Roscommon People - 22 December 2025

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

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

The offices of Roscommon People at Abbey Street, Roscommon, will be closed from 5pm on Monday, 22nd December and will re-open on Friday 2nd January, 2026.

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

The first issue of 2026 will be distributed on Thursday 8th January.

26 December 2025

The Local Paper

VOLUME: 969

TOMMIE KELLY ELECTRICAL Athleague, Roscommon – 090 6663385 ROSCOMMON TOWN – 090 6634465

Golf Links Road, Roscommon (090) 66 37620

Do you need your domestic appliance repaired?

If so contact us!

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and a healthy New Year

090 66 34465 tommiekelly.ie

Frances’ Finishing Touches

Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year

For all your Christmas Gifts

Closing Christmas Eve @ 4.00pm Re-Opening Monday 29th @ 9.00 am

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and a healthy New Year

Gift Vouchers available

Contact Frances on 087 6500931 Open 9.30 - 6.00 pm

The Square, Roscommon

Tel.: 090 6626270 or 087 6500931

The Editor and staff of Roscommon People wish everyone a Happy, Holy and Peaceful Christmas and sincere best wishes for a Healthy and Happy New Year Tel. 090 663 7602

GARDEN NEILAN’S EQUIPMENT Lifestyle Pharmacies & Health Stores

Flu Vaccination Service

Tel. (090) 662 7460 • Email: neilanelectrical@gmail.com

Book Your Winter Service Now Garden Blowers & Hedgecutting Equipment in stock

No appointment needed

Tel. 090 663 7602

Goff Street, Roscommon

Tel. 090 66 25573 Happy Christmas to all our customers and thank you for your business in 2025.

– John, Anne & staff.

• Mountfield Ride-ons • Cramer Battery equipment & Blowers

Circular Road, Roscommon town Tel. 090 6626172

Best wishes to all our customers and thank you for your support in 2025

ROCKFIELD, CO. ROSCOMMON, F42 N510

Adults and Children

Finn Electrical

Wards

Roscommon Town basks in beautiful Christmas lighting. Photo: Michael Finan

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and healthy New Year

McGUINNESS Hynes Pharmacy Pharmacy

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

Castle Street, Roscommon.

Tel. (090) 66 34147

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Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

NewsPeople newsbriefs

e l p o e WATCHING P With PAUL HEALY

Boyos seeking a transfer… or has seasonal harmony broken out?

Happy faces at the recent Christmas Festival in Roscommon Town. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin

Bridge club results The most recent results from the local bridge clubs are as follows: Roscommon Bridge Club – 1st: Maurice Buckley and Larry Shine; 2nd: Carmel Plunkett and Joan O’Shea; Gross: Mary McDermott and Tommie Murphy.

Roscommon and Happy ‘71 Bridge Club (Christmas Prizes) – (North/South) 1st: Kitty Blighe and Mary O’Keeffe; 2nd: Judy Adamson and Tommie Murphy; Gross: Tresina Murphy and Ann Shine; 3rd: Ann Kilduff and Veronica McManus. (East/West) 1st: Joan O’Shea and Larry Shine; 2nd: Celia Ansboro and Phil Cooney; Gross: June Halliday and Pat Finneran; 3rd: Margaret Egan and Seamus Cooney.

St Coman’s Bridge Club (Christmas Prizes) – 1st: Peggie Kelly and Ann Flynn; 2nd: Mary Judge and Agnes Murray; Gross: Kitty Dowd and Celia Ansboro; 3rd: Nuala Costello and Chris McGrath.

There are sensational (but unconfirmed) reports this Christmas Week that the barstool boyos may be on the brink of seeking a transfer from the Roscommon People.

Several sources have confirmed that the boyos and the Editor were in the same pub last Saturday night, but it is not known whether or not pleasantries (or cash) were exchanged.

According to multiple sources, shortly after midnight the boyos moved down town where they got their grievances off their respective chests in the ‘mixed zone’ area – i.e. the taxi rank.

Asked by a passer-by if they were calling on the Editor to enter into contract renewal talks with them, the boyos responded: “For now, we are just calling for a taxi.”

Pressed by an eyewitness sporting a fetching cap and a snack box, the boyos admitted they felt undervalued.

“It’s not the principle, it’s the money” one of the boyos said (he has several more Tommy Cooper one-liners available on request).

While the boyos’ slightly erratic behaviour has fuelled speculation that they may be at the end of their tether with the Editor, other observers claim that the star columnists and their boss were in fact on friendly terms on Saturday night.

Not unlike the JFK assassination and the Twink/Linda Martin feud, an air of mystery remains (as to the true nature of relations between the parties).

The transfer theory

By Sunday evening, people who have nothing better to do were spreading rumours.

These people – we will call them ‘spreaders

Endangered Species The barstool boyos

of rumours’ – really annoy us. Anyways,

by Sunday evening, Mr ***** **** (name redacted) and his good friend Mr *** ********** (name redacted) had spread a rumour that the boyos might be on the verge of seeking a transfer.

An industry expert writes: “When you see high profile columnists like the barstool boyos constantly whinging about not having their contract renewed, you can be sure

St Stephen’s Day Walk in Cootehall A 5k/10k Run/Walk will take place on St Stephen’s Day at 1 pm at the John McGahern Barracks Museum, Cootehall.

Participants will be able to register online a few days before the event. Proceeds of this fundraiser will go towards the maintenance of the Barracks Museum. All support greatly appreciated.

Fundraising 25 Card Drive in Tisrara

There will be a 25 Card Drive in Tisrara Community Centre, Four Roads, at 8 pm on Sunday, January 4th.

There’s €300 in prize money up for grabs, and raffle prizes galore. It promises to be a lovely, relaxing evening to conclude the activities of the Christmas season.

The event is being held in aid of the continued refurbishment of the much-used Tisrara Community Centre.

Local forums

Roscommon/Galway/Mayo local forums for 2026 are online. If you are interested, please express an interest.

Please contact Maria McGoldrick on maria.mcgoldrick@ hse.ie or 087 4148743 or Fiona Dodd on fiona.dodd@hse. ie or teresamurrayros2025@gmail.com

Christmas Day fun at Erritt Lake

This Christmas Day, there will be a Swim, Sauna and Coffee Morning at Erritt Lake (F45 EK28) from 10 am-12 pm. All proceeds in aid of Pieta. You are also invited to add a ribbon, bow, or small memorial item to our Christmas Memorial Tree in loving memory of those no longer with us. We will come together to honour and remember them at 10.45 am on Christmas Morning.

PIC OF THE WEEK: Meeting Santa in Elphin! Photo: Michael Finan

something is up.

“Then, rather as in the case of poor Mo(aner) Salah at Liverpool, they get dropped by a ruthless manager. By leaving their column out every now and again, the Editor is sending a clear signal to the boyos: ‘You are not indispensable, you can be replaced’.

“In turn, the boyos – clearly frustrated to be effectively sitting on the bench – have now gone public in the mixed zone, i.e. by (allegedly) telling every passer-by at the taxi rank that they have been thrown under a bus.”

Now the obvious question is: If the boyos were thrown under a bus because they left their cars at home and walked down town looking for a taxi, what next? On their bikes?

Media commentators have speculated about where they might go (if they do seek a transfer). The Roscommon Herald? The Saudi media scene? Launch a podcast?

Livestream every week from the pub? Who knows?

Breaking: Truce Just as we went to press, the Editor and the Boyos issued a joint statement. Taking their cue from a certain political party, they have commissioned an internal review into how their column has been handled over the past four years. The report is due out in about four years.

With that, all three headed to their local, metaphorically arm in arm, without a care in the world.

Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas… from the Barstool Boyos and the Editor.

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Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon F52W270

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Tel. 071 – 9647016

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Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

NewsPeople

Mark Lohan Kitchens opens bookings ahead of major January SALE Event As homeowners across Roscommon begin planning their 2026 renovations and new builds, Mark Lohan Kitchens — Ireland’s award-winning bespoke kitchen manufacturer, has opened early booking for January design consultations ahead of its major January SALE, running from January 2nd to 31st.

From 9am on December 18th, homeowners can book their complimentary January design consultation.

Only appointments taking place in January can avail of the 10% OFF SALE offer. Early booking ensures you secure both the discount and your preferred consultation date with MLK’s awardwinning design team.

A new kitchen is one of the most meaningful investments in a home. In 2025, the average cost of a bespoke MLK kitchen ranged between €10,000– €15,000, with the team designing for all budgets and creating truly unique spaces tailored to each family’s lifestyle.

Every kitchen is made to order in Roscommon, blending expert craftsmanship, thoughtful detailing, and premium materials.

What truly sets MLK apart is the design experience. During your complimentary consultation, you will spend dedicated one-to-one time with an expert kitchen designer who will explore

how you live, how you use your space, and the vision you have for your home.

Your designer will then bring this to life by guiding you through over 35 fullsize showroom displays — allowing you to see, touch, and experience the finishes, storage solutions, and working appliances that could shape your new kitchen. It’s an immersive experience that helps you fully visualise what’s possible.

Visitors are welcome to our showrooms in Roscommon and Galway anytime — no appointment is needed to browse and explore the displays. However, dedicated time with a designer and access to the 10% OFF January SALE offer require a complimentary design consultation booked for a date in January.

Appointments can be booked online at mlk.ie, in person at either showroom, or by phone on 090 662 7449.

Please note: Showrooms close for Christmas on Tuesday, December 23rd at 5pm and reopen at 9am on January 2nd. Wishing our clients past and present a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

Make 2026 the year you bring your dream kitchen to life — expertly designed, masterfully crafted and professional installed by MLK. Terms & conditions at mlk.ie/sale

Gift the Beauty of Plants Beautiful indoor and outdoor plants Seasonal containers for instant colour Gift Tokens and much more Open Christmas Eve 9am-3pm

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At two great locations: Ardcarne, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Tel: 071 966 7091 Lanesboro Rd., Roscommon Town Tel: 090 662 7700 Open Monday to Saturday 9-6pm Sundays and Bank Holidays 12-6pm

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Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

SALE starts 2nd January Design Appointments Now Open for Early Booking.

Save 10% on Bespoke MLK Kitchens – 2nd – 31st January 2026.

Book Your January Consultation Today at MLK.ie

Scan to book your complimentary design consultation

Showrooms: Roscommon Town: +353 90 662 7449 roscommon.reception@mlk.ie Golf Links Road, F42 YF90

Galway City: +353 91 392 882 galway.reception@mlk.ie Ballybane Industrial Estate, H91 Y9FV

Please note: Our showrooms close 23rd December and reopen 2nd January.

MLK.ie

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Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

NewsPeople

PAUL HEALY’S HALF-WEEK A (mostly) light-hearted look at the week that was…

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Pre-Christmas musings

At the Roscommon People, we’re trying something new: we’re effectively bringing out two newspapers in one week.

No wonder I’m already engaged in my annual (and unfair) Envious of People Walking Dogs While The Rest of Us Drive Around Frenetically resentment game.

You know how it goes.

You’ve to go down town to pick up clothes from the laundry, or a litre or two of milk, or to bring one of your children to a friend’s house.

The traffic is painfully slow. There’s always a man carrying a Christmas tree towards an open car boot. Drivers are trying to edge out of business parks to seep into the traffic flow. It’s hustle and bustle everywhere.

And that’s when you see the perfectly innocent dog walkers, these intriguing people in our midst who somehow appear to have escaped the festive rush, and are almost flaunting their organisational skills by parading their dog(s) as they walk, apparently without a care in the world, while the rest of us frantically to and fro around town in our lumbering vehicles.

Needless to say, as our cars grind along the road, some DJ on the radio is playing that song.

‘They’ve got cars big as bars, they’ve got rivers of gold But the wind goes right through you, it’s no place for the old’ And we look at the dog walkers, relaxed, chilled, weaving their way along the road, and we wonder why are they not collecting clothes or bumper to bumper in the Tesco carpark or picking up vegetables in Lidi and staring at them.

We look at the dog walkers and we can’t help thinking these fine people probably have Christmas cakes and puddings and mince pies made, all their presents wrapped, and their houses spotless.

That there’s an abundance of batteries in a press in their kitchen.

Of course it’s almost certainly all nonsense, because once they’ve walked the dog they’ll

probably be running and racing too, or perhaps they’ve just finished a ten-hour night shift, and anyways, dogs do need to be walked.

Of course there are some people who are out walking and they don’t have dogs, but they’re another category altogether (good luck to them). There’s also a category of dogs out walking without people, but I digress.

This phenomenon – the frazzled masses slightly resenting the spectacularly chilled – will of course manifest itself most on Christmas Eve. There is something about seeing other people not rushing around on Christmas Eve that threatens to bring out the worst in us, until (thankfully) we check ourselves and slowly morph – as the day goes on – into more mature and ultimately relaxed members of society.

It can take a while. Usually the pattern is as alluded to above: you’ll be up and about early, with a mental (or actual) list of things to do.

Yes, you have an adrenaline

rush – prompted by the day that’s in it – but you’re still facing into several hours of running and racing, including last-minute shopping that you know could have been done weeks previously… if you were a bit more organised.

The traffic is bumper to bumper, there isn’t a parking space to be got for love or money (not sure what that expression means), and the shops are crazy busy.

And that’s when your attention will be drawn to the people who inexplicably are so organised – or maybe they’re just immune to the festive rush – they are out walking their dogs/themselves… on Christmas Eve morning.

How does one become such a person?

Bin there, done that

It was lashing rain the other night when I was dutifully trying to sellotape our traditional Christmas ‘tip’ for the binmen to the dripping wet green bin. Apparently this isn’t yet an Olympic sport.

Hopefully the envelope with

the few quid therein survived the elements and was still secure to the bin when the men called in the early hours of the morning for their fortnightly collection.

If it was dislodged by the driving rain – and I don’t think it was – how fortunate an unsuspecting finder would be to pick up a soggy envelope with a few quid in it and a ‘Thanks for everything all year’ message.

Anyways, it was nice to get that rather old-fashioned word ‘sellotape’ into a sentence in this column before the end of the year.

Wrapping up…

Every year when Christmas comes around, we have the usual discussion about how to schedule our festive publishing. I can’t deny that we’re sometimes a little bit influenced by our own desire for as much ‘time off’ as possible. It’s the publishing equivalent of walking the dog on Christmas Eve that we’re pursuing.

So, having produced a very well received Christmas

magazine (thank you for all the positive feedback), we worked our way through a couple of busy December issues, before taking on our two-papers-in-one-week challenge.

This involved publishing (as normal) on Thursday, December 18th, then immediately beginning another issue, this one going to our printer in Dublin on Sunday, December 21st.

I might add at this point that our work colleagues, columnists, other contributors, advertisers, delivery personnel and everyone else involved have all been very cooperative.

Working long hours on this issue you are now reading, I’ve been a bit distanced from the news, and even more distanced from the early socialising which can be such an enjoyable part of the build-up to Christmas.

On the news front, everything seems to revolve around Trump. CNN are obsessed with the US President (for some reason we don’t have Fox News, but

I’m aware they are as biased towards the Republicans as their broadcast rivals are towards the Democrats).

Domestically, our old friend Willie O’Dea has been hunting down his leader, Micheál Martin, in the mistaken belief that he – Willie – still commands influence in the FF family (I’m not so sure).

I mean, if you were Micheál and you saw Willie and Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher plotting your downfall, would you really be that worried?

One is reminded of how Denis Healey memorably described debating with Geoffrey Howe: ‘Like being savaged by a dead sheep’.

Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe the (indisputably sincere) Wrath of Willie will bring the Taoiseach down. But I doubt it!

P.S. I am only jesting about dog walkers. Good on ye!

Seasonal greetings Wishing all our readers a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful and healthy New Year. Thanks for reading!

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

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Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

NewsPeople newsbriefs Christmas Day Service at St Coman’s Church ‘Hark the herald angels sing!’ – Christmas Day Service will be held at 11.30 am at St Coman’s Church of Ireland, Roscommon Town. All are welcome.

Tractor & Truck Drive in Frenchpark In Frenchpark area, the annual Tractor & Truck Drive in fond memory of Michael Creighton will take place on New Year’s Day, kicking off at the Saddlers Inn at 1 pm sharp. Registration from 11.30 am. €20 per tractor/ truck. All proceeds to Croí and the National Breast Cancer Research Institute Ireland.

St Stephen’s Day Walk/Run in Ballymoe Ballymoe FC will hold its annual walk/run on St Stephen’s Day (December 26th) at 12 noon, with a 5K, 7K or 10K option on the day.

Registration will take place at Ballymoe Community Centre from 11.15 am and will cost €10 or €5 for U-16s.

Proceeds will be going 50/50 towards Ballymoe FC and Mayo-Roscommon Hospice Foundation.

Ballymoe FC will also be holding its annual fundraising auction on Saturday, December 27th, in The Tavern in Ballymoe.

Any donations of items for auction will be welcomed, no matter how big or small – turf, timber, bale(s) of silage, straw or hay, bottle(s) of wine, or spirits, tools, vouchers, hampers. All donations and your support on the night would be greatly appreciated.

Upcoming events in Keadue area The annual Keadue 5K run/walk will be held on New Year’s Day, January 1st, at 12.30 pm.

In other news in Keadue, the Skreen-Dromard Drama Group from Sligo are set to stage a hilarious three-act comedy – ‘One Wife Too Many’ by Jimmy Keary – in the New Year.

The play will be performed in the O’Carolan Centre, St Ronan’s Hall, Keadue, on Saturday, January 10th 2026.

Doors open at 7.30 pm.

Christmas Disco for playschool A Christmas Disco will take place in aid of The Jack & Jill Community Playschool on Monday, December 22nd at Campbell’s Bar, Ballinlough from 5 pm-7 pm. €5 entry fee. There will be a raffle and spot prizes.

Santa and Tom… Santa Claus called in to see Tom Flynn in ‘Robert Flynn’s’ shop – perhaps for some last-minute shopping – at The Square, Castlerea last Thursday.

Proceeds of Cór Comáin concert presented Derek Mahedy, Musical Director of Cór Comáin, together with choir members, presented a cheque to the Roscommon branch of the Irish Kidney Association, following their sell-out Music for Christmas concert, which took place on Sunday, December 14th in the magical surroundings of St Coman’s Church, Roscommon. A heartfelt thank you is extended to the huge crowd who attended, whose support created a wonderful atmosphere and made the evening truly special. Cór Comáin were delighted with the incredible show of generosity for their chosen charity, the Irish Kidney Association. Photograph shows Derek Mahedy (second from right), Musical Director of Cór Comáin, together with choir members, presenting a cheque for €2,642 to Monica Finn (IKA Roscommon branch member, fourth from left), Maura Quigley (IKA Roscommon branch Secretary, fifth from left) and John Cormican, Treasurer, Roscommon branch of the Irish Kidney Association (third from right), following their sell-out concert in St Coman’s Church, Roscommon.

SERGEANT PATRICK CULLEN: AN APPRECIATION

Tributes have been paid following the sad passing of Sergeant Patrick Cullen, Aghawerriny, Curraghroe on Sunday, November 16th at Galway University Hospital, following a period of illness that was bravely borne.

Born 59 years ago to Ruth and Paddy Cullen in Sydney, Australia, it was clear from a young age that Patrick showed great leadership qualities. Indeed it has been said that Pat was a soldier long before he ever put on a uniform.

By the early 1970s, the family was moving homewards to Ireland, and following periods in both Warwickshire and Dublin, Pat went on to join the school community in the Vocational School in Lanesboro, completing his second level education in 1984.

In the intervening years, Pat’s time in the Reserve Defence Forces really gave him a taste for army life, and it was no surprise when he expressed a very strong interest in joining the Defence Forces.

At a stage, following the completion of his Leaving Certificate, Pat went to England to pursue employment, but he was delighted to get the opportunity to enter into military life in Ireland, starting recruit training with the Defence Forces in Columb Barracks, Mullingar.

Moving on, Pat was happy to take up post in Connolly Barracks in Longford, where he started his long army career by honing his administrative skills in the Orderly Room.

It was during this period, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, that Pat completed a number of tours of duty as a UNIFIL Peacekeeper in the Lebanon,

The late Sergeant Patrick Cullen, Aghawerriny, Curraghroe

based at Camp Shamrock in Southern Lebanon. During this time, Pat seized the opportunity to travel extensively, visiting the Holy Land, Israel, Egypt, and Cyprus, among others, always grabbing any opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and experience other cultures and traditions.

Following on from his period of service in Connolly Barracks, Pat served as Acting Quartermaster in the Reserve Defence Forces in D Coy, Roscommon for an extended period of time. During a career with the Defence Forces which spanned over 40 years, Pat rose to the rank of Sergeant with the A Coy, 6th Battalion, Custume Barracks Athlone.

Pat was a man with an inquisitive nature and an enquiring mind, who loved to travel and learn the history of the places he visited. History and politics were firm favourites of his and he loved to read all manner of books, particularly those on the Roman Empire.

As a child of the 1960s, music was naturally in his blood and as a country lad, he had a great love of animals and country life.

Pat was a religious and spiritual man, and on the occasion of his marriage to Josephine, they

enjoyed the distinct honour of meeting with Pope John Paul II in the Vatican.

The passing of Pat leaves us with heavy hearts but with treasured memories that we will always cherish. His remains reposed at Smyth’s Funeral Home, Roscommon on Tuesday, November 18th. On the Wednesday, his remains were removed from his home to St Mary’s Church, Ballagh for Mass of the Resurrection, with burial taking place afterwards in Kilgefin Cemetery.

Sergeant Patrick Cullen was buried with full military honours with the GOC 2 Brigade and the Director of Reserve in attendance.

Mass of the Resurrection was concelebrated by Bishop Paul Connell, Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, Fr Daniel Udofia, PP, St Mary’s Church, Ballagh, Fr Michael McGrath CC, St Mel’s Cathedral, Longford and Fr Declan Shannon, Chaplain, Custume Barracks, Athlone, with the beautiful music in the church performed by Derek Mahedy, accompanied on flute by Cpl. Jack Brennan, Band 2 Brigade, Custume Barracks, Athlone.

The Cullen family acknowledge the compassion and care shown to Patrick during his illness and conveyed their appreciation to everyone for their kindness and support at this difficult time.

To his wife Josephine, sons Paul, Patrick and John, his daughter Maria, his mother Ruth, his brother Craig, his sister Siobhán, his granddaughter Esme, his extended family, many friends and his Defence Forces colleagues, we extend our sincere sympathy.

Major strides being made to protect children online – Scahill Fine Gael wants to secure the future for young people in Roscommon with plans for age verification for accessing online sites, a local Fine Gael Oireachtas member has said.

Senator Gareth Scahill said new steps are being taken to introduce age verification to better protect children in Roscommon – and nationally – online.

“Fine Gael and my colleague Minister Patrick O’Donovan, want to secure our children’s future. Parents are doing their part in trying to protect their children from online dangers like pornography, cyberbullying and harmful algorithms that can lead to exploitation. Recently we’ve seen huge strides in online safety and its whole-of-Government priority. A recent Fine Gael Online Safety Survey gathered the views of more than 2,200 parents and guardians across the country. It found that there is overwhelming support for age limits and verifications. This report highlighted the issues and now we want to address them. The Government is developing a trusted age-verification tool through the digital wallet to ensure only adults can access adult content.”

Senator Scahill said the new digital wallet will soon be launched and will be used to confirm ages of internet users, making sure platforms like YouTube and Instagram are properly held to account.

“Fine Gael has also allocated €6m to schools across the country to help keep them smartphone-free, with nine schools in Roscommon benefitting in 2025.

“We’re supporting safer school environments with mobile phone restrictions that will reduce distraction, improve wellbeing and support teachers.

“Significant progress is being made at EU level, including major fines for non-compliance with online safety rules. When Ireland assumes the EU Presidency in 2026, we have a chance to take the lead on this important issue and deliver stronger protection measures for children.

“Protecting our children online is a key priority for Fine Gael and we have taken big steps to ensure parents in Roscommon aren’t left to handle this on their own,” concluded Senator Scahill.

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Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

NewsPeople

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Our award-winning designs will help you modernize your bedrooms and locker rooms.

SLIDING WARDROBES Fitted sliding wardrobes from Ronan Hegarty Kitchens and Wardrobes are craft and custom made to fit your home in an immaculate manner. They are available in a large assortment of colours, finishes, styles, and a medley of storage layouts.

These wardrobes are made to suit your tastes. Sliding wardrobes convey an elegant and sleek persona to any bedroom whilst also making the most of every inch of space right from floor to ceiling.

Roscommon schools added to Safe Routes to School programme Schools in County Roscommon will benefit from funding through the Safe Routes to School Programme, a Fine Gael senator has said.

Senator Gareth Scahill said, “Fine Gael made Safe Routes to School a priority in Government, and this announcement shows that commitment in action. With over €50m invested nationally to date we are ensuring safer journeys in Roscommon.”

Gaelscoil de hÍde, Ros Comáin, Roxboro NS (HSRR), St Patrick’s NS, Frenchpark,

Senator Gareth Scahill

Ronan Hegart y Kitchens & Wardrobes

and St Michael’s Special School in County Roscommon will benefit from this additional funding.

These improvements include school zone features such as pencil-shaped bollards, colourful road markings, upgraded footpaths, and enhanced pedestrian crossings, designed to slow traffic and make walking and cycling safer for students.

The programme aims include improving safety and public health while reducing car congestion and supporting climate goals.

Since its launch in 2021, the SRTS programme has grown significantly with 526 schools now actively incorporated into the programme and around €50m invested in projects to date across Ireland.

The programme works closely with school communities, parents and local authorities to ensure that proposed measures reflect local needs and gain broad support through community engagement. Almost half of participating schools have reached an advanced stage, with 227 projects either completed, under construction or in the final design phase following public consultation.

Round 4 also includes schools located on higher-speed rural roads. The 12 schools in this category will benefit from tailored measures such as prominent signage and road markings to alert motorists and encourage lower speeds. This follows successful trials in Galway, Roscommon and Donegal, which recorded speed reductions near the schools involved.

www. ronanhegartykitchensandwardrobes.ie

087 6035995

ronanhegartyfittedfurniture@gmail.com

Christmas all wrapped up for you at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon Step into a world of nostalgia and tradition with our warm open fires and friendly smiles, where our dedicated staff will make you feel right at home in the lead up to Christmas. Indulge in our pre-Christmas lunch and dinner offerings and of course our hugely popular Festive Afternoon Tea is available priced at €30 pp. Our new season lounge food

menu is now served daily until 9p.m with a variety of new dishes on offer including our seasonal mince pies and Christmas Pudding. And don’t forget the perfect stocking filler, our Christmas gift vouchers for the Abbey Hotel and Abbey Health & Fitness ” added Geraldine Grealy, PR & Marketing Manager at the Abbey.

Let our family take care of yours this holiday

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

Winter Wedding Fair on Sunday January 11th

r will take place Our winter wedding faih from 2-5 pm with 11t y uar Jan day on Sun bubbly and light complimentary glass of all newly engaged for ved ser s s@ refreshment r by email to wedding couples. Please registe abbeyhotel.ie s all the joys of the Wishing all our patron ry good wish for 2026 eve and son Sea s ma rist Ch and all our staff at the from the Grealy family Health and Fitness. We bey Ab and tel t Abbey Ho your custom throughou wish to thank you for rd to your continued wa for k the year and loo support in 2026.

0. Follow us on social Enquiries 090 662624 ram X and TikTok for media (Facebook, Instag further updates.

season. There are also lots of live acts coming in the new year ( See details on Advert) why not treat your friend to a ticket to one of our live concerts.

We are now taking bookings for New Year’s Eve dinner in our restaurant with a complimentary glass of bubbly for our diners.

Booking is essential. Tel 090 6626240 or email restaurant@abbeyhotel. ie. Why not ring in the new year with us with live entertainment in our front bar with local musician Michael Banahan from 10.30 pm.

Make a night of it with special overnight rates available.

Select Dates Available for 2026/27

ROSCOMMON

The 4* Abbey Hotel Roscommon is a magnificent, family-run manor house located in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, just 90 minutes from Dublin. Fully licensed for civil ceremonies, it features a secret walled garden and a newly refurbished ballroom, perfect for intimate outdoor weddings, blessings, and vow renewals, ensuring every detail of your special day is truly unforgettable.

Join us on Sunday, the 11th of January, for our Winter Wedding Fair. Enjoy a complimentary canapés and a glass of bubbly while you meet with our dedicated weddings manager.

Register your interest via weddings@abbeyhotel.ie

Tel: 090 6666211 Email: weddings@abbeyhotel.ie Galway Road, Roscommon, F42F992

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Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

NewsPeople

Adie’s Bar & Restaurant

Catering for all your events

LUNCH served daily from 12 ‘til 4 pm EVENING MENU: Friday & Saturday 5 – 9pm Sunday 5 – 8pm

We can cater for a selection of roast dinners, sharing platters or finger food for the perfect Christmas night out at Adie’s LIVE MUSIC over the Christmas season

Local Link Bus 426 stopping outside several times a day from 6.35am

grades have significantly reduced leakage and put an end to frequent bursts that previously disrupted supply.

As part of the works, new water service connections were installed from the public water main to customers’ property boundaries, ensuring a more secure and efficient network.

Uisce Éireann says the

Enda Mac Namara of Uisce Éireann.

Christmas Restaurant Hours:

Friday 19th Dec - 10am to 9pm Saturday 20th Dec - 10am to 9pm Sunday 21st Dec - 12pm to 8pm Monday 22nd Dec - 12pm to 4pm Tuesday 23rd Dec - 12pm to 4pm Wednesday 24th Dec - 12pm to 5pm Thursday 25th Dec - Closed Friday 26th Dec - No Food Saturday 27th Dec - 12pm to 9pm Sunday 28th Dec - 12pm to 8pm Monday 29th Dec - 12pm to 4pm Tuesday 30th Dec - 12pm to 4pm Wednesday 31st Dec - No Food Thursday 1st Jan - No Food Friday 2nd Jan - 10am to 9pm Saturday 3rd Jan - 10am to 9pm Sunday 4th Jan - 12pm to 8pm

Lanesboro, Co. Longford. 043 3321322

Strokestown water supply ‘secured’ With major water network upgrades now complete, Strokestown residents can enjoy a reliable supply for years to come, according to Uisce Éireann.

The project, which began last year, involved replacing 1.3km of ageing water mains along Bawn Street, Church Street, and the Tulsk Road (N5) with modern, durable pipes. These up-

Accommodation with Ensuite Rooms

improvements have already delivered tangible benefits, with fewer interruptions and a more consistent water supply for the community.

Commenting on the successful completion, Enda Mac Namara of Uisce Éireann said: “We are delighted to see the positive impact these works are having for the people of Strokestown.

“This investment is part of our ongoing commitment to upgrade critical infrastructure, reduce water loss, and provide communities with a dependable water service. We thank residents and businesses for their cooperation throughout the project.”

The works were carried out by Farrans Construction on behalf of Uisce Éireann.

Chairperson of Strokestown Community Development Association, Eugene Murphy, praised the efforts of the team in delivering this project for the people of the town.

“I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Uisce Éireann’s team and their contractors, Farrans, for delivering this project to such a high standard.

“This upgrade will benefit local families and businesses, supporting growth and ensuring resilience in the network.

It’s a vital step towards safeguarding water quality and meeting the longterm needs of the people of Strokestown.”

11

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

NewsPeople

Whether you need traditional, modern, domestic or contract re-upholstery work, we can help as no job is too big or small.

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Gaelscoil pupils support SVP… Congratulations to the pupils of Gaelscoil de hÍde, who raised €780 when carol singing for the Roscommon branch of the St Vincent de Paul (SVP). Pictured is Alex from SVP, pupils from Rang 1, 2, and 6, and deputy principal Laoise Nic an Rí.

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12

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

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FRANK

BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

Much to ‘B’ admired… on a memorable Wednesday Our columnist Frank Brandon reflects on the year gone by, discusses a recent schools’ match in Creggs, and highlights some upcoming local fundraisers It’s Wednesday afternoon in Creggs, and when buses from two prominent Galway secondary schools – St Raphael’s Loughrea and Presentation College Athenry – arrive into the village, it would be natural enough to assume they would be heading to the local GAA grounds.

Both schools, which are from hurling strongholds in County Galway, have been very prominent in GAA over the years, with the Athenry lads reaching the All-Ireland schools final on a number of occasions, although never actually winning it.

They have also won the Connacht A Championship on numerous occasions and are rightly regarded as one of the top hurling schools in the country.

The Loughrea school, which had the legendary Galway hurling manager Cyril Farrell as principal for a number of years, is the only County Galway one to win it back in 2005, and as late as in 2025, Pres (Presentation College) Athenry were, once

again, defeated finalists in the All-Ireland final.

St Raphael’s have also been camogie All-Ireland winners.

And so it was quite a surprise (to me at least) to see those two schools pull into Creggs RFC to contest the Connacht Schools Senior B rugby league final.

Now for big games, we try to have a few stewards on duty to help with all the little things that need to be done – like opening the dressing rooms, opening the gates to the pitch, and helping with parking. As luck would have it, I was one of the stewards on duty on Wednesday. I admit that normally as a steward I go home for a while during the game, but that day I didn’t go anywhere – it was a rip-roaring game played at a great tempo by two very talented teams, and when it was all over, it ended in a 27-all draw!

The standard was really top class, and it just goes to show that rugby is growing at a great rate all around the provinces. While hurling will always be number one in both Loughrea and Athenry, they now both have schools’ rugby teams to be proud of.

The replay may not take place for a while due to the Christmas break and imminent cup matches, but whenever it is, I hope it’s back in Creggs – as I would love to see part two!

For a good cause…

That great Canadian rocker, Bryan Adams, made sure we all recall the ‘Summer of 69’ with a song of the same name – a song that was released 40 years ago in 1985, and which to this day is still hugely popular.

For me however, it was the summer of 2003 that I still recall, because it was in June of that year that more than 7,000 athletes and 31,000 volunteers came to Ireland for the Special Olympics.

There were athletes from 166 countries and they stayed in host towns all over the country until they actually went to Dublin for the eight days of competition.

In this local area, Ballygar, Roscommon, and Castlerea among many others were all host towns to international teams, and to this day I can still remember the excitement as the townspeople bonded with and supported their allotted teams.

In the meantime, the Special Olympics movement has gone from strength to strength, and at present in Ireland it annually caters for more than 7,000 athletes and helps with training, competition, and development.

It goes without saying that fundraising is very important to this extraordinary movement, and so to do our little bit to help raise a few bob, a few of us are

organising a table quiz in Mikeen’s (in Creggs, in case you didn’t know) on Saturday night, January 17th, at 9 pm.

Tables of four cost just €50, and I would appeal to you all to come along. If I’m not sacked beforehand, I’ll be asking the questions, so looking forward to seeing you all there!

Later on in the year, some of our own locals will be competing in the Ireland Summer Games in Dublin, and hopefully they will have a great week up there.

In the meantime, even with the Christmas turkey and stuff, keep Saturday, January 17th in your head – you should be well ready for a night out by then!

Staying with fundraising: down the road in Glinsk, they are having their big community fundraising draw for a Zetor tractor on December 28th, at 10.30 pm in Dowd’s Glencastle Lounge. Earlier that day, the big Glinsk truck and tractor run takes place at 1 pm, with registration from 11.30 am.

All funds raised will go to helping different projects in the local community, so don’t forget – big truck and tractor run from 11.30 am, and the big draw later on in Dowd’s! Best of luck for the tractor run!

And finally for this week (and this year)

Cheering heroes from the hill! Flashback to last March and Creggs RFC’s victory over Dunmore in the 2025 Bank of Ireland Connacht Junior Cup Final, a first such triumph for the local club in over 30 years. It was, writes Frank Brandon, his personal sporting highlight of the year. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

2025 has been a funny one.

For us as a family, it was our first year without Carol, and the best one could say is it’s been a year of ups and downs.

However in a wider sense, it was a fantastic year for the local (Creggs) rugby club, and while claiming a treble was great, it was the winning of the Junior Cup after over 30 years that was for me the undoubted local sporting highlight of the year.

On an even broader scale, Aoife O’Rourke’s world title triumph was an amazing achievement. Her homecoming to the Hub in Castlerea was something very special. We are so proud of Aoife and Lisa.

The list of world class Irish performers is endless. So many have distinguished themselves this year in so many sports that it is impossible to name them all.

On a personal level, I had the great privilege of sitting beside Martin O’Neill at a Sporting Club Ireland event in Dublin, and found him to be a thoroughly nice, very funny, humble man!

Away from sport and onto politics, Jim Gavin’s catastrophic selection by Fianna Fáil as their presidential candidate could still have massive consequences for Micheál Martin, and the less I say about DJ Carey, Donald Trump, Putin or the former Prince Andrew, the better.

Anyway, that’s a very brief summary of 2025 – all I can do now is wish you all a Happy Christmas. I hope you don’t burn the turkey – and all the best for 2026. any way. We really appreciate it!

‘Til next year, bye for now

13

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

NewsPeople

MOLLOY’S

Main Street, Roscommon.

Tel.: 090 6626120 or 087 6546512.

E. dnmolloymainstreet@eircom.net

‘Father Ted’, ‘Father Dougal’, and ‘Mrs Doyle’ were back again to help promote this year’s Glinsk community fundraiser on social media.

Tractor treat a highlight of big Glinsk Fundraiser!

The various clubs and committees of the village of Glinsk recently came together once again to launch the Glinsk Community Fundraiser 2026.

The fundraiser consists of two parts: (1) The great Glinsk truck and tractor run, which takes place on Sunday, December 28th; (2) A mega draw in which the top prize is a beautifully restored 6211 Zetor tractor or €10k in cash.

The fundraiser was launched due to the ongoing drive to improve the facilities in the community, with every cent raised going towards the continued development of the community centre campus.

Already, significant sums of money have been raised over the last number of years. This has led to improved facilities, including a walking track with floodlights, a community gym, and children’s playground. At the GAA grounds, floodlights have been installed, as have ball stop nets and a spectator fence.

The next phase of the development – which is already underway – includes provision of 160 carpark spaces to serve the crèche, community centre, GAA club, and the community at large. A new 80m x 50m outdoor community astroTurf pitch will also be installed.

A spokesperson said: “We have been very fortunate in Glinsk to receive the backing of several local companies. In particular, PJ and Mary Fahy of ECC Timber have been incredibly generous to us, but we must continue to fundraise and that’s why we are here again with the Glinsk Community Fundraiser 2026.

“The truck and tractor run takes place on December 28th with registration at 11.30 at the community centre in Glinsk and rollout at 1 pm. On the day we will have a truck run, tractor run, vintage tractor run, vintage car display as well as food stalls, music and craic. A perfect day for all the family.

“Later that night in the Glencastle Lounge from 8 pm we will have our mega draw.

Music will be provided by the Roscommon Men’s Choir from 9 pm with Bill Haugh taking the stage afterwards.”

First prize is a restored 6211 Zetor or €10,000. Second prize is a kids’ outdoor jungle gym or €1000 in cash, and third prize is a hotel and spa voucher (worth €500) for Dunboyne Castle.

Tickets are priced at €30 each (2 for €50 and 5 for €100). These can be purchased from any committee member and/or from the Glencastle Lounge or Dowd’s in Glinsk or online on our social media.

Pictured lending his support to the draw is Michael Fitzmaurice TD.

Wide range of national and local Craft Beers

Award winning wines in stock

“Orange” Wine in stock

Guinness Nitro Surge Charger now in stock

Hampers made to order Gift vouchers available

Wishing you all a Happy and healthy Christmas & New Year and thank you for your support in 2025 – David.

14

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

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CHRISTMAS CABARET In The Percy French Hotel, Strokestown TUESDAY 23rd DECEMBER, 8.30 – 10.30 pm Dr Martin Daly, TD (on right, pictured greeting organisers of the Western Alzheimer’s Coffee Morning at Roscommon Golf Club), formally launched the upcoming St Stephen’s Day Walk on the day. Photo: Michael Finan

MICK FLAVIN,

Sean Hussey, Sarah Haughey & Tara O’Connor TUESDAY 30th DECEMBER, 8.30 – 10.30 pm

Ciaran Rosney, Aoife Duignan & Instrumental

TUESDAY 6th January 2026, 8.30 – 10.30 pm

Western Alzheimer’s St Stephen’s Day Walk – you’re invited!

Western Alzheimer’s Voluntary Committee are delighted to report that they again had a very successful coffee morning on November 28th last at Roscommon Golf Club.

Once again this was an opportunity for friends and neighbours to meet up before the Christmas rush and support such a worthy cause.

The coffee morning raised in excess of €3,600, all of which proceeds support the continuing provision of the day care services in Roscommon.

The committee were delighted that Dr Martin Daly TD attended and launched the annual St Stephen’s Day Charity Walk.

The committee encourages as many as possible to attend and support the Charity Walk which starts at 12 noon on St Stephen’s Day, December 26th, from Hannon’s Hotel. Entry is €10 per person or €20 per family.

The committee are delighted to confirm that

a site for the long-awaited Daycare Centre has now been identified and purchased from Roscommon County Council. Planning permission had already been secured for the Daycare Centre.

As a result of fundraising over the years funds have already been set aside towards the construction of the centre – however to enable the project to progress and for the development to go to tender a significant fundraising drive is planned by the committee in 2026.

In a press statement, the committee said: “All of the proceeds from the forthcoming St Stephen’s Day Walk will go towards the construction of this long-awaited and much-needed Daycare Centre, so accordingly we would encourage as many as possible to attend and support the walk.

“We sincerely hope to see as many walkers as possible on St Stephen’s Day!”

Keith & Lorraine & Frankie McD Mc Donald

Also featuring Local Talent!

Seated Events | Doors Open 8.00 pm – Show commences 8.30 pm

Book your Christmas Dinner at the Percy French Hotel & enter Cabaret at a reduced rate!

Great food, great music, great night!

Tel. 087 1668775 or 071 96 33300

Enjoying the recent Western Alzheimer’s Voluntary Committee Coffee Morning, held at Roscommon Golf Club, which raised the fantastic sum of over €3,600. Photo: Michael Finan

15

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

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‘Slimming World isn’t just where weight is lost, it’s where support and friendships are found’ At Slimming World, we often talk about scales, targets and milestones. But every so often, something

happens that reminds us that what we’re really building goes far beyond weight loss. We are a community.

Recently, that community came together in the most meaningful way.

Our story begins with Sandy, a familiar and muchloved face in Slimming World Boyle. Sandy was recently crowned their Greatest Weight Loser 2025, having achieved an incredible weight loss of 4.5 stone.

That achievement alone is remarkable, not just because of the number, but because Sandy did it while eating the foods she loves, never going hungry, enjoying meals out, and learning that lasting change comes from support and from balance, not deprivation.

But Sandy’s journey didn’t stop at personal success.

Instead of simply celebrating her own achievement, Sandy suggested something truly special: giving back to the wider Boyle community. Her idea was simple but powerful – what if she

OUR NEW UPDATED NEW MEMBER PACK FOR 2026! marked her 4.5 stone weight loss by collecting food for those who need it most?

The response from the group was nothing short of inspiring. Week by week, members arrived with bags of groceries, tins, packets and essentials, each one given with generosity and heart.

There was no obligation – just a shared desire to help.

Conversations shifted from weigh-ins to who might benefit, to how lucky they were to support one another, both inside and outside of their group.

All the donations were proudly delivered to the Boyle Family Resource Centre food bank, a vital support for local people.

Seeing Sandy’s weight loss journey – supported by encouragement, laughter, and shared group experiences – come full circle to help others was incredibly moving.

That spirit of giving back runs throughout every Slimming World in Ireland.

Every year, members donate clothes they have “slimmed out of forever” to the Irish Cancer Society.

Earlier this year, Breanne’s groups in Strokestown and Boyle, Pauline’s groups in Roscommon town and Trish’s group in Castlerea donated a fabulous 564 bags of clothing, each one a symbol of transformation and community goodwill. These

clothes donations raised an incredible €14,100 for the Irish Cancer Society – a contribution that went directly towards supporting cancer patients and funding vital research.

Research shows that losing just 10% of your body weight can significantly reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even some types of cancer. This makes the journey these Slimming World members are on even more powerful – it’s not just about appearance, but about long-term health, vitality, and disease prevention.

If you’re thinking about making healthier choices, losing weight, or becoming more active in 2026, your local Slimming World group is the perfect place to start.

Warm, friendly, and fun community groups, led by Breanne, Pauline, Trish and Susan are ready to support you every step of the way as you work towards your own goals.

Slimming World isn’t just where weight is lost, it’s

BOYLE

CASTLEREA

St Josephs Resource Centre, Abbeytown, Boyle

Tuesday 5:30pm and 7:00pm

O’Rourke GAA Centre, The Demesne, Castlerea

Breanne – 086 0867377 -----------------------------------------------

ROSCOMMON Gleesons Townhouse & Restaurant, The Square, Roscommon

Wednesday morning 7.30am and 9.30am Pauline – 087 1878701

Wednesday evening 5:30pm and 7:00pm

Saturday 9:30am Trish – 087 8581325 -----------------------------------------------

STROKESTOWN Sports & Community Centre, Lisroyne, Strokestown

Saturday 8:00am and 9:30am

real food, real support, real results real food, real support, real results Susan – 087 6944600

where support and friendships are found.

Breanne – 086 0867377

THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS €3.50

NON REAL REWARDS PRICE

was €4.29

€3

€15

€18

€16

REAL REWARDS PRICE

€16

ONLY WITH YOUR REAL REWARDS CARD/APP

€50

€16

McCain Triple Cooked Roasts 700g Non Real Rewards Price: €5/kg Real Rewards Price: €4.29/kg

Shane, Orla and the Fleming Family would like to Thank everyone who has supported Fleming’s SuperValu this past year.

We would like to thank each and everyone of our dedicated staff for the amazing job they do every day.

Wishing everyone a peaceful, happy and above all safe Christmas & Happy New Year.

Shane & Orla

€4

NON REAL REWARDS PRICE

3 FOR €6*

€3

18th - 31st Dec

MIX & MATCH

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Green Isle Crispy Brussels Sprouts 400g Non Real Rewards Price: €10/kg Real Rewards Price: €7.50/kg

Valid Only From

Heart Prosecco Spumante 75c Bonnamy Crémant De Loire Rosé 75cl

Fleming’s

La Baume Crémant De Limoux Brut Blanc 75cl Lanson Black Label Champagne 75cl

Bonnamy Crémant De Loire 75cl Louis Couturier Crémant De Brut 75cl

SuperValu Signature Tastes Selected Range (Details In-store or Online)

Main Street, Roscommon

Offers valid from Thursday 18th - Wednesday 31st December 2025. Prices correct at time of Print Offers Are Exclusive To Stores Listed And May Not Be Available In Other Stores. Offers Subject To Availability. Pictures For Illustration Purposes Only. Enjoy alcohol responsibly. *Deposit applies to drink containers featuring the Re-Turn logo. 15c for 150ml - 500ml and 25c for 501ml - 3ltr.

SHOP IN-STORE & ONLINE

16

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

NewsPeople

Local Samaritans remind callers not to face Christmas struggles alone Samaritans in Athlone and Midlands Samaritans are reminding those feeling the pressure of Christmas to reach out for support and a listening ear.

Anyone in need of emotional support can call Samaritans anonymously on freephone 116 123 or email jo@ samaritans.ie. Volunteers will be on duty throughout the holidays, including Christmas Day. Last year, Samaritans volunteers answered more than 30,000 calls and emails during the month of December, with more than 800 of those on Christmas Day. Mental health concerns, loneliness and

isolation, family and relationships were issues that were among the main concerns raised by callers.

Over 130 volunteers were on duty during the day – with the same expected this year.

Anne McGrath, Director Athlone and Midlands Samaritans, wants to remind anyone who is finding the festive season difficult to reach out – and not struggle in silence.

Anne said: “Christmas is seen as a happy time for people, but for others it can be quite challenging. Bereavement, loneliness, relationship and family problems, abuse and drug and

alcohol misuse can feature heavily in some homes.

Parents can also be struggling with financial pressures and struggle to meet the expectation to appear happy.

“Samaritans is a charity that prevents suicide through the power of human connection and providing that human connection is crucial for many of our callers at this time of year.

“It is vital that, with regular support services often closed, people know our volunteers are there, available 24/7, if they are struggling.”

The Samaritans are available on Freecall 116 123 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Council refuses EROC extension plans in Ballaghaderreen Roscommon County Council has refused planning permission for the proposed extension to the Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre (EROC) in Ballaghaderreen, located at the former Abbeyfield Hotel. The application, submitted by Next Week & Co Ltd, sought to add a two-storey extension with additional bedrooms, a corridor link, and facilities like an AstroTurf pitch and play area to increase accommodation capacity.

The centre, operational since 2017 primarily for

refugees and international protection applicants, faced significant local opposition amid concerns over strained resources in the town, including in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Local Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane welcomed the refusal, stating: “The planning application to extend the EROC in Ballaghaderreen has been refused by Roscommon County Council.

I want to thank all those who spent their Saturday coming into my office to sign submis-

sions I had prepared to object to this extension.

“I delivered a large number of submissions to the Council and I am glad these were heard. I welcome this decision. It is the right decision by Ballaghaderreen.”

The decision, announced on December 17th, 2025, reflects community submissions highlighting that the town has already contributed significantly without adequate additional supports and without consultation.

O’Meara’s Mountbellew Wishing all our customers a very

Happy Christmas WE ARE OPEN

St. Stephen’s Day 10am – 6pm

All set for Creggs Charity Walk The annual Creggs Charity Walk will take place on St Stephen’s Day, December 26th from O’Roarke’s at 12.30 pm and Roscommon Hospice will be among the charities to benefit from this year’s event.

The annual trek ‘up, around and down the Mountain’ is always a fun-filled affair, complete with a stop-off in Mary D’s house for refreshments.

Last year the proceeds were divided among Mayo-Roscommon Hospice, Galway Hospice and the Sunshine Room at Creggs NS and a donation was also made to Pieta House. The same charities will benefit from this year’s event.

Once the Christmas Day celebrations are at an end, the annual Creggs Charity Walk is a perfect opportunity to get together with friends and family for a walk which raises valuable funds while also being a fun-filled day of meeting and greeting.

The break at Mary D’s house is well needed by the time walkers have reached the summit of Mount Mary and the journey back to Creggs seems all the easier following some welcome refreshments.

Sponsorship cards are now available in O’Roarke’s shop. Proceeds of this year’s Walk will go to Galway Hospice, Mayo-Roscommon Hospice, Sunshine Room, Creggs NS and a donation will be made to Pieta House.

Please support this worthy cause.

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Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

NewsPeople

w

Some of Joe’s colleagues on the Roscommon Drama Festival committee congratulate Joe Nally (centre) on his well deserved award.

Joe honoured for contribution to amateur drama Joe Nally of the Roscommon Drama Festival committee was honoured with the ‘Community Cause Champion Award’ at the Roscommon Volunteer Awards ceremony which was held in the Hodson Bay Hotel on Wednesday, December 3rd.

This event, which celebrated volunteerism in County Roscommon in 2025, was attended by a large crowd who heard of Joe’s commitment to and enthusiasm for Amateur Drama over the past number of years. Joe was one of a number of award recipients.

Joe joined the Drama Festival Committee in 1968.

The Festival ran from 1960 to 1980. Following this there was a gap of 27 years until Joe took the initiative of reviving the Festival in 2007.

Joe has been the first and foremost in ensuring the success of Roscommon Drama Festival which is now regarded as among the very best in the country with the cream of Irish Amateur Drama par-

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Wishing all customer happy Christmas & happy New Year

WINTER SALE STARTS SAT 27TH DEC AT 11.30AM

ticipating. Joe was very instrumental in securing the wonderful Arts Centre in Roscommon for the festival, and also to the forefront in bringing drama to local schools with the short story competition which is run in conjunction with the Festival.

Joe has been, and continues to be, an integral part of the Festival. He personifies the very essence of volunteerism as he works to promote a love of drama and a festival which “captivates people’s attention, evokes emotions, and provides a source of enjoyment and escape from everyday life.”

The 2026 Festival will run from March 6th to March 14th and is guaranteed to provide the very best of entertainment in the wonderful surroundings of the Arts Centre in Roscommon.

In the meantime, all at Roscommon Drama Festival extend their congratulations to Joe. In the words of Mairead, the chairperson of the Festival, “Joe Nally is now synonymous with the Festival”.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday friday saturday

22nd december 9.30 - 18.00 23rd december 9.30 - 18.00 24th december 9.30 - 16.30 25th december closed 26th december closed 27th december 11.30- 18.00 28th december 13.30- 17.00 29th december 9.30 - 18.00 30th december 9.30 - 18.00 31st december 9.30 - 16.30 1st december closed 2nd december 9.30 - 18.00 3rd december 9.30 - 18.00

Phone: 090 66 26334

Phone:090 090 66 Phone: 6626334 26334

FREE PARKING ROSCOMMON TOWN

FREE PARKING ROSCOMMON TOWN

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SATURDAY, 17th JAN 2026 Pat Kelly was the lucky winner of a generator in a draw organised as a fundraiser for The Hub, Castlerea. Pictured are members of the Hub committee and prize sponsors making the presentation to Pat. Pictured left to right: Benny O’Connell (Chairperson, Enterprise Castlerea), James Mannion (Manson Electric, sponsors), Pat Kelly (winner), Seamus Stenson and Joseph Daire (Manson Electric), Kevin Igoe (Igoe Agri & Engineering, sponsors) and Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice.

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Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

NewsPeople

Christmas comes with all its graces – then passes slowly < TOM CURLEY

“It’s nearly on top of us now” the woman of the house will say to her neighbours when they meet in the shop on Saturday or after Mass on Sunday, her mind occupied with Christmas things.

Candied peel, currants, raisins and spices. Icing for the cake, and grease paper for the tin will be required, and a few red candles for the front windows.

A bottle or two of port wine – a bottle of whiskey will be needed as a Christmas treat for the neighbours who will be calling in.

Even though Santa is coming, toys for the children will have to be got. The man of the house won’t be forgotten – a new white shirt with a spare collar and a set of silver cufflinks that he will struggle with on fitting. He will get a hand. Only a ‘robber of a time’ the men will remark. Not meaning a word of it, at ease with the year’s work over, bad weather beaten, they will look forward now with contentment, beer, pampered paunches and bonhomie. The children will set about their scribbles to Santa, asking for dolls, teddy bears, tractors and aeroplanes, and no end to the begging until the large, addressed envelope is posted off to the North Pole.

It’s Christmas that is coming. Relatives and friends will be coming home.

Hardened men from the tunnels and rigs, not home for years, will decide to return. Their toughness through time, mellowed with every flight and mile of landscape with the thought of returning.

Local lad, Jamesie will come home too.

Laced with an ‘away style’ to his ways, he will quietly boast to his friends in the public house, where he will treat them, and mindly boast of how well he is doing ‘over’. A foreman now on the site, with a lot of men under him. He will encourage any of the lads who might be thinking of ‘going back’ that he will look after them! But not to rush into anything!

Christmas – a time of thoughtfulness, sensitivity, and well-wishing.

What would the world be without it!

The year is old now – too old to hear new chimes, it will die and with its passing there will come amongst us a brand new king. Media commentators will often refer to the festive season as an epidemic of excessive greed and commercial exploitation. Not a fitting decorative card for a special time that the world embraces. For the newsbeat hunters however, their festive feed.

Christmas is approaching. Shop owners will add a seasonal air to their premises. Windows will be decorated with multi-coloured streamers and a blend of lighting that goes on and off. Santa Claus, in festive mood, with a reindeer somewhere near, will be smiling out at all the lookers-on. Christmas music from the tannoy will resound throughout the day. Bargains will be on offer.

Turkeys and geese will be on display – in the words of their captors ‘now lovely birds and good bargains’. Main

Street will be crowded with shoppers – people meeting as if for the first time, shaking hands and wishing each other Happy Christmas and Many Happy Returns. ‘And to you and yours’ will often follow. Carol singers with red and white hats and woollen scarfs will gather in groups at street corners, shaking plastic buckets, singing carols – I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, over and over again. Passers-by and observers will be seasonally generous.

Time for the Christmas tree to be going up in the kitchen corner. Sprinkled with artificial snow, berries will dangle delicately, lights that flash will be carefully intertwined between the branches. As always the Shining Star of Bethlehem will stand out on top. Last year’s decorations will be assembled, and with the addition of new extras, curled ribbons will spiral across the ceiling, kitchen shelves and window sills. Sized bows of holly will hang behind the wall pictures and on the back of the doors. A special helping will be offered to the picture of the Sacred Heart over the fireplace and the red lamp. Always a guest of honour at Christmas.

The Christmas Crib will be on show and positioned prominently on the mantelpiece. Joseph and Mary will be standing over the new-born baby in a manger of straw. Close behind, the shy shepherds, the ox and the ass will

be seen. The Three Wise Men from the east will be on their way to offer their gifts. Christmas cards will drop through the letter box, first the trickle, then the stream. Should a new greeting arrive, we will say “Ah who thought of us this year?”. We will immediately miss a regular card that may not come – and wonder why. Maybe they may have passed away during the year and (we) did not hear. Rarely do we notice the printed expression of meaning as we unfold the frail card – that might remind us: ‘May Christmas Joy be yours today, May peace with you abide, The gladness that the Angels know Be yours this Christmastide’ People will wonder if it will be a White Christmas and, in time, the sky will darken and like the early Christmas cards snowflakes will slowly fall and strengthen until the landscape around is enveloped in a carpet of white. Roofs and chimney tops will temporarily disappear from sight. Tree branches will be weighed down, the crunch of footsteps from people passing will be heard. Thrushes and yellow-beaked blackbirds will hop from branch to branch, cheeky robins will do polkas on window sills. Everywhere a Winter Wonderland.

Christmas Eve, candles will light up every window, to guide the weary

wanderers on their way to Bethlehem. People will pray at the crib, children will go to bed early, sleep will be slow in coming, expecting Santa. The church will be crowded for Midnight Mass where the congregation will listen attentively to the sermon on The Nativity – and while the message remains the same, the story of The Nativity always touches with a fresh awakening. Mass will end with a powerful rendering of Adeste Fideles from the choir. The people will pour out into another Christmas morning. Season’s greetings will be exchanged, yet again.

Babies will be born all across the world and in their christening, will be Mary, Joseph, Carol and Nicholas.

At this time many thoughts may return to the famous Truce of the Great War of 1914. Late on Christmas Eve of that year a ceasefire was called.

The opposing troops climbed from the freezing trenches of The Somme, mingled and shared the presents they had received in their Christmas packages. They addressed each other as Fritz and Stanley, Herman and Charles and entertained each other with Silent Night and ‘Stille Nacht’.

At the approach of midnight the troops stood to attention as best they could and bidding farewell, returned to the trenches – and the imminence of death. Even in the snowy isolation

of No Man’s Land the warm spirit of Christmas penetrated the cold world of war.

Christmas Day will pass quietly. A time for family togetherness and reflection. Neighbours will call early with their presents and be offered their seasonal treat. They will insist that we visit them soon. Christmas Dinner will be ‘high noon’ of the day, conversations and remembering. In the evening, we may reach for the bookshelf and select Dickens – A Christmas Carol and let our hearts go out to Ebenezer Scrooge and take pity on poor Bob Cratchit. The words God Bless Us Everyone, when we reach them, will stay with us. Christmas recordings may be taken from their covers – we may play recordings of Perry Como, Harry Secombe, Nat King Cole, who will perform with their seasonal elegance and the rich voice of Bing Crosby singing I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas will bid farewell to another Christmas Day. The woman of the house, with Christmas chores satisfactorily achieved, will say “It’s nearly as far away as ever”.

And Christmas will be as far away as ever, when the wren boys arrive, playing loud music and still singing Christmas songs. Rover the sheepdog will scramble from his mat near the kitchen fire and bark at them from the front door, as they come up the garden path.

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

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Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

Wishing all of our readers, advertisers and correspondents a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year

The local paper!

Abbey Street, Roscommon Tel. 090 66 34633

E.: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

www.roscommonpeople.ie

• Please note that a contribution is being made to a local charity in lieu of Christmas Cards and Gifts.

21

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

NewsPeople Sean Doyles Christmas

Week Ad Ros People.pdf

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04/12/2025

16:24

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Athleague bingo jackpot hits €5,000 Monster bingo for Hospice to take place soon The jackpot at the weekly Athleague bingo will hit €5,000 (on 45 numbers or less) on Tuesday, December 23rd, starting at 8.30 pm.

With prizemoney in the region of €3,000 every night, including an in-house 50/50 draw, new players

are always welcome to the stateof-the-art centre, with comfortable surroundings and tea and coffee, etc available.

The bingo committee are also holding a monster bingo for charity later this month, with all proceeds going to Mayo-Roscommon Hospice. The event will start at 6 pm on Tuesday, December 30th. Please note that there is no jackpot for the charity bingo.

The local hospice is a very worthy

cause, and one that is close to all our hearts, so be sure to come along between Christmas and New Year to support and to enjoy some entertainment, all while being in with a chance to win!

The bingo committee wish to thank all who attended bingo during 2025 and send their deepest sympathies to all patrons who had a bereavement during the year. The committee especially remember fellow committee member Paddy

Purcell, who passed away this year and is sadly missed every Tuesday night.

Bingo will be back as usual in the New Year, with a possible jackpot of €5,100 up for grabs on Tuesday, January 6th 2026 (or, if the jackpot is won on December 23rd, a new jackpot will start at €3,000).

New faces are always welcome to help or play bingo, so be sure to come along!

Boyle Bridge Club celebrates 85 years of bridge in Boyle!

85 years ago on December 16th 1940, Boyle Bridge Club was officially affiliated to CBAI, the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland.

The club celebrated this incredible milestone during their recent Christmas Dinner event, held on December 17th.

Today, the club has 49 members, who meet every Wednesday in St Joseph’s Hall at 7.20 pm. If you have played bridge before and would like to join the club, do come along to St Joseph’s Hall or contact a committee member.

MONSTER BINGO ON TUESDAY 30th DECEMBER AT 6 pm In aid of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice.

HOLLYTREE Abbey Street, Roscommon New Year’s Eve night:

Live music by Perfect Match GREAT NIGHT ASSURED! Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year

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The Boyle Bridge Club committee pictured with the original affiliation certificate, dated December 16th 1940. From left to right are Kathy Gallagher, Maura Clarke, Marie Kennedy (treasurer), Betty Gray (president), Mary Queenan (secretary), Mary Regan (vice-president), Ann Lenehan, and Marion Brogan.

Missing from picture: Bernie O’Dowd.

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

Boyle Bridge Club members pictured celebrating 85 years of bridge in Boyle at their recent Christmas Dinner event.

22

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

Festive greetings from Please support local SMEs and shop local this Christmas

Ballygar

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2025 from

Ballygar P.O. Tel: 090 66 24511

Denis Delaney Building Contractor Tel: 087 6828818 A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2025 from

BALLYGAR TEL: 090 662 4710

Main Street, Creggs, Tel: 090 662 1765

Cloud 9 youth club in Ballygar

Some of the local teenagers who attend the Cloud 9 youth club in Ballygar (pictured last Friday evening).

Photo: Michael Finan

SEE PAGES 26 and 27

Great ideas and Great value in our Giftware and Homeware sections.

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A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2025

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23

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

Festive greetings from Please support local SMEs and shop local this Christmas

Ballygar

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2025 from

The festive Bees Knees spirit is alive and well in SLYMAN Plant Hire & Ballygar Groundworks

Wishing all my customers a very Happy Christmas and a very Happy New Year, and many thanks for your continued support. Looking forward to seeing you all in 2026.

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Health Store

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Main Street, Ballygar, Co. Galway Tel 090 66 24556 Donal 087 2584381 • Adrian 087 2647118 Trevor 087 9015189 Email: donalsmith2012@gmail.com

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2025 from

Lohan’s Garage SALES & SERVICE

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Phone:

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A very Happy Christmas to you all from

With just few days remaining until December 25th, the town of Ballygar is in full festive swing, with shimmering lights decorating the streets and a packed calendar of seasonal events helping build on the Christmas atmosphere.

Local people have been treated to a lot of festive entertainment in recent weeks, with a number of beautiful Christmas carol services having been held in the area this month.

Just last weekend, the choir of St Mary’s Church hosted their annual carol service on Sunday, December 21st, and the weekend prior saw Newbridge Tidy Towns’ Committee hold a carol service, as well as a cake sale and raffle, on Sunday, December 14th.

The music for the latter was provided by the children of Windfield National School.

The children of Ballygar NS also held their own carol service on December 17th, performing a lovely set of songs at St Mary’s Church.

However, it is not just through social events that Ballygar is fostering the Christmas spirit – the practise of giving back during the festive period is alive and well in the area.

Beyond fundraising concerts and church gate collections, parish food appeal boxes are available in An Siopa

Pobail (Newbridge) and Holmes Centra (Ballygar) for those who wish, and are able to, donate. The Christmas, though it’s meant to be a time of universal joy and relaxation, is not the same for everyone, and when it is difficult to put any food at all on the table, every item and every donation counts.

A strong level of community involvement is the through line shared by the various festive events and charity fundraising drives taking place in and around Ballygar this holiday season, with families, neighbours, and visitors alike turning out in large numbers to support events, and countless volunteers, students, and local groups working together to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

And with further seasonal activities planned in the coming days, including Christmas services and social gatherings, the festive spirit is sure to continue.

Even beyond these events, there is a wonderful sense of the holidays to be felt when walking through Ballygar, between the wonderful displays of lights organised and installed by the lights committee, and the festive decorations filling the local businesses and adorning the houses in the town.

Don’t miss out on all the festive goings-on this year in Ballygar!

A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2025 from

BALLYGAR PHARMACY BALLYGAR. TEL. 090 6624267.

Email: ballygarpharmacy@gmail.com

Conor: 087 7726301 Michael: 087 2490146 Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year from

Martin’s Bar na d’Taoisigh BALLYGAR

Props.: Pat & Carmel Gilmore A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2025, especially to all my staff from

SUNFLOWER

Montessori & Creche Sunflower Montessori offer full-time, sessional, part-time and afterschool care with pick-up and drop-off from Ballygar N.S. and bus service from Ballaghlea Schemes available: ECCE, NCS, Places available for children aged 1 year onwards.

WE HAVE LIMITED PLACES FOR FREE PRESCHOOL Open daily from 8.00am to 6.00pm

Please contact Fiona Lally 0906624689 sunflowermontessori@outlook.ie

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Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

Festive greetings from Please support local SMEs and shop local this Christmas

Ballygar

Season’s greetings to one and all from

Electrical Switchgear

Turkey Trot back by popular demand!

engineering, An electrical Switchgear, engineering, manufacturing and design company located in the heart of the Midlands, Athlone are looking to expand its manufacturing manufacturing and team. We currently have the following positions available. design company located in the heart of the Midlands

Ballygar and environs will be delighted to learn that the Turkey Trot Committee have announced the much-anticipated return of the AnCNC Operator nual Turkey Trot, taking place in Newbridge on West/ Electrical Point Business Park Unit 6, Mechanical Assembly Technician St Stephen’s Day (Friday, the 26th of December, Athlone, Co.Roscommon.

2025). The event is being held in aid of the new Phone: (090) 649 8112 GAA grounds development fund.

This is a great opportunity to join a fast-paced expanding engineering company with full training on Back by very popular demand, this year’s Email: ngalvin@centralswitchgear.ie offer to the ideal candidate.

Turkey Trot will begin outside The Shiven Inn, where registration will open from 12.30 pm. Participants are encouraged to arrive with A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and Please apply with your CV directly to HR@centralswitchgear.ie or call 0906498112 enough time to sign in and soak up the pre-event thank you for your support in 2025 from atmosphere, at what is sure to be a great community day out.

General Operative

STEPHEN BLAKE M.R.I.A.I.

Trihill, Ballinamore Bridge, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway.

P: 090 66 24681 • M: 087 635 8949 E: stephen@sbarchitect.ie A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2025 from

The Medical Hall

Ballygar - Tel.: 090-6624557 • Ada Coyle M.P.S.I. • Best wishes to Ballygar Truckin’ Weekend

• Dispensing & Compounding Chemist • Advice • Cosmetics

A short safety briefing will take place before the walk, and following that, the 7km fun run/walk will get underway promptly at 1.30 pm.

As always, one of the highlights of the route will be the famous ‘Pit-Stop’, which has been generously hosted by the Lohan family.

The Turkey Trot not only promises some festive spirit but also lots of fun afterwards. There will be plenty of spot prizes up for grabs, an exciting raffle including draws for sponsored hampers on the day, and selection boxes for participants aged under 14, ensuring younger walkers and runners are well rewarded for their efforts!

Refreshments will also be served afterwards.

Sponsorship cards are now available and can be obtained from the new GAA grounds committee members, as well as through local schools, clubs, and businesses. The committee encourages everyone to get involved, whether by taking part on the day, sponsoring a participant, or simply coming along to support.

The return of the Annual Turkey Trot is sure to make this year a must-go event, and the run itself offers a fun way to burn off some of that Christmas indulgence while supporting local causes. All are welcome to attend so be sure to trot along!

10 Christmas milestones … over two centuries killed over 2,400 Americans.

The following day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered the US Congress to declare war on Japan.

19th December, 1843 Charles Dickens’ classic work, A Christmas Carol, was published.

It took Dickens just six weeks to write the book.

By December 24th, the first edition of 6,000 copies had sold out, and by 2nd January 1844, a second edition of 3,000 copies had also been sold.

21st December, 1968 Apollo 8, the first manned mission to the moon, was successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. On board were astronauts James Lovell, Frank Borman, and William Anders.

Three days later, on Christmas Eve, the crew entered into orbit around the moon – becoming the first manned spacecraft to do so.

Apollo 8 landed safely in the Pacific Ocean on 27th December.

On 20th July 1969, Neil A. Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin, astronauts of Apollo 11, became the first men to walk on the moon.

19th December, 1848 Emily Bronte, author of Wuthering Heights, died of TB at just 30 years of age. Her sisters, Charlotte and Anne, were also gifted writers.

Wuthering Heights remains an all-time classic, which has sold millions of copies and is muchloved all over the world.

10th December, 1901 The first Nobel Peace Prizes were awarded in Stockholm. Each award was worth $30,000.

The ceremony occurred on the fifth anniversary of the death of Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor of dynamite and other explosives.

25th December, 1914 During the First World War, when British soldiers heard German troops in the trenches opposite singing carols on Christmas Eve, a World War I Christmas truce was reached.

British and German soldiers met in no man’s land; they exchanged gifts, took photographs, and even played impromptu football games.

Both sides also took time to bury casualties and repair trenches.

The truce wasn’t observed everywhere along the Western Front, and in some areas, the fighting continued. After Boxing Day, the friendly meetings in no man’s land ended and the war continued.

6th December, 1921 The Irish Free State was established, ending a three-year War of Independence between Irish forces (the IRA) and British forces.

The Free State comprised 26 counties now known as the Republic of Ireland, with the remaining six counties of Ireland forming Northern Ireland.

11th December, 1936 This was the year of the famous

‘Edward and Mrs Simpson’ scandal that rocked Britain. After ruling for less than a year, Britain’s King Edward VIII became the first English monarch to abdicate the throne.

He did so after the public, the British government and the Church of England condemned his decision to marry twicedivorced American, Mrs Wallis Simpson. The following day, Edward’s younger brother, the Duke of York, was proclaimed King George VI. 7th December, 1941 A surprise Japanese attack on the US naval base of Pearl Harbour (near Honolulu, Hawaii)

8th December, 1980 Early on the 8th of December 1980, Beatles fan Mark David Chapman met John Lennon on a street in New York (near the former Beatles’ star’s home). They chatted, with Lennon signing a copy of his latest album for Chapman.

Later that evening Chapman approached Lennon outside his home again, and shot him dead.

3rd December, 1989 The Cold War – a 40-year conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union – came to an end. *With contributions from online source: ‘Rest Less’

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Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

Festive greetings from Please support local SMEs and shop local this Christmas

Ballygar

Season’s greetings to one and all from

Wishing all my customers a very Happy and Healthy Christmas and a prosperous New Year

Martina’s Fashions Ballygar, Co. Galway.

Tel.: (090) 66 24561

Seasons greetings to one and all!

GIFTWARE – huge selection of Galway Living, Belleek, Ainsley China, large selection of Candles and Christmas Gifts!

Large range of Ladies, Childens Wear and accessories Thank you for your support in 2025 A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year and thank you for your support in 2025 from

Fallon’s BAR Ballygar Telephone: 090 66 24674

Saturday, 27th December:

Mark Finn

Wednesday, 31st December – New Year’s Eve:

Shane Moore Saturday, 3rd January:

Liveline

Saturday, 10th January:

Frank Nelson

Saturday, 17th January:

Hugh Turner

Saturday, 24th January:

Paul O’Connor

Preschool spreads Christmas cheer with nursing home visits In the true spirit of Christmas, Andrea Connolly with the children and staff from Beez Kneez Childcare LTD, Glenamaddy, recently visited two local nursing homes to deliver Christmas care packages, kindly donated by parents and staff. A small group of children took part in the visit, where they presented the gifts and shared some festive carols with the residents.

The residents were absolutely delighted to welcome the children, and the atmosphere throughout both visits was filled with warmth, smiles,

and Christmas cheer. Faces lit up as the children sang, chatted, and shared their infectious excitement, making the occasion especially meaningful for everyone involved.

The visit served as a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas: kindness, generosity, thinking of others and spreading joy within our community. The children showed remarkable empathy and gentleness, offering songs, conversations, smiles and festive cheer to the residents.

Moments like these highlight the values Beez Kneez Preschool strives to nurture every day: compassion, respect, and understanding. All the staff are incredibly proud of their little Beez Kneez helpers, who represented the preschool so beautifully.

Christmas is not just about lights and presents; it is about sharing love, creating memories and spreading kindness wherever possible, and on this special morning, the children did exactly that!

FOOD SERVED DAILY

A sincere thank you for all your support 1n 2025

Moore Agri CONTRACTORS Ballinamore Bridge Tel. 087 2474479

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Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

Festive greetings from Please support local SMEs and shop local this Christmas

Ballygar

‘We wanted to create a safe place where the local youth could socialise’ CLOUD 9, BALLYGAR’S BEACON SPECIAL REPORT Paul Healy Pat Regan, who has served as a Garda for 25 years in Ballygar, offers a friendly smile and a warm handshake when the Roscommon People arrives.

“Welcome to Cloud 9” he says, “it’s kind of quirky”.

Very quickly, it’s apparent what Pat means. Once you step inside the premises which has served for decade as the Town Hall, you’re struck by the lovely vibe in what is now a thriving youth club. That, and the very colourful décor!

Founded just three years ago, ‘Cloud 9’ is now the ‘go to’ place for scores of secondary school students in the wider Ballygar area, with the cosy and eclectic venue proving hugely popular as a social hub for local teenagers.

The concept When the Roscommon People called to Cloud 9 last Friday evening, we met a number of adult volunteers and committee members, as well as some of the children who regularly attend.

The air of positivity was infectious, and even though the counter-attraction of a youth disco in Roscommon had undoubtedly impacted on the evening’s turnout, there was a happy atmosphere, with youngsters playing pool, chess and darts.

How it began “We wanted to create a safe place where the local youth could socialise” Pat Regan explains.

The volunteers behind this project openly say that part of their motivation has been to ensure that young people have an alternative to an alcohol-based culture.

“It’s a pub with no beer” Pat adds, describing Cloud 9 as a “happy, social place.”

When Pat and like-minded locals set about realising this project, they were facilitated by the Church, which owned the then-vacant Town Hall in Ballygar.

(Pat Regan: “We would commend Fr Michael Breslin and his successor, Fr Douglas Zaggi for their support”).

Yana Veretilnyk, Gareth Daly, Pat Regan and Melissa Hannon, volunteers at Cloud 9 youth club in Ballygar, pictured on Friday night.

Photo: Michael Finan

Once the venue had been firstly earmarked and then made available, support from the local community was immediately forthcoming.

Local residents and the business community adopted a ‘meitheal’ approach.

Every item of furniture in Cloud 9 was donated, as was the sporting and recreational equipment (pool tables, etc).

Indeed the volunteers who run Cloud 9 want to thank local parents, businesses and the wider community in general for their very generous support.

Over the past three years, Cloud 9 has opened its doors to children of secondary school age every Friday evening.

From 7 pm to 8.30 pm 1st and 2nd years congregate there; from 8.30 pm to 10 pm it’s the turn of “3rd years and upwards.”

Cloud 9’s ‘full title’ is BNT Cloud 9, as in Ballygar-Newbridge-Toghergar (Pat Regan emphasises they will welcome children from a wide area).

While the club is affiliated to Youthwork Ireland – and that organisation has been very supportive – it’s essentially run by the fully vetted/trained adult volunteers from the local area, with an overseeing committee. Supervision is in place at all times. But the emphasis is

very much on fun and relaxation.

Pat Regan: “We felt there was an opening for a place like this. You need to encourage youth to socialise… we wanted to provide a safe place. They can go a bit mad here, but it’s ‘happy mad’.

“The big nights are when there’s maybe a major soccer game and we show it on the big screen. Some Fridays we’ll have up to 80 kids here (over the two separate sessions). But often it’s on quieter nights when you see the true impact of Cloud 9. Not every young boy or girl is into playing sport. Cloud 9 gives them a space in which they can meet other people, and grow in confidence.”

He adds: “It has really made a difference. The feedback from children and adults has been very positive. The kids see the adults (volunteers) have an interest in them. Youth want to be respected.

I’m envious of this generation! They are amazing. They will be the community leaders of the future.”

stand out. No pressure to be the best or the most popular. This is a club, a place of bonding, a place where nobody is forgotten, where everybody belongs.

The walls are adorned with quotes by famous people. On the way to the main recreation area, there’s a small and much-valued sensory room (often used by the LCA class from Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar).

A few steps on, one can’t help but notice some inviting musical instruments, including an electric guitar (there’s a piano in the main room). A stage beckons aspiring musicians. That main area includes a pool table, table tennis, a large TV, and several easy chairs/couches where patrons can play chess, other games or just relax and hang out.

In adjoining rooms, there’s another pool table, a dartboard, and computer games.

Variety and vibes

Adam Daly, a student in Coláiste Mhuire, has been attending most Friday nights since Cloud 9 opened three years ago.

“I love it here” Adam told the People.

Everything about Cloud 9 gives a sense of fun, relaxation, inclusivity. There is no pressure on anyone. No pressure to

What they say

“I come mainly for the darts! There’s massive interest in darts now since Luke Littler became world champion (Littlermania notwithstanding, Adam’s favourite player is Stephen Bunting).

“So I love the darts, but also the games of pool. It’s great… you end up making friends with people, including from the other age group. I come here every Friday. It’s a very positive experience.”

Conor Hannon travels in on Friday nights from Newbridge. A student in Coláiste Mhuire, he too sings the praises of Cloud 9, while being quick to pay tribute to the supervisors.

“It’s grand here! A really nice area. You couldn’t possibly get bored here. There’s Internet, computer games, chess, pool, darts… and generally it’s rattling with people on a Friday night!

“The volunteers are very genuine people. They treat the youth here with respect.”

Conor agrees that Cloud 9 has a mental health aspect to it insofar that the atmosphere, camaraderie and sense of inclusivity there can help lift morale and provide often subtle support.

“I know there’d be a few students who come in who might have felt a bit isolated… maybe lacked a social capability… and they came here to chat and found it a safe and welcoming spot.

“The approach here creates a chilled environment. At the same time, nobody is allowed to wander down town! You have to sign out, the volunteers are responsible for you… that’s reassuring for parents.”

‘Inclusion is important’ Pat Regan has been a key driver behind this initiative. There are others too.

We met Melissa Hannon, also a driving force behind the success of Cloud 9. Melissa is committee secretary, Pat Regan is chairperson, and Linda Doyle is treasurer.

Damien Finneran (a volunteer, and also committee PRO), spoke with passion of the ethos of the club.

“It’s about inclusion, and voluntary participation. We wanted to create a safe space. It’s an opportunity for young people to get away from their smartphones for a couple of hours too! It serves a positive mental health role.

“We’ve had up to 85 kids here in one

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Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

Festive greetings from Please support local SMEs and shop local this Christmas

Ballygar

“We wanted to create a safe place where the local youth could socialise”. Pat Regan, pictured in Cloud 9 last Friday evening. Photo: Michael Finan

evening… another evening there might only be three or four, but it’s just as important for that three or four on that night.”

Damien believes expansion of the facility is a realistic goal. He outlines how Cloud 9 can evolve further, into a community hub, one that celebrates diversity. It can, he says, become a communal space where groups can gather for special occasions.

Pat Regan takes up the theme, pointing out that they hosted a birthday party there recently, with up to 15 or 16 youngsters attending. Chips and pizzas are brought in from local businesses, which are very supportive.

“Also, take when a local team wins a match, often the assumption is that people will gather in a pub afterwards. Say if you have an underage win… we’d like to see the team (and supporters) gather for a while here.”

Leaving Cloud 9 It’s 8.30 pm. Three or four youngsters are playing pool. Our photographer (Michael) is finishing up. The volunteers present are chatting away with their media visitors. Two lads are immersed in chess ‘combat’.

It’s a cold Friday night. It’s been a busy week. It’s time to say our goodbyes. On the way out, I spot a modest sign on a door leading into a small kitchen.

‘Grillin’ & Chillin’. Good Food. Good Friends. Good Vibes.’

That sums up a lot about Cloud 9. A few feet on, in the hallway, close by the sensory room, another quote catches the eye (no grillin’ or chillin’ reference here).

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Now that really sums up the spirit of volunteerism and community pride that inspired this success story, a new chapter of which reveals itself each Friday night.

As we step into the cold, we’re uplifted by the warmth and shared happiness radiating through Ballygar’s beacon, Cloud 9.

Diana Manaienko and Weronika Lopatka, members of the Ballygar-based youth group Cloud 9, pictured on Friday night. Photo: Michael Finan

Adam Daly and Luke Hannon pictured in Cloud 9 in Ballygar last Friday evening.

Photo: Michael Finan

Part of the sensory room at Cloud 9, Ballygar.

Nathan Clarke and Conor Hannon playing chess in Cloud 9, Ballygar last Friday evening. Photo: Michael Finan Photo: Michael Finan

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OUT& OUT &ABOUT Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

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

Recent reunion A reunion of P&T/Eircom/eir staff who have worked for the company – under its various names – in the general Castlerea area at some point over the last 45 years took place recently.

Venue for the reunion of retired employees (with some present-day employees also present) was Castlerea Golf Club. It was a most enjoyable night. Photos: Michael Finan

OUT& OUT &ABOUT Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

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

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s g n i t e e r g Season’s from Local Representatives Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

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

Tom Crosby

Michael Fitzmaurice TD

STROKESTOWN/BOYLE ELECTORAL AREA Ballytoohey, Tarmonbarry, Co. Roscommon Phone: 086 6005530 Email: cllrtomcrosby@gmail.com www.tomcrosby.ie I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all my constituents for a very happy and peaceful Christmas, and a healthy, prosperous New Year

11 Castle View Terrace , Castle Street, Roscommon. F42Y181 090-6626824 / 090-6628479

Michael.Fitzmaurice@Oireachtas.ie

facebook.com/ tomcrosby

ALWAYS LISTENING AND READY TO ACT!

twitter.com/cllrtomcrosby

Cllr Tom Crosby demonstrates traditional hurling skills to international visitor Ren Takumi from Japan, as fellow International guests observe while visiting his Tarmon Harbour Marina in Tarmonbarry.

Cllr Ruth Conboy

Continue the progress

HOLLAND MICHAEL

Electoral Area: Roscommon

INDEPENDENT

TELEPHONE: 086 1988036 Email: cllrrconboy@roscommoncoco.ie

TEL. 086 2549815 • Email: cllr.mholland@roscommoncoco.ie

Cllr. Paschal

Cllr. DOMNICK

CONNOLLY

FITZMAURICE Ballindrimley, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Telephone: 087 2299980

DELIVERING FOR OUR COMMUNITY

COUNCILLOR

NIGEL

Tel.: 087 245 1267

DINEEN

Email: connollydomnick3@gmail.com

INDEPENDENT IRELAND A voice for common sense

Cllr. Tony

MOBILE:: 086 2130723 MOBILE cllrndineen@roscommoncoco.ie SHOP LOCAL

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and every good wish for the New Year.

Thank you for your support this year.

SUPPORT LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS

01 6184507 gareth.scahill@oireachtas.ie @garethscahillfg

Please feel free to contact me on any individual, community or national issue.

Looking forward to being in touch

CLAIRE KERRANE TD

WORKING HARD FOR YOU

WARD

Tel: (090) 64 88294 or Mobile: (087) 9165226 Email: tonywardmcc@eircom.net Independent member of Roscommon County Council and a full time public representative.

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Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

Season’s greetings from

Local Representatives

NewsPeople

Cllr. Valerie Byrne Lisduff, Elphin, Co. Roscommon

Tel.: 071 9635384 Mobile: 086 8887897 cllrvbyrne@roscommoncoco.ie

Cllr. Valerie Duffy Electoral Area: Athlone Roscommon County Council

Ballydangan, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

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

Cllr. Liam Callaghan Councillor for the Boyle area

Contact me with any issues on 086 3325839 or cllrlcallaghan@roscommoncoco.ie

Members of Roscommon County Council, Council staff (and members of the executive), and Deputy Frank Feighan – in attendance to see his friend and political colleague Cllr Liam Callaghan assume the role of Cathaoirleach – pictured at the AGM of Roscommon County Council last June. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin

‘Vital that tourism and business are encouraged’

back – and forward Cllr. Sean Moylan Looking – with Council Cathaoirleach, Tulsk Co. Roscommon Mobile: 086 872 7675 Email: cllrsmoylan@roscommoncoco.ie

THANK YOU!

Thank you for all your support and assistance in 2025 Wishing you and your family a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year

Ciaran Mullooly MEP Always here to help you

E mail: ciaran.mullooly@europarl.europa.eu Constituency Office 04333 21734

Cllr Liam Callaghan As you look back on 2025, what was a highlight for your electoral area?

A highlight for myself was being elected as Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council earlier this year; I enjoyed becoming more aware of all the great community groups around Roscommon and Boyle, and I had the opportunity to attend many festivals and events throughout the county. A stand-out among those has to have been the Night and Day Festival, though there are so many great events, such as the Castlerea Rose Festival and more.

This year we also saw major progress on the new N5 (with one section almost complete now), the new library in Ballaghaderreen has been completed, and public realm works have come into Strokestown.

The O’Rourke sisters’ success is another highlight of the year; that homecoming brought such light and great emotion to the area. It is always so powerful to see young local people of that calibre getting those opportunities and achieving great things.

Overall, it has been a very rewarding year as a public representative to see so much activity in the area.

If you had to choose one specific improvement you’d like to see happen in your area in the New Year, which would make a big immediate difference, what would it be?

One of the big things in the New Year will be the N5, but there is lots to look at.

Ensuring roads are safe to travel is one issue I’d like to see improvement on as much as possible in 2026. Also, the housing issue – whether its cost or lack of building contractors or what, I find there’s low uptake with development and I’d like to see more activity there. Young local people need opportunities for homes, and the Government will have to step up to facilitate this.

What changes/improvements would you like to see happening in your area in the longer term, say over the next 4-5 years?

I think it is very important that in the next few years no town or village is left behind. It is great to see progress, but areas like Strokestown, Elphin, Ballinagare, Frenchpark, Tulsk… it’s vital that they are not left behind and that tourism and business opportunities are encouraged in all local regions.

On becoming new Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council last June, Cllr Liam Callaghan followed in the footsteps of his then recently deceased father, Tom, who also held that position (1996-’97). Liam is pictured under a photograph of his late father in a display area featuring photos of previous first citizens of the county. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin Tourism in general I’d love to see focused on in the future; places like Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle are hidden gems and I think upgrading and promoting the facilities we have is so key.

As the community prepares to take a breather over the Christmas, how would you sum up what’s special about your area, and what’s your message to your constituents?

When I look back on the entire year, there’s highs and lows. Cllr Tony Waldron passing away was very sad for all of us. My father (Tom) passed away in June. For the local area too, there’s been

highs and lows. I think Storm Éowyn was one of the toughest moments for the whole country this year, but it brought out the best in us; the whole community came together.

So I think it is important we use this time to rest, and that we make sure we check in on people.

It’s important to look out for your neighbours and friends, stay safe on the roads, and one piece of advice – when calling to elderly neighbours or loved ones, check they have a working fire and carbon monoxide alarm.

It’s the period to take it easy for a few days and be grateful. I’d like to wish my constituents a safe and happy and peaceful Christmas.

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Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

PropertyPeople

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY NEW TO THE MARKET 3 NO. 1 BED APARTMENTS TOGETHER WITH OFFICE SPACE

NEW TO THE MARKET 15 ACRES APPROX OF HIGH QUALITY ROADSIDE AGRICULTURAL LANDS

ROSSMORE HOUSE, LANESBORO, CO. LONGFORD

CRANNAGH BEG, ATHLONE, CO. ROSCOMMON

OF APPROX 420 SQ MTRS/4,500 SQ FT

AMV:€195,000

PRICE ON APPLICATION

OFFERS IN EXCESS OF €300,000

TO LEASE / LET COMMERCIAL WAREHOUSE UNIT

LANESBORO ROAD, ROSCOMMON TOWN (BESIDE ARDCARNE GARDEN CENTRE)

A SELECTION OF OUR FARMS / RESIDENTIAL AND NON RESIDENTIAL SOLD IN 2025 SOLD

SOLD

APPROX 33 ACRES RATHMORE, FOUR MILE HOUSE, ROSCOMMON

RESIDENTIAL FARM APPROX 27 ACRES RATHCONOR, FOUR MILE HOUSE, ROSCOMMON

SOLD

SOLD

APPROX 101 ACRES CREGGAUN, BALLINASLOE, COUNTY GALWAY

RESIDENTIAL FARM APPROX 10 ACRES WILLSBOROUGH, BALLINLOUGH, COUNTY ROSCOMMON

SOLD

SOLD

APPROX 29 ACRES LISGOBBAN LANESBORO, ROAD, ROSCOMMON

RESIDENTIAL FARM APPROX 5.36 ACRES STONEPARK, ROSCOMMON

SOLD

SOLD

APPROX 38 ACRES LISALWAY CASTLEREA, COUNTY ROSCOMMON

RESIDENTIAL FARM APPROX 60 ACRES CORBALLY, TULSK, COUNTY ROSCOMMON

A SELECTION OF OUR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES SOLD IN 2025 SOLD

4 B/R DETACHED RESIDENCE GROUSE LODGE, LANESBORO ROAD, ROSCOMMON

SOLD

5 B/R DETACHED RESIDENCE RATHCLINE, LANESBORO, CO. LONGFORD

SOLD

4 B/R DETACHED 17 THE ROOKERY, SCRAMOGUE , CO. ROSCOMMON

SOLD

3 B/R DETACHED BUNGALOW RESIDENCE 8 ARD AOIBHINN, ROSCOMMON TOWN

OUR OFFICE WILL CLOSE ON TUESDAY 23RD DECEMBER AT 1 O CLOCK AND WILL RE-OPEN ON FRIDAY 2ND JANUARY 2026 AT 9.30

The management and staff would like to wish all our clients a very Happy Christmas and thank you for your continued support throughout the year

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Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

PropertyPeople

ADVERTORIAL

What happens after sale agreed?

HOW SHEEHY MEARES REAL ESTATE DELIVERS SALES THROUGH TO COMPLETION IN 2026 < KEITH MCLOUGHLIN (SHEEHY MEARES TEAM EARLEY)

Keith McLoughlin (Sheehy Meares Team Earley)

Agreeing a sale is a key milestone, but it is not the finish line. In many transactions, the most critical work happens after Sale Agreed, when contracts, timelines and conditions determine whether a sale progresses smoothly.

At Sheehy Meares Real Estate, their role continues well beyond agreeing a price.

They remain actively involved, coordinating with solicitors, managing contracts, tracking conditions, and maintaining momentum through to closing.

Strong systems ensure accuracy and compliance at every stage. Files are managed correctly, documentation is complete, and deposits and funds are handled in line with regulatory requirements. This protects both the seller and the transaction itself.

Clear timelines and consistent communication help prevent delays and reduce stress.

Sellers are kept informed of progress, outstanding matters and next steps right through to completion.

In 2026, selling successfully will mean working with an agent who stays involved until the keys are handed over. At Sheehy Meares Real Estate, the staff guide, protect, and deliver every sale with professionalism and care.

If you are planning to sell in 2026, now is the right time to start the conversation. Let Sheehy Meares Real Estate help open the doors to your next chapter, and contact auctioneer Keith McLoughlin today on 090 66 26579 or 086 0848590.

15 acres of prime agricultural lands new to the market at Sheehy Meares Team Earley Cathal Meares of Sheehy Meares Team Earley is delighted to offer to the market approximately 15 acres of highquality, roadside agricultural land, located on the outskirts of Athlone (Folio No: RN32275F).

The lands extend to circa 15 acres and are contained within one compact, well-proportioned parcel. Situated in the Crannagh Beg area, the property enjoys a convenient and accessible loca-

tion close to Summer National School, Drum Community Centre, and Colaiste Chiaran, with Athlone town and its amenities also nearby.

The lands are of good agricultural quality and benefit from roadside frontage. There is potential for a site, subject to obtaining the necessary planning permission.

This sale represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a substantial hold-

ing suitable for agricultural use or longterm investment. Viewing is highly recommended.

For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact Sheehy Meares Team Earley (Stonecourt, Roscommon) on 090 66 26579, email info@ sheehymeares.ie, log onto sheehymeares.ie, or contact Cathal directly on 086 1409158.

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Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

PropertyPeople

DNG Ivan Connaughton report record year in 2025 Property supply in 2026 a challenge for both agent and purchasers A year in perspective from auctioneer Ivan Connaughton 2025 has been a busy year for DNG Ivan Connaughton. Having joined the DNG franchise in April after 18 years as an independent auctioneer, I believe the merger is a positive move at a challenging time for all involved in the property sector.

The reduced supply of property is evident, in particular in residential, where sales as recorded on the Property Price Register are likely to be down c.

15% in 2025, compared to 2024 in the Roscommon/East Galway area.

Supply of properties has further tightened in Q4 2025 and this has led to record prices being realised in the last six weeks. This is an unusual trend, as many buyers fear supply in 2026 could get even tighter in the Midlands and West.

The major rental reforms from next March for new tenancies has led to many landlords exiting and issuing notices for vacant possession, especially those with multiple properties who feel the reforms will affect their future exit strategy such as to transfer to a family member or to provide pension support.

This should aid supply in 2026 somewhat, together with prospective sellers realising what neighbouring properties are achieving on the open market. But overall, I see supply in 2026 being lower than 2025.

The saying that property market is about location, location, location is true, but supply and demand is the main issue in these times. I see many first-time buyers and traders up/down waiting to see if the market will steady and allow them jump on board.

The prices in the cities and East may be levelling off due to affordability. This has led to an influx of purchasers to locations like Roscommon where accessibility to Dublin is good for anyone hybrid working.

Three train lines go through County Roscommon, the Sligo to Dublin route via Boyle and Carrick-on-Shannon, the Westport to Dublin route via Castlerea, Roscommon Town and Athlone, and the Galway to Dublin route via Ballinasloe and

Athlone. We are all familiar with overcrowded trains which speaks for itself.

Purchasers from outside the area have left it more difficult for locals to buy in their own locations.

This brings me to the biggest issue both locally and nationally. New houses or the lack thereof.

Zoning of lands and planning permission are major components in Ireland’s housing crisis.

Those issues need to be addressed.

I recently agreed the sale of a semi-detached residence for €70,000 more than the adjoining residence that I sold 12 months ago. Eight people bidding and only one could get the property. Therefore, seven underbidders still waiting to purchase. If more houses were available for sale in that locality, it is inevitable that prices would level out.

In Roscommon Town, there is no major housing development in the pipeline.

Therefore, if a new planning application was

submitted to Roscommon County Council today, by the time planning is granted and houses built, it would be a minimum of three years before completion (and maybe four). The second-hand market can only remain strong in the coming years. Restrictions on planning permission in the countryside also play a major part in the housing crisis.

Not everybody wants to live in an urban area. The local need requirement should be abandoned as it is not working. Countryside locations need to be identified where sight lines are achievable and the soil is suitable for a septic tank/waste disposal system. This would allow small-scale and first-time builders/ developers to purchase a site, build and sell on. It would also strengthen rural communities so as to keep vital services and sporting teams in their areas, many of whom are under major pressure.

As the leading agents in Co Roscommon

as regards listings in 2025 (source: daft. ie), our team at DNG Ivan Connaughton looks forward to 2026 and what it brings.

Joining DNG has played a major part in a record year in sales. Our local knowledge together with the national reach of DNG, having over 80 offices nationwide, guarantees all vendors will achieve the maximum price if they list their property for sale or letting with DNG Ivan Connaughton.

Despite a slower than usual start to 2025, we had a fantastic run of sales in the last four months that included Online Auction sales of over €4m. We have three Online Auctions in January 2026, a residence on c. 36.57 acres in Mount Talbot on 16th January, a aesidence on c. 46.00 acres in Glenamaddy on 23rd January and Clarke’s Public House in Lanesboro on 30th January.

Land sales and lettings continue to perform strongly year on year, and 2026 will be no different. Land sales were particularly strong with investors and adjoining owners leading the way. Land consolidation makes perfect sense and I see this trend continuing in the coming years, but owners will not sell until suitable lands come to market in their locality.

I expect an increase in availability of lands for lease compared to this year, with many farmers deciding to take a step back after years of dedication and hard work.

The potential to lease land tax-free is very attractive and the long-term leases suit both existing and new farmers in setting out their future plans.

We are the experts in property valuations, be it whether you are thinking of selling, thinking of letting, probates/ administration, voluntary transfers, mortgage valuations for financial institutions, HSE Fair Deal Scheme, retrospective valuations, etc.

Call DNG Ivan Connaughton on 0906663700 for all property-related matters.

We can guarantee professional advice and service in confidence. We sell and lease better. Have a Happy Christmas and we look forward to meeting you in 2026.

– Ivan and the team (Kyle, Rachel, Therese & Sean).

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

PropertyPeople

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Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

PropertyPeople

Auctioneer Loretta Dowd.

E-MAIL: ldowdproperties@gmail.com WEB: www.lorettadowdpropertylettings.com

Loretta Dowd M.I.P.A.V. would like to wish a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to all her loyal customers, family and friends and is looking forward to your continued support in 2026

Thank You Rents rise 4.3% in year to September as supply tightens further According to the latest rental report by Daft.ie, The average rent of a three-bedroomed house in Roscommon during the third quarter of 2025 was €1513 – up 8.9% on a year ago.

Nationally, market rents rose by an average of 1.7%, making this Q3 2025 the eighteenth consecutive quarter to see rising rents. Market rents are now one third higher than their pre-covid levels, and two thirds higher than their Celtic Tiger peak in late 2007. The average monthly rent for a twobedroom apartment nationwide, between June and September, was €2,080.

With the Daft.ie report celebrating twenty years, this latest publication sees a revamped report, with an updated methodology and new metrics on room rents, as well as rentals of full properties. Measures of rents on a like-for-like basis over time area available, nationally and regionally, extending back to the early 2000s – for both full properties and for room rentals.

There were just over 1,900 homes available to rent nationwide on November 1st. This is down 21% year-on-year and less than half the average for the period 2015-2019. In Dublin, the stock of homes to rent is down by almost one third, yearon-year.

The report shows that rental inflation remains lower in Dublin than the national average, with prices rising by 2.7% in the capital compared to 4.3% nationally. In Cork city, rents are up 9.3% year-on-year, while in Galway and Limerick cities, rents are up by 6%. In Waterford city, rents are up 11.4% year on year. Outside the cities, the rate of inflation is just above 5%.

Commenting on the report, author Ronan Lyons, Professor in Economics at Trinity College Dublin, said, “The twentieth anniversary of the Daft.ie report has given us the opportunity to revamp and refresh things, with the new format putting far more information, in some cases going back to 2002, available at the fingertips of all those interested in Ireland’s housing market.

“For all the work involved in the new report, however, the picture remains unchanged – this is a market starved of supply. Rents are now one third higher than they were just over five years ago and indeed two thirds higher than their Celtic Tiger peak. The easing off of inflation – from over 13% in 2022 to 4.3% now – has been welcome.

However, the sharp fall in availability of homes to rent suggests that any further pressure on rents over the coming quarters will be upwards. While it will take years, significant amounts of new rental supply – all around the country – are required to change conditions in the rental market.”

Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and a safe, healthy New Year from all of us at Bradley Homes What a year it has been.

Bradley Homes has certainly spread its wings in 2025. Based in Creggs on the Roscommon/Galway border, our central location has naturally led us into many different parts of the country. This year brought success we never imagined, with sales completed across Roscommon, Galway, Mayo, Leitrim, Clare and Westmeath. ‘Bradley Homes on Tour’, as we often call it in the office, has become part of everyday life and something we are very grateful for.

As the business has grown, so too has what sits behind it. Not just activity or reach, but the people, professionalism and care that keep standards high.

What do we put that down to? Easy. People.

The people who trust us to sell, lease or value their property. The people we work with as sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants. And the people who work hard every day to make sure each transaction is handled properly, thoughtfully and with care.

We are also fortunate to work alongside excellent professionals across every part of the process, solicitors, engineers, surveyors, planners, tradespeople and advisors, people who understand that property is rarely straightforward and that good outcomes depend on attention to detail and mutual respect.

So, what do we do at Bradley Homes? We advise, we sell, we manage and we value.

Our work spans residential and commercial sales, rental management, land sales, and specialist valuations for probate, family law and Fair Deal purposes. Our rental management service is hands-on and thorough, from tenant vetting and paperwork to RTB registrations, inspections and staying fully up to date with Ireland’s ever-changing landlord and tenant legislation.

Deirdre Bradley

When selling property, we organise whatever is needed to present it in the best possible light from staging and simple decorative works to repairs and appliances. We fix things.

We organise things. We mind the details.

When selling land, we walk every acre. We understand boundaries, read the land, measure every outbuilding and take the time to really know what we are bringing to market. There are no shortcuts.

We treat every sale and every rental as if it were our own property. For most people, buying or selling is not an everyday event, it can be a once-in-a-lifetime decision.

Relationships form quickly during that process, and we genuinely care about how things turn out.

Bradley Homes is a local team, no matter where the work takes us. We are based in Creggs, the home of rugby, on the Roscommon/Galway border, and we are made up of people who never dread going

to work. We are personable, professional and focused on communication. We trust each other, and our clients trust us.

As 2025 draws to a close, we would like to thank every client past, present and future who placed their trust in us.

Property is personal, and the relationships formed along the way often stay with us long after the transaction is complete.

Looking ahead to 2026, our focus remains simple. To keep doing things properly. To stay grounded as we grow. And to continue building a business that is, above all else, built on experience and trust.

If you are thinking about selling, letting, valuing or managing property in the year ahead, we would be delighted to help and to offer clear, honest advice.

If you’re thinking about selling, letting, valuing or managing property in 2026 or even just sounding things out, we’d genuinely be delighted to help and to offer straight, open advice.

You can contact us at: Email: sales@bradleyhomes.ie or rentals@bradleyhomes.ie; phone: 090 66 17000 Mobile: 086 171 3417 or visit www.bradleyhomes.ie

From all of us at Bradley Homes, thank you — and we wish you a peaceful Christmas and a successful New Year ahead

37

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

PropertyPeople

ROSCOMMON & GALWAY Built on Experience & Trust PSRA Licence No: 004430

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from all at Bradley Homes

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

Kilkerrin, GALWAY

Carrigallen, LEITRIM

Ballinrobe MAYO

Carbury KILDARE

Glenamaddy GALWAY

Ballaghaderreen ROSCOMMON

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

Williamstown, GALWAY

Castlerea, Roscommon

Ballyhaunis, MAYO

Castlerea, ROSCOMMON

Glenamaddy, GALWAY

Williamstown GALWAY

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

Ballinlough, ROSCOMMON

Creggs, GALWAY

SOLD

SOLD

Donamon, ROSCOMMON

Ballygar, GALWAY

SOLD

SOLD

Swinford, MAYO

Ballygar, GALWAY

THINKING OF SELLING IN 2026?

Contact Deirdre on 086 171 3417 or sales@bradleyhomes.ie for a FREE VALUATION

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

Kilbeggan, WESTMEATH

Swinford, MAYO

Barna, GALWAY

Glenamaddy, GALWAY

Glinsk, GALWAY

Ennistymon, CO. CLARE

Creggs, GALWAY

Castlerea, ROSCOMMON

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

Creggs, GALWAY

SOLD

Mountbellew, GALWAY

SOLD Your property could be listed here!

Williamstown, GALWAY

Ballaghaderreen, ROSCOMMON

Kiltoom, ATHLONE

CREGGS, CO. GALWAY www.bradleyhomes.ie

Glenamaddy, GALWAY

Creggs, GALWAY

Contact Deirdre on 086 171 3417 or sales@bradleyhomes.ie for a FREE VALUATION

Phone: 09066 17000 • Mobile: 086 171 3417 Email: sales@bradleyhomes.ie

38

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

PropertyPeople

SMARTER SELLING P. Burke

FOR SALE

CO. ROSCOMMON

Cloonfad, Attishane, Ballyhaunis

FOR SALE

CO. ROSCOMMON

Church Street, Strokestown

FOR LEASE

ROSCOMMON TOWN

Augustine Hse, Roscommon Town

LEASED

CO. ROSCOMMON

Carrownlassan, Four Mile House

ROSCOMMON RETAIL PARK Office Space 1-4

SOLD

CO. ROSCOMMON

Moyglass, Strokestown

FOR LEASE

LEASED / LET

LEASED / LET

ROSCOMMON TOWN

ROSCOMMON TOWN

ROSCOMMON TOWN

Goff Street

TERMS AGREED

ROSCOMMON TOWN

Retail Space, Castle Street

FOR LEASE

SOLD

ROSCOMMON TOWN

CO. ROSCOMMON

3 Units, Centrepoint Retail Park

TERMS AGREED

Loughlynn, Tully

The Jailhouse, Castle Street

FOR SALE

CO. ROSCOMMON Raheely, Frenchpark

TERMS AGREED

ROSCOMMON TOWN Unit 2, Chaple Lane

The Square Roscommon

TERMS AGREED

CO. LEITRIM

Attirory, Carrick on Shannon

TERMS AGREED

ROSCOMMON RETAIL PARK Retail Space A-D

THINKING OF SELLING? Contact us today for a free market appraisal. T: 09066 27200. sherryfitz.ie PSRA No 001316

39

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

PropertyPeople

P. Burke

A selection of properties sold in 2025

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

14 Oldwood, Roscommon Town

42 Meadow Brook, Tulsk

Old Farm House, Lanesboro

Doonard Beg, Strokestown

25 Castle Manor, Racecourse Rd

Camhill, Brideswell

Hazel View Farm, Ballymoe

23 Pairc na Gcon, Mountbellew

26 French Court, Strokestown

Aghagower, Castlecoote

72 Hawthorn Drive, Roscommon

Mullen, Frenchpark

Gallowstown, Roscommon Town

11 Hyde Crt, Roscommon Town

Garryglass, Scramogue

Timanagh, Ballintubber

Thinking of Selling in 2026?

Contact us today for your FREE market appraisal T: 09066 27200 PSRA No 001316

E: Pburke@sfpburke.ie sherryfitz.ie

40

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

PropertyPeople

Celebrating a 25 year alliance

‘We have a great county town.

Virtually crime-free. All the amenities you would wish for’ Well-known auctioneer P Burke celebrates a 25-year alliance with Sherry Fitzgerald…

See interview with P Burke on Roscommon People on our Social Media Platforms & YouTube channel < PAUL HEALY

Padraig (‘P’) Burke took a career gamble in 1996 – and it’s fair to say that it has paid off.

By then, he had spent 17 years working for the Department of Agriculture – having followed his father’s advice by securing a “permanent, pensionable job”. He loved the “Department of Ag” (as he calls it), and yet the temptation to step into the sometimes precarious world occupied by the selfemployed was growing. His wife, Bernie, was already making a success of her business (Bright Spark at The Square in Roscommon Town). And P’s knowledge of the county and its people – partly gleaned from his ‘agricultural beat’ – pointed to the potential for a successful business career if he was prepared to take that step into the unknown.

In June of 1996, he took the leap and opened P Burke & Associates Auctioneers & Valuers in Lanesboro Street. In addition to joining Roscommon’s growing auctioneering ranks, he was an agent for Hibernian Insurance. He also became very involved in business circles, firstly with Roscommon Junior Chamber, then with the Chamber of Commerce itself.

This year, P Burke is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his company’s alliance with renowned national group, Sherry FitzGerald.

Linking up with Sherry FitzGerald In 2000, P Burke made another big decision – to join the Sherry FitzGerald group.

“I think we were number 16 in the Sherry FitzGerald franchise… they’ve over 100 now!” P Burke reflected when he sat down to chat with the Roscommon People, 25 years on from that alliance being formed.

He recalls how easy Philip Sherry, Mark FitzGerald and Triona Gorman were to deal with over the years.

“The attraction for me was that Sherry

Pictured at the official opening of the P Burke Sherry FitzGerald Goff Street office in 2000 were PJ Naughton, Eamonn Smith, P Burke, Tom Kilroe, Pat Bailey and Frankie Whyte.

P Burke pictured at his premises in Lanesboro Street, Roscommon where he launched his auctioneering career back in 1996.

FitzGerald is a big ‘operation’. They offered training, a recognisable brand name… their Business Development Managers are there to support us. It’s been a very successful alliance.”

The partnership with Sherry FitzGerald was launched with a move to spacious, state-of-the-art offices at Goff Street, Roscommon. The official opening was conducted by Brian Cowen, at the time the Minister for Foreign Affairs, later Taoiseach. Formerly John Nerney’s electrical store, it’s a landmark location, a premises that bridges Main Street and Goff Street, while directly facing Church Street too!

Boom, bust, boom again

Over the 25 years during which Sherry FitzGerald P Burke has been a prominent presence in the county town, Roscommon – and Ireland

– has experienced economic cycles that have ranged from ‘boom’ to ‘bust’ and somewhere in between.

That quarter-century period has included part of the Celtic Tiger era – which began in the mid-1990s – the devastating crash of 2008, the bounce back, the bombshell of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the robust recovery of the last few years.

P reflects: “We got established very quickly. The Section 23 (tax relief scheme) was a big, positive boost (to the local economy). It led to numerous housing schemes being launched in towns and villages across County Roscommon.”

For P Burke and his growing business, it was an extremely busy period. An exciting one too. Over the years P has worked closely with local developer Sean Doyle. The auctioneer was at the heart of major

Pictured at the official opening of the P Burke Sherry FitzGerald Goff Street office in 2000 were Mark FitzGerald, P Burke, then-Minister Brian Cowen and Philip Sherry.

Pictured at the offices of P Burke Sherry FitzGerald are Siobhan O’Shea, P Burke and Nicola Beirne. Photo: Michael Finan

development in the county town, most notably the arrival of Tesco, which opened in 2004. From that sprung more spin-offs, including the Harrison Centre (a beautiful shopping complex in the heart of town).

The town and county were thriving. But coming up to 2008, storm clouds were gathering over Ireland, as P recalls.

“There was a gradual decline… then there was a lot of talk of hard landings and soft landings… in the end, it was a hard landing! Like everyone else, we had to scale back, tighten our belts.

At times like that, the team at Sherry FitzGerald are there (with advice and guidance).”

More than a decade after that devastating crash, there was another shock to the system.

“It was the same when Covid hap-

pened. Very challenging, but everyone was in the same boat. It was great to be able to survive, to keep going.

Government subsidies were helpful.”

Post-Covid, there was an immediate ‘bounce’ for rural Ireland. A pushback against long commutes, an appreciation of the potential of remote working. Suddenly, very competitive house prices in Roscommon – certainly compared to urban areas – sparked a lot of interest. With broadband improving, and Roscommon’s excellent quality of life being highlighted, auctioneers like P Burke Sherry FitzGerald faced into an encouraging postpandemic landscape.

“Remote working took off. A house priced at €700k in Dublin was available for €400k in Roscommon.”

Now, a few years on from Covid, the market is thriving locally. If anything, lack of supply is the biggest challenge.

41

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

PropertyPeople

Celebrating a 25 year alliance

Pictured at the offices of P Burke Sherry FitzGerald are Siobhan O’Shea, P Burke and Nicola Beirne. Photo: Michael Finan

Roscommon auctioneer P Burke recently received a special award in recognition of a 25-year alliance with Sherry FitzGerald. Left to right: Des O’Malley, Managing Director of Countrywide; P Burke; Siobhan O’Shea, Trainee Sales Negotiator with Sherry FitzGerald P Burke; and Tommy Kelly, owner, Sherry FitzGerald.

Current market “The housing market is good at the moment.

Getting new stock in is a challenge” P Burke confirmed when he spoke to the Roscommon People last week. He is well aware of some public frustration locally with what is perceived to be a slow planning process.

As such, he is pleased to confirm that the houses in a 19-unit development in Roscommon Town are due to be on the market by March or April of 2026.

He expects to have further residential properties – and commercial units too – available in the New Year. At present, a standard threebedroomed house in Roscommon is available at around €360k-370k, he says.

“The planning process is slow. It takes a long time (to get planning) and that needs to be streamlined.”

He welcomes plans to extract water from the Lower River Shannon and pipe it to the Eastern and Midlands regions, a project which will secure the water supply for approximately 1.7 million people, and help address future housing and economic development.

The 2026 Budget decision to reduce VAT on the sale of new apartments is another measure that he welcomes.

He is very positive about the county town, and the county as a whole.

“We have a great county town. Virtually crime-free. Free parking too. All the amenities you would wish for. Look at what the Casey family have done… with Circle K, Supermac’s, etc. There aren’t many vacant units in this town either.”

A 25-year milestone The people of Roscommon have been very supportive of P Burke Sherry FitzGerald, loyalty which the Managing Director appreciates.

“From the early days in 1996, through to the alliance in 2000 and to the present day, I have received great support. It was a big gamble to leave that ‘permanent, pensionable job’ – and I really want to thank the public for coming with us.

“I also want to acknowledge the support of my wife Bernie and family, all our staff over the years, and all the clients we have dealt with. A special thanks of course to Sherry FitzGerald.

25 years on, I’m still here, and looking forward to the coming years.”

Padraig and Bernie Burke and family pictured with guests at the official opening of the Goff Street office in 2000.

Family, community …and politics P Burke grew up in Roscommon Town, son of Sean and Frances, both of whom are now deceased. (“My father was from Mayo, my mother from Roscommon”).

Married to Bernie, the couple have three grownup children – Chloe, Conan and Wesley.

P’s hobbies include watching sport, occasionally attending race meetings, and in latter years, going to the gym. Politics is a great passion.

Indeed he has been synonymous with politics for decades, having served in various prominent county/constituency roles for Fianna Fáil, including as Director of Elections on many occasions.

He is presently on the party’s National Executive.

Indeed it’s not really possible to sit with him over a coffee, or a pint, and not discuss politics! For now, we keep it to a brief overview of the presidential election fallout, and

the impact on Micheál Martin’s leadership. P Burke is an admirer of the Taoiseach’s, which is reflective of his loyalty to FF leaders down the decades.

“It all should have been handled better (the selection process/Jim Gavin candidature) but overall I think Micheál Martin is certainly doing a good job. He has steered the party – and the country – well.

“Locally, Dr Martin Daly (elected as a Fianna Fáil TD in November 2024) is working hard and doing a good job. He is positively regarded within the parliamentary party and has gelled well with other TDs and senators. Martin certainly has the potential to serve at a ministerial level.”

A few years ago, P Burke experienced a health setback.

When his specialist in the Mater Private, Mr

Paddy O’Malley, delivered the news that he had prostate cancer, P Burke went into practical mode.

While there were a few options, including treatment, he opted for surgery.

“I wanted it dealt with, so that’s what they did. I told him I was going back to work.

“You take life as it comes. Of course you put plans in place, knowing that something will happen at some stage. But I never thought ‘I’m going to die’… I just wanted to deal with it and go back to work.”

This significant health challenge led to some lifestyle changes, including in terms of diet and medication. He is now a regular gym-goer.

He has bounced back, and is now energised, healthy… and looking forward to the future, with no plans for retirement!

42

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

PropertyPeople

D

SOL

20 Abbeyville Galway Road, Roscommon

D

SOL

24 Glenview Galway Road, Roscommon Co. Roscommon

D

SOL

Prime Development Site with FPP For 6 houses, Woodberry Court Roscommon Town

D

SOL

Levallyroe Ballyhaunis Co. Mayo

D

SOL

Ballyglass Dysart, Ballinalsoe Co. Galway

D

SOL

c. 50 acres Residential Farm Cams, Cloverhill Co. Roscommon

D

SOL

Residential farm Cloonsellan, Ballymurray, Co. Roscommon

D

SOL

Woodberry Court Golf Links Road Roscommon, Co. Roscommon

D

SOL

Farm at Carrowduff Upper, Ballymacurley Co. Roscommon

D

SOL

Farm c. 28.4 acres Lismacool, Elphin Co. Roscommon

D

SOL

The Derries Athlone Co. Westmeath

D

SOL

49 Cnoc Na Gaoithe Lanesboro Co. Longford.

D

SOL

Carrowduff Upper, Ballymacurley Co. Roscommon

D

SOL

Oldtown Ballydangan, Athlone Co. Roscommon

D

SOL

8 Castle Park Roscommon Co. Roscommon

D

SOL

Levallyroe Ballyhaunis Co. Mayo

D

SOL

Creevy Road Creevyquin, Roscommon Co. Roscommon

D

SOL

18 Greenhills Knockcroghery Co. Roscommon

D

SOL

c. 33 acre farm Carrowduff Upper, Ballymacurley, Co. Roscommon

D

SOL

12 Shannon Grove Ballyleague, Lanesborough Longford

D

SOL

Waterstown Glasson, Athlone Co. Westmeath

D

SOL

Anratabeg Lanesborough Co. Roscommon

D

SOL

Brackloon Fuerty Co. Roscommon

D

SOL

Bungalow on c. 1.4 acres Mount Prospect Lodge Golf Links Road, Roscommon

D

SOL

Cloonnabricka Ballinamore Bridge Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

D

SOL

Laragan Elphin, Castlerea Co. Roscommon

D

SOL

11 Hyde Court Golf Links Road Roscommon

D

SOL

The Arches, The Walk Roscommon Co. Roscommon

D

SOL

Breanamore Loughglynn, Castlerea Co. Roscommon

D

SOL

123 Abbeyville Galway Road Roscommon

D

SOL

12 The Fairways Roscommon Co. Roscommon

D

SOL

29 Convent Court Roscommon Co. Roscommon

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

Church Street, Roscommon town, CO. ROSCOMMON TEL: 090 6627878 FAX: 090 6627877 E-mail info@oates.ie Website: www.oates.ie

The Manse, Northgate Street, Athlone, CO. WESTMEATH TEL: 090 6477500 FAX: 090 6477546 E-mail athlone@oates.ie Website: www.oates.ie

43

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

Classifieds

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

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

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS < ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Roscommon Town Group, Castle Street, Roscommon. Eir Code: F42 RP21 (1st Floor).

Meetings: Tuesday 8pm to 9pm; Wednesday 1pm to 2pm; Thursday 8pm to 9pm; Saturday 8pm to 9pm; Sunday 12 noon to 1.pm.

Ladies Meeting Friday 8pm to 9pm.

CHIMNEY CLEANING

TRAILERS

TRAILER SERVICING & REPAIRS to all makes & models (LED Lights, Brakes, Re-Wiring, etc.)

Call TrailerFix on 086 4041875

Rooskey, Co. Roscommon

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

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

Telephone: 087 2798704

COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY

PAINTER

Counselling & Psychotherapy ROSCOMMON

Individual and Couples Counselling For further information, please contact

087 7737063

hello@fionahealy.ie

–––––––– oOo ––––––––

FIONA HEALY

BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy Accreditated Member of

FENCING/GATES

GARDENING

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD

JOE HEALY

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

PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AVAILABLE FOR ALL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING

KEEN RATES

Tried & Trusted Since 1993

Phone JOHN

083 8838022 CHIROPRACTOR

FIONA HEALY

COUNSELLING

ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Telephone: 086 8433433

Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon.

David Connor

BSC (Hon.) Chiro. MSc. Chiropractic Association of Ireland

VHI and Laya Covered

Are you experiencing difficulties in your life?

Such as depression, anxiety, life or spiritural crisis.

Are you having difficulties in relationships at work?

Have you experienced sexual abuse or abuse and need counselling to help you?

For all your fencing needs.

GLAS Fencing Grant Fencing Post Rail l

l

l

Tel: 087 2172281 GARDENING

GATELY GARDENING

Four Roads, Co. Roscommon • Landscaping • Timber Decking • Patios • General Maintenance Contact Liam on 086 8749550 or 090 66 27496

• Freedom from Alcohol Lifestyle/Saver Coaching Sessions • Movement Forward Life Coaching Sessions

Kerins Plant Ltd Tree Care & Plant Hire Residential & Commercial Tree Care

l Tree Shearing l Tree Felling

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

l Dangerous Tree Removed

(Commercial & Domestic)

Harpur Bros, Castlecole, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Alan O’Toole

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

TELEPHONE

087 9795226 Tree removal Tree crowning l Site clearance and mulching l Wood chipping l Stump grinding l Fully insured and certified

085 2514394

web: www psychotherapy glynisdowney.com

087 2721193

l

Please call Glynis on

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

• Hedge Cutting • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Fully Insured Phone:

PLANT HIRE & GROUNDWORKS

ROOFING CONTACTORS

ALL TYPES OF ROOF REPAIRS • All leaks, gutters, ridge pointing and valleys of homes

Contact Mike 089 9661849.

PLUMBING

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

Contact Luke on 085 7359120

• Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped Comprehensive Insurance Cover. I.S.A. member.

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165 www.parklaw treeservices.com

January Maths Revision Course 2026

Call Owen for ground work

Junior Cycle HL Maths: Friday 2nd January Leaving Cert HL Maths: Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th January Where: JACKSON’S, The Square, Roscommon

Call Padraic for concreting

For more information & to book your place contact:

Tar & Chip Driveways Harpur Bros, Castlecole, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

086 895 3884 085 226 4664

–––– Free Quotation ––––

Deadlines for advertising is strictly 2 pm on Tuesdays

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

Excellent quality

Phone: 083 0684011 <FIREWOOD. High quality seasoned split hardwood timber, suitable for stoves and open-fire.

Available in large bulk bags. Call 086 3312411. < TONNE BAGS OF HARDWOOD for sale.

Well seasoned.

Collect or delivered.

Tel. 083 8677996.

<FOR SALE: Firewood top quality firewood. Soft wood for sale. Well seasoned available in tonne bags. Covering all Roscommon. Tel. 083 3520332.

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION TO LET

• 10% discount with this advertisement.

• Fully insured and work guaranteed for 5 years

TUITION Plumbing & Maintenance

FIREWOOD / COAL/FUEL

SEASONED FIREWOOD FOR SALE

Tree Services

l

Online counselling available.

WINDOW CLEANING

Lorraine Kenny

086 3688302

EMAIL: roscommon mathsgrinds@gmail.com

Booking Deposit Required

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION IN THE ALGARVE Albufeira, Portugal Luxury 1 or 2 bed apartments for rent, Sky TV, Shared Pool.

Long and short stays.

Telephone Sean: 087 2371716

CAR FOR SALE

2010 VW GOLF TDi Diesel.

Low mileage. Good condition. NCT until February 2026.

Contact: 086 3143630.

Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633

44

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

Classifieds

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

PODIATRIST

Richie Dooner

Tullys

Carpentry & Construction Slatta, Kilglass, Roscommon

Podiatrist/Chiropodist

l Luxury Bathroom Renovations

Sarah Fleming

l Kitchen/Utility/bedroom units

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

094 9620009

PODIATRIST

For all foot ailments

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

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

KEARNEY’S CHEMIST

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

Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain.

Orthotics prescribed

By Appointment Only –

Dylan Byrne DIP CHFP

Main Street, Castlerea

Tel: 089 2551716

For appointment, phone: (089) 4142233

or

• 20 years experience •

l Sliding Wardrobes

Any Grant work sought

Phone: 083 1628531

Email: richie689dooner@gmail.com

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAIN JETTING SERVICE

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

Tel: 090 6621220 SOUL MATES

Don’t be alone!

Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

Tel: 087 2982214

ELECTRICIAN

SOUL MATES

Meet that special person for friendship and romance with like minded people.

DRIVING LESSONS

PAINTER

• EDT • PRE TEST • TEST HIRE • IMPROVER LESSONS

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR

PJ McCormack Driving School TELEPHONE: 087 1406863

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

Tel: 086 8212732

TILER

CONTACT JOHN

Professional Tiler available

086 4679798

Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@ rosommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633

Caramore Electrical Ltd.

Registered Electrical Contractor

• Domestic • Commercial • Agricultural

– All areas covered – No job too small!

Installation of ESB and Changeover Generator Switches

Tel. 085 7710856

Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for non-publication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration.

Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

BLINDS

Contact Mike on 087 2392139 at

Kilroe DOOLIN Tiling BRENDAN Also Wooden

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

CLEANING

Safe, secure and confidential

Venetians, Velux Window Blinds.

Mobile:

086 8115928 CHIMNEY REPAIRS

Tel: 087 9216302 or 087 7720250

SUBMIT YOUR CLASSIFIED ONLINE

For all your decorating needs

PLUMBING & HEATING

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Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

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46

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

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FAMILY NOTICES

Notice re.

Memoriams and Anniversaries

Muckinagh, Ballygar, Co. Galway

Knockskehan, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon

Passed away 28th November 2025.

In loving memory of our dear son, Trevor, who passed away on the 31st December 2018.

God called your name so softly That only you could hear.

And no one heard the footsteps of Angels drawing near.

The Golden gates stood open and God saw you needed rest.

His garden must be beautiful, He only takes the best.

May you rest in eternal peace.

Month’s Mind for Kathleen in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar, Co. Galway at 7.30pm on Friday 2nd January 2026.

NEE (née Geraghty) Breda Derryvode, Williamstown Co. Galway

or call us on 090 6634633 or by post, along with your name and contact details, to

Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

LOHAN (née Lyons) Una Glinsk, Castlerea, Co. Galway (9th Anniversary)

(7th Anniversary)

Susan, Martin, Noel and Peter would like to thank everyone who has supported us through this difficult time and for their care, sympathy and professional courtesy shown on Mam’s final journey.

If you wish to place acknowledgements, memoriam notices, birthday and anniversary remembrances, please email them to advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie

BRENNAN Trevor

DERVAN (née Devine) KATHLEEN

In loving memory of my dear wife Breda, who passed away on the 06th January 2024.

The day you left and gained your wings my heart just broke in two.

I wish you could have stayed with me but Heaven needed you.

You left me with the memories and I love you dearly still.

No matter how much time goes by you know I always will.

You were a very special person with kindness in your heart and the love we had together grows stronger now we’re apart.

I know I cannot bring you back, although I wish it everyday, but a piece of me went with you the day you went away.

Breda sending you a little message to Heaven…forever in our hearts, thoughts and prayers; much love, hugs and kisses from your loving husband John, brothers Martin & John Francis, sister Felicity, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews and all your loving family & friends, especially your best friend Bella xx..

Breda’s Second Anniversary Mass will take place on Sunday January 04th, 2026 at 10.30 am in St. Therese’s Church, Williamstown, Co Galway

Trevor, another year will end, a new year will begin, days pass just like the changing seasons, but your absence remains the same.

We wish we could talk to you, there’s so much we would say, life has changed so much since you went away.

We miss the bond between us, you’re in our thoughts each and every day.

We’ll always feel you close to us although you’re far from sight, we’ll search for you among the stars that shine on Christmas night, But nothing will shine as bright as your memory safe inside our hearts.

That’s where you will always be Loved and sadly missed, Mammy and Daddy. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It’s been the hardest thing to lose you.

You meant so much to me.

But you are in my heart Brother and that’s where you’ll always be.

I know that Heaven called you.

But I wish you could have stayed.

At least the memories I have of you, they will never fade I did not want to lose you but you did not go alone.

Because part of me went with you when Heaven called you home So just remember one thing.

We are not apart.

You’re with me in my memories and in my broken heart.

Loved and sadly missed always, Sonya, Ciaran, Senan and Caoimhe. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.

Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.

Loved and sadly missed, Declan, Edel and Fionn ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Loving memories never die, as years roll on and days pass by.

In our hearts, a memory is kept, of the grandson we loved and will never forget.

Fondly remembered, Nana. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ You always had time to spare, time to give and time to care.

A loving nature and a heart of gold, the very best this world could hold.

Fondly remembered and sadly missed aunties Margaret, Ann, Elizabeth and Patricia and their families ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Anniversary Mass at 11:30am on Sunday 28th December 2025 in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow.

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.

Also remembering her son John.

Anniversary Mass for Una and Month’s Mind Mass for John will be celebrated on 4th January 2026 at 10 am in St. Michael’s Church, Glinsk.

HANNON James (Sonny) Cloverhill, Roscommon Who passed away on the 29th December 2019.

(6th Anniversary)

Time passes memories stay, quietly remembered every day.

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

Fondly remembered by his wife and family.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday 24th January in St. Patrick’s Church, Cloverhill at 7.00pm

FAMILY NOTICES The local paper!

• Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance

PHONE: (090) 66 34633 – Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

47

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

Classifieds

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

FAMILY NOTICES MOORE Bríd

DONNELLY Philomena

BEIRNE (née Beattie) Maureen

McDERMOTT John

Clooneen, Athleague, Co. Roscommon

Rahara, Co. Roscommon.

Corbooley, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Bohergarve, Roscommon

(5th Anniversary) In loving memory of a dear aunt and sister, fondly remembered by her loving family.

Who passed away peacefully on 28th November 2025.

In loving memory of John McDermott, Bohergarve, Roscommon who passed away on the 28th December 2023

Who died on the 26th of November 2025.

R.I.P.

Bríd’s sons Shane and Alan, daughters-in-law Kelly and Linda, grandchildren Ryan, Ciara and Éabha, brother Mike, sisters Peggy and Jenny and extended family wish to thank the following people; those who sympathised with us on the sad loss of Bríd, those who called to her home to pay respect, sent letters, mass cards and personal messages of condolences on RIP.ie.

To Dr. Jim Moore and all the staff of Millennium Health Centre Mountbellew, Dr Amjad Hayat, his team and the staff at UHG, Dr Ion Victor Ignea, his team and the staff at Roscommon University Hospital who cared so lovingly for Bríd during her illness. To Fr. Alijoe who celebrated Bríds’ funeral mass, assisted by Fr. Eugene McLoughlin and Fr. PJ Madden, Margaret and Seán Kiernan for the beautiful singing in the church. To our neighbours, friends and family for all their help and support since Bríds’ passing. To funeral director Henry Hamrock for his professionalism and attention to detail in arranging every aspect of Bríd’s funeral. To the wonderful team of gravediggers for their hard work in preparing Bríds’ final resting place, your thoughtfulness and attention to detail, in particular the arrangement of flowers around Bríds’ grave was beautiful. To Athleague Hurling Club for organising a guard of honour and An Garda Siochana who both accompanied Bríds’ remains to the church and graveyard. To The Bridge House Athleague who provided food after Bríds’ funeral mass and all family and friends who brought sandwiches and food to the house over the course of Bríds’ funeral.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone personally and individually, please accept this acknowledgement of our deep appreciation and gratitude.

A smile for all, a heart of gold, One of the best this world could hold; never selfish, always kind, These are the memories left behind.

Mass has been offered

OWENS Peter Carrowdangan, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon.

In loving memory of Peter, whose 2nd anniversary occurs on the 26th of December 2025.

Bríd’s Month’s Mind Mass will be held in St. Patrick’s Church Athleague on Saturday 27th of December at 7pm.

CARTY Frank and Una Ballyleague, Roscommon (12th and 19th Anniversaries)

In loving memory of Frank, who passed away on the 19th December 2013 and his wife Una, who passed away on 4th January 2007 Also remembering their son Dermot (Ontario, Canada), and daughter-in-law Mary, Ballylegue, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon Also remembering their parents Bridget and Dominic Fallon and Con and Marie Carty You know that we will always be with you, even if we don’t see each other for months or years.

Sacred Heart of Jesus I place all my trust in thee.

Sometimes our lives are touched by people who are so special that we are happier just because we know them, and you were both very special people.

Sadly missed by family and friends.

Anniversary Mass at the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Sunday, 4th January 2026 at 11 am.

You always had a smile to share, a laugh, a joke, a time to care.

A wonderful nature, warm and true, these are the memories we have of you.

(née Mullaney)

Margaret Church Street, Glenamaddy.

Who passed away on 29th December 2015 (10th Anniversary).

(2nd Anniversary)

We, Maureen’s family, Paddy, Michael, John, Mary and Margaret, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family would like to express our sincere gratitude and deep appreciation to everyone who supported us at this difficult time.

Thank you to all our neighbours and friends who called to the house, brought food, helped and supported us.

To everyone who travelled from near and far to the removal and Funeral Mass, sent Mass Cards and online messages.

To Fr. Sean Beirne, Fr. Kevin Fallon and Sr. Gabrielle for their daily visits to Roscommon Hospice. A special word of thanks to Fr. Ray Milton who visited Maureen in the hospice, called to the house providing prayer and support for us as a family. For the beautiful Funeral Mass and celebration of Maureen’s life so beautifully.

To Fr. Michael Donnelly, Deacon Willie Gacquin, Richie, James, the altar servers and the choir for their beautiful singing and music. To the gravediggers who prepared Maureen’s final resting place.

To the Paramedics, Doctors, Nurses and staff of Tullamore, Portiuncla, Ballinasloe, Roscommon University Hospital, Roscommon.

To the wonderful palliative care team, doctors, nurses and staff at Roscommon Hospice who cared for Maureen with kindness and compassion we will be forever grateful.

To Maureen’s GP, Dr Elizabeth Sweeney McSharry, Nurses and staff and David Hynes and staff at Hynes’ Pharmacy.

To Rose, Maureen’s carer, for her care and kindness over the last couple of months.

To Lauren and staff at Nana Anne’s, Ethna and John Murray for providing food and use of their premises for the grave diggers. To the staff of Hannon’s Hotel for providing the beautiful meal after the Funeral.

Our deep appreciation to Smyth’s Funeral Directors, Pat, Gillian and John for the dignity and respect shown to Maureen. We are extremely grateful for the professional, sensitivity and guidance shown to us as a family.

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

The Holy Sacrifice of mass will be offered for your intentions.

Those we love are never far away.

They walk beside us everyday.

Sadly missed and always remembered by Patricia, James, Ciara, Joy Thomas & families.

Maureen’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated on Saturday 27th December at 11am in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery.

Peter’s Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballinaheglish on Sunday 28th December at 11am.

BYRNE Malachy & Margaret (Peggy) Ballyglass, Rahara, Co. Roscommon

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

KEAVENY

No matter how life changes, no matter what we do, a special place within our hearts is always kept for you.

Loved and sadly missed by Mary, Ken, Andrea, Niamh and Alex, relatives and friends.

John’s Anniversary Mass is on Wednesday 31st December at 11.00 am in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

Gone are the days we used to share, but in our hearts you are always there.

The gates of memory will never close, we miss you more than anyone knows.

With tender love and deep regret, we who love you will never forget.

Dearly missed by Donnie, Vernon, Macrina, Coman and their families.

Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Glenamaddy on Saturday 3rd January at 7pm

BEATTIE Maureen Turville, Roscommon Who passed away on Thursday 2nd January 2025 (1st Anniversary)

There’s a very special place, beyond the skies above, somewhere very peaceful, that is full of light and love.

That special place is Heaven, where you’re free to laugh and roam, it was your time to go there, so the angels took you home.

And though you’re in our thoughts each single day throughout the year, at special times like Christmas, we all wish you could be here.

Now you’re in a better place, your soul is laid to rest, safe with all the angels, for they only take the best.

Always loved and sadly missed by her husband Joe, and her children Mary, Noel, Gerard and Nicola, son-in-law, daughters-in-law and grandchildren.

Maureen’s Anniversary’s Mass will be celebrated on Saturday 3rd January at 7pm in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

Malachy who died on 28th December 2017 (8th Anniversary)

Margaret who died on 4th February 2018 (8th Anniversary February 2026)

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed

Will those who think of Malachy and Margaret today, A little prayer to Jesus say.

Always remembered, loved and never forgotten by all your family.

Anniversary Mass in Rahara Church on 4th January at 10.00am.

Email or call for Sample Pack

48

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

Classifieds

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

FAMILY NOTICES

Notice re.

Memoriams and Anniversaries

DONLON Joe & Esther Moher, Lanesboro, Co Roscommon

This Christmas feels quiet – we're missing the cheer.

The sparkle ye brought to this time of year.

But somewhere above where angels reside ye are basking in peace with loved ones beside.

Mum, did you forget the roasties again?

Even in Heaven, I bet it's the same.

The oven still warm, the laughter so bright your heart made our Christmas so perfectly bright.

And Dad with a grin and reluctant sip, you'd raise your glass, though wine wasn't your pick.

Just one for the toast, for traditions sake, then back to the brew, or a whiskey, we would make.

I hope ye have found those who went on before, sharing old stories, opening Heaven's door.

Are ye dancing with joy wrapped in love's embrace in that timeless, gentle, celestial place?

We miss ye both, your voices your grace, the warmth of your hugs, your comforting embrace.

But deep in our hearts we know it's not the end, one day we will join ye, family and friends.

or call us on 090 6634633 or by post, along with your name and contact details, to

Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

The local paper!

GRADY Padraig

Loughglynn, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Carnamadda, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon (10th Anniversary)

Christmas in Heaven For our Mum and Dad (Joe and Esther Donlon) with all our love.

If you wish to place acknowledgements, memoriam notices, birthday and anniversary remembrances, please email them to advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie

CREATON Margaret

So hang up a star, let it sparkle and gleam, we will send ye our love through each Christmas dream.

And though we are parted by Heaven's bright door, we will celebrate together, one day, forevermore.

With all our love.

We miss ye both dearly and love ye always.

Until we meet again. Love ye Mum and Dad, love Mary Geraldine.

FALLON Paddy and Betty Culleen, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon.

In loving memory of Margaret, Loughlgynn, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon who passed away on 26th December, 2023 R.I.P.

A little whisper on a December morning, you heard a gentle call.

You took the hand of Jesus and quietly left us all.

Our memories are our keepsake from which we will never part.

God has you in his keeping, we have you in our hearts.

Loved and missed by sons James and Denis, daughters Mary and Mairead, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Loughglynn on Saturday 27th December at 12 pm.

RAFTERY Fidelma Oakland Hotel, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway who sadly passed away on 3rd January, 2025

(3rd Anniversary) (13th Anniversary) who died who died 2nd January 2023 11th January 2013 In our hearts you hold a place no one else can ever fill, The memories, jokes and stories are warmly lingering still.

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone, for part of us went with you, The day God took you home.

We will meet again one day I know up in Heaven above, I thank God He made you our parents, because you filled our home with love.

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by their daughters Margaret and Breda, daughter-in-law Sheila, sons-in-law Johnny and Gerry, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated for Paddy and Betty in St Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Saturday 3rd January 2026 at 7pm.

Today, we pay tribute to Fidelma Raftery, a daughter, a sister, an aunt and a friend whose spirit shines brightly, illuminating the path for others with her grace, wisdom and humour.

Fondly remembered by her loving parents, sisters, brother, sister and brothers in law, nieces, nephews, her great-niece and many friends.

First Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 3rd of January, at 7 o’clock in St.Patrick's Church, Glenamaddy.

Who died on the 27th December 2015 Padraig, I’m told there is a reason, they say time heals all wounds, but neither time nor reason can change how I feel.

I miss the days we shared, you are always in my heart, Padraig, and I cherish every memory of you.

I love and miss you more every day.

Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Love you always and remembering you every day by your loving wife Eileen. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Daddy, time passes, but not one day goes by that you are not here in our hearts The day you died was not just a date on a calendar It was the day when our existence changed forever Daddy if only R.I.P. could mean Return If Possible Only you could understand what happiness that would bring us.

Sadly missed every day by your heartbroken children Maireád, Gearóid and Shóna. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Padraig, death changes everything Time changes nothing We still miss the sound of your voice Your help, your advice and above all your presence We miss you as much today as we did the day you died Always remembered never forgotten by your brothers Willie and Joe and the extended Grady and Whyte families.

Padraig’s Anniversary Mass will take place in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow on Friday 2nd January 2026 at 7.00pm.

GALLAGHER Alan Ballinagard Road, Roscommon (17th Anniversary)

A ray of sunshine came and went, a beautiful treasure only lent, In God’s keep quietly sleeps this wonderful son and brother we loved so much but could not keep.

Remembered by his devoted mother Maura, his father Peter, sister Olive, brothers Brian and Kevin, nephews and nieces.

Mass offered.

RYAN Philip Roscommon Town (37th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Philip, who passed away on the 26th December 1988 R.I.P. Many memories keep you near as time unfolds another year.

Out of our lives you may have gone but in our hearts you will always live on.

Loved and remembered always by Margaret and family.

Anniversary Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on St. Stephen’s Day, Friday, 26th December at 11.00am.

THANKSGIVINGS THREE DAY MIRACLE PRAYER I’m so grateful to take this time to thank my heavenly Father, Son and Holy Spirit for always being there for me through my life. I would especially like to thank you Jesus my Lord Saviour for as you died on the cross you gave me your Mother. My Mother I know in my heart you are my guide to heaven. I would like to thank you with all my heart for mothering me through my life. I have full faith once I publish these prayers my favour will be granted. Thanks be to the lord! Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favors. This time I ask for this special one (mention it). Take it dear Heart of Jesus and place it within Your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then, in His merciful eyes, it will become your favor, not mine. Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and favor will be granted. Never known to fail. M.C.

49

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

Classifieds

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

FAMILY NOTICES DOLAN Gus Grange, Four Mile House, Roscommon

CREAN Annie & Michael Lisnamult, Roscommon

In loving memory of Gus who passed away on the 29th December 2024

HOGAN (née GRACE) Ann Convent Road, Roscommon who passed away on 29th December 2024

HANLEY Teresa Doughill, Curraghroe, Co. Roscommon (21st Anniversary)

(1st Anniversary)

Annie who passed away on 26th December 2022 (3rd Anniversary) A face we love is missing, a voice we love is still.

The hands that did so much for us, are resting at God’s will.

Our lives go on without you, but things are not the same, It’s hard to hide the heartache, when someone speaks your name.

Your memories are our keepsake with which we’ll never part.

God has you in his keeping, And we have you in our hearts.

Loved and sadly missed by Darena, John, Paul, Aidan, David and their families, his sisters, nephews, nieces and extended families & friends.

Gus’s First Anniversary Mass will take place in St. Brigid’s Church, Four Mile House on Sunday 28th December at 11.00am.

LEONARD Patrick and Elizabeth Bracklin, Donamon, Co. Roscommon

Michael who passed away on 13th December 1969 (56th Anniversary)

No farewell words were spoken, No time to say goodbye, you were gone before we knew it and only God knows why.

A prayer from the family who loved you, just a memory fond and true.

In our hearts you will live forever, because we thought the world of you.

Always remembered by all your family.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Friday 2nd January 2026 at 11 am in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon town.

KEARNS John Joe Clooncagh, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

(1st Anniversary)

Ann’s Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday 27th December in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sister-in-law, you always had a smile to share, a laugh, a joke and a time to care.

A wonderful nature, warm and true, these are the memories we have of you..

Loved and missed by Patricia, Catherine, Antoinette, Martina and their families.

FALLON Paddy and Betty

LYONS Joe and Mary

(3rd Anniversary) (13th Anniversary) who died who died 2nd January 2023 11th January 2013 In our hearts you hold a place no one else can ever fill, The memories, jokes and stories are warmly lingering still.

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone, for part of us went with you, The day God took you home.

We will meet again one day I know up in Heaven above, I thank God He made you our parents, because you filled our home with love.

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by their daughters Margaret and Breda, daughter-in-law Sheila, sons-in-law Johnny and Gerry, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated for Paddy and Betty in St Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Saturday 3rd January 2026 at 7pm.

Michelle Moody (27th Anniversary) 14th August 1998

Treasured memories of our dear parents, Paddy and Elizabeth, sister Mary and niece Michelle who have gone to their eternal home in Heaven.

In memory of all our loved ones in Heaven who are not with us this Christmas.

You live within our hearts.

You are so missed, forever loved and never forgotten.

We also remember John Colfer, and deceased of the Carroll, Quigley and Leonard families.

Loved and remembered always by your family. xxxxx

Many a lovely moment many a silent tear but always treasured memories of a mother we loved so dear.

Always remembered and so sadly missed by her daughter Bridie, Eddie, Emer and James. ~~~~~~~~~~~~

Your name is often mentioned our thoughts are with you still you have never been forgotten and by us you never will.

No matter how life changes no matter what we do a special place within our hearts is always kept for you.

Sadly missed along lifes way, quietly remembered every day.

No longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts you are always there.

Milltown, Castleplunkett

Mary Leonard Moody (9th Anniversary) 19th August 2016

In loving memory of a dear mother, who died 7th January 2005 R.I.P.

Always remembered by Henry, Julie, Sean and Molly. ~~~~~~~~~~~~

Anniversary Mass on Saturday 3rd January 2026 in Carniska Church at 12.00 pm.

Elizabeth (17th Anniversary) 24th December 2008

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by all your family.

Culleen, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon.

Always remembered by his wife Elizabeth, sons Alan and Shane; daughters Yvonne, Gina, Lynne and Edel; adored granchildren and great grandchildren.

Patrick (42nd Anniversary) 11th September 1983

In tears we saw you sinking and watched you pass away.

Our hearts were almost broken, we wanted you to stay.

But when we saw you sleeping, so peaceful, free from pain, how could we wish you back with us to suffer that again.

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone, for part of us went with you the day God took you home.

Joe who died 31 January 1999 (26th Anniversary)

Mary who died 15 December 2011 (14th Anniversary)

Your memories are our keepsakes with which we will never part.

God has you in his keeping, but we will have you in our hearts.

Always remembered by all your family.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Donamon Castle on Sunday, 4th January 2026 at 10am.

Always remembered by Vincent, Marie, Philip and Alex. ~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Always remembered by Luke, Teresa, Kenneth, Kellie, Michelle and Luke. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Silent memories keep you near as time unfolds another year out of our lives you may have gone but in our hearts you still live on.

Always remembered by Frank.

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50

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

Classifieds

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

FAMILY NOTICES Rooskey, Co Leitrim

NAUGHTON Jack

In loving memory of

Cloghan, Mount Talbot

Rutledge and May Healy

(5th Anniversary)

HEALY

DALY Marie

FLANAGAN Gerry

Lisnamult, Co. Roscommon

Leitrim, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon May Gerry Rest in Peace (24th Anniversary)

(13th Anniversary)

and their sons

Gerard and Noel

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

CONTACT HAZEL

087 6758874

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

Those we hold most dear never truly leave us, they live on in the kindness they showed, the comfort they shared, and the love they brought into our lives.

May they rest in peace. Amen.

THANKSGIVINGS MIRACLE PRAYER TO ST. RITA PATRONESS OF IMPOSSIBLE CASES O glorious St. Rita, your pleadings before the divine crucifix have been known to grant favors that many would call the impossible. Lovely St. Rita, so humble, so pure, so devoted in your love for thy crucified Jesus, speak on my behalf for my petition which seems so impossible from my humbled position. (Here mention your request). Be propitious, O glorious St. Rita, to my petition, showing thy power with God on behalf of thy supplicant. Be lavish to me, as thou has been in so many wonderful cases for the greater glory of God. I promise, dear St. Rita, if my petition is granted, to glorify thee, by making known thy favor, to bless and sing thy praises forever.

Relying then upon thy merits and power before the Sacred Heart of Jesus I pray. Amen. A.F. PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times).

Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days. M.L. THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Oh Sacred Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours.

This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. F.C. UNFAILING NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY Oh Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (request). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the ‘Saint of Miracles’. O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Publication promised for a great favour received. F.H. MIRACLE NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. CHARBEL God, the infite and glorified Saint within your Saints, who inspired the Saint monk and hermit, Charbel, to live and die in the perfect resemblance of Jesus. You granted him the power to detach from the world and to live in his hermitage, the heroism of monastic virtue: poverty, obedience and chastity, we ask from you to grant us the grace to love and serve you in his example. Lord almighty, who manifested the authority of the intercession of Saint Charbel with numerous miracles and favours, grant us the grace of complete hearing for (name of person), which we ask for throught Saint Charbel. Amen. Our Father (three times), Hail Mary (once), Glor be to the Father (once). A.F. PRAYER TO ST. RAPHAEL THE ARCHANGEL Glorious Archangel St. Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace. You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners. I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels. Because you are the “medicine of God”, I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the ills that afflict my body. I especially ask of you the favour, (name it), and the great grace of purity to prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen. S.L. THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Oh Sacred Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours.

This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. G.K. THREE DAY MIRACLE PRAYER I’m so grateful to take this time to thank my heavenly Father, Son and Holy Spirit for always being there for me through my life. I would especially like to thank you Jesus my Lord Saviour for as you died on the cross you gave me your Mother. My Mother I know in my heart you are my guide to heaven. I would like to thank you with all my heart for mothering me through my life. I have full faith once I publish these prayers my favour will be granted. Thanks be to the lord! Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favors. This time I ask for this special one (mention it). Take it dear Heart of Jesus and place it within Your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then, in His merciful eyes, it will become your favor, not mine. Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and favor will be granted. Never known to fail. E.M.

Looking back with memories, upon the path you trod.

We bless the hours we had with you, and will leave the rest with God. Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on us Anniversary Mass on 9th January 2026 in the Church of the Good Shepherd, Tisrara at 7.00pm

RYAN Philip Roscommon Town (37th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Philip, who passed away on the 26th December 1988 R.I.P. Many memories keep you near as time unfolds another year.

Out of our lives you may have gone but in our hearts you will always live on.

Loved and remembered always by Margaret and family.

Anniversary Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on St. Stephen’s Day, Friday, 26th December at 11.00am.

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Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

Goodbyes are not forever.

Goodbyes are not the end.

They simply mean I’ll miss you, until we meet again.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on 27th December at 10.00am in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

HARTE Bernadette (Bernie) Roxboro, Derrane, Roscommon (5th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Bernie, who passed away on 3rd January 2021 Special memories of you will always bring a smile.

You are forever in our hearts until we meet again.

Lovingly remembered by Eddie, Karen, Marie, Ashling and Dominik, grandsons Theo and Benji Anniversary Mass at 10.00am on Saturday 3rd January 2026 in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon. ~~~~~~~~ In loving memory of Bernie, who passed away on 3rd January 2021 Gone are the days we used to share, but in our hearts you are always there.

The gates of memories will never close, we miss you more than anyone knows.

With tender love and deep regret, we who love you will never forget.

Remembered always by Jane, James and Darragh.

In loving memory of Gerry, who passed away on the 25th December 2001 Twenty four years have passed since that sad day you closed your eyes and went away.

You left us so suddenly without a fuss and broke the hearts of all of us.

You’re not just a memory or part of the past, you are ours to remember as long as life lasts.

You always had a smile to share time to give and time to care.

Your memory is our greatest treasure, to have, to hold, to keep forever.

You taught us so many things, you were loving kind and true.

But you never taught us how to cope, with the pain of losing you.

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his family.

Masses offered.

McGAURAN Gerry Foxwood, Kilmore, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon.

Who died on 26th December 2015 (10th Anniversary)

GERAGHTY Johnny & Peggy (Margaret) Kilmore, Ballygar, Co. Galway.

Johnny Geraghty

Peggy (Margaret) Geraghty (Née Duffy)

In loving memory of Johnny who died on the 6th January 2025 (1st Anniversary) & Peggy who died on 7th January 2023 (3rd Anniversary) As we lovingly remember Johnny and Peggy on his 1st Anniversary and her 3rd anniversary, her, daughters Christina, Ann, Judy and Kay, son Neal, sons-in-law Kieran, Albert and Eamon, daughters-in law Moira and Michelle together with the extended family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for the sympathy and support shown to us on the death of Johnny in 2025.

Sincere thanks to our wonderful neighbours, friends, and the extended family who brought food and refreshments to our home and who helped in every way. Also, to all who attended the wake, removal, and funeral mass and to all those who travelled long distances, sent Mass cards, perpetual enrolments, letters of sympathy, floral tributes, thank you.

A special thanks to Fr. Fitzgerald for the beautiful Funeral Mass and to Fr Michael Breslin for concelebrating the Mass.

Thank you to our dear friends of Ballygar Church Choir for their beautiful singing and music at his Funeral Mass.

A special thanks to Dr. Martin Daly particularly for the house and nursing home visits and to the staff of the Ballygar Health Centre. Thank you to David Moran for his kindness and professionalism during those difficult days.

Sincere thank you to the gravediggers who prepared Johnny’s final resting place. Thank you to Noeleen and John Fallon of Fallon’s pub for beautiful service they provided after the funeral and to Maria of Kennys for the refreshments after the Months Mind. Thank you to the staff of Portiuncula Hospital, especially the staff of Dunlo Ward who took great care of Johnny in his final days.

Finally, a very special thank you to the staff and management of Central Park Nursing Home who took care of Johnny since April 2015. When Johnny moved into Central Park you made it a home away from home for him and always had a welcome for all of us.

You will forever hold a special place in all of our hearts.

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

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

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

Lovingly missed by his wife Margaret and sons Niall, Hugh, Enda, Aidan and Karol and extended family.

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You always had a smile to share, a laugh, a joke and time to care.

A kindly nature, warm and true, many lovely memories we have of you.

The Geraghty family .

Johnny’s First and Peggy’s Third Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar on Saturday the 3rd of January at 19:30

51

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

SportsPeople

Jenny’s facilitator role in LGFA ‘Spreag Í’ drive

Flashback to summer of 2025 in Roscommon: Pictured at the Roscommon Races were Ethan Coyne, Donal Towey, Conor Bailey and Noah Coyne. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Busy racing schedule over Christmas period Horses for Courses There is no racing until St Stephen’s Day, when the Christmas Racing Festivals start at Leopardstown and Limerick, with the Boxing Day meeting in the north at Down Royal.

The festival racing starts at Leopardstown on Friday at 12 pm, Saturday at 12.05 pm, Sunday at 12.20 pm, and Monday at 12.10 pm.

Limerick starts on St Stephen’s Day at 12.25 pm, Saturday at 12.19 pm, Sunday at 12.30 pm, and Monday at 12.30 pm, and the traditional Boxing Day meeting in Down Royal starts at 11.40 pm. All starting times are still not set in stone and may change due to entries or TV. The 2025 racing season will end at Punchestown on December 31st, New Year’s Eve. The traditional New Year’s Day meetings take place at Fairyhouse and Tramore. Crosschannel, the traditional King George VI meeting takes place at Kempton on St Stephen’s Day. There is racing from Leopardstown on RTÉ St Stephen’s Day, and it continues Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. There is cross-channel terrestrial TV on Friday, with ITV covering six races, with four from Kempton including three Grade 1 races, one Grade 1 The Tolworth Novice Hurdle from Aintree, and one from Wetherby.

On St Stephen’s Day at Leopardstown, the feature is the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase with ten entries, headed by Elliott’s Romeo Coolio at odds-on. He is taken on by three from WP Mullins’ yard, including Salvator Mundi, 3/1, and Henry de Bromhead’s July Flower, and it is backed up with the Grade 2 Leopardstown Juvenile Hurdle.

On Saturday, Paddy Power Day, there are two Grade 1 contests: the Rewards Club Chase with eleven runners, and the Future Champions Novice Hurdle, also with eleven runners.

In the chase, Mullins’ dual Grade 1 winner Majborough is joint favourite with Barry Connell’s Cheltenham Champion Chase winner Marine Nationale, making his seasonal debut at 2/1 with Majborough conqueror in Cork’s Grade 2 Hilly Way Chase Elliott’s Found A Fifty at 7/2, 7/1 bar. In the hurdle, Mullins provides the first three in the betting, Elliott 2 and de Bromhead 3. Jockeys’ choice is Townend or

by Tom Red

Danny Mullins, and a Mullins winner.

Sunday’s card again has two Grade 1 races, the Christmas Hurdle and the Savill’s Chase.

Monday’s card features another Grade 1 race in the December Hurdle, in which Elliott may run both Brighterdaysahead and Wodhooh against Mullins’ Lossiemouth. This could be the race of the festival and is backed up with the Grade 3 Irish EBF Mares Hurdle.

In Limerick, there is also a four-day racing festival with the St Stephen’s Day feature, the Grade 2 Jaguar Land Rover Novice Hurdle.

Saturday sees the Grade 2 Irish EBF Dawn Run Mares Novice Chase as the centre of the card.

The Grade 1 Guinness Faugheen Novice Chase on Sunday’s card has a hot Mullinstrained favourite with Final Demand at 1/3 facing eight more from the yard, Conor King’s Oscars Brother, and de Bromhead’s The Big Westerner.

The Listed QuinnBet Handicap Hurdle is the feature on Monday, the final day of the festival.

The feature of the Down Royal on Boxing Day is the Connolly Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle with the Irish EBF also backing the Beginners Chase. Racing starts at 11.40 pm.

At Kempton, the Grade 1 King George VI Chase has 15 entries, headed by Mullins’ Fact To File and Gaelic Warrior at 9/4 joint favourites. There are six other Irish entries: Joseph O’Brien’s Banbridge (winner of last year’s race), Martin Brassil’s Fastorslow (who will probably run in Leopardstown’s Savill’s Chase), Henry de Bromhead’s Heart Wood, Mullins’ Grangeclare West and two from Elliott’s, Firefox and Croke Park.

The Coral Welsh Grand National is the highlight of the card at Chepstow on Saturday, with 42 entries and five Irish-trained runners – Tom Gibney’s Intense Raffles, Stuart Crawford’s O’Toole, and Gordon Elliott’s Where It All Began, Beaufort Scale, and Onethreefivenotout.

The race is limited to 20 runners.

Sam Thomas trains Jubilee Express and Shomen Uchi just 30 miles from Chepstow, and emphasised just what winning the race means to him and the owner of both horses, Dai Walters

he Ladies Gaelic Football Association is delighted to launch its new Spreag Í Programme. The new initiative aims to enhance enjoyment of Ladies Gaelic football, as well as increasing self-efficacy, teamwork, understanding of the role of sport in a healthy lifestyle and fostering continued participation.

The programme will specifically target club players in the U-14 and U-16 age groups, and will be delivered in clubs across Ireland from February 2026-June 2026.

Each selected club will receive two visits from a Spreag Í Facilitator (a current or former LGFA inter-county player), with the programme focusing on four main themes: Being my Best Self (Goal setting & Self-Confidence); Being a Good Teammate (Teamwork and Leadership Skills); Developing a Healthy Lifestyle (Building Positive Habits); Grá for the Game (Developing a Lifelong Love of Sport and Continued Participation).

Facilitators for the Spreag Í Programme include Roscommon’s Jenny Higgins.

Visits will involve a mix of practical on-pitch coaching and workshop-style activities. In between visits, clubs and their participants will engage with the new LGFA Teenage Kicks programme which aims to allow teenagers to play the sport their way, encouraging social interaction, empowerment and independence alongside enjoyment of our game.

Clubs across the country are encouraged to apply to be a part of this new programme. If you require further information, please contact Eilish Ward, Head of Player Development on eilish.ward@lgfa.ie or 087 4762049.

BUCCANEERS RFC

Flashback to summer of 2025 in Roscommon: Pictured at the Roscommon Races were Ava Hannon and Deravara Owens. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh – two very proud Welshmen.

Cheltenham feature the Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase Vincenzo will face Glengouly, who beat him 1½l here in the December Gold Cup, again with no Irish challengers.

Racing news Racing was abandoned at Ffos Las last Thursday due to waterlogging, but racing did take place at Exeter, where there was a record starting price of 300/1 as Blowers won the opening maiden hurdle for Nigel Hawke and jockey James Best.

It breaks the 250/1 existing record and matches the longest SP in Ireland.

Ado McGuinness took the Dundalk AllWeather champion trainer award with 22 winners – for the second time, having won it in 2023 – and Colin Keane is the champion jockey this year at Dundalk, with 25 winners.

A perfect present!

Still looking for a present for a racing friend?

Well Roscommon Racecourse offers you its season ticket, now available for 2026 for only €85, which gives access to all ten meetings next year.

If you are an OAP or a student, you can get an even better deal with a season ticket for only €55. Roscommon Racecourse season tickets are the perfect Christmas present for your racing relations or friends. They are available from roscommonracecourse.ie/tickets/.

Happy Christmas!

All that’s left to do is wish all readers a very Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year – happy punting everybody, and we will be back in the New Year!

Leo Anic & Andrew Henson

Buccs duo get Ireland call!

Congrats and best of luck to young Buccaneers duo Andrew Henson (pictured on right) and Leo Anic (on left) who have been selected to attend the upcoming Ireland U-19s national camp just after Christmas.

It will take place at the IRFU High Performance Centre in Blanchardstown between December 28th and 30th.

Both players are key members of Buccs U-20 squad where versatile back Henson lines out primarily at full-back and has enjoyed considerable success with Athlone’s Marist College.

Lock Anic is a product of Roscommon CBS and joined the Pirates from Creggs where he progressed through their ranks.

Go for it, guys!

52

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

SportsPeople

What’s another year?

SEAMUS DUKE looks ahead to an exciting sporting 2026…

Gaelic football Another fantastic year beckons – not least for Roscommon, who have a new manager in Mark Dowd and are also looking forward to playing in the Allianz Football League top flight.

A trip to New York beckons in April and a probable meeting with Mayo thereafter in a Connacht semi-final in Castlebar.

Nationally, all eyes will be on Kerry to see if they can retain the Sam Maguire.

The pressure will be on Kerry but it will take a good team to take the title from them.

On the club front we wish the very best of luck to Strokestown and St Brigid’s in early January in their provincial All-Ireland semi-finals. Meanwhile, the Roscommon club championships promise to be very competitive again.

On the ladies scene, Finbar Egan’s Roscommon team are due a change of luck in 2026. Hopefully they can kick on to the latter stages of the league and championship.

Hurling In 2026, Roscommon senior hurlers will be under a new manager, Brian Hanley.

It will be a tall order to follow last year’s heroics in the Nicky Rackard Cup. The Christy Ring Cup will be a challenge for everyone involved.

On the club scene, Four Roads will be the team to beat once again in 2026.

In camogie, Mary Grehan takes charge of the Roscommon team for the second year and there is no doubt that they are improving all the time. It will be interesting to see what 2026 brings.

Soccer There’s so much to look forward to, not least the World Cup play-offs in March.

If Ireland can replicate the form shown against Hungary – and especially against Portugal – a trip to the USA, Mexico and Canada looks likely. But I wouldn’t be booking any flights yet! There are two difficult play-off games to go first.

On the club scene across the water, will Arsenal finally win the Premier League again, or will Manchester City sneak up on the rails to snatch the title from them? My money would be on City at this stage.

The troubles at Manchester United will continue although they have improved somewhat this season. At Liverpool, I predict Mo Salah will leave in the summer. Wolves, Burnley and West Ham look destined for the drop.

The Irish Women’s team face a number of tough matches in 2026 but they are on an upward curve and under Carla Ward they should have another good year.

Rugby The big question at the start of 2026 is, are Ireland slipping back? We will know when the Six Nations starts. France are a super team while England are improving with every match they play.

Scotland are competitive too, so this coming year will be a huge test for Ireland as they plan for the next World Cup. It could be a tough year for coach Andy Farrell.

On the club front, Leinster seem to be slipping back as well. Expectations are

Clockwise: Roscommon club football; Aoife and her gold medal; Four Roads the team to beat in hurling; Rory has more majors in his sights; athlete Sarah Healy; world snooker champion Zhao Xintong; Troy Parrott; swimmer Mona McSharry.

very high every year when it comes to the Champions Cup. It may well be that Munster will have a better season in Europe than their deadly rivals.

Connacht will have opened their new stand at the Sportsground and hopefully we will see more ‘Rossies’ put on the green jersey over the course of the year.

Creggs continue to prosper. It will be difficult for them to match last season’s great success. If the league title proves elusive – and they’re not out of it – a cup win would still be a great way to end the season.

Snooker Who will win at the Crucible in 2026?

A lot of the pundits would like to see the peerless Ronnie O’Sullivan win it again, but in recent months he is struggling for form. Then again, who would bet against him? The upper echelons of the game is now well populated by several Chinese players, with Zhao Xintong the current world champion. The title could well be China-bound again this year.

Darts One of the sporting highlights every Christmas now is the World Darts Championship and in Luke Littler we have a generational talent who is simply a phenomenon. He is world number one and defending the title he won last year as an 18-year-old. It’s great entertainment. If anyone is good

enough to beat the teenage sensation from Warrington then they deserve the title.

Boxing In Roscommon, we are lucky to have two of the best Irish amateur boxers not only in the country but in the world.

2026 will be another busy year for Aoife O’Rourke and her sister Lisa.

The European Championships will be held in Sofia in September while the Irish Championships are on early in the year. So another exciting year ahead for the two superstars from Castlerea.

Athletics 2025 has been a record year in Irish Athletics and in 2026 the highlight will be the European Championships which will be held in Birmingham in August.

In 2025 it was a memorable year for the likes of Kate O’Connor, Cian McPhillips, Nick Griggs, Sarah Healy and many more and we can expect to see more success on the track and in the cross-country events in 2026. The return to competitive action of Rhasidat Adeleke this coming year will be eagerly awaited.

Horse Racing Cheltenham, Aintree, Galway and the other main festivals will be in the headlines once again and it looks like Willie Mullins (National Hunt) and

Aidan O’Brien (flat) will dominate once more. In Roscommon, locals (regular visitors too) are looking forward to another successful year at Lenebane with the action beginning again in May. Golf What a year we had in 2025, dominated

by Rory McIlroy and the Ryder Cup. With all the excitement about McIlroy, not many people realise that Scottie Scheffler actually won more than the Northern Irishman did in 2025. Those two look destined to dominate again next year.

McIlroy has the talent to win more majors now that he has the ‘Grand Slam’ anchor removed from around his neck. We will all be watching to see how Shane Lowry does too. The talented Clara man is due another big win shortly.

Locally we will continue to follow the progress of young Roscommon Town star Olivia Costello. Hopefully she will win many more tournaments and Irish caps in 2026 as she performs at the very top of the women’s amateur game.

Cycling Maybe not the biggest sport in terms of TV viewing, but cycling is a massive participation sport and here in Roscommon we have one of the very best competitors in the country in Daire Feely. We wish him all the best in 2026.

Tennis There has been a real change at the top of both the men’s and women’s game over the past couple of years. Carlos Alcarez and Jannik Sinner are top of the men’s standings while Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff are heading the women’s rankings. The Australian Open in January will get the year off to a flying start as usual.

Formula 1 There is huge interest in motorsport all over the world. We had a nail-biting end to the championship in 2025 as Lando Norris edged out Max Verstappen to win the title. There is a record number of 24 Grand Prix events in 2026 starting in Australia in March and ending in Abu Dhabi in December.

Swimming With Daniel Wiffen, Mona McSharry, Shane Ryan and Ellen Walshe competing and winning medals at the highest level on the international scene, the sport is the strongest it’s been in Ireland for many years. With the Olympics on the horizon in two years’ time, interest will be sky-high once again in 2026.

All at People Sport wish all our loyal readers, contributors and advertisers a very Happy Christmas and a safe and sporting New Year.

53

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

SportsPeople

Can Strokestown ‘Pearse’ Derry air?

AIB All-Ireland IFC semi-final: Strokestown v Glenullin (Derry) in Fr Tierney Park, Ballyshannon on Saturday, January 3rd at 12.30 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

It’s an early start for the Roscommon and Connacht intermediate football champions Strokestown when they face Ulster kingpins Glenullin of Derry in Ballyshannon on Saturday, January 3rd.

This promises to be an intense clash between two good teams who have been very impressive when winning their respective provincial championships in style.

In the recent Connacht final against Kilmeena, it was super to see Strokestown playing the way they were promising to do all year. Every line on the field made a major contribution. Something similar will be required again if Pearse McGinley’s men are to progress to the final.

Goalkeeper Niall Curley has had a great 2025.

Once again his restarts will be a crucial part of

Fionn Cusack of Strokestown (in action in late 2025).

Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Strokestown

GAA Club

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St Stphen’s Day

Dec 26th

Connacht Intermediate Football Champions

Strokestown’s game plan. Dillon Casey, Dylan Owens and Timmy Gibbons have been solid all year in the full-back line and will need a repeat performance in order to shackle the dangerous Glenullin inside line.

Davy Neary, Sean Mullooly and Colin Compton form what has been probably Strokestown’s best line this year and will be expecting to join in the attack as well as defending their patch.

Strokestown have been criticised for not asserting themselves more in the middle of the park throughout 2025, but against Kilmeena they answered all their critics as Colm Neary and Fionn Cusack were magnificent. They will be hoping for another display of that nature in this match.

Mikey Kavanagh, Kevin Finn and Shane McGinley will likely be playing in the halfforward line. It is timely that Shane McGinley is

returning to his best form and hopefully that will continue against Glenullin.

Diarmuid McGann, Keith Murphy and Stephen Tighe have come up with many crucial scores in this championship and will hope to be similarly effective against Glenullin.

Make no mistake, this Glenullin team will provide a huge test for Strokestown. However, the Roscommon men threw off the shackles against Kilmeena and if they can do the same in this semi-final they have the players to win this match.

I have no doubt that if Strokestown bring their ‘A’ game to Ballyshannon they can reach the final in Croke Park and follow in the footsteps of fellow Roscommon clubs St Croan’s and Michael Glaveys who reached the All-Ireland IFC finals of 2015 and 2018 respectively.

Prediction: Strokestown.

1.30 pm

R E S I A R FUN D

Hike from the Car Park to the Cross on Sliabh Bawn Wear the Black ‘n’ Amber and support the team as they prepare for

The All Ireland Semi Final on Jan 3rd/4th

The ber n Am B l a c k ʻn s o re d Sp o ot

Tu r key

• Black n Amber face painting in Franks Bar, Ballybeg (Casey’s) from 12.45 pm • Prize for best dressed black and Amber supporter • Get your photo with your favourite players and the Connacht and Co Roscommon cups • Signed jersey raffle afterwards • Refreshments, drinks, mince pies, music and craic afterwards in Franks Bar • Shuttle bus from Car Park at Franks Bar to start point on Sliabh Bawn and back

To register and get sponsorship cards,

please Text Damo on 086 3537121 or Shiner on 087 2395172 or e-mail secretary.strokestown.roscommon@gaa.ie

register on the day at Franks from 12.45 Strokestown GAA would like to thank everyone for their incredible and generous support in 2025 and we wish you all a very Happy Christmas.

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David Neary in action for Strokestown against Allen Gaels earlier this season.

Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Glenullin buoyant in their 100th year The Glenullin (John Mitchel’s) club is based in the central part of County Derry.

Formed in 1925, the club is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. They won their first Derry Senior Football championship in 1928. Their second ever senior title win, in 1985, was the club’s first in almost six decades. They won the senior championship again in 2007.

Glenullin were subsequently relegated, but won the intermediate title in 2022, at a point when they were managed by club legend Paddy Bradley. They won the IFC title again in 2023 – and again this year.

The best known player in the club’s history is probably the multi-talented Dermot McNicholl, an All-Ireland senior title winner with Derry in 1993.

In the 2025 Ulster Championship, they defeated the Antrim champions easily,

before knocking out the Armagh champions, and then the Monaghan representatives, Carrickmacross, the latter win in a semifinal that went to extra-time. In the Ulster final, they overcame Cavan champions Cuchulainn in Clones after a titanic struggle, the Derry side winning by 3-15 to 0-19.

Glenullin have a number of fine players, including former Derry senior star Eoin Bradley. He came off the bench in the Ulster final and went on to score 1-3.

In defence, Daniel O’Kane, Eunan O’Kane and Diarmuid McNicholl are all playing well presently. In midfield, the likely partnership is Trealach Bradley and Neil McNicholl. As for what they offer up front, Strokestown will have to watch out for Ryan McNicholl (who scored 1-5 in the Ulster final), Chrissy Dempsey and the evergreen Eoin Bradley off the bench.

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Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

SportsPeople

Calm St Brigid’s have firm focus on return to All-Ireland stage Cunningham’s team have the quality to reach final AIB All-Ireland Club SFC semi-final: St Brigid’s v Scotstown (Monaghan) at Kingspan Breffni Park on Sunday, January 4th at 3 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

The All-Ireland Club championships have been notable over the years for throwing up fascinating pairings and that’s certainly the case with this eagerly awaited All-Ireland semi-final.

Both these big clubs will be hoping they can get over the line and into Croke Park at the end of January for the biggest day in the club football calendar.

St Brigid’s have six Connacht titles in the bag and one All-Ireland, while Scotstown have won five Ulster titles, but have yet to lift the Andy Merrigan Cup. Scotstown were the kings of Monaghan and UIster club football at the end of the 1970s. Powered by the likes of Gerry McCarville, Ray McCarron and Bernie Murray, they won five Monaghan titles in a row (1977 to 1981) and claimed three Ulster titles in succession in 1978, 1979 and 1980. They lost in the 1979 AllIreland final to Nemo Rangers of Cork.

Another Ulster title was secured in 1989.

So while the Monaghan men have a great tradition, their Ulster title win a few weeks ago was only their second provincial success in 36 years, Scotstown edging out Kilcoo of Down after extratime.

While there are many super players in their ranks this year, their performances have been dominated by their magnificent goalkeeper, Rory Beggan.

In the Ulster final the All-Star kicked a massive 11 points, which included four two-point frees and a ’45. It was a phenomenal performance from a goalkeeper. There is no better kicker of a dead ball in the game at the moment and St Brigid’s will have been well warned that if they give away frees anywhere from midfield in towards their own goal then chances are that it will probably end in a Beggan score.

Scotstown are certainly not a oneman team. Their side is laden with several players who have plenty of intercounty experience. Brothers Kieran and Darren Hughes have been wearing the Monaghan county jersey for well over a decade. Michael McCarville, Shane Carey, Jack McCarron and Conor McCarthy are household names in the game as well, so Brigid’s have been well warned.

St Brigid’s have shown superb composure and maturity since winning the Roscommon title. They dealt with the challenge of Ballina quite easily.

Against Moycullen, St Brigid’s did not play particularly well. They were out of the game at midfield but even though they were under pressure, they showed great poise and calmness to eke out a win in the end. That bodes well for their prospects in this All-Ireland semi-final.

The Roscommon champions will certainly have to play better than they did in the provincial semi-final if they

Ben O’Carroll in action against Ballina Stephenites in the Connacht Club Championship. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Ruaidhrí Fallon (in action against Pádraig Pearses in the recent Roscommon county final) has been superb for St Brigid’s this season. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell are to win this semi-final. But they have the capacity to do that. Conor Carroll will not be as high profile as his opposite number, but he will have a crucial role to play again with his kickouts and clearances.

The Brigid’s full-back line are likely to have a busy day. Pearse Frost is back in contention for a place although Rúairí Smith, Sean Trundle and Robbie Dolan have been doing well. Brian Stack will once again lead from the front, and with Ruaidhrí Fallon and Paul McGrath completing the likely half-back line, that trio can be expected to play a pivotal role again. Fallon and McGrath

were excellent in that last defining period against Moycullen and that sort of influence may well be needed again against Scotstown.

Eddie Nolan and Shane Cunanne will have to get into the game more at midfield. Indeed their performances on the day could be a deciding factor.

Up front, Brigid’s will want more of the same from Conor Hand and Ben O’Carroll. Both were superb against Moycullen. The pace of St Brigid’s up front could be absolutely crucial. Brian Derwin, Ciarán Sugrue, Bobby Nugent, and the comeback man Senan Kilbride will all be under pressure to contribute,

and I expect the experienced Kilbride to play a huge role in the match.

This promises to be a tense, hardfought, and exciting match. I’m not expecting a free-flowing game because the prize at stake is absolutely huge.

I have been impressed by the calmness under pressure shown by St Brigid’s thus far. If they can exhibit that trait again they can emerge victorious by a point or two. I know it’s easier said than done, but if the Roscommon side don’t concede too many long-range frees, and maximise the return from their pace and class up front, they can reach the final.

Prediction: St Brigid’s.

Conor Hand was almost unstoppable for St Brigid’s in the recent Connacht Club SFC final at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park in which the Roscommon champions defeated Moycullen by 1-16 to 1-14. Hand produced a player of the match performance. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

SportsPeople St Brigid’s manager Anthony Cunningham.

Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Cunningham seeking improved display for Scotstown showdown < SEAMUS DUKE

St Brigid’s manager Anthony Cunningham is a man who has become used to being involved in big games over his long career. He is just as enthusiastic about this All-Ireland semi-final as he has been about any of the other big occasions over the years.

“To be training over Christmas is not ideal but we are where every club wants to be. We are down to the last four. We know we have a big task ahead against Scotstown but we will be going up there to win and we are preparing hard now.”

Anthony has liked what he has seen of their opponents, Scotstown.

“I was very impressed with them. They were very composed and very strong and skilful and I have no doubt that we will have to be on top of our game to win the match.”

He says that a big improvement will be needed from his side following a Connacht final win that was very hard earned.

“We certainly need to play better and we have been going after that in our preparations. It’s a great way to be going into this match because there were times against Moycullen that we were under the cosh and we know that will happen

Kilbride – the comeback ‘kid’ < SEAMUS DUKE

One of the big stories of the year on the club football scene was the return to the St Brigid’s starting line-up of former star Senan Kilbride. Kilbride has started the last three games for St Brigid’s following his return after a five-year hiatus (he had been teaching in Dubai).

Senan is now in more familiar territory, and is teaching in Cloonakilla National School. As to his return, he’s enjoying his football as much as ever.

“Where else would you want to be?

I am really enjoying it. We have had a few heavy training sessions over the past couple of weeks but it’s been great.

We are on a fantastic run.”

40-year-old Senan couldn’t praise the players on the panel enough.

“They are a fantastic crowd of lads.

They have a great bond between them and the craic is good. They are a very unified bunch. They just want to win whatever they can for the club.

“But it’s not just about football. They try to take care of everyone around the club as well and they are very conscious of all the work that goes on behind the scenes too. They are a great bunch to be involved with.”

So what does Senan think of the new rules in Gaelic football?

“I like them. They are good for the game in general. Since they came in, the game has been a much more entertaining spectacle… before they came in there was a lot of lateral play with the centre of the pitch all clogged up. It was hard to find space under the old regime. But some of the games that we had this year have been super.”

So what does Senan think of Scotstown?

“They are a very good side. They have won multiple Monaghan championships and were unlucky not to have got over the line in Ulster until this year.

They are a battle-hardened team full of talented players all over the field and (with) names that everyone can recognise. It’s a great credit to them that they keep coming back every year.”

As to his team’s prospects in the upcoming All-Ireland semi-final, he is quietly confident.

“What I have liked about Brigid’s this year is that we have remained composed when our backs were to the wall. Hopefully we can show that composure against Scotstown again.

“At this time of the year the weather often has a big say and we have to cope with that. We just have to stay patient and trust our game management. If we do the basics right and use the ball well we will be in with a great chance.”

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‘Where else would you want to be? I am really enjoying it’.

Senan Kilbride, back in the St Brigid’s team after a five-year absence, pictured in action in the recent Connacht Club SFC final against Moycullen at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park.

Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

against Scotstown. We need to be prepared for that.

“Scotstown are a big, physical team and Rory Beggan joins their midfield for every (opposition) kickout. He is a phenomenal freetaker and stopper too.

They like a high press for the opposition kickout so we will have to be watching out for that.”

Notwithstanding Beggan’s influence, Anthony says that Scotstown are obviously far from a one-man team.

“Scotstown have some marvellous players. The Hughes brothers are really strong players. Jack McCarron is back with them again now and is very sharp.

We know that they are a formidable side all around the field but look, you are going to meet very strong teams in any All-Ireland semi-final and this is no different.”

He agrees that the fact that St Brigid’s have been involved at All-Ireland semifinal level in recent years will stand to them.

“It’s not completely new to us but one thing is certain, we are not going to Breffni Park to make up the numbers, we want to win this semi-final. Winning county finals and Connacht finals is great but we want to go one step further” he concluded.

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Roscommon People Friday 26 December 2025

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