Roscommon People - 21 February 2025 by RossiePeople

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Roscommon supporters from left, Maebh Mannion, Catherine Doyle, and Caoimhe Crean pictured after the Allianz Football League Division Two match between Roscommon and Monaghan at King & Mo att Dr Hyde Park last Sunday. Photo by Stephen Marken/Sports le

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Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace

I read a recent news report about a former aviation employee whose health was damaged as a result of being exposed to dangerous chemicals at work. I read that he received a large settlement from the Defence Forces. Are you familiar with this? I believe that I might have a similar case. How will I know if I am entitled to compensation?

I am familiar with the legal case referred to. Exposure to hazardous chemicals in the workplace can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory problems, skin conditions, and long-term diseases. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, employers are obligated to:

• Ensure that the workplace is free from health hazards and that activities prioritize health and safety.

• Identify potential hazards, including chemical risks, and implement measures to mitigate them.

• Equip employees with necessary training and PPE to safely handle hazardous substances.

• Regularly inspect and maintain equipment to prevent leaks or spills of dangerous chemicals. Failure to adhere to these responsibilities can make an employer liable for any resulting injuries or illnesses. Injuries resulting from chemical exposure can vary depending on the substance and level of exposure. Common injuries include:

• Respiratory Issues: Inhalation of toxic gases like chlorine or ammonia can cause immediate damage to the respiratory system, leading to symptoms such as nausea, fainting, and impaired senses.

• Skin Conditions: Direct contact with hazardous chemicals can result in burns, irritation, or allergic reactions.

• Long-Term Diseases: Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals, such as asbestos or benzene, can lead to chronic conditions like cancer or organ damage.

If you believe that you have been exposed to harmful chemicals at work and suffered an injury as a result, I suggest that you make immediate contact with your solicitor. As with any personal injury action, time is very much of the essence. Your solicitor will seek to determine whether your employer failed to meet their legal obligations, leading to your injury or illness.

This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor. Byrne Carolan Cunningham have o ces in Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough and Galway.

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

With PAUL HEALY

WATCHING People

Pen pals with Taoiseach (and Trump)

You’re saying the Taoiseach wrote to… YOU?!

Yes! A letter from the ofﬁce of An Taoiseach! Hah! From the OFFICE of An Taoiseach!

So NOT personal correspondence!

Actually, my cynical friend, it’s made very clear in the letter that the issues I raised were brought to Deputy Martin’s personal attention!

Huh! By the way, I thought you wrote to the Taoiseach in December… he wasn’t in any hurry to reply to you! Just shows you’re not on his radar! All your wafﬂe about having political contacts at the highest level!

Well, the reply was delayed because there was a slight… diplomatic matter. Huh?

When I sent the letter off before Christmas, I wasn’t sure if the new Taoiseach would be Mr Martin or Mr Harris, so I wrote ‘To Whom It May Concern’… I think Deputy Martin might have been put out by that! Oh dear!

(They pause to watch Celtic’s fantastic performance against Bayern Munich)

So, what were these issues you raised with the Taoiseach?

My advice on how to solve the housing crisis…

Yes…

And I asked if he’d personally intervene in the plastic caps/lids debacle!

Endangered Species

Thebarstoolboyos

Oh dear! No doubt some eye-rolling intern ﬁred off a standard reply to you…

The letter CLEARLY states that Deputy Martin was pleased to hear from me and that he’s giving careful consideration to the issues I raised…

So what’s next? You might as well write to President Trump while you’re at it! AGAIN?

What do you mean?

I’m gone mad writing letters to people in power. I’ve already written to Mr Trump, advising him that I have relations in Clare – which I do – and that I’m an established columnist with a much-loved community newspaper… who would be, er, favourably disposed towards him if he could grant me an interview when he inevitably visits Doonbeg.

YOU HAVEN’T!

I even suggested myself and Davy Fitzgerald could play himself and vice-president Vance in a game of golf!

Huh! You’ll be waiting a long time for a reply from the White House… Not so! I received an ofﬁcial reply… from the ofﬁce of the President! He’s acknowledged my letter. The president’s schedule is “under constant review”. They’ll get back to me…

Oh let’s go for a pint before this gets any more ridiculous…

Give me two minutes. I’m just ﬁnishing a letter to the main man… Who now? THE POPE? Here, let me get you the address. Vati… Don’t be so sarcastic! I’m writing to Michael Healy-Rae on the plastic bottle caps, they reckon he’ll be in charge of the country in March when the rest of the ministers are all gone abroad for St Patrick’s Day!

It’s been a GOOD week for…

Roscommon footballers, who moved into sole leadership of Division Two of the Allianz Football League after winning their top-of-the-table clash against Monaghan at Dr Hyde Park

The oft-maligned but currently ﬂourishing League of Ireland, with an amazing attendance of 33,208 for the opening round game between Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers at the Aviva Stadium (an all-time record attendance for the domestic league)

It’s been a BAD week for…

Some residents of an ‘upmarket area’ in Edinburgh (as reported by BBC), this because a giant inﬂatable dome (which houses tennis courts) erected in Stockbridge has allegedly blighted views of the area’s picturesque Georgian architecture, and also kept locals awake at night

PIC OF THE WEEK: The anguish of defeat in a big game is etched on the faces of these Mercy College Roscommon players. They lost narrowly to Colaiste Mhuire, Johnstown in last Saturday’s All-Ireland Camogie nal, but can be so proud of their great campaign. Photo: Michael Finan

Roscommon continues to lag behind in IDA site visits

New figures confirm a familiar trend

< EMMETT CORCORAN

Roscommon remains one of the most underserved counties in Ireland when it comes to IDA-facilitated site visits, with just seven recorded in 2024. While this is a slight increase from four visits in 2023 and three in 2022, it remains far behind other counties in the region and vastly lower than national trends.

The figures, released in response to a parliamentary question by Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford), highlight the ongoing disparity in foreign direct investment (FDI) activity between different counties.

Then-Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) attempted to downplay the significance of site visit numbers, stating that they are “only one measure of a company’s interest in a particular location.” However, for counties like Roscommon – where FDI-backed job creation remains minimal – the lack of site visits is indicative of a broader failure to attract investment and opportunities.

Roscommon’s seven visits in 2024 pale in comparison to larger urban centres but also lag behind several neighbouring counties. Galway, for instance, recorded 34 visits, while Westmeath received 18 and Sligo had eight. Leitrim (1), Longford (2), and Mayo (1), also struggled with low numbers, remaining in a similar category to Roscommon of being largely overlooked for IDAbacked investment.

Nationally, Dublin (221 visits), Cork (41), and Limerick (38) continue to dominate the FDI landscape. While Dublin’s strategic importance as the capital is clear, the sharp contrast between site visits in the West and Midlands compared to more urban regions reflects a failure to push balanced economic development across the country.

While Minister Burke insists that

70% of IDA-backed investment comes from existing companies rather than new entrants, this does little to reassure counties like Roscommon, which lack a strong base of multinational employers to begin with. Without site visits, the chances of securing FDIbacked jobs remain slim, further entrenching economic imbalances between urban centres and rural counties.

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A thank you to the people of Roscommon

CHARLIE O’BRIEN ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT

Dear friends,

I would like to take this opportunity to confirm that I am retiring from my role at Rosmed Pharmacy, located at Golf Links Road, Ballypheasan, Roscommon.

I am taking this measure for practical reasons, i.e. on health grounds, namely open heart surgery and an amputation.

I started out in business in Roscommon town in 1987 when I assumed ownership of Guerin’s Pharmacy in Castle Street.

It has been my great privilege and pleasure to have served the community as a pharmacist in the years since.

In relation to the health issues that have led to my decision to retire, I want to extend my deepest thanks to and admiration for the standard of care afforded me by all the staff of UCHG during my heart surgery and amputation. One could simply not pay the nursing staff enough for their care and compassion!

The staff of the dialysis unit in No 7 Merlin Park Hospital, and the staff of Merlin (Unit) 4 also deserve credit and immense thanks and gratitude for their continuing care for all their patients. They do amazing work and should get due recognition for this.

STAFF AND PUBLIC

As I announce my retirement, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all my co-workers over the years. My thanks to each and every one of them for their professionalism, courtesy and friendship.

In particular, I would like to thank my co-worker Marie Kelly, who has remained a loyal friend and support over the years, standing by me through thick and thin.

I also wish to take this opportunity to thank all the people who were loyal to me and my co-workers over the years, going back to 1987 and ever since. Your support and loyalty is much appreciated and will never be forgotten.

Finally, it with regret that I take this decision to retire from Rosmed, but the time to do so has come! However, I will still be available for consultation, on 087 9683287.

In the meantime, my thanks again to everyone for their support, and very best wishes to all my friends in Roscommon.

Signed: Charlie O’Brien

Millennium-year class to open time capsule 25 years on!

< EMMETT CORCORAN

A unique reunion will take place next month as past pupils of Roscommon Vocational School’s millennium-year class return to their old school to revisit the words of their teenage selves.

In 2000, then-teacher Tom Costello encouraged students to write letters outlining their lives, aspirations, and dreams for the future. These letters were sealed and placed in safekeeping at Roscommon Credit Union, with Mr Costello promising to return them 25 years later. Now retired, he has made good on that promise, with the letters set to be handed back on Saturday, 1st of March 2025, at 7 pm at Roscommon Community College.

The event will allow former students to reconnect with classmates and teachers, many of whom they have not seen in decades. The school, now operating under its new name, was also home to a physical time capsule, buried in 2000 and filled with memorabilia reflecting life at the turn of the century.

Alongside Tom Costello, Deputy Principal Jude Lohan, Principal Georgina Keena, Patricia Beirne, and Sean Mooney have played a key role in organising the event.

Speaking ahead of the reunion, Mr Costello said the event is about more than just retrieving letters – it is a chance to reflect on how lives have changed, the ambitions that were realised, and the paths that took unexpected turns.

Speaking to the Roscommon People, Mr Costello said the principal at the time, Paddy McGarry was very anxious to produce a Millennium time capsule.

At the turn of the Millennium, 200 or so students attended the school. He fondly recalled

the pupils bringing in tapes and other popular items. The main time capsule was to be kept encapsulated for a lifetime and is located on the campus near the main entrance to the school, marked with a plaque.

Mr Costello told the Roscommon People that the pupils were curious about when they’d see their precious mementos again, and he reckoned it wouldn’t be in any of their lifetimes. So, a plan was afoot… in the form of a second time capsule

that would be opened a quarter century later.

Mr Costello said: “We made and kept a photocopy of the original letters the children wrote. The he originals were out in the main capsule but we sealed the copies and left them in the credit union.

“One student volunteered to read out his letter at the formal gathering in 2000. It is hoped he can attend, but he is living in Australia now; he’ll join by Zoom, hopefully, if he can’t make it in person.”

Mr Costello continued: “Those who are no longer with us will be remembered in a kind way on the night. And it’s important to know that no one will be compelled to open their envelopes on the night but are welcome to.

“Some of what was written in the letters were deeply personal. Very private thoughts locked in time. Those who cannot attend will have their sealed envelopes returned to them if they are living abroad or can’t make it for whatever reason.”

Reflection and remembrance

The gathering will include tea, coffee, and a commemorative cake, baked by current students of Roscommon Community College. While the event is expected to be filled with nostalgia, it will also carry moments of poignancy, as classmates and teachers who have passed away over the years will be remembered.

While efforts have been made to contact past students, organisers acknowledge that many have moved away. Anyone who attended Roscommon Vocational School in 2000 is invited to attend, along with former staff. For more information or to confirm attendance, contact: rosvocational2000@gmail.com

Several hospitalised after Kiltoom crash

In the early hours of Sunday morning, a three-car collision took place in Moyvannion, Kiltoom, County Roscommon. The collision which took place at approximately 4.30 pm on February 16th outside Athlone resulted in several individuals being hospitalised. Emergency services responded promptly to the scene and a number of people were taken to hospital to be treated for injuries which Gardaí said they believed to be “non-life threatening”.

Day services for dementia patients

Western Alzheimer’s Day Care Service – which operates at Fourmilehouse, Kilbride, Roscommon (circa 7km from Roscommon Town) – would like to advise that they have availability for dementia patients on Mondays and Wednesdays. Families living with dementia are invited to avail of the Day Care from 10 am to 3 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Kilbride Community Centre. The service provides a range of meaningful and recreational activities for attendees in a safe, socially inclusive, friendly, and welcoming environment. Warm meals are provided and trained staff are on hand to provide care throughout. Please be advised that the local link bus service is in operation on Mondays only. Expressions of interest for availing of the service can be made to the Head Office on 094 93664900.

RTE to televise Mass from Roscommon

This Sunday’s televised Mass by RTE will be from the Sacred Heart Church in Roscommon town. Fr Kevin Fallon and representatives of the youth of Roscommon Parish will take the lead in celebrating the Mass, taking place at 11 am on Sunday, February 23rd, 2025. The live broadcast begins at 11 am on RTE 1 TV and RTE Radio 1 Extra/LW252.

Time capsule: Pictured are Sean Mooney, Patricia Beirne and Tom Costello.

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Four arrested as part of Garda operation on organised crime

Gardaí have arrested four men following a major search operation spanning four counties as part of ongoing investigations into an organised crime group suspected of serious criminal activity in East Galway and surrounding areas.

The coordinated operation took place on the morning of the 12th of February across Galway, Roscommon, Westmeath, and Offaly.

Six residential properties in Ballinasloe, Co Galway; Taughmaconnell and Athlone, Co

Roscommon; Athlone, Co Westmeath; and Banagher and Cloghan, Co Offaly, were searched.

The four men, three in their 20s and one in his 30s, were held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at various stations in the Garda North Western Region.

Gardaí believe the group has been involved in a range of serious offences, including ﬁrearms possession and discharge, drug dealing, drugrelated intimidation, burglaries, and violent

assaults. During the searches, ofﬁcers seized two vehicles, mobile phones, and an assortment of weapons, including a machete, knives, a cattle prod, and a taser. The large-scale operation involved Gardaí from multiple divisions, including Galway, Westmeath, and Offaly, supported by the Armed Support Unit from both the North Western and Eastern Regions. Investigations into the organised crime group remain ongoing.

14 residents moved as IPAS centre closed

Roscommon County Council has conﬁrmed the closure of a building known as Egan’s Town House in Boyle in response to safety concerns.

The property is designated for housing individuals seeking international protection.

On Thursday, February 13th, a closure notice was issued under the Fire Services Act by the local Fire Authority, highlighting the immediate risks associated with the property.

The building was hosting 14

residents under the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS). Consequently, the national authority with responsibility for the International Protection Procurement Service has relocated these individuals to a centre in Galway for their safety.

Roscommon’s Local Authority Integration Team (LAIT) has coordinated with their counterparts in Galway to ensure that all necessary support systems are in place for the relocated residents.

Multimillion euro Boyle library project goes to tender

 EMMETT CORCORAN

A new 5,000 sq ft library for Boyle, which was granted planning permission in 2022, has ofﬁcially gone out to tender on eTenders. The estimated cost of the project is €4.2m, exclusive of VAT.

The new library, which will be located at the rear of the old Royal Hotel in Boyle, will be fully accessible and suitable for the

delivery of innovative library services into the future. The modern two-storey design, when completed, will replace the public library currently located in the nearby King House in Boyle. The tender notes: “This purpose-built community facility will form part of a programme of development to regenerate the centre of the town. It will be located in the Cultural Quarter of Boyle as Outlined in Boyle 2040.”

In 2018, Boyle 2040 – the plan to create a reimagined, unique and interesting town centre for Boyle – was launched by the then-Minister for Communications Denis Naughten.

A key document for the town’s regeneration, Boyle 2040 regularly references the great asset that the river is to the town. The spaces of the new library that are orientated to the river will include ﬂoor-to-ceiling glazing, connecting it with external spaces.

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Ruby Caldbeck, who represented Ireland at the Dance Word Cup Championships, pictured at a recent Civic Reception in Roscommon Arts Centre with Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice (left) and Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan (right). Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

WEDNESDAY

Cycle of life…

So I’m parking the car in Abbey Street this morning, unaware that I was about to witness a commendable attempt to break the world land speed record. Well, I exaggerate… a little. Still, it was a bit much. As I emerged from my car, a young lad whizzed by at high speed along the footpath… peddling a bicycle.

What if someone had been emerging from any of the ofﬁces or houses on the street just as this cyclist was travelling past?

I don’t necessarily wish to be a party to dampening the exuberance of youth, but really, the moral of the story (for cyclists of all ages) is: footpaths are paths for people to walk on. They are not for bicycles. Good morning. I will now have a cup of tea and google ‘Do people get grumpier as they get older?’

THURSDAY

Cycle of life (2)

In more bikes-on-footpaths news, after a meeting in Longford town this morning, I was walking… along a footpath. From behind came a slightly impatient demand: “Excuse me!”

I had moved aside before realising my fellow traveller was a man on a bicycle, complete with raingear and a bunch of ﬂowers (Valentine’s Day). Declining to acknowledge my prompt stepping aside, the romantic rider carried on… cycling along the footpath.

What is going on?

THURSDAY/FRIDAY

A communal sadness

A sense of lingering disbelief permeated the bitterly cold air in Ballintubber on Thursday evening. Disbelief that the village’s ‘Go to’ man has slipped away, that we are here, in huge, numbed numbers, for this reason. Hardly anyone spoke. A communal sadness and silence bonded the tapestry of mourners.

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

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

When we eventually reached the entrance to the old schoolhouse, it was immensely poignant. A montage of photos and newspaper/social media extracts reminded us of the remarkable breadth of Tony’s community work over the decades.

The late Anthony (Tony) Waldron touched lives far beyond Ballintubber, but there was a real sense in the village on Thursday evening of how personal his untimely passing is to the people there. It’s a beautiful village, lovingly maintained by a close-knit community. Over the years, I have observed the pride of place that is so evident in Ballintubber. This is a great community… and Tony Waldron, who died unexpectedly on Sunday, 9th of February last, was at the heart of everything positive there.

On Thursday, the photos really got to me… Tony’s central role in so many projects poignantly celebrated. There was one of Tony – as ever, the dapper dresser – chaperoning then-President Mary Robinson, many more of him with locals… images that evocatively linked milestones of a community’s ongoing development.

On Friday, the gifts brought up to the altar included Roscommon and

Mayo jerseys, a Joe Dolan album, and the mobile phone that Tony always seemed to be on.

In his Homily, Fr Julian Lupot movingly highlighted what the late councillor meant to people locally. Referencing the Liveline promotional line – ‘Talk to Joe’ – the priest said that in the Ballintubber area, you talked to Tony if you needed help. He painted a picture of Tony which those who knew him could immediately identify with, that of him parked in his car, engaged in a phone call, slips of paper strewn around. Bonnie Garvey delivered a lovely, heartfelt tribute. A niece of Tony’s sang a beautiful version of one of his favourite songs… ‘The Parting Glass’. David Waldron – his voice breaking at times – spoke of his brother’s “brilliant smile” and “contagious laugh”, while also thanking the people of Ballintubber for lovingly embracing their sibling. Tony’s integrity, generosity of spirit, compassion, kindness and relentlessly selﬂess dedication to helping others throughout his life was celebrated. This was a ﬁtting send-off to a local community’s departed champion.

So ﬁll to me the parting glass And drink a health whate’er befalls Then gently rise and softly call Good night and joy be to you all

(From ‘The Parting Glass’)

FRIDAY

Wrong host?

The most frustrating aspect of Patrick Kielty’s vapid interview with the brilliant Steve Coogan on the Late Late Show tonight was the fact that it wasn’t Tommy Tiernan’s interview with the brilliant Steve Coogan.

SATURDAY

Hitting right notes

Kerry v Dublin is ‘a dual that has gripped people for decades’ The Sunday Game tweeted by way of promoting this evening’s big game in Tralee.

I wasn’t quite as excited as the person looking after digital media for the RTE show, nor did I agree with their assessment; Kerry v Dublin is more a duel than a dual, I reckon. Still, I dipped into RTE’s live coverage to see if this latest meeting

between the two big beasts of the GAA would be in keeping with the spirit of the misspelt marketing. The early action from Tralee had Kerry threatening to humiliate the Dubs. 12 points ahead at one stage, by halftime the Kingdom were 11 clear. Even with a strong wind blowing, it looked like game over. I almost switched over to the ﬁnal of The Masked Singer, where a Pufferﬁsh was in a duel (not dual) with a Dressed Crab.

The second half saw Dessie Farrell’s Dubs slowly reel Kerry into view, before remarkably overhauling them with a ﬂurry of great, late scores. It turns out that reports of Dublin’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. They won by a point, a pretty sensational turnaround, and a ﬁrst win in 40 years in Tralee for the Dubs. Things may be looking up for Dublin football!

On nearby Virgin Media, Putterﬁsh won its duel with the crab on The Masked Singer.

SUNDAY

Not bowled over

Some topical political commentary overheard in Roscommon town…

Man A: “I don’t think Trump wants a bowl of shamrock on St Patrick’s Day…”

Man B: “It’s another green he wants… (reference to Greenland)… then “I bet he’d take the bowl if it was full of dollars!”

MONDAY

Just a thought…

But seriously… there’s still no word of that traditional St Patrick’s Day invite to the White House for the Taoiseach.

Even if/when it does come, I note that radio commentators and doubters on social media are questioning if Micheál Martin would be brave enough to talk tough to Donald Trump… and tell him some blunt home truths.

Has anyone checked if Samantha Mumba’s available?

Flood relief works commence at Lough Funshinagh

Work has ofﬁcially begun on the interim ﬂood relief scheme at Lough Funshinagh, with enabling infrastructure now under construction.

Minister of State for the Ofﬁce of Public Works (OPW), Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran TD, announced that the initial phase, being carried out by a contractor on behalf of Roscommon County Council, is expected to be completed within four weeks.

The works involve setting up a pumping compound, installing overground pipework, and building an outfall structure at the Cross River. Mechanical pumping equipment and pipework

will arrive on-site this week, with full construction and commissioning of the scheme scheduled for completion by the end of March 2025.

Roscommon County Council staff, along with technical and environmental consultants, are overseeing the project, which is being conducted in line with the planning approval granted by An Bord Pleanála in January 2025.

Alongside these interim measures, plans for a permanent solution are progressing, with an application to be submitted to An Bord Pleanála by late 2025.

EDF Renewables Ireland to host public exhibition on proposed Roscommon wind farm

EDF Renewables Ireland will hold a public exhibition on its proposed Carrowkeel Wind Farm at Athleague Community Centre on the 27th of February from 2 pm to 7 pm.

Located 14km northwest of Athlone, the project will have a generating capacity of 24 megawatts, enough to power 16,000 homes. If approved, it will feature up to four turbines (185m tip height) and include access tracks, a substation, battery storage, a meteorological mast, and a grid connection to the national electricity grid.

A Community Beneﬁt Fund will be established, supporting local initiatives, similar to EDF Renewables’ projects in Wexford and

Kilkenny, which provided nearly €50,000 to local groups last year.

Paul Gallagher, Head of Onshore Technologies at EDF Renewables Ireland, said: “Since 2020, renewable energy projects have cut electricity bills by an average of €320 per person. The more renewable energy projects we can deliver, the more we can drive down bills.”

He added: “We’re committed to being good neighbours in the communities around all our projects, and public consultation is a crucial part of that.”

According to EDF Renewables, Wind farms in Roscommon have already saved over 126,000 tonnes of carbon emissions, invested over €200,000 in community funds,

and contributed €1.75m in commercial rates.

The project was ﬁrst announced in November 2023. Following this third round of public consultation with the local community, the project team intends to submit a planning application and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report in support of the project to Roscommon County Council in the summer of 2025.

The exhibition will provide details on environmental studies, project timelines, and visual impact assessments. No registration is required, and all are welcome. A virtual exhibition will also be available at www.edf-re.ie/our-sites/ carrowkeel

Carrowkeel Wind Farm

– Public Exhibition

EDF Renewables Ireland will hold a public exhibition on its proposed Carrowkeel Wind Farm from 2 pm to 7 pm on Thursday 27 February, at the Athleague Community Centre, Athleague Main St, F42 P440.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend to meet with the project team and learn more about the project.

For more information please contact our Community Liaison O cers Anita O’Toole (087 494 5547) or James McDermott (087 051 4258), or see www.edf-re.ie/our-sites/carrowkeel

Water levels at Lough Funshinagh pictured in Februrary 2024.

Roscommon Town Integrated Urban Strategy

Consultation & Community Engagement

Roscommon County Council is preparing an Integrated Urban Strategy specifically for Roscommon Town, focusing on two local authority owned sites. This initiative aims to address issues related to town centre regeneration, vacancy and dereliction, with a particular emphasis on the reuse and regeneration of the built heritage unique to Roscommon Town. The process is designed to identify viable, impactful interventions that benefit the entire town.

Two local authority owned sites, Bank House and Edenville House will be explored in preparing the strategy, using a multidisciplinary, participatory, and community-led approach. We value the engagement of the community and encourage your participation at the consultation event, in Gleeson’s Townhouse on Thursday, February 27th, at 7:30 PM.

We have prepared a questionnaire in advance to help us understand your views on the project. Please scan the QR code below to complete:

Everyone is welcome to join and share their thoughts.

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

DÚNADH SEALADACH BÓITHRE ACHT NA mBÓITHRE 1993, ALT 75 RIALACHÁIN UM BÓITHRE 1994, AIRTEAGAL 12

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

Road Reference Townland Closure duration Section of Closure Proposed Diversion

LS-5640 Cashel (ED Bellanagare) From 19th March 2025 to 18th March 2026

L-6023

LS-5629

Cartronagor From 19th March 2025 to 18th March 2026

Dungar From 19th March 2025 to 18th March 2026

Length of closure 150m. Closure starting 100m from Junction with LS5641 and finishing 250m from Junction with LS5641

SCHEDULE

Length of closure 150m. Closure starts 100m from Junction with R369 and finishing 50m from Junction with L-6023

Length of closure 130m. Closure starts 400m from the Junction with the N5 and finishing 530m from the Junction with the N5

Diversion will be by the N5 heading towards Bellanagare Village, and turning left onto the L-5640

Diversion will be by the L-6023

Diversion will be the N5 to Frenchpark, along the R361 to the south end of the LS-5629

Tá cinneadh déanta ag Comhairle Contae Ros Comáin an bóthar atá leagtha amach sa sceideal thíos a dhúnadh ar feadh na dtréimhsí agus ar an gcúis a shonraítear thíos.

Sonraí na mbóithre Baile fearainn Fad an dúnta An chuid den bhóthar a bheidh dúnta An malairt slí a mholtar

LS-5640 Caiseal (toghroinn Bhéal Átha na gCarr) Ón 19 Márta 2025 go dtí an 18 Márta 2026

L-6023

LS-5629

Cartronagor Ón 19 Márta 2025 go dtí an 18 Márta 2026

Dún Gair Ón 19 Márta 2025 go dtí an 18 Márta 2026

Fad an dúnta 150m. Tosaíonn an dúnadh 100m ón Acomhal leis an LS-5641 agus críochnaíonn sé 530m ón Acomhal leis an LS-5641

SCHEDULE

Fad an dúnta 150m. Tosaíonn an dúnadh 100m ón Acomhal leis an R369 agus críochnaíonn sé 530m ón Acomhal leis an L-6023

Fad an dúnta 130m. Tosaíonn an dúnadh 400m ón Acomhal leis an N5 agus críochnaíonn sé 530m ón Acomhal leis an N5

Malairt slí: an N5 i dtreo sráidbhaile Bhéal Átha na gCarr, ag casadh ar chlé ar an L-5640

Malairt slí: L-6023

Malairt slí: an N5 go Dún Gar, feadh an R361 go dtí an taobh ó dheas den LS-5629

Reason for Closures: To facilitate N5 Road Project

An chúis leis an nDúnadh: Tionscadal Bóithre an N5 a éascú

Reason for Closures: To facilitate N5 Road Project

Greg O’Donnell

Acting Director of Services

Greg O’Donnell Acting Director of Services

Greg O’Donnell Stiúrthóir Gníomhach Seirbhísí

Edenville House

Bank House

‘Recovery from Trauma’ course at Vita House

A ‘Recovery from Trauma’ course with Principal Clinical Psychologist Dr Brian McClean is being hosted at Vita House, Abbey Street, Roscommon from Wednesday, February 26th. This course will outline practical steps for getting through trauma. People often think of trauma as something that happened in the past but in fact it’s the way we respond to things in the present; it’s how we react to the body’s ‘alarm system’, how we respond to memories,

and how we deal with that anxiety within ourselves.

The eight-week course will examine how trauma affects the human body and what people can do to deal with this and live more mindfully in the present.

This IACP CPD approved course will run for eight weeks from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm. The fee is €180. If you would like to take part, please call 090 662 5898.

The Farming Rathcroghan CLG is delivering a unique farming, archaeological and cultural heritage project under the Just Transition Fund 2024-2026. The organisation now seeks the services of a Communications Officer/Administrative to be part of this exciting project development to ensure all related public relations are managed, supported and coordinated.

The position will be part time and based at the Farming Rathcroghan Project Office with opportunities for remote working subject to agreement and requirements. General duties and responsibilities include promotions and publicity, public and community engagement, media networking, social media platforms and online presence and disseminating information.

Full details are available on the Farming Rathcroghan website www.farmingrathcroghan.ie or from Project Manager, Richie Farrell. Ph: 086-1704113. Email: richie@farmingrathcroghan.ie

Applications and CVs can be posted to Project Manager, Farming Rathcroghan, Cavepark, Glenballythomas, Tulsk, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. F45TE26.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 14th March at 5.00pm

Manager of Roscommon Arts Centre Catherine Lee pictured with artist Jessica Weber Patterson and Roscommon Arts Officer Rhona McGrath at the ‘True Colours Shining Through’ art exhibition opening at Roscommon Arts Centre. See page 22. Pic: Brian Farrell

Over €22m in roads funding for Roscommon

< EMMETT CORCORAN

The Government has announced €713m in funding for regional and local roads across the country, representing an 8% increase on last year’s allocation.

Roscommon has received a significant €22,990,000 allocation, which newly-appointed senator Gareth Scahill described as “essential for improving the safety and quality of roads across the county.”

He added: “ This essential investment will have a huge impact for towns, villages, and communities all over Roscommon.”

Sligo-Leitrim TD and Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education Marian Harkin welcomed the announcement, highlighting the allocations for her constituency: “I am delighted to see the increased allocations across the three counties, with €18,883,000 for Sligo,

€14,476,650 for Leitrim, and €42,425,000 for Donegal. This represents increases of 13%, 10%, and 17% respectively.”

Minister Harkin emphasised the impact the funding will have on rural communities: “A decent road infrastructure is essential for road safety, connectivity, and the commercial life of our communities.”

The funding includes €225,750 for seven climate change adaptation projects in Roscommon and an additional €250,000 for smaller-scale road improvements under the Specific Grant category.

Senator Scahill also acknowledged the work of local councillors Liam Callaghan and Domnick Connolly, noting their role in advocating for these improvements.

Comparing the funding levels, Roscommon’s allocation is higher than Leitrim’s €14.47m and Sligo’s €18.88m. Donegal, with its larger geographical area, has received the highest amount in the region at €42.42m.

Countdown to Roscommon Community Challenge 2025

Interest and excitement are mounting with just over two weeks to go until the 2025 Roscommon Community Challenge. This promises to be a great weekend of activity in and around Roscommon Town.

The fun starts on Friday, March 7th, with a choice of either an 8km or 5 km timed Moonlight Walk or run, starting at 8 pm sharp from Roscommon Community Sports Park, Lisnamult. On Saturday morning, March 8th, comes the welcome return of the lovely Cycle Challenge. This will start at 9 am and will see cyclists wind their way through 70km of Roscommon and East Galway scenery.

A short stop midway, hot refreshments, and showers upon return are all included in the price of entering.

Proceeds from the event will go to Roscommon Community Sports Park and Roscommon Special Olympics, who provide year-long activities and sports for children and adults with special and additional needs. It is a thriving club with almost 60 members.

The link to register for this event is as follows: eventbrite. com/e/1214677476029. Organisers are looking forward to welcoming all to the start line and express their gratitude for all the support they have received over the last while.

GRETB teachers champion ethos at ETBI Conference

Representatives of Galway and Roscommon Educational Training Board (GRETB) attended the recent ETBI Let’s Talk Ethos Symposium 2025, which took place in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise.

The symposium, attended by 200 delegates, delved into the patrons’ curricula for ETB schools, including ‘Goodness Me

Goodness You!’ and ‘Identity, Multi-Belief and Values Education (IMBVE)’. Dr Anne Marie Kavanagh from DCU delivered a keynote speech on the importance of valuing students’ identities and backgrounds through the curriculum. Participants also engaged in workshops on anti-racism, classroom conflict, and traveller education.

Director of Schools Sinead Farragher, Lisa Tannian (St Brigid’s College, Loughrea) and Joanne Cleary (IMBVE teacher) pictured at the recent ETBI Let’s Talk Ethos Symposium, representing GRETB. Pic: Melissa Mannion.

Pope appoints Bishop Doran to serve two dioceses concurrently

He will serve as Bishop of Achonry and Bishop of Elphin

EMMETT CORCORAN



Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Kevin Doran to concurrently serve as Bishop of Achonry and Bishop of Elphin, uniting the two dioceses under his pastoral leadership. This decision, announced last Sunday, follows a period of

reorganisation within the ecclesiastical province of Tuam. Bishop Doran, born on June 26th 1953, in Dublin, was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Dublin on July 6th 1977. He has served as Bishop of Elphin since his appointment on May 14th 2014, and subsequent episcopal ordination on 13 July 2014. In April 2024, he was designated Apostolic Administrator of Achonry, a temporary role that has now transitioned into his formal appointment as Bishop of Achonry. The uniﬁcation of the dioceses “in

persona episcopi” allows both to maintain their distinct identities while sharing a single bishop. This move aims to address evolving pastoral needs and optimise resources within the region.

In his address at the Cathedral of the Annunciation and Saint Nathy in Ballaghaderreen, Bishop Doran expressed his commitment to fostering unity: “I gladly accept my responsibility as Bishop of the two Dioceses to work with you as we grow together into that unity to which we are called.”

Archbishop Francis Duffy of Tuam welcomed the appointment, noting that it reflects proactive engagement with the Holy See’s vision for diocesan reorganisation. He commended Bishop Doran for diligently consulting with the faithful and embracing the path toward unified governance. This development signifies a significant step in the ongoing reorganisation within the Province of Tuam, aiming to enhance pastoral care and mission effectiveness across both dioceses.

All-Ireland Senior Schools Golf champions Leah Lennon, Olivia Costello, and Anna Higgins pictured at a recent Civic Reception in Roscommon Arts Centre with Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice (left) and Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan (right). Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

Crime without punishment

It’s Monday morning, and law and order is on my mind, as to all intents and purposes it seems to have almost completely broken down in this great land of (once upon a time) saints and scholars. In September 2024, to great fanfare, an order was brought in by then-Justice Minister, Helen McEntee, to increase the maximum sentences for four different kniferelated offences. Ms McEntee said at the time that the changes to the law would “further help to keep knives and other offensive weapons off our streets”.

Now I have no doubt that the minister meant well, and that she really felt that the new punishments would make people think twice about carrying knives – and sadly being prepared to use them in the event of conﬂict – but from what I can see barely a day goes by without someone somewhere in Ireland suffering either very serious, or even fatal injuries as a result of a knife-related attack.

Among the high proﬁle stabbings that have occurred on our island in the last while was the attack on an army chaplain in Galway, the terrible multi-stabbings on children in Parnell Square in Dublin – which led to a ﬁve-year-old girl being critically injured and spending almost a year in hospital – and in the last week or so we had three men injured after being randomly attacked in Stoneybatter. All three victims were totally innocent, one being slashed across the neck as he opened the front door to his home. All three were hospitalised, two with serious injuries.

Then on Friday night in Dublin City centre, we had a 30-year-old male being stabbed to death after some type of altercation, with shocking video footage showing a masked man brandishing a large kitchen knife more or less running wild prior to the incident on South Anne Street. And so the evidence would suggest that the measures taken by our legislators are simply not working, and the punishments need to be much tougher for not only knife crime, but for crime in general.

I have said it many times before but some of our judges seem to go out of their way to be kind to some of our worst criminals, with often bizarrely lenient sentencing.

Then this week, in a totally different type of crime, but a crime nonetheless, we read where fake porn images of Grainne Seoige were circulated online prior to her election bid in November.

For Ms Seoige, the decision to enter the race for the Dáil, and a subsequent failed bid to get to the Seanad, seems to have had a detrimental effect on her life, and she now says she is unemployed for the ﬁrst time.

The bigger picture tells us that nobody is safe from crime, be it online scams or fake pornographic images or physical attacks. All told, everything adds up to a society where law and order seems to me to have broken down. We are used to almost non-stop coverage of the problems in the HSE and of the housing crisis too. Let us hope our new Government don’t overlook the fact that crime is a huge concern to most law-abiding folk in the country.

Even though the knife crimes I highlighted happened mostly in the cities, rural Ireland feels very vulnerable and isolated, and many lonely older folk who are living on their own are terriﬁed that criminals will target them and subject them to often horriﬁc ordeals in their own homes.

Mourning the loss of two talented young sportstars

Our columnist Frank Brandon on the tragic recent passings of Galway boxer John Cooney and Cork jockey Michael O’Sullivan, the worrying rise in crime and lenient sentencing, and musings on the success of women’s sport in recent years…

I have often talked about sport, and how important it is to people like me. It has the ability to cheer me up, lift me to euphoric highs indeed, as well as the ability to do the opposite by plunging me into something akin to depression – all depending on the result or performance of an individual or team.

However, as a rule of thumb sport is something that shouldn’t be taken too seriously, and should be mostly used and appreciated for recreational purposes, and so on this Sunday evening (as I write) it’s desperately sad to reﬂect on the death in Ireland over the last week or so of two very talented and dedicated young sportsmen.

On Saturday of last week, 28-year-old Galway boxer, John Cooney, passed away a week after being injured in a superfeatherweight fight up in Belfast. He was defending his Celtic super-featherweight title against Welshman, Nathan Howells, when the fight was stopped in the ninth round. Subsequently John was transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital, where after surgery to relieve pressure on his brain, he died a week later. His funeral took place in Galway during the week, and his organs were donated to help save the lives of five different people.

Evidencing how hard it can be to make it as a professional boxer, Cooney worked as a barber three days a week in Galway and trained for his boxing career the other four. His dream was to settle down and have a family with his ﬁancee, Emmaleen.

Sadly he will never realise what was a pretty simple and normal dream, and it was poignant that the Galway champion boxer was laid to rest on St Valentine’s Day.

Then today, Sunday, comes the news that jockey, Michael O’Sullivan, a native of County Cork, has also passed away after suffering serious injuries in a fall in Thurles on February 6th. The jockey, who was only 24 years of age, was already hugely successful, with several big winners to his name, including two successes at the Cheltenham Festival.

After coming to prominence in 2023, he was regularly called upon by the king of National Hunt racing, Willie Mullins, to partner some of his superstar horses. That in itself tells us how highly he was rated in the sport.

Mullins, paying tribute to the young jockey, said he will be much missed in Mullins’ Closutton yard and that Closutton will be a much poorer place without him. Everyone talked about how talented he was, and that he would have had a great career ahead of him, but sadly it wasn’t to be. His organs were also donated so both of those young men will have made a huge difference to other patients and their families.

I suppose the truth is that both of the sports they were involved in would be classed as high risk, but there are many other sports out there that could be considered dangerous – rugby, hurling, motorsport and cycling would spring to mind, but thankfully fatalities in any sport are very rare.

It’s almost unprecedented to lose one sportsman to injury. To lose two in little more than a week is terribly sad. My deepest sympathies go to the families of both hugely talented young sportsmen. May they rest in peace.

And ﬁnally…

Of the many social changes that have taken place in my lifetime, one of the most rewarding has been the emergence of female sportspeople and their justiﬁed recognition as superstars in many different sports on the world stage.

In the past, the participation of women in contact sports was frowned upon, so much so that in 1947 (a few years before my time) the English FA banned a referee who was associated with a ladies team because “women’s football was bringing the game into disrepute”. Rugby and Gaelic football were around, but there were very few active clubs – it is only in later years that both of those sports have really taken off in Ireland.

On Sunday in Creggs, there were three rugby games involving Creggs teams: a hugely important game for the men’s senior team against Tuam, a big cup match for the 18.5s against Connemara/Oughterard, and finally, an U-14s girls cup match against Buccaneers. Now I had seen both of the earlier games (each of which, by the way, Creggs won), and I am the first to admit that I was on my way home when the girls took the field.

However, I decided to stay put and watch them for a while – and what I witnessed totally amazed me.

The quality of the play from both sides (but particularly Creggs) was quite brilliant, and these young girls played rugby as if they were at it all their lives! And maybe they have been – because being 60-odd years older than them, I (of course) didn’t know any of them. But they sure could play rugby, and they completed the hat-trick of wins on our home pitch.

Sometimes when I look around and see what a huge entity Creggs RFC has become, I don’t deny that I wonder can a little village like ours sustain it. Well, on Sunday on every front, but especially with regard to the U-14 girls, I was reassured. And while I will certainly not be around to see it all, I think the club will be on solid ground for the foreseeable future!

Roll on this Sunday, when the senior men’s team play Castlebar in another must-win game – I can’t wait!

Catherine Lee (manager, Roscommon Arts Centre) and Juley-Ann Collins (creative producer) pictured at the ‘True Colours Shining Through’ art exhibition opening at Roscommon Arts Centre. Pic: Brian Farrell

Smiling ‘mini-rugby’ players pictured in Creggs last weekend.

newsbriefs

South Roscommon Vintage Club Annual Auto Jumble

The South Roscommon Vintage Club Annual Auto Jumble (which was cancelled recently due to Storm Éowyn), has been rescheduled. The event will now be held on Sunday, February 23rd 2025 at Taughmaconnell Community Centre, Ballinasloe (H53 V9D7) from 9 am. Further details may be had by contacting Liam Keogh on 087-7565147.

Bridge club results

The most recent results from the local bridge clubs ae as follows: Roscommon Bridge Club (Club Pairs – Session 1) – 1st: Mary and Terry O’Keeffe; 2nd: Tresina and Tommie Murphy; 3rd: Marie McSharry and Ann Flynn. Happy ‘71 Bridge Club – 1st: Tresina Murphy and Larry Shine; 2nd: Mary and Pearse Mellett; Gross: Joan Donnellan and Margaret Gillen. St Coman’s Bridge Club – 1st: Mary McDermott and Anne Kilduff; 2nd: Geraldine Hoban and Maureen Fallon; Gross: Kitty Dowd and Celia Ansboro. Ballymurry Bridge Club (Club Pairs – Session 1) – 1st: Maria Delaney and Anne Mooney; 2nd: Kitty Blighe and Fiona Neilan; 3rd: Gertie Spillane and Josephine Devaney.

13 patients on trolleys in Portiuncula Hospital

On Tuesday night of this week (February 16th), 623 admitted patients were waiting for beds in hospitals nationally, according to the INMO (Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation) Trolley Watch. This number included 435 patients waiting in emergency departments, while 188 were waiting on wards elsewhere in hospitals. In Ballinasloe’s Portiuncula Hospital, 13 patients were waiting, while in Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar, the most recent figure available related to Monday evening when there were four patients waiting for beds.

Sligo University Hospital had the highest numbers waiting locally on Tuesday, with 38 patients on trolleys at that point in the week.

Two candidates in race at FG co-option convention tonight

Two candidates have been confirmed to contest Fine Gael’s co-option convention to fill the Roscommon County Council seat left vacant by the tragic passing of Cllr John Naughten last October.

Valerie Duffy and Ger Grehan will go forward for selection at the convention, which takes place at the Athlone Springs Hotel

tonight, Thursday, February 20th, at 7.30 pm.

Duffy, a well-known community activist from Moore, has been involved in youth work and is a leading figure in Moore Community Council.

It is understood she was encouraged to put her name forward by the Naughten family.

Ger Grehan, a native of Taughmaconnell, is active in farming circles and currently serves

as chairperson of the Roscommon Ploughing Association. He previously contested the 2019 local elections as a Fine Gael candidate but was unsuccessful. He did not contest the 2024 local elections.

Fine Gael members in the area will now decide who takes the seat at tonight’s selection convention.

Ballymurray Bridge Club donates €1,000 to Irish Kidney Association

The Ballymurray Bridge Club recently presented a cheque for €1,000 to the Roscommon branch of the Irish Kidney Association (IKA). The Bridge Club runs a charity night annually where club members contribute generously to the event.

This year they nominated the Roscommon branch of the Irish Kidney Association as their chosen charity.

The Roscommon branch of the IKA would like to thank them most sincerely for their generous donation.

Pictured (L-R) is Larry Shine (Bridge Coordinator, Ballymurray Bridge Club), Kevin Coyle (President, Ballymurray Bridge Club), Maura Quigley (Secretary, Roscommon IKA), John Cormican (Treasurer, Roscommon IKA), Marian Beirne (Treasurer, Ballymurray Bridge Club), Monica Finn (Roscommon IKA) and Vincent Finan (Chairperson, Roscommon IKA).

Satirical comedy ‘I Do Not Like Thee, Dr Fell’ coming to the Trinity Arts Centre

The satirical comedy ‘I Do Not Like Thee, Dr Fell’ by Bernard Farrell is due for a three-night run at The Trinity Arts Centre in Castlerea.

The show will be performed by Castlerea Drama Group on Thursday, February 27th, Friday the 28th, and Saturday, March 1st.

The public can book their seats through Eventbrite. There will be limited tickets available at the door (see more ticket details in advertisement alongside).

Castlerea Drama Group was founded in 1966, and for many years, under the able direction of the late Michael O’Flynn, the group staged many productions both for the home audience and on the amateur drama circuit.

On three occasions, the group was runner-up in the All-Ireland Confined Festival of Drama with Lennox Robinson’s ‘The Far Off Hills’, Jean Anouilh’s ‘Ring Round The Moon’ and Walter Macken’s ‘Home is The Hero’.

In more recent years the group has staged a variety of plays, including Martin McDonagh’s ‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’, Agatha Christie’s ‘And Then There Were None’ and John B Keane’s ‘The Field’.

Pictured are cast members in rehearsal for Castlerea Drama Group’s upcoming staging of ‘I Do Not Like Thee, Dr Fell’.

Over €140,000 for restoration of historic buildings

< EMMETT CORCORAN

Fourteen historic buildings across County Roscommon are set to benefit from €143,363 in funding under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2025, part of a nationwide €8.1m allocation for the conservation and protection of Ireland’s architectural heritage. The funding, announced by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage, and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, is aimed at preserving historic buildings, enhancing

streetscapes, and supporting traditional building skills.

A total of over 650 projects will receive support under the scheme. Among the projects in Roscommon receiving funding is the Gate Lodge in Castlerea, which will receive €20,000. Rockingham Stable-Yard in Boyle has been allocated €14,000. Cashlieve House in Castlerea and the former Grealy’s Hotel on Main Street and Church Street in Roscommon town will each receive €12,000, with Edmonstown House in Ballaghaderreen being awarded €11,000.

Apprenticeship opportunities as hairdressing training salon is officially opened

Photos: Michael Finan

Roscommon has reached a significant milestone in its education and training provision, with the Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB) unveiling a state-ofthe-art hairdressing training salon at its Further Education and Training (FET) Centre on Lanesboro Street in Roscommon Town.

The facility, which was officially launched on Tuesday, January 21st, has already begun hosting the county’s first ever hairdressing apprenticeship programme.

The launch was attended by GRETB senior management, staff, board members, community leaders, and members of the local hairdressing industry. Cllr Michael ‘Moegie’ Maher cut the ceremonial tape.

GRETB’s Director of Further Education and Training (FET), Sinéad Morgan, stated that

this initiative not only showcases the board’s dedication to enhancing vocational training but also brings vital opportunities to aspiring hairdressers in Roscommon.

In acknowledging the collaborative effort behind the training salon, Sinéad Morgan extended sincere appreciation to former GRETB board member and former councillor, Kathleen Shanagher, for her support and commitment to GRETB and in particular to Education and Training in the Roscommon region.

The salon boasts cutting-edge equipment, modern styling stations and an array of topquality hair products. The state-of-the-art facility mirrors the ambience and functionality of a professional salon.

Industry expert Elizabeth Flynn has been appointed as the tutor for the Hairdressing Apprenticeship Programme, with support from GRETB Apprenticeship Coordinator Maeve Parker. The programme welcomed its first

Other properties, including St Anne’s on Abbey Street, Roscommon Town, will also benefit from investment under the scheme, receiving €9,000.

Speaking about the announcement, Minister O’Sullivan said: “Ireland’s built heritage is a national asset which enriches our countryside, villages, towns, and cities. In maintaining and caring for our historic buildings, owners and custodians perform a valuable public service, and I am delighted to be able to support their efforts.”

Alongside the Government’s €8.1m allocation, property owners and custodians will contribute an estimated €29.5m from private sources to the projects receiving funding. According to the Department, this combined investment represents a major boost for conservation efforts and traditional building skills across the country.

Subject to funding availability, the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Thatched Buildings Scheme will reopen for new applications in July, with selected projects to be completed next year.

cohort of apprentices in November 2024.

GRETB will run both the hairdressing apprenticeship as well as a range of part-time and community-based hairdressing courses, with plans for barbering courses beginning later

in the year.

If you are interested in finding out more about pursuing a career in hairdressing or if you are an employer wishing to employ an apprentice, please contact nharoscommon@gretb.ie.

In the hot seat… guests pictured at the recent opening of a state-of-the-art hairdressing training salon at the GRETB’s Further Education and Training (FET) Centre on Lanesboro Street in Roscommon Town.

The launch was attended by GRETB senior management, staff, board members, community leaders, and members of the local hairdressing industry. Cllr Michael ‘Moegie’ Maher (photo bottom left) cut the ceremonial tape.

Six local projects nominated for LAMA Awards this Saturday night

Roscommon County Council has received six nominations in total at the LAMA Awards. The awards, which celebrate collaboration between local authorities and communities, will take place at Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork, on Saturday, February 22nd. The shortlisted projects include the Lough Funshinagh Rise and Thrive Project for Best Mental Health Initiative; Roscommon Community Transport for Best Community Transport Initiative; and the NorthWest Accessible Kayak Launch in Lough Key, Boyle for Most Inclusive Project. In addition, Bernie Kearney from Fourmilehouse has been nominated for Community Volunteer of the Year, while Castlerea’s An Chistin Food Hub is in contention for Best Enterprise and Start-Up Hub. Finally, the public realm works at Roscommon’s market square are also up for an award in the Best Town or Village Regeneration category. The LAMA Awards recognise excellence in local government initiatives across Ireland, highlighting projects that enhance communities and promote sustainable development.

Bernie’s lifetime of community service

With close to 50 years of community service, Bernie Kearney from Fourmilehouse shows no signs of slowing down – and has been nominated for a prestigious LAMA award in the ‘Best Community Volunteer’ of the year category.

A former Development Officer with Muintir na Tire for over 30 years, Bernie has long been a firm adherent to the mission statement of the organisation’s founder, Canon Hayes.

“Canon Hayes always said the success of any community was in the relationships they enjoyed with agencies and stakeholders”, he said. “Now, more than ever, that is particularly true. It is vital groups have a strong and positive relationship with their local authority, for example.”

Bernie’s years of service began in 1976 when he joined his local Grange Group Water Scheme, serving as secretary from 1990 to 2010.

In 1981, Bernie served as a parent’s representative on the board of Carnalasson NS. This role later evolved to serving on a new School Building Committee, entrusted with the building and site identification for the new school, built in 1987.

Along with four other parents, Bernie set up a local youth club

in 1983. Since then, the club has won four All-Ireland titles and is the envy of many other clubs. For close on 40 years, Bernie has been a member of his local Parish Council, currently serving as Treasurer. He has also established a local community and text alert service as well as sourcing security pendants for the over 65s; later this year, Kilbride will be declared an Age Friendly Parish. Currently Bernie is also Chairperson of

the Roscommon Older Person’s Council.

From a Local Authority perspective, Bernie has also participated on several local policy committees over the years and is currently serving as a PPN community representative on the Climate Action, Environment and Rural Water Strategic Policy Committee (SPC).

Bernie’s wisdom and contributions have also seen him

engage in many agencies and groups, among them Roscommon LEADER Partnership and related sub-committees, the county’s Joint Policing Committee (JPC), and Citizens Information board.

Bernie is delighted to be nominated, but notes: “This isn’t just about me; it’s about the great community we have in Kilbride. Everyone works well together – we have a pride in our community.”

An Chistin Food Hub

An Chistin Food Hub is a 10,500 square foot space comprising five single EHO Compliant kitchen units, individual office, toilet, sluice and plant room facilities. The facility was officially opened by thenMinister Heather Humphreys in May last year.

The facility is encouraging an artisan and small-scale local food culture which will have a substantial impact in reducing food miles and in the process reducing carbon emissions.

Community transport scheme

The Community Transport Initiative, a vital lifeline for many residents in County Roscommon, has been named as a finalist for the upcoming LAMA (Local Authority Members Association) Awards. The scheme, which was developed to address the lack of accessible and affordable transport in rural Roscommon, has played a crucial role in ensuring that people can reach essential services such as healthcare, education, and training.

With public transport options limited and private services often too costly, the initiative has been a game-changer for many individuals, particularly the elderly, those with disabilities, and people without private transport.

Public Realm Enhancement Project

Roscommon County Council has been shortlisted in the Best Town or Village Regeneration category at this year’s LAMA Awards for its work on the Roscommon Public Realm Enhancement Project. The project has seen significant works done to Roscommon Town Centre, with the development of a new Market Square and covered Civic Space. The regeneration works were officially unveiled in May 2024

Funded by the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) and Roscommon County Council, the project aimed to enhance both the visual appeal and functionality of the town centre.

The works involved alterations to road layouts to increase pedestrian access, the removal of car parking from Market Square to prioritise public space, and the addition of new street furniture, trees, and green spaces. A distinctive covered civic structure, featuring a copper-vaulted roof and polished concrete columns, was introduced as a focal point for the redeveloped area.

Finding positivity in a time of crisis

A unique collaborative response between Roscommon County Council’s Healthy Roscommon initiative and members of the local community affected by major flooding at Lough Funshinagh has been recognised at this year’s Local Authority Members Association (LAMA) awards.

Among the nominees is the Lough Funshinagh Rise and Thrive Project in the Best Mental Health category. The initiative emerged as a mental health and well-being response supporting members of the local community who have endured significant flooding of their homes, lands and other local infrastructure.

North Roscommon Accessible for all

As one of the county’s six nominees in this year’s LAMA awards, the North Roscommon Accessible for all project in Boyle’s visionary and imaginative scope has earned its inclusion as one of the nominees in the ‘Most Inclusive’ award category.

The project aims to provide easier access for water enthusiasts with mobility issues and encourage greater use by visitors staying in the area who wish to explore the water.

This project serves to link Lough Key Forest Park, Doon Shore, and Boyle Canal/River by water, and provides connections to the newly constructed Boyle to Lough Key Cycleway. This project also enhances the existing amenity on offer in one of Roscommon’s leading tourist destinations, Lough Key Forest Park.

Roscommon County Council has been shortlisted in the Best Town or Village Regeneration category at this year’s LAMA Awards for its work on the Roscommon Public Realm Enhancement Project.

Bernie Kearney (left, front row) has been nominated in the ‘Best Community Volunteer’ of the year category, reflecting his half-century (to date) of community service.

HANNON’S HOTEL –

Great Food All Day, Every Day

Breakfast: 7–12

Lunch: 12–3

Dinner, Bar Food & Light Bites ‘til 9pm

Innovative, Individually Tailored Menus For your Functions, Parties & Business Events

Hannon’s Hotel in Roscommon celebrates

years in business

town is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month. The hotel, at Athlone Road, Roscommon, was ofﬁcially opened by then-Minister for Finance Brian Cowen on the 5th of February 2005. A greenﬁeld site project, the hotel was built over a two-year period, realising the dream of its proprietor, local businessman Martin Hannon (RIP). It was a proud day for Martin, his wife Maura and their children Ursula, Padraig, Claire, Damien and Audrey.

a 20-bedroomed hotel, the building has been expanded over the years and currently has 27

and four function rooms/suites. Hannon’s Hotel, now run by brother and sister

Damien and Ursula Hannon, has been a fantastic addition

commercial life of the county town and is now estab-

lished as a leading venue in the west of Ireland and a very popular amenity for locals, passing custom and visitors.

Sister and brother, Ursula and Damian Hannon.

Mother and son, Maura and Damian Hannon.

Family thanks public, suppliers and staff

The Hannon family have extended their thanks to everyone who has supported them over the past 20 years.

Damien Hannon said: “We could not have reached this milestone without the wonderful support of our staff, our suppliers and the people of Roscommon.

to our

“We want to take this opportunity to extend sincere thanks

Hannon’s

Photo: Michael Finan

Hannon’s Hotel boasts professional

rooms among its facilities. Pic: Michael Finan

Hannon’s Hotel’s commitment to guest satisfaction is reﬂected in the superb accommodation facilities at the venue.

Management at the local hotel understand that the perfect stay is a harmonious blend of comfort, convenience, and impecca-

ble service, with their 27 stateof-the-art rooms (all ensuite) designed with a keen attention to detail and comfort of guests in mind.

Each room offers a peaceful and spacious retreat, complete with modern conveniences such as a television and tea/coffee making facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi to all overnight guests. And there is a room to suit everyone, with accommodation options including suites for couples and accommodation for families.

Staying at Hannon’s Hotel offers guests the chance to immerse themselves in the authentic charm and genuine hospitality that deﬁnes the family-run establishment, and ultimately provides an enjoyable and memorable stay ﬁlled with joy, comfort, and satisfaction.

Pictured are Hannon’s Hotel sta members Leczycka, Dennis Murnane, Ajumon Korattiylottu and Edinete Leandro. Pic: Michael Finan

Pictured at the reception in Hannon’s Hotel is member of sta Steve Gregory. Pic: Michael Finan

Hannon’s Hotel o ers lots of options for celebrating weddings, parties or any special occasion.

HOTEL

Hotel was realisation of the late Martin Hannon’s dream

This month marks exactly two decades since the doors at Hannon’s Hotel ﬁrst opened in what is now a landmark premises at Athlone Road on the edge of Roscommon town.

Breakfast: 7–12

Lunch: 12–3

a friendly and relaxing venue, one that would become a social hub in the county town.

Dinner, Bar Food & Light Bites ‘til 9pm

The opening of the local hotel on February 5th 2005 signiﬁed the fulﬁlment of a long-held dream for its founder and proprietor, Martin Hannon (RIP), who was very passionate about establishing a hotel in Roscommon to serve the local community, as well as visitors to the area.

A retired Garda, prior to the hotel opening in 2005, Martin Hannon was already established as a well-

known community ﬁgure in the local area, being involved in community groups, farming organisations and local politics. Martin also had a keen interest in sport and in everything that was positive about Roscommon.

Martin Hannon’s vision for Hannon’s Hotel was realised after a two-year construction phase. The popular hotelier saw his dream come to fruition and went on to be a popular presence in the hotel until his untimely passing.

Martin Hannon and the Hannon family, steeped in community life in Roscommon, wanted to create

Throughout the years, their ethos of working in tandem with their local community and providing a friendly and professional service has shone through.

At Hannon’s Hotel, the aim is to provide personal and professional attention to everyone who walks through its doors, all within the relaxed atmosphere for which this venue is renowned.

The management and staff operate with a simple philosophy: ‘If we can, we will – and if we do, we will do it well!’

Hannon’s Hotel is ideal venue for community events

In addition to being a go-to venue in the locality where people can enjoy a sumptuous meal or stay for a couple of nights, Hannon’s Hotel also serves as a wonderful premises for all kinds of special events and functions.

There are currently four state-of-the-art suites at Hannon’s Hotel, each of which caters for wedding receptions, parties, meetings, conferences, etc.

These are Conference Suite 204, the Lough Arrow Suite, the Lough Key Suite, and the Lough Gara Suite, the latter with capacity for 120 guests.

Civil Marriage ceremonies are also held by the HSE at Hannon’s Hotel every Friday morning.

Supporting the local community

The Hannon family have a long tradition of supporting local groups, clubs, and events.

Hannon’s Hotel is synonymous with the Roscommon Agricultural Show, held every year in the adjoining ‘Hannon’s Field’. They are main sponsors of the show, and host all committee meetings.

The hotel also has a fantastic relationship with Roscommon GAA, reﬂecting the Hannon family’s support for local clubs and county teams, and their appreciation of the integral role played in the community by the sporting organisation. Hannon’s Hotel are the main sponsors of Ro-

scommon LGFA. The hotel also provides sponsorship support in many other areas, including the popular County Darts League, and the Roscommon Ploughing Championships.

Damien Hannon says it’s their way of giving back to a community that has loyally supported the hotel since it opened in 2005.

“Without the local support we receive we wouldn’t be here”, he said. “The support we’ve received over the years has been brilliant. Providing sponsorship support is our way of giving back and supporting teams, groups, committees and events in all the great

ways they invigorate our communities”. Hannon’s Hotel is truly at the heart of the community in numerous respects. The hotel is buzzing with activity on a daily basis, and is associated with so many of the positive community events that are highlights of the social, sporting and cultural calendar in Roscommon – including the St Stephen’s Day Walk (hosted by the Alzheimers Association), mini-marathon, Roscommon Hunt, Roscommon Harriers races, and more. GAA meetings are held in the hotel throughout the year, and the venue is a popular choice for launches of all kinds.

Damien Hannon pictured with his father, Martin (RIP), whose brainchild the hotel was.

There have been many famous visitors to Hannon’s Hotel over the years, including President Michael D Higgins.

ENTERTAINMENT Culture&ARTS

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

Edward Hayden to open Roscommon Drama Festival

The Roscommon Drama Festival is set to welcome Edward Hayden as its Guest of Honour this year. Mr Hayden, Chairperson of the Drama League of Ireland, will officially open the festival, highlighting the organisation’s role in supporting drama groups across the country.

While renowned in the drama community, Mr Hayden is also widely recognised for his cookery demonstrations on Ireland AM and his weekly radio show, The Saturday Show with Edward Hayden, on KCLR96fm. A chef and food writer, he has published three cookery books, including Edward Entertains and Food for Friends.

This year’s Roscommon Drama Festival will be held from Friday the 7th to Saturday the 15th of March 2025 at Roscommon Arts Centre. It should be noted that there is no performance on the 12th of March.

Libraries invite readers to ‘get lost in a good book’ on Saturday

Libraries across County Roscommon are set to celebrate Ireland Reads Day on Saturday, February 22nd, encouraging people of all ages to embrace the joy of reading.

As part of the nationwide initiative led by Libraries Ireland, library services in the county will highlight the BorrowBox app, which allows members to access eBooks and eAudiobooks. A newly introduced ePress feature will also be showcased, providing users with access to a variety of newspapers and magazines.

Local libraries will host bookmark design workshops for children, while their social media channels will feature a ‘Getting to Know Your Librarian’ segment, offering insights into the people behind the county’s library services.

Ireland Reads Day aims to inspire a love of books and the transformative power of reading. Award-winning author and Ireland Reads ambassador Marian Keyes spoke about the profound impact reading had on her life.

Ms Keyes said: “I was an anxious, lonely

‘True Colours Shining Through’ exhibition opens at Arts Centre

The opening of Jessica Weber Patterson’s ‘True Colours Shining Through’ exhibition took place recently at Roscommon Arts Centre.

August 2024 saw Roscommon celebrate its first Pride, and Roscommon Arts Centre celebrated this moment for the LGBTQIA+ and local community by commissioning artist Jessica Weber Patterson to work on a series of engagement activities with the local Foróige LGBTQIA+ youth group, Roscommon Pride, and the local community.

Jessica documented the local community in the lead-up to the first Pride in the arts centre and on the streets. This exhibition is a culmination of public workshops, portraits, and installation art from the Pride celebration and community. Testimonies were also collected which inspired the exhibition title: ‘Everyone here is welcome to come and show their true colours’.

Donegal-based Jessica Weber Patterson is a socially engaged multimedia artist specialising in collage, print, and photography.

child, but when I read my first Enid Blyton book, The Twins at St Clare’s, my mind was blown.

“Suddenly, I had a gateway to another world – to infinite worlds. I was able to escape the discomfort of being me by immersing myself in the lives of others. Since then, reading has been my saviour. The ability to read is my superpower.”

Stuart Hamilton, Head of Libraries Development at the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), emphasised that Ireland Reads is an opportunity for people to rediscover the services their local libraries have to offer: “Some may be pleasantly surprised to learn that library fees were abolished in January 2019 and all previous fines were removed.

“This means that you can return to your library with a clean slate – even if you forgot to return that last book.”

For book recommendations and a full list of events in County Roscommon and beyond, visit www.irelandreads.ie.

Stuart Hamilton, Head of Libraries Development with the LGMA, is encouraging the nation to get lost in a good book as part of Ireland Reads Day, which takes place on February 22nd. For reading recommendations and to see a list of events taking place in libraries across the country, visit www.irelandreads.ie.

Picture: Bryan Meade

Patrick Kelleher (second from left) pictured with his partner Sean Bray, parents Kate and Donal Kelleher from Castlerea, and sisters Aisling and Louise at the ‘True Colours Shining Through’ art exhibition opening at Roscommon Arts Centre. Pic: Brian Farrell

Lee Bastic, Adrian O’Boyle, and Thorsten Fillmann, pictured with Russell and Simon Bedford Smith at the ‘True Colours Shining Through’ art exhibition opening at Roscommon Arts Centre. Pic: Brian Farrell

Lorraine Doyle from Strokestown and Will Keane from Roscommon pictured at the ‘True Colours Shining Through’ art exhibition opening at Roscommon Arts Centre. Pic: Brian Farrell

Artist Jessica Weber Patterson pictured with her mother, Rosie at the ‘True Colours Shining Through’ art exhibition opening at Roscommon Arts Centre. Pic: Brian Farrell

Pictured are supporters who attended last week’s All-Ireland Colleges Senior Camogie ‘B’ Final in which Mercy College Roscommon lost narrowly to Colaiste Mhuire, Johnstown. Photos: Michael Finan

FarmingPeople

Roscommon farmers receive

€38,900 under ash dieback scheme

Roscommon farmers and landowners received €38,900 in 2024 under the Climate Action Performance Payment (CAPP), a forestry support scheme aimed at helping ash plantation owners affected by ash dieback disease. The ﬁgures, released in response to a parliamentary question by Sinn Féin TD Pa Daly (Kerry), conﬁrm that Roscommon landowners were among the lower recipients of the scheme compared to other counties.

The CAPP scheme,

launched in August 2024, provides €5,000 per hectare to landowners who clear and replant ash forests impacted by ash dieback disease. Payments are issued in three instalments under the Department of Agriculture’s Ash Dieback Reconstitution Scheme.

Roscommon context

Roscommon’s €38,900 payout in 2024 places it in the lower half of counties for CAPP funding, though it is ahead of neighbouring Longford (€1,875),

TELEPHONE: 094 9620300

Email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com

Web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com THURSDAY

•

Sligo (€5,875), and Leitrim (€29,600). However, Westmeath (€185,125) and Galway (€76,200) saw higher levels of funding. At a national level, €2.53m

was paid out across Ireland in 2024, with Tipperary (€241,550), Wexford (€206,400), and Clare (€194,475) among the biggest recipients.

Castlerea MART WATCH

Over 750 lots were presented for sale at Castlerea Mart on Thursday last, February 13th, and aided by increased prices for beef, prices for all categories of stock continued to increase.

Bullocks topped out at €2500, heifers hit €2550, and dry cows made up to €3270. The weanling rings and the runner rings witnessed bulls peak at €3260 or €5.47 a kilo and heifer weanlings hit €2100. The runner ring witnessed lots make up to €5.00 a kilo with an excellent clearance taking place.

Bullocks, sample prices: Sim 490kgs €2060, Ch 485kgs €1990, AA 470kgs €1870, Lm 545kgs €2220, Ch 505kgs €2040, Ch 550kgs €2260, Lm 555kgs €2200, Ch 620kgs €2500, AA 645kgs €2340, AA 665kgs €2360, and Ch 570kgs €2180.

Heifers, sample prices: Sim 420kgs €1710, Lm 355kgs €1650, Ch 385kgs €1650, Ch 405kgs €1600, Ch 465kgs €1850, Ch 460kgs €184,0 Ch 520kgs €2550, Sim 530kgs €2280, Ch 550kgs €2220, and Ch 505kgs €2170.

Cattle: There was a small entry of stock on o er at Friday’s special sale of heifers (February 14th). There was a large attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.

Heifers fetched an average of €3.64 per kilo up to €4.68 per kilo. There was a small entry of dry cows and they made an average of €3.04 per kilo up to €4.00 per kilo. Dry cows ranged from an average of €3.18 per kilo up to €3.81 per kilo. Sample prices: CHX -905KG -€3260 -€3.60 per kg, LMX840KG- €3020- €3.60 per kg, CH -775KG€3100- €4.00 per kg, LMX -740KG -€2840€3.84 per kg, CHX-665KG- €2300- €3.46 per kg, and LMX- 590KG- €1950-€3.31 per kg.

Heifers ranged from an average of €3.64 per kilo up to €4.68 per kilo.

Weanlings

There was a large entry of quality weanlings on o er at our sale held on Tuesday evening, February 18th, with a strong trade for bulls and heifers. The next sale takes place on Tuesday, March 18th. Bull weanlings fetched from an average

Rollout and payments

A total of 280 applications have been received since the scheme’s launch, with 268 approved payments made to date, covering 1,015 hectares of reforested land. The ﬁrst payments were made in late 2024, and while €38,900 was awarded to Roscommon recipients last year, no payments have been recorded yet for 2025.

No applications were disallowed under the scheme, though 12 applications remain under review.

Supporting farmers impacted by ash dieback

The CAPP scheme was introduced as part of broader government efforts to support farmers

Dry cows, sample prices: Shx 945kgs €3270, Ch 820kgs €2680, Lm 795kgs €2570, AA 790kgs €2550, Sim 770kgs €2530, Sax 410kgs €1300, Lm 615kgs €2440, and AA 730kgs €2330.

Weanling bulls, sample prices: Lm 295kgs €1540, Ch 220kgs €1260, Sim 295kgs €1180, Ch 255kgs €1170, BBx 595kgs €3260, Ch 375kgs €1610, Ch 370kgs €1570, AA 415kgs €1560, Ch 340kgs €1530, and Ch 390kgs €1540.

Weanling heifers, sample prices: Lm 285kgs €1460, BBx 230kgs €1300, Lm 270kgs €1260, Ch 260kgs €1250, Lm 370kgs €1950, Ch 385kgs €1800, Ch 330kgs €1500, and AA 400kgs €1500.

Cows with calves at foot made from €1780 to €1890. Springers made from €1530 to €3000. Young calves made from €40 to €820, and runners made from €370 to €1200 for continental lots.

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart every Thursday. All sales commence at 11 am, with three rings in operation.

of €2.90 per kilo up to €5.57 per kilo and heifer weanlings made from an average of €3.24 per kilo up to €4.99.

There was a full clearance of in-calf heifers and cows, with a top price of €4,000 for a Simmental Heifer due in early March. There was a very good attendance of customers ringside with online buyers also active. Bull weanlings ranged from an average of €2.90 per kilo up to €5.57 per kilo.

Sheep

There was a small number of sheep on o er at the weekly sale of hoggets and stag ewes on Wednesday, February 19th. Prices for hoggets made up to €230 while stag ewes topped out at €220, and there was also a good entry of ewes in lamb making up to €330, while ewes with lambs made €390. The next sheep sale takes place on Wednesday, February 26th. The yard opens at 8 am and all stock must be penned by 10 am. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID tag set. The sale can be viewed live on livestock-live.com.

and landowners affected by the devastating impact of ash dieback, which has destroyed vast areas of ash forestry across Ireland.

The disease, ﬁrst detected in 2012, has led to signiﬁcant economic losses for those who invested in ash plantations under previ-

ous afforestation schemes.

With payments continuing into 2025 and beyond, Roscommon landowners with eligible plantations may still avail of funding, provided they meet the clearing and replanting requirements set by the Department of Agriculture.

Property Services Providers Licence No. 002249

Roscommon Credit Union Schools Quiz a resounding success

The Credit Union Schools Quiz 2025 was held in Kilbride Community Centre on Sunday, February 9th. It was a resounding success.

The quiz, which has become a staple in the Credit Union’s calendar, brought together teams from 24 schools, comprising 168 children from the Roscommon community. The atmosphere was electric, as participants faced off in an exciting blend of questions that covered everything from geography and history to current affairs and science and ended up with three nail-biting tiebreakers.

“We are thrilled with the outcome of this year’s Credit Union Schools Quiz,” said Bernie Moran (CEO of Roscommon Credit Union). “The enthusiasm, energy, and talent displayed by the students was nothing short of inspiring. It was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the importance of education through fun, community spirit and with the Credit Union at the heart of it.”

Winners from the event will now move forward to the regional stages of the quiz, where they will represent Roscommon Credit Union with pride as they go forward to the Regional Chapter stages which will be held in Moate Community Hall on Friday, March 7th, at 7.30 pm.

“We congratulate all the children for their dedication and hard work in preparing for the quiz. Every team showed incredible teamwork and focus, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for these young people,” added John Devaney (Chairman of Roscommon Credit Union).

Roscommon Credit Union would like to extend a special thank you to the teachers and parents who worked tirelessly to prepare the children for the quiz. They would also like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of Kilbride Community Centre, who ensured the hall was perfectly prepared and looked after parents, teachers, and participants with refreshments.

Roscommon Credit Union also want to express their gratitude to their own directors, who were on hand to assist throughout. A big thank you to Quiz Master Anne Murphy, and to Adjudicator, Maura Quigley. Also, the team of stewards on the day – John Devaney, Eoin Buckley, Anthony Lee, and Alec Dempsey, assisted by Katie Nugent – who all played a key role in making sure the event flowed efficiently.

A huge thanks also goes to all staff members who helped manage the event with precision. Deirdre, Serena, and Mags did an excellent job on the scoreboards, while Catherine, Agnes, Valerie, Kelly, Mary, and Lorna were pivotal in handling correcting. Finally, a very special thank you to Lynda, who began planning the Schools Quiz over two months ago and took it from start to the final details on the day and to Emma for assisting in liaising with the schools.

Scoil Iosa (Carracastle, Ballaghaderreen) were the first place winners in the Team A competition. Pictured are Alesha Moran, Grace Elvin, Noah Quinn and Kasey Regan, along with their teacher Michael Bracken, and John Devaney, Bernie Moran and Eoin Buckley from Roscommon CU. Photo: Liam Reynolds

Athleague NS were the first place winners in the Team B competition. Pictured are James Connaughton, Bobby Lyons, Eoin O’Reilly and Rian O’Reilly, along with their teacher Hubert Darcy, and John Devaney, Lorna Tully and Mags Gallagher from Roscommon CU. Photo: Liam Reynolds

St Mary’s NS (Knockcroghery) were runners-up in the Team A competition. Pictured are Jenny Rogers, Joseph Hanley, Alex McEvoy and Oscar McLoughlin with their teacher Mark Creavin, and Valerie Gunning, Deirdre Scanlon, Serena O’Farrell and John Devaney from Roscommon CU. Photo: Liam Reynolds

St Coman’s Wood, Roscommon finished third in the Team B category. Pictured are Carrie Killian, Conor Heneghan, Benas Rasickis and Sine Lennon with their teacher Ms Leonard, Mags Gallagher and Lynda Lane (Roscommon Credit Union). Photo: Liam Reynolds

Roxboro NS were third in the Team A category. Photo shows Iarlaith Gillooly, Paul Rock, Karol Rola and Aimee Glynn with their teacher Ms Mary Fallon, Agnes O’Sullivan, Catherine Nugent and John Devaney (Roscommon Credit Union). Photo: Liam Reynolds

St Attracta’s NS (Ballaghaderreen) were runners-up in the Team B competition. Pictured are Oliver Harford, Marijus Mezoncs, Grainne Buckley, Ashton Giblin, along with their teacher Mr Fearghal Hughes, and Anthony Lee, Mary Flynn, Maura Quigley (Adjudicator), John Devaney, Alec Dempsey, Eoin Buckley and Kelly Kerrrane from Roscommon CU. Photo: Liam Reynolds

Main Street, Ballygar, Co. Galway. F42 HY47

Pub For Lease ‘The Thatch Bar’

‘The Thatch’ is a busy vibrant pub with a prime town centre location beside all amenities. A cosy bar with open fireplace and a snug. A store with coldroom, Ladies & Gents toilets. This offers an exciting opportunity for a motivated tenant to carry on this successful and well- known business.

Terms and Conditions from the auctioneer David Moran.

Roscommon vacancy rate remains high despite new-builds

Roscommon’s residential vacancy rate stood at 10.3 per cent at the end of 2024, well above the national average of 3.8 per cent, according to the latest GeoDirectory Residential Buildings Report.

According to the report, the county recorded one of the highest vacancy rates in the country, following Leitrim (11.8%) and Mayo (10.6%), while Dublin (1.2%) had the lowest.

Despite the high vacancy rate, 192 new residential addresses were added to Roscommon in 2024, with 162 properties under construction in December. However, this figure remains among the lowest in the country, ahead of only Longford (85) and Leitrim (121).

Roscommon also accounted for 6.1 per cent of the 20,092 derelict residential properties recorded nationwide, with Mayo, Donegal, and Galway having the highest concentrations.

The average house price in Roscommon reached €205,333 in the year to November 2024, remaining among the lowest in Ireland. Only Leitrim (€190,000) and Longford (€196,532) recorded lower averages, while Dublin (€565,351) had the highest.

Commenting on the report, Annette Hughes, Director at EY Economic Advisory, said: “The latest GeoDirectory report spotlights a continuing and encouraging downward trend in both national vacancy and dereliction rates, as our growing population and policy initiatives are having an impact.”

Auctioneers & Estate Agents

Main Street, Ballygar.

Tel 090 6624531 087 2786664

Email info@moranandco.ie PSRA no. 001472 moranandco.ie

Cloonakilleg, Mount Talbot, F42 HF43

4 Bed. Detached Bungalow NEW TO MARKET

Bright spacious bungalow c. 127 sq. mts standing on c.

0.2 hectares with a garage and a fuel shed at the rear.

Accommodation: Hall, Sittingroom, Kitchen/Dining, Utility, Toilet, 4 Bedrooms, Shower Room.

The bungalow requires work and should qualify for the vacant home grant. This is an incredible opportunity to acquire a property with unlimited potential in a good location. Commuting distance from Roscommon and Athlone. Great location. Inspection recommended. Full details from David Moran.

House prices: Brokers Ireland calls on Government to act fast

Commenting on the CSO Residential Property Price Index for December showing a slight tapering of the level of increases in the 12 months to December bringing the overall increase to 8.7%, Brokers Ireland said several areas outside Dublin saw increases ahead of the previous month.

The 2.9% drop in the number of dwelling purchases in 2024 over 2023 clearly points to the well documented lack of availability of homes for purchase.

Rachel McGovern, Deputy Chief Executive at Brokers Ireland, said: “House prices in 2024 rose at levels beyond what most industry commentators expected. These levels are not sustainable except for those on high salaries and those wealthy enough to not be dependent upon mortgage finance.

“There are appalling consequences for our society if policymakers don’t turn around housing in the near future and ensure that those on average incomes can achieve the ambition of owning a home.”

In this regard recent statements from the Government promising more fundamental change are to be welcomed, she said.

Ms McGovern said it’s worrying to see “scare-mongering tactics” still being used and house prices being treated “as a political football” with regard to an issue which is continuing “to bring heat rather than light to any debate on housing”. She continued: “We would call on the Government to be brave and decisive and not let another year pass before it acts on the recommendations of the Housing Commission in particular.”

She said it was positive that consideration was being given to moderating planning rules for cabins and modular homes in back gardens. Consideration should also be given to allowing modular homes on unoccupied sites in rural areas where infrastructure could support them, the Brokers Ireland Deputy Chief Executive concluded.

Rachel McGovern, Deputy Chief Executive at Brokers Ireland

Remax Team Earley close sale on Ballyleague bungalow

Keith McLoughlin of Remax Team Earley is pleased to advise that he has closed the sale of a beautiful threebedroomed detached bungalow, situated in the peaceful and highly sought after area of Ballyglass, Ballyleague, Roscommon.

Built in 1999, this well maintained home offers a floor area of approximately 1,350 square feet and sits on an impressive .84-acre site.

The location of this property offers the perfect blend of countryside tranquillity and convenient access to amenities. It’s situated less than 3 km from Lanesboro, an area that provides a wealth of outdoor activities including fishing, boating, and water sports. The town itself offers a selection of shops, coffee shops, and essential services, as well as excel-

lent local schools, including three primary schools and a secondary school.

Remax Team Earley would like to express their sincere congratulations and the best of luck to the new owners.

Remax Team Earley would also like to advise that they are urgently seeking residential properties in the Ballyleague/Strokestown area for disappointed underbidders.

For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact Remax Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon, on 090 66 26579, email teamearley@ remax.ie, log onto teamearley.ie, or contact one of the auctioneers directly by contacting Cormac on 086 3519492, Cathal on 086 1409158, or Keith on 086 0848590.

Roscommon

Help to Buy

< EMMETT CORCORAN

Roscommon has recorded 290 approved claims under the Help to Buy (HTB) scheme since July 2020, representing just 0.85 percent of the 34,188 claims nationwide. The figures, released in response to a parliamentary question by Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe, highlight a lower uptake of the scheme in the county compared to other areas.

The HTB scheme, introduced to assist first-time buyers in securing a deposit for a newly-built home or self-build, offers a rebate on Income Tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) paid in the previous four years. Despite its availability, Roscommon’s claim numbers remain relatively low. Neighbouring Galway re-

corded 1,642 claims, significantly higher than Roscommon, while Mayo had 669. Meanwhile, Longford (104 claims) and Leitrim

(99 claims) recorded some of the lowest figures nationwide, placing them alongside Roscommon as areas with the least en-

gagement with the scheme. By contrast, urban counties recorded much stronger uptake, with Dublin leading at 5,027 claims, followed closely by Cork (5,157) and Kildare (4,355). These counties also tend to have more new housing developments, making the scheme more accessible to first-time buyers.

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, responding to the parliamentary query, reaffirmed that the scheme remains available in 2025 and continues to be reviewed for its effectiveness in improving access to homeownership. However, the data suggests that uptake remains considerably lower in counties where new housing supply is more limited, particularly in rural areas such as Roscommon, Longford, and Leitrim.

Ballyglass, Ballyleague, Roscommon.

Classifieds

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

Stephen

Building

Specialising in:

Chimney Cleaning

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

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods

Telephone: 086 8433433

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

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

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

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon 087 9268424

TRAILERS

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

COUNSELLING

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SERVICING & REPAIRS

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

FENCING/GATES

Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Emma Farrell and Thomas Beatty, are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct domestic dwelling house along with domestic garage, new Treatment system and percolation area, and all ancillary site development works at Corlis, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the

ces of the planning authority during its

opening

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

Unit 6, Ballypheason House, Circular Road, Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 090 6634365. Mob: 085 1299470.

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

Design Consultation Planning Applications

New Build, Extend, Renovate

Bespoke Design Domestic, Commercial & Agricultural 086 3482387

info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Dermott and Yvonne Foley, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to erect an extension for Elder Person to our existing Dwelling House and connect to existing septic and treatment plant, and all associated works, at Carrowcuill, Kilmore, Carrick-on-Shannon, 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: Dermott and Yvonne Foley

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Lorcan and Aislinn Donaldson, intend to apply for Permission for development at this site –Ballysundrivan Td, Elphin, Co Roscommon. The development will consist of the Construction of a Dwelling House, Domestic Garage, On Site Wastewater Treatment System, access onto the public road and associated site development works.

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: Michael Hennessy, Tel 086 1701549. Advanced Planning & Design Services Ltd, 15A North West Business & Technology Park, Castlecarra Road, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Kieran and Kate Kelly, are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct domestic dwelling house along with domestic garage, new Treatment system and percolation area, and all ancillary site development works at Newtown Kilcastle, Ballydangan, 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 o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee, €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed:

Unit 6, Ballypheason House, Circular Road, Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 090 6634365. Mob: 085 1299470.

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Santanu Mazumdar, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for retention planning permission for development at Taylorstown, Clonown, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. The development consists of: Retention permission for existing vehicular and pedestrian entrance gates serving an existing dwelling with associated piers, boundary walls, and all associated site development works.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY

COUNCIL

APPOINTMENTS

Gary Greene

Specialising in Farm Accounts, Tax Advice, Income Tax & PAYE Reviews, Book-keeping including Payroll & VAT

Accounting & Taxation Services Ltd

ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT

Gary Greene Accounting & Taxation Services Ltd. is currently looking for full time experienced ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN/PART QUALIFIED ACCOUNTANT WITH IMMEDIATE START.

Quali ed candidates must have excellent communication and IT skills, a strong ability to multi-task and a friendly demeanor.

Gary Greene Accounting & Taxation Services Ltd is currently looking for full time experienced Administrator/Receptionist with immediate start. This position will play an integral role customer service and organizational strength of our Accounting Office. Qualified candidates have excellent communication and IT skills, a strong ability to multi -task and a friendly demeanor.

Signed: Santanu Mazumdar.

ROSCOMMON

Gary Greene Accounting & Taxation Services Ltd is currently looking for full time experienced Office Administrator/Receptionist with immediate start. This position will play an integral role in the customer service and organizational strength of our Accounting Office. Qualified candidates must have excellent communication and IT skills, a strong ability to multi-task and a friendly demeanor.

Responsibilities

COUNTY

COUNCIL

Responsibilities:

• Prepare Financial Accounts for review by Senior Managers

Quali cations & Skills:

• Greet clients and offer assistance where required.

• Experience in a busy o ce setting desirable but not essential

• Greet clients and offer assistance where required.

• Ability to handle highly sensitive and con dential information

• Conduct clerical duties, including filing, answering phone calls, responding to emails and preparing documents

I, Michael King, intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to refurbish and extend existing derelict cottage, install waste water treatment system and percolation area, associated works and services at Newtown Farragher, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon.

• Perform accounting tasks, such as Payroll & filing returns via ROS

We, Radar Investments Limited, intend to apply for permission for development at this site: Main Street & Church Street, Ardnanagh townland, Roscommon Town, Co. Roscommon, F42 C523. The development will consist of: Conversion & refurbishment of existing derelict Protected Structure (RPS ref. no. 03900490). Works to include: (A) Refurbishment of 1no. ground oor Retail Unit, Toilet, Store & stairwell serving all levels, (B) Conversion & refurbishment of rst oor level to form 1no. 1 bedroom apartment & 1no. 2 bedroom apartment, (C) Conversion & refurbishment of second oor level to form 1no. 2 bedroom apartment, (D) Erect 2no. two-storey oriel windows on front façade to rst and second oor levels, (E) Alterations to existing building layout & elevations and remove existing external stairs to the rear of the building, (F) Conversion of existing Outbuilding to form Bike & Bin Stores, (G) All ancillary site works.

• Excellent written and verbal communication/ strong attention to detail

• Conduct clerical duties, including filing, answering phone calls, responding to emails preparing documents

Qualifications & Skills

• Must be knowledgeable in Microsoft O ce – Word, Excel & Outlook

• Experience in SAGE Accounts Production would be desirable but not essential

• Perform accounting tasks, such as Payroll & filing returns via ROS

• Excellent time management skills/strong record-keeping skills

• 2+ years’ Experience in a busy office setting

• Ability to multi-task, prioritise and to work towards deadlines

• Ability to handle highly sensitive & confidential information

Qualifications &

Signed: Gaynor Architectural + Design Services Ltd., Architects, Fallon Avenue, Roscommon. Phone: 090 6626974. Mobile: 086 8115449

Skills

Job Type: Full-time

• Excellent written and verbal communication/strong attention to detail

Salary: To be negotiated

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office – Word, Excel & Outlook

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

• 2+ years’ Experience in a busy office setting

Schedule: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm

• Experience in Payroll (desirable)

• Ability to handle highly sensitive & confidential information

Supplemental pay types: Overtime pay

Work Location: Castlerea

• Experience in Revenue on Line and Offline Applications

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.

Application deadline: 07/03/2025

• Excellent written and verbal communication/strong attention to detail

• Excellent time management skills / strong record keeping skills

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office – Word, Excel & Outlook

• Ability to multi –task and prioritise and to work towards deadlines

Please forward your CV and cover letter to info@gats.ie

• Background in farming (not essential)

Signed: Radar Investments Limited c/o Michael Fitzpatrick Architects MRIAI, Main Street, Butlersbridge, Co. Cavan. Tel: 049 4365800.

• Experience in Payroll (desirable)

• Sage Accounts Production experience (not essential)

• Experience in Revenue on Line and Offline Applications

D1 DRIVER REQUIRED

• Excellent time management skills / strong record keeping skills

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Please apply with CV to ccurley@gats.ie by Friday 19th August 2022 at 5pm.

• Ability to multi –task and prioritise and to work towards deadlines

We, Thomas Banahan and Emily McGuire, intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to refurbish existing dwelling and construct extension to side of dwelling, associated site works and services at Killeenboy, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon.

• Background in farming (not essential)

• Sage Accounts Production experience (not essential)

Established company with a good employment record, seeking a person with a D1 Driving Licence to do some manual work. Good weekly wage. Phone: 086 2437376

Please apply with CV to ccurley@gats.ie by Friday 19th August 2022 at 5pm.

Signed: Gaynor Architectural + Design Services Ltd., Architects, Fallon Avenue, Roscommon. Phone: 090 6626974. Mobile: 086 8115449

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 o fee only if we are successful in renting your property. If not no fees are payable. Tel: 086 8212732

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES

KELLY-DENCHFIELD

Sarah

Shillington, Bedfordshire, UK and formerly of St. Patrick’s Street, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 19/01/2025

We the family, husband Justin, mother Maura, brothers Jimmy, Paddy, Michael, Mark, Martin, and Paul and sisters Fidelma, Judith and Margaret, parents-in-law Simon and Pamela and extended family wish to thank so many good people: neighbours, friends, relatives from near and far, work colleagues for their condolences, messages of sympathy, mass cards and enrolments on the sad loss of a beautiful wife, daughter and sister Sarah.

To Sarah’s dearest friends who travelled to visit her, who helped care for her and prayed for her, we are eternally grateful. Sarah had so many friends who supported her throughout and showed so beautifully the value of friends and friendship when most needed. We would also like to express our deepest gratitude to the palliative care nurses, both at home and in the Hospice and the doctors and Public health nurses who cared for Sarah with such compassion and dignity. We will forever be thankful for the gentle care provided to her in her nal days.

To local businesses and family member’s places of work, for your kind words and sumptuous amounts of food and refreshments. The generosity shown was overwhelming, the kind words and remembrances of past times was so supportive at this sad time.

A special word of thanks to Fr. Chris and altar servers for celebrating a beautiful Funeral Mass and Fionnuala Maxwell for the beautiful music. To McDonagh’s Funeral Directors, thank you for helping us through this di cult time. Thanks to the gravediggers for preparing Sarah’s nal resting place so wonderfully. To Castlerea Musical Society and people of the town, who held a guard of honour for Sarah and escorted her through the town she loved so well.

Many thanks to Aunt Bridie who kept an on-going vigil at Knock Shrine of Mass and prayers for many years. Thanks to Paul Tully and sta of Tully’s Hotel for their hospitality and substantial meal following the burial of Sarah.

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

Loving you is easy, We do it everyday. Missing you is a heartache, that never goes away.

and sadly

LAWE

William (Bill)

Strokestown, Roscommon (3rd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Bill, who passed away on 24th February 2022

Our lives go on without you, but nothing is the same, we have to hide our heartache when someone speaks your name. Sad are the hearts that love you, silent are the tears that fall, living here without you, is the hardest part of all. You did so many things for us, your heart was kind and true and when we needed someone, we could always count on you. The special years will not return, when we are all together, but with the love in our hearts, you walk with us forever.

Loved and remembered by Caroline, Ryan and Kirsty.

M

CONNOLLY

Kenneth

19th February 1998

In loving memory of our darling son and brother (27th Anniversary)

Kenny, as time and years slip gently by, as our life goes on, thoughts of you, are never gone.

You always had a smile to share, time to give and time to care, a loving nature a heart of gold, these are the memories we will always hold.

LOHAN

(née Lyons)

Una

Glinsk, Castlerea, Co. Galway (9th Anniversary)

A tribute of love to a Mother so dear, so close to our hearts each day of the year. We still have memories to treasure and hold of a wonderful Mother more precious than gold.

Remembered by your sons, daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, extended family and friends Anniversary Mass in St. Michael’s Church, Glinsk on Sunday, 23rd February at 10am.

DUFFY

Martin (14th Anniversary)

MANUS

John and Nancy

Late of Elphin Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon (26th and 10th Anniversaries)

RICE

David Roscommon Town and formerly of Cloontuskert, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon (2nd Anniversary)

Who passed away on 23rd February 2023, aged 42 years.

Deep in our hearts you always stay, loved and remembered every day ~ Missing you so much Mum, Dad, Alex and Family xxx memories you are with us everyday. Out of our lives you may be gone, but in our hearts you still live on. No words we write will ever say, how much we miss you every day.

In loving memory of Martin Du y Culleen, Knockcroghery and Derryneil, Ballydangan, Athlone, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on the 23rd February 2011 R.I.P.

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his Mam and Dad, sisters Siobhán and Jenny; brothers-in-law David and Joey; nephew, nieces and the extended Rice family.

CURLEY (née Duignan) Mairead Ardmore, Donamon, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on the 26th February 2023 (2nd Anniversary)

Mairead, we thought of you today but that is nothing new, We thought about you yesterday and the day before that too. We think of you in silence and often speak your name. We have beautiful memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is a keepsake from which we will never part, God has you in his arms, and we have you in our hearts.

David’s 2nd Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro, Co. Longford on Sunday 23rd February 2025 at 11.00am.

RICE

Remembered and sadly missed by her daughter Therese, son in law Marty, grandchildren Robbie, Jenny and Katie, brother Peader, sister Sheila, brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces and nephews and extended family.

Mairead’s 2nd Anniversary Mass will take place in Clooneycolgan Parish Hall, Clooneycolgan, Co. Roscommon, 23rd February 2025 at 9.30 am.

David Roscommon Town and formerly of Cloontuskert, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon (2nd Anniversary)

Another year has passed away, so many things have happened we wanted you to share. So many times we thought of you and wished that you were here. Your memories are so precious, your presence missed so much, you will always be remembered and loved by all of us.

Sadly missed by wife Marie, daughters Amanda and Martina, sons Loughlinn and Michael, grandchildren Kate, Hannah, Matthew, Ebha, Isobella, Anthony, Adam and Emily, daughtersin-law Martina and Louise, brothers, sisters and families. Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Saturday, 22nd February at 7pm.

and Lauren. xxx

A silent hope, a silent tear, a silent wish that you were here. Love Jake, Kyle

Always remembered and sadly missed by their loving family. Anniversary Mass in Strokestown Parish Church on Saturday, 22nd February at 12 noon.

Much loved

missed every day by your heartbroken family.

Sarah’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 23rd February at 12 noon in St. Patrick’s Church, Castlerea.

FALLON

Michael Galway Road and formerly The Railway Bar, Abbeytown, Roscommon Town Who passed away on the 20th of February 2024

We, Michael’s family, together with his extended family, wish to acknowledge and convey our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the expressions of sympathy and support shown to us at the time of our great loss and the period since.

Your love, kindness and prayers conveyed to us during this di cult time will always be remembered.

We are extremely thankful to our wonderful neighbors and friends for your continuous and unparalleled love and support.

To those who sent Mass Cards, enrolments, sympathy cards letters, telephoned and messages of condolences from far and near.

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the sta and Management at Drumderrig Nursing Home who took care of Michael since September 2022.

A sincere thank you to Dr. Valerie Morris and the sta in the Primary Care Centre and also to the Public Health Nurses, Margaret Comerford and Martina Small, who were a great support with Michael’s needs throughout the last number of years.

Special thanks to Rita and Claire who looked after Michael while he was at home.

To the management and sta at McGuinness’ Total Health, many thanks for your help and support with Michael’s medical needs. Sincere thanks to Smyth’s Funeral Directors for their utter professionalism, attention to detail, care and respect in the kind handling of Michael’s Funeral arrangements.

Thank you to Fr. Joe Fitzgerald for celebrating Michael’s Funeral Mass.

We o er thanks to Michael’s many friends during his lifetime for their continued friendship.

Finally, to those who helped in any way, your contribution has not gone unnoticed and has made our loss a little more bearable through your comforting e orts. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our heartfelt gratitude.

Your memory is our keepsake, With which we’ll never part. God has you in his keeping, We have you in our hearts.

Michael is sadly missed by his family and friends.

Michael’s First Anniversary Mass will be o ered in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday 22nd February 2025 at 7.00pm

FINAN

Brenamore, Loughglynn, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Somewhere beyond the sunset, where loveliness never dies ye dwell in a beautiful garden, beneath blue and golden skies. There’s a bridge of golden memories from here to Heaven above. It keeps us very close to ye – it’s called the bridge of love.

Loved and sadly missed by Padraig, Sean, Helen, Mary, Breeda and families.

Anniversary

O’ BRIEN

John J. Carnagh, East Kiltoom, Roscommon

In loving memory of John J. O’Brien who passed away on 15th February, 2024

The family of the late John J. O’ Brien, Carnagh, East Kiltoom, wish to express their sincere gratitude to all of those who sympathised with them on their recent bereavement.

To all family, friends and neighbours who called to the house, attended the Funeral, sent Mass Cards, travelled long distances, we extend our thanks.

A special thanks to the Ambulance Service Mullingar, Roscommon Hospital and Roscommon Hospice for your excellent care to John.

Thank you to Fr. Ray Milton for calling to the family home and for celebrating John’s Funeral Mass and to Fr. Ali Joe who celebrated the Months Mind Mass.

A special thank you to Hamrock’s Funeral Directors for their professionalism and digni ed manner in which they conducted the arrangements, to the grave diggers and to Henry Hamrock for the beautiful music. Thanks also to Dooley’s Florists for the beautiful arrangement of owers and to The Hodson Bay Hotel for the fabulous food.

As it would be impossible to name and thank everyone individually, we hope this piece will be accepted by all as a token of our sincere gratitude and appreciation.

John’s Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday February 23rd in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow at 11:30am.

DONOHUE

John Lawrence

Feevagh More, Dysart, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on the 11th February 2023 (2nd Anniversary)

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

Forever loved and greatly missed by his family and friends.

Anniversary Mass in Ballyforan Church on Sunday the 23rd of February at 10 am.

IN MEMORIAM OF BRADY

Aisling Curreen, Rathcline Road, Lanesborough, Co. Longford. 7th August 1994 – 28th February 2015 (10th Anniversary)

STAY FOREVER YOUNG

She shall never grow old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary her, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we shall remember her.

Aisling’s 10th Anniversary Memorial takes place on Sunday 2nd March, 2025 in St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Lanesborough at 2pm. Family and friends welcome.

M cDERMOTT Seamus

The Walk, Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

In loving memory of a dear husband, father and grandfather, Seamus, who passed away on the 18th February 2024

On this day, a year has passed, since you were called away so fast. In our hearts, you still remain. Your love, your wisdom, your gentle embrace, forever etched, no time can erase. We miss you more than words can say, but your spirit lives on, guiding our way

Deeply missed and forever loved by his wife Kathleen and family.

Seamus’s Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in The Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Sunday 23rd February at 11.30am.

MANNION

Cartron, Kilteevan, Roscommon (19th Anniversary – 24th February 2025)

I lost a father with a heart of gold, how much I miss him can never be told. He shared my troubles and helped me along, if I follow his footsteps, I will never go wrong. I miss you from your ﬁreside chair, your loving smile and gentle air. Your vacant place no one can ﬁll, I miss you, father, and always will.

Loved and missed so much by daughter Sharon and granddaughter Shauna.

SUBMIT YOUR

CARROLL

Patricia Ballinaboy, Roscommon Who passed away on 23rd February 2011 (14th Anniversary)

We hold you close within our hearts, and there you shall remain.

To walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again.

So rest in peace dear loved one, and thanks for all you’ve done.

We pray that God has given you the crown you’ve truly won.

Always loved and sadly missed by her family and friends.

Anniversary Mass will be o ered in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilteevan on Sunday, 23rd February at 10am.

BRENNAN

John

R.I.P.

Fairﬁeld, Creggs, Co. Galway (12th Anniversary) Who passed away on the 23rd February 2013

In loving memory of my dear husband, John Your life touched so many others, and will be remembered forever more. To leave the world a better place than it had been before. Sadly missed and always remembered by his wife Mae, family and friends.

DOWDALL

Mrs. Agnes M M.I.A.V.I. 23rd February 1989

In loving memory of a great mother and grandmother

Never to be forgotten Always remembered with love and a ection by her family.

Mass will be o ered for Agnes and John Dowdall and John Brennan in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 22nd February at 10am.

HUSSEY

Mary

Cooltigue Cross, Four Mile House, Roscommon (2nd Anniversary)

Cherished memories of our dear sister, Mary, who passed away on the 19th February 2023

Rest in Peace

Mary: loving and kind, gentle and true, these are the memories we have of you.

Always in our thoughts and sadly missed by her family and friends.

WALSH Michael

Aughamore, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

In loving memory of Michael on his First Anniversary who passed away on 21st February, 2024

On this, the first anniversary of Michael Walsh’s death, his family lovingly remembers him and wishes to express heartfelt gratitude for the support and kindness received during this difficult time.

We would like to thank our family, neighbours, and friends, as well as Newtowncashel GAA, for their unwavering support. To everyone who attended the funeral home and witnessed the Funeral Mass in person or online. To those who sent cards and messages of sympathy, your kindness brought us comfort.

We are grateful for the care and assistance provided by Castle Street Surgery in Roscommon, and by Marie McDonnell and her team at McDonnell’s Pharmacy, Strokestown.

A sincere thanks to everyone who participated in his Mass. A special thank you to Fr. Dan for visiting our home, for his blessings and prayers, and for celebrating the Funeral Mass with us.

A very special thanks to Derek Mahady for the beautiful music and to Kieran and Mary Leavy for handling the funeral arrangements with such professionalism and attention to detail.

As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, we hope this acknowledgment will be accepted as a token of our deepest gratitude.

Ba bheannacht é i saol a mhuintire, solas nár mhaolaigh riamh. Leanann a spiorad ag maireachtáil inár gcuimhní cinn. Ni beidh a leithid an arís.

Michael’s first anniversary will be commemorated with a Mass in St. Cecilia’s Church, Curraghroe, on Sunday, February 23rd, at 10:00 am.

Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon

MULVIHILL

Jimmy

Birmingham and formerly Tobberoe, Glinsk, Co. Galway

Who passed away suddenly on the 20th December 2024

The family of the late Jimmy Mulvihill wish to thank sincerely everyone who sympathised with them on their recent sad loss, thank you to all those who left condolences, send Mass Cards and left beautiful messages on R.I.P. and Mid West Radio.

To all our relatives, neighbours and friends who called to our home to offer help and support and to those who brought refreshments thank you.

A sincere thank you to Tom and Dolores Dowd Undertakers and Divilly Undertakers for the professional way they dealt with the Funeral arrangements and for being so kind and understanding. To the grave diggers who prepared Jimmy’s final resting place with such great care and respect thank you.

To Fr. Chris Jones for celebrating a beautiful Mass and for playing the special song thank you. Thanks to the choir for making the Mass special. Many thanks to all those who travelled long distances to celebrate Jimmy’s life.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our deep appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for all your intentions.

Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated for Jimmy in St. Michael’s Church Glinsk on Sunday February 23rd 2025 at 10 o’clock

CARROLL

Rita (2nd Anniversary)

Willsbrook, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

MEE

Mary (Molly)

Carrowntemple, Four Roads, Co. Roscommon In loving memory of Mary (Molly) Mee who passed away on 27th February, 2024 (1st Anniversary)

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

Loved and sadly missed by your daughter Helen and sons Charles and Toss. Also your daughter in law Joanne and grandchildren Olivia, Dylan and Tom and extended family.

BEIRNE

Kathleen (17th Anniversary)

Those we love remain with us, for love itself lives on, and treasured memories never fade, because a loved one’s gone.

Loved and always remembered by Patsy and Maureen.

MONAGHAN

Mary

Edmonton, London and formerly Gallowstown, Roscommon (11th Anniversary) Who passed away on the 16th February 2014

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

Sadly missed by your brother Simon, Ann, Simon Jnr and Shane Doyle.

www.anthonymurrayandsons.com

In loving memory of Rita who passed away on 20th February 2023

This day is Remembered and quietly kept. No words are needed we shall never forget. For those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day. Unseen and unheard, but always near. So Loved, so Missed, and so very dear.

Deep in our hearts your memory is kept

Loved and always remembered by your sisters Yvonne and Jackie; brothers Michael and John; sisters in-law, Claire and Ann, nieces and nephews.

Anniversary Mass for Rita will be held in St. Patrick’s Church, Castlerea on Sunday 23 February at 12 noon.

1st Anniversary Mass on Sunday 23rd February in the Church of the Good Shepherd, Four Roads at 11.00 am.

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Roscommon

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Tullys Totalhealth Pharmacy, Castlerea on Monday and Friday and Boyle Totalhealth Pharmacy on Tuesdays.

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Electrician Available

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SportsPeople

Racing mourns death of Michael O’Sullivan

Horses for Courses

Last Sunday, news that nobody in racing wanted to hear broke: that 24-year-old Michael O’Sullivan had died as a result of injuries received in a fall at Thurles on the 6th of this month.

A talented young rider, Michael had teamed up with Barry Connell in 2022 to win his first Grade 1 with Marine National in Fairyhouse’s Royal Bond Hurdle, followed by Good Land in the Nathaniel Lacy Novice Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival.

The highlight of his career was Marine National’s win in the Supreme Novices Hurdle at the opening day of last year’s Cheltenham Festival, where he went on to complete a double, riding Jazzy Matty to victory in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle for Gordon Elliott. The following day Michael, still a claimer, wore the Golden Armband as the leading rider at the festival after the first day.

His family is steeped in national hunt racing, with his father William winning the 1991 Foxhunters at Cheltenham aboard his grandfather’s

Lovely Citizen, trained by his uncle Eugene. His cousin, Eugene’s daughter, is leading lady rider Maxine, who also won the 2020 Foxhunters aboard It Came To Pass.

All racing in Ireland, Punchestown, and three point to point meetings on Sunday were cancelled as a mark of respect. Racing this afternoon (Thursday) at Thurles, where the fall

occurred, is also cancelled as a mark of respect. May he rest in peace. Racing does take place today at Punchestown from 1.25 pm, and again tomorrow from 1.50 pm –replacing the two meetings cancelled earlier in the week. Tomorrow evening there is flat racing on the allweather at Dundalk, away at 5 pm.

On Saturday, Irish racing takes place at Fairyhouse featuring the Grade 3 Bobbyjo Chase, with first race at 1.05 pm. On Sunday, racing is at Naas (off at 1.50 pm), featuring the Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle and Newlands Chase – both Grade 3 races.

No racing takes place Monday. The Knockanard and Tinahely point-topoint meetings that were postponed last Sunday will take place this Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Racing review

The Gordon Elliott trained Ballybow won the Grade 3 Novice Hurdle, beating the Willie Mullins trained Ballygunner Castle by ½l at Clonmel last Thursday. The Cheltenham Festival and the Albert Bartlett

Novices’ Hurdle is the next stop for the six-year-old, who was ridden by Sam Ewing.

On Sunday at Gowran Park, Willie Mullins and Paul Townend won the opening maiden hurdle and continued their run in the Red Mills Trial Hurdle, with Kitzbuhel beating Break My Soul and Sir Gerhard finishing third. The Red Mills Chase also went to Mullins (for the fifth time), with nephew Danny in the

It’s Greystones next for Buccaneers

After recent improved displays and a decent first-half performance in this contest, Buccaneers faded alarmingly following the change of ends as 14-man

Old Crescent cruised to a 42-10 victory in this Energia All-Ireland League Division 2A match played at Dubarry Park on Saturday. Buccaneers are home to Greystones in their rescheduled Energia All-Ireland League Division 2A match at Dubarry Park this Saturday.

U-13 CUP: Buccaneers opened their Connacht U-13 Cup campaign with a clearcut 31-0 victory over Monivea at Dubarry Park on Saturday morning. Battling Monivea could not deal with ‘Storm Eoghany’ as Eoghan Silke put in some strong carrying from No 8 in the course of this win.

U-17 CUP: Buccaneers proved much too strong for Loughrea when the sides met in the opening round of the Connacht U-17 Cup with the Athlone outfit

St John’s are top of the league!

St John’s Athletic are top of the Premier Division of the Roscommon & District League following a 3-0 win over the Newbridge-based Shiven Rovers at Lecarrow.

Moore United are a point behind the leaders but have a game less played. They beat a struggling CP Ajax side 2-0 at Falty Park, Moore on Saturday night.

Castlerea Celtic kept their title hopes very much alive when they beat Boyle Celtic 3-1 under the lights at the League Grounds, Lecarrow on Friday night.

Skyvalley Rovers had a hard-earned 3-2 win away to a good Dunmore Town. While they are four points behind the leaders, they have a game less played.

In Division Two, Glen Celtic and Cloonfad United drew 1-1 at Cloonfad.

Kilkerrin United are top of Division Two but nearest rivals Rahara Rovers are just two points behind with the same number of games played.

coasting to a 66-0 victory in wet and windy conditions at the Co Galway venue on Sunday. Next up is a home game against sterner opposition when Sligo come to Dubarry Park on the weekend of March 1st.

MINIS: The Minis Blitz hosted by Longford RFC on Sunday was absolutely amazing. All our age groups, from U-7s to U-12s, played their socks off against highly skilled opponents.

A huge thanks to Pauline and her team for organising such a brilliant event. Well done to all the players, coaches and parents/supporters.

U-20s: Our U-20s are away to Dublin University when they resume their JP Fanagan Leinster Premier League 2 campaign on Sunday. This Super Six Group One match kicks off in College Park at 3 pm.

The Kilkerrin side beat Cloonfad United’s second side 3-0 at Cloonfad. On Sunday morning, Rahara Rovers welcomed their good friends and neighbours St John’s Athletic to Clover Park and Rahara came out on top in a pulsating encounter, winning 2-1. Cam Celtic beat Moore United 2-0 at Moore, David Cummins and John Why scoring for the winners.

Women’s League

In the Women’s League Dunmore Town beat Shiven Rovers 5-0 at Shiven. Siobhan O’Grady scored after 20 minutes and Stephanie O’Neill added two more before half-time. O’Neill added two more after the break.

Boyle Celtic beat Ballinasloe Town 1-0 at Boyle. Emma Duggan scored the only goal of the game. Castlerea Celtic and Kilkerrin United drew 3-3 at Castlerea. In the Reserve Division Boyle Celtic and Ballaghaderreen drew 1-1 at Boyle.

Darts League fixtures

The Hannon’s Hotel sponsored Roscommon Darts League continued last weekend with the following results: Flanagan’s 3 An Bothar Rua 6 (12 to 17 on legs); Dalton’s 6 Hollywood 3 (18 to 10 on legs); Tower Bar 0 McDermott’s 9 (2 to 24 on legs); Holly Tree 7 Cosy Bar 2 (19 to 8 on legs); Village Inn 4 Sportsman’s 5 (13 to 15 on legs).

This weekend’s fixtures (21st of February) are as follows: Holly Tree v Village Inn; Cosy Bar v Tower Bar; McDermott’s v Dalton’s; Hollywood v Flanagan’s; An Bothar Rua v

saddle winning from the Mullinstrained favourite Saint Sam with Townend aboard.

Racing news

Patrick Mullins continued his tour of British racecourses this day week, when he added Newcastle – scoring on his father’s Armed And Fabulous to make it 15 out of the 41 courses that he has ridden a winner on (10 out of 16 rides this season).

Short putts

CARRICK-ON-SHANNON

The second round of the Flynn’s sponsored Spring League is now complete. We request that all who are playing to please enter their team number on the scorecard. Also, all team captains please ensure that all team members play at least once a week.

50/50 DRAW: 21st draw winner (14th of February 2025) was John A Burke (Cloonfad) who won €530. Thanks to everyone for your continued support.

ROSCOMMON

The winner of the Ladies 7-hole reentry competition for week February 4th to 10th was Pauline Leonard (15 points, last 6). This week’s Ladies Competition is 9-hole re-entry playing holes 1 to 4, 7 to 9, 10 and 11.

The results of the men’s 13-hole competition played last Saturday and Sunday are – 1st: JP O’Gara; 2nd: Conor Mullally; Gross: Jack Sharkey.

There will be another men’s competition this weekend. Please keep an eye on BRS and WhatsApp for details.

SENIOR MEN: 46 played last week and there were no deuces. Winner was Willie Doyle (28 pts). Cat 1: Matt Farrell (26 pts); Cat 2: Pat O’Brien (28 pts); Cat 3: Tony Costello (26 pts); Cat 4: Tommy Murphy (24 pts).

OLIVIA: Olivia Costello represented Ireland at the Octagonal Ladies tournament in Spain last week. Ireland won two matches, lost one and halved the other. Well done to Olivia on her performances throughout the week.

Best wishes to Castlerea St. Kevin’s from

by Tom Red

Ballybow, maroon silks, and Ballygunner Castle clear the last at Clonmel.

Michael O’Sullivan (RIP).

Sportsman’s.

Pictured recently at the National Juvenile B Cross Country Championships were Anna Godzic, Méabh Mannion, Doireann Fallon (U-13 girls, Roscommon AC).

Creggs

RFC Report

THE GAIN LINE

Classy Creggs too strong for Tuam

Creggs RFC 25 Tuam RFC 8: Creggs’ first team took on Tuam at home on Sunday afternoon in the ‘Super 4’ league play-offs.

Mikey Dunne scored an early try for Creggs in the right corner. Minutes later Mark Purcell was unlucky with a penalty directly into the strong wind. From the drop-out Shane Purcell took control and sprinted home untouched from the halfway line for a 10-0 lead.

Tuam, playing with the wind, eventually got into the Creggs 22, scoring in the left corner.

Shortly afterwards they added a penalty from 46 metres making it a two-point game.

After 32 minutes Creggs won a lineout on their 22, took a maul forward and then released the ball where the sharp-handling backs let Dunne in for their third try to finish the first half 15-8 ahead.

The second half kick-off for Creggs went deep with the wind and led to a penalty converted by Shane Purcell to put Creggs 18-8 ahead.

It took 60 minutes for Creggs to score again when Mark Purcell made a 40-metre break, before a timely pass to Mark Dowd who had his cousin Shane on his shoulder to score the 4th try, converted by Shane Purcell.

Creggs held Tuam scoreless in the second half. Creggs now face Castlebar RFC at home this weekend.

WOMEN’S TEAM: SEG Warriors 0 Creggs RFC 31. The Creggs senior women got back to winning ways on Sunday, defeating South East Galway Warriors 31-0 in the quarter-final of the Senior Women’s Cup in very wet conditions in Ballinasloe.

SEG started well but tries from Susan O’Reilly and Jemima Adams Verling had Creggs in control and 19-0 ahead at half-time.

Five minutes into the second half after a good run by Seren Griffiths Susan O’Reilly dived over to extend Creggs’ lead. This try was converted by Eabha Dowd. Creggs still had time for one more score through Jemima Adams Verling.

Creggs: Jennifer Morris, Seren Griffiths, Jemima Adams Verling, Shannon Haugh, Stacey Corbally, Éabha Dowd, Elaine O’Grady, Susan O’Reilly (captain), Orla Timon, Sabrina Egan, Rachael O’Grady, Gabrielle Kilcommons, Hannah Coen, Merisa Kiripati, Kelley Haugh, Michaela Gillooly, Nadine Fitzmaurice, Isabelle Quinn, Abbie Murray, Tara Waldron, Victoria Livermore, Ailish O’Rourke, Grace Scanlon, Grace Hanley.

BOYS U-18.5 CUP: Creggs/Monivea 24 Connemara/Oughterard 19. In the first round of the U-18.5 Cup the newly-formed Monivea/ Creggs team took on their Connemara/Oughterard counterparts in a wet and windy Creggs. Creggs/Monivea started brightly and after some

good team play their loose head Oisin Mullen scored the opening try on five minutes. The conversion made it 7-0. On 12 minutes a quick tap penalty by scrum-half Daithi Concannon created a break and he off-loaded to no 8 Dylan Wynne who scored a second try (also converted). Creggs les 14-0 at half-time.

Shortly after the restart Oisin Mullen again crossed over to put Monivea/Creggs 21-0 in front. Connemara/Oughterard then had a series of scores to reduce the gap to two points with only minutes remaining. Monivea/Creggs captain Luke Kilcommons earned a penalty which was slotted over by Darren Hynes to push the score to 24-19. This was a great victory for this newlyformed side. They now move on to play Ballina away this week.

BOYS U-17 CUP: Ballinasloe RFC 22 Creggs RFC 19. Creggs Boys U-17s travelled to Ballinasloe for their first round cup game at noon last Sunday. The game was played in very tough conditions with cold wind and rain.

Tries in the first half by Myles McSharry, Cian Kiernan and Ivan Bikol, with only one successful conversion, left Creggs leading at half-time by 19-12.

The Creggs squad’s next outing is in two weeks’ time, at home against Connemara/Oughterard.

BOYS U-15 CUP: Galwegians 22 Creggs 20. Creggs RFC boys U-15s travelled to Galwegians on Saturday where the home team got off to a strong start scoring the first try to lead 7-0. Creggs got back in the game with a try from Ryan Halligan to trail 7-5. Galwegians scored the next try to extend the lead to 12-5.

After a good spell of possession for Creggs, they were awarded a penalty which Cathal Nerney kicked to leave the score 12-8. In the final play of the first half Galwegians got in for their 3rd try to lead 19-8 at half-time.

Creggs started the second half strongly with a try from Aydin Odemis with Cathal Nerney adding the conversion to bring the score to 19-15. Finally after a lot of dominant play Noah Feeley got over the line for a try to give Creggs a onepoint lead (20-19).

Creggs went on the attack and should have closed out the game but lost possession, allowing Galwegians to clear the ball downfield where Creggs gave away a silly penalty 30 metres from their posts. Galwegians kicked the penalty which was the final play of the game to give them a 2220 win. Creggs play Carrick-on-Shannon at home next weekend in the 2nd round.

Creggs squad: Aydin Odemis, Daniel Connolly, George Hoban, Cillian Fallon, Cameron Clark, Tom Og Reddington, Ryan Halligan, Austin Smyth, Calvin Beckett, Cathal Nerney, Thomas

Lohan, Jack Lally, Ciaran Cunnane, Noah Feely, Calum Ward, Darragh Connaughton, Maks Ciszyk, Ryan Lynch, Fionn Healy, Brian Moran, Will O’Gara.

GIRLS U-14 CUP: Creggs RFC 34 Buccaneers RFC 10.

Creggs U-14 girls started their cup campaign with a home game against neighbours Buccaneers RFC on Sunday afternoon.

In a tough, physical encounter the Creggs girls started well, scoring the first try of the game from some good open play and strong work from the forwards. Buccs didn’t bow down and scored a try themselves, levelling the scores. Creggs finished the half with a tight lead, 12-7.

The second half was as tough as the first and the girls never let up, winning 34-10. Well done to the girls on a great start to a cup campaign. Try scorers on the day were Emer Timon, Clodagh Finneran, Muireann Mulry and Lilly Higgins with conversions by Darcy Thorose and Maisie Holmes.

Creggs: Darcy Thorose, Ella Finneran, Kayla Walsh, Saoirse Scott, Sophie Dwyer, Clodagh Finneran, Maisie Holmes, Leah Connolly, Amy Hannon, Lilly Higgins, Lily Timon, Emer Finneran, Eabha Tansey, Marissa Thompson, Kate Boyle, Mia Dolan, Keeva Glennon, Julianna Gaynor, Lily Richardson, Sarah King, Megan Kilroy, Dearbhla Gregg Haugh, Muireann Mulry. BOYS U-14 CUP: Sligo RFC 10 Creggs RFC

14. Creggs Boys U-14s travelled to Sligo on Sunday for the first round of their cup campaign. Both sides had to contend with poor pitch and weather conditions.

In an evenly matched game it was the Sligo team who scored first after 20 minutes. Creggs regrouped with a well-worked try scored by Charlie Madden with Harry Trimble adding an excellent conversion against the strong wind, leaving the score 7-5 at half-time.

With the wind in their favour Creggs started the second half with some changes from the bench. Fresh legs helped Creggs cross the line for their second try through Harry Feeley, Trimble again adding the extra points to push Creggs 14-5 clear. Sligo were not finished as a few minutes later they replied with a try. Creggs held out to secure a brilliant 14-10 win. Well done boys.

Creggs: Leo Geraghty, Ronan Loughrey, Ryan Sharkey, Adam Farrell, Jack Crean, Noah Costello, Bobby Harpur, Harry Feeley, Ryan Hegarty, Harry Trimble, Jonah Harrington, Cian Fetherson, Eoin Callaghan, Charlie Madden, Harry McDermott, Conor Donoghue, Dara Cummins, Niall Kelly, Tommy Muldoon, Callum Kilcommons, Jack Jordan-McDermott, Ruairi McNeela, Ben Payne, Dylan Connaughton. BOYS U-13 CUP: Creggs 5 Galwegians 0. Creggs started their cup competition on Saturday with a home game against visitors Galwegians. It was captain Ethan Coyne who led by example and crossed over the line after five minutes for the only score of the game. This squad is due to travel to Ballyhaunis for round two this weekend.

Creggs: Kyle Fahy, Christopher Walsh, Liam Fleming, Harris Curran, Thomas Kelly, Zac Kelly, Blake Burke, David Thompson, Ethan Coyne, Rian Davis, Sean Keane, Tadhg Duignan, Dylan Cryan, William Fallon, Donnchadh Hession, Eoin Connolly, Cillian Finan, Kyle Maloney, Maththew Towey, Harry Dolan, Harry O’Byrne, Daniel Foley, Robert Yonker.

MINI-RUGBY: Creggs mini-rugby had a full turnout at home for training on Saturday morning. The weather was kind and smiles were abundant throughout the grounds (children and parents!). LOTTO: Creggs lotto was not won and now lies at €4300. The lucky dip winner was Laraine Brennan. Please support.

Creggs U-14 boys (v Sligo).

The Creggs men’s team (v Tuam). Photo: Steve Fahey

Creggs U-14 girls.

Photo: Steve Fahey

SportsPeople

SPORTS DESK

Paul

Healy

Diarmuid’s dozen sends Rossies to the summit

Revelling in the new rules, unrestrained by the dogged rain, Roscommon and Monaghan served up a treat at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park last Sunday.

At the end of an entertaining, high-scoring game, Roscommon are clear front-runners in Division Two of the Allianz Football League, sitting on top of the table with a 100% record. There’s still work to do of course, but for now, Operation Promotion is seamlessly successful. The headlines have been dominated this week by Diarmuid Murtagh. That’s as it should be. Attacking prowess is being rewarded in Gaelic football’s new guise. Two-pointers are a valuable new currency. Murtagh kicked four of those on Sunday, as well as four of the type conceived 140-odd years ago by Michael Cusack & Co.

The biggest compliment I might pay Diarmuid is to say that his 12-point contribution doesn’t entirely surprise anyone in these parts. There was an important cameo too from Conor Cox, the Éire Óg ace scoring three points (one two-pointer) when the game was still in the balance late on. Meanwhile, Conor Hand (0-3) pierced the Monaghan defence with clinical incisions, his pace igniting the stadium on an afternoon that was quickly shedding its drabness.

Roscommon’s strength in depth has been an impressive factor in securing their wins against Down, Louth and Monaghan.

Canavan talking up Donegal!

Peter Canavan and Cora Staunton are two legends of the GAA. As pundits, they’re not the most exciting, but then maybe it’s no harm that we’re in a post Brolly/Spillane era where calm (if sometimes boring) analysis has replaced bluster and hyperbole.

On Sunday night’s Allianz League Sunday (RTE 2) Canavan ventured that Donegal are current favourites to win the All-Ireland.

“It was as good a performance as I have seen from Donegal in a long time,” Canavan said after the Ulster side’s win over Armagh, a victory that, ominously for all other counties, featured the return (from retirement in late 2022) of the great Michael Murphy.

Con, Paddy and Mikey…

The recent tributes to the late Paddy Cullen were heartfelt – and very apt. The former Dublin goalkeeper was a star on the field, a great ambassador for the GAA off the pitch, and a thorough gentleman in everyday life who always had a great welcome for supporters visiting his pub in Ballsbridge. His passing (aged 80) inevitably led to many commentators referencing the late Con Houlihan’s famous description of Mikey

Sheehy’s goal against Dublin in the 1978 AllIreland final.

I will jump on the bandwagon and, for the benefit of my readers, happily reproduce Con’s great words. The context is as follows: Dublin goalkeeper Paddy Cullen has just conceded a free a short distance from goal. Accordingly, he is off his line, and about to be the victim of a moment of brilliance from Kerry’s Sheehy. Con takes up the story:

‘Whatever the reason, Paddy put on a show of righteous indignation that would get him a card from Equity, throwing his hands to heaven as the referee kept pointing towards goal.

‘And while all that was going on, Mikey Sheehy was running up to take the kick – and suddenly Paddy dashed back towards his goal like a woman who smells a cake burning.

‘The ball won the race and it curled inside the near post as Paddy crashed into the outside of the net and lay against it like a fireman who returned to find his own station ablaze’.

Can Arsenal catch Liverpool?

To state the obvious, only Arsenal have any chance of catching Liverpool at the top of the Premier League. As I write (before Aston Villa v Liverpool on Wednesday night), Arne Slot’s team are seven points clear of second-placed Arsenal. Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, Chelsea, etc have no chance.

Liverpool have been outstanding this season and are rightly strong favourites to take the title. But it’s not over just yet. Liverpool have a few potentially tricky games coming up, and the fact that they still have to play Arsenal gives the Gunners hope.

Liverpool could drop points… the real question is: can Arsenal keep winning? The likelihood is that both teams will drop points. The gap may well narrow, but Liverpool should take the title.

Those potentially tricky games for the leaders include away trips to Manchester City (this Sunday, February 23rd) and Chelsea (May 3rd). They also have to go to Fulham.

Their home game against a reinvigorated Everton (April 2nd) looks set to be a highly charged encounter, given how tempestuous last week’s drawn derby at Goodison Park was. The showdown with Arsenal is at Anfield on May 10th.

The late Matt Doyle

Matt Doyle, who died earlier this month at the age of 70, arguably single-handedly put Irish tennis into a place of credibility.

While he was born in the US, Doyle chose Ireland as his nationality for professional tennis, both his parents being Irish.

He rose to world number 65, won the 1983 Cologne Grand Prix, played in all four Grand Slam events – reaching the fourth round of the US Open – and represented Ireland for many years in the Davis Cup.

That US Open run in 1984 was only brought to an end by the great John McEnroe.

Doyle was credited with putting Irish tennis on a new level and has been described as the most successful Irish player of the modern era.

Patrick Barclay (RIP)

The death of Patrick Barclay (at the age of 77) was announced on Friday. Barclay was one of a generation of great British sportswriters, his peers including Henry Winter, Matt Lawton and Jonathan Wilson.

The late Hugh McIlvanney was perhaps the greatest British sportswriter of recent decades.

Over the years, Barclay worked for a number of England’s top newspapers, and wrote several football books, including acclaimed biographies of José Mourinho and Alex Ferguson.

They will be fondly remembered…

This column extends deepest sympathies to the family and friends of jockey Michael O’Sullivan, who died on Sunday morning having been injured in a fall during a race in Thurles last week. The tragic passing at just 24 years of age of this gifted sportsman is devastating for his family and for his sport.

Our sympathies also to the families of Galway boxer John Cooney and former Galway hurling star Michael Coleman, both of whom tragically lost their lives earlier this month.

St Croan’s for Dingle…

St Croan’s will compete in the intermediate men’s cup at the Lidl Comórtas Peile Páidí Ó Sé 2025, the famed club ladies and men’s Gaelic football tournament, taking place all across the Dingle Peninsula this weekend (21st to 23rd of February).

The Roscommon lads are in the four-team straight knock-out intermediate men’s cup against Killannin of Galway and if they win, they will play either Offaly’s Bracknagh or Galbally of Limerick who won the junior cup at last year’s Comórtas.

14 counties from the four provinces of Ireland will take part in the 36th edition of the Lidl Comórtas Peile Páidí Ó Sé, with 28 adult men’s and ladies club teams coming for a weekend of competitive football and social events including popular Irish band Super Céilí at Páidí Ó Sé’s pub in Ventry, West Kerry.

The football festival, which was founded by eight-time All-Ireland winner Páidí Ó Sé, is supported by Lidl Ireland, EJ Menswear, Kerry County Council Tourism Unit, Medel Healthcare, Dooctor.ie, Fáilte Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta, and has attracted over 30,000 club players since it was founded in 1989

Dylan Byrne of Monaghan in action against Conor Hand, right and Donie Smith of Roscommon during the Allianz Football League Division Two match between Roscommon and Monaghan at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park in Roscommon last Sunday. Photo by Stephen Marken/Sportsfile

Matthew Fallon (U-13 boys, Roscommon AC) pictured recently at the National Juvenile B Cross Country Championships.

CBS management want team to get out of blocks earlier as place in final at stake

All-Ireland Colleges SF ‘B’ semi-final: Roscommon CBS v St Peter’s, Dunboyne on Saturday in Kinnegad at 1 pm

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon CBS face the Leinster champions St Peter’s of Dunboyne in the All-Ireland semi-final on Saturday after winning their first Connacht ‘B’ title since 2019 two weeks ago against Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown.

The Roscommon town side are improving all the time and will need to produce a big performance to defeat Dunboyne who were impressive in accounting for Enniscorthy CBS by 0-13 to 1-7 in the recent Leinster final.

The Leinster champions have a number of Meath minors on their side and Dunboyne native and legendary Meath coach Sean Boylan has been addressing the team this year to provide added motivation.

Roscommon CBS will be hoping their main players can provide inspiration for their colleagues this weekend. Michael Gillooly, Colin Murray and captain Eoghan Carthy have been excellent in defence while Seamus Hussey and Sean McDermott will hope to edge the midfield battle.

Sam Hannon leads the attack and Owen Rogers and Freddie Kelly have been prominent in the danger zone, but to reach an All-Ireland final CBS will have to produce a very solid all-round team performance.

The Roscommon CBS team are jointly managed

by Eoghan Coll and Noel Moran. Eoghan Coll told People Sport that they will be looking to improve on their Connacht final display on Saturday.

“We will want to play better than we did against Strokestown. We had a poor start and they were more physical than us. They were impressive on the ball early on but we improved as the game went on. We will want to get a good display for the entire game this time around.”

Coll says that Dunboyne are an impressive side.

“They are strong down the middle and they have a very good full-forward. They have a good kick-out strategy as well. They won the Leinster final by a lot more than the scoreboard suggested (three points) and according to what we have heard they missed a good few chances so we know that they will be a hard side to beat. But we are looking forward to the match and hopefully we will have a good performance on the day” he concluded.

Noel Moran said that any injuries in the CBS camp have been cleared up. “We hope to have a full clean bill of health this week and there is great competition for places on the team, which is a bonus.”

Moran also reflected on the recent Connacht final display by Roscommon CBS.

“We started slowly in the Connacht final but there were a few factors… we were on a high after beating Oranmore in the semi-final and a good few of the lads were doing mocks (exams) that week so this

National success for Greg and Juliette in Westport!

Westport House grounds was a worthy venue to host the 123.ie National Juvenile B Cross Country Championships earlier this month, with competitors from all over Ireland taking part. First up for Roscommon AC was Greg McNeela (U-11 boys), bringing home his first national medal with a brilliant run over the 1000m course, coming in in the top 12 overall.

Another gritty performance in the U-15 girls race saw Juliette Fallon putting in a confident run in a fast-paced race over 2500m, crossing the line in third place and winning a national medal. Juliette was running a year out of her age group; a promising, super performance from this young athlete.

Roscommon AC had a team of eleven athletes on the day with Diarmuid McNamara putting in a super run in the U-11 boys race, coming in a very decent 48th place in a field of 96 entrants. The U-13 girls put in a big effort over the 1500m course with Anna Godzic placing 68th, followed by Doireann Fallon and Méabh Mannion close on her heels. Matthew Fallon gave it his all, as always, coming home in the Top 20 of 98 boys in the U-13 boys race. Sarah Kelly, U-15 girls, put in a super effort throughout for a Top 20 finish and 18th overall. Completing the U-15 team were a determined Saoirse McNamara, who crossed the line in 48th position, followed by a valiant run from Ruth Dennigan in 56th. This team of four just missed out on a medal by eleven points. The final competitor of the day was Nicole Dowd, who ran the U-17 girls 3000m. Nicole crossed the finish line in 23rd place.

It was another great day out for these brilliant young athletes, with some fantastic experience gained. Matthew, Juliette, Sarah, Saoirse and Ruth are out again representing their schools in

time we have had better preparation.”

Noel says that he is predicting a close contest. “I think it will go down to the wire. We have a great group of lads here and it is a pleasure to coach them.

Alongside myself and Eoghan, we have Gerry Lohan and Sean Adamson as well as coaches – and the lads get on very well with them. It’s great to have those lads in the set-up as well. We are looking forward to Saturday now” he concluded.

Roscommon CBS have a good record in the AllIreland Colleges ‘B’ Championship. The last time the CBS won the Connacht title (in 2019) they went on to win the All-Ireland, beating Rathmore of Kerry by a point in the final at Croke Park. I think there is a lot more in this CBS team than we saw in the Connacht final recently. On that basis I give them a great chance of making it to the final.

Prediction: Roscommon CBS

the Connacht Secondary Schools Cross Country Championships on the 25th of February in Loughrea. Meanwhile, the indoor season continues with the Connacht Indoor Championships over the weekend in the International Arena in TUS, Athlone.

Now for the semi-final! Roscommon CBS captain Eoghan Carthy pictured in front of his teammates after the school’s recent Connacht final win. Photo: Michael Finan

Pictured recently at the National Juvenile B Cross Country Championships were Ruth Dennigan, Saoirse McNamara, Juliette Fallon, Sarah Kelly (U-15 girls, Roscommon AC).

Greg McNeela (twelfth place, U-11 boys) pictured recently at the National Juvenile B Cross Country Championships.

Juliette Fallon (third place, U-15 girls) pictured recently at the National Juvenile B Cross Country Championships.

Pictured recently at the National Juvenile B Cross Country Championships were Diarmuid McNamara and Greg McNeela (U-11 boys, Roscommon AC).

Late goal denies Mercy College

A superb, brave and courageous performance from Mercy College Roscommon just came up short in this thrilling All-Ireland ‘B’ final played in Banagher last Saturday.

The sides were level inside the last four minutes before Johnstown corner-forward Aoibhe Bourke flashed the ball to the Mercy College net. That late score proved the difference between the sides. It was a heartbreaking way to lose for the Roscommon girls who had given as good as they got over the course of this final.

The Kilkenny side started best and scored the first four points of the game. But Mercy College got into their stride after that and the outstanding Hazel Kelly pointed from a free and then scored a fine goal to level the scores.

Johnstown then pushed ahead by four, helped by a fine goal from Lillian Cleere, and there was a let-off for the Roscommon girls when their opponents missed a penalty, Taylor Corbett firing wide. At halftime the Kilkenny side led by 1-5 to 1-2.

Mercy Roscommon were on top in the third quarter and once again Hazel Kelly was to the fore. Hopes of a Roscommon win grew when Kelly’s excellent goal helped her side into a one-point lead, 2-4 to 1-6. Johnstown equalised with a pointed free and the sides traded points after that, with Kaitlin Egan scoring for Roscommon. Then came that late goal for Johnstown which finally determined the outcome of this exciting final.

It was a magnificent performance from the Roscommon girls for whom Hazel Kelly, Kaitlin Egan, Lily Murray and Anna Hussey were particularly outstanding on the day as part of an excellent team performance.

Mercy Roscommon: Molly Finneran (Roscommon Gaels); Maria

Bolger (Four Roads), Mia White (St Dominic’s), Ciara Killeen (Roscommon Gaels); Anna Hussey (Oran), Grace Geraghty (Roscommon Gaels), Eve Connaughton (St Dominic’s); Lily Murray (St Dominic’s, 0-1), Kaitlin Egan (St Dominic’s, 0-3); Siofra Hession

(Roscommon Gaels, 0-1), Hazel Kelly (Oran, 2-2), Alannah Sutton (Roscommon Gaels); Tara O’Brien (Athleague), Laura McSharry (St Dominic’s), Sarah Jane O’Connor (St Dominic’s). Subs used: Shauna Walsh (Roscommon Gaels) for Killeen (50).

Colaiste Mhuire players celebrate with the cup. Photo: Michael Finan

Goalmouth action from last Saturday’s final. Photo: Michael Finan

A scramble for possession! Photo: Michael Finan

Mercy College Roscommon players prior to throw-in. Photo: Michael Finan

Despair… Mercy College Roscommon players pictured at the final whistle. They had a magnificent campaign of which they can be very proud. Photo: Michael Finan

‘It’s class’ – Davy relishing ‘new game’

< KEVIN EGAN

Whether he’ll still feel the same after Roscommon lose a chaos-filled shootout is something that we’ve yet to learn, but right now, there are very few figures in Gaelic football that are as enthused about the new rules as Rossie manager Davy Burke. His charges are sitting pretty on top of Division Two of the Allianz League, and for the second time in two home games they had come back from behind to

record a big win over Ulster opposition, enthralling supporters in the process.

“It’s great, the new game, I love it anyway. This is never over anymore, it’s a brilliant game of football and it’s swings and roundabouts so easily” he

told reporters last Sunday.

“Myself and Mark Doran (coach), who I’m loving working with by the way, we were only talking about this walking out on the field the other night. We actually now have a creative game, it has reinvigorated us as

Ladies seeking second campaign win

Lidl Ladies Football League Division Two: Roscommon v Donegal on Sunday in Johnstown at 2 pm

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon ladies face another big challenge when Donegal are the visitors to Johnstown on Sunday. A win and two losses is Roscommon’s record so far but behind that statistic is a tale of two very good performances in defeat, against Monaghan by a point, and against Galway in the last round. In between those defeats, there was a handsome win against Clare in round two. Donegal would be seen as one of the strongest teams in the group and they have won one and drawn their other two games so far.

Roscommon manager Finbar Egan told People Sport this week that as the campaign unfolds his side are learning every step of the way.

“We did well against Galway in the last round but I felt that we were a little slack in the minutes before and after half-time and the game got away from us. We are working on that and we are learning all the time from playing at this level.”

Egan said that Donegal will present a different type of challenge.

“Donegal are a very good team. They play a very defensive style so we will have to cope with that. We have got to try to get the ball up the pitch and run at them. They will have at least six players back at all times and sometimes they will have 15 (back), so we have to be ready for that.

“There are four senior teams in our group and we want to beat at least one of those. Donegal are next up so at home we will be going for a win.”

The manager reports mixed news on the injury front.

“We have a few players suffering niggly injuries and a few others coming back. It will be later in the week when we will finalise our team selection.”

Egan says that another win would be important in terms of the league table (there are three points for a win in the ladies leagues).

“We want another win. We don’t want to be dragged into any kind of a battle at the bottom of the table so hopefully we can get that win at home this Sunday.”

Saoirse Wynne, Orla O’Neill, Roise Lennon, Caoimhe Cregg, Aisling Hanly and Caoimhe Lennon have all been playing well, and others like Laura Fleming are waiting in the wings to return to action. There is no doubt that this is an improving Roscommon team and the experience of playing sides like Galway, Donegal and Cork will be a huge benefit to them in the long-term.

Donegal are now in the top five teams in the country at senior level. It would be a surprise if Roscommon were to defeat them. However, with Roscommon on home soil in Johnstown, there won’t be much between the teams. Prediction: Donegal.

coaches because it went stale. It’s class now.”

Even if someone wanted to pick holes in the performance, it wasn’t easy – and Burke was not about to go down that road. The topic of missed goal chances was raised, but the Confey native was still happy to see his players follow their attacking instincts.

“There’s two ways of looking at that; can you work the scoreboard against the breeze? Could we have fisted a few scores? But we told them before they went out that we wanted them to enjoy themselves. Forwards want to go for goal don’t they? So we left four out there. Another day.

“We’re all sick and tired of hearing about Roscommon having lovely forwards, let them play a bit of football and express themselves and I thought we did today. Yes we left a lot behind us, but hopefully it might click down the road.”

There were kind words for his defensive players too, as well as further encouragement for supporters, with news of further reinforcements well

on the way to full fitness.

“Pearse Frost, I thought was exceptional in the corner, every ball that went in he came out with. We know how good Pearse Frost is, we’re delighted to have him and that gives us options to push other lads out the field. Ruaidhrí

Fallon came off the bench for Brian Stack and really, really impressed.

“We’ve to try find a place for David Murray on this team and we can’t find one for him. That’s how she works. The best teams, what do they have? They have a little bit of depth so we’re trying to grow a bit of depth.

“Daire Cregg, Shane

Killoran, Enda Smith, Colm Neary. You can add David Murray and Niall Daly to the list, we’d be here all week. They’ll all be returning in the next week or so, there’s no one ‘missing’ missing. Every one of those boys will be back before Cavan.”

And so to Páirc Tailteann, to take on another team that is averaging over 20 points a game. Maybe that’ll be the shootout that Roscommon doesn’t win?

“I was up in Newry last night, that’s a right good Meath team” Burke replied.

“Very big and strong and it looks like they have a rake of work done so we’ll get the full pipe in Navan.”

Can hurlers bloom against Garden County?

Allianz Hurling League Division Three: Wicklow v Roscommon on Sunday at Echelon Park, Aughrim at 1 pm

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon hurlers face probably their most difficult task of their league campaign so far when they make the long trip to Aughrim on Sunday to face the Garden County.

On the face of it this looks a daunting task, but Kevin Sammon’s men went to Aughrim last year and came away with a draw (1-15 to 2-12) so on that basis the Rossies have everything to play for on Sunday.

The Roscommon manager is relishing the challenge.

“We had a very good result against Armagh the last day and we have had a few weeks of training (Roscommon didn’t play in the last round of matches) so we are ready to get back into action this weekend. Wicklow are an established Christy Ring Cup team so it’s a big challenge for us.”

Sammon says that he intends to look at different combinations of players once again in this match.

“We have no injuries and a full panel so we will be looking at different players again this week. We put up a very good score in the win against Armagh (1-22) so if we can repeat that we will be there or thereabouts in any match.

“Wicklow at home is a big test but we came here last year and got a draw so if we can improve on that performance we won’t be far away. But the bottom line is that like every other team we are experimenting in the league with a view to the championship later in the year. It is great to have

these games in preparation” he concluded.

and as

says, plenty of players are getting their chance to nail down a starting place.

The players and management will know that a win in this match will leave them almost certainly safe on the league table, but more importantly it would be a huge boost as the season progresses. A Roscommon victory is certainly achievable here. Don’t rule it out.

Prediction: Roscommon.

Goalkeeper Enda Lawless, James Dillon, Conor Cosgrove, James Hardiman, Finn Killion, Cian Murray, Mickey Joe Egan, Cathal Kenny and Michael Hussey have been playing well for Roscommon thus far

the manager

Roscommon hurling manager Kevin Sammon.

Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon manager Davy Burke celebrates after his side’s victory in the Allianz Football League Division Two match between Roscommon and Monaghan at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park last Sunday. Photo by Stephen Marken/Sportsfile

Diarmuid’s dozen keeps Roscommon on course for return to Division

Allianz Football League Division Two Roscommon 0-25 Monaghan 2-14

< KEVIN EGAN AT KING & MOFFATT

DR HYDE PARK

On Monday morning, Off the Ball GAA reporter Tommy Rooney went on the air and said that Roscommon “feel like they have the forwards to possibly, potentially win an All-Ireland”, following up by giving his own view; “they absolutely do”.

At first glance, that seems like a somewhat outlandish inference to draw from a home win in Division Two of the Allianz League two days after St Valentine’s Day. For Roscommon supporters, who are now waiting 34 years to see their team reach an All-Ireland semi-final, such talk is somewhere on the scale from premature to fanciful – but as long as Davy Burke’s side keep winning games with such panache and style, these murmurs and projections will very slowly and subtly gather volume and traction.

Mayo, Galway, Dublin, Derry, Donegal and Armagh all came out of Division Two during Joe Biden’s presidency, and at first glance, it looks like the division lacks the same heft under a Trump and Musk administration. Nonetheless, Roscommon can only beat the teams that are put in front of them, and while Monaghan were well in contention right up until Conor Cox’s spectacular cameo performance put the result to bed, the final margin didn’t flatter the home side.

Davy Burke said after the game that the feeling in the dressing room at halftime, with Roscommon trailing by four points (2-6 to 0-8) and wind advantage yet to come, was one of confidence and optimism.

The manageable margin was a big part of that, but so too was the quality of Roscommon’s attacking play during that first 35 minutes. Four wides over the course of 70 minutes is a fine measure of accuracy when 20 shots were sent between the posts, but there were a couple of shots dropped short, not to mention a string of goal chances, two of them for Ciaráin Murtagh that were denied by strong saves from Rory Beggan.

Defensively however, Roscommon did brilliantly to keep Monaghan under wraps, with Pearse Frost and Niall Higgins particularly impressive. The best way to describe Ruaidhrí Fallon’s performance is to say that Brian Stack wasn’t missed after he went off due to injury, and while Monaghan struck for two goals – one scrambled over the line by David Garland after Conor Carroll was caught upfield and the second a thunderous, unstoppable strike from Micheál Bannigan – Roscommon had more attacks, better attacks, and six points from the Murtagh brothers ensured they were poised and ready to strike.

It didn’t take long for them to do exactly that, and there was no doubting the stars of the show. In the first half, Diarmuid Murtagh hit four points, two each from frees and from play. His tally in the second half was identical, except that all four shots were from outside the arc, meaning the return was doubled.

Then there was Conor Hand, and while grammar pedants would baulk at the phrase “he literally exploded into life”, his acceleration out of contact was such that any drug testers in Dr Hyde Park might well have selected him as a

possible user of a different type of PED (performance-enhancing dynamite).

The 21-year-old attacker fired over three points after leaving Monaghan defenders trailing in his wake in each case, and in a Roscommon attack that is full to the brim of shooting threats, the variation provided by the St Brigid’s man left the Farney men hopping over and back between frying pan and fire.

With Keith Doyle the leading light at midfield, Murtagh and Hand were never short of bullets to fire, but Monaghan had their artillery too, as one might expect from a side that spent ten consecutive years playing Division One football, before they fell through

the trapdoor last spring.

Conor McCarthy was their driving force with two points from wingback and a series of good line breaks, Micheál Bannigan continued to be a threat and his last point of the game was a shot from 13 metres out that fizzed around two feet over the crossbar.

Rory Beggan chipped in with a point too, though he also contributed two wides, with Kevin Loughran the pick of the bench.

However while Loughran made an impact, other established stars like Jack McCarron and Darren Hughes failed to do so. Davy Burke, on the other hand, seemed to produce a trump (the good kind) every time he went to play a card.

Fallon was a rock in defence, Eddie Nolan picked up a couple of crucial possessions, Senan Lambe got forward to punch a vital point and Ben O’Carroll was lively as an outlet ball, but it was Conor Cox, with two scores (one a double) from two shots that sealed the deal.

So the boxes ticked include depth, scoring forwards, elite players to come back in, and emerging stars all across the field. Tommy Rooney might have been a little bit premature, maybe even stretching things to generate a little bit of online engagement, but if this continues, he won’t be the only one speculating if this Roscommon group might have a higher ceiling than we thought.

Roscommon: Conor Carroll; Pearse Frost, John McManus, Niall Higgins; Ronan Daly (0-1), Brian Stack, Dylan Ruane; Shane Cunnane, Keith Doyle; Cian McKeon, Ultan Harney, Conor Hand (0-3); Diarmuid Murtagh (0-12, 0-2f, two 2pts, two 2ptfs), Donie Smith (0-2), Ciáráin Murtagh (0-3). Subs: Ruaidhrí Fallon for Stack (39), Eddie Nolan for Harney (47), Senan Lambe (0-1) for Daly (54), Ben O’Carroll for Smith (57), Conor Cox (0-3, one 2pt) for McKeon (64).

Monaghan: Rory Beggan (0-1); Dylan Byrne, Killian Lavelle, Ryan O’Toole (0-1); Ryan Wylie, Colm

Lennon, Conor McCarthy (0-2); Gavin McPhillips, Micheál McCarville (02, one 2pt); Fergal Hanratty, Micheál Bannigan (1-4, 0-2f), Ciarán McNulty (0-1); David Garland (1-1), Stephen Mooney (0-1), Louis Kelly (0-1). Subs: Jack McCarron for Lennon (28), Kevin Loughran for Hanratty (halftime), Bobby McCaul for Mooney (43), Darren Hughes for McPhillips (62), Seán Jones for Garland (67). Referee: Thomas Murphy (Galway).

Stat Attack

Red cards: 0

Black cards: 0

Yellow cards: Roscommon 0; Monaghan 1 (McCarthy, 15) Wides: Roscommon 4; Monaghan 8 Man of the Match: Diarmuid Murtagh

Diarmuid Murtagh of Roscommon in action against Killian Lavelle of Monaghan during the Allianz Football League Division Two match between Roscommon and Monaghan at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park last Sunday. Photo by Stephen Marken/Sportsfile

Conor Hand of Roscommon in action against Killian Lavelle of Monaghan during the Allianz Football League Division Two match between Roscommon and Monaghan at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park last Sunday. Photo by Stephen Marken/Sportsfile

Sports PEOPLE

Roscommon stoop to conquer, but Royals planning an ambush!

Allianz Football League Division Two: Meath v Roscommon at Pairc Tailteann, Navan on Sunday at 2.45 pm

< SEAMUS DUKE

The national GAA media have taken a sudden interest in the fortunes of the Roscommon senior football team in recent weeks. Their three league performances so far have merited that coverage – and there is another very interesting challenge ahead for Davy Burke’s men this Sunday in Navan.

In this newspaper in January we predicted that the new rules would suit Roscommon – given the quality of our attacking talent –and that our team were destined to have a very good year. How good a year that might be is still unclear, and this Sunday’s test will provide us with more insight in that regard. There is no one getting carried away at this stage.

Speaking to a number of people who have seen Meath play in this league campaign, it’s evident that the Royals play with a unique style of quick transition, with a lot of hard running and a physical approach of a nature that Roscommon have not encountered yet this season.

Meath were pipped by Cork in round one but have been impressive in wins against Cavan and Down since then. They will present a big test for the Rossies.

Billy Hogan has been excellent in goals and he joins the attack on almost every occasion in a playmaker role. Ciaran Caulfield is an outstanding player at midfield. Only last week he captained DCU to a very impressive Sigerson Cup win against UCD.

Eoghan Frayne and Jordan Morris have been racking up big scores in attack and they will have to be watched closely by the Roscommon defence. Donal Keoghan is still one of the best defenders around and Bryan Menton (a man with Roscommon

connections) will form a formidable midfield partnership alongside Caulfield. All in all this is certain to be a big challenge for Roscommon.

Roscommon’s panel strength in 2025 came to the fore last weekend when a number of key players were out injured. Hopefully there will be a number of returnees this weekend.

Once again the performance of the Roscommon attack will be crucial, but a word of warning might be timely. It would be unfair to expect Diarmuid and Ciaráin Murtagh to continue to carry most of the scoring burden in every game. These lads are not machines. The rest of the attack will have to step up in case one or both of the St Faithleach’s aces have an off-day.

Meath know that if they can win this game they are right back in the promotion hunt. On the other hand another Roscommon win would leave promotion within touching distance for Davy Burke’s men, even at this early stage of the season.

This could be a bruising and passionate encounter with a big crowd and a great atmosphere. Roscommon have answered every question asked of them so far. There will be more questions on Sunday.

There is a very positive vibe coming from the Roscommon camp since the start of this league campaign. We have seen the emergence of the likes of Colm Neary, Pearse Frost and Conor Hand to add to players like Cian McKeon, Shane Killoran, Eddie Nolan and Ciaráin Murtagh who have returned. The Roscommon panel now looks strong. That strength may get Davy Burke’s men over the line by a point or two, but it will be that close. Prediction: Roscommon.

Burke focussed on strength in depth

Injuries picked up recently meant that the likes of Daire Cregg, Colm Neary, Enda Smith and Shane Killoran missed last Sunday’s win over Monaghan, but Roscommon manager Davy Burke says none of these are long-term issues.

“We’re trying to build a squad.

Ultimately, we’re trying to get to April intact with 25 or 26 players who can make an impact on the field. I think we’ve made a good fist at that so far.

“We’ve used around 27 or

28 players in the three games, so we’re moving in the right direction in that regard. We have a few senior players missing, but it felt like we didn’t miss them that much, so we’re happy enough.”

The players who were unavailable last weekend will

“all be returning on a week to week basis” he says.

“Some will be back for Meath and more for Cork and all of them will be back before the Cavan match”.

Around the grounds in Division Two

Monaghan v Cork at Inniskeen on Sunday (1.30 pm)

This will be a meeting of two teams who need a win to get back on the promotion trail. At home Monaghan might just be good enough to collect both points.

Westmeath v Cavan in Mullingar on Sunday (2 pm)

Westmeath are bottom of the table but have played reasonably well in their matches so far. They could get off the mark here against a very inconsistent Cavan.

Louth v Down in Drogheda on Sunday (2.30 pm)

This looks likely to be a very tight match. A good case can be made for both sides. I’ll sit on the fence and go for a draw!

-Seamus Duke

Grehan targets All-Ireland ‘within three years’

< SEAMUS DUKE

League campaign in

her selectors are Mairead O’Beirne and Liam Murray. Mary told People Sport this week that the Roscommon squad is a very young one.

“We have 27 girls on the panel. Most of them are in college. In fact only six are based at home in Roscommon. We are missing a few players, but the young players we have all had success at underage level so it’s a case of getting them used to playing in the junior ranks.” Mary says that in her opinion Kildare and Laois will be the strongest teams in Division 3A.

“Kildare and Laois are intermediate level sides and we also have Wicklow, Louth and Tyrone in the division so we are looking forward to the campaign.”

The Roscommon team manager says that the new management have a three-year plan for the team.

“Our aim is to win the All-Ireland title within three years. We have the players and we want to get the best out of them over that period. It’s a very achievable aim” she concluded.

The long road starts on Saturday in Tyrone. We wish them the best of luck.

Roscommon’s camogie team begin their National

Division 3A with an away game against Tyrone at the Tyrone Centre of Excellence this Saturday (2 pm).

Mary Grehan is the new Roscommon manager and

Donie Smith of Roscommon gets a pass away during the Allianz Football League Division Two match between Roscommon and Monaghan at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park last Sunday. Photo by Stephen Marken/Sportsfile