I am a tenant of a local authority house owned by the local County Council. I have lived in my
for 15 years and I would now like to buy it. Can I buy my home from the Council and will I have to pay full market value?
The Tenant Purchase Scheme in Ireland enables eligible local authority tenants to purchase their rented homes at discounted prices. This initiative aims to promote homeownership among social housing tenants.
You may be eligible if:
• You have been living in a local authority home for at least 10 years.
• Your home is designated for sale under the scheme (not all houses are).
• Your gross annual income is at least €12,500.
• You are not in rent arrears or involved in antisocial behaviour.
• You do not already own a property.
The discount on the market value of the property is determined by the tenant’s income, ranging from 40% to 60%. For instance:
• Income of €20,000 or less: 60% discount
• Income between €20,001 and €29,999: 50% discount
• Income of €30,000 or more: 40% discount
An ‘incremental purchase charge’ is applied, corresponding to the discount received. This charge diminishes by 2% annually over a period of 20, 25, or 30 years, depending on the discount. For example, a 40% discount results in a 20-year charge period, while a 60% discount corresponds to 30 years.
Purchasers are required to use the property as their primary residence and must obtain local authority consent for any sale, letting, or sub-letting during the charge period. Selling the property before the charge period concludes necessitates repaying the outstanding charge value to the local authority.
Post-purchase, homeowners are responsible for all maintenance and repairs, as well as securing adequate property insurance.
Certain properties are excluded from the scheme, including:
• Apartments (covered under a separate Tenant Purchase of Apartments Scheme);
• Dwellings specifically reserved for particular groups, such as older individuals or people with disabilities;
• Properties in areas with high housing demand, where retaining social housing stock is deemed necessary.
Don’t panic… The Barstool Boyos will be back – the well-known ‘ENDANGERED SPECIES’ haven’t become the latest casualty of the demise of the rural pub. But for the next few weeks, you’re going to have to settle for the pontificating prose of Emmett Corcoran as he tries to temper his dark sense of humour and come to terms with some of what is going on in the world today.
Will the real presidential candidate please stand up?
Ireland has a proud and storied tradition of treating presidential elections with the solemnity of a junior B karaoke night in Carrick on Shannon. And yet, even with such low expectations, I still find myself holding out for a ‘presidential hopeful’ who hasn’t logged more than 10,000 hours belting out Blanket on the Ground at festivals of questionable hygiene in the midlands.
At this point, I’d welcome a nominee who hasn’t spent the last decade toggling between panels on Claire Byrne Live and cutting ribbons at roundabouts in Ballinasloe. Someone who isn’t a lifelong political insider trying to rebrand themselves as a ‘fresh voice’ – or worse, a former ‘outsider’ who’s spent so long lurking inside the system they’ve developed Stockholm syndrome.
In fact, when Joe Duffy announced he wasn’t running, I let out a small but sincere sigh of relief. But in the ensuing weeks, it’s become disturbingly clear that Mr Duffy – yes, that Mr Duffy – may have been, objectively speaking, overqualified for the position, given the calibre of aspirants now warming up their vocal cords and PR budgets.
Now, I won’t name names. Not for any noble reason, mind you. I’m just writing this on a Tuesday night (technically Wednesday morning) and would like to sleep before the next fiscal quarter.
But let’s call a spade a spade: the current rumour mill is being fed by over-caffeinated PR agents and under-occupied publicists, all of whom are determined to earn their quintupledigit Q3 retainers by hurling out the names of their celebrity clients as ‘possible contenders’ for Áras an Uachtaráin – as if nominating a president were some sort of novelty segment on The Late Late Show.
It’s all terribly unserious. And yet, depressingly familiar.
Of course, every few years someone floats
SUMMER
the idea that what we really need in the Áras is a ‘businessperson’ – someone who knows how to ‘run things’. This is an old chestnut beloved of political anoraks and Sunday supplement opinionators. But it’s especially farcical in the context of the Irish presidency, which, while largely ceremonial, remains a constitutional office with genuine moral weight and statutory responsibilities.
One might argue that after 14 years of the same soundtrack, the public would appreciate a change of tune – preferably something not composed by a tax exile with a soft spot for showbands.
What I’d like to see – and I suspect I’m not alone here – is a candidate who can act as a counterweight to the prevailing political winds blowing through Leinster House.
Someone capable of carrying the quiet authority that the Constitution envisaged. Because, while the president doesn’t wield executive power in the day-to-day, they are – in theory – the final constitutional check on our often wayward legislature.
When Dev drafted Bunreacht na hÉireann in 1937, he built in a few presidential tools that go beyond glad-handing foreign dignitaries and reading prepared remarks in the Mansion House. The president can – albeit infrequently – refer bills to the Supreme Court for constitutional review, consult the Council of State, or send legislation back to the Oireachtas with a gentle but unmistakable ‘try again, lads’.
So why is it, in 2025, that some of the
most talked-about names for the office appear to have no qualifications beyond a microphone, a manager and a Midlands tour bus?
And while I’m loath to dredge up that name, yes – it appears that even some of our more combative sporting alumni, with deep pockets and even deeper legal bills, are eyeing up the gig. There are reports of substantial sums of ‘support’ being marshalled stateside in anticipation of a run. And that’s before we even get to the inevitable podcast.
In moments like this, I thank whatever remains of the ghost of Dev that he insisted on nomination thresholds: 20 members of the Oireachtas or four county councils. Because while I’m not thrilled at the idea of another party lifer with an expenses account and an aversion to straight answers moving into the Áras, the prospect of a wildly unqualified, ‘self-funded’ outsider turning it into a vanity project is objectively worse.
In the end, maybe the Irish public does want a president with depth, dignity and a dash of constitutional literacy – rather than another remix of the same old tune. But until a credible candidate with substance, independence, and a working relationship with Article 26 emerges, I’ll keep the telly off and the voting pencil sharpened.
Because when the time comes, we don’t need the next Slim Shady. We just need someone who stands up – and stays standing – for something worth preserving.
Photo: Andrew Downes, Xposure
Sunday 3rd of August
Kilteevan Graveyard Mass on July 26th
The 32nd annual Graveyard Mass will be celebrated in Kilteevan Graveyard on this Saturday, July 26th at 7 pm, weather permitting. Otherwise, Mass will be celebrated in the church. Sunday Mass as usual on July 27th at 10 am.
Annual Keadue 5k Fun Run/Walk
The annual Keadue 5k Fun Run/Walk will be held on Friday, August 1st. All proceeds raised will go towards North West STOP, a community voluntary body that works to prevent suicide by informing, educating and promoting positive suicide prevention policies throughout the West and North West of Ireland. Registration will be at 6.30 pm in St Ronan’s Hall. The Walk/Run commences at 7 pm. Refreshments served afterwards. All are very welcome to participate.
Frain elected chair of regional assembly
Ballaghaderreen-based councillor Michéal Frain has been elected Cathaoirleach of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) for the 2025-2026 term. The announcement was made at the Assembly’s AGM on July 18th. Cllr Frain, an Independent representing the Boyle Municipal District on Roscommon County Council, becomes the first councillor from Ballaghaderreen – home to the Assembly’s headquarters – to hold the role.
“I’m delighted to have been elected to the role as Cathaoirleach of the NWRA at this time,” he said. “It is particularly of personal importance to me as I’m the first councillor to be elected from the Assembly’s home base of Ballaghaderreen.”
Cllr Eileen Mannion of Galway County Council was
elected as Leas-Chathaoirleach. Acting Director Conall McGettigan welcomed both appointments, saying: “I look forward to working with Cllr Frain as Cathaoirleach and Cllr Mannion as Leas-Chathaoirleach during what promises to be a busy year.”
Mr McGettigan noted that a key priority will be the review of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy, alongside continued investment of European Regional Development Fund resources and public engagement through EU-backed initiatives.
Outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr Jarlath Munnelly, was thanked for his leadership, with Assembly members highlighting his role in presenting 33 regional infrastructure priorities to Oireachtas members as a key moment of his term.
Cllr Michéal Frain was photographed last Friday with Assembly members, Chief Executive Designate Liam Conneally, Acting Director Conall McGettigan and staff of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly at the AGM in Ballaghaderreen.
Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Jarlath Munnelly photographed last Friday with his successor, newly-elected Cathaoirleach Cllr Michéal Frain, at the NWRA AGM held in Ballaghaderreen.
Metabolism – The Real Weight Loss Miracle
Our programme scientifically combines food and exercise to fix your metabolism for amazing weight loss and toning.
You also get great energy, better sleep and other health benefits – all connected to metabolism problems. This approach is all about metabolism — it calculates the food calorie level based on each person’s age, height, weight, body frame size, daily stress and fitness levels. This completely changes weight loss. This ensures you get a great metabolism for amazing weight loss, toning and your best shape ever.
THE PLAN INCLUDES:
• Nutritionally designed, highly balanced food plans of normal, natural foods to rapidly repair your metabolism.
• Structured daily food plans calorie specific to each individual. Portions are calculated based on your age, height, weight, frame size, daily stress and fitness level –so you get exactly what you need to succeed.
Call for female applicants for ‘ACORNS 11’
Roscommon-based female entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for the latest cycle of ACORNS, a free initiative supporting earlystage businesswomen in rural areas. The ACORNS 11 programme – Accelerating the Creation of Rural Nascent Start-Ups – was launched by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon TD, with applications open until midnight on September 22nd.
“Following a decade of support from my Department for female rural entrepreneurs under the Rural Innovation Development Fund, I am delighted to launch the latest cycle,” Minister Heydon said. “The programme continues to go from strength to strength.” He described ACORNS as “a hugely successful programme” that “aims to address the skills, enterprise and capability gaps that female entrepreneurs can face”.
• No shakes, no gimmicks, just everyday ingredients.
• Easy to stick to – fits into busy routines and family meals.
• No cutting out carbs or fat – balanced nutrition that works.
• An exercise plan consisting of cardio and home toning.
• Private weekly weigh ins, motivational tips and support throughout the programme.
• See results without misery. Burn fat, boost energy and feel better fast.
• Programmes are available for men and women.
The programme, now in its 11th year, has supported over 550 women and was recently named Ireland’s national entry in the European Enterprise Promotion Awards. Lead Entrepreneur Mary B Walsh said: “I look forward to supporting female colleagues living in rural Ireland at the earliest stage of their entrepreneurial journey.” Applications can be made via www.acorns.ie.
CLIENT FEEDBACK
I started this program in early May 2025 and was sceptical at first because I had tried so many other weightloss programs. I also suffer with underline health conditions and I’m on a lot of medications, my doctor advised me to lose weight as this would help with some of my conditions. I saw the advert and called Martina to book an appointment. I was delighted to hear this was normal foods and the biggest focus was on nutrition. I met Martina and she made me feel totally as ease explaining all about the program. I lost 2 stone in the 10 weeks and I’m delighted – so is my doctor – as he has reduced my meds and he has taken me off some. I feel great – thanks so much to Martina and this life changing program. – Bobby, Roscommon .
ABBEY HOTEL – CELEBRATING
SIX DECADES OF LOVE
DX61 Select dates available for summer 2026 weddings
Are you recently engaged and looking for a picture perfect location to celebrate your wedding day.
The Abbey Hotel in Roscommon, an established family run wedding venue for over 60 years have select dates available for Summer 2026 and mid week in early spring 2026. We are now taking bookings for civil and humanist ceremonies, vow renewals and rehearsal dinners.
Book your viewing with our dedicated weddings manager Lisa Butler on 090 6666211 or email weddings@abbeyhotel.ie WEDDING DAY
FROM CLAIRE & CIAN
“Where to begin!
The Abbey was the first venue we viewed when we got engaged. We
had been at a wedding there a few years previously and it stuck out to us as somewhere we would like to potentially view for our own wedding. The hotel has such charm and is still family owned and you can really tell. Lisa the Wedding Manager could not have been more helpful, the detail she gave us for the packages and her advice was invaluable, no question was too silly and nothing we wanted was too much. From our first meeting to booking our wedding, picking our menu, the tasting and all the run up to our big day, Lisa was always at the end of a phone or email, a true professional! Our wedding day ran so smooth, not even the rain held us back! The food! We had so so many guests comment to us that the food on our wedding day was sensational and plenty of it, the staff should be all so proud of the work that they do. It was honestly such a wonderful day, I would recommend The Abbey to any potential couples, they won’t be sorry!
Claire & Cian
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon TD photographed with ACORNS community members at the Irish National Stud during the launch of the latest ACORNS call. Also photographed were Caitríona Cullen (Cullen Nurseries, Co Carlow), Mary B Walsh (Ire Wel Pallets, ACORNS Lead Entrepreneur), and Magda Seymour (Pure Oskar, Co Kildare). Photo: Orla Murray, Coalesce
FRIDAY
The things we say Annoying ‘modern-day’ expressions that people use (an occasional series): Looking ahead to tomorrow’s first test between the British & Irish Lions and Australia, the visitors’ coach, Andy Farrell said on radio today that he hopes his team can be “the best version of themselves.”
I mean… I know what it means, but what does it really mean? Why not just try and be the best you can be? Or merely do your best? Give it everything, even? Is it really necessary to waffle on and say “we want to be the best version of ourselves”?
Speaking of sports coaches, it’s always irritating to hear them say ‘We’ll take it one game at a time’. What, precisely, is the alternative?
I’m not a great fan of ‘Reaching out’ to people either; just call them/have a word. ‘Let’s touch base’ is even worse. Also, why do people have to say ‘Going forward’ so much? It’s not like we can really go backwards.
‘Thinking outside the box’ is tiresome. ‘No offence’ is usually uttered before… giving offence. ‘Moving the goalposts’ and ‘Getting your ducks in a row’ are just exhausting. I stopped watching ‘The X Factor’ about 10 years ago because I couldn’t cope with all the acts who (apparently) ‘nailed it’.
There are many examples of these slightly tedious ‘new’ phrases.
In 1943 and ’44, when our Roscommon heroes ran on to the pitch at Croke Park – on their way to winning two senior All-Ireland football titles – I can’t imagine the players chanted as they left the dressing room – “Whatever else happens, let’s be the best version of ourselves”.
Sure, language evolves – but that doesn’t mean some of the new phraseology isn’t annoying.
Anyways, I suppose ‘we are where we are’!
SATURDAY/SUNDAY
Shane’s swearing!
I know it’s considered sacrilege to find any fault with Offaly’s national treasure – that’s Shane Lowry, not Barry
PAUL HEALY’S WEEK
A (mostly) light-hearted look at the week that was… paul@roscommonpeople.ie
Cowen – but I don’t mind saying that some of the golfer’s on-course conduct recently has been irritating!
Another big one (The Open Championship) this weekend… and another Lowry outburst, complete with lots of expletives. A touch unseemly!
The tournament was of course won by Scottie Scheffler, who strode up the 18th fairway at Portrush while smoking a cigar and reading a book on mindfulness (okay, not quite, but he’s a super-cool character).
MONDAY
Lovely hurling!
The Brits are raving again… about the hurling (we’ve yet to reciprocate… on the cricket). British viewers who watched BBC2’s coverage of yesterday’s All-Ireland senior hurling final between Cork and Tipperary took to social media to lavish praise on the spectacle.
This continued a trend over the last
two or three years whereby broadcasting of hurling to Britain has gone down a treat with excited viewers who invariably express astonishment at the skill and pace of the game, not to mention the fact that the warriors in action are amateurs.
The reactions on X reflected the impact the game had on viewers, many of whom were seeing hurling for the first time. Some sample posts:
‘What better way to spend a wet Sunday than watching the hurling on BBC2? Never seen it before, absolutely no clue what’s going on, but my word it’s brutal and entertaining!’
‘No idea what the rules are but it’s a bloody brilliant watch. Not sure what a foul is and what isn’t, just absolute chaos.’
Best of all was the following one: ‘Turned on BBC this afternoon and have seen this mad sport called #Hurling. It’s wild! Quidditch, Lacrosse, Hockey, MMA, Rugby, Soccer and Egg and Spoon all in one.
politician and I have no desire to attract more headlines. I do not think that the presidency needs a new direction. I am not taking soundings and I am not prepared to let my name go forward.”
Members of the media were visibly ashen-faced at the news. One senior pol corr said: “This is an unbelievable twist. We’ve been counting on just about every TD and senator in the land being game to be the subject of speculation over the next few weeks. This is a disturbing turn of events… to hear reports of a senior politician effectively ruling themselves out, dampening down speculation, even showing signs of modesty. It’s worrying. Do they not realise the silly season is upon us?”
You Irish guys are crazy! This AllIreland Hurling Final is so exciting and tense – get it on!’
TUESDAY
Presidential shock!
There are unconfirmed reports that a senior Irish politician may have sensationally ruled himself out of the forthcoming presidential election.
Shocked journalists are reporting that the man – who does not wish to be named – might opt to not run. If these reports are accurate, it would be one of the first confirmed cases of a politician/ public figure definitively opting out of the race.
According to sources, the man is alleged to have confided: “I haven’t been approached by several friends or family members or advisers and I am therefore not honoured, etc. Or humbled. Nobody has asked me to run and I am not giving it serious consideration. In actual fact, I am happy to just carry on being a normal
A spokesperson for Frances Black, Niall Quinn, Michael Flatley, Jarlath Burns, Conor McGregor, Tony Holohan, and an approximate 120 politicians said: “This is bizarre. We’ve never seen anything like it.”
As we went to press, there were reports of Dublin 4-type media commentators crying into their cocktails while frantically looking for the ‘2 Johnnies’ in their phone contacts.
WEDNESDAY
French connection
There were lively exchanges at the Percy French Festival today, where emotions ran high as a handful of audience members and guest speaker Eddie Hobbs clashed on the so-called ‘culture wars’.
What Kevin Finnerty has done over the past 17 years in passionately promoting Percy French is highly commendable. The festival also acts as a forum for discussion on issues of the day.
By the time you read this we’ll be into day two of three, but there are still tickets available for Friday’s very promising finale, featuring popular writer Michael Harding, veteran political journalist Stephen Collins, campaigning senator Dr Tom Clonan, and Gript Editor John McGuirk (with music by Col Ceathair too).
See details on www.percyfrench.ie, or just turn up and join us at the majestic Castlecoote House on Thursday afternoon and/or from 10 am on Friday.
Community groups shortlisted for Pride of Place honours
Five community initiatives from County Roscommon have been shortlisted for this year’s Pride of Place awards, one of the island’s most esteemed honours, celebrating grassroots excellence.
Organised by Co-operation Ireland in partnership with Irish Public Bodies (IPB), the all-island awards recognise the contributions of local communities in promoting inclusivity, sustainability and wellbeing. Roscommon County Council, through its Community Development Department, has supported each project in the adjudication process.
The five shortlisted projects highlight the county’s breadth of voluntary endeavour, from heritage-based community life to climate action and mental wellbeing.
The Roscommon Underwater Search and Recovery Club, nominated in the population category of 5,000 or more, provides vital search and recovery services across Roscommon and the Midlands. Established in 1985 as the Dolphin Sub Aqua Club, its volunteers respond to critical incidents and work closely with emergency services.
In the Climate Action and Biodiversity category, the Curraghboy QR Code Litter Project stands out as a novel partnership between Curraghboy Tidy Towns Committee and Curraghboy National School. Through the use of QR codes and community engagement, the initiative aims to educate and innovate around litter reduction.
The CycleUp Textiles project in Athleague, spearheaded by Roscommon Women’s Net-
work, has been recognised in the Creative Communities category.
The textile upcycling enterprise addresses environmental issues while providing social inclusion opportunities for women across the county.
Also shortlisted is the Roscommon Men’s Choir, an inclusive group of over 60 men who use music to foster community wellbeing and combat isolation. The choir has raised funds for various causes and is nominated in the Community Wellbeing Initiative category. Representing communities with populations under 300, ‘The Abbey’ housing estate in Cloontuskert has also made the shortlist. The estate has become a focal point of cultural activity, retaining its heritage character while embracing community-led renewal.
Speaking ahead of the judging visits, Cathriona MacCarthy of Roscommon County Council’s Community Development Department said: “It is testament to the strong level of community engagement and collaboration in our county that our communities continue to flourish and prosper. This is thanks to the unsung and heroic efforts of our volunteers, who support the communities, where they live, with such dedication.
“Roscommon County Council is delighted to support our five nominees for this year’s prestigious Pride of Place competition... We are looking forward to bringing the judges to each of our locations next week where they are sure to be impressed by the wonderful level of engagement they will see for themselves.”
Day trip to Lough Derg
The Legion of Mary are organising a day trip to Lough Derg on Saturday, September 6th, leaving the Sacred Heart Church car park in Roscommon Town between 6.30 am and 7 am. To book, please contact Teresa on 087 1206343 or Noreen on 086 3529916.
Kilcroan Cemetery Committee update
The Kilcroan Cemetery Committee would like to advise that the next clean-up will take place on Sunday, August 10th. This clean-up will be in preparation for the annual Cemetery Mass on Sunday, August 24th at 3 pm. All help appreciated.
Photographed in Cloontuskert are members of ‘The Abbey’ Estate community, shortlisted in this year’s Pride of Place awards in the category for communities with populations under 300. The housing estate has become a hub of cultural activity, blending heritage with community-led renewal.
Photographed in Curraghboy are members of Curraghboy Tidy Towns Committee and pupils from Curraghboy National School, nominated in the Climate Action and Biodiversity category of this year’s Pride of Place awards for their collaborative QR Code Litter Project.
Hospital donates €150k of medical equipment to Zambia
Roscommon University Hospital (RUH) has donated reusable medical equipment valued at €150,000 to Zambia, as part of its ongoing commitment to global health equity through the EQUALS initiative.
The EQUALS project, established by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and the HSE, aims to reduce global health inequalities and partners with local health services in low-income countries to deliver vital medical equipment and training. This most recent donation from RUH will help further strengthen healthcare infrastructure in Zambia, improve patient care and support medical staff.
“We are proud to support the EQUALS initiative,” said Marie Doorly, Interim Hospital Manager. “This donation reflects our hospital’s dedication not only to serving our local community, but also to extending care and compassion across borders.”
The EQUALS project began in Zambia and remains primarily focused on activities there. However, it has also extended support through equipment donations to Uganda and Ukraine. The project collaborates closely with local health services to ensure that the equipment and training provided are tailored to the specific needs of the region.
COMHAIRLE CONTAE ROS COMÁIN ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
SECTION 38 OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC ACT 1994 (AS AMENDED) PUBLIC NOTICE
The following works will be undertaken under Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 (as amended). Under Section 38 of the 1994 Road Traffic Act, a Road Authority may in the interest of the safety and convenience of road users provide such traffic calming measures as it considers desirable in respect of a public road in its charge. Works proposals under Section 38 may be carried out by a Roads Authority with the approval of the Chief Executive.
This is a non-statutory consultation to invite submissions from the public to inform the decision making of the Chief Executive. The purpose of this nonstatutory consultation is to provide notice of Roscommon County Council’s intention to undertake an Active Travel Scheme on the L7030 at Castle Lane, Cloonbrackna and Ballypheasan Townlands, Roscommon Town
Castle Lane Permeability Link Active Travel Scheme, Roscommon Town
The aim of this scheme is the construction of a new pedestrian footpath along the northern side of the L-7030 Castle Lane and the repurposing of the road to a shared street to accommodate both cyclists and vehicles. The measures aim to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, encouraging active travel to Loughnaneane Park, schools, and workplaces while enhancing connectivity along the town’s western side.
The project involves:
• Site clearance works
• Enhancement of the raised table pedestrian crossing at the junction with Castle Street
• Construction of new footpaths
• Surface water drainage works
• Installation of new road signage to alert motorists and enhance overall safety in the area
• Other ancillary works including the provision of road markings and street furniture
An Appropriate Assessment screening report and Environmental Impact Assessment screening report in respect of the development have been carried out and are available for inspection. The reports concluded that a full EIAR is not required, and that the development does not need to proceed to Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment. In accordance with Article 120 (3), as amended by S.I. No. 296 of 2018, a person may, within four weeks beginning on the date of the publication of this notice apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment. Such a submission should be addressed to the Secretary, An Bord Pleanála, 64, Marlborough Street, Dublin, 1.
Plans and Particulars of the proposed development may be inspected or purchased (at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy) for a period of four weeks from the 25th July 2025 during public opening hours at the offices of Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town F42 VR98. Plans and particulars may also be viewed online on the Roscommon County Council’s Public Consultation Portal at Home | Roscommon County Council’s Consultation Portal
A submission or observation in relation to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated may be made before 22nd August 2025 via the Council’s Public Consultation Portal or alternatively in writing or email marked “Castle Lane Permeability Link Active Travel Scheme, Roscommon Town” and submitted to: Roscommon County Council, Roads and Transportation Department, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town F42 VR98 or email roads@roscommoncoco.ie
Signed:
Mark Keaveney
Director of Services
Economic, Planning and Physical Development
Date of Notice: 25th July 2025
Pictured in the background are John Carr, Michael Kilcline, and Johnathan Farrell (Maintenance, Roscommon University Hospital) with Marie Doorly (Interim Hospital Manager, Roscommon University Hospital) and Pauline Conroy (IT Manager, Roscommon University Hospital) in the foreground.
The recent Gaelic4Mothers&Others Sinead Connaughton Memorial Blitz, hosted by St Dominic’s on July 12th last, was a great success
Roscommon County Council has decided to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the periods and the reason specified.
Road to be closed: LP 1218 Mantua Cross, Elphin
Period of Closure: 2nd August to 15th August 2025
Alternative Routes: L1218, L1217 & L60231
Reason for Closure: To facilitate N5 Road Project
Mark Keaveney
Director of Services
Economic, Planning and Physical Development
Special healing retreat in Curraghboy
A special healing retreat will take place at Our Lady Star of the Sea Prayer Centre, Curraghboy, on Friday, August 1st, and Saturday, August 2nd, with Fr John Keane.
The retreat commences at 7.30 pm on Friday evening, while on Saturday it will commence at 11 am and finish at 5 pm.
Confessions will be available on Friday evening at 7 pm, and Saturday morning also. There will be Mass on both days,
followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Adoration.
Fr John will incorporate the Devotions for the First Saturdays into the retreat. Afterwards Fr John will pray with everyone individually for healing.
All are most welcome. Please bring a packed lunch. Teas and coffees will be provided. The eircode is N37W704. For more, contact 086 4054489.
Flood prevention works confirmed
Work has commenced on cleaning the River Hind (aka Jiggy) near Ballymurray – a key flood prevention measure long sought by local residents. The project was confirmed in recent weeks by Cllr Marty McDermott, who described the commencement of works as “fantastic to see.”
“This is an issue I’ve been working on
since first elected back in 2019,” Cllr McDermott said, adding that the area has been “badly affected by flooding in the past” and that the work is vital for prevention efforts, which he is “very passionate about.”
He thanked Roscommon County Council and the relevant engineer for their support on the matter.
Ballintubber Heritage Week
Photos: Michael Finan
“Archaeology in action”: American and Irish volunteers collaborate at Ballintubber’s excavation site, peeling back layers of local history during Heritage Week.
Cllr Marty McDermott
Advertorial Samaritans Awareness Day
Athlone Midland Samaritans will have an awareness stand in Longford Shopping Centre on Thursday 24th July
Athlone Midland Samaritans will have an awareness stand in Longford Shopping Centre on Thursday 24th July. “We would be delighted to talk to anyone who would like to hear more about the work of the Samaritans or who might be interested in becoming a Samaritan volunteer.”
Athlone Midlands Samaritans is urging people to reach out for help as a caller reveals how he inspired a new campaign.
Athlone’s Nathan Green said Samaritans “helped me through the darkest moments” when he was struggling and going through a tough time.
Last year he completed a 24-hour silence for Samaritans Awareness Day, held on July 24th to show Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on freephone 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie.
It inspired 'Shush For Samaritans' this July – one of four 24-hour challenges for supporters to raise funds for the charity. Funds raised will support branches across Ireland including Athlone Midland Samaritans.
Nathan, 22, said: “I was always seen as the bubbly, outgoing one – always trying to put a smile on people’s faces. But that didn’t mean everything was always fine behind the scenes. Like many others, I went through times when I struggled. And during those moments, Samaritans were there.
“They were the voice at the end of the phone when I felt like I had no one else. Sometimes I called in tears, other times just needing someone to listen. I never felt judged - only supported. Those calls helped me through the darkest moments, and looking back now, I truly believe they played a part in shaping the person I’ve become,” he added.
Samaritans is the charity that prevents suicide through the power of human connection.
Anne McGrath, Branch Director with Athlone and Midland Samaritans, said: “Samaritans Awareness Day is such an important date for us – we want to get the message out that Samaritans are here 24 hours a day, for anyone in crisis and struggling to cope, on freephone 116 123. It remains a challenging time for many people and we want to remind the public that they are not alone. Our volunteers are here at any time of day or night, whatever they are facing.”
You can contact Samaritans FREE at any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit and the number won’t show up on your phone bill
Athlone’s Nathan Green
Tip
FRANK BRANDON
FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...
o’ the hat to Tipp
Our columnist Frank Brandon reminisces on his youth and the time he spent in the ‘50s and ‘60s going to Munster Championship matches with his uncle during the ‘golden period’ of Tipperary hurling, and muses about the team’s victory on Sunday last over Cork
My mother (we all called her Mrs B) was a proud Tipperary woman. As a young lad back in the mid-1950s and early ‘60s, I spent most of my school holidays down in her home place near Cloughjordan in North Tipperary. Her brother, my uncle Mikey, was a fairly well-to-do bachelor farmer who, even back then, used to have a car. And so I found myself going to loads of Munster Championship hurling matches with Mikey in what was a golden period of Tipperary hurling. I have to admit that at the time I had little or no interest in hurling, as obviously we were from football country in Creggs. Still, I couldn’t say I wouldn’t go to the matches with him, and as a young lad, I was lucky enough to see some of the greatest players that ever played the game. I would have seen the Doyles (not related),
John and Jimmy, Kieran Carey, Tony Wall, and even the legendary Christy Ring. As time went by, I developed a soft spot for Tipperary hurling.
And so, as I write this on a horrible wet Sunday evening, I have to admit to being more than happy at the amazing performance their hurlers produced in today’s All-Ireland final.
To win the second half by the extraordinary score of 3-14 to 0-2 must rank as one of the greatest sporting feats of all time. I am sure if there is an afterlife, that this evening, Uncle Mikey is a very happy man.
Sporting loyalties can cause all kinds of family friction, but hopefully, two of my four grandchildren – Riley and Hayley (aged four and two) – who visited me over the weekend, and who left this morning wearing their Cork jerseys, are too young to really be bothered about the result. They also have Mayo football jerseys, so in both instances, it’s a question of maybe next year (although I wouldn’t bet on it).
As for the hurlers of Cork, there is no doubt that this collapse of epic proportions will take a long time to get over. I actually hope they come back again next year as they can be one of the most exciting teams out there, but Sunday’s defeat (and its nature) will test their mettle. It’s now all about resolve and character. There is no doubt that even their own supporters will question them. Hopefully, they have the courage to come again.
Youth is never to be wasted
As I wrote elsewhere in this column, my daughter Lisa and her two young children – Riley (aged four) and Hayley (almost two) – stayed overnight on Saturday, and to our great delight and relief, both kids slept like little tops and there was no drama at all.
The one thing you can be sure about with children of that age is that you can be sure of nothing at all. You never know what way a night will turn out, but this time all went brilliantly. Anyway, it’s on Sunday morning and the four of us headed up to the cafe in the rugby club for the breakfast.
There, we are joined by my son Mark, and his children – Poppy (nearly four) and Daithi (two) – and after we had eaten our fill, we all headed out to the beautifully manicured rugby pitch that is The Green. There, the children had almighty craic.
As they ran around enjoying themselves, it brought back great memories for me. If I ever get back to the beach in Enniscrone or Rosses Point – and if I find a genie in a bottle – I have already decided on the wish I would make. Now I know most genies give you three wishes, but with my luck, mine would only give me one; I would not look for a new house or car or even a big bank balance. Instead, I would look to turn back the clock 50 years. And have me lining up a conversion from the touchline on the roadside of The Green, to win a big cup match against Galwegians and scoring it with the last kick of the game! Could there be any better moment in my life? (If I got two wishes, I might put in for some movement on the bank balance). Anyway, fast-forward to Monday morning, and as I arrived back at the Rugby Club for my daily walk, I was surprised to see a fair bit of activity
going on, even though it wasn’t yet 9 am. It transpired that the local rugby summer camp is taking place this week. As I continued with my slow walk, parents were arriving, dropping off the children, and the place was a hive of activity. Upwards of 80 children took part. As I took my leave a little after ten o’clock, it was hard to believe that our little club had come so far. Many years ago, I had the privilege of trying to teach a few young lads the basic skills of rugby, and if memory serves me correctly, I had a class of six or seven. I don’t want to boast, but almost all of those pupils became important and vital players for Creggs RFC. I wonder if I should give Andy Farrell a call? Anyway, on Monday, there were about 80 children up there, and from what I could see, they were going to have a very interesting and entertaining week.
Talking of bank balances, I have to admit that I thought that nearly all banking was now done online. But on Friday last, I had occasion to spend some time in and around a bank in a local town (I wasn’t casing it), and I couldn’t get over the number of people who actually physically called into the building. There was a steady stream of traffic for the couple of hours that I was there, and I have to say I was very surprised. The big banks have cut their staff enormously over the years, and therefore, I thought the foot flow would automatically be way down. From what I saw on Friday, that is not the case, and the bank was as busy as ever.
Maybe I’ll give Andy Farrell a miss and get in touch with the Bank of Ireland to see do they want me back? Maybe that’s not a great idea either, as they weren’t too keen on me the first time around! Either way, it opened my eyes to the fact that people still like to visit their local bank.
Chance to be at the big game
Out here in Creggs, we are on the final stretch with the draw for All-Ireland tickets. If you want to see if Jimmy can keep on winning matches or whether the men from the Kingdom can put a halt to his gallop, you can still buy tickets at www.creggsgaa. ie or from any committee member. You could win two stand tickets plus Saturday night B&B in the Gibson Hotel with one line for €10! Three lines are €20, and you can get eight lines for €50. The hurling tickets plus the night in the Gibson went to Keri Loughrey from Donegal, so well done to her! You could be the winner of the football ones.
Great walk was a great success
By all accounts, the Great Glinsk Walk, held last weekend, was an outrageous success. Between 400 and 500 people took part, the weather stayed good for all the activities, and the event exceeded even the most optimistic expectations. After the hurling game, I took a trip down to Dowd’s where Bill Haugh was in full flow. The pub was absolutely wedged. Well done to all who hosted, helped, supported, and took part in the Great Glinsk Walk. It’s surely here to stay.
And finally…
Finally, we all know that life can be very fickle and uncertain, but for Keith McAlister, over in Boston, it proved to be tragically bizarre.
He was called in to help take his wife off a table where she was having a scan on her knee. When he went into the room, he was wearing a large metallic weight training necklace around his neck. The magnetic force from the machine sucked him into the machine, and sadly, he later died from his injuries.
Because of the power of the magnetic force from these machines, people are not supposed to bring any metal items – such as keys – into the room, as they could pose a real danger. Some years ago, a flying metal oxygen container hit a young six-yearold child on the head and killed him. The tank was inadvertently brought into the room by a nurse and ended up in a $3m lawsuit. Pacemakers are also not allowed into these places, so that’s me ruled out of any MRI.
As for Keith McAlister, his weight training necklace, which should have prolonged it, sadly, actually cost him his life.
Catriona Byrne, author of Going Home, her debut novel, which is set primarily in Boyle and various locations throughout Co Roscommon and Leitrim, will be taking part in the Boyle Arts Festival.
Catriona will be doing a reading from her very popular novel on Thursday, July 25th, at the Una Bhan Tourism Centre at 3 pm. This is a free event and everyone’s welcome to attend. Her novel is stocked in Boyle in the Una Bhan Tourism Centre, Kelly’s Londis, and Ardcarne Garden Centre. It’s also in the following outlets: Roscommon Town – Newsround, Jorena Gifts, Time Pieces and Ardcarne Garden Centre; Strokestown – Strokestown House Gift Shop, Dawn ‘til Dusk and Hanly’s EuroSpar; Carrick-on-Shannon – Mulvey’s Giftware, The Reading Room and Leitrim Design House.
Scramogue Graveyard Mass
Mass will be celebrated in Scramogue Graveyard on Sunday, July 28th at 11.30 am. A collection for the upkeep of the graveyard will be held on the day. All welcome.
Photographed recently (back row, left to right) are Geraldine O’Donnell, Cllr Micheál Frain, Cathal Boland, Joe Du y, Joe Egan, Mary Casey and (front, left to right) Kay Boland and Grace Boland TD, at the unveiling of the mural commemorating the end of corporal punishment (in 1982) at the former De La Salle Brothers school in Ballaghaderreen. Photo: Michael Finan
Photographed recently (left to right) are Senator Gareth Scahill, Kay Boland, Grace Boland TD, Cathal Boland, and Cllr Micheál Frain at the unveiling of a mural commemorating the end of corporal punishment (in 1982) at the former De La Salle Brothers school in Ballaghaderreen. Photo: Michael Finan
St Nathy’s student Áine Flynn photographed with her painting. Photo: Michael Finan
FarmingPeople
Rise in farm fatalities
‘of great concern’
Roscommon farmers are being urged to prioritise safety as Farm Safety Week 2025 runs throughout this week. The initiative, led in Ireland by the IFA and supported by over 400 partners, was launched by Minister of State with responsibility for Farm Safety, Michael Healy-Rae TD, at the Teagasc Moorepark Dairy Open Day.
“The rise in farm fatalities this year is of great concern,” Minister Healy-Rae said. “However, farming doesn’t have to be dangerous if every effort is made to minimise or eliminate the hazards.”
IFA President Francie Gorman warned that no job on the farm is worth a life.
“This week, I urge every farming family to stop, think, and take action to prevent accidents,” he said.
IFA Farm Family & So-
cial Affairs Chair Teresa Roche noted the toll such incidents take. “The rate of farm accidents and fatalities is still far too high. One accident is one too many.”
Stephanie Berkeley of the Farm Safety Foundation said: “Each of us can improve how we work on the farm, but we also have
a responsibility not to tolerate poor safety behaviours in others.”
Teagasc Director, Professor Frank O’Mara, confirmed support through advisory visits and a series of Farmyard Design events, and daily safety messaging has been underway all week and will continue through Friday.
Castlerea MART WATCH
@ 11 a.m.
Special Sale of Bullocks
Also, Dry Cows and Heifers
Bookings accepted until Tuesday 5th August @ 5 p.m.
Sale of Lambs and Cast Ewes
Each Wednesday @ 11 a.m. Stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m. – Gates close at 10 a.m.
Tuesday 29th July @ 4 p.m. 66th Anniversary Show and Sale of Weanlings
Class 1: Best Weanling Bull
Class 2: Best Weanling Heifer
All show weanlings must be born in 2024 in exhibitor’s own herd
Saturday 2nd August @ 11 a.m.
Organic Cattle Sale
Bookings now being Accepted
Over 330 lots went under the hammer at Castlerea Mart on Thursday last, with strong demand across all categories. A large ringside and online presence contributed to excellent trade and a high clearance rate.
Bullocks reached up to €5.21 per kilo, with heavier types making as much as €3,220. Heifers topped out at €3,600. Dry cows sold to a high of €3,480, with €4.76 per kilo paid for continental types. A standout lot saw one local farmer pay €4,190 for a three-year-old Charolais cow with a Limousin heifer calf at foot.
Weanlings continued to command strong prices, with heifer weanlings reaching €8.75 per kilo and bulls up to €7.02 per kilo. The runner ring also saw rm demand, with farmer activity remaining brisk.
Sales continue at Castlerea Mart every Thursday with weekly sales of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am.
Roscommon MART WATCH
Cattle: There was a good entry of stock on o er at last Friday’s sale, with a solid trade for all categories. There was a good attendance of customers ringside, while online bidders were also active throughout the day.
– €3.72 per kg
Heifers ranged from an average of €4.63 per kilo up to €5.59 per kilo. Sample prices included: LMX, 410kg – €2,290 – €5.59 per kg; CHX, 625kg –€3,420 –€5.47 per kg; LMX, 430kg – €2,360 – €5.49 per kg; BBX, 555kg – €2,980 – €5.37 per kg; AAX, 525kg – €2,570 – €4.90 per kg;
CATTLE SALE EVERY FRIDAY
Friday 25th July at 7.00 pm
Ring 1: Dry Cows, Sucklers and In-calf Cows
Ring 2: Weanling
AAX, 575kg – €2,700 – €4.70 per kg; SIX, 375kg – €1,960 – €5.23 per kg
Sheep
There was a larger entry of sheep on o er at Wednesday’s sale of lambs and stag ewes. Lambs made up to €186, while stag ewes sold to a top of €296. A smaller entry of ewes with lambs at foot fetched up to €346. Please note: All sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID tag set. The yard opens at 8 am and all stock must be penned by 10 am. Sales can be viewed live on www.marteye.ie
Lambs – sample prices: 37.8kgs – €154 –€4.07 per kg; 38.5kgs – €156 – €4.05 per kg; 41.1kgs – €161 – €3.92 per kg; 44kgs – €171 – €3.89 per kg; 46.5kgs – €178 – €3.83 per kg; 42.6kgs – €165 – €3.87 per kg.
ICMSA: no justification for June milk price cuts
Roscommon farmers and suppliers across the country should not accept any cut to the June milk price, according to ICMSA Dairy Committee Chairperson Noel Murphy, who said there is “no conceivable scenario” in which a price drop could be justified.
Mr Murphy cited strong global signals, including a revised US all-milk price forecast of $21.95 per hundredweight, as reported in the USDA’s July Dairy Market Outlook. This, he said, reflects “a balanced market where supply growth is being met with steady demand.” Southern Hemisphere prices are also trending positively, supported by Fonterra’s most recent update.
While the primary focus remains on Irish and EU markets, the ICMSA pointed to Dutch dairy quotes, which rose by almost one cent per litre for WMP mix in June.
The industry-standard Butter/SMP indicator also saw a modest increase of 0.5 cent per litre.
“There should be no negativity around milk price at present,” Mr Murphy said. “Processors should be looking to increase prices – certainly not wasting their time peddling the notion that we are in a negative space.”
He added that margins remain tight for producers: “Holding milk prices steady is essential to protect farm viability and ensure continued investment in sustainability... without making up imaginary pressures on milk prices that are nowhere supported by the data and facts in the marketplace.”
ALL WEEKEND
Carnival Fun Run 5km route through Aghrane Forest. Hosted by St. Brendan’s Ladies Football Club. Sponsored by Liam Morris Haulage. Pay on the day (cash only). Registration: 10:30am • Run starts: 11am Reg: Assembly Hall, Coláiste Mhuire • Entry: €5
JUNIOR TAG RUGBY
Hosted by
Storytelling with
F42 TD30 • Adm: FREE
Children’s Fancy Dress
The Annual Ballygar Carnival Children’s Fancy Dress with prizes for the best dressed in various categories. Music, dance and fun! Registration from 2.30pm. 3pm • Mattie McDonagh Centre
MISCHIEF MANAGEABLE FAMILY
DRumadore
the transformative power of music in a lively and engaging setting. Perfect for all ages, Drumadore’s performances are a celebration of music, movement, and pure joy. Get involved and feel the beat! 5.30pm • Outside St. Mary’s Church • FREE Workshop
Children’s Treasure Trail
Follow the clues to win a prize!
7.30pm • Mattie McDonagh Centre • Entry: FREE
BEAT ON THE STREET Aimee Carty
Local singer-songwriter Aimee Carty has captured the hearts of listeners worldwide with her authentic lyrics and captivating melodies. Her songs are hugely popular with fans of all ages, and have racked up well over 100 million streams in the last year!
9:30pm • Outside Fallon’s Bar • FREE Street Performance
Full line-up of festivities at Ballygar’s 81st annual carnival
Ballygar Carnival returns from July 31st to August 5th, with a programme of events celebrating community, music, sport and culture.
Now in its 81st year, the carnival remains one of the region’s best-loved festivals, drawing visitors from across Galway and neighbouring Roscommon.
Running throughout the week is Murray’s Amusements, with dodgems, waltzers, and chairoplanes open nightly from 7.30 pm, and from 2 pm on Sunday and Monday.
Saturday 2nd August: The Lancers
Saturday 9th August: Shane Moore
Saturday 16th August: Damien Davis
Saturday 23rd August: Sean Moran & Hugh Turner
Saturday 30th August: Michael Cleary & Jackie Bannon
The opening day, Thursday, features a video screening marking 80 years of the carnival at the Courthouse (7.30 pm, F42 TD30), alongside an U-11 boys’ football blitz hosted by St Brendan’s GAA at the new pitch (6.30-8.30 pm, F42 KH59). The Raggle Taggle Gypsies perform at the Mattie McDonagh Centre from midnight (doors 11.30 pm, over 18s).
Friday sees céilí favourites Rise the Dust perform outside Fallon’s Bar (8 pm), followed by singer-songwriter Aimee Carty (9.30 pm). The Wilful take the stage at the Centre from midnight.
Saturday opens with a 5km Fun Run through Aghrane Forest (11 am start), hurling tournaments (11 am-2 pm, GAA pitch), junior tag rugby (12-2 pm, Niall Walsh Pitch, F42 V211), and Digital Voices Unleashed, an arts film project, at the Courthouse (1-6 pm). Historian Paul Connolly leads a heritage bus tour from 1 pm (ticketed), and Eddie Lenihan’s storytelling (8 pm, ages 9+) closes the Courthouse pro-
gramme. The Tribesmen perform on the street from 9.30 pm, with Mike Denver live at the Centre from midnight.
On Sunday, Padraic and Gerard Hannon lead a guided walk in Aghrane Forest (11.30 am). The children’s fancy dress begins at 3 pm, followed by magician Oisín Foley’s family show (4 pm), Drumadore’s drumming workshop (5.30 pm, outside St Mary’s Church), and a treasure trail (7.30 pm). Bash Brothers and Burning Circus combine music and fire performance (8.30 pm), followed by Stevie B (9.30 pm). ABBAesque headline the late show at the Centre (from 12.15 am).
Monday is Fair Day, with markets from 9 am on Main Street and at the Centre. The Art Link Collective exhibit runs at Coláiste Mhuire (11 am-4.30 pm), while the Ballygar Dog Show begins at Niall Walsh Pitch (registration from 12 pm), alongside Mike Leahy’s agility display. Pilates classes take place at 1 pm and 2.15 pm in Aghrane Forest. The Carnival Busking Competition runs from 1 pm, with past winners Adam & Sean performing at 3 pm. The Animal Roadshow opens at Ballygar NS grounds (3 pm), and The Atlantic play on Main Street from 9.30 pm. The Tumbling Paddies headline the ticket-only Monday night concert (doors 11 pm).
The festival concludes on Tuesday with a nature walk led by Sinéad Keane in Aghrane Forest at 2 pm, followed by Monster Bingo in the Mattie McDonagh Centre at 8.30 pm, with up to €7,000 in prizes.
This photograph was taken by Ballygar’s very own Peter Daly at the dog show, during the 80th anniversary of the Ballygar Carnival, last year!
Pictured at the dog show, during the 80th anniversary of the Ballygar Carnival, last year. Picture: Peter Daly.
grabs in Monster Bingo at Ballygar Carnival!
Photo: Peter Daly
Memories and market day tradition
BALLYGAR CARNIVAL SET TO MARK 81st YEAR
People from across the region will once again celebrate the Ballygar Carnival, which returns from July 31st to August 5th. Now in its 81st year, the carnival remains one of the longest-running festivals in the west.
Established in 1945 by parish priest Canon John Feeley as a fundraiser for church improvements, the event quickly grew into a major summer attraction. From early marquees with waxed floorboards to the arrival of Murray’s Amusements in the 1950s, the carnival has consistently evolved while maintaining its community roots. According to local historian Brian Scanlon, the original
marquee was repurposed from US Army stock and lovingly repaired for use in the Market Square.
Music has always been central to the festivities, with performers from Bert Flynn’s Band to Daniel O’Donnell, Aslan and Nathan Carter drawing crowds. The event’s legacy includes late-night dances, bustling streets filled with bicycles, and decades of local and national acts.
The Fair Day, held on the August Bank Holiday, has become a major feature of the carnival in recent years, continuing Ballygar’s market town tradition. As is noted in historical records relating to the festival, stalls line the streets with crafts, goods and food, while daytime events such as pig racing, tug-of-war and fancy dress competitions added to the festive atmosphere of carnivals gone by. The event remains a vital cultural anchor for the region.
Ballygar Carnival’s traditional fair day and market
As part of this year’s Ballygar Carnival, a traditional old fair day will be held on Main Street, with an indoor craft market taking place alongside it in the Mattie McDonagh Centre.
Continuing Ballygar’s history as a market town, the annual fair day is one of the carnival’s oldest traditions and brings entertainment for all ages. There will be plenty of wonderful goods
on offer at the event between indoor and street stalls, including crafts, food and drink, jewellery, toys, bric-a-brac, clothing, home and giftware, etc. Ballygar Carnival merchandise will also be available. Tea rooms will be open on the day at the Courthouse and Mattie McDonagh Centre. The event will run from 9 am on Monday, August 4th, until mid-afternoon, and promises to be a wonderful day out for all.
Photographed during last year’s fair day at Ballygar Carnival. Photo: Peter Daly
A selection of photos taken at Ballygar Carnival over the years by Matt Nolan (sourced via the ‘Mount Talbot – A Journey Through The Ages’ Facebook page).
One of County Galway’s longest-running summer traditions will return this August Bank Holiday, with applications now open for traders interested in taking part in Ballygar Carnival’s annual Fair Day. The Fair Day, which falls on Monday, August 4th this year, is among the oldest and most storied parts of Ballygar’s festival calendar, reflecting the town’s heritage as a former market centre. The carnival itself – now entering its 81st year – runs from July 31st to August 5th.
Speaking about the Fair Day, the organisers describe it as “one of the carnival’s oldest traditions” and say it brings entertainment and community spirit to Ballygar each year. Locals and visitors alike often use the day to reconnect, with many treating the Bank Holiday as a time to meet friends and family, including those returning home from abroad.
Trading will run on the day from approximately 9 am to 4 pm. However, organisers have cautioned that stalls should not be set up outside those hours or the designated spaces, as space is required for other events and essential parking.
There are two options for stallholders: outdoor trading along Main Street or indoor trading within the Mattie McDonagh Centre. Traders interested in the street market must apply for a valid Casual Trading Licence from Galway County Council.
According to the local authority, failure to produce a valid permit may result in a stall being shut down on the day. Some exemptions apply, such as displays or non-commercial busking. A limited number of spaces on private land are also available by prior arrangement.
Indoor stalls at the Mattie McDonagh Centre are managed directly by the Ballygar Carnival Committee. These smaller, indoor-only set-ups do not require a council permit, but a €10 fee applies. The committee has reserved the right to refuse or remove any stall it deems unsuitable. Traders are encouraged to register early due to limited space. Interested applicants can email ballygarcarnival@ballygar.ie or contact the event’s Facebook page.
Local community groups among the beneficiaries of 81st Ballygar Carnival
Now in its 81st year, Ballygar Carnival returns from July 31st to August 5th with a full week of events, and continues to support numerous local groups across Galway and Roscommon. The community-run festival has long channelled proceeds into organisations that assist with the carnival’s delivery.
Funding beneficiaries in recent years have included Ballygar Tidy Towns, Ballygar Play-
ground, the Defibrillator Fund, Ballygar and Killeroran cemeteries, and both St Mary’s Church, Ballygar and St Patrick’s Church, Newbridge. Schools in the area such as Ballygar Primary School, Ballaghlea NS and Coláiste Mhuire have also received support.
Groups like Ballygar Playschool, Ballygar Art Space and the Christmas Lighting committee are among others to benefit, as are newer ser-
Top class competition on cards at Ballygar Carnival Dog Show
Dog lovers from County Roscommon and the surrounding area are being encouraged to register early for one of the region’s most popular animal events, as the Ballygar Carnival Dog Show returns on Bank Holiday Monday, August 4th, 2025. The show takes place at Niall Walsh Pitch in Ballygar, with registration from 11.30 am and judging from 1 pm. Entry is €5 per class.
Organisers say this year’s event features more classes than ever, with categories ranging from Best Puppy and Best Rescue Dog to crowd favourites like Best Fancy Dress and Best Trick or Most Obedient Dog. Roscommon entrants will compete alongside dog owners from across the west, with classes open to beginners and professionals alike.
The competition includes 20 classes, culminating in the Champion of the Show and Reserve Champion, selected from first-place winners in the pedigree categories. Prizes include
trophies, large rosettes, bags of dog food and cash awards for select winners.
The Overall Champion Handler will also receive a €50 cash prize.
According to the Ballygar Carnival Committee, this is
vices including the Friendly Phone Calls initiative. Community developments in Ballinamore Bridge and upgrades to the new GAA pitch have also been aided through carnival funding, while the Mattie McDonagh Centre remains a central focus of support. Distribution is prioritised towards those assisting with carnival activities, underlining the event’s long-standing ethos of community support and cooperation.
one of the largest events of its kind in the region. For further details or to preregister, prospective entrants can email ballygarcarnival@ballygar.ie or visit the Ballygar Carnival Facebook page.
Pictured at the dog show, during the 80th anniversary of the Ballygar Carnival, last year. Picture: Peter Daly.
FLASHBACK: A photo taken at Ballygar Carnival over the years by Matt Nolan (sourced via the ‘Mount Talbot – A Journey Through The Ages’ Facebook page).
Castlerea’s award-winning festival offers a star-studded line-up and family focus
The Castlerea Rose Festival will feature a packed programme of events when it takes place this weekend (Saturday, July 26th to Sunday, August 3rd, 2025).
The event, which was named Best Irish Festival at the 2024 LAMA Awards, continues to grow in scale and stature, attracting music lovers, families, and visitors of all ages. Among the headline acts this year are The Tumbling Paddies, Qween (a Queen tribute band), The Highwaymen Reincarnated, and Oasis tribute act –Roll With It.
Organisers have promised a vibrant blend of live music, community spirit, and cultural celebration. Festivalgoers can expect everything from fireworks and swimming galas to biodiversity walks, trad sessions, treasure hunts and inclusive sports events.
A key highlight in 2025 will be the long-awaited return of the Castlerea parade, marking its first appearance in seven years. The parade – featuring giant inflatables, mobile discos, and colourful floats – will take place on opening night and is billed as a “multicultural celebration” by organisers.
The festival website, www. castlerearosefestival.com, has published a full programme and ticket details. According to the site, the schedule reflects “the heart and spirit of Castlerea” and offers “something for everyone to enjoy.”
Several events are family-focused and free to attend, including a children’s art and craft morning, outdoor fitness sessions, biodiversity events, and a dinosaur-themed fun day in Somers Park. Meanwhile, ticketed concerts offer affordable access, with adult prices from €10.
There is also a nod to heritage, with a pilgrimage walk to St Patrick’s Church in Emlagh and a historical photo exhibition documenting Castlerea’s
is a group
at the
Festival kicks off with free family fun day!
Castlerea Rose Festival kicks off this Saturday, July 26th, with a free family fun day at the Castlerea Celtic grounds (F45A379).
Taking place from 3 pm to 7 pm, the event promises to be a brilliant afternoon of fun for all ages. There will be fun and games, bouncy castles, football drills/penalty shootouts, music, a BBQ, and lots more to keep everyone entertained.
from
to 12.45 pm on Saturday, July 26th.
Described as a ‘friendly, relaxed morning of chess open to all ages and all levels’, attendees are encouraged to take part no matter their experience,
Castlerea Celtic will also be marking a special moment on the day, with the official naming of their stand, ‘The James Kennedy Stand’, in honour of one of the club’s great stalwarts.
Don’t miss out on what promises to be a wonderful free community event. For more information, visit castlerearosefestival.com.
to have a game or two and meet some new people in the community.
Attendees are asked to bring a board along if they have one already. Registrations are not necessary –you can just pop in and play – but they can be made via email at castlerealibrary@roscommoncoco.ie, or online at roscommoncoco.ie.
past. Local sports clubs and
Fáilte Ireland.
updates are available across the festival’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram
Photographed
of excited attendees
launch of the Castlerea Rose Festival recently. Photo: Liam Reynolds
All smiles at the recent launch of the Castlerea Rose Festival, which promises to be a great festival for people of all ages and abilities. Photo: Liam Reynolds
Castlerea Rose Festival 2025 CASTLEREA Agricultural, Trade & Craft Show 2025
‘Biggest prize fund ever’ at 2025 Castlerea Show
Taking place on the Bank Holiday Monday, August
4th, this year’s Castlerea Agricultural Trade and Craft Show promises a packed schedule of entertainment, competitions and classes for all the family.
A staple of the local events calendar, the Castlerea Show returns with one of its biggest ever prize funds. Visitors can look forward to a broad range of livestock and pet showing classes – including cattle, sheep, horses, ponies, donkeys, dogs, pets, fowl and goats – as well as competitions in home produce, crafts and flowers.
“This year promises to be our best ever,” said Show Chairperson Elaine Quinn. “We are thankful for the support of our primary partner, Castlerea Co-Operative Livestock Mart, as well as our local business sponsors, stewards, committee members and many volunteers. Everyone’s tireless dedication ensures a fun event that continues to grow year on year.”
The cattle section
Cllr Ruth Conboy, Damien Conboy, and Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr Liam Callaghan photographed at the 2025 Castlerea Agricultural Show launch in McGourty’s, Castlerea. Photo: Michael Finan
remains one of the show’s major draws. This year, it includes a wide variety of pedigree and non-pedigree commercial classes with substantial prize money on offer. Among the most lucrative classes are the ‘Best Butchers’ Heifer’ (total prize fund: €500), ‘Heifer suitable to make suckler cow’ (prize fund: €1,000), and the ‘Bonny Baby Bull Calf of the Year’ and ‘Bonny Baby Heifer Calf of the Year’, each offering €500 in prize money.
The pedigree section features classes for Angus, Simmental, Charolais and Limousin breeds, with first prizes of €80, second-place prizes of €60 and €40 for third place. Both pedigree and commercial cattle classes will culminate in two key titles: ‘Overall Commercial Champion of the Show’ and ‘Overall Pedigree Champion of the Show’.
In a major highlight, this year’s event – in conjunction with the Irish Shows
SATURDAY 26 JULY
Association – will host the final of the All-Ireland Crossbred Breeding Ewe Lamb Championship. The class will feature qualifying entrants from across the country, all vying for a share of the €2,500 prize fund.
The sheep section also includes the traditional pedigree and commercial classes, including for Texel, Suffolk and Charolais breeds. The top prize in this section is the Anthony Waldron Perpetual Cup, awarded in memory of
Pop-up Chess 10:30am Castlerea Library
FAMILY FUN DAY WITH CASTLREA CELTIC 3pm-7pm, Castlerea Celtic Grounds (F45 A379)
MARDI GRAS PARADE 8.30pm, Throughout the streets of Castlerea
SUNDAY 27 JULY
RUN WITH THE ROSES 9.30am, Starting at the Hub (F45 AC96)
Bloom & Grow in the Orchard 12pm, Foley’s Orchard
Historical Photo Exhibition 5pm-8pm, Trinity Arts Centre (F45 AW27)
TRAD SESSION 8.30pm - late, Mulvihill’s Bar (F45 NW64)
MONDAY 28 JULY
Historical Photo exhibition 7pm-9pm Trinity Arts Centre (F45 AW27)
TUESDAY 29 JULY
Mindful Moments: Mindfulness & Yoga for kids, 10am-11am, O’Rourke GAA Centre
THE HIGHWAYMEN REINCARNATED 8pm, Somers Park (F45 YW59)
WEDNESDAY 30 JULY
Mindful Moments: Mindfulness & Yoga for kids 10am-11am, O’Rourke GAA Centre
Access Fitness with Empower Fit: 1pm, Somers Park (F45 YW59)
Family Movie Night 6.30pm, The Hub (F45 AC96)
Splash Night: Teen Pool Party, 6pm-7.30pm, Castlerea Outdoor Swimming pool
THURSDAY 31 JULY
THE TUMBLING PADDIES: 9pm - 11pm
The Fairgreen (F45 FC91)
Anthony Waldron, a muchmissed and hard-working former member of the show committee.
All entries for classes (except the dog show) must be submitted by Friday, August 1st. Entries for the dog show will be accepted on the day. For a full schedule or more information, contact Elaine Quinn on 086 3010409 or Sarah Winston on 086 7263411, or email castlereaagriculturalshow@ gmail.com.
FRIDAY 01 AUGUST
RSA Shuttle: 10am-4pm The Fairgreen (F45 FC91)
Castlerea Golf Club Open (Singles Stableford): All day 1st-4th Aug, Castlrea Golf Club
Children’s Window Treasure Hunt: 2pm, Starting at Robert Flynns (F45 D653) Festival Bingo: 8pm O’Rourke GAA Centre (F45 AC96)
The Castlerea Derby, Pony racing with a twist: 8pm The Square
QWEEN, IT’S A KINDA QUEEN: 9.30pm, The Square
SATURDAY 2ND AUGUST
Parkrun: 9.30am, The Demesne
Kids Art & Craft Morning: 11am, Trinity Arts Centre (F45 AW27) Indoor Market: 12pm-4pm, The Hub (F45 AC96)
Kids Disco: 3pm, Trinity Arts Centre
ROLL WITH IT, The ultimate Oasis
Experience: 9.00pm McGourty’s Carpark
FIREWORKS DISPLAY: 11pm
McGourty’s Carpark
SUNDAY 03 AUGUST
Pilgrimage: Bóthar Bhrochaid - Emlagh, Castlrea 6.30am, Trinity Arts Centre
Swimming Gala: 11am-1pm, Castlerea Outdoor Swimming pool
FAMILY FUN DAY: 2pm-5pm, Somers Park (F45 YW59)
ROSE OF CASTLEREA SELECTION GALA: 8pm, Trinity Arts Centre (F45 AW27)
PARTICULARS FROM: Elaine Quinn: 086 3010409 or Sarah Winstone: 086 7263411
This year’s contestants for the title of 2025 Castlerea Rose have been announced, with seven young women set to take centre stage for one of the most anticipated events in the town’s summer calendar.
Each Rose brings their own personality, passion and local pride to the festival, and with a broad range of backgrounds and interests represented, competition for the coveted crown promises to be as fierce as it is friendly.
The Rose of Castlerea Selection Gala will take place on Sunday, August 3rd, rounding out what is expected to be another action-packed Castlerea Rose Festival. The event will be held at the Trinity Arts Centre (F45AW27),
spinners and spoons.
6 ft. Childrens Fishing Rod and Reel Combo: €34.
GARDEN
Keycutting service available for all types of keys –
bullets, clay pigeons, and all accessories are available.
ANIMALS
Wild-bird care, wide selection of peanuts, wild-bird seed, robin and songbird mix.
Bird Tables, Feeders in stock
Special o er: 25kg peanuts only €60
with doors opening at 7 pm and proceedings beginning at 8 pm sharp. This year’s event is sponsored by McSharry’s Pharmacy and will once again be hosted by the ever-popular Gerry Glennon of Midwest Radio.
This year’s hopefuls vying for the Castlerea Rose title are: Yulia Shumyhora, representing Benny’s Deli; Stephanie Jennings, representing Tully’s totalhealth Pharmacy; Saoirse Webb, representing Lyons MACE; Róisín Grant, representing Castlerea Musical Society; Alisha Manning, representing O’Gara Contractors Ltd, Ballinlough; Aimee Caslin, representing The Cosy Bar; and Julia Dzwonkowska, representing McSharry’s Pharmacy.
The Castlerea Rose Festival will run from Saturday, July 26th to Sunday, August 3rd, with a wide-ranging line-up of events for all ages. From music and family fun to street entertainment and the traditional parade, it promises to be a highlight of the summer once again. To keep up to date with the festival, follow the Castlerea Rose Festival on Facebook and Instagram, visit castlerearosefestival. com, or email castlerearosefestival@ gmail.com.
- Hayseed acres and ½ acres, lawn seed. All at Robert Flynn, the Square, Castlerea. 094 9620028.
Best wishes to Castlerea Rose Festival and Castlerea Agricultural, Trade & Craft Show
Fun for all the family at Castlerea Agricultural Show
Bank Holiday Monday, August 4th, will see the return of the Castlerea Agricultural Trade and Craft Show and promises a packed schedule of entertainment, competitions and classes for all the family.
Among the day’s entertainment will be performances from Gavin Gribbin, Trevor Moyles and the Castlerea Brass & Reed Band, along with a display by Wild Birds of Prey.
New for 2025 is a Vintage section, which will celebrate the 60th Irish anniversary of
the ‘Red Giant – 100 Series’ Massey Ferguson tractor. A number of vintage cars and tractors will also be on display, and spot prizes will be awarded throughout the day.
Exhibitors may arrive from 8 am, with gates opening to the public at 10 am. The official opening will take place at 12 noon and will be performed by former county councillor and well-known community activist Danny Burke.
“Castlerea Agricultural Show is an annual fixture
for our local community and one that is eagerly anticipated,” Mr Burke said. “While much has changed over the years, the show continues to be a wonderful celebration of rural life and community spirit in Castlerea and beyond.”
Judging in the cattle, sheep, horses, ponies and dog classes will begin at 12.30 pm. The ‘Bonny Baby’ and ‘Best Dressed Lady and Gent’ competitions will take place from 2.30 pm –those wishing to take part are reminded to register
Festival committee acknowledges wide-ranging sponsor support
With the 2025 Castlerea Rose Festival set to get underway, organisers have expressed their gratitude to the many sponsors whose contributions continue to underpin the success of the annual event.
Main sponsorship this year comes from Harmac Medical, Cahill’s SuperValu and West-Midlands Credit Union, while Gold Sponsors include Kearney’s Chemist, Tully’s totalhealth Pharmacy, Connaught Construction, Keith Revins’ Tyres, Castlerea Livestock Mart, Colleran Construction, Creighton and Regan Construction Ltd, Coyle Environmental and MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan.
In addition, a large number of community sponsors have pledged support, including Benny’s Deli, Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice, Igoe Agri & Engineering, McGourty’s Bar, Manson Electric, Norio’s, Paul and Susan Gaynor, Apache, Webb’s Butchers, Kelly Henry Medical Centre, CHP Engineering Ltd, Mary Mullarkey Solicitor, Collins Concrete & Plant Hire and Surfasology.
The festival committee noted that dozens of other local businesses, individuals and community figures have contributed time, resources and funding to ensure the continued success of what is now a nationally recognised festival.
beforehand at the show office.
All entries for agricultural classes must be submitted by Friday, August 1st. Entries for the dog show
will be accepted on the day.
For more information, email castlereaagriculturalshow@ gmail.com.
Roger Greene, Kayley Mannion, John Flanagan, Elaine Quinn, Frank Campbell, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr Liam Callaghan, Pat McGourty, Dervilla Harte, John Jennings, Valerie Campbell, Damien Conboy, Cllr Ruth Conboy, and Sarah Winston photographed at the 2025 Castlerea Agricultural Show launch in McGourty’s, Castlerea. Photo: Michael Finan
Photographed at the 2023 Castlerea Agricultural Show Launch at McGourty’s Bar were Clare Kelly, Megan Kelly, Katie Murphy and Jenny Murphy. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Festival chair hails community spirit ahead of Castlerea celebrations
Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice, Chairperson of the Castlerea Rose Festival Committee, has praised the community effort behind this year’s Castlerea Rose Festival, as the award-winning event returns with its most ambitious programme to date.
In the festival’s official welcome, the Castlerea-based councillor said the town was “still riding the high” after being named Best Irish Festival at the 2024 LAMA Awards – a title which, he noted, “reflects the heart and spirit of our town.”
Among the highlights of this year’s festival is the long-awaited return of the local parade, back after a seven-year hiatus. Fitzmaurice said the return would be “one to remember and coming back after the hiatus, this massively popular family-friendly event.
The Mardi Gras style parade will be packed with music and entertainment for all, and according to Cllr Fitzmaurice, there will be a special treat on the square at intermission: “About halfway through the parade, there will be a break at the Square for an animatronic dinosaur show, which will be great entertainment for the children.” The parade will also have a mobile disco, reminiscent of the days of ‘River Island’.
This year’s festival has a bumper
musical lineup (see festival advert page 22 for full lineup of events).
Some of the musical highlights include the ‘Highwaymen’, a ninepiece cover band of the original Highwaymen ensemble, who will be playing on Tuesday, August 29th, in Somers Park.
Thursday night will see the return of the much-loved ‘The Tumbling Paddies’ who drew crowds of over 3,000 people in previous years. Fitzmaurice noted that the key thing to note about this musical performance is that there is seating available for those who require it and said: “safety is a top priority and we will do everything we can to make sure everyone gets to, enjoy and gets home from this family-friendly and inclusive event safely, as they have in previous years.”
Friday night, August 1st, Qween, a tribute band that Fitzmaurice described as “the best Queen tribute band in Europe” will be performing at the festival. On Saturday, Oasis tribute band – Roll With It will entertain the crowds, coming all the way from Belfast. Moving away from the musical highlights, Cllr Fitzmaurice told the Roscommon People: “Friday evening will be a special one –there will be a county councillor pony race, so people can cast their secret ballot in the form of backing
their favourite.”
“This year’s festival, like in the past, will be a diverse and inclusive event for people of all ages and abilities,” explained Cllr Fitzmaurice. The main event will take place on Sunday, August 3rd, with the Rose Selection Gala, and Cllr Fitzmaurice wished all the contestants “good luck” and
thanked the many sponsors. Fitzmaurice paid tribute to the festival committee, stewards, volunteers, An Garda Síochána and Roscommon Civil Defence, and acknowledged the support of Roscommon County Council, the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), and Fáilte Ireland.
Photographed recently at the launch of the Castlerea Rose Festival.
Photo: Liam Reynolds
ENTERTAINMENT Culture&ARTS
To feature in this section, call 090-6634632 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
Katrina Boucher Regan of Music Generation gets recognition from the musicians for her dedication to producing the show.
Photos: Brian Farrell
Grace McKenna pictured performing at Music Generation Roscommon’s recent concert in Boyle.
Grace McKenna pictured performing at Music Generation Roscommon’s recent concert in Boyle.
Shane Noone pictured performing at Music Generation Roscommon’s recent concert in Boyle.
Tutor Johnny McGlynn pictured at Music Generation Roscommon’s recent concert in Boyle.
Kate Duffy pictured performing at Music Generation Roscommon’s recent concert in Boyle.
Teagan Leeper pictured performing at St Joseph’s Hall for Music Generation Roscommon’s recent concert.
Amelie Frazer pictured performing at Music Generation Roscommon’s recent concert in Boyle.
Nicholas Bondi pictured performing at St Joseph’s Hall for Music Generation Roscommon’s recent concert.
Bridget Griffin pictured performing at Music Generation Roscommon’s recent concert in Boyle.
Alex Keoghan pictured performing at St Joseph’s Hall for Music Generation Roscommon’s recent concert.
Izzy Boucher pictured performing at Music Generation Roscommon’s recent concert in Boyle.
Music Generation Roscommon recently held their ‘End of the Century’ concert for Boyle Arts Festival in St Joseph’s Hall in Boyle.
Performers pictured at Music Generation Roscommon’s recent concert in Boyle.
Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival 2025
2ND
4TH MON 3RD SUN
6TH WED 5TH TUE 7TH THU 8TH FRI 9TH SAT 10TH SUN
2.00pm `The Cherry Blossom Tales’. Durkin’s. FREE
4.30pm `The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark’, (Children’s Opera). Big Top. Fair Green. €10.00 (child, €5)
7.30pm John B Keane’s `The Field’, with Ballaghaderreen Players. St. Nathy’s College. €16.50*
3.00pm `The Importance of Being Earnest’. Edmondstown House. €21.50*
3.00pm `Broken Theatre Circus’. Big Top. Fair Green. €20, (child €15), Family (2 adults, 2 children) - €60
8.00pm Comedy Night at Edmondstown House. Compére John Colleary, with Sharon Mannion & Joe Rooney. €21.50* SAT
The Community Arts Group will exhibit at the Phoenix Centre throughout the Festival, as will Conor O’Connell and recent graduates of the National College of Art and Design in the new library at Dillon House. Photographers Eithne Gallagher and Marek Petrovich will exhibit in Mulligan’s windows, Main St, as will artists Simon Culleton and Irina Maslukhina, and Black Hen Design ceramics *Includes booking fee.
Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival 2025
Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival promises a wild and wonderful week of events
Cllr. Liam Callaghan
Councillor for the Boyle area
Contact me with any issues on 086 3325839 or cllrlcallaghan@roscommoncoco.ie
The Square, Ballaghaderreen Telephone: 094 9861967
Arts Festival
It’s halfway through the summer holidays, and if the small people in your house are beginning to fray your nerves, Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival might just be your salvation.
This year’s programme, running from Friday, August 2nd to Sunday, August 10th, has something for everyone – especially for children and families. In fact, they’ll be spoiled for choice.
‘Big Top’ with circus daily
A Big Top will take over the Fair Green throughout the week, kicking off with a children’s opera, The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark, featuring up to 40 local children. Performances take place at 4.30 pm on Saturday, August 2nd and Sunday, August 3rd – a colourful and ambitious production, sure to charm audiences of all ages.
From Monday, August 4th to Sunday, August 10th, circus workshops will take place daily at 12 noon in the same Big Top. Expect juggling, balancing, and hula hooping – followed each afternoon at 3 pm by performances from the Broken Theatre Circus troupe. Clowns, acrobats, and jugglers will bring a riot of energy to the town centre all week long.
Outdoor theatre fans are also in for a treat. A free children’s matinee of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest takes place at 3 pm on Saturday, August 9th at Edmondstown House. With additional performances at 7 pm that evening and again at 3 pm on Sunday the 10th, this unique outdoor staging promises a rare Wildean treat, complete with period costumes and all the trimmings.
Another free highlight for the little ones is Jammin’ on the Square, on Sunday afternoon, August 3rd. The town centre will fill with the music of the West’s famed Ukulele Women, before a lively follow-on session at Spells Bar.
line, now’s your chance to catch O’Rourke live in action.
The Ballaghaderreen Players return with a production of The Field by John B Keane at St Nathy’s College on August 2nd, 3rd and 4th at 7.30 pm. Directed by Julie Sharkey, with support from Sineád Foley, this production is being quietly spoken of as one of the strongest the group has delivered in years.
Comedy takes centre stage on Tuesday, August 5th, when Séamus O’Rourke brings his oneman show, Padraig Potts, to St Nathy’s. If you haven’t already encountered his Mossy Flood – I’m from Longford on-
The Cathedral concerts begin with The Celtic Tenors on Wednesday, August 6th at 7.30 pm –a farewell performance for James Nelson, the Sligo-born tenor who retires from the group after decades of success. Also performing will be the respected Cathedral Choir under Maria Moynihan and a new Children’s Choir organised by Catherine Coyle.
On Thursday, August 7th, traditional music takes over the Cathedral with a headline appearance by the Towey family (Rocky Towey, John Towey Snr, and Johnny Towey Jnr), joined by Sharon Shannon, Alan
Connor and Gerry O’Connor – a rare gathering of musical talent not to be missed.
A change of pace comes on Friday, August 8th with a GAA night at St Nathy’s (7.30 pm) honouring the late John O’Mahony. Marty Morrissey will host the event, which features a panel of top-tier guests including Pádraig Joyce, Kieran McGeeney, Marc O’Shea and David McBrien. This is more than nostalgia; it’s a celebration of sporting legacy and local pride.
Back at Edmondstown House on Saturday, August 9th, Big Love – a six-piece Fleetwood Mac tribute band – will take to the stage at 9.30 pm. Promising to entertain
the “nostalgic and the night-owls alike”, it’s expected to draw a wide crowd.
The laughs continue into Sunday, August 10th, with a Comedy Night at Edmondstown House at 8 pm, led by Ballagh’s own John Colleary, joined by Father Ted’s Joe Rooney and Sharon Mannion of Bridget & Eamon fame.
Durkin’s will host several intimate shows including Lisdoon Nirvana with Frankie McCafferty (Sunday, August 3rd), Michael Patric’s Seán Moylan: An Irish Revolutionary (Wednesday, August 6th), and Ratling by Genevieve HulmeBeaman (Thursday, August 7th), all at 6 pm.
As ever, the festival includes a strong visual arts programme. Exhibitions include Conor O’Connell and Friends at Dillon House, and works by Margaret McGovern, Simon Culleton, and Irina Maslukhina at various locations in the town. Photographers Eithne Gallagher and Marek Petrovic will exhibit in Mulligan’s windows, with Black Hen Ceramics also on display.
One of the more poignant events comes at 2 pm on Saturday, August 2nd in Durkin’s, where Dr Anna King and TY students from St Nathy’s will present The Cherry Blossom Tales, based on the life of Anne Deane, a remarkable 19th-century Ballaghaderreen woman. A talk by Jacqueline Towey on past pupil Fr Jack O’Brien, murdered in Korea in 1950, will follow.
Bookings
While workshops may be fully booked, there’s still time to enjoy the Ballaghaderreen Golf Club Open Weekend on August 1st–3rd. Visitors are welcome (call 086 8320107 to register).
Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival has a packed, passionate and deeply local programme –bursting with talent, humour, music and history. In other words, it is everything a summer arts festival should be.
Pictured are John Towey Snr & Jnr Drama, comedy, music and remembrance
Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival 2025
‘A Life Lived on the Line’ – John O’Mahoney remembered
There is a treat in store for GAA fans at St Nathy’s College in Ballaghaderreen on Friday, August 8th when several household names will take part in a night to remember the late GAA manager John O’Mahony.
The event is part of the Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival and is entitled ‘A Life Lived on the Line’. The host for the night will be RTE commentator Marty Morrissey and guests will include Galway senior football manager Pádraic Joyce, Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney, former Roscommon player and manager Fergal O’Donnell, former Leitrim captain Declan Darcy, for- mer Kerry player Marc Ó Sé, former Donegal and Mayo player Martin Carney, Galway footballer John Maher, Mayo player David McBrien and broadcaster Tommy Rooney. The event starts at 7.30 pm and tickets are available via the Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival website.
Pictured is Rocky Towey. On Thursday, August 7th, traditional music takes over the Cathedral with a headline appearance by the Towey family (Rocky Towey, John Towey Snr, and Johnny Towey Jnr), joined by Sharon Shannon, Alan Connor and Gerry O’Connor – a rare gathering of musical talent not to be missed.
Detached residence on 14 acres for sale at Remax Team Earley
This week, Cathal Meares of Remax Team Earley is offering for sale this meticulously-renovated, four-bedroomed, two-bathroom detached residence, nestled in the serene countryside of Lismurtagh, Tulsk, Castlerea, Co Roscommon (F45 XC64). The property offers a tranquil retreat amidst fourteen acres of sprawling land.
Boasting a harmonious blend of traditional charm and modern convenience, this property presents an exceptional opportunity for those seeking a small residential holding in a picturesque setting. The recent renovations have revitalised every aspect of the home, including a complete rewiring and replumbing, ensuring peace of mind and modern efficiency for years to come.
Every detail has been considered to provide a comfortable and stylish living experience. The spacious living areas provide ample room for relaxation and entertainment, with large windows inviting abundant natural light and scenic views of the lush landscape. A thoughtfully designed kitchen, equipped with state-of-the-art appliances and premium finishes, serves as the heart of the home, ideal for culinary enthusiasts and family gatherings alike.
The four well-appointed bedrooms offer tranquillity and comfort, while the
two modern bathrooms feature luxurious amenities and exquisite attention to detail. With ample storage space and flexible layout options, this residence effortlessly accommodates the needs of a growing family or those desiring extra space for guests or hobbies.
Beyond the main dwelling, the property encompasses fourteen acres of land, providing endless possibilities for outdoor activities, agriculture, or expansion opportunities. Additionally, a number of outbuildings offer versatile storage solutions or potential for further development, catering to a variety of lifestyle preferences and interests. Conveniently located within close proximity to local amenities, schools, and recreational facilities, this property offers the perfect balance of rural tranquillity and urban convenience. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, a hobby farm, or a potential investment opportunity, this remarkable residence is sure to exceed your expectations. The Advised Market Value is €245,000.
For further details or to arrange an appointment to view, please contact Remax Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon, on 090 6626579, email teamearley@remax.ie, or log onto teamearley.ie. Alternatively, you can contact Cathal directly on 086 1409158.
Lismurtagh, Tulsk, Castlerea, Co Roscommon (F45 XC64
Stone Court Centre, The Square, Roscommon. Tel: (090) 6626579 / 6626796. Mobile: Cormac 086
Work is underway to bring highspeed broadband to almost 1,000 homes, farms and businesses in the Gurteen deployment area near Boyle, National Broadband Ireland (NBI) has confirmed.
The build forms part of the Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP), which includes 19,000 premises in County Roscommon. The latest works span rural areas such as Ballaghaderreen, Tivannagh and Edmondstown.
With survey and design phases completed, fibre installation is ongoing for 932 Roscommon premises. NBI said connections are expected to be available by yearend. In total, over 17,000 homes and businesses in the county can now pre-order or connect to highspeed broadband, with more than 5,600 already live.
TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland Deployment, said: “Our teams are making excellent progress in Co Roscommon, and we’re pleased to see fibre build works underway in the Gurteen deployment area near Boyle.
“Our overarching goal is to improve digital connectivity... this new Fibre-to-the-Home network will play a pivotal role in sustaining local businesses and communities.”
Roscommon is set to receive €76m under the NBP. Broadband Connection Points (BCPs), such as Tulsk Digi Hub and Kiltoom Parish Hall, are already live, providing free public internet access while the network rollout continues.
Roscommon to feature on TG4’s Moving West
Roscommon is one of seven western counties set to feature in the fourth season of TG4’s acclaimed series Moving West, which returns later this year with broadcaster Mary Kennedy once again at the helm.
Produced by Dundara Television and Media, the series is supported by TG4, the Western Development Commission (WDC), and the Department of Rural and Community Development. The programme showcases communities in Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Clare and Roscommon, focusing on
heritage, enterprise, creativity, and rural innovation.
Now open for applications, Season 4 will spotlight individuals, families and businesses who have chosen to build their lives in the region, helping to shape its future in the process. Particular attention is given to those revitalising heritage, leading community projects or driving forward-thinking initiatives.
According to the WDC, the series reflects a broader ambition to inspire regional regeneration by highlighting real stories from people living and working in
is Mary Kennedy, who will return to present TG4’s acclaimed series Moving West later this year.
the West. Previous seasons have featured projects ranging from sustainable tourism and digital hubs to creative industries and social enterprises.
New facility in Galway to boost regional tech sector
The west of Ireland’s growing profile in advanced technology and semiconductor research has received a significant boost following the official opening of Arm’s new facility at Crown Square in Galway city.
The semiconductor design giant, which has had a presence in Galway since 2014, now employs 90 staff locally and more than 4,800 people across Europe. The new state-of-the-art premises was officially opened on July 21st, with the project supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.
According to IDA Ireland, the Galway site will support Arm’s expansion in advanced semiconductor technologies and AI research. Minister for Enterprise, Trade and
Employment Peter Burke said the new premises reflects Ireland’s positioning as a global hub for innovation and aligns with the Government’s Silicon Island strategy – a national plan aimed at fostering high-skilled employment in the semiconductor sector. Arm’s senior director of engineering, Mike Lardner, said Galway teams are contributing to the foundations of future computing and AI development. The company is globally recognised for its chip architecture, which powers billions of devices worldwide.
The move has been welcomed by local stakeholders as a vote of confidence in the region’s growing innovation ecosystem, with Galway continuing to attract major players in high-tech design and research.
At Roscommon Races recently: Keith McLoughlin of Remax Team Earley pictured presenting Mount Temple Three Syndicate with their award, after ‘Jerrari’ got a first career win under jockey Donagh Meyler in the Remax Team Earley Handicap Hurdle for trainer Jessica Harrington. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Applications to take part are open until 5 pm on Friday, August 15th. Stories and nominations can be submitted via the Moving West website.
Photographed
Photographed (left to right) at the recent official opening of Arm’s new state-of-the-art facility in Galway City are Maebh Ryan, Project Manager, IDA Ireland; David Murray, Senior Director, Productivity Engineering, Arm; Donal Travers, Global Head of Technology, IDA Ireland; Mark Hambleton, Senior Vice-President, Software Engineering, Arm; Gary Campbell, Executive Vice-President, Central Engineering, Arm; Anne-Marie Tierney-Le Roux, Head of Technology, IDA Ireland; Mike Lardner, Senior Director Engineering and Design Centre Manager, Arm; Nick Horne, Vice-President, Machine Learning Engineering, Arm; Audrey Hayden, Senior Director, Engineering Delivery, Arm; and Ricky Conneely, Regional Manager, IDA Ireland. Photo: Aengus McMahon
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Are you affected byAnger Issues, Bullying, Bereavement, Confidence/self-esteem issues, OCD, Stress, Depression, Eating disorders Panic/Anxiety, Relationships, Exam pressure, Sexual Abuse Contact: Billy 094 96 59966 Mobile: 086 0675433 or visit www.billybrogan.com
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? Online counselling available. Please call Glynis on 085 2514394 email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk web: www psychotherapy glynisdowney.com
• Freedom from Alcohol Lifestyle/Saver Coaching Sessions • Movement Forward Life Coaching Sessions
FENCING/GATES
< FOR SALE: Turf and firewood. Tonne bags. Excellent quality turf and firewood. €50 per bag. Also, excellent quality square bales of hay. €4 per bale. Call Tom 086 2628439.
< GOOD QUALITY TURF FOR SALE: Frenchpark area. Trailer loads. Tel. 087 2075545.
< FOR SALE: 2008 Toyota Auris 1.4 ltr. Petrol. 285,000 km. NCT until 28/05/2026. Silver. Serviced regularly. Good clean, reliable car. 2 owners from new. €2,800 o.n.o. Tel. 086 1660678.
GARDENING
< PROFESSIONAL LAWN MOWING SERVICE: Mowing, Strimming, Leaf Blowing, Hedge Trimming, General tidy-ups, etc. Tel. 086 0815802.
• 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
PERSON REQUIRED < PERSON WANTED to wire a teleporter asap. Contact Christy 086 3268646.
SCHOOL BUS BOYLE TO SLIGO
PRIVATE BUS travelling from BOYLE to all the schools in SLIGO commencing in September. Leaves Boyle from the Abbey at 7.40am. For details please contact Deirdre 085-2566370 or email me for more details mcnamado@tcd.ie If interested please contact me asap to book your childs place
or alternatively call 090 66 34633
Excellent quality
Phone: 083 0684011
PODIATRIST
Podiatrist/Chiropodist
Sarah Fleming
CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI
Sarah will be in Tullys Totalhealth Pharmacy, Castlerea on Monday and Friday and Boyle Totalhealth Pharmacy on Tuesdays. For any of your foot issues call:
l HSE Trained and Approved l Home visits available
USEFUL SERVICES
Electrician Available
Safe Electric Registered. Domestic and Industrial, All work considered. No Job too small. Phone Paul 086 2553153 or email: p0862553153 @gmail.com
(Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle
Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed By Appointment Only
(Monday - Saturday) Tel: 087 2982214
086 8115928
PLANNINGS
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
I, Laura Coyle, intend to apply for Permission for revised site boundaries and revised location of the sewerage treatment unit and percolation area from that previously approved under planning reference no. PD/23/60293 along with all other associated site works.
At: Knockhall Townland, Rooskey, Co. Roscommon.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
I Toni Dowling , intend to apply for full planning permission for development at Keadew West, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. The development consists of the (a)retention of domestic garden shed and modi cations to garage (b) retention of entrance piers (c) modi ed site boundary. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during the public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the Application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of a fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by Roscommon County Council of the Application, and such submissions orobservations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.
Signed: Vincent Durkin (Agent). www.DurkinDesign.ie
Designs Tel: 086 83 72 933.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
I, Patrick Harte, intend to apply for Permission for the following (a) the construction of a new agricultural shed (b) form a new agricultural entrance (c) along with connections to all site services and all other associated site works.
At: Gra oge Townland, Scramoge, Co. Roscommon.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
Applicant: Paul Mulready. Site Address: Kilfaughna, Knockvicar, Boyle, County Roscommon. Planning le ref. No. PD/24/60401
Signi cant further information in relation to the application have been furnished to the planning authority. The Signi cant further information includes: A ood risk assessment, a report with regard the proposed upgrade of the existing waste water treatment system and percolation area as part of the application, a visual assessment, a site section and revised site plan showing revised boundaries, details on the external cladding of the proposed and other documents relative to the nature of the proposal.
The Signi cant further information are available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the authority during its public opening hours, and a submission or observation in relation to the further information may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, not later than two weeks after receipt of this newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority.
Signed by Agent: Andrew Johnston, Foresight Design and Planning.
We, Conlon Consulting Engineering Ltd, on behalf of our client: Alan Regan, intend to apply for permission for development, for the site located at: Cloverhill, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon.
The development will consist of:
The construction of a commercial unit incorporating engineering workshop and o ces at the site located at Cloverhill, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon, along with associated signage and all ancillary site development works and connections to all necessary services.
The Planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.
Signed:
Conlon Consulting Engineering Ltd (Agent) on behalf of Alan Regan.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
We, Mark and Jacqueline Henshaw, are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning to construct extension to existing house, along with alterations to front elevation, Planning permission to construct new domestic storage shed and to retain a storage shipping container along with all ancillary site development works at Ballycreggan, Kiltoom, Co. Roscommon, N37 A076.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
We, John McRae and Grace Kelly, wish to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to retain and complete extension to dwelling house and to carry out ancillary boundary treatment, and landscaping at 6 Palace Road, Elphin Townland, Elphin, County Roscommon, F45 EY96.
Signed: John McRae and Grace Kelly. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.
Kind, reliable and trustworthy person required to mind 2-year-old. Can be minded in their own home or in minder’s home. 3 to 4 days per week. Experience preferred and references essential. Contact: 086 3778695.
APPOINTMENTS
QUALIFIED HAIRSTYLIST
required for Holiday Cover and Part-time Work in Salon in Roscommon town. • Minimum 2 year experience
Please apply to P.O. Box no. 3122, c/o Roscommon People newspaper, Abbey Street, Roscommon.
URGENTLY REQUIRED
A vacancy has come available for a
PART TIME NURSE
in our Daycare Centre, based in Glenamaddy. Experience in care of the elderly desirable. Please contact the o ce on 094 9659269 / 0861940499 or email us at glendaycare@ gmail.com for more information.
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 o fee only if we are successful in renting your property. If not no fees are payable. Tel: 086 8212732
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
I, Damien White, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to erect an agricultural storage shed, domestic garage/garden shed together with all necessary site works at Feevaghmore, Dysart, Co. Roscommon.
FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES
We, the family of the late James O’Neill, his daughter Shauna, son TJ, their mother Margaret, his mother Elizabeth, sisters Ann (Breslin) and Carmel (McKenna), brother Denis, and extended family, wish to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported James, and our family, during his long illness and following our recent sad bereavement.
As James bravely battled his long illness, particularly into his final weeks and months, we extend our deep gratitude to our dear friends, neighbours, extended family, and colleagues, for their calls, messages, visits, support, and for keeping us all in their thoughts.
We acknowledge, in particular, the absolute devotion given by Shauna and TJ’s mother, Margaret, in caring for James for the greatest time possible at home, until the incredibly compassionate team at Thomond Lodge Nursing Home, Ballymahon, Co. Longford, led by Trish Ennis, began looking after James a number of months ago with such gentle dignity. We wish to also thank Dr. Christina Mulvany, Nursing Home GP, the staff at Total Health Pharmacy, Ballymahon, and Nursing Home Support Roscommon. During James’ care at home throughout the years of his illness, he was particularly supported with such kindness by his GP, Dr. Colm Farrell, Orla O’Brien of O’Briens Pharmacy, Public Health Nurses, Jean Kelly, Fiona Curley and Clare Conway, the various Clinics he attended at Primary Care Roscommon, Malachy Nelson of Air Liquide, Margaret Gillen, his hairdresser, and regular visits from his close family and some of his dearest friends in life, particularly his dear friend and neighbour, Tom Conboy, and dear friends Vincent Healy and Jim McCausland.
We wish to sincerely thank the staff of Mullingar Regional Hospital for their devoted care of James during recent years, in particular, consultant, Dr. Senan Glynn, his medical team, and Ann Tuohy, Occupational Therapist, alongside the team at St. James’ Hospital Dublin, in particular, surgeon, Dr. Gerard Fitzmaurice, who also cared for James during some very difficult stages in his illness.
Our sincere gratitude is also expressed to the amazing team at Palliative Care Longford, particularly Clair Baxter, for her tremendous diligence and care, alongside Palliative Care at Mullingar Regional Hospital, particularly Sharon Hunt, who with the kind assistance of the Medical Three Ward, helped to manage so compassionately the tough nature of James’ condition in the lead up to and as he began his eternal rest, surrounded by his loving family, comforted by Fr. Norman, Hospital Chaplain. To Pat and Gillian Smyth, Smyth’s Funeral Directors, Roscommon, we cannot express enough how much your professionalism and sincerity meant to us as a family, gently guiding us in each step of arranging James’ Funeral and for giving him such a beautiful send-off.
Following James’ passing, we thank sincerely everyone who attended his Reposal and Funeral Mass, many of whom travelled long distances to express their condolences. For all who also acknowledged James’ passing with Mass Cards, Sympathy Cards, touching online condolences, floral bouquets, calls, texts, and provided food, we are most grateful.
A special thank you to Fr. Joe Fitzgerald for his kind guidance and care, and for celebrating such a meaningful Mass dedicated to James’ life. To the Eucharistic Ministers for their assistance, dear family and friends of James who completed readings and prayers, and his sisters and nephews who presented the Gifts and Symbols of his life. We also wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to Enya Reilly who provided truly stunning music at his Mass - Her amazing voice and song selection meant so much to our family and all in attendance, both in-person and online.
After the Mass, as we made our way to Lakelands Crematorium Cavan, we wish to thank the staff and owners of Casey’s Londis Roscommon, for their touching tribute of a Guard of Honour outside the shop, where James dedicated so many years of hard work, as the Funeral procession passed by. A final visit to James’ homeplace of Cloontuskert was also very special, in which our wonderful neighbours stood outside their homes to offer their respect. We thank Lakelands Crematorium for their professionalism and organisation of their local Priest for James’ Committal Service. We thank the staff at the Cavan Crystal Hotel for assisting with provision of the lovely meal afterwards. A sincere thank you to John Smyth, Smyth’s Funeral Directors, for leading the Funeral procession to Cavan and for ensuring that our final journey with James was so special.
We hope that these few lines convey to you all, the sincere gratitude we feel, and know that James would be eager to express also. As it would not be possible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our deepest appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for each and every one of you.
Our Lady of Knock, pray for him.
Month’s Mind Mass on Saturday, 26th July, at 7 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon
THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER
Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. M.G.
MAHON
Kay
Athleague, Co. Roscommon
Who passed away 20th June 2025.
The family of the late Kay wish to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for your support during this difficult time.
We are very grateful to everyone who expressed their condolences, thoughtful gestures and shared wonderful memories and stories about Kay.
We greatly appreciate those who sent cards and messages of sympathy online.
Special thanks to all who travelled long distances for the Removal and Funeral Mass.
We are eternally grateful to the wonderful staff at Oakwood Nursing Home, her GP Dr Claire Keaveney and all the medical staff who cared for Kay.
Thanks to Fr Joseph Ali and Fr Eugene McLoughlin for her Funeral Mass and to Margaret and Sean for the beautiful singing.
Thanks to Henry Hamrock (Undertaker) for his kindness, support and professionalism and to the gravediggers who prepared Kay’s final resting place.
As it would not be possible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgment as a token of our gratitude.
Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by sons Joseph and Ollie; daughters Fiona and Sinéad; sister Mary and brother Jim and extended family and friends.
Kay’s Month’s Mind Mass will be offered on Sunday, 27th July at 10.00am in St Patrick’s Church, Athleague, Co. Roscommon.
“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.”
FINAN
Martin
In loving memory of Martin Finan , ‘Lantern Way’, Cloverhill, Co. Roscommon Who went to his eternal rest on the 24th July 2021
Life is Not The Same Without You
The sun still rises in the East and darkness falls at night, but, nothing now seems quite the same, each day is not as bright. The birds still sing, the flowers grow, the breeze still whispers, too. But, it will never, ever be, the same world without you. It’s so sad that you had to go, your leaving caused such pain. But you were so very special and Earth’s loss is Heaven’s gain.
Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Eileen and family
4th Anniversary
will
Martin’s
Mass
be held in St Patrick’s Church, Cloverhill on Saturday 26th July at 7pm.
FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES
MULLANEY Rochelle
Rathconor, Four-Mile-House, Roscommon. First Anniversary occurs on 27th July 2025
I often sit and think about the year that has passed by and of the happiness and joy that was shared by you and I. I think of all the laughter, the smiles and all the fun. Before I even know it, my tears have once again begun. For although it brings me comfort to walk down memory lane. it reminds me how without you, life has never been the same.
Forever loved and always missed by your partner, Michael.
Rochelle’s 1st Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday 26th of July at 7pm in the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Derrane, Roscommon.
McLOUGHLIN
Eddie James & Margaret (Peggie) Late of Grange, Curraghboy, Athlone
In loving memory of our dear parents Eddie who died on 27th of July 2007 and Peggie who died on 3rd of September 2008
Deep are the memories, precious they stay no passing of time can take them away.
Loved and remembered by your family. Masses offered.
CONRY
Farrell Curbane, Elphin (2nd Anniversary)
Fr. Anthony (Tony) Sao Paulo, Brazil, formerly Curbane, Elphin (2nd Anniversary)
In loving memory of Farrell who died on 22nd July, 2023.
Deeply missed by his loving wife, Roseleen; his daughters Linda Hanly and Annette Kennedy; his sons Tony and Dillon; ten grandchildren and two great grand-daughters; sons-in-law Marcus and David and daughters-in-law Lorna and Caroline.
We also remember Fr. Anthony (Tony) who died on 25th July, 2023.
They are both sadly missed by their brothers Micheal and Fr. Austin and sister Adela Smyth, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, great grand-nieces and great grand-nephews.
Think of them of living in the hearts of those they touched. For nothing loved is ever lost and they were loved so much.
2nd Anniversary Mass
MULLANEY Rochelle
Castle Manor, Roscommon Town, Roscommon and Four-Mile-House, Roscommon
On this First Anniversary of Rochelle Mullaney’s passing, we pause to remember someone whose warmth, laughter, and unwavering love left a lasting imprint on all who were fortunate enough to know her. Rochelle’s spirit – gentle yet strong – continues to guide us, even as her absence remains deeply felt.
A devoted daughter and sister, cherished friend, and kind soul, Rochelle embraced life with compassion and grace. Her legacy lives on in every act of kindness she inspired, every story told in her memory, and every heart still holding her close.
In Her Memory
A year has passed, yet still you stay, In hearts that miss you every day.
Though gone from sight, you shine anew, In love that binds us close to you.
We speak your name with steady grace, And find your smile in every place. Your light lives on, a gentle flame, Forever dear, forever the same.
Lovingly remembered every day by her parents Tommie and Patricia, her sister Vanessa, brother David, sister-in-law Jade, and niece Riadh.
1st Anniversary Mass will take place in the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Derrane, Roscommon at 7pm Saturday 26th of July.
CASSIDY
Teresa
Grange, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon, Treasured memories of a dear daughter and sister, who passed away on the 28th July 2007.
Put your arms around her, Lord, and treasure her with care. For you have in your possession someone beyond compare.
Will those who think of Teresa today, a little prayer to Jesus say.
Dearly loved and missed every day by your parents, Seamus and Breege; your brother Lorcan and by all your family and friends.
Anniversary Mass in St. Bridget’s Church, Four Mile House on Sunday 27th July 2025 at 11.00am
SMYTH Eithne
Weekfield, Roscommon. In loving memory of Eithne, who died on the 20th July 2004.
R.I.P. (21st Anniversary)
To me you were someone special, someone set apart, your memory will live forever, engraved in my heart.
Always sadly missed by your loving husband, Johnny. Anniversary Mass in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Sunday, 27th July at 11.30 am.
DONNELLY
Charlie Muckloon, Ballyforan, Co. Galway (6th Anniversary) Who passed away on 26th July 2019
Also his daughter Carole whose anniversary occurs on 31st July 2025
TREACY
Al
Frenchlawn, Ballintubber and Burt, Co. Donegal (15th Anniversary)
In loving memory of our dear brother Al, who passed away on 23rd July 2010.
Rest in Peace
Remembered with love always by Sylvie, Nora and
The moment that you left me my heart split in two, one filled with memories, the other side died with you. I often lay awake at night, when the world is fast asleep and take a walk down memory lane with tears upon my cheek. Remembering you is easy, I do it everyday, but missing you is a heartache that never goes away. I hold you tightly within my heart and there you will remain, as my life goes on without you, but will never be the same.
Always remembered, so sadly missed by Maureen and family.
Anniversary Mass in St. Joseph’s Church, Ballyforan on Friday, 25th July at 7.30pm.
SHARKEY
We, the family of the late Sharon Sharkey, would like to express our sincere and heartfelt appreciation to everyone who supported us in any way following Sharon’s sudden passing.
We thank our wonderful neighbours, friends and extended family for their unwaivering help and support, both in Roscommon and Sligo.
We are grateful to all who visited our home with refreshments, offered support and helped us through many difficult days.
A special word of thanks to Cathal and Mary Brady of Brady’s Funeral Directors, Elphin, for the compassion, support and professionalism they showed our family. Thank you to Fr. Gannon for his prayers, support and concelebration of Sharon’s Funeral Mass. Thank you to our wonderful neighbours who prepared Sharon’s final resting place. Thank you to O’Connor’s, Tulsk for their hospitality. We extend our gratitude to the Paramedics and Medical team for their care for Sharon during her time in their care.
As it would not be possible to thank everyone individually for their unwaivering support, please accept this as our heartfelt appreciation for your continuous support. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered in appreciation.
Sharon’s First Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Catherine’s Church, Killina, on Saturday 26th July at 11 am.
In loving memory of our Dad,
and
Ye are more than a memory from which we’ll never part, Ye are the light that burns inside of us in the centre of our hearts.
Sadly missed by the Burns family.
(18th Anniversary)
BURNS Mount Dillon, Curraghroe, Co. Roscommon Joseph (Joey) Annie Carmel
(25th Anniversary) (49th Anniversary)
Mam
Sister
will be celebrated in St. Catherine’s Church, Killina on Saturday July 26th at 8 pm.
FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES
CAUNEEN Tadhg
Ballymore, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon (4th Anniversary) 30th July 2021
There’s a road that each of us travels, often times with no chance for good-bye, and those who are left sad and lonely, grieve in silence and simply ask, why?
But the question is one without answers, and the comfort that others provide still can’t keep your poor heart from wishing, that your loved one was there by your side.
Yet life has beginnings and endings, and one day your heartache will cease. Though it seems like you’ll never stop hurting, over time you will find inner peace.
You’ll be able to think of your loved ones without wiping a tear from your eye. And you come to see death as a doorway, and not a forever good-bye.
Sadly missed and loved Tadhg, Mammy, Tommy, Gary, Eddie, extended family and friends.
Anniversary mass, Carniska Church on Monday 28th July at 7.30pm
FARRELL
William (Billy)
Roxboro, Roscommon. (10th Anniversary)
In loving memory of my dear brother Billy who died on 29th July 2015
You will always be remembered by your loving brother John. Remembering Billy on this his 10th Anniversary. Always remembered by Karen, Dave, Chantelle and Richard. Masses offered.
Treasured memories of Tadhg who passed away on the 30th of July 2021 R.I.P
Time slips by and life goes on, but from our hearts you’re never gone. We think about you always, we talk about you too. We have so many memories, but we wish we still had you.
Loved and remembered always by your Uncle Michael, Maura, Michelle, Patrick and Alan. xx
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ No matter how life changes, no matter what we do. A special place within our hearts is always kept for you.
Fondly remembered by the Sweeney families.
Our memories are precious, your presence is missed, forgetting you never.
Harry, Aileen, Alanna and Andrea.
KENNY John
Lisnaville, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon Who died on 27th of July 2011 (14th Anniversary)
CASHIN (nee Lohan) Evelyn
Manchester and formerly Caggle, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon (7th Anniversary)
Cherished memories of our darling sister, who passed away on 30th July, 2018
The midnight stars are shining on a grave not far away, where we laid to rest a loving sister seven years ago today.
It’s there we often wander, it’s there we keep in touch with Evelyn who we loved so dearly, and miss so very much.
They say that hearts don’t really break but dear God that’s not true, the day that Evelyn was laid to rest it broke our hearts in two.
Think of her as living In the hearts of those she touched, for nothing loved is ever lost and she was loved so much.
Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her sisters, Ita, Teresa, Mary, Bernadette, and Imelda, brother Sean and extended family members.
Anniversary Mass for Evelyn will be celebrated in Four-Mile-House Church on Sunday 27th July at 11 am.
NEILAN Tom
Who passed away on 23 July 2005
In loving memory of Tom Neilan on the 20th anniversary of his untimely passing.
His kind heart and gentle spirit touched all who knew him.
He is lovingly remembered and missed by his beloved wife, Aveen. He is forever cherished and always in the thoughts of his sons, Allen, Nigel, and Brian, and his daughter, Erica.
Dearly missed by his sisters, Teresa and Margaret, and his brothers, Michael and Charlie. Though they never met him, his warmth and love will always live on through his grandchildren, Tommy, Roisin, Daithi, Eli, Indie, Jonathan, and Luke.
Memorial Mass on Saturday 26th July, 2025 at 10am, in Church of the Sacred Heart, Roscommon.
CONNAUGHTON
Ned and Mary Ardsallagh, Roscommon
In loving memory of a dear father and grandfather who passed away on 31st December 1999 and a loving mother and granny who passed away on 28th July 2007
Lovingly remembered by all his family and friends.
Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for nonpublication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.
Along the road of suffering, you found a little lane, that took you up to Heaven and ended all your pain. You may be out of sight, we may be worlds apart, but you are always in our prayers, and forever in our hearts. We have loved them in life, let us not forget them in death. Always remembered and sadly missed by their sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren.
Anniversary Mass on Friday, 25th July at 11am in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.
THANKSGIVINGS
THE MIRACLE PRAYER
Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours, this time I ask You this special one (mention favour). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where our Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour not mine, Amen. Say this prayer for three days and promise publication and the favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. Thanks to St. Martin de Porres and Our Lady. K.E. FINANCIAL BLESSINGS PRAYER TO ST MICHAEL, ST GABRIEL AND ST RAPHAEL Light three
St Gabriel and St Raphael, please be with me today. Please hear and answer my prayers with your divine grace, intervention, and kindness, i love you all, please help me so that my prayer requests all come true quickly, Amen. Mention your request here. Heavenly Father, you have given us the Archangels to assist us during our pilgramage on earth. Saint Michael is our protector, ask him to come to my aid, fight for all my loved ones, and protect us from danger. Saint Gabriel is a messenger for the Good News, I ask him to help me clearly hear your voice
(Ned 26th Anniversary and Mary 18th Anniversary)
Sports PEOPLE
‘We will learn so much from this’ – Grehan positive in defeat
Roscommon’s Lilly Murray looking dejected following her team’s loss to Armagh in the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Premier Junior Camogie Championship Semi-Final, which was played at Kingspan Bre ni Park in Cavan last Saturday.
Crucial weekend ahead in Kepak Roscommon SHC
The third round of this year’s Roscommon senior hurling championship will be held this weekend, with some crucial games down for decision.
On Saturday evening in Fuerty at 6 pm, Athleague will host Padraig Pearses. Pearses are in need of a win to ensure their inclusion in the knockout stages. Beaten by St Dominic’s and Roscommon Gaels, Pearses will have to pull out all the stops if they are to stay in this year’s race. Athleague are in much better form so far. Their dramatic draw
against Oran in the last round means that they will probably qualify for the semi-finals if they can win against Pearses. It will be close, but Athleague look the better bet.
There is a very tasty encounter set for Knockcroghery on Saturday at 7.30 pm when St Dominic’s host Roscommon Gaels. St Dominic’s were looking good for most of the way against Four Roads before running out of steam in the last round, while the Gaels had a fine win against Pearses.
Having lost out in last year’s final, St Dominic’s are determined to go one step further this year,
CHAMPIONSHIP WATCH
SEAMUS DUKE
All-Ireland SFC final: Kerry v Donegal on Sunday in Croke Park at 3.30 pm
After what happened in the hurling final last Sunday, who’d be a pundit? Of course Tipperary’s stunning victory outlines the beauty of sport. There is rarely a sure thing, and that certainly applies in this weekend’s football decider.
We have had a great summer of Gaelic football, and it has to be said that the FRC has done a wonderful job with the new rules. The game we love is now watchable again, and after all
while the Gaels are progressing all the time under Ronan O’Meara. There is very little separating these sides. A draw perhaps?
On Sunday in Rockfield (1 pm), Oran meets Tremane, and both sides will be desperate for a win. Oran has a point on the board after their draw with Athleague, while Tremane lost out to Athleague. With Pearses and the Gaels to come, Tremane could be in trouble if they can’t win here. Oran looked good at times against Athleague, and they probably have enough firepower to overcome Tremane on their home patch.
the debate and all the thrills and spills, I think very few would argue that we do not have the two best teams in the country in this final.
There is a strong argument to be made for both teams. Kerry have been reborn since their defeat against Meath. Any team with David Clifford in their ranks has got to have a huge chance. He is one of the greatest footballers we have ever seen, and it will be utterly fascinating to see what Donegal are going to do to try to curb him. Kerry will have to ensure that their chances do not rest solely on his shoulders.
Donegal have been very impressive too. Their fitness and work
SEAMUS DUKE
Roscommon camogie manager Mary Grehan, while disappointed following her team’s defeat in last weekend’s All-Ireland Junior Camogie semifinal, still maintains that the current squad is on course to make a serious tilt at the title in the coming years.
Speaking at the final whistle after Armagh’s win, Mary told the Roscommon People: “I’m disappointed for the girls. In the first half, I felt we produced a great performance, despite missing a few scores.”
The Roscommon manager added:
“The fact that we had to bring back a sweeper (Oonagh Kelly) put us under a lot of pressure, but we had to do that. We knew that their inside forward line was lethal. This is our first year. We will learn so much from this. They say that you win or you learn.”
Ms Grehan felt that despite the disappointment of a semi-final defeat, there was plenty to be positive about.
“We are very young. Two of our players are 27, and the rest are under 23. But I think these kinds of days will stand to them. The intensity and the level we have to play at, we’ll just have to work on that over the winter. We started late, in January. Other counties were ahead of us. Armagh are banging on the door; they want this All-Ireland title. Laois are in the same boat.”
She agreed that the missed goal chances in the first half were vital:
“We couldn’t afford to miss those chances (in the first half). A few refereeing decisions went against us. But that’s all part of sport. The main thing is that the girls learn from it. Our panel is small, but they’re a fantastic group of girls.”
Ms Grehan says that the three-year plan, with the ambition to win an AllIreland title at the heart of it, is still very much in place.
“The dream remains to win an AllIreland with these girls. That’s not going anywhere. It’s only our first year, so there’s still plenty of time to realise that goal,” she concluded.
*Match report on page 47.
rate are off the charts, and they will hope to run Kerry into the ground on Sunday with their relentless style of play. While not as influential as Clifford is for Kerry, Michael Murphy will have a pivotal role to play for Jimmy McGuinness’ men once again. At the start of the year, I went for Donegal as my choice to win Sam. I have wobbled a few times since then, but I’ll stick by them to win this Sunday (but not with any huge confidence). It promises to be an epic encounter between two great teams and with two brilliant managers on the sideline, pitting their wits against one another.
There is a flat card at Leopardstown this evening, featuring two Group 3 races, the Silver Flash and Tyros Stakes, starting at 5.25 pm and an evening national hunt race meeting at Wexford away at 4.35 pm. Tomorrow evening there is a national hunt fare, all hurdle races, at Kilbeggan with tapes away for the first at 4.15 pm and a flat meeting at Cork away at 5.05 pm.
On Saturday, there is racing on the level at Gowran Park starting at 2.15 pm. With no racing on Sunday, Monday evening sees the start of the weeklong Galway Racing Festival at 5.10 pm, on Tuesday and Wednesday, Galway Plate Day, at 5.05 pm. Glorious Goodwood also starts next Tuesday with plenty of Irish raiders.
TV coverage starts today with coverage of all seven races on the flat at Yarmouth on ITV 4. On Saturday, ITV and Virgin Media 1 cover eight races, five from Ascot, including the Group 1 King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and three from York, including the Group 2 York Stakes. ITV and Virgin Media are covering Goodwood next week. RTÉ is covering the first five days of racing at Ballybrit, and TG4 is covering Saturday and Sunday.
The Curragh Oaks meeting
Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore got the meeting off to a great start on Saturday, winning the opening maiden with New Zealand at 10/11f and followed up in the Group 2 Railway Stakes with True Love at 1/2f. The treble came up when Minnie Hawk snuggly confirmed her superiority, making it an English/Irish Oaks double. True Love was O’Brien’s 15th winner of the Rail-
BUCCANEERS RFC
way, and Minnie Hawk his 8th in the Oaks. The two other Group 2 races on the card, the Sapphire Stakes was won by Adrian Murray’s Arizona Blaze, ridden by David Egan and the Curragh Cup by Joseph O’Brien’s Al Riffa and Daryl Browne McMonagle. O’Brien and Moore continued their run on Sunday with Sugar Island, 9/2, in the opener, Diego Velazquez, 11/8f, in the Group 2 Minstrel Stakes and Light As Air, 1/2f, brought up the treble in the 1m 4f maiden. Moore was to ride O’Brien’s Signora, a late non-runner, and the switch still brought a winner.
Diego Velazquez and Ryan Moore dig deep to pass David Marnane’s East Hampton with Luke McAteer at the Curragh.
At Chantilly on Sunday, Joseph O’Brien’s Green Sense won the Group 2 Prix Robert Papin Stakes, ridden by French jockey M Guyon, beating two English raiders, Super Soldier and Tadej.
The Galway Racing Festival ’25
This year’s Galway Racing Festival is on top of us once again, providing us with seven days of both national hunt and flat racing. All days have mixed fare, coupled with all the craic that is associated with the Ballybrit festival starting next Monday at 5.10 pm, with the following two days starting at 5.05 pm. Thursday, Plate Day, starts at the earlier time of 2.10 pm.
On Monday, festival racing begins with The Galmont.com & Galwaybayhotel.com Novice Hurdle with 20 entries over 2m, followed by the Iggy Daly Easyfix Handicap Hurdle also over 2m with 56 possible runners,
by Tom Red
both limited to 20 runners. Stoneyford Lady, having been dropped 2 lbs, may have an outsider’s chance at a big price if she runs. The flat racing begins with the permitted 15 runner colts and geldings entered 2-Y-O Eventus Irish EBF Maiden over 7f. The fourth is the featured Connaught Hotel Qualified Riders Handicap over 2m for amateur riders only, with 43 entries and a limit of 20 runners. Next up is the fifth, the Clayton Hotel Galway Handicap, with 25 entries, only 15 allowed to run. The Gra Chocolates Handicap for 3-Y-Os only over 1m 4f has 19 entries limited to 16, and racing comes to a close with the Monami Construction Flat Race, a bumper for 4-Y-Os only for amateur riders, which has 32 entered, again 20 allowed, over 2m.
Tuesday’s first is the Colm Quinn BMW Novice Hurdle over 2m, followed by the first race of the meeting over the major obstacles, the 2m 2f Latin Quarter Beginners Chase. Flat racing returns with the Colm Quinn BMW Irish EBF Maiden for 2-Y-O fillies over 7f. The traditional Tuesday feature, the Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap, is the 4th race on the card at 7.10 pm with 25 entries. Fifth on the card is the Caulfield Industrial Irish EBF Maiden for 3-Y-O+ over 7f. Racing ends with two handicaps, the first over 7f and the second over 1m, both sponsored by Caulfield Industrial.
National hunt racing starts a fully Tote-sponsored card on Wednesday, opening with a maiden hurdle over 2m 5f followed by a handicap hurdle over 2m 6f. The third race on the card is the 2m Irish EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle. At 7.10 pm, the feature of the day and main chase of the festival, the Galway
Plate Handicap Chase, with 32 entries, over 2m 6f takes place. The 5th race is a flat maiden for amateur jockeys over 1m 4f. The penultimate race is a 3-YO handicap over 1m, and racing ends with a 2m flat handicap for 3-Y-O+.
Pinkerton and Donagh Meyler, red cap, clear the last in the 2024 Galway Plate.
On Thursday, there are 30 entries in the Galway Hurdle, and next week, we will look back at the opening days and will take a much closer look at the last 4 days of the festival.
Racing news
On Friday evening at Newmarket, Alexandra Egan (Sister of David Egan) rode her first winner on her first ride in England, on Jane Chapple-Hyam’s First Officer. She is the daughter of Sandra Hughes and John Egan and granddaughter of the late Dessie Hughes. She has cousins, the Morans, living in Rahara; their mother is Egan from County Galway and Alexandra’s grand aunt.
Alexandra was attached to Eddie
‘RugBK’
BUCCS TAG: Russell Brennan Keane representatives ‘RugBK’ emerged top winners in Buccaneers’ Summer Tag League when the finals were contested in glorious weather on immaculate pitches on Thursday evening.
The winners were – Cup: RugBK; Bowl: A Tag; Plate: Solventum; Spoon: Moany Holes; Spirit of Tag female award: Sarah O’Rourke; Spirit of Tag male award: Jordan Shiel; Final Player of the Match (male): Darragh Coleman (RugBK); Final Player of the Match (female): Eve Carty (Mighty Monks).
GOLF CLASSIC: On a tidy round score of 100 points, the team of Michael Carty, Kevin Clabby, Barry Donnelly and John Stack were the top quartet in Buccaneers RFC’s annual Golf Classic played at Glasson Lakehouse course on Wednesday week last. The winners will be presented with their prizes at Buccaneers’ first home AIL game which is v Galwegians on September 27th.
AMERICAN FOOTBALL: American Football Ireland held a
Harty’s yard in Ireland and rode one winner for them in Down Royal last July on Evening’s Empire.
Competition corner
Winners of the tickets for Kilbeggan on Friday are Tony O’Donnell, Elphin, Pat McDermott, Ballintubber and Daryl Miley, Knockcroghery, who all knew the main race on Kilbeggan’s racing calendar is the Midland National. Here is your second chance to win tickets for Roscommon’s fixture on August 5th, and to win: what suitably named Willie Mullins-trained horse won the bumper at Downpatrick on Tuesday week?
Answers as usual please on a postcard to The Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon or by email to tomred17@gmail.com by 5.00 pm on the 30th July, not forgetting to include your name, address, and a contact phone number with all competition entries.
Tickets will have to be collected in the office in Abbey Street, Roscommon.
emerge winners
successful triple header of finals at Dubarry Park on Saturday last with the event being favoured with a dry afternoon that helped attract a large crowd of enthusiasts to Athlone.
TRAINING: All adult players are invited to a meeting in the club on this Friday, July 25th, at 7.30 pm when plans for the coming season will be unveiled. Firsts, Seconds and U-20s players should attend. Training commences on Tuesday evening, July 29th, at 7.30 pm. All welcome, including beginners. Meanwhile, our Women’s squad commenced their training on Wednesday (23rd) and will also train on Friday (25th) at 6.30 pm. All are welcome, including returning players and newbies.
SUMMER CAMP: Buccaneers Summer Camp takes place from Monday, August 11th to Friday 15th and will run from 9 am to 1.30 pm on each of the five days for boys and girls aged 6 to 12 years. Cost is €70 for first child and €50 for additional children. Contact Geraldine at 086 1732711 to book.
SUMMER SKILLS: Summer Skills sessions for boys and girls ages 13 to 17 continue at Dubarry Park on Saturday mornings from 10.30 am to 12 noon. These weekly sessions are free and will continue until August 2nd.
BEST WISHES: Congratulations to Sally Fleming on making the Connacht Girls U-18 interpro squad. Congrats and best wishes to young Buccs John Finnan, Elliot Friel, Adam Murphy, Darragh Murray, Sean O’Hara and Peter Daniel Sunny who have been chosen to be part of the Connacht U-17 squad.
Congrats and best wishes also to Gemma Eivers, Rose Fleming, Mila Fralkova, Cora Heneghan, Kate Mallon and Chloe O’Connor on their selection on the Connacht Girls U-16 Development squad.
MEMBERSHIP: Annual membership is now open via the IRFU SportLoMo app. Rates are in the main unchanged from last season and can be paid in up to four instalments if preferred.
Diego Velazquez and Ryan Moore dig deep to pass David Marnane’s East Hampton with Luke McAteer at the Curragh
Russell Brennan Keane representatives ‘RugBK’ emerged top winners in Buccaneers’ Summer Tag League
Short putts
BOYLE
OPEN WEEK: Our Open Week concluded with a Friday evening Scramble which was very well supported. There was a barbecue, prizegiving and social evening afterwards.
Captains Shane O’Dowd and Fiona Keenan paid tribute to all who had helped to make our Open Week such a success, including Competition Secretaries Lorcan Egan and Mandy Toolan. They also thanked all who participated in the week, especially those who travelled from other clubs. Lastly, but most definitely not least, they paid special tribute to all those businesses of the area who contributed sponsorship for Open Week, which is our most important fundraiser of the year.
Results were as follows. Men’s 9-hole Stroke winner was Paddy Egan (Oughterard GC) with 31 nett.
Ladies 9-hole Stroke winner was Bernie Kemple, 33 nett. Ladies Gala Day winner was also Bernie Kemple (45 pts). Ladies Gala Day 9-hole winner was Catherine Moreton. Men’s 9-hole Stableford winner was Paddy Egan with 19 points. Wednesday Rumble winners were Lorcan Egan, Martin Sweeney and Charlie O’Donnell. Open Week Cup winner was Paul Brown with 64 nett. Friday Scramble winners were Owen O’Donohoe, Michael McHale and Mary Brogan.
CARRICK-ON-SHANNON
LADY CAPTAIN’S WEEK: The club would like to thank our excellent and very popular Lady Captain Frances
Molloy on her Captain’s Week. The club would like to thank the course staff and volunteers for the excellent condition of the course. Congrats to the Ladies winner Siobhan Talbot who had an excellent score of 66 net. In the Gents section congrats to winner Enda Henry with an excellent score of 65 net.
GOLF CLASSIC: The club are holding the annual golf classic over the August bank holiday weekend. Please ensure you support and bring your golfing friends from other clubs.
O.B.N. SERIES: The next round of the O.B.N. Series is around the corner and again it is open to visitors. The sponsors of this event are businesses owned by Tommy and Dolores Mulvey and family, namely Prime Signs and A Rated Homes Construction.
LADIES SCRAMBLE: Winners of the most recent Ladies Wednesday Scramble were Gabrielle Madsen, Terri Gray and Helen Feely (27 nett on countback). Prizes were presented after Lady Captain’s buffet on Sunday night last. We congratulate Frances on a very successful and enjoyable weekend and thank her for her kindness and generosity.
50-50 DRAW: 32nd draw winner on July 20th was Marc ‘Birdie’ McShera (Drumshanbo) who won €540. Thanks to everyone for your continued support.
ROSCOMMON
SENIOR WOMEN: The results of the Lady Captain’s prize to senior ladies are – 1st: Mary McDermott, 21 pts; 2nd: Anne Martin, 21 pts; 3rd: Margaret
Brennan, 19 pts; 4th: Annie Timothy, 19 pts; 5th: Mary O’Connor, 19 pts. Thursday, July 17th: 1st: Kitty Bligh, 24 pts; 2nd: Phil Murray O’Brien, 19 pts; 3rd: Margaret Brennan, 18 pts; 4th: Anne Gately, 18 pts; 5th: Marie Keane, 17 pts.
LADY CAPTAIN’S PRIZE: The Lady Captain’s (Una Gleeson) prize event took place last week and the full results are as follows. Overall winner was Pauline Leonard, 144 pts. 2nd: Marie McManus, 145 pts; Gross: Deirdre Judge, 163 pts; 3rd: Marina Cribbon, 147 pts; 4th: Sheila Fallon, 149 pts; 5th: Veronica Clarke, 152 pts; 6th: Catherine Waldron, 152 pts; 1st 18: Mary O’Connor, 70 pts; 2nd 18: Colette Glynn, 71 pts; Past Captains: Noreen O’Grady; Junior Girls: Sine Lennon; Senior Ladies: Mary McDermott; Senior Men: Noel Connolly; Men’s 9-hole winner: Jackie Dempsey, 23 pts.
TEAMS: Well done to the Jack O’Sullivan team who defeated Ballinasloe last Friday.
SCRATCH CUPS: The Intermediate and Minor Scratch Cups, kindly sponsored by the Hodson Bay Hotel, were played last Sunday. They were a resounding success, with over 100 players competing. Results as follows – Intermediate Cup winner was Charlie Farrell, 83 pts; 2nd: Willie Doyle, 84 pts (on back 9); 3rd: Ken Duggan, 84 pts. Minor Cup winner: Michael Healy, 86 pts; 2nd: AJ Craven, 91 pts; 3rd: Billy Donnellan, 92 pts (on back nine).
OLIVIA: The club wishes Olivia Costello the best of luck this week as she competes in the German Open Women’s Amateur Championship.
(News from local golf clubs)
Photographed recently at the Ladies 36-hole Lady Captain’s Competition at Castlerea Golf Club is Lady Captain Ruth Sullivan, pictured with the Prizewinners. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
TOP: Roscommon Golf Club Lady Captain Una Gleeson with the various prize winners following the Lady Captain’s Prize event last Saturday.
RIGHT: Roscommon Golf Club Lady Captain Una Gleeson (right) presents her prize to the overall winner, Pauline Leonard.
Successful launch of Youth Darts Academy
Roscommon Youth Darts Academy launched their new state-of-the-art venue at Ballinaheglish Community centre last Saturday.
Over 100 people attended the launch, where 40 boys and girls showed guests their dart-throwing skills.
The celebrations started off with special guest David Concannon cutting the ribbon and officially opening the facility to the public.
Guest speaker Paddy Joe Burke gave a very motivational speech, telling the young people present that they will be successful by working hard.
Roscommon Darts wants to thank the hard-working darts academy committee, Ann, Mary, Patricia, and Brendan of the Ballinaheglish Community Centre committee for their kindness and help, the wonder-
ful young boys and girls (and their parents), and indeed all their sponsors. Thanks were also extended to the Roscommon People, the Roscommon Herald and Shannonside Radio for letting people know about the launch.
The committee say that
now the hard work begins as panels will be selected for upcoming competitions. New members are always welcome. Training takes place in the new Academy HQ this Saturday, July 26th, from 2-4 pm. All are welcome to attend.
Martin Murphy, Tommy Beirne, and Martina McKeon photographed with Roscommon up-and-coming darts enthusiasts at the Youth Darts Academy in Ballinaheglish at its recent launch event. Photo: Michael Finan
Committee members of the Youth Darts Academy and senior Roscommon darts team members – Derrick O’Connor, Martin Murphy, Amanda Tansey, Felcia Loughrey, Martina McKeon, Joe Hoare, Patricia Duarte, Brendan Mullarkey, Rachel McKeon, Tommy Beirne, Mick O’Brien and Paul O’Connor photographed with the Roscommon youth darts players at the recent academy session in Ballinaheglish. (not photographed – Pauline Ramsey Brady). Photo: Michael Finan
Daniel O’Connor, Donnacha O’Connor, and Oisín Fallon photographed with Roscommon youth darts players at the recent Youth Darts Academy launch event in Ballinaheglish. Photo: Michael Finan
Cllr Ruth Conboy photographed with members of the Roscommon youth darts squad at the recent Youth Darts Academy launch event in Ballinaheglish. Photo: Michael Finan
Patricia Duarte, Martina McKeon, and Rachel McKeon photographed with Roscommon youth darts players at the recent Youth Darts Academy event in Ballinaheglish. Photo: Michael Finan
SportsPeople
A step too far for Roscommon
Defeat to Armagh – but positive signs of progress
Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Premier Junior Camogie semi-final
Armagh 2-17
Roscommon 1-8
< SEAMUS DUKE
There will be no fairytale end to the year for the Roscommon camogie team as Armagh proved too strong in this All-Ireland semi-final played at Kingspan Breffni last Saturday, the Ulster side deservedly winning. When Mary Grehan and her management team took over Roscommon this year they outlined a three-year plan to make the team more competitive and capable of challenging for an All-Ireland title. The first part of that ambition has been achieved as they matched the Orchard County for much of an entertaining first half.
Roscommon can point to a couple of missed goal chances in that first period that they needed to take if they were to maximise the prospects of causing an upset. However, when the game was in the melting pot in the second half, Roscommon’s challenge faded away. Bridging the gap between being competitive and real, live challengers for the title will be more difficult, but the graph is definitely heading in the right direction.
Roscommon were aware of the Armagh attacking threat. They played Oonagh Kelly as a sweeper, but it was only a limited success as Armagh’s superior physical strength eventually told and Roscommon couldn’t
get the scores they needed at the other end of the field.
On a perfect day weather-wise, Roscommon had a very positive start. After Armagh’s Rachel Merry pointed a free inside the first minute, Roscommon were ahead a minute later when Tara Naughton’s long-range free was misjudged by Armagh goalkeeper Ciarrai Devlin, the sliotar flying into the net. Armagh were always a threat up front. In the 5th minute they scored a goal. Eimear McGeary got through the Roscommon
defence and although her initial effort was saved by Micheala Fallon she followed up to net the rebound.
Roscommon’s reply was immediate. Within a minute of Fallon’s score Oonagh Kelly was pulled back on her way to goal, referee Simon Redmond rightly awarding the penalty. However Tara Naughton’s well-struck shot was saved by Devlin – and Armagh were off the hook.
The Orchard County team then hit a rich vein of form with four
points without reply (three from the prolific Merry) to put them 1-5 to 1-0 ahead after 13 minutes.
Roscommon wasted another glorious chance in the 16th minute when Rachel Fitzmaurice burst through. Unfortunately, with a gaping open goal, she couldn’t get her shot away, and the chance was gone. Those missed goal chances were to come back to haunt Roscommon later.
As it was, points from Tara Naughton (two frees), Sarah
Dooley and Lilly Murray saw Roscommon well in contention at the break. Half-time score: Armagh 1-8 Roscommon 1-4. Armagh put on the afterburners in the third quarter and sealed their place in the final. Merry and McGeary pointed to set them on their way, and in the 34th minute Sinead Quinn scored a vital second goal to open up an eight-point lead. Tara Naughton did knock over two Roscommon points, but by the 45th minute it was 2-14 to 1-6.
Roscommon battled away and Sarah Dooley and Sally Bolger were among the scorers in the final quarter of the game. In truth Armagh were in control for most of that second half with team captain Ciara Hill outstanding at midfield and Eimear McGeary, Sinead Quinn and Rachel Merry very sharp up front.
For Roscommon, Micheala Fallon made some great saves between the posts throughout. Sally Bolger and Lilly Murray had their moments in midfield while up front Sarah Dooley was most prominent. Armagh will now play Laois in the final after they defeated Wicklow in the first semi-final. Armagh: Ciarrai Devlin; Maebh O’Hare, Gemma McCann, Lucie Loughran; Michelle McCone, Alanna McEntee, Eimear Hayes; Grace Gaffney, Ciara Hill (0-2, 1 free); Eimear McGeary (1-2), Katie Convie, Niamh Forker; Corian Doyle, Sinead Quinn (1-3), Rachel Merry (0-10, 7 frees). Subs: Fiadhna Loughran for Gaffney (37), Louise McConnell for Forker (54), Nicola Woods for Hayes (56), Tierna Maxwell-McKeever for McGeary (59), Niamh Murphy for Quinn (60).
Photographed is the Roscommon team that togged out at the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Premier Junior Camogie Championship Semi-Final played at Kingspan Breffni Park in Cavan last Saturday.
The Water Services Acts, 2007 to 2013 (and, in particular, Section 7 of the Water Services (No. 2) Act, 2013 and Parts 2 and Sections 31 & 32 and Part 7 and Section 93 of the Water Services Act, 2007, as amended). The Planning and Development Acts, 2000 to 2014 (and, in particular Part XIV and Sections 213 and 217 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000). Section 184(2) of the Local Government Act, 2001, Section 10 of the Local Government (No. 2) Act, 1960 (as substituted by Section 86 of the Housing Act, 1966 and as amended by Section 6 and the Second Schedule of the Roads Act, 1993 and by Section 222 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000). The Housing Act, 1966 (and in particular Part V, Sections 76 and 78 and the Third Schedule). The Lands Clauses Acts. The Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act, 1919. AS RESPECTS ALL OR PART OF THE LAND TO WHICH THIS COMPULSORY PURCHASE ORDER RELATES TO BE PUBLISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 4(a) OF THE THIRD SCHEDULE TO THE HOUSING ACT, 1966, AS AMENDED BY THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACTS, 2000 – 2014.
1. WHEREAS UISCE ÉIREANN Uisce Éireann (hereinafter referred to as “the Company”), a Water Services Authority for the purposes of the Water Services Act, 2007, proposes for the purposes of the Water Services Acts, 2007 to 2013 and in exercise of its powers under Sections 32 and 93 of the Water Services Act, 2007 to acquire compulsorily the lands and rights over land hereinafter described and has made an Order entitled as above which Order is dated 17 April 2025 and which Order was submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála (hereinafter “the Coimisiún”). Uisce Éireann has, on the 9 day of May, 2025, made a Confirmation Order confirming with modifications the above named Compulsory Purchase Order as respects the land described in the Schedule hereto. The said Order, as so confirmed, authorises Uisce Éireann to acquire the said land compulsorily for the purposes of the Housing Act, 1966.
The Order, as so confirmed, will become operative from the date of publication of this Notice.
A copy of the Order as so confirmed and of the drawings referred to in it may be seen at the following location:-
(a) Uisce Éireann, Colvill House, 24-26, Talbot Street, Dublin 1, Mon to Fri, between 9:00-17:00hrs.
(b) Roscommon Municipal District Office, Aras an Contae, Co. Roscommon, Mon to Fri, between 9:00-17:00hrs.
An application for judicial review of the decision of the Company under Order 84 of the Rules of the Superior Courts (Judicial Review) 2011 (S.I. No. 691 of 2011) may be made to the High Court within eight weeks beginning on the date of the publication of this Notice in accordance with Section 50 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as substituted by Section 13 of the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act, 2006.
SCHEDULE
PART 1 – LAND ACQUISITION
Land other than land consisting of a house or houses unfit for human habitation and not capable of being rendered fit for human habitation at reasonable expense
Plot Number shaded grey on the drawings deposited at Uisce Éireann, Colvill House, 24-26 Talbot Street, Dublin 1 and Roscommon Municipal District Office, Aras an Contae, Co. Roscommon
002
Not Applicable
Sub-Part A – Description of Rights
DRAWING No.
Quantity, Situation and Description of the Land Owners or Reputed Owners Lessees or Reputed Lessees Occupiers Area in Hectares Location Description of Property
UE/10016940/ CPO/101 0.009
Ballaghaderreen Existing wastewater pumping station site
PART 2 – PERMANENT WAYLEAVE
Balford Construction Limited, The Deanery, Main Street, Swinford, Co. Mayo, F12 H7E8
PART 3 – PERMANENT RIGHT OF WAY
The right for the Company, its successors in title, assigns, tenants, licensees, servants or agents, contractors and workmen, to enter upon and to pass and re-pass over the lands specified in Sub-Part B below with or without all and any vehicles, plant and machinery necessary or desirable for the purpose, for the purpose of ingress and egress to and from the public road at all times, for all purposes of and by all means in connection with the use and occupation by the Company, its successors in title, assigns, tenants, licensees, servants or agents, contractors and workmen, of any lands (including rights over land and the wayleaves described in Part 2 of this Schedule).
Such right shall include
• the right to lay and maintain a suitable roadway and works ancillary thereto over the lands specified in Sub-Part B below
• the right to do in, on, under or over the lands specified in Sub-Part B below anything reasonably necessary for or ancillary or incidental to the construction, repair, maintenance and alteration of the Scheme on any land (including rights over land and the wayleaves described in Part 2 of this Schedule).
Sub-Part B – Description of Lands
Plot Number hatched in red on the drawings deposited at Uisce Éireann, Colvill House, 24-26 Talbot Street, Dublin 1 and Roscommon Municipal District Office, Aras an Contae, Co. Roscommon
and
PART 4 – TEMPORARY WORKING AREA
Not Applicable
Dated this 11 day of July 2025, Richard O’Sullivan, Secretary, Uisce Éireann, Colvill House, 24-26 Talbot Street, Dublin 1
