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Tom Hamill whose anniversary occurs on 23rd of August 2016; his wife Patricia “Patsy” who died on 8th November 2005; their son Thomas “Tom” who died on 25th January 2017; their daughter Irene who died on 8th July 2020 and their son James who passed away on 6th October 2025 Maura and the family of the late Gerry Galvin wish to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised with us on our recent bereavement. Thank you to everyone who sent cards and online condolences, who called to our home and who attended the Removal and Funeral Mass. Your sympathy and support are much appreciated. A special word of thanks to Dr. Martin Daly and staff, and to the doctors, nurses and staff at Roscommon, Ballinasloe and Galway University Hospitals for their kindness and care during Gerry’s illness. Grateful thanks to Fr. Ali Joe, Fr. Douglas, Canon Eugene McLoughlin, Fr. Liam Devine, Fr. Michael O’Brien and Fr. Francis Beirne for their prayers, support and for celebrating the Funeral Mass; to Margaret and Sean Kiernan for the beautiful music at the Funeral Mass; to the Sacristan and Eucharistic Ministers and the gravediggers for their help and kindness; and to the management and staff of the Bridge House Athleague for looking after us all after the Funeral. We would also like to sincerely thank Henry Hamrock for his professional and expert service in arranging the Funeral.

A smile for all, a heart of gold, the very best this world could hold. Never selﬁsh, always kind, these are the lovely memories ye left behind. Always remembered by your loving daughter Kathleen, son-in-law John and grandsons David and John. R.I.P.

DOORLEY Margaret (née Reilly) Tarmonbarry, Co Roscommon In loving memory of Margaret who passed away 4th August, 2026

And finally, a special word of thanks to our extended family, neighbours and friends for their support throughout. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this as a token of our sincere appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. Gerry’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated in the Church of the Assumption, Castlecoote, (F42DX25) on Friday, August 14th at 7 p.m.

SMALL (née Kiernan) Mary Millford, Creggs, Co. Galway (5th Anniversary)

The recent death has occurred peacefully surrounded by her loving family in the excellent care of the staff of Mullingar General Hospital on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 of Margaret Doorley ( née Reilly) Currawn, Tarmonbarry, Co. Roscommon and formerly of Carra, Granard, Co. Longford. Predeceased by her parents Edward and Ellen, and brother Michael. Deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her husband John, daughters Linda, Eileen (Connell), sons Oliver, Seán, Eamonn, son-inlaw Eamon, daughter-in-law Audrey, grandchildren Finn, Aoibhinn, Cara and Eliza, brother John (Dublin), sisters-in-law Carmel Reilly, Eileen Reilly, Maureen Fallon, Kathleen Hughes, Anne Naughton, Kathleen Doorley, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends. May Margaret Rest in Peace.

Missing You Always, Mum. Those special memories of you, will always bring a smile. If only we could have you back, for just a little while Then we could sit and talk again, just like we used to do. You always meant so very much and always will do too. The fact that you’re no longer here, will always cause us pain. But, you’re forever in our hearts, until we meet again.

Always loved and forever missed by your husband John, children Jacinta, John, Aoife, and Dean; grandchildren Shauna, Evan, Aaron and Roisin; sons-in-law Sean, Stephen, daughter-in-law, Laura; brother Marty and extended family. Mary’s Anniversary Mass will take place in St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet, Creggs on Sunday, 30th August at 11.30 am.

Reposed at her home in Currawn, Tarmonbarry on Thursday, August 6th from 5pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass took place on Friday, August 7th at 12 noon in Sacred Heart Church, Whitehall, followed by burial in Scramogue Cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h anam dílis.

Submit your Classiﬁed online Send your Classiﬁed advertisement to advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie

or alternatively call 090 66 34633

In loving memory of Brian and Ann who passed away on 17th August, 2003 Time and years slip gently by, but love and memories never die. In our hearts ye will always stay, loved and remembered everyday. Sadly missed by your loving family. Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 15th August at 9.30am in Donamon Castle.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Hugh Cunniffe intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for A: Retention planning permission for: A1: Extension as constructed to rear of existing dwelling house, A2: Velux windows fitted to roof on front elevation, A3: Septic tank & percolation area, B: Planning permission for: B1: Completion of extension to rear existing dwelling house, B2: Proposed addition of window to side elevation, B3: Proposed addition of door to rear elevation, B4: Proposed decommissioning of existing septic tank & percolation area and upgrade to proposed proprietary wastewater treatment system & percolation area and associated works at Cloonfinlough, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon, F42HX71. The Planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Stephen Blake, M.R.I.A.I.,

Registered Architect Trihill, Ballinamore Bridge, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway 090 6624681 / 087 635 8949 / stephen@sbarchitect.ie

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL NOTICE OF FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS Name of Applicant; Galway Roscommon Education Training Board (GRETB) Ref Number of the Application; PD/25/60532 Roscommon Community College, Ardnanagh, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon, F42 P959. The development applied for consisted of; the demolition of 5 no. outbuildings, fire safety upgrades to existing school block and the construction of: (i) a single storey, 21 Classroom extension to the west gable of the existing school block to include: 5 SEN Classrooms, admin offices, GP hall and associated ancillary spaces, along with, (ii) a standalone PE hall and changing block, (iii) Sporting facilities and ball courts, (iv) a separate single storey, 9 Classroom school building to the west of the site to accommodate the relocation of Gaelscoil de Híde to include: 1 SEN Classroom, admin offices, GP hall and associated ancillary spaces, (v) alterations to the existing junction of Thornfield Drive and St. Theresa’s Road, (vi) the provision of new vehicular and pedestrian access with revised parking and set down, (vii) upgrade works to existing site exit (viii) the removal of 10 no. prefabricated classrooms once (i) – (vii) of above have been completed, together with all associated site works.

Significant Further Information has been furnished to the Planning Authority in respect of this proposed development, and is available for inspection or purchase at the offices of the Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the Further Information or Revised Plans may be made in writing to the planning authority within the statutory time limit. A submission or observation must be accompanied by the prescribed fee of €20, except in the case of a person or body who has already made a submission or observation.

Signed: Hannagh Misstear, Architect (Agent), BDP, Blackhall Green, Dublin 7, D07 V0RF, Ireland. T: +353 1 474 0659

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL FÓGRA SUÍMH I GCOMHAIR TUILLEADH EOLAIS/ PLEANANNA LEASAITHE AINM AN IARRTHÓRA; Bord Oideachais Oiliúna na Gaillimhe agus Ros Comáin (BOOGRC/GRETB) UIMHIR THAGARTHA AN IARRATAIS; PD/25/60532 Coláiste Pobáil Ros Comá in, Ard ná nEách, Ros Comá in, Co. Ros Comá in, F42 P959. Is é a bhí I gceist san iarratas a chuireadh isteach ná; Scartáil 5 Uimh. Foirgnimh seachtracha, uasghrádú sábháilteachta ó dhóiteán ar bhloc scoile atá ann cheana agus tógáil: (i) síneadh aon stór, ina mbeidh 21 Seomra Ranga ar eaglais thiar den bhloc scoile Reatha, lena n-áirítear: 5 Sheomra Ranga RSO, oifigí riaracháin, halla ilfheidhmeach agus spásanna coimhdeacha gaolmhara, chomh maith le, (ii) halla corpoideachais neamhspleách agus bloc seomraí feistis, (iii) Áiseanna spóirt agus cúirteanna liathróide, (iv) foirgneamh scoile aon-stór ar leithligh, ina mbeidh 9 seomra ranga, suite siar ar an láithreán, chun athlonnú Ghaelscoil de hÍde a éascú, lena n-áireofar: 1 seomra ranga RSO, oifigí riaracháin, halla ilfheidhmeach agus spásanna coimhdeacha gaolmhara; (v) athruithe ar acomhal reatha Thornfield Drive agus Bóthar Naomh Theresa, (vi) soláthar rochtana nua feithiclí agus coisithe mar aon le hathchóiriú ar pháirceáil agus ar limistéir fágála/bailithe; (vii) Oibreacha uasghrádaithe ar an mbealach amach reatha ón láithreáin; (viii) 10 seomraí ranga réamhdhéanta a bhaint nuair a bheidh míreana (i) – (vii) thuas curtha i gcrích, mar aon leis na hoibreacha suímh gaolmhara go léir.

Tá Eolas Breise Suntasacha curtha ar fáil don Údaras Pleanála maisir leis an bhforbairt mholta seo, agus tá sé ar fáil le scrúdú nó le ceannach ag oifigí an údaráis Phleanála le linn uaireanta oscailte poiblí. D’fhéafaí aighneacht nó barúil i leith Eolas Breise nó leis na Pleananna Athbhreithnithe a dhéanamh i scríbhinn chuig an údarás pleanála laistigh den teorainn ama leagtha síos ag an reachtaíocht. Caithfidh an táille scoruithe de €20 a bheith I dteannta aon aighneacht nó barúil, ach amháin i gcás daoine nó eagrais go bhfuil aighneacht nó barúil curtha isteach acu cheana féin.

Signed: Hannagh Misstear, Architect (Agent), BDP, Blackhall Green, Dublin 7, D07 V0RF, Ireland. T: +353 1 474 0659

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Kevin Roddy, intend to apply for Permission for development at Ishlaun, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. The proposed development will comprise: Agricultural building of 209m2 for storage and maintenance of Farm Machinery. 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 €20.00 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. Signed: Kevin Roddy.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I Terry Sherdian intend to Apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to erect a Domestic Garage and all associated works, At Rooaun,Kilglass, Strokestown, 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 A 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 Subject To or Without Conditions, or May Refuse To Grant Permission Signed: Terry Sherdian

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

Classifieds PLANNING NOTICES

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie LEGAL NOTICES THE DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT COURT AREA OF ROSCOMMON DISTRICT NO. 4 PUBLIC DANCE HALLS ACT, 1935 - SECTION 2 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC DANCING LICENCE MICHAEL FLAHIVE, ARD AOIBHINN, ROSCOMMON Applicant SECRETARY, DR. DOUGLAS HYDE PARK CLUB, ROSCOMMON Applicant

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We Finnian & Fiona O’Connor, are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to make alterations to the windows and add additional windows on the existing house, construction of a new pitched roof and construct of a single story rear extension and all ancillary site development works at Grouse Lodge, Lanesborough Road, 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 of 20euros 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 grand permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed:

Ph: 089 243 6908 Email: evan@henmandesign.com Web: www.henmandesign.ie

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Evan Henman & Annabel O’Grady, are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct a single storey rear extension along with a new treatment system and all ancillary works at Rinnagan, Lecarrow, F42 EK83. This application has an accompanying NIS report.

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 of 20 euros 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 grand permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed:

Ph: 089 243 6908 Email: evan@henmandesign.com Web: www.henmandesign.ie

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I Dermot Greene, intend to apply for retention permission for development at Knocknacarrow, Cootehall, Boyle, Co.Roscommon. The development consists of retention for changes during construction of existing two storey dwelling: (a) raised ridge line, (b) window changes, (c) modification to the internal & external layout of dwelling.

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 the 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 Roscommon County Council of the Application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Vincent Durkin (Agent). www.DurkinDesign.ie Architectural Designs Tel: 086 83 72 933

APPOINTMENTS

TAKE NOTICE that Michael Flahive, Ard Aoibhinn, Roscommon, Secretary, Dr. Douglas Hyde Park Club, intends to apply to Roscommon District Court to be held at The Courthouse, Roscommon on Tuesday, 15th September 2026 at 10.30 a.m. for the Grant of a Licence to use a particular place to wit the Dr. Douglas Hyde Park Club House, situate at Ardsallagh, Roscommon, in the Court area and District aforesaid, for Public Dancing. Dated this 7th day of August 2026 Signed: THOMAS V. McCRANN & SON, Solicitors for the Applicant, Church Street, Roscommon To:

The District Court Clerk, Government Buildings, Golf Links Road, Roscommon

To:

The Superintendent, Garda Siochana, Garda Station, Roscommon

To:

The Chief Fire Officer, Fire Authority HQ, Circular Road, Roscommon

To:

The Secretary, Roscommon County Council, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Cathal & Jacinta Beattie intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for A: Retention planning permission of: A1: Existing dwelling house as constructed, A2: Covered patio area as constructed, A3: Domestic garage/shed, A4: Treatment system & percolation area on revised site boundaries & B: Planning permission for: B1: Demolition of covered patio area, B2: Proposed den/sun lounge extension to existing dwelling house and associated works at Ballagh, Rahara, Co. Roscommon, F42 F985. The Planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Stephen Blake, M.R.I.A.I., Registered Architect Trihill, Ballinamore Bridge, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway 090 6624681 / 087 635 8949 / stephen@sbarchitect.ie

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Rachel Dolan intend to apply for planning permission for construction of proposed dwelling house, domestic garage/shed, proprietary treatment system, percolation area and associated works at Ballycreggan, Kiltoom, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

The Planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Stephen Blake, M.R.I.A.I., Registered Architect Trihill, Ballinamore Bridge, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway 090 6624681 / 087 635 8949 / stephen@sbarchitect.ie

Position: Senior Accountant

Main Duties will include: • Dealing directly with Clients • Preparation and completion of Annual Accounts and related Tax Assignments • Preparing Personal and Corporation Tax Returns and ensuring compliance • Prepare and file VAT returns and ensure full compliance with Irish tax and accounting regulations Qualifications and Skills: • Qualified Accountant with at least 3 years’ experience in practice • Strong accounts preparation skills • A good understanding of personal tax and other areas of tax compliance including VAT, PAYE and RCT • Time management and deadline driven • Good analytical, interpersonal and communication skills This is a full-time, in-office role and the successful individual will work as part of a collaborative and support team. Competitive salary (commensurate with experience).

Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Email CV to: noelcarr@noelcarr.ie

Clerical Assistant

Part-Time / Full-Time Clerical Officer required by a busy office to work with their existing team in Roscommon Town. The successful candidate must be comfortable with computers, telephone and general office tasks. Clerical Assistant responsibilities: • Data entry and report generation. • Deal with queries via telephone and email. • Maintain polite and professional communication via phone and email. Clerical Assistant requirements: • Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office. • Fluent English speaker. • Working knowledge of GDPR and the importance of confidentiality. • Prior administrative experience. • Excellent attention to detail and accurate data processing

To apply please email your CV to: clericalassistant100@gmail.com

MERCY COLLEGE ROSCOMMON We are seeking a BUS ESCORT for approximately 20 hours per week to accompany a small number of students to school in the morning and home in the afternoon. Apply with CV and references to recruitment@rosconvent.ie Closing date for applications: Wednesday, August 19th at 5pm.

Sports PEOPLE Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

mourn International glory for Buccaneers passing of Gordon Higgins and Costello Ballantyne BUCCANEERS RFC

There was further success for Roscommon’s international golfers last weekend as Ireland’s men and women, with Thomas Higgins and Olivia Costello on board, claimed the Home Internationals championship title, pipping old rivals England to the crown. It was just the second time in history that Ireland claimed the overall title. The hosts had a narrow lead after the morning foursomes at Woodbrook, and

England bounced back to take four of the women’s singles matches to put themselves in the ascendancy. Nevertheless, Ireland held firm, and a remarkable afternoon saw the men claim five matches, including Thomas Higgins defeating Max Hopkins 3 and 1, while Keith Egan finished things off with a 3 and 2 win over Jamie Van Wyk for an 11.5-9.5 result. It completes a brilliant month for the

men, with Damien Coyne’s side claiming European glory for the first time since 2008 and Thomas Higgins sinking the winning putt, while the women, with Olivia Costello on board, had an outstanding week with victories over Wales and Scotland. England claimed the men’s and women’s titles separately, but it was Ireland who won the overall crown for the first time since 2024.

Pictured is the recently departed Buccaneers RFC past president Gordon Ballantyne.

Roscommon U-14s crowned joint All-Ireland champions There was further underage GAA success for the county last weekend as the Roscommon U-14 camogie team were declared joint All-Ireland champions at the U-14 National Development Programme at the sports campus in Abbotstown. Roscommon and Kildare played in the final of the ‘Sophie Brack Division’, and the teams ended level after normal time and after

two periods of extra-time. That led to both teams being declared joint winners. Earlier in the tournament, Roscommon had drawn with Waterford and defeated Kerry and Tyrone. The development programme attracted teams from all over the country, with over 1,500 players taking part.

The Roscommon U-14 camogie team who were crowned joint All-Ireland champions in Abbotstown last Saturday.

GORDON BALLANTYNE: The sudden passing of past president Gordon Ballantyne has been received with great shock and immense sadness at the club. Gordon was a long-time supporter of the club, initially as Athlone RFC and subsequently as Buccaneers RFC, for whom he served as president in the 2018/19 season. Softly spoken and a true gentleman, Gordon served in various roles on the club’s Executive Committee for a number of years. Heartfelt condolences are extended to his family and special friend Kay. May he be granted eternal rest. Funeral arrangements: Reposing at Flynn’s Funeral Home, Athlone, on Thursday from 6 pm to 8 pm. Requiem Mass in St Mary’s Church, Athlone, on Friday at 10.30 am, followed by burial in Coosan Cemetery. There will be a Guard of Honour at St Mary’s Church, for which members are asked to wear club attire. SECONDS FIXTURES UNVEILED: The Connacht Junior 1B League fixtures for Buccaneers Seconds have been unveiled, commencing with a home game against Galwegians. Then, unusually, the squad have three away matches in succession. The initial fixtures list is as follows: August 28th, Galwegians (H), Christy Reid Cup; September 5th, Corinthians (A), Christy Reid Cup; September 12th, Sligo (H), Christy Reid Cup; October 18th, Galwegians (H), Junior 1B League; November 1st, University of Galway (A), J1BL; November 8th, Ballyhaunis (A), J1BL; November 15th, Monivea (A), J1BL; November 29th, Ballinrobe (H), J1BL; December 6th, Sligo (A), J1BL; December 13th, Castlebar (H), J1BL. WOMEN’S FIXTURES ANNOUNCED: Fixtures for the Buccaneers Women’s team have also been announced, beginning with pool matches in the Connacht Invitational Cup before they kick off in Division 2 of the Connacht League, as follows: 2026: September 5th, Invitational Cup pool (H); September 27th, Ballinrobe (A), CL2; October 11th, Claremorris (H), CL2; November 1st, Our Lady’s Boys Club (A), CL2; November 8th, Corinthians (H), CL2; November 15th, Ballinrobe (H), CL2; December 13th, Claremorris (A), CL2. 2027: January 3rd, Our Lady’s Boys Club (H), CL2; January 10th, Corinthians (A), CL2. CONGRATULATIONS: Congratulations to the many young club members who played on various successful Connacht squads in recent days.

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

SportsPeople BOYLE CAPTAIN’S PRIZE: Well done to Brendan Duggan, who was the winner of the Captain’s Prize for 2026. Brendan had a formidable 57 nett at the end of the first 18 and maintained his nerve to finish on top after 27. To make his win all the more remarkable, Brendan was a member of the Men’s Beginners group in 2026 and only obtained his first golf handicap this year. The prizes were presented shortly after the conclusion of the play-off by Men’s Captain Paddy McLoughlin. Paddy thanked everyone who had contributed to the success of his Captain’s weekend and all those who had contributed to the running of the club during the year. The results are as follows: 1st: Brendan Duggan; 2nd: Martin Sweeney; Gross: Cian Smith; 3rd: Michael McHale; Senior: Michael O’Dowd; Category 0-13: Jason Beirne; 14-21: Colm Connolly; 21 plus: Eddie Conroy; 1st 9: Ciaran Beirne; 2nd 9: Colin Whyte; 3rd 9: Willie Tiernan; Visitor: Terry Canning. CAPTAIN’S PRIZE TO THE LADIES: Overall winner: Maura O’Farrell; 2nd: Catherine Roddy; Gross: Tish Perry; 3rd: Bernie Kemple. CAPTAIN’S SCRAMBLE: Overall winners: Karl Keenan, Michael McHale and Regina McLoughlin; 2nd: Olive Filan, Pat Brogan and Lorcan Egan; 3rd: Liam Mullaney, Declan Gaffney and Gerry Carty.

CARRICK-ON-SHANNON CAPTAIN’S PRIZE RESULTS: The club would like to congratulate Captain Frank Duffy on an excellent week of golf. The results of the Ladies’ section are as follows: Overall winner: Marion Dolan (60 nett); 2nd: Mary Egan (68 nett); Gross: Siobhan Talbot (85 nett); 3rd: Mary King (64 nett). The results of the Ladies’ Captain’s Scramble are as follows: Overall winners: Phil McWeeney, Veronica Sheeran and Carmel Garvey (28 nett). Winners in the Seniors section are as follows: Overall winner: Gerry Garvey (41 pts); Cat. 1: Damien Duignan (39 pts); Cat. 2: Dermot

Short putts

(News from local golf clubs)

Monaghan (40 pts); Cat. 3: Francie Foley (41 pts); Front 9: Michael Delorey (23 pts); Back 9: John Reynolds (23 pts). In the Men’s section, congratulations to overall winner David McDermott. 2nd: Danny Egan; 3rd: Max Doyle; Gross: Dylan Beirne; Best Junior: Mark McShera; Cat. 1: Niall Keaney; Cat. 2: Keith Tighe; Cat. 3: Jake Gibney. Congratulations to all the winners.

O.B.N. SERIES: The results of the Landmark Hotel-sponsored 4th O.B.N. Series are as follows: Cat. 1, handicap 1-9: Paul Roche; Cat. 2, handicap 10-18: Tadhg McKenna (visitor); Cat. 3, handicap 19-27: Donal Scanlon; Cat. 4, handicap 28-37: Adam Ffrench; Gross: Sean Mulvey; Visitor Prize: David Wynne. Congratulations to all the winners. The 5th qualifier of this competition last weekend was kindly sponsored by Kevin Ward of Wynne’s Bar, Boyle. Ladies’ Ardcarne Garden Centre Scramble results are as follows: Overall winners: Mary Molly, Helen Lavin and Anne Louise Bohan (50 nett); 2nd: Carmel Stritch, Mary Layden and Dympna Butler (50 nett); 3rd: Patricia O’Hara, Mary Blake and Carmel Garvey (51 nett). The results of last Wednesday’s Scramble are as follows: 1st: Phil McWeeney, Martina Sweeney and Mary Maguire (31 nett); 2nd: Ann Keenan, Veronica Sheeran and Patricia Fitzgerald (32 nett). Congratulations to all the winners. SENIOR MEN: Overall winner: Paddy Dillon (36 pts); Cat. 1: Tommie Kenoy (36 pts); Cat. 2: Michael Foley (34 pts); Cat. 3: Gerry Fitzgerald (36 pts); Front 9: Gerry Garvey (21 pts); Back 9: Tommy Mulvey (21 pts). HOLE-IN-ONE: Congratulations to Brendan Boyle, who had a hole-in-one last week in a scramble competition. Also in the Ladies’ section, congratulations to Mary Blake, who had a hole-in-one on the 13th.

Winner of the Men’s Captain’s Prize to the Ladies at Boyle GC, Maura O’Farrell, receiving her prize from Men’s Captain Paddy McLoughlin.

Winner of the 2026 Boyle GC Captain’s Prize, Brendan Duggan, receiving his prize from Captain Paddy McLoughlin.

CASTLEREA

ROSCOMMON

SPONSORED COMPETITIONS: Thank you to all who participated in the club’s August Bank Holiday weekend open competitions, sponsored by Keith Revins Tyres. Results of the Keith Revins Tyres Bank Holiday weekend Open 18-hole Stableford competitions are as follows: Ladies’ Competition: Overall winner: Annette O’Dowd (Tubbercurry GC); Cat. 1: Mary O’Gara; Cat. 2: Eileen Gallagher (Tubbercurry GC). Men’s Competition: Overall winner: Tony Madden; runner-up: Anthony Kelly; Cat. 1: Pat Doory; Cat. 2: Michael Moran. Results of the Keith Revins Tyres Bank Holiday weekend Open 9-hole Stableford competitions are as follows: Ladies’ Competition: Overall winner: Mary MacDermot; Cat. 1: Catherine Collins; Cat. 2: Emilia Kenny. Men’s Competition: Overall winner: Michael McGovern; runner-up: Eugene Flanagan; 3rd: Declan McGuinness. The presentation of prizes to winners of the Open competitions will take place at our next sponsored competitions presentation event on Friday, September 11th. PLAY IN PINK FUNDRAISER: Castlerea Golf Club is hosting a 9-hole ‘Play in Pink’ day in aid of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute on Friday, August 14th. Enjoy a great atmosphere and great entertainment. The timesheet is open all day and all are welcome. Entertainment and BBQ from 6.30 pm. Book via BRS or phone 087 127 8066. LOTTO RESULTS: The winning bonus ball number in the Castlerea Golf Club lotto for August 5th was 36. Winners were Marian McCormack, Amanda Soares, Jimmy Mannion and Sean Fleming. Each receives €100. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all who support the club lotto.

MEN: Open Friday sponsored by GoToFinance. Overall winner: Liam Casey (41 pts); Gross: Richie Evans (36 pts); 2nd: Adam Donnelly (39 pts). Weekly competition sponsored by CollinsBoyd Engineering. Overall winner: Aaron Fullard (42 pts); Gross: Alan Connaughton (35 pts); Cat. 1: Daniel McNulty (42 pts); Cat. 2: George Bannon (40 pts); Cat. 3: Anthony Mahony (41 pts). WOMEN: Weekly 18-hole competition sponsored by PD Golf. Overall winner: Ruth Lennon (36 pts); Cat. 1: Mary O’Connor (35 pts); Cat. 2: Laarni Beattie (35 pts). 9-hole overall winner: Mary Feely (21 pts); Cat. 1: Sinead Healy (19 pts); Cat. 2: Marian Connolly (19 pts). SENIOR MEN: Overall winner: Declan Browne (37 pts); Cat. 1: Peter McGarry (33 pts); Cat. 2: Padraig Dervin (33 pts); Cat. 3: Charlie Brennan (35 pts); Cat. 4: Tommie Murphy (30 pts). Deuces: John Earley and Pat O’Brien. SENIOR WOMEN: Overall winner: Helen Kelly (24 pts); 2nd: Nuala McDonagh (23 pts); 3rd: Joan Moran (22 pts); 4th: Kay Ruane (21 pts); 5th: Margaret Madden (20 pts). PARENT-AND-CHILD COMPETITION: The parent-and-child competition, kindly sponsored by the McGuigan family, will take place on Friday and Saturday, August 21st and 22nd. Friday will be for juniors who do not have an official GUI handicap, with Saturday being for those juniors who do. The timesheet will go up in the bar this week. INTER-CLUB: Our Connacht Shield team were defeated by Portumna last Sunday, while the JB Carr team were defeated by Portumna in the Connacht final last Thursday. Olivia Costello plays in the R&A Girls’ Amateur Championship in Scotland this week. Thomas Higgins and Cian O’Connor play in the Irish Close at Portumna, starting on Thursday. Good luck to all.

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

SportsPeople

Blaides cuts through opposition as finals night approaches The Hollywood Bar Summer League continued this past weekend, with the final night of round-robin darts before next week’s Cup and Shield finals. Across the night, there were some topclass darts on show in the group stages. Paul Carton took out a 100 finish. James Morris took out 100 and 104 finishes, while Mick Kilroe checked out 105 and Kieran McCormack took out 106. Simon Neary finished 111, and Gerard Killane Junior took out 116. However, the highest checkout of the night went to Arron Blaides with a 135. The final itself came down to two in-form players, Arron Blaides and Paul Carton. Blaides could not have started much better, as back-to-back 140s, followed by

a score of 100, saw him take a 1-0 lead with a 14-dart leg. Carton answered that more than ably in the second leg with scores of 100, 85 and 140, but Blaides had been out of the traps quickly again; back-to-back 100s, followed by a 140, set him on the way to a 135 checkout to complete a 15-dart leg for a 2-0 lead. Carton led the way in the third leg, and scores of 100 and 140 with his first six darts set him on his way to an 18-dart leg to halve Blaides’ lead. The fourth leg saw a similarly high standard but, in a close affair, clinical finishing from Blaides made the difference as he took a 3-1 win. Well done to Arron and hard luck to Paul. Many thanks to all the players who competed each night over the eight

weeks and set the high standard on show. Special thanks also to The Hollywood Bar management and staff for their continued support of the competition, which is greatly appreciated. With the league stage now in the books, attention turns to next week’s finals. The Cup will be contested by Kieran Mullen, John Morris, David Concannon, Paul Carton, James Morris, Mick Kilroe, Mark Finneran and Arron Blaides. The eight Shield finalists are Jimmy Owens, Aaron Killane, Gerard Killane Jr, Gerard Killane Sr, Martin Fleming, Noel Beirne, Tony Grennan and Ciaran Hickey. The action will get underway at 9 pm, with food on the night. All are welcome.

Pictured are winner Arron Blaides (right) and runner-up Paul Carton.

title hopefuls IFC look to build early momentum Junior return to action < BY SEAMUS DUKE

McNulty’s Furntiture IFC Group A Tulsk were on the receiving end of a surprise defeat at the hands of St Dominic’s in round one and they will be anxious to get on the winning trail against St Barry’s on Friday evening in Tarmonbarry at 8 pm. Liam McNeill’s side should be good enough to prevail. St Dominic’s looked good against

Tulsk in round one and they face a local derby against St Brigid’s on Sunday in Knockcroghery at 1 pm. There will not be much in this one, but Dominic’s have enough in their locker to record their second win. Group B Shannon Gaels and Padraig Pearses were both well beaten in the opening round, so this clash on Saturday in Lisnamult at 5 pm is an important one. The Gaels get a hesitant nod to win narrowly.

The meeting of St Michael’s and Creggs in Enfield on Sunday at 12 noon will showcase two teams who put up big scores in round-one victories. St Michael’s look to have the edge here, although if Shane Dowd can repeat his heroics from round one, Creggs will not be far away. Group C Fuerty were the most impressive winners in the entire championship in round one as they put Eire Og

to the sword. If they can show the same form in this round-two game against Kilmore, they should record another win. The game is in Strokestown on Saturday at 5 pm. In the final match, Eire Og will be anxious to win against St Croan’s and erase memories of that heavy defeat against Fuerty when the sides meet on Friday in Ballinlough at 7.15 pm. They should have too much for the junior champions, who drew with Kilmore first day out.

< BY SEAMUS DUKE

King and Moffatt JFC ‘A’ Championship Round two of the Junior ‘A’ Championship goes ahead this weekend with a full round of fixtures. Kilbride will face Clann na nGael, while St Brigid’s will meet old rivals Roscommon Gaels. One of the title favourites, Ballinameen, will meet St Dominic’s, while there will not be much between St Joseph’s and Western Gaels. The clash between St Ronan’s and Kilglass will be close, while another of the title fancies, St Aidan’s, will be hoping for another win, this time against Boyle.

Rossa O’Dowd (Shannon Gaels) on the ball for Roscommon U-17s against Sligo in Tubbercurry in the Connacht MFC in March of this year. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

SportsPeople

Pressure beginning to rise in senior championship groups Hodson Bay Hotel SFC Game of the Weekend Padraig Pearses v Boyle (Group B) on Friday in Strokestown at 8 pm < BY SEAMUS DUKE

Group B has been earmarked the ‘group of death’ this year, and after round one nothing has changed. Both teams were impressive in round one and this clash will go a long way towards deciding who finishes on top of the group. It is not certain whether Enda Smith will be back for Boyle; however, they are far more hopeful that Daire Cregg can line out. Pearses are short a few players too but, after a slow start against Roscommon Gaels in round one, they were very impressive, with Paul Carey, Jack Nevin, Declan Kenny and Caelim Keogh prominent. Boyle were excellent against Clann, with Tadgh McKenna, Luke Glennon, Oisin Cregg, Cian McKeon, Donie Smith and Cathal McKeon all prominent. Fergal O’Donnell’s side have been looking good so far, but of course it is early days yet. Having both won in round one, the pressure is off in this match to a certain extent. Nevertheless, this is a hard game to call. I am going to give a hesitant nod to Boyle to get over the line. Group A Western Gaels will face St Brigid’s in Tulsk on Saturday at 6 pm and, despite a good showing from the Gaels against Strokestown in the opening

St Brigid’s Ben O’Carroll will be a key attacking threat as the champions continue their SFC campaign this weekend. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell.

round, it is hard to see beyond St Brigid’s. The injuries to Shane Cunnane and Eddie Nolan will be a worry to the champions in the longer term but, with Ben O’Carroll leading the attack, they should have too much firepower for their opponents. Michael Glaveys and Strokestown clash in what should be a very competitive encounter in Enfield on Sunday at 3 pm. There is less pressure on Strokestown following their high-scoring win against Western Gaels in round one, while Glaveys were well beaten by St Brigid’s. Glaveys will be anxious to open their account here and they should have enough to do so, but there will not be a lot between them. Group B The Boyle v Pearses clash is our ‘Game of the Weekend’, and the other game in this group is the meeting of old rivals Roscommon Gaels and Clann na nGael in Kiltoom on Sunday at 4 pm. Both teams were disappointing in round one and, with difficult games against Pearses (Clann) and Boyle (the Gaels) to come in round three, this will be ultra-competitive. The town team will be hoping that at least some of Cian Connolly, John McManus, Eoghan Carthy, Ethan O’Reilly and Ryan Conlon may be available for this match and, on the evidence of their second-half display against Pearses, they

Boyle’s Niall O’Donnell will be hoping to play his part as his side face Padraig Pearses in this weekend’s SFC action. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

will need them. Clann were disappointing against an under-strength Boyle in round one, so they will be looking for a big improvement. The Gaels get a very shaky vote to win it by a point or two. Group C Elphin and Castlerea were well beaten in round one and they will clash at Rockfield on Saturday at 6 pm, where a win will be priceless in terms of any forthcoming relegation battle. Elphin will be desperate to get some of their main players, such as Shane Killoran, back on the field for this one. Castlerea were not as bad as the final scoreline against St Faithleach’s might have suggested and they will be up for this one.

Castlerea look the better bet to get the two points on offer here. St Faithleach’s and Oran clash in Kilbride on Sunday at 3 pm and there will be plenty of exciting attacking talent on show on both sides. Faithleach’s pulled away from Castlerea in the end in the opening round and, as long as Ciaran and Diarmuid Murtagh are on song, they will always have a chance. However, Oran were clinical as they blitzed Elphin. Colin Walsh is playing great football for Pat Regan’s charges, and they have a couple of impressive finishers in James Fitzpatrick and Eoghan Murray. If Oran put their best foot forward, they should be good enough to win this.

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

SportsPeople

All to play for as Kepak SHC heads into final round < BY SEAMUS DUKE

Athleague handed themselves a lifeline when they surprised Padraig Pearses at Lisnamult last Sunday. Having lost both of their previous matches, Robbie Fallon’s side were facing elimination from this year’s competition, but they came good in the second half to stay in contention ahead of the final round of games. The opening half of the encounter was low-key, with very little open play. Pearses led by 0-5 to 0-3 at the break, but there was much better fare on the resumption. Athleague captain Cormac Kelly was accurate from frees, while Cian Murray and substitute Gary Fallon were also on target from play as Athleague took over. Despite winning the game by seven points, Athleague registered a total of 17 wides, which will be a concern going forward. The final score was Athleague 0-14, Padraig Pearses 0-7. In their final game, Athleague will face St Dominic’s with everything on the line, while Pearses will take on Tremane. In the second game at Lisnamult on Sunday, Roscommon Gaels produced a much-improved performance, but it was still not enough to defeat champions Four Roads, who won by 3-16 to 0-18. It was a competitive contest throughout, with the three Four Roads goals proving decisive. In the opening half, Tommy Morris and David Mannion raised green flags to help Four Roads into a narrow 2-5 to 0-10 lead at half-time. The Gaels responded well, with DJ Hession, Tom Beisty and Eoin Kiernan all prominent. Four Roads pulled away early in the second half with a string of unanswered points, but the Gaels stayed in touch, with Kiernan accurate from the placed ball. The champions were hanging on towards the finish, but a late goal from Conor Kelly

Action from last Saturday’s St Dominic’s v Oran Kepak SHC match in Knockcroghery. Connell Kennelly and Pauric Halpin (St Dominic’s) combine to stop David McDermott (Oran). Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

put the issue beyond doubt. Oran and St Dominic’s fought out an entertaining encounter in Knockcroghery on Friday night, with Oran coming out on top by 4-15 to 2-16. The first half was a rip-roaring affair. Oran were on top early and a Paddy Fallon goal helped them into a 1-5 to 0-2 lead. However, goals from Gavin Staunton and Mickey Joe Egan brought St Dominic’s back into the contest. Oran struck again through Seamus Hussey and led by 3-11 to 2-8 at the break. Unsurprisingly, the scoring rate dropped in the second half and St Dominic’s remained well in the hunt for much of

Conor Kelly sends one wide. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell.

it, but a second goal from Paddy Fallon proved crucial. What happens next? The final round of games takes place next weekend and will decide the semifinal and quarter-final places. Four Roads face Oran, with the winners securing a semi-final berth, while St Dominic’s play Athleague and Tremane face Padraig Pearses. Roscommon Gaels have completed their programme and have a bye in the final round. Their fate is now out of their hands and they need other results to go their way if they are to remain in the championship.

Action from last Sunday’s Roscommon Gaels v Four Roads Kepak SHC match in Lisnamult. Jack Donnelly (Four Roads) tackles Diarmuid Mulry (Roscommon Gaels). Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Action from last Sunday’s Athleague v Pearses Kepak SHC match in Lisnamult. Cian Murray (Athleague) comes under pressure from Paul Dolan and Karl Feehily (Pearses). Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Action from last Sunday’s Roscommon Gaels v Four Roads Kepak SHC match in Lisnamult. Liam Óg Coyle (Four Roads) with the sliotar. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

SportsPeople

Club championship battle set to intensify across Roscommon LGFA < BY KEVIN EGAN

The tide is rising for Roscommon LGFA, with senior championship football on the horizon for the flagship county team, but all thoughts of coming together to pull on the primrose and blue jersey will be pushed to one side for the next couple of months as the domestic club championships get underway in earnest. Seven other clubs are in the hunt to dethrone St Brigid’s as holders of the Marie McAleer Cup and, across the various Gaelic codes and grades in Roscommon, there are few championship races as competitive as the John Keane Kia SFC. A dreadful second half in the 2024 county final meant that the Kiltoom and Cam parish club had to wait a year for their ascent to the top of the pile, but their age profile is such that they are unlikely to take a step backwards anytime soon. The return to full health of Kate Nolan, coupled with the strong form of their four players who saw action in Croke Park a fortnight ago, means the spine of their team is as strong as ever, with progressive young players all around them. They will be strong favourites at home to Shannon Gaels this Sunday, given the Croghan side’s struggles in 2025. However, the potential challengers are plentiful, and two of them will be on show when 2023 county champions Boyle travel to IFC champions and Division One league winners St Barry’s this Sunday. Boyle have Ruth Cox, Aisling Feely and the Wynne sisters all available for selection for the first time since they won the county title, and manager Kieran McKeon has a panel with strong performers in every sector.

How St Barry’s handle the step up to the senior game remains an unknown, but the group of players who first came to prominence when they won a U-16 Division One championship five years ago are now coming into their peak and will bring no fear into any game. St Ciarán’s also play host to Clann na nGael on Sunday and, on paper, St Ciarán’s are live outsiders, albeit perhaps with a little too much dependence on Ciara Dowd and Laura Fleming to carry their scoring load. Clann manager John Molloy, meanwhile, will feel he has all the tools at his disposal to genuinely compete for a senior championship, particularly with Áine Connaughton in the form of her life and Jenny Higgins back in action for the club. Finally, it will be a meeting of dark horses in Ballaghaderreen between Éire Óg and St Dominic’s. The visiting side have the depth and physical profile to put themselves right in the championship shake-up, particularly if Aoife Gavin and Aimee O’Connor can rediscover the form that saw them both selected for the county in the past. Éire Óg, meanwhile, have consistently caused problems for the best club sides in the county, and their win in Knockcroghery last year proves they can really test the Doms this week. Pressure on Pearses’ shoulders It might not be what they want to hear down around Woodmount, but they are seen as the champions-in-waiting in the Hannon’s Hotel IFC. If the old adage about needing to lose one in order to win one is true, then they have served their time, and a superb group

of young players should realistically be even stronger in 2026 than they were a year ago. Right now, it is a tightly bunched chasing pack. St Croan’s have the power and quality in the middle third and just need that cutting edge close to goal, which is almost the exact opposite of the situation facing Division Three winners Michael Glaveys. They have county captain Helena Cummins in goal and Niamh Fleming and Sheila Brady scoring freely at the other end, but perhaps not the ball-winning ability they need. Kilbride have put a few very poor league campaigns back-to-back, but they found their form late in last year’s championship, and the scoring power of Aisling Hanly papers over a lot of other cracks. Northern Harps have the raw talent but might need a year to find their feet at this grade, while Western Gaels endured a difficult campaign in 2025 and would have dropped to junior in normal circumstances, so retaining intermediate status might represent a good year for them. The Castlerea Recycling JFC has already got underway with two eye-catching results, as Four Roads and Oran enjoyed comprehensive wins over Castlerea St Kevin’s and Kilglass Gaels/Kilmore respectively. There is still plenty of time to turn things around, but St Mary’s look like the team to beat based on last year’s championship and league form, while St Faithleach’s were not that far away in 2025. St Michael’s/St Ronan’s, meanwhile, will bounce happily into this campaign on the back of their historic first-ever championship win last year.

Finbar Egan resigns as Roscommon Intermediate LGFA manager

Just a week after guiding Roscommon to the All-Ireland LGFA Intermediate Football Championship title against Fermanagh at Croke Park, Finbar Egan has announced that he is stepping down from his position with immediate effect. Roscommon LGFA confirmed the news on Sunday evening, thanking Egan “for the huge amount of time, effort and commitment” he had given to the role during his two years at the helm. “His professionalism, enthusiasm and genuine commitment to the players have been clear throughout his time as manager, and he leaves his role having made a lasting contribution to Roscommon,” Roscommon LGFA said. Roscommon will play in Division Three of the National League in 2027 but will compete in the Senior Championship following their All-Ireland Intermediate triumph. The process of appointing a new team manager will begin immediately.

Pictured are representatives from Roscommon LGFA teams ahead of the launch of this year’s club season and Senior Championship at sponsor John Keane Kia in Roscommon town.

Roscommon People Friday 14 August 2026

500mb Speeds Full Fibre Broadband d

€39

Per Month h

ardenbroadband.ie ardenbroadband ie 09066 34319

Golf Links Road, Roscommon