I am on a waiting list for surgery. I have been on this waiting list for months and I am fed up with the delay. I believe that I may avail of this treatment abroad and may be refunded the cost by the HSE. Is this correct? Please advise me. Does this scheme apply to all HSE services?
The Cross-Border Healthcare Directive is a European Union law that allows EU citizens to access healthcare services in another EU country and be reimbursed for the cost by their home country, under certain conditions. It aims to ensure patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare while maintaining national control over healthcare systems
Therefore, if you are entitled to public health services in Ireland, you may opt to access those services in another European Union member state, and be repaid the cost if you meet the requirements. Prior HSE authorisation is required in a number of circumstances.
The amount that will be repaid is the amount that the treatment would cost in Ireland, or the cost of your treatment abroad, if that is less. It does not include other costs such as travel.
Funding will only be reimbursed for healthcare that is publicly funded and available in Ireland but the referral may be to a public or private health service in the other country. You must pay for the cost of treatment and then apply for a refund when you return to Ireland.
In order to receive the treatment you must firstly receive a referral letter from your GP, HSE orthodontist etc. The referral letter should specify the healthcare required, the health professional abroad you are being referred to and their clinic or hospital.
Examples of healthcare that is available under the scheme include:
• Day, in-patient and out-patient care in acute hospital services, including psychiatric services
• Community-based out-patient care
• Joint replacement
• Dental and orthodontic services (with some exceptions, such as dental screening services in schools)
• Fertility treatment
• Speech and language services
• Occupational therapy services
• Psychology services
• Physiotherapy services
• Disability services
• Ophthalmic services
• Mental health services
• Addiction care
WATCHING People
With PAUL HEALY
THURSDAY
The Boyos arrived at the ploughing in Offaly, armed with complimentary tickets, a list of questions for the presidential election candidates, and the expenses forms (and rates) they had printed off in the People office while the Editor was on one of his walks.
and Galway.
A
contact
Telephone Central Line 090 6478433 info@bccsolicitors.ie www.bccsolicitors.ie
The Boyos meet the candidates… Endangered Species
Recognising a number of people on the train earlier, the boyos had tried to remain incognito, one of them covering himself with a copy of the Irish Farmers Journal, the other wearing his cap so low that it obscured his face – not unlike how Melania Trump wears her wide-brimmed hats on occasion.
As the train neared Tullamore, an elderly couple approached. “This is it” one of the boyos whispered to the other, “the inevitable autograph request.” They braced themselves.
The man spoke first.
“Are you the guys who write for the paper?” he asked, as his wife fumbled in her handbag for a pen.
“Yes” one of the boyos – secretly chuffed – replied, “how can we help?”
“Oh we were just wondering if you have a number for Frank Brandon, we love his column” the woman said, passing the pen to her husband.
LATER…
The boyos merge into the crowd, a tapestry of thousands. Early on, they spotted Luke
‘Ming’ Flanagan with Catherine Connolly, the latter an Independent hopeful for the Áras Boyo 1 (to Boyo 2): “I’ll buy 99s for you and me, and two for ‘Ming’ and Catherine,
Thebarstoolboyos
Boyo 1: “Huh! Taking our ice creams! It would be more in Gavin’s interest to learn to close the gate on a farm, especially in a PR video!”
MID-AFTERNOON
By mid-afternoon, the boyos had met 44 politicians, 19 journalists, four country and western stars, and a man who claimed to be have ‘discovered’ the young Timmy Dooley.
Boyo 2, by now with a couple of Heineken on board, was insisting on buying Heather Humphreys a drink.
“Just a soft drink for me… maybe an orange juice” the Fine Gael candidate replied, in between discreet sighs and some ‘side-eye’ glances at her entourage.
“No problem, I’ll get the Orange Order in” the boyo responded, at which point Heather briskly disappeared into the distance, followed by unamused advisors.
EARLY EVENING
and it’ll be a great photo-op for the scommon People!”
When the woman serving the 99s said “Cash only”, Boyo 1 raced back to Boyo 2 to borrow twenty euro. By the time he had returned, Micheál Martin and Jim Gavin were scoffing their ice cream cones. (An FF spokesperson later claimed that it had been a genuine mix-up – “er, 99 times out of a 100 this wouldn’t happen”).
It was 5 pm when our Page 2 heroes bumped into the Taoiseach and Jim Gavin. “They took our 99s” one boyo hissed. “The cheek! I’ll have a word!” His friend shushed him.
A smiling Jim Gavin extended a hand. “Gentlemen, my name’s Jim Gavin. I’d be very grateful for your number one!”
The more peeved of the two boyo looked up.
“Oh you’ll be grand, regardless of how the election goes. Sure when one gate closes, another one opens up!”
It’s been a GOOD week for…
Irish athlete Kate O’Connor, who won a silver medal in the heptathlon at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo
Catherine Connolly, with the Independent Galway TD’s presidential election campaign receiving a significant boost after the Sinn Féin party announced it will support her candidacy
Roscommon Gaelic football Masters team, with victory over Armagh in Kiltoom last Saturday landing a much-coveted AllIreland Shield title
It’s been a BAD week for…
Maria Steen (well, certainly a disappointing one), as she narrowly missed out on securing a nomination to run in the presidential election
This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor. Byrne Carolan Cunningham have offices in Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough
PIC OF THE WEEK: Action from Sunday’s Roscommon SFC quarter-final between Pádraig Pearses and Boyle in Enfield, which Pearses won by 1-23 to 1-18 after extra-time. Declan Kenny (Pearses) takes a tumble, with Enda Smith on the scene! Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
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THURSDAY-SATURDAY
Political football
There must have been something in the air in Tullamore…
At the ploughing on Thursday, Mary Lou McDonald told journalists that Sinn Féin would make its position on next month’s presidential election clear… on Saturday.
To me, that sounded like more procrastination. I mean, this saga surrounding who Sinn Féin will run –or whether they’ll run a candidate at all – has really dragged on.
How long must we wait? I think our dog has been scampering to the front door more excitedly than ever these mornings, fully expecting a Sinn Féin election leaflet to drop on to the tiles any time the letter box flap thuds.
Back to Thursday. In Tullamore, the welly-clad journalists wanted more information from the welly-clad Sinn Féin leader. So they ploughed in with follow-up questions. All quite a circus (as usual).
Given that the cute Sinn Féin folks still had to meet at Ard Chomhairle level on Saturday, Mary Lou wasn’t going to reveal much more, other than to confidently tease that the party’s “participation” would be a “gamechanger” in the election.
That choice of language initially led to – ploughing pun alert – furrowed brows for the press pack, with speculation soon turning to the sporting world. A game-changer?
Hmmn… what could Mary Lou mean?
There was only one thing for it. Ask Mary Lou. So the journalists did. What did she mean by game-changer?
In full ‘down with the people’ mode, Mary Lou reached (perhaps desperately) for some context, for anything that might support the ‘game-changer’ phrase.
Then she said the fateful words: “I mean a game-changer, Match of the Day, Up for the Match.”
She was keeping the sporting parlance alive.
Now the journalists wondered if, rather than one of their own TDs, Sinn Féin might be about to unveil a sporting star to run on their behalf. Did the media suddenly try to hunt
PAUL HEALY’S WEEK
A (mostly) light-hearted look at the week that was… paul@roscommonpeople.ie
down Marty Morrissey (a ploughing championships diehard)? I don’t know.
Jim Gavin was no longer available. Joe Brolly is arguably from the Sinn Féin gene pool, but surely not he?
On Friday, GAA President Jarlath Burns – later that evening to guest at the Roscommon CBS All-Ireland medal presentation event – ruled himself out as Mary Lou’s chosen one.
There was no post on Saturday morning, so myself and the dog just spent a couple of hours looking at one another, the suspense almost too much for us.
I googled and googled, but no white smoke from the Ard Chomhairle. Had the sport-heavy, coded language at the ploughing all been a dream?
But then, news. Sinn Féin, the online sources began telling us, had announced its decision. The party would be, er… supporting Catherine Connolly (the long-declared Independent candidate).
A bit of a damp squib, respectfully.
If this announcement was a football game, it might be the last one shown on Match of the Day on a Saturday night. It felt like something of an anticlimax,
with many people having assumed that Sinn Féin would run a candidate of their own. Of course it may yet be a ‘game-changer’. Time will tell.
Meanwhile, the contest is about to begin (in earnest). Let he who is without Sinn Féin cast the first stone…
SATURDAY
Fawlty Towers at 50
Basil’s back! On September 19th, 1975 – 50 years ago yesterday – the first episode of Fawlty Towers was aired by the BBC.
One of only 12 that were made, ‘A Touch of Class’ introduced us to snobbish hotelier Basil (John Cleese), his domineering wife Sybil (Prunella Scales), incompetent waiter Manuel (Andrew Sachs), patient waitress/allrounder Polly (Connie Booth), and the bumbling resident guest, Major Gowen (played by Bernard Berkeley).
What would come to be widely regarded as the greatest ever sitcom had arrived on our screens.
‘U&Gold’ channel is currently repeat-
ing the 12 episodes of this classic comedy. Remarkably, it has barely aged at all, Fawlty Towers seemingly timeless, these repeats a reminder of its enduring brilliance.
Cleese is undoubtedly a comedy genius. Watching Fawlty Towers, it’s impossible to take your eyes off the eccentric, quick-tempered, classobsessed Basil, one of the great comedy characters of all time, played brilliantly by Cleese. (An early review described Cleese as being “like an octopus with its elastic wound to bursting”).
As legendary as the main character is a half century on, the other characters in the rundown Torquay hotel were also very well crafted – and played superbly by a wonderful cast. The result was a slapstick comedy which is without equal (spread the word to younger generations, but try not to mention the war).
SUNDAY
Don’t mention the war?
I received a WhatsApp message from
an enthusiastic Roscommon GAA supporter this morning, bringing to my attention the fact that today – September 21st – is the 45th anniversary of the 1980 All-Ireland Senior Football Final. I’ve chosen to share the pain with readers…
MONDAY
Then and now
An email from the ‘Connolly for President’ campaign whizzes in… inviting yours truly to Catherine Connolly’s campaign launch (I’m under no illusions, this invite is going to all media).
I check when and where the launch is… it’s in Smithfield, Dublin 7, at 6.30 pm this evening. But the email’s just come in at 1.18 pm. Do they expect me to drop everything and head to Dublin for an event that’s starting in just over five hours?
Helpfully, the evening’s schedule is attached. Rather optimistically, it states that speeches from politicians present will be of no more than five minutes each (even though that includes Paul Murphy TD). Anyways, I will have to pass on this one. Perhaps I feel nothing can ever live up to the 1990 election. Interviewing Austin Currie wasn’t very exciting – a rather subdued hour in a room in the old Royal Hotel in Roscommon – but spending a day and night on Brian Lenihan’s flashy campaign bus was more like ‘rock ‘n’ roll politics’. That memorable day ended with Lenihan receiving a standing ovation from several hundred followers in the Abbey Hotel. But unknown to us all, the shadow of controversy was moving in on Lenihan – and Charlie Haughey would be forced to throw his old pal under a metaphorical bus.
TUESDAY
The Traitors
We recorded the final of The Traitors Ireland, and will probably watch it on Wednesday night. As to who won it, I’m not bothered. Once Paudie (or ‘The Paudfather’ as he’s being called) was ousted, was there really much point in going on with it?
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Garadice, the phenomenal traditional ensemble comprising the remarkable talents of Eleanor Shanley, Tom Morrow (of Dervish), John McCartin and Dave Sheridan, will play in the Percy French Hotel on this Tuesday, September 30th
In their much-anticipated second studio album, Garadice takes their exceptional musical voyage to new heights by welcoming a constellation of esteemed guest artists.
The band’s collaboration with luminaries such as
Donal Lunny, Tom Morrow, Neil Lyons, Eleanor Quaine and Kieran Leonard adds an extra layer of brilliance to an already mesmerising collection of tunes.
Garadice’s musical prowess is elevated by the virtuosic collaboration of Eleanor Shanley’s emotive vocals, who will debut her first performance in Strokestown. Doors open at 8 pm and there will also be local talent performing on the night.
Garadice fearing Eleanor Shanley will be playing at The Eugene Murphy Autumn Cabaret in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown next Tuesday 30th September. Doors open at 8 pm
Sean Mulryan awarded Freedom of City of London
Has plans for new 3,365-home project in London
Sean Mulryan, a native of Roscommon who now leads Ballymore as founder, Chairperson and CEO, has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London – one of the city’s oldest and most prestigious honours.
The accolade recognises Mr Mulryan’s transformative contribution to London’s urban fabric over the past four decades, particularly through largescale regeneration projects that combine architecture, culture and community.
The ceremony was held on September 18th at the Guildhall in London, presided over by Laura Dobbie Miller, Clerk of the Chamberlain’s Court of the City of London Corporation. Mr Mulryan was nominated by distinguished City figures, including Vince Dignam, Business Performance & Transport Group Manager and a liveryman and freeman of the City, and Jacqui
O’Donovan, OBE, entrepreneur and sustainability advocate.
Reflecting on the honour, Mr Mulryan said: “I am truly humbled to receive the Freedom of the City of London. It’s a privilege to have played a role in shaping this remarkable city over the past 40 years, and I share this recognition with all of the talented colleagues and partners who
help bring our visions to life.”
This recognition adds to a distinguished list of accolades already held by Mr Mulryan. In 2023, he won the Outstanding Contribution to Business Award at the Kildare Business Awards; in 2019, he was honoured with the IrelandUS Gaelic Heritage Award in New York. He has previously been named
Property Developer of the Year by the Evening Standard Business Awards.
Over 40 years, Mr Mulryan’s leadership has guided Ballymore from its origins as a family firm into an international developer responsible for over 20,000 homes in the UK and 15,000 in Ireland, alongside more than 330,000m² of commercial space in the past decade alone.
His strategic acquisition of Thamesside land has reshaped London’s skyline, delivering landmark neighbourhoods such as Embassy Gardens at Nine Elms – home to the US Embassy and the famed Sky Pool – and London City Island at Bow Creek, where Ballymore also delivered the Mulryan Centre for Dance for English National Ballet.
More recently, Ballymore in partnership with Places for London (the commercial property arm of Transport for London) secured outline planning permission from the London Borough of Barnet to redevelop Edgware Town Centre. The approved scheme encompasses 3,365 new homes (including 1,150 affordable units and 463 student beds) and 460,000 ft² of commercial and leisure space. The £1.7bn investment is expected to create more than 1,400 permanent jobs and generate £80m in gross value added for the local economy.
Kilbride
in Cuan Mhuire, Fourmile House (F42 T659). The club are looking forward to seeing all current members back, and new members are most welcome. Please be seated by 7.45 pm for play to start at 8 pm.
Pilgrimage to Knock
A Pilgrimage to Knock, organised by the Legion of Mary, is set to take place on Tuesday, October 7th 2025. If you are interested in travelling, please contact 087 2445753 or 086 3861954.
SPCA Church gate collection
The Roscommon society for the prevention of cruelty to animals (Roscommon SPCA) will be holding a Church gate collection at St Asicus Church in Frenchpark on Sunday, September 28th Roscommon SPCA is a charity run by a team of dedicated volunteers, with all money donated going directly towards animal welfare in the county. If you would like to learn more about Roscommon SPCA, please visit roscommonspca.ie.
Tulsk ICA to host
Social Evening
Tulsk ICA Guild will hold a social evening in the Macra Hall in aid of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice from 8 pm to 10 pm on Friday, September 26th. Please come along and show your support. All proceeds will go to Mayo/Roscommon Hospice.
Shanagher
Sean Mulryan, founder and Chairperson of Ballymore, is photographed with his wife, Bernardine, at the historic Guildhall in London, where he was granted the Freedom of the City of London. Photo: Daniel Lynch
Roscommon races again next Monday
It is nearing the end of what has been a terrific season of racing at Roscommon. The curtain will be brought down on the jumps action when the Grade 3 Ballymore Group Kilbegnet Novice Chase is staged on Monday, September 29th.
It is always a well contested event, and this year Gordon Elliott has indicated that King Of Kingsfield will head to Roscommon as he bids to make it three from three over the larger obstacles in what is the feature event over fences at Roscommon.
The seven-year-old is a smart performer and was largely used as a pacemaker for Brighterdaysahead over hurdles last season, but this year he has looked a natural over fences.
This race looks the obvious place to go for Elliott’s runner, which carries the colours of Gigginstown House Stud, and while he will face stiff competition, Jack Kennedy’s mount should prove hard to beat around a speed track like Roscommon. It has been a brilliant season at Roscommon Racecourse, and a huge thanks is extended to everyone who attended, as well as all the owners, trainers, and stable staff. Thanks are also extended to the IHRB and their officials, the bookmakers, the Tote
staff and all the team at the racecourse. It takes a huge effort to run a race meeting, and while the dry summer presented its own challenges, the team here produced good ground all year.
On the weather front, Roscommon Racecourse are hoping that nature will help produce beautiful ground for the final jumps fixture on Monday next.
Roscommon Racecourse would like to thank their race sponsors, which include Thomas A Murray Bar in Roscommon, Kelly Hearing Specialists in Ballaghaderreen, Sweeney Oil, Image Furnishings, The Ballymore Group, the Irish EBF, and Connolly’s Red Mills. The best turned out prizes are sponsored by Gerry Gill Motors in Fuerty.
As always, there will be live entertainment at the racecourse just before the last race. The final meeting of 2025 will take place on Monday, October 13th
Please visit Roscommon Racecourse’s social media pages and website for ticket offers, and to stay up to date. For enquiries, email contact@roscommonracecourse.ie or phone 087 2203288. Roscommon Racecourse: come for the racing, stay for the craic!
Race-goers enjoying a recent meeting of Roscommon Races. Photo: Colin Gillen, Framelight Studio Productions
Race-goers enjoying a recent meeting of Roscommon Races. Photo: Colin Gillen, Framelight Studio Productions
Drive for Five – the big 2025 rematch!
Roscommon Local Community Safety Partnership
Call for Expressions of Interest
Roscommon County Council is inviting expressions of interest from community groups & networks in county Roscommon who wish to actively contribute—on a voluntary basis—to shaping local safety priorities and solutions for Roscommon County by becoming a member of the Roscommon Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP).
The LCSP is a new and inclusive approach to community safety in Ireland. It brings together a wide range of stakeholders, each offering unique experiences and perspectives, to collaboratively address safety concerns and develop coordinated responses at a local level.
This multi-agency structure ensures that the voices of residents, young people, older people, minority groups, and local businesses are heard and reflected in safety planning and decision-making.
To support this work, Roscommon County Council has launched an online Expression of Interest process through the My Online Services portal for representatives from the following areas:
• Minority Groups / New Communities Representative x 1
• Education Representative x 1
• Business Representative x 1
• Local Resident Representative x 4
• Disability Services Representative x 1
• Parent Sporting Organisation Representative x 1
This is your opportunity to represent your local group or network and help shape the future of community safety in Roscommon.
Closing date for receipt of online expressions of interest is Monday 06th of October, 2025 @ 5pm.
For queries about the application process or eligibility, please email: communitysafety@roscommoncoco.ie
Get started by submitting your Expression of Interest via My Online Services.
It’s all happening on Friday, September 26th at 7 pm at Roscommon Community Sports Park, Lisnamult, when a Roscommon Town Garda Selection will, for the fifth time in a row, take on Roscommon Special Olympics. The winners will receive the Maire Allen Memorial Cup. Special Olympics have won this title for the last four years and are driving towards a huge five-in-arow achievement.
The Best of Both Worlds - Old Buildings/New Methods is a series of two information workshops for building owners, focusing on the best and most suitable energy efficiency solutions for old buildings & protected structures. These workshops will provide easy-to-understand information and share practical experience to enable us make the right decisions about energy efficiency improvements in heritage buildings. There will be presentations from building and conservation specialists with plenty of opportunity for questions and answers. The aim of
It is believed that the Garda team are trying to coax one or two retired members out of retirement for this big match, and without a doubt, they will need them, as Roscommon Special Olympics have signed some new players who will add extra new talent to their already very talented team. Time will tell how all this will go; excitement is fever pitch at the moment and training has been going well for both sides.
Organisers are encouraging supporters to join them on the night. The winners will receive the Maire Allen Memorial Cup; she would be so proud of all the athletes. So, may the best team win, and remember, the Drive for Five is alive! This promises to be among the most exciting and fun sporting events of the year in Roscommon. Huge effort has gone into this event, so a very enjoyable night is in store for all.
these workshops is to help us understand & appreciate our older buildings and help us make the right decisions when retrofitting. "The greenest building is one that is already built". Workshops facilitated by Conservation Architect, Jane Meade If you own or live in an old building or a pro-
tected structure The Best of Both Worlds is not to be missed! If you are thinking about applying for the Vacant Homes grant for an old house or if you are interested in taking action as part of the Roscommon town Decarbonisation Zone these workshops are for you!
Workshop 1: 1st October
2025 7-9pm. Workshop 2: 8th October 2025 7-9pm in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. The workshops are free but booking is required, email: heritage@ roscommoncoco.ie or phone 090 6632513. Funded by the Heritage Council as a climate action under Roscommon Heritage Strategy 2025-2029
Roscommon town streetscape
We handle everything, from design and production to installation. Our extensive selection includes windows and doors made of uPVC, Aluminium, AluClad, and Hardwood.
Showroom open Mon-Fri 8.30am - 6pm Saturday 10am - 1pm Appointment Only - Call 09066
Tributes paid to the late Paolo (Pablo) Roberto
Tributes have been paid to the late Paolo (Pablo) Roberto, of Castlecoote, Co Roscommon, following his death last Sunday.
The late Mr Roberto was active in the tourism industry locally, and was a highly respected member of the community.
Husband of former Roscommon county councillor Orla Leyden, his unexpected death has led to an outpouring of sadness in the community.
Mr Roberto took ill last week and died at Galway University Hospital on Sunday, September 21st.
Mr Roberto, who was in his early 50s, was born in Oakville, Ontario, and also had strong family ties to Bitetto, Bari in Italy. He had made his home in Roscommon for the past two decades. He was the creator and owner of ‘Gone Fishing Ireland’, a business rooted in his deep passion for nature and the waters of the River Suck and River Shannon, including Lough Ree.
A minute’s silence was observed in his memory at Monday’s meeting of Roscommon County Council. Members extended their condolences to his wife, former county councillor Orla Leyden, and to their daughter Donata Maria, as well as to the wider Leyden and Roberto families. Independent councillor Tom Crosby, speaking at the meeting, described Mr Roberto as “a respected businessman with a great love of nature and a keen interest in water-related activities.”
Cllr Crosby said that Pablo had made his home in County Roscommon over the past 25 years or so, was a devoted husband and loving father, and also a respected businessman who had a great love of nature.
Mr Roberto is deeply mourned by his wife Orla, daughter Donata Maria, his mother Donata, brother Tony, sister Sara, nieces Stefania and Nicole, godsons Kyle and Daniel, his parents-in-law Mary and Terry, extended family and a wide circle of friends.
He is predeceased by his father Giuseppe. Mass of the Resurrection will take place in the Church of the Assumption, Castlecoote, today (Thursday), September 25th at 11 am, followed by private cremation.
Lecture on ‘Athlone: placenames, maps, and settlement’
The Old Athlone Society is delighted to be welcoming Dr Aengus Ó Fionnagáin for an upcoming lecture entitled, ‘Athlone; placenames, maps, and settlement’ – the first of this season. The lecture will be held in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel at 8 pm on Wednesday, October 1st. All are welcome. Aengus is a lecturer in Irish at the University of Limerick. From 2013-15, he worked on projects such as Logainm.ie (placenames database of Ireland) and Dúchas. ie (digitisation of the national folklore collection) in DCU. He has a keen interest in Irish placenames and surnames, and all aspects of Irish literature and language from 1600 to the present.
Pop-Up Shop fundraiser for Loughglynn NS
Loughglynn Primary School Parents Association are hosting a Pop-Up Shop of second-hand goods on Saturday and Sunday, the 27th and 28th of September from 11 am to 5 pm in Loughglynn Community Centre.
The group have been gathering second-hand items donated by the community for months and are now ready to open the doors to their huge sale of goods! All funds will go directly to the school to fund extra activities and projects for the pupils and support the school.
They have a huge selection of items for sale at
amazing prices, including clothing and shoes, bags, jewellery, toys, baby equipment, homeware, furniture, antiques, books, and so much more! The Parents Association are so grateful for all the support they have received in the many donations of fabulous goods for the sale. They look forward to seeing you all at their sale to raise money for extra activities and projects for the pupils of Loughglynn National School. Make sure to come along and grab a bargain!
Special Healing Mass in Curraghboy
A Special Healing Mass will take place at Our Lady Star of the Sea Prayer Centre in Curraghboy on Monday, September 29th (Feast of the Holy Archangels), commencing at 8 pm.
The celebrant will be Fr John Walsh. Confessions will be available from 7 pm, and the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet will be recited at 7.30 pm. Fr John will bless Holy water and all religious items before Mass. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and individual Blessings for Healing will take place after Mass. Refreshments will be available afterwards, and all are most welcome. The eircode is N37W704. For
Loughglynn Primary School
Locals pictured on their way to school in Cloghogue NS, Castlebaldwin on Tuesday morning, September 23rd. In the background is one of the balloons (and crew) taking part in the Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships, taking place at Lough Key Forest Park (and continuing until this Friday).
FRANK BRANDON
FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...
Castlerea delivers a knockout welcome for O’Rourke sisters
Our columnist Frank Brandon on welcoming back the O’Rourke sisters to Castlerea following their success on the boxing world stage, modular-type homes and planning permission, and upcoming local events…
It’s about 4.30 pm on Tuesday of last week, and I get a phone call from my brother, Duff. Usually it would be to see would I go for a few holes of golf, but as it was both wet and windy I thought maybe that wasn’t what was on his mind this time.
When it comes to golf, we aren’t much good in the wind (come to think of it we aren’t much good out of it either) so I thought it must be something else, and sure enough he wanted to know would I go to Castlerea for the homecoming party for the O’Rourke sisters, Aoife and Lisa, who are both boxing world champions.
And so shortly after 6 pm Duff and myself with our brother Kieran and his wife, Kay, arrived for what turned out to be a hugely uplifting and heartwarming occasion. With all the stuff that’s going on all over the world, it’s easy to be negative about everything, but the love and the warmth shown to the two girls by the hundreds of people that came to see them will live long in my memory.
When we got to the local boxing club in the Hub, the Castlerea Brass & Reed Band were just assembling. They had the honour of leading the O’Rourke sisters into the very impressive boxing club, where the boxers received a wonderful, genuine and warm welcome.
I won’t go into the formalities, but loads of interviews took place with various national and local media outlets and then the girls, who are delightfully unassuming, humble and down to earth – despite their incredible achievements –mingled with the crowd, taking pictures and selfies and, in particular, making themselves available to the huge number of children to whom they (quite rightly) are heroes.
Everyone and anyone was in attendance, with the world of local politics very well represented. I met the Chairperson of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Liam Callaghan, who was happy to remind me that he marked me out of it in the Intermediate Championship in 1985. To show there are no hard feelings, I got my picture taken with him to make sure I will never forget that day.
We also met Sean T Kelly and Seamus Ward, both local men from up this side, who were performing with the Castlerea Brass & Reed Band. And as the Burke or De Burgo clans shaped a lot of the history of Connacht, it was fitting that the two most famous Burkes of this and many a county, retired barber Paddy Joe, and former postman and county councillor, the legendary Danny, were both in attendance.
I met loads more people on the night, including my former football teammate, Paddy Joe Fahy, and I can only say that it is an evening that I will cherish for a long time. Eventually Duff and myself got to shake hands with the two girls and, as I reflected on the whole thing later on, I realised that it took me 74 years to get to meet a world champion. And then I got to meet two!
Aoife thought I was my brother, Kieran, but I suppose I can live with that! On such an occasion she was entitled to one mistake. Anyway, what it showed most of all is that there is still nothing quite like rural Ireland to acknowledge and appreciate the success of one (or two) of their own, and there is no doubt that Castlerea, Roscommon and all of Connacht are thrilled, delighted and extremely proud of the O’Rourke sisters.
I’m sure I will get lots more phone calls from Duff to go back to Castlerea for many more homecomings in the future because there is little doubt that, if they stay injury-free, the O’Rourke sisters will bring many more championship medals back to their home town. I can’t wait.
So well done to Kevin, Anne and the O’Rourke family. It’s still hard to believe that two world champions can come out of the one home in rural Roscommon. It seems nothing is impossible.
And finally…
It’s funny how sometimes after a drought the rain can come tumbling down, and out here in Creggs this week we have our own ‘downpour’ when it comes to things happening in the parish.
On Thursday night at 8 pm the Fit-up Theatre present Mary’s Hopes and Dreams, a
madcap comedy, in Kilbegnet Hall, and they follow up with two more productions over the next two Thursday nights. It’s to be hoped that the locals will turn out in big numbers to support this very welcome initiative.
Then on Sunday afternoon there is a Halloween-themed tea party, a fundraiser for the Harvest Festival, also in Kilbegnet Hall. It all kicks off at 4 pm. Come along for an afternoon of chats and treats.
We should be applauding couple under eviction threat
Now the first thing I want to say is that I don’t know Malcolm and Michelle Farrell, nor do I know a lot about the way County Councils make their planning laws.
In case you have no idea who the Farrells are, they live in a container that they converted into a home on two acres of land outside Ballaghaderreen. They have lived there for the last eight years, but now have to remove the dwelling or else pay daily fines of €800. Malcolm, who is 78, gets the old age pension and Michelle, who is 57, has a disability allowance, and they simply can’t afford to remove their converted container and then rent a place. That’s if they could even find a place to rent.
Mrs Farrell says their nearest neighbour is half a mile away and that there is no one nearby who would be bothered by the presence of the structure that they live in, and also that it blends well with the surrounding, mostly forest-dominated, countryside. They also claim that they were told by a solicitor that they didn’t need planning permission when they moved in.
Now I know some people have objected to the dwelling – and they are in their rights to do so – but it seems very draconian to have two elderly people, one of whom (Malcolm) has diabetes and heart trouble, facing the prospect of eviction from their own home on their own land.
As we face a massive housing crisis I think we should be applauding this couple for looking after their own needs without relying on the State. I really hope some solution can be found to this sad case. I await the outcome with interest.
Back to Saturday morning, September 27th, when from 10 am my family and I are hosting a coffee morning in the National School Hall, Creggs, with all proceeds going to the Mayo/ Roscommon Hospice Foundation. We could never repay the Hospice and its staff for what they did for Carol, and indeed all of us, in her last week of life and this is a very small gesture to express our eternal gratitude.
If you have a few minutes to spare on Saturday morning, we would love to see you, and any contribution would be gratefully received. My baking tray has been dug out so you might even get a chance to sample one of my world famous choc chip buns. Hopefully I will see you on Saturday morning. It’s a really great cause!
‘Til next week, Bye for now
Boxing sisters Aoife and Lisa O’Rourke pictured at last week’s homecoming celebrations in Castlerea. Photo: Michael Finan
Pictured at last Friday’s Roscommon SFC quarter-final between Roscommon Gaels and St Brigid’s in Ballyfarnon were Darragh McCarty, Jimmy Hoey and Gavin Meares. St Brigid’s won by 1-18 to 1-7. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Vandalism, theft mars Culture Night at Loughnaneane Park
Several art installations in place at Loughnaneane Park in Roscommon Town last weekend as part of an Art in the Open Public Art Trail (for Culture Night) were deliberately vandalised, damaged or stolen.
Gardaí have launched criminal damage investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact Roscommon Garda Station at 090 66 38300 or call to Abbey Street, Roscommon, Co Roscommon, F42 HN32.
Roscommon County Council said in a statement: “Unfortunately, some chose not to engage with the joy and intention behind the works. A criminal damage investigation is open with the Gardaí due to the deliberate vandalism, damage and theft of some of the installations between Friday night and Sunday afternoon.”
While the criminality certainly cast a shadow over the weekend, the actual event had been a great success. It featured four unique, temporary installations by artists Helen Duncan, Maria Mollohan, Nickie Harrington, and
SUPPORT FOR THE MISSION OF
THURS, 2ND OCTOBER, 2025
Christina Carty. The event was organised by Roscommon County Council Arts Office. The works – ‘Begin Again,’ ‘In Light of Us,’ ‘Echo Zone,’ and ‘Threshold of Inspiration’ – explored themes of resilience, place, and inspiration through interactive and immersive displays. Friday’s event was a resounding success, fostering connection, curiosity,
and community engagement.
One artist reflected, “It was such a privilege to be among fellow artists, all of us united by a shared commitment to public art and creative expression. There was a real sense of collective support and camaraderie throughout the evening – a feeling of being part of something greater than ourselves. It reminded me how vital
and powerful public art can be, not just for artists, but for the community that engages with it.
“I was deeply moved by the warmth, support and sense of wonder from those who joined the public art trail tour and came to the park. The way people engaged with and responded to our pieces made it feel like a genuine exchange, something shared, something alive.”
Teagasc to host ‘Transferring the Family Farm’ clinic in Roscommon
Farm succession is one of the most important conversations in Irish agriculture today, and Teagasc is inviting all farm families in Roscommon to attend a special ‘Transferring the Family Farm’ clinic in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on Wednesday, October 1st
The event will run from 10 am, with Teagasc advisors, legal and tax experts, and farm succession advisors available to meet with families. The clinic will provide practical guidance on the financial, legal and emotional aspects of handing over the family farm.
For many farmers, the idea of passing on the farm can be a difficult subject. Yet it is a crucial step to secure the future of both the farm business and the family behind it. Without a clear plan, families may face unnecessary stress,
conflict, and unexpected tax bills.
The CSO’s farm structure survey has shown that while most farmers intend to pass on the farm, fewer than half have put a formal plan in place. This event is designed to help bridge that gap by providing clear, practical information and confidential advice.
“Succession is not just about transferring land,” says Teagasc advisor Michael Conroy. “It’s about protecting the farm business, supporting the next generation, and ensuring the older generation has financial security and peace of mind.”
The upcoming event will feature one-to-one advice sessions with Teagasc specialists and DAFM staff on the farm business aspects of farm transfers including education, farm partnerships, forestry, and DAFM schemes. There will also be guidance from accountants and solicitors on wills, farm transfer tax reliefs, and partnership options, as well as practical steps for beginning conversations within the family. Embrace Farm and Citizens Information Service will also feature at the event. Farmers and their families will be able to sit down in confidence with professionals
and map out what options are available to them.
The clinic is not just for farmers considering retirement. It is also aimed at younger family members who may be taking on the farm in the future. The event encourages open family discussions, recognising that farm transfer is
both a business decision and a family milestone. Special emphasis will be placed on supports, including agricultural reliefs and retirement income options, as well as the emotional side of succession – ensuring parents and children can plan together without pressure or uncertainty.
The event will take place from 10 am at the Abbey Hotel, Galway Road, Roscommon, Co Roscommon (F42F992). Admission is free of charge, and all farm families are welcome to attend.
This is a chance for farm families across Roscommon and Longford to get
clear, professional advice in a supportive setting. Teagasc is encouraging as many families as possible to attend, whether they are at the early stages of thinking about succession, or already preparing to transfer.
“Making a plan gives families confidence for the future,” says Michael Con-
roy. “We want to give farmers the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions and to ensure a smooth transition from one generation to the next.” For more information or to book a place, contact your local Teagasc office, or book using the QR code on the advertisement.
Pictured is Michael Conroy (Beef and Sheep Advisor, Teagasc Roscommon).
Pictured (left to right) in Roscommon on Sunday were Gerry Grennan, Shane McLoughlin (‘Blade of glory’), Jessica McLoughlin (Shane’s daughter), Tommy Colburn, Hayley Leonard, James Morris, Paul Leonard and Pat Kilkenny.
The scene in Roscommon Town on Sunday afternoon as the Truck Conboy arrives at Casey’s, signalling the completion of the ‘Trucking for Cancer’ fundraiser.
Shane McLoughlin (‘Blade of glory’) thrilling spectators on Sunday!
Cllr Kelly presses HSE on Sacred Heart Hospital chapel and RUH parking issues
At the Regional Health Forum West Meeting held on Tuesday, Cllr Emer Kelly raised pressing concerns about the closure of the Sacred Heart Church at Sacred Heart Hospital and the worsening parking situation at Roscommon University Hospital (RUH), highlighting challenges for staff and service users.
The Sacred Heart Church, part of the Sacred Heart Hospital, has been closed since September 2023 due to fire safety issues identified by the Fire Regulation Authority. The chapel, attached to the hospital’s workhouse building, was separated to ensure HIQA compliance, allowing the hospital to resume admissions.
According to A. Cosgrove, Integrated Health Area Manager for Galway-Roscommon, there are currently no plans to reopen the chapel until the ongoing bed replacement project is completed. However, the HSE is open to exploring restoration possibilities in the future. A room is currently provided for private prayer and Mass for residents, addressing concerns raised at a recent Roscommon County Council meeting about the absence of a proper church facility.
On the parking front, Cllr Kelly flagged the growing strain at RUH, exacerbated by increased services, staffing, and activity levels. The hospital, which offers
free parking, is grappling with limited capacity, with approximately 75 public parking spaces at the nearby Hyde Park GAA pitch often full.
The HSE is developing a Spatial Plan for the RUH campus, with additional parking prioritised as an urgent need. Health planners, appointed to support this process, began work on July 30th 2025, with the plan expected to take 20-26 weeks to complete. The hospital is also collaborating with the Age Friendly committee to conduct a mobility audit, aiming to secure Age Friendly accreditation and improve campus accessibility.
Roscommon University Hospital (RUH)
Tim Cunniffe with pony Luigi (Ballinasloe), winner of the Tony White Memorial Cup at Ballyforan Fair last Saturday. He is pictured with his sister, Jessica. Photograph: Lyndsey Robinson
Shéa Davey (Castle Ffrench) pictured with Zoe Shaughnessy (Taughmaconnell) and her pony Mr Shortie at Ballyforan Fair last Saturday. Photograph: Lyndsey Robinson
Mark Lohan Kitchens finalists in six categories at prestigious Irish Kitchen Trade Guide Awards
Roscommon is once again on the national stage as Mark Lohan Kitchens, headquartered in Roscommon Town, has been shortlisted in six categories at the upcoming Irish Kitchen Trade Guide Awards 2025 – the only all-Ireland awards dedicated to celebrating excellence in kitchen design, retailing, and innovation. Last held in 2022 – when the company proudly scooped a national title – the awards are regarded as the industry’s highest benchmark. To return this year with six finalist places is a major milestone for the Roscommon-based business, which continues to grow from strength to strength with two state-of-the-art manufac-
LEGAL NOTICE
AN CHUIRT DUICHE THE DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT COURT AREA OF ROSCOMMON DISTRICT NO. 4
LICENSING (IRELAND) ACT 1833 SECTION 6
INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT, 1960 SECTION 29
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER OF A LICENCE
Gannon Brothers Creggs Limited – Applicant
turing plants in Roscommon Town and showrooms in both Roscommon and Galway.
Mark Lohan Kitchens is shortlisted for Classic Kitchen Design under €35k, Classic Kitchen Design over €35k, Contemporary Kitchen Design under €35k, and Showroom of the Year, along with recognition in the business categories of Top Retailer in Ireland and Digital Marketing Campaign of the Year.
“To be finalists across such a wide spectrum is something we are incredibly proud of,” said Mark Lohan, founder and Managing Director. “It reflects the passion and expertise of our entire team – from our showroom designers to
the craftspeople in our Roscommon plants. At MLK, every kitchen is built around the lives and homes of the people who choose us, so this recognition is as much about them as it is about us.”
For Roscommon, the nominations highlight not only the strength of a homegrown business but also the reputation it has built nationally for bespoke design, Irish craftsmanship, and innovation.
The winners will be announced in Belfast on November 21st, with Mark Lohan Kitchens once again proudly representing Roscommon on the national stage.
Is it time for a directly elected Mayor in Roscommon?
TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Gannon Brothers Creggs Limited having its registered office at Keelogues, Creggs, Galway intend to apply to the Annual Licencing Court to be held at the Court at Roscommon District Court on the 16-09-2025 at 10.30 a.m., the adjourned Annual Licencing Court at Roscommon District Court on 18-11-2025 at 10.30 a.m. and any adjourn date thereafter, for the TRANSFER to the Applicant of the Publicans Licence (7-Day Ordinary) licence attached to the premises known as Gannon’s Bar and situated at Creggs, Roscommon in the court area and district aforesaid.
Dated this 17th day of September 2025
Signed: Patrick J. Neilan LLP, Solicitors for the Applicant, Church Street, Roscommon.
To: The Superintendent, An Garda Siochana, Ballinasloe Garda Station, Dunlo Sreet, Ballinasloe, Galway.
And: The District Court Clerk, Court Services, Government Buildings, Golf Links Road, Roscommon.
OPINION
< SAM BROOKS
As of 2022, we paid the Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council €143,111, and we pay out a combined €350,000 plus in salaries to elected members, not including various expenses. Despite this, local government in Ireland has never been weaker, and the limited power held by our local authorities is largely wielded by an unelected bureaucracy rather than by elected members.
Ireland currently ranks near the bottom in most studies on local government autonomy and power rankings. Over the last few decades, numerous powers have been stripped from local authorities, town councils have been abolished, the number of councillors has been reduced, and more power has been concentrated in the hands of unelected bureaucrats.
I have the pleasure of working with and knowing many of the staff in Roscommon County Council and there is no doubt that they
do amazing work with the resources they are given, however the reality is local government in Ireland is already weak and too much of that power is held by the unelected executive of the council. The solution? Strengthening local government, empowering elected councillors, and putting a directly elected Mayor in charge of the day to day running of the county rather than an unelected Chief Executive.
How would this work? Well, we have precedent for this in Limerick which in 2024 elected Ireland’s first directly elected Mayor. In Limerick, the council and the newlyelected Mayor have been handed a range of new powers, with the Mayor largely taking over the day to day running of the county alongside work in the council and as first citizen of Limerick.
We need to look at Limerick, other countries, and within to what the people of Roscommon think, and we then need to demand better representation. We need to ask our politicians why we are allowing central government to strip power from councils while shifting power to themselves and to the unelected arms of councils.
Ireland is a signatory of the European Charter of Local Self-Government; maybe it is time we remind our elected representatives of this. We are only compliant with 12 of the 30 arti-
cles that we have ratified, and monitoring in late 2023 produced the following recommendations:
It is therefore recommended that Irish authorities transfer additional functions to local authorities, continue with reforms of the executive, elect members of the regional assemblies directly; introduce a system of formal and regular consultations between central and local government; enhance local democratic control over the internal administrative structure of local government; reduce administrative supervision; increase the amount of own resources that can be used at the discretion of local government and increase the share of non-earmarked grants. If we come together, we can push through changes that fix the above problems and enhance local government so that it works for the people. We need to see further powers transferred to the council, we need to see the unelected executive, headed by an elected Mayor, held accountable by the council and the people, increased powers for the council to raise funds, and we need to see this delivered as soon as possible.
Sam Brooks (aged 19) is from South Roscommon. He was a Sinn Féin candidate in the local elections last year
Roscommon CBS panel members and management pictured with GAA President Jarlath Burns at the presentation function in the Abbey Hotel, where the players received their All-Ireland winning medals. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin
Roscommon CBS Player of the Year Gavin Staunton receives the award from GAA President Jarlath Burns at the Roscommon CBS All-Ireland winning presentation function in the Abbey Hotel. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin
Pictured at the Roscommon CBS All-Ireland winning presentation function in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon were Maria Carton, Jennifer Moran and Elaine Coll. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin
Pictured at the Roscommon CBS All-Ireland winning presentation function in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon were Laura Dolan and Elaine Kelly. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin
Pictured at the Roscommon CBS All-Ireland winning presentation function in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon were Martina and John Casey. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin
Pictured at the Roscommon CBS All-Ireland winning presentation function in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon were Carmel Murphy, James Bracken, Yessica Jiménez and Seamus Heneghan. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin
Pictured at the Roscommon CBS All-Ireland winning presentation function in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon were Ellen, Tom, Eva and Paul Beisty. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin
Pictured at the Roscommon CBS All-Ireland winning presentation function in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon were Tom Beisty, Colin Murray and Martin Connaughton. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin
Pictured at the Roscommon CBS All-Ireland winning presentation function in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon were Sandra Bracken, Riona Farrell and Marie Gillooly. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin
Pictured at the Roscommon CBS All-Ireland winning presentation function in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon were Sadie Duggan and Marie Rogers. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin
Pictured at the Roscommon CBS All-Ireland winning presentation function in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon were Mae Keane, Sandra, Seanie and Johnny McDermott and Gerry Keane. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin
Caring For Your Loved Ones
New research exposes low awareness of RSV risks among older people
A new study has found that awareness of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is very low among key interest groups, despite the virus being a major cause of hospitalisations each winter.
The findings highlight a lack of public health awareness among older adults and their carers from Roscommon and across Ireland, despite being the cohort who face a higher risk of serious illness from RSV.
RSV is a respiratory virus that, despite being very common, can cause severe complications in adults over the age of 65. These complications can include pneumonia and the worsening of underlying conditions such as COPD and heart disease. Analysis of hospitalisation trends for this season shows that the percentage of patients hospitalised with RSV admitted to ICU align closely to those with influenza (flu).
At the last census, there were 4,035 people living in Roscommon over the age of 65. The number of older people in Ireland is predicted to
grow significantly in the years ahead following a 26% increase in the number of adults over 65 in Ireland since 2021 with prediction it will exceed one million by the end of this decade. As a result, the impact of RSV on older adults could become an even greater concern in the years ahead.
A new study into the awareness of RSV from Ipsos B&A, commissioned by Pfizer, found RSV has an awareness issue in Ireland, with just 18% of respondents claiming to know a lot about the condition, potentially putting vulnerable groups at risk. Two in five (41%) have either never heard of RSV or have only ever heard the name, and there is a significantly higher level of awareness about the flu and Covid. While age is a key risk factor for RSV, just one in four respondents who care for an older adult indicated that they know a lot about RSV.
Despite limited knowledge of RSV, 76% of respondents who care for older adults would be concerned if they were to contract an infection. While awareness of the existence of RSV vaccines is low at just 18%, there is strong support for them, with 85% of people believing they should be free of charge if available.
This research was presented at ‘Well into the Future: Protecting the Health of Older Generations’, a symposium for patient groups, older adults and healthcare workers, chaired by former broadcaster Joe Duffy, who said “As someone who has recently retired, I’m more conscious than ever of the need to be proactive about my health.
“It’s no secret that many things become harder as you age and recovering from what might seem like a routine infection is one of them. I’ve learned from personal experience and from watching older family members, how disruptive winter viruses can be.
“That’s why I believe awareness is so important. Too many people simply don’t know about RSV or the risks it carries for older adults. We all need to be mindful, to look out for ourselves and each other and to take the simple steps that can protect us, whether that’s recognising the symptoms early, talking to our doctors, or making informed choices about vaccination.”
Deborah Costello (Friends of the Elderly) pictured with MC Joe Duffy and Orlaith Gavan (Country Medical Director of Pfizer Healthcare Ireland). Pic: Jason Clarke
Ones
Alzheimer’s awareness
September is Alzheimer’s Awareness month. This year’s theme is ‘Ask About Dementia, Ask about Alzheimer’s’.
It provides us with an opportunity to learn more about dementia, understand how we can reduce our risk of developing it, and show understanding and support for family members, neighbours and friends who have been affected by dementia.
This special focus this month also gives us an opportunity to learn about the importance of brain health. While not all cases of dementia can be prevented, evidence shows that we can reduce our risk of developing dementia in the future by staying cognitively and socially active, taking moderate exercise, eating a healthy diet and quitting smoking.
Since 2018, the HSE has partnered with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and many national and local organisations and individuals through the Dementia: Understand Together community campaign to improve awareness of dementia, combat stigma, and support the inclusion of people with dementia in their local communities.
Over 1,600 dementia champions and 60 national partners have joined the campaign to date, leading dementia-inclusive initiatives at national and local level.
Minister for Older People, Kieran O’Donnell said: “World Alzheimer’s Day (which was last Monday, September 22nd), gives us an opportunity to reflect on how we can show solidarity with people with dementia and their families living in our communities.
“The Government strongly supports the important work being done through the Dementia: Understand Together campaign to build supportive communities that enable people with dementia to live as independently as possible in their own homes, for as long as possible.”
Caring for the elderly: staying strong as we age
Maria Weaver Chartered physiotherapist
As a physiotherapist working with older adults, one of the most important messages I share is movement is medicine. Staying physically active is one of the best ways to age well, supporting not just physical health, but also mental wellbeing, independence, and overall quality of life.
As we grow older, it’s common to experience a natural decline in muscle mass, bone density, joint mobility, and balance. These changes can lead to an increased risk of falls, reduced confidence, and difficulty performing everyday tasks. However, these changes can all be reversed.
Strength training is one of the most effective ways to combat age-related decline. It improves muscle tone, supports joint health, increases bone density, and significantly reduces the risk of falls, one of the leading causes of injury among older adults.
With the right support and exercise, older adults can build strength, improve balance, increase energy levels, and maintain their independence for longer. Research shows that older adults can benefit significantly from regular physical activity, especially strength and balance training. The World Health Organisation recommends that strength and balance exercises are carried
Physiotherapists are trained to assess and treat age-related changes in movement and function. During an assessment, we look at your strength, balance, mobility, and risk of falling, and we create a personalised treatment plan based on your needs and goals.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing a long-term condition, or just feeling a bit unsteady on your feet, we can help you regain confidence and keep doing the things you love.
I offer a range of physiotherapy services to help keep you strong and independent as you age, including strength and balance classes (small group sessions designed to improve core strength, coordination, posture, and confidence for the over-50s), home visits (for those who prefer to exercise in the comfort of their own home, I provide one-on-one sessions), and in-clinic assessments (these include a detailed review of your current mobility, strength, and falls risk, with tailored advice and exercises).
A proactive approach to physical health can make all the difference. Staying active is not just about adding years to your life, it’s about adding life to your years.
If you or a loved one could benefit from physiotherapy support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
*Contact Maria Weaver Physiotherapy, Knockcroghery, Roscommon, on 087 3816918, or visit mariaweaverphysiotherapy. com for more
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ARLENE announces first Irish tour
Ballintubber native Arlene Feeley, pictured right, known as ARLENE, has announced her debut Irish tour following a standout performance at Electric Picnic’s Ardor Stage earlier this month.
The singer-songwriter captivated new fans at the festival and will now take her music on the road with Belfast band Madrai, performing across Ireland in October and November.
The tour includes stops at iconic venues in Dublin, Galway, Belfast, Dundalk, and a special ‘home town’ show in Ballintubber. Tickets went on sale last Friday, with details available on ARLENE’s official website and social media (@ arlenemusic).
“Electric Picnic was a huge personal achievement accomplished, it’s something that has been on my bucket list for years, and now I can finally say I’ve done it! To share my music with people who genuinely appreciate original music and independent artists is so heartwarming. I’m beyond excited to now bring my music to venues around Ireland and connect with people in a more personal way through my lyrics and songs.” ARLENE gained recognition in 2020 with her breakout single ‘Send Me Any Sign,’ earning a spot as one of BBC Radio’s Introducing Top 5 Artists of the Week. Her follow-up, ‘Somebody Else,’ solidified her presence, securing Artist of the Month on stations like Cork’s 96FM, Q102, LMFM, and Limerick’s Live 95. After refining her craft, ARLENE returned in 2024 with ‘Longshot’.
Known for electrifying, genre-defying performances, ARLENE has performed at venues like Whelan’s, The Workman’s Club, and The Sound House, as well as festivals including Night & Day, K-Fest, TNBT, and Electric Picnic.
Your chance to become the fourth Bard of Connacht!
Bards of Ireland and beyond are invited to take part in the fourth annual Bard of Connacht competition. Kilbegnet Ballinakill Historical Society and Creggs Harvest Festival are seeking entries for this year’s competition, which has a prize fund of €1,000.
The theme for this year’s Bard Competition is ‘Liberation’. The theme was chosen by members of the Historical Society to commemorate the recent 250th anniversary of the birth of Ireland’s ‘Liberator’ Daniel O’Connell. Now in its fourth year, the competition is organised by Kilbegnet Ballinakill Historical Society in Creggs, Co Galway, and draws entries from all across Ireland – as well as having an international following. As well as the adult competition, there is also a Junior Bard competition involving local Transition Year students, and this has prompted many teenagers to take up the art of poetry.
The winner of this year’s Bard of Connacht will receive the Vincent Keaveny Memorial Trophy and a cheque for €500, while second, third, and fourth placed poets will receive €250, €150, and €100. Previous winners of the Bard of Connacht Title are Rory Duffy (2022), John Ralph (2023) and Dominick Tobin (2024).
Poets are invited to submit one entry of less than 400 words to bardofconnacht@gmail.com. All entries must be received by 5 pm on Monday, October 6th. All entries must be original and there is no entry fee. Composers of the ten best entries will be invited to attend an event in Creggs on Bank Holiday Monday, October 27th, as part of Creggs Harvest Festival to recite their poem. The prize winners will be announced at that event, and the prizes will be presented.
For further information, please contact Larry Kilcommins (Secretary, Kilbegnet Ballinakill Historical Society) on 086 3468761 or email bardofconnacht@gmail.com.
Cór Cómain and Freier Chor Dresden in concert together
Cór Comáin is an upper-voice ladies’ choir that holds rehearsals weekly from September through to May. The choir draws together members from both County Roscommon and neighbouring border counties.
Cór Comáin values cultural exchange through music. In May 2024 the choir travelled to Dresden in Germany to perform in a shared concert with Freier Chor Dresden. This was a wonderful experience for our choir. On Friday, October 3rd Cór Cómain will welcome Freier Chor Dresden and their families to Roscommon for a return visit and collaborative concert, being held in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon (7.30 pm). Special guests on the night will be Charlie McGettigan & friends – amongst those performing will be Emily and Katie McNamara, Eamon and Orla Daly, and Ellen Keane. Tickets (€15) are available by contacting Marie on 086 376 6386 or Anne on 087 637 7158.
The choir is grateful to Roscommon County Council for their generous support which helps with the upcoming concert and welcoming our visiting choir, Chor Dresden.
Axel and Amélie Frazer pictured welcoming visitors at the Roscommon Community Festival Fun hosted by Boyle Family Resource Centre at King House in Boyle for Culture Night. Pic: Brian Farrell
Angela Butler and Freya O’Connell dishing out food from the Little Barn Food stall during the Roscommon Community Festival Fun hosted by Boyle Family Resource Centre at King House in Boyle for Culture Night. Pic: Brian Farrell
Volunteers from Boyle Family Resource Centre keep the children entertained during the Roscommon Community Festival Fun hosted by Boyle Family Resource Centre at King House in Boyle for Culture Night. Pic: Brian Farrell.
Flo Frazer and Letty Hill of the Family Resource Centre Boyle pictured at the Roscommon Community Festival Fun hosted by Boyle Family Resource Centre at King House in Boyle for Culture Night. Pic: Brian Farrell
Participants pictured enjoying artist Maria Mollohan’s Anthotype art installation at Roscommon Castle on Culture Night. Pic: Brian Farrell
Students from Roscommon Community College show their appreciation for the Echo Zone installation by Elphin’s Nickie Harrington. Pic: Brian Farrell
Going full tilt: musicians at the traditional music session on Culture Night in Dodd’s Crescent Bar in Boyle. Pic: Brian Farrell
Ann Conboy pictured enjoying the session in Dodd’s Crescent Bar, Boyle on Culture Night. Pic: Brian Farrell
Bingo Loco in Ballintubber
A very successful ‘Bingo Loco’ fundraiser for ILFA Ireland (Irish Lung Fibrosis Association) was held in Kenny’s Bar, Ballintubber recently. The Roscommon People attended on the night. The event was organised by Mary Leech and her team, in conjunction with Eileen Kenny. The fundraiser was held in support of Mary’s father, Brendan Leech, who recently ran from Dublin to Galway and undertook a triple physical challenge in aid of ILFA, raising £5,275.
Photos: Michael Finan
Pitch perfect: Mulryan opens new Oran pitch
Photos: Michael Finan
Oran GAA Club’s new pitch was officially opened last Saturday. Performing the formalities was special guest, Oran native Sean Mulryan, Director of Ballymore Properties and Patron of Oran GAA Club.
The celebrations began with some demonstration games by underage
teams. Representatives of Roscommon GAA County Board, including chairperson Brian Carroll, were in attendance.
Local public representatives also attended, along with Oran GAA Club chairperson Joe Grady, fellow officers, players, supporters and members of the local community, on what was a very special day for this proud club.
Kerrane seeks meeting with Minister on Portiuncula services
Roscommon/Galway TD
Claire Kerrane has written to the Minister for Health seeking an urgent meeting on the downgrading of maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital.
In her correspondence to Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, issued on the Dáil’s return last week, the Sinn Féin TD reiterated
concerns around changes announced in July by the HSE, which reclassified a broader range of pregnancies as “high-risk” – resulting in more women being referred away from Portiuncula for care and delivery.
“The decision to widen the definition of ‘high-risk’ pregnancies at Portiuncula
has caused widespread fear and worry, especially for expectant mothers and their families,” Deputy Kerrane wrote, stating that many women were now facing “so much stress” at a time that should be filled with joy.
Deputy Kerrane had sought a Dáil debate on the matter in July but was not
selected before the summer recess. She has now asked the minister to meet with all elected representatives from the region without delay, saying “we have questions we need answers to… and we need certainty as to the future of maternity services at Portiuncula.”
She also reiterated calls for the publication of a
roadmap to restore full services at the hospital and for a breakdown of actions taken on each recommendation from the Walker Report.
“For me, as an elected representative for the area, it is unacceptable that I cannot provide reassurance to those I represent,” she added.
Roscommon youths makes darts history
The Roscommon youth darts team have made history by winning the inaugural Connacht Cup shield trophy, a remarkable achievement and a fitting reward for the dedication, commitment, and countless hours of training they have put in over recent months.The team represented their county with pride and distinction, in what is their first major competition since the launch of the new academy at Ballinaheglish Community Centre. In total 24 young players competed.
For the first time in Roscommon darts history two Roscommon teams battled their way through a strong field of players from counties Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Roscommon to reach the first ever Connacht Cup shield final. In all, three teams from the academy took part in this inaugural competition, held in the Landmark Hotel in Carrickon-Shannon. The Roscommon A team’s route to the final was hard-fought with wins over Leitrim, Mayo and finally Roscommon B team in a tense and exciting final. Our Roscommon C team also reached the final of the plate where they played well before narrowly losing out.
This success would not have been possible without the support of parents, coaches, management, and the many supporters who came out to cheer the teams on. Congratulations are also extended to the Roscommon women’s and men’s teams who proudly competed in the Connacht Cup, further showcasing the depth of talent within the county. Finally, well done to Leitrim Darts on hosting a very well organised and well run event. Roscommon Darts will have the privilege of hosting this event in 2027.
Boost for Reeside Athletics Club
Reeside Athletics Club has been chosen as the winners of the Roscommon County award in this year’s Texaco Support for Sport initiative. €5,000 has been presented to the club to fund a new shed to safely store training equipment.
Drawing members from the Knockcroghery/Lecarrow/Kiltoom area, Reeside Athletics Club has recently partnered with two other clubs in the vicinity – St Dominic’s GAA Club and Lecarrow Walking Club –
Two-day Ballinasloe Show this weekend
The Ballinasloe Agricultural Show will run across two full days this year for the first time in its long and storied history, as the event prepares to host thousands of visitors and nine All-Ireland championships.
Now in its 186th year, the show will take place this weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, September 27th and 28th, marking a significant expansion in scale.
The 2025 show will host nine All-Ireland championship competitions – five on Saturday and four on Sunday – covering everything from cattle and sheep to working hunters, ponies, and donkey mares and foals.
There will also be a strong emphasis on family-friendly entertainment and traditional rural fun. Throughout the weekend, visitors can also enjoy trade stands, food stalls, a funfair, and a large display of vintage machinery and crafts. Free parking will be available at The Fair Green, thanks to Galway County Council. With over 200 sponsors and a team of 50 volunteer stewards, organisers say the show is a testament to the strength of the local community and its agricultural traditions. Full programme details are available at www.ballinasloeshow.ie.
Three award nominations for Roscommon Credit Union
Roscommon Credit Union has been shortlisted in three major categories at the All-Ireland Credit Union Awards 2025, earning national recognition for its innovation, community impact and long-standing staff excellence. The organisation is a finalist for ‘Best Use of Social Media’ and ‘Best Marketing Initiative’, while Catherine Nugent, a staff member of 32 years, has been nominated for ‘CU Person of the Year’.
Chief Executive Bernie Moran said: “Being nominated for these awards is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. It is an honour to be recognised on a national level and we are deeply grateful for the support of our local community.”
The awards will be held in Dublin on October 18th.
Triest Press honoured at European Social Economy Awards
Triest Press, a leading Irish social enterprise based in Roscommon, has been awarded third place in the prestigious ‘Innovation in WISE (Work-Integrated Social Enterprise)’ category at the European Social Economy Awards 2025, held recently in Murcia, Spain.
Triest Press was the only Irish social enterprise to be named as a finalist and invited to attend the Social Economy Summit 2025, joining some of the most innovative and impactful organisations from across Europe.
The recognition highlights Triest Press’s work in providing meaningful employment and training opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities, combining highquality eco-friendly print and design services with a strong social mission.
to work together for the betterment of its community.
Plans are underway for the development of a community-based shared training facility which adds a walking track, eightlane sprint track, high jump and long jump area to already existing GAA pitches. Once completed, the training facility will be available for all members of the community to enjoy in a safe and inclusive environment.
“To be recognised on such a big European platform is an incredible honour, not just for our team in Roscommon but for the entire Irish social enterprise sector,” said Deborah Tierney, General Manager of Triest Press. “Our supported staff challenge negative perceptions and prove every day that inclusion, creativity, and innovation go hand in hand with a successful business.”
The awards, organised by Social Economy Europe, are part of a wider week-long summit celebrating organisations across the continent that are shaping a fairer, greener, and more inclusive economy.
Pictured at the recent Athlone Agri Show Appreciation Night in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel were Michael O’Donohoe (treasurer), Michael Flanagan (PRO), Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, PJ Glynn (chairperson), Cllr John Dolan (vice-chairperson) and Oliver Flanagan (General Secretary).
Friends from Moate Show pictured at the recent Athlone Agri Show Appreciation Night in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel.
Eamon Cauneen’s many years of dedicated service to Roscommon County Council was celebrated at a retirement party in Rattigan’s of Kilrooskey recently. Friends and work colleagues gathered to wish Eamon a happy and fulfilling retirement.
The presentation was made to Reeside Athletics Club chairperson Laura Clyne (back, centre left), and fellow club members, at the Texaco Service Station, Lower Castle Road, Roscommon. Pictured with them were Texaco dealer James Walsh (back, centre) and Valero Area Sales Manager Michael Honan (back, fourth left).
Keith McLoughlin of Sheehy Meares Team Earley is proud to present to the market this beautifully maintained four-bedroomed bungalow, superbly positioned on an elevated site with panoramic views over the stunning Lake O’Flynn, located just outside Ballinlough, Co Roscommon. Set on approximately 0.709 acres of mature, landscaped grounds, this charming residence offers a tranquil country lifestyle with all the comforts of a modern family home. The accommodation comprises a welcoming front porch leading into a bright and spacious living room that captures breathtaking views of the lake. A cosy sitting room with a solid fuel stove fireplace adds warmth and character, while the fully fitted tiled kitchen, complete with a range cooker and ample storage, opens into a light-filled sunroom ideal for both relaxing and entertaining. There are four generouslysized bedrooms, a well-appointed family bathroom, and a separate W/C, all thoughtfully laid out for
comfortable family living. The BER rating is C3. Outside, the property continues to impress. The beautifully maintained gardens are a vibrant mix of colourful flowers, mature trees, and neatly-kept hedges and plants. Stone boundary walls and ranchstyle fencing add character and privacy, while a tarmac driveway leads gracefully up to the home, enhancing its appeal. Situated just a one-minute drive from Ballinlough village, residents enjoy easy access to
local amenities including a church, school, post office, shop, filling station, pub, restaurant, etc. Directly across the road, Lake O’Flynn provides opportunities for fishing, scenic walks, and other outdoor activities.
The property is also ideally located being only ten minutes from Castlerea town, and just 25 minutes from Ireland West Airport Knock, making it a perfect base for both everyday living and travel. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a
turnkey family home with stunning views, generous living space, and an enviable lakeside setting all set on a manageable and private 0.709-acre site.
Viewings are strictly by appointment only. For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact Sheehy Meares Team Earley (Stonecourt, Roscommon) on 090 6626579, email info@sheehymeares. ie, log onto sheehymeares. ie, or contact the auctioneer Keith McLoughlin on 086 0848590.
of Sheehy Meares Team Earley is pleased to advise that he has closed the sale of a well maintained four-bedroomed detached bungalow, ideally located in the highly regarded Cruby Hill area on the Galway Road, just outside Roscommon town. This property offered a rare opportunity to own a quality home in a mature and sought-after residential location, within walking distance of all town amenities including schools, shops, cafes, healthcare services, and public transport links.
Sheehy Meares Team Earley are urgently seeking properties in the Roscommon town area for disappointed underbidders. For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact Sheehy Meares Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon, on 090 66 26579, email info@ sheehymeares.ie, log onto sheehymeares. ie, or contact auctioneer Keith directly on 086 0848590.
Cruby Hill area on the Galway Road, just outside Roscommon town.
Ballinlough, Co Roscommon.
Roscommon MART WATCH
Cattle: There was a large entry of stock on offer at Friday’s (September 19th) general cattle sale and special sale of bullocks with trade remaining strong for both heifers and stripper cows. There was a large attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.
of €5.69 per kilo up to €8.75 per kilo. Heifer weanlings made from an average of €5.62 per kilo up to €8.38 per kilo
The next weanling sale will be held at 4 pm on Tuesday, September 30th.
Bullocks fetched an average of €4.85 per kilo up to €6.56 per kilo. There was a large entry of dry cows and they made an average of €3.33 per kilo up to €4.20 per kilo.
Dry cows, sample prices: BBX - 800KG€3360 - €4.20 per kg, LMX – 845KG - €3100 - €3.67 per kg, CHX – 795KG - €3000- €3.77 per kg, SIX - 730KG - €2540 - €3.48 per kg, CHX - 635KG - €1770 - €2.79 per kg, and AYX645KG - €1770 - €2.74 per kg.
Bullocks, sample prices: CHX - 915KG - €4690 - €5.13 per kg, BBX - 700KG - €3880€5.54 per kg, LMX – 820KG - €3670 - €4.48 per kg, two CHX – 600KG - €3540 - €5.90 per kg, CH - 960KG - €3480 - €3.63 per kg, and CHX - 585KG - €3700 - €6.32 per kg. Weanlings
There was a large entry of good quality weanlings on offer at the weanling sale held on Tuesday evening, September 23rd, with a strong trade for both bulls and heifers. There was a very good attendance of customers ringside with online buyers also active.
Bull weanlings fetched from an average
Bull weanlings, sample prices: CHX – 420KG-€3140-€7.48 per kg, LMX- 375KG -€2960 -€7.89 per kg, CHX-345KG-€2800-€8.12 per kg, BBX-555KG-€2770-€4.99 per kg, BBX-340KG-€2460-€7.24 per kg, LMX540KG-€2690-€4.98 per kg, and SAX520KG-€2600-€5.00 per kg.
Heifer weanlings, sample prices: CHX -405KG -€2430- €6.00 per kg, LMX -485KG€2150-€4.43 per kg, CHX-390KG- €2120€5.44 per kg, BBX- 285KG- €2000- €7.02 per kg, two SHX-275KG-€1700-€6.18 per kg, and LM-300KG- €1660- €5.53 per kg.
Sheep
There was a very large entry of sheep on offer at the weekly sale of lambs and stag ewes on Wednesday, September 24th. Prices for lambs made up to €405 while stag ewes topped out at €194. The next sale takes place on Wednesday, October 1st. The yard opens at 8 am and all stock must be penned by 10 am. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID tag set. The sale can be viewed live on marteye.ie.
Castlerea MART WATCH
Castlerea Mart held its annual show and sale of continental weanlings on Thursday last, September 18th. A fine yard of top quality weanlings were presented for sale by farmers from the catchment areas and sellers went home very happy with a flyer of a trade on offer. Weanling bulls made up to €4000 with heifer weanlings topping out at €2860.
Sample prices from the prize winners: Bulls: Ch 375kg €2720, Ch 530kg €3140, Ch 345kg €2720, Lim 520kg €4000, Lim 350kg €2480, Lim 395kg €2520. Weanling heifers: Ch 395kg €2750, Ch 420kg €2720, Ch 290kg €2300, Lim 395kg €2860, Lim 385kg €2700. Dry cows: Ch 915kg €3600, BBx 840kg €3340, BBx 795kg €3280, Ch 805kg €3160, Her 810kg €3090, Ch 525kg €3060, Lim 585kg €2180, Ch 635kg €2300. Cows with calves at foot made from €2620 to €3720.
Heifers: Lim 415kg €2440, Ch 425kg €2060, Ch 400kg €2000, Lim 405kg €2000, Ch 775kg €3000, Lim 575kg €2870, Ch 680kg €2840, Ch 485kg €2520, Ch 470kg €2400. Runners saw increased numbers on offer with lots making up to 7.80 a kilo. Sample prices: BBx male 292kg €1700, BBx male 225kg €1690, Lim male 205kg €1600, Ch male 230kg €1580, Lim female 285kg €1500, AA female 215kg €1480, AA male 195kg €1370. Bullock Sale
Bullock Sale on Monday, September 15th: 160 bullocks on offer with an average price of €2300 paid with quality stores making up to 5.77 a kilo while heavier lots topped out at €3120. Sample prices: Lim 480kg €2670, Ch 445kg €2570, Lim 515kg €2790, Ch 560kg €2780, AA 575kg €2730, Ch 845kg €3120 Lim 715kg €3100, Ch 710kg €2920. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart on Mondays and Thursdays.
David Fenton, Andy O’Donohoe, PJ Glynn, Brendan Gaffey and Michael O’Donohoe pictured at the recent Athlone Agri Show Appreciation Night in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel.
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(Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed By Appointment Only –
BSc (HonS.) Podiatry McHSi, rGn • Dept. of Health Approved • CORU Registered For all aspects of footcare in Roscommon, Castlerea & Boyle For appointment phone: 086 8630008 E.: itabetts@gmail.com
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ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
I, J P Murray intend to apply for planning permission for development at Athleague, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of – (a) Construction of a 4 - bay slatted sheep shed with pens & fed passages, (b) sheep handling pen & associated siteworks.
2 Cherryside Business Park, Castle St, Roscommon. Ph- (087) 2222874
The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY
COUNCIL
I, Noel Simpson, hereby give notice that I am applying to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to retain storage shed and all associated site works at Cloonyogan, Clashaganny, Co. Roscommon.
The Planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.
I,
ROSCOMMON COUNTY
COUNCIL
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PROPERTIES TO LET/ RENT/WANTED
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We require properties for waiting tenants, we advertise, conduct viewings, arrange references, read meters, set up tenancy agreements and arrange direct debit payments straight into your bank. We charge a one off fee only if we are successful in renting your property. If not no fees are payable. Tel: 086 8212732
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Do you have a house or shed that you want cleaned out and all unwanted items removed? If so ring: 089 4467372 or 090 66 33084
A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY
COUNCIL
I, Andrew Morris, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for change of use of ground floor from retail to apartment at 21 Castleview Terrace, Castle Street, Ballypheason, Co. Roscommon.
Signed: Andrew Morris, B. Eng (Hons) M.Sc. C.Eng MIEI, Chartered Consulting Engineer, 22 Castleview Terrace, Castle Street, Roscommon. (Ph 086 3646210).
The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY
COUNCIL
I, Desmond McHugh, am applying to Roscommon County Council for Retention Permission for a Dry Shed for Calving circa 134sq.m. a Milking Parlour circa 147sq.m a Silo circa 6sq.m.and a round bale storage area along with all ancillary site development works at Cuilrevagh, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
Signed:
A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY
COUNCIL
I, Mark Gilleran, applied for planning permission on lands at Clooncraff, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon under Planning Ref. PD/25/60211 on 08/05/2025 for development consisting of the construction of dwelling house and domestic garage and install a wastewater treatment system and all associated site works. Following a requirement of the planning authority, an NIS will be submitted to the Planning Authority in connection with this application.
The NIS will be available for inspection or purchase, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, during office hours at the offices of the Planning Authority, and subject to the payment of any relevant fee, a submission or observation in relation to the NIS may be made in writing to the Planning Authority within 5 weeks of the date of receipt by the authority of the NIS.
ROSCOMMON
COUNTY COUNCIL
I, Padraig Glynn intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to demolish remaining agricultural derelict sheds, retention and completion of partly constructed agricultural shed for calves, associated site works and Services at Cappayuse, Ballydangan, Co. Roscommon.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.
COUNCIL I, Luan Markes Goncalves Camargo, intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to refurbish and extend existing dwelling, demolition of rear extension and alterations to front elevation, associated site works and services at no 18 St Theresa’s Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY
COUNCIL
I, Robert Burke, intend to apply for planning permission to construct a single dwellinghouse, domestic garage, septic tank, percolation area to include all associated site development works at Castlequarter, Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon.
This 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 of Roscommon County Council, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon, 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 within 5 weeks of receipt of application by the Planning Authority.
Signed: Robert Burke.
FAMILY NOTICES
FEENEY
David Cloonsellan, Ballymurray, Roscommon
Cherished memories of a dear husband, father, grandfather and son, who passed away on the 27th September, 2023 (2nd Anniversary)
In our hearts your memory lingers, a presence ever near. It gives us strength to carry on though we wish you were still here. Those we loved don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.
Deeply loved and sadly missed by his wife, Martina; and sons Christopher, Páraic and Conor; grandchildren and daughter-in-law.
FINNEGAN
M.J.
Knockroe, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon
Who died on 24th September 2009
Rest in Peace (16th Anniversary)
A little whisper on a September morning, You heard a gentle call, you took the hand of Jesus and quietly left us all. Our memories are our keepsake, from which we never part, God has you in His keeping, we have you in our hearts.
Lovingly remembered by Mary and family.
Anniversary Mass on Saturday 27th September at 8pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Castlerea.
In loving memory of DILLON (née KELLY)
Josie
Castlestrange, Fuerty, Roscommon Who passed away on the 27th September, 2024 (1st Anniversary) R.I.P.
We lost a mother with a heart of gold, how much we miss her can never be told. She shared our troubles and helped us along, if we follow in her footsteps, we will never go wrong.
We miss you from your fireside chair, your loving smile and gentle air, your vacant place no one can fill, we miss you mother and always will. She was a mother so very rare, content in her home and always there. On Earth she toiled, in Heaven she rests, God bless you mother, you were one of the best. Each time we look at your picture, you seem to smile and say don’t be sad but courage take, and love each other for my own sake.
Always remembered by your loving family.
Josie’s Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in The Church of the Assumption, Castlecoote on Sunday, 28th September at 11.30 am.
In loving memory of Eileen,who passed away on 26th September 2019, 6th anniversary. and also remembering her son, Gerald Doherty, who passed away on the 22nd July 2013, 12th anniversary.
Your memory we treasure, loving you always, forgetting you never.
Always loved and sadly missed by your loving family. Anniversary Mass for Eileen, together with her son Gerald, will take place in St. Aidan’s Church, Monasteraden on Saturday 4th October at 7.30 pm
In loving memory of Eileen and a dear nephew and cousin, Gerald. No day starts or night ends without thinking of ye. Forever loved and missed by Anne, Michael, Darren and Emmett O’Brien.
KELLEHAN
Maureen
Kilmore, Athleague, Co. Roscommon
In loving memory of dear Maureen (3rd Anniversary)
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be, so He put His arms around you and whispered, “come to me”. With tearful eyes we watched you and saw you pass away, although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.
Loved and sadly missed by Peter, sons John, Pete, Kevin, Michael and Tommie, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and extended family. Anniversary Mass for Maureen at 7 pm on Friday 26th September in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague.
We think of you in silence, we often speak your name, but all we have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your resting place we visit, and put flowers there with care. But no one knows the heartache as we turn and leave you there.
Love always, Chris, Noel, Mark, Shauna, Liam, Frances, Patrick, Ciarán and Niamh. xxx
O’BOYLE
and Mary Kate
In loving memory of Mum and Dad
We look back in fondness every day, at the joyful times we had. No one could wish for such a perfect pair, as our special Mum and Dad. We are grateful for what you taught us, and we are grateful for your love, and we know that you watch over us from your place up above. Although you’re missed so dearly here, and so many tears we’ve cried, it is so sweet and fitting that you sleep softly side by side. You shared your love and life on Earth, many precious times together, now we see both of you, back side by side, forever.
Lovingly remembered by your daughters Mary, Margaret, Una, Bernadette and Joan, sons-in-law Bernie, Michael, Tony and grandchildren. R.I.P.
CARR Jim and Kathleen Mount Talbot
Treasured memories of my parents Jim who died on the 2nd September 1996 and Kathleen who died on the 22nd September 2000
Those we love can never be more than a thought apart. For as long as there is a memory, they live on in our hearts. Also remembering my brother John Who died on the 8th January 2013
When someone you love becomes a memory that memory becomes a treasure. Loved and sadly missed by their daughter
Kathy and grandchildren Fiona, Michelle, Niall, Cathriona, Niamh and Ciara. Mass offered.
Sadly missed by her son Martin, family and friends. Our Lady of Knock, pray for her.
Thomas
Newtown, Ballydooley, Co. Roscommon
HUSSEY
(née Morris)
Deirdre
Roxboro, Roscommon
In loving memory of Deirdre, who passed away on the 9th of October 2022 (3rd Anniversary)
Three years have passed since you left us, yet your presence still echoes in every moment. Your laughter, your kindness, your wisdom, they live on in our hearts and in the stories we share.
Forever loved, forever remembered by her husband Declan, sons Ethan and Luke, parents, siblings, extended family and friends.
Deirdre’s Third Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday 4th October, at 7pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Derrane.
HYNES
Danny
(18th Anniversary)
In loving memory of Danny, late of Shrove, Strokestown, who died on the 25th September 2007
He always had a smile to share, a laugh, a joke, a time to care, A wonderful nature, warm and kind these are the memories he left behind.
Forever in our hearts Mam, Dad, Séan, Aisling and Alan.
WALSH Mary
Moher, Lanesboro
In loving memory of a dear mother and grandmother, Mary Walsh, Moher, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon, who died on the 25th September 2024.
No words we write will ever say how much we miss you every day. Although we smile and make no fuss, you’re deeply missed by all of us. No one knows the grief we bear when we meet and you’re not there. We laugh, we talk we play our part, but behind our smiles are broken hearts.
Forever loved and missed more every day by your sons Micheal and Seamus; daughters Martina & Georgina and Declan and Marian. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As each day dawns we think of you, As each night falls we pray for you. And throughout our lives not matter where, In our thoughts you are always there Forever loved and missed more every day by your grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Sunday 28th September at 11.30am.
In loving memory of Jimmy and Tess COSTELLO
Jimmy & Tess
Late of Convent Road, Roscommon
These two days are quietly kept, no words are needed as we never forget, those we love don’t go away, as they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near, so loved, so missed and so very dear.
Lovingly remembered by your sons, Anthony and Seamus, daughters Olivia and Dee, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law Anne, your 10 grandchildren, your 12 great-grandchildren and extended family.
DOYLE
Philomena (Ena)
Sandfield, Rahara, Co. Roscommon
We, the family of Ena, together with her brother Leo, would like to express our sincere thanks to all who helped us following the loss of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister. We are grateful for the support of our extended family, many friends, neighbours, work colleagues and all those who attended her Reposing, Funeral Mass and burial from at home and abroad.
Thank you to Gillian, Carol, Dr. Harrison and the Nursing Staff at The Primary Care Centre, Roscommon for their kindness to Mam and the family.
Thank you also to the staff at McGuinness’ Pharmacy for looking after her prescriptions.
Thank you to Marie, Caroline and Sarah from the Roscommon Palliative Care Team and Anne Marie Feeley P.H.N. for all your help, kindness and professionalism. Thanks also to the family members who helped in every way to take care of Mam.
Thank you to Medical Teams and all the staff involved in Mam’s excellent care at Roscommon and Portiuncula University Hospitals.
Thank you to all who made contact with us by ‘phone, text messages or left tributes on RIP.ie; those who sent Mass Cards, Sympathy Cards and also those who sent flowers to the family home as they were unable to attend her Funeral. Thanks also to the people who made donations to Roscommon Hospice in her honour.
Thank you to Fr. Michael Donnelly for his care and spiritual support to us, also Fr. Ray Milton and Deacon Willie Gacquin for the beautifully concelebrated Funeral Mass; also our Soloist Ciara Lawless and the Organist for the lovely singing and music that enhanced the Mass.
Thanks to the grave diggers who prepared Mam’s final resting place with great care.
Thank you to Maureen’s Food Store, Ballyforan for the lovely food supplied and also the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon for the meal after the burial.
Thank you to Enda McHugh and Donie Hamrock, Undertakers, for their professionalism in handling Mam’s funeral.
As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.
Philomena’s (Ena’s) Month’s Mind Mass is on Saturday, 27th September 2025 at 11.00 am in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery. (Anniversary Mass for Tom and Kevin also).
FLANAGAN
Edmond (Teddy)
‘St. Annes’, Elphin Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon Who died on 19th of August 2025
We, the family of the late Teddy Flanagan: Eileen, Gemma, Anita, David, Kieran and extended family wish to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks and appreciation for all of the kindness and support shown to us on our heartbreaking loss.
Sincere thanks to the Doctors, Nurses and staff of Medical 3 and the Ciuin Suite at Mullingar General Hospital who looked after Teddy with such care and compassion. Thank you to Susan and Una, Teddy’s carers, who looked after him so well. Thank you to everyone at Church Street Surgery and MacAuliffe’s and McDonnell’s Pharmacies for their care of Teddy over the years.
We are grateful to everyone who offered their condolences, visited our home, brought food and shared warm words and fond recollections of Teddy which have given us such comfort. We wish to acknowledge friends, relations and work colleagues who attended the removal and funeral, many of whom travelled long distances to be with us. We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who sent Mass Cards, messages of sympathy and online condolences.
Thanks to our good friends Pat, Marian and John McHugh, Funeral Directors and also to Michael Carlos for their professionalism, sensitivity and attention to detail in managing the Funeral arrangements. Thanks also to the gravedigger who prepared Teddy’s final resting place in Strokestown Cemetery. Thank you to all who helped with the implementation of traffic management and to An Garda Siochana for the Garda escort. Many thanks to those who served refreshments at the house.
Thank you to Fr. Eamonn O’Connor and to Fr. Ciaran Whitney, Fr. Michael Troy and Fr. Vincent for celebrating the Funeral Mass so beautifully. We are very grateful to Angela McHugh and the Strokestown Choir who enhanced the Funeral Mass with their music and singing.
Thanks to Edel Murray and staff of the Percy French Hotel for the hospitality and wonderful meal following the funeral.
As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our sincere gratitude and deepest appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.
The Month’s Mind Mass for Teddy will be celebrated on Saturday 27th of September in The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strokestown at 12 noon.
Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@roscommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633
FINANCIAL BLESSINGS PRAYER TO ST. MICHAEL, ST. GABRIEL AND ST. RAPHAEL Light 3 white candles on a white plate and put sugar all around it. Place a glass of Water next to it. Ask the archangels for 3 wishes: one for business, one for impossible and one for love. Do this petition for three days. On the third day publish this prayer. Prayer: St. Michael, 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 archangels to assist us during our pilgrimage on earth. Saint Michael is our protector, I 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 and to teach me the truth. Saint Raphael is the healing angel, I ask him to take my need for healing and that of everyone I know, lift it up to your throne of grace and deliver back to us the gift of recovery. Help us O Lord to realize more fully the reality of the archangels and their desire to serve us. Holy Angels pray for us. Amen Thank you for answering my
(ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & FIRST ANNIVERSARY)
LEAVY
Eddie
Northyard, Scramogue, Roscommon / Lanesborough, Longford Who died on 22nd September, 2024.
As we remember Eddie on the First Anniversary of his death, his wife Bridie, sons Enda, Kevin, Eamonn, and daughter Deirdre extend heartfelt gratitude to all who sympathised and offered support at the time of his death, and during the past difficult twelve months.
We acknowledge all who sent Mass and sympathy cards, and messages of condolence, all who called to our family home and those who attended his Funeral Mass, many of whom travelled long distances.
We thank the staff of Camlin Medical Practice and Mullingar General Hospital for their care of Eddie during his illness.
Sincere thanks is extended to the priests who visited Eddie in hospital and those who concelebrated the Requiem Mass; particularly our parish priest, Fr. Jarek Maszkiewicz, for celebrating the Requiem Mass and for his prayers and support. We extend heartfelt gratitude to Fintan Farrelly and the members of St Mel’s Cathedral Choir for the beautiful music.
To all our neighbours, members of St. Barry’s GAA Club, those who donated food, volunteered with traffic management, assisted with catering, and stood in Guard of Honor, we are immensely grateful. Sincere gratitude is extended to Aidan and Nicola of Tully’s Funeral Directors, for their kindness and professionalism in handling the Funeral arrangements. To our friends and relatives who have stood by us over this past difficult year, we thank you for your continued support. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgment as a token of our gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.
Eddie’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated at St. Anne’s Church, Scramogue, on Sunday 28th September at 10 am.
MURPHY
Tom Sheehaun, Curraghroe, Roscommon (5th Anniversary)
In loving memory of Tom who passed away on 28th May 2020
How we miss the welcome footsteps of the one we loved so dear. Often we listen for his coming Fully sure that he is near.
Thou are gone but not forgotten Fresh our love will ever be For as long as there is memory We will always think of thee.
Sadly missed by Marian, Stephen and Abbey.
From sincere hearts and minds, Wonderful memories you left behind Sadly missed by his brother, sister and families.
Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh, Co. Roscommon on Saturday 27th September 2025 at 7.30 pm.
TRAYERS
John Ardagh, Glinsk, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon (20th Anniversary)
In loving memory of John who passed away on the 25th September 2005.
R.I.P.
Time and years slip gently by, but love and memories never die.
In God’s care you rest above, in our hearts you rest with love.
Always lovingly remembered by his wife Catherine and all the family.
APPOINTMENTS
Job Description: Office Administrator
Position: Permanent Role (part time considered)
Location: Roscommon
Responsible for:
• Co-ordinating day-to-day appointments and inspections;
• Proof reading and quality control of reports;
• General office administration.
Key skills required:
• Good people skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues;
• Ability to prioritise duties and liaise with appointment administrators in other offices;
• Familiarity with MS Word, MS Excel and MS Access;
• Strong English language skills;
• Strong eye for and attention to detail.
Applicants for the role should send their CV and cover letter to: Careers@BrandonOBrien.ie
In memory of a special Aunt MURRAY Noreen
Lisphelim, Knockcroghery. Who passed away on September 30th 2005. (20th Anniversary)
If
Nothing on earth can ever replace, The sound of your voice or the smile on your face. Your wonderful nature so warm and true, Those are the memories I have of you.
Always loved and will always be missed by Geraldine.
Sales Executive
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent Benefits
- Training & Professional Development
- Bike to work scheme.
- Store Discounts
- On Site Parking
Tommie Kelly Electrical Ltd has over 40 years’ experience, operating electrical retail store in Roscommon town, Co. Roscommon. It is home to some of the country’s favourite & instantly recognisable brands. Due to continued growth, we are looking for a sales executive to join the team in Roscommon Town
ABOUT THE POSITION:
This is an exciting opportunity to grow your retail sales career, and experience an innovative, team-orientated environment.
YOUR ROLE:
The role of Sales executive in Tommie Kelly Euronics is to professionally help people to buy while maximising sales and profit.
YOUR PROFILE:
• You are competitive and results driven
• You can communicate with influence
• You are optimistic and resilient
• You set the example – you are a strong team player.
• You are customer-focused.
YOUR QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE:
• Experience & qualifications
• Energetic, self-motivated & persistent.
• Strong Sales Experience
Please forward cover letter & CV to jobstkelectric@gmail.com
ROSCOMMON TOWN AREA
Don’t worry if
Operativing Forklift (training will be given if required)
Collections/Deliveries
Will be required to do overtime periodically • C1 licence is desired but NOT essential • Accommodation (if required) is available after probationary period of 3 months
Sports PEOPLE
WE’RE going to win!
As Four Roads and Oran prepare to meet in this Sunday’s Roscommon Senior Hurling final, pupils from Tisrara NS (top and left) voice their support for Four Roads, while their counterparts in Lisaniskey NS (right and bottom) cheer on Oran!
Photos: Michael Finan
Four Roads get complete the
Oran expected
champs all the way
Kepak Roscommon SHC final: Four Roads v Oran at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park on Sunday at 2 pm
For the first time since 2016 Four Roads and Oran will meet in the senior hurling championship final and the men from Rockfield will surely hope for a repeat outcome, as on that occasion they won a replay by six points after extra-time.
Indeed Oran have a good record against the kingpins of Roscommon hurling over the years.
The sides have met in seven finals, with Oran winning four of them. However, past statistics will be of little importance when the teams take the field on Sunday with the aim of getting their hands on the Mickey Cunniffe Cup for 2025. Four Roads will seek to win their 37th title on Sunday – and their fourth in a row. Oran will hope to win their 7th title and their first since that famous triumph against Four Roads after a replay nine years ago.
Under club legend Micheál Kelly this year, Four Roads will be the first to admit that they have not set the world on fire in the championship so far. However there were signs against Pádraig Pearses in the semi-final that they are returning to their best form at just the right time.
The Black and Amber struggled to beat Roscommon Gaels and St Dominic’s in their opening two games, however in each case they did just enough to get over the line. A four-point win against Athleague reflected an improvement and while they defeated Oran by 2-14 to 0-14 in their final group game it was a ‘dead rubber’ with both sides already through to the semifinals.
< SEAMUS DUKE
Liam Óg Coyle (pictured in action in the semi-final) is a key player for Four Roads.
Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Conor Kelly of Four Roads, in action against Pádraig Pearses in the recent semi-final.
Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
get nod to four four-in-a-row
A dominant display against Pearses in the semi-final was their best performance of the season. With several new players on board this year there are signs that a new force is emerging in the Tisrara area.
Noel Fallon is a colossus in goal and his ability to strike accurate puckouts, long and short, is a hugely valuable asset. The Four Roads defence, led by the likes of James Dillon, Darren Fallon, and captain Jack Donnelly, will have their hands full on Sunday with the Oran attack, and will have to perform well.
Four Roads have been sticking with a young combination of Eoghan Morris and Conor Kelly in midfield and they will have a big responsibility on Sunday against the more experienced Oran duo of Eoghan Grady and Eamonn Kenny. Up front for Four Roads, Conor Mulry is the main man at full-forward and Adam Donnelly, Conor Morris and Liam Óg Coyle will be expected to help provide match-winning scores on the day.
Oran, under Francie Quine, have arguably been the best and most consistent team in the championship so far. After a high-scoring draw against Athleague, they have defeated St Dominic’s (twice) and Tremane and lost out in
that meaningless match against Four Roads (214 to 0-14).
Marshalled by Micheál Hussey and Declan Leonard, the Oran defence have been hugely impressive this year. There is plenty of experience and talent in the Oran ranks with the evergreen Jerry Fallon in goal, brothers Cathal and Paul Kenny, Eoghan Grady, Michael T McCormack and scorer-in-chief, Paddy Fallon.
From chatting to both camps this week, it’s clear that Oran always feel they have a chance when they face Four Roads in the championship.
The key to the outcome could well depend on how the Oran defence cope with a Four Roads attack led by Conor Mulry.
Oran have been outstanding in that regard so far in this championship but anyone who has been looking at Roscommon club hurling over the years will know that when it comes to a final, Four Roads are so hard to beat.
I am predicting a closely fought final and Oran have every chance of causing an upset. Four Roads have been improving over the course of the championship and if that pattern continues on Sunday they should win by a point or two.
Hopefully it will be a memorable decider.
Prediction: Four Roads.
Micheál Hussey… has starred in defence for Oran this season. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Eamon Kenny of Oran pictured in action against St Dominic’s in the recent semifinal. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
‘Everything that happened was player-led’ – Kenny
Senior Oran players
‘rallied the troops’
< KEVIN EGAN
Oran’s 2016 county final replay win over Four Roads, secured after Jerry Fallon’s last-gasp equaliser from 100 yards out that Shannonside Radio dubbed “the score of the century” is often heralded as testament to Oran’s ability to come out of nowhere to pick up a county title, but it’s often forgotten that the Rockfield club had lost out in a county final just three years before then, and still had much the same team.
Coming into 2025, there was no such platform from which to build. In 2024 they lost out in a quarterfinal after winning one and losing three of their group games, and the decade in general had featured plenty of lowlights – including the concession of a walkover in a championship match – that would suggest that rebuilding was going to
be a long and arduous process. From within the camp however, they saw things differently. That inspired a handful of senior players to try and rally the troops in advance of this year’s campaign.
“Everything that happened this year was player-led,” was how Cathal Kenny described it to the Roscommon People.
“Some of us sat down, we earmarked games in recent years where we went close despite not having a lot of work done, and we decided that there was scope to get a lot better if we could just get organised and get ourselves sharp and ready for this championship.
“We started collective training ourselves before we had a management team in place and we were soon getting 20 lads at training which was very positive at that time
of year, when you had players away with the county and also committed to the football. That was the key to getting them to buy in to what we were doing and to realise that this was going to be a different year for the club.”
The final round of group games, albeit it was a game with nothing at stake, saw Four Roads win comfortably when the two sides met. Kenny is realistic enough to know that the general public will expect the Tisrara men to prevail this Sunday in Dr Hyde Park, even though Oran proved against St Dominic’s that they’re well capable of disrupting a hotly-fancied opponent.
time now, and it’s pretty much been the case that if you can beat them, you’ll either win the county title or go very close. They’ve a rich history and when you come up to today, they’re three-in-a-row champions and there were elements of their game against Pádraig Pearses that were very strong.
“As long as I’ve been hurling, Oran have always been the underdogs against Four Roads,” Kenny said.
“They’ve set the standard for a long
“That’s where the bar is, and now it’s up to us to try and go to that level. There won’t be a fear factor or anything like that, myself and a few other lads spent the year hurling with them in with Roscommon and we know the style they want to play and some of their strengths. But this year is different in Oran, we’ve seen players ask more of themselves and everyone around them this year, and now the challenge is to push it on again for the county final, and see if we can go that extra step.”
Jack focussed on honouring the ‘Four Roads tradition’
This year’s Four Roads team captain is Jack Donnelly. The centre half-back, who works in Galway as a quantity surveyor, will be hoping to lead his club to their 37th title this Sunday. He accepts that his team hasn’t been playing well in the championship so far. But the most important thing is that they have ground out the wins.
“It’s great to be back into
improving and looking forward to the final. In the semi-final against Pearses we stuck to our game plan despite the bad weather.
With Noel (Fallon) behind you (in goal) there is always the possibility of long puckouts, but we feel we can work both the long ball and the short ball and we have the players to implement it.”
Micheál Kelly is newly in as manager this year so is there anything different
“Well, the management is one side of it alright, but we have a lot of new players involved… like Dan Bolger, Conor Kelly and Eoghan Morris and others who have come into the panel and done well. We have a few injuries too. The likes of Brian Lawlor and Tommy Morris have been out.
“With regard to the new management, sure Micheál (Kelly) has seen it all. He hurled for 19 years and he and the selectors have played against Oran in the championship many times and they will know what they are good at and what to expect.”
Four Roads are the undisputed kings of Roscommon club hurling, so does that weigh on the players’ minds as they go out on to the pitch – in that they are expected to win?
“A county final is a county final. We don’t feel we have
a right to be in a final. But the cup has Mickey Cunniffe’s name on it and he was one of our own. But we have to turn up on the day and it will probably come down to the last few plays. We know that there is no guarantee that we will win it. We will have to work hard for it, that’s for sure.”
So what is different about having the captaincy?
“Look, we have leaders all over the pitch and really it’s only a title. It was
great for me to get the nod from Micheál and the management. At the end of the day it is only a title but anyone can speak up. But I’m just lucky that it’s me this year.
“This is a young panel and I am one of the older lads at 25 but it’s a great privilege to be captain. The reason people know about Four Roads is because of what has gone before us so it’s up to us to keep up that tradition and legacy” he concluded.
Jack Donnelly… hoping to lead defending champions Four Roads to a four-in-a-row next Sunday. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Cathal Kenny pictured in action against Sunday’s opponents, Four Roads, earlier in the campaign. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Small margins, big dreams
< KEVIN EGAN
Love of the club, or Stockholm Syndrome? Listening to Francie Quine talk about his relationship with Oran hurling, it feels like both emotions are at the heart of his thoughts.
“I suppose it’s hard to get away from it,” he says with a half-smile.
“I’m coming here for the guts of 40 years. I said after last year that I’d take a break from it, so it wasn’t a job I went looking for. I have no doubt that if someone else had taken the job, I’d be here supporting the lads, 100 per cent. But I couldn’t just watch a group of honest lads knowing there was no one to look after them, so that’s why I’m here”.
As a player and a coach, Francie has been in the dressing room for good days and bad over his lifetime. He won medals as a player in 1998 and 2004, he was part of the management team with Colm Kelly and Harry Crowley when Oran last finished top of the pile in 2016, and in recent years he was, in his own words, “helping out” Kieran Farrell during a spell when getting a full squad onto the field for training and even for matches proved difficult.
“When I was approached first, my first question was ‘how are we for numbers?’ because we struggled for numbers last year. But I soon discovered that they had seven or eight sessions done themselves”.
Best
By taking that initiative, the players had already gone a long way towards successfully tugging on the stalwart’s heartstrings.
“I went to three or four league games and a couple of junior games, I found it hard to see them there without anyone on the sideline,” Quine admitted.
“Damian and Eamonn Kenny put a good bit of pressure on. To see no one with them, with a good bit of the year gone, was disheartening”.
So with his arm twisted, he came in.
Quickly, he realised that the mindset in the group was different than what went before.
“I suppose they sat back and had a hard look at themselves over the last two years. We lost a lot of games last year by a puck of the ball. We had Athleague beaten twice in Creggs, and we still lost the game. The margins were small, so once the lads came together and decided to put in a bigger effort, that was enough for me.
“I told the lads last year that those small differences come down to being together. If they had a bit more done in 2024, we probably would have got over the line in some of those games.
“Now the work has been done this year. We’ve got over the line in most games.
We were lucky to draw with Athleague, we beat Tremane by two points, beat Dominic’s by a couple of points and then
wishes to
played Four Roads in an unusual type of game as both of us were in a semi-final.
“Then it was Dominic’s again, and we just got over the line again. Getting over the line in those games, the bit of work that we didn’t do last year has got us through this year”.
Quine’s view was that the challenge for 2025 came in two parts. First, was getting the heads up above the rest of the chasing pack, and only then were they entitled to think about Four Roads.
Oran
in Sunday’s final
Hurling Club
“At the start of the year, I would have felt that there were six teams – ourselves, St Dominic’s, Pádraig Pearses, Athleague, Roscommon Gaels and Tremane – at the one level. But Four Roads are a step ahead,” he asserted.
“To me, it was whoever worked the hardest among those six teams would give themselves a great chance against each other. But I’m looking at Four Roads all year. They just set the standard. We’re the ones out of the six that’s there
Best wishes to Four Roads and Oran in Sunday’s final
on Sunday to take them on. It’s a huge task.
“When you’re on your own during the day, it can be scary thinking about their six forwards and their attacking half-back line, not to mention the pace they have around the middle of the field. But we have to work as hard as we can between now and the final to get the lads ready for that challenge. I haven’t figured out yet how we are going to stop them, but I’ll work hard at it.”
Oran manager Francie Quine (centre) pictured with Paddy Brides (left) and club secretary Tommy Ryan (right) after victory over Tremane earlier this season. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
‘We’ll have to be at our best to beat Oran’
< SEAMUS DUKE
In terms of club legends, they don’t come any bigger than Micheál Kelly, who spent almost 20 years at the coalface playing senior hurling with Four Roads. For much of that time he led from the front, producing great performances and enjoying many title successes. Now he is the senior team’s manager, preparing his charges for another big day this Sunday. So, how does he reflect on the campaign so far?
“We struggled really, up until the Sunday against Pearses (in the semifinal) and it was the first time we really performed and clicked. I suppose you could say that we’re coming right at the right time, but it’s one game. We have to back it up now. That’s where we’re at…
“A lot of lads have a lot going on. They are involved with St Aidan’s (Gaelic footballers) too. They’re just trying to mind their bodies. It’s just a lot to be wary of. Other than that, it’s all about backing it up, to be honest. But one performance is not enough.”
Mulry hails blend of youth and experience
< SEAMUS DUKE
One of the key players on the Four Roads team is full-forward Conor Mulry who captained last year’s title-winning side. Conor also played a pivotal role for Roscommon as they won the Nicky Rackard Cup title earlier in the year. Conor plays a dual role as he lines out for St Aidan’s who are going well in the junior football championship.
“It’s great to be still involved at this time of the year. We have eight or nine dual players so it’s a busy time. But with regard to the hurling I think we are rebuilding here in Four Roads this year. I look back at the 2023 county final team and I am the only forward left from that team.
“We have lost the likes of Padraig Kelly, Cathal Dolan, my own brother Brendan, and Micheál (Kelly). Now we have replaced all those players with young players, which is brilliant. But when you have so many new players you will have inconsistency and we have been inconsistent this year.
“The experienced lads probably got us over the line in our first few games but we feel we are improving and going okay now.”
So what is he expecting from Oran?
“I know only too well about Oran. They can be torture for us at times! They beat us in the final after a replay in 2016. I was playing that day. A lot of the young lads here won’t know about Oran but there will be no messing around with them. They are serious contenders.”
Oran’s success this year has been built on a very strong defence, led by Micheál Hussey at centre half-back and Declan Leonard at full-back. So how does Conor feel about that challenge and the likelihood that he will be marked by Declan Leonard?
“Well you know I am great friends with Declan (laughs) and I was only chatting to him last week. But seriously, it looks like the game will be played in the Hyde which should suit me and Four Roads too. Oran are very strong with the Kenny brothers, Micheál Hussey, Declan Leonard and Paddy Fallon… make no mistake about that. When the ball goes to ground they
are very hard beaten in that scenario.
“With regard to my own game, I will try to stick with it and try not to change it during the match but you could have two or three different lads marking you in a game depending on how it goes.”
Conor says that his role in the team has changed.
“Well I suppose I have gone from being marked by the fourth or fifth best defender to the best defender on the opposition. That’s the difference now. But earlier in the year I didn’t start the first match because I had taken time off after the Nicky Rackard Cup. As the year has gone on I have come back into it, but the younger lads that have come on to the team have really proven how good they can be.”
The Four Roads display against Pádraig Pearses was the best by the club this year. Did Micheál Kelly see that performance coming?
“I would be lying if I said I didn’t. The lads have worked extremely hard all year. There is a big commitment from them. To be fair, in training we can see it. We can see it more clearly probably than the supporters coming to the games… we knew the performance was in them, we just needed to see it in championship mode really. We were just getting over the line before that, and just getting over the line will work (only) so many times –but your luck is going to run out.
“I was more delighted for the lads more than anything else in that they just let the shackles off and got going the last day. But look, they know themselves. The next day it’s the county final, it’s a big occasion and as I keep saying, we have to back it up. If we don’t back it up the next day it’s for nothing really.
“When we came in (as a management group) it was a clean slate for everybody, everybody had a chance and took it and
so far so good. The lads are really buying into it this year. But they’ve a huge test on their hands.”
The Four Roads manager has had plenty of experience of playing against Oran over the years and he knows what to expect on Sunday.
“I’ve been on the receiving end of it too, and… to be fair to them, in my opinion, they’ve always been a good team. They can mix it either way, they’re physical, and they’ve good ability, they are good hurlers.
“So we are under no illusions. We have to be at our best to beat them. Every team in my opinion who get to a final are there on merit. Oran have earned their place to be there, we’ve done likewise… we’ll all see how it goes.”
Micheál Kelly is looking forward to his team playing in Hyde Park, Roscommon GAA’s distinguished HQ.
“It’s the place you want to play hurling. It’s so well maintained, and it’s great for the players, for both teams, to get a chance to go out and play in the Hyde” he concluded.
‘We’re not blessed with massive numbers but we’re passionate about hurling’
< KEVIN EGAN
For any club manager, the choice of captain on any given year can hinge on a number of different factors. Any popular figure that will lead by example and carry the respect of his colleagues will go onto the shortlist, and then it gets a bit more intangible.
If it’s not controlled, too much fire can just set a dressing room ablaze. But the right amount is often just enough to fuel a panel to find their top speed, whatever that might be.
Shane Keane walks that line perfectly. He doesn’t speak loudly, but he speaks – and plays – from the heart.
“Oran is a small parish. We’re not blessed with massive numbers but we’re passionate about hurling. One thing we’ll always have is determination, heart and fight. Those three traits alone will get you a long way, no matter what you’re doing in life,” he says.
“In hurling, if you have the determination, the heart, the will and the passion for your own club and area, you’ll never go too far wrong”.
That determination and fire was needed when Oran, with Keane involved, ended Four Roads’ run of eight county titles in a row back in 2016. And he attests that it was needed at the start of this year too, as a lot of soulsearching had taken place over the winter.
“Nine years doesn’t feel that long but when you look and reflect on it, it is a long time. Things have been up and down in the club since that.
“The number of lads hurling in the parish has dwindled a small bit over the years. But we’ve put a good bit of work in this year. A few of the older lads –myself, Eamonn Kenny, Declan Leonard – sat down at the start of the year and decided what we were going to aim for, what we were going to do? We got some lads back and, luckily, it came together. We’ve trained all year, we feel as if we’re going from strength to strength and we’re happy with how things are.
“It’s great to get into the final. We aimed for that at the start of the year. We had fallen short in previous semifinals. This year, we’ve a bigger body of work done across the season. More lads have been consistently training all year, and it’s been good training, Pádraig
Keane,
Crehan from Donamon is a right good trainer”. So are they ready to beat Four Roads on Sunday?
“We’re in bonus territory. Four Roads are the pinnacle of Roscommon hurling, and have been since I was a young lad, and rightly so. They’ve a right good panel of players. We’re under no illusions with what we have to do. More than likely we will be underdogs but that’s not necessarily a bad thing”.
Four Roads manager Micheál Kelly, pictured on the sideline when his team played Oran during this year’s championship. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Conor Mulry, pictured in action for Four Roads against St Dominic’s this year. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Shane
pictured here in action for Oran against Athleague in the 2025 championship. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Harvest Festival in Listowel continues Horses for Courses by
Racing this afternoon (Thursday) continues at the Harvest Festival in Listowel with a jumps card, featuring the Lartigue Hurdle, starting at 2.15 pm.
There are national cards on both Friday and Saturday, with Friday starting at 1.23 pm and Saturday at 2.10 pm. On Friday evening, there is a flat card on the all-weather in Dundalk at 4.40 pm. On Saturday, there the first of a two-day flat racing at The Curragh featuring the Group 2 Beresford Stakes with first race at 1.25 pm, and on Sunday at 1.30 pm with two Group 2 races, the Weld Park and the Renaissance Stakes, along with the Cesarewitch Handicap.
On Monday, there is a national hunt meeting in Roscommon featuring their top hunt race, the Grade 3 Ballymore Group Irish EBF Kilbegnet Novice Chase, and a flat meeting in Down Royal. Television coverage tomorrow is from Newmarket and Worcester on ITV with
five from Newmarket and one from Worcester, a hurdle race. On Saturday there are four more from Newmarket, and two from Haydock. TG4 cover Listowel for the next three days.
Listowel review Sunday, the first day of the festival, saw the Kerry Dairy Ireland Handicap Chase won by Ross O’Sullivan’s Bythesametoken, ridden by Galway native Danny Gilligan.
On Monday, the featured John McGuire Handicap was won by Dylan Browne McMonagle on Joseph O’Brien’s Starford, and on Tuesday, the Edmund and Josie Whelan Memorial Listowel Stakes went to Cristal Clear, ridden by Seamie Heffernan and trained by John J Nallen. Yesterday the Guinness Kerry National Handicap Chase was won by an outsider, Spanish Harlem, trained by that man Willie Mullins and
Tom Red
Dylan Browne McMonagle… won in Listowel on Monday.
ridden by his nephew Danny Mullins, beating Gordon Elliott’s Three Card Brag, ridden by Jack Kennedy.
Racing news
Aidan O’Brien’s St Leger winner Scandinavia will not run in this year’s Melbourne Cup after the trainer revealed they’re aimed at next year’s Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.
At a function at The Bounty, Buccaneers RFC announced that Michael Moore Car Sales will continue as the club’s title sponsor. Pictured (l-r) are Karl Turley (Manager), Eoin Reid (President), Darin Claasen (Head Coach), Michael Moore (sponsor) and Garreth Halligan (Assistant Coach).
A winning team!
At a function in The Bounty, Buccaneers RFC confirmed that Michael Moore Car Sales will continue as the club’s title sponsor. The alliance between Buccs and the Moore family now stretches to 15 seasons, a remarkable show of continued generous patronage by this leading midlands motor
retailer.
Club President Eoin Reid presented a framed Buccaneers jersey to Michael Moore and thanked the Moore brand for their continuing generous patronage of the club as he looked forward to the club being revitalised in the upcoming new campaign.
Lights, camera, action… as final frontier in sight
< KEVIN EGAN PREVIEWS LGFA SEMI-FINALS
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27TH (all games at 12 noon, home team first)
Junior B: Roscommon Gaels v St Michael’s/ St Ronan’s
On form so far this year, Roscommon Gaels look like they’re finally ready to take a step up the ladder and start to bring their recent success at underage level through to the adult grade. The ‘Saints’ have made huge strides too, but the Gaels are further down the development road right now.
Junior C: Michael Glaveys (2) v Pádraig Pearses (2)
Putting a second team on the field in 2025 was a historic achievement for Pearses and based on their form, they aren’t without hope of causing a minor upset here.
Junior C: St Dominic’s (2) v St Ciarán’s (2)
The local derby aspect and some spillover from their camogie rivalry will keep this interesting, but St Dominic’s have that bit more depth, as evidenced by their U-19 campaign.
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28TH (all games at 11 am, home team first)
Senior: St Brigid’s v Boyle
Boyle may have had something of a down year in 2024 as they defended their title, but they’ve returned with a vengeance in 2025, most recently putting Éire Óg to the sword in last weekend’s deferred county final.
Being able to call upon Róisín Wynne in defence and Aisling Feely up front once again has been a tremendous boost and all over the pitch they look a lot more like the team that exploded onto the senior scene.
St Brigid’s also have a returning star in Kate Nolan. It’s impossible to know if last year’s county final would have unfolded in the remarkable fashion it did if she had been fit to play, but with the group a year older and Alison Nugent continuing to catch the eye as a possible county star in 2026, there’s no doubt that this the clear tie of the round
across a huge weekend for ladies football in Roscommon.
Boyle’s slip up against St Ciarán’s means they have to travel, but on the flip side, their league final win will give them yet more confidence against what is still a learning home side.
Intermediate: Pádraig Pearses v Kilbride Kilbride negated Pearses’ attacking threat for long phases of the round robin game between the sides and now that they’ve put their long winless run behind them, Ollie Lennon’s troops will feel that they can be even stronger for this trip to Woodmount.
There’s no denying Pearses’ form so far this year. Áine Ryan and Sarah Dooley’s dominance at midfield has ensured that their young attacking unit has had plenty of opportunities to rack up scores while Gráinne Lohan is the anchor of a strong defence.
The reigning junior champions are the more balanced group with a deeper reserve of quality, but Kilbride have high spirits and a guaranteed source of scores in Aisling Hanly, which gives them a real chance of an upset.
Intermediate: St Barry’s v St Croan’s
After losing the 2024 IFC final and reaching a Division One league decider this year, St Barry’s carried the mantle of favouritism into this campaign. More and more of their leading lights have returned to action as the championship has progressed but a final round defeat to Kilbride has halted their momentum a little.
St Croan’s are very strong in the middle third and they’ll back themselves in a tight finish. The challenge for the Tarmonbarry women is to ensure it doesn’t come to that.
Junior: Northern Harps v St Faithleach’s
St Faithleach’s have had a steady campaign so far but this is a significant step up in class against a free-scoring Northern Harps unit. Ellen Irwin, Joan Geoghegan and Sarah Scally will keep the scoreboard moving at one end, but containing Shauna McGrath, Ciara Cunningham, Leah Casey and company is another matter.
Junior: Kilglass Gaels/Kilmore v St Mary’s
After a couple of difficult seasons, Kilglass/
The Roscommon LGFA championships are reaching the ‘business end’ this weekend, with semifinals across the grades. Flashback to the Adult Championship launch during the summer. Pictured were Dermot Hughes and Rachel McGrath (Manager, Dermot Hughes Toyota Car Sales), along with senior championship players Constance Boyd (Shannon Gaels), Abby Curran (St Brigid’s), and Orla Kildea (Clann na nGael. Best of luck to all teams!
Kilmore are a force to be reckoned with again and with two wins and a draw from three games, they earned home advantage here. Their concern is that the quarter-final results hinted at the form in the four-team group looking that little bit stronger, and St Mary’s can outgun a team that has scored just 31 times in three games.
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 30th (8 pm in Johnstown)
Senior: Clann na nGael v St Dominic’s A fourth successive meeting between these two clubs at this stage of the championship and so far, it’s been a perfect three-and-zero record for Clann. St Dominic’s are a coming force however and there was a big difference between last year’s competitive five-point win for the eventual champions and the comprehensive victories from 2022 and 2023.
Niamh Watson has come on board to bolster a Dominic’s attack that already has blue chip threats all over it, most notably Aoife Gavin, and while Clann have an embarrassment of riches in terms of player quality, they’ve chopped and changed around a bit more than they would have liked, trying to find the right formula.
Aside from the proven quality of some of their established stars, the graph keeps going up for players like Hope Glynn and Ciara Quinn, with Susie Kelly also making far more of an impact at this level than any 17-year-old. The champions are in good shape, but they’ve a tough hurdle in front of them.
Roscommon LGFA would like to thank Dermot Hughes Cars, Coachman’s Inn/Harry’s Restaurant, Leydon Brothers, Castlerea Vehicle Recycling and Family Care Practice for their generous sponsorship of the adult club championships in the county.
SPORTS DESK
Paul Healy
Hill climbing to snooker’s summit?
One of the great pleasures in life – it also takes one’s mind off ageing – is seeing new sporting stars emerge into the public consciousness, and then watching their progress.
Whether it was Wayne Rooney bursting on to the scene as a 16-year-old with Everton, David Clifford scoring 4-4 in the 2017 All-Ireland Minor Football final, Brian O’Driscoll announcing himself to the world with a hat-trick of tries in Paris, Lamine Yamal terrorising experienced defenders as a 17-year-old with Barcelona, or Luke Littler storming to the summit of world darts at the same age, the emergence of prospective new sporting superstars is a very fulfilling part of the communal experience of sports fans.
All of which came to mind as I read of the latest exploits of emerging Irish snooker player Aaron Hill. He’s not quite an overnight sensation – the now 23-year-old Hill beat Ronnie O’Sullivan in 2020, and then-world number one Judd Trump in 2022 – but his performance in the English Open last week has shone the spotlight once again on the Cork man’s rise. Hill made a sensational start in the tournament, producing the first maximum 147 of his career in his round one win over Yao Pengchang. Hill then defeated three big names of world snooker – Stephen Maguire, Ali Carter and Jack Lisowski – to reach the quarter-finals. His superb run in the English Open ended with a 5-2 defeat to Jack Jones last Friday (with a semi-final against Mark Allen awaiting the winner).
Now up to 45 in the world rankings, it seems certain that Aaron Hill will climb much higher. It’s almost 20 years since 1997 World Snooker Champion Ken Doherty was world number two, longer still since the glory days of Dennis Taylor and the late Alex Higgins. Ireland has produced other fine players over the years, including Patsy Fagan and Eugene Hughes (Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen is currently ranked 10th in the world).
I’m not suggesting that Aaron Hill’s rise is comparable to some of the sportstars mentioned above, but his career development is beginning to excite interest. Ireland may well have a future contender at the elite end of the snooker circuit. Watch this space!
*I’ve cursed a Corkonian: As I finished writing the above (on Monday), Judd Trump just completed a 4-0 win over Hill at the British Open.
Canada ignite Women’s Rugby World Cup
The Women’s Rugby World Cup has been fantastic entertainment. Tournament favourites England will play Canada in the final this Saturday (New Zealand and France meet in the third-place play-off on Sunday).
Over the course of the entire tournament, there surely can’t have been a more engrossing game than the Canada-New Zealand semi-final. It was an epic. While Canada’s win wasn’t a total shock, in symbolic terms it was monumental, historic indeed. Canada were finalists in the last World Cup, and came to this tournament with high hopes of success, but it was still jaw-dropping to see them
dumping the mighty New Zealanders out.
While England are favourites to win the World Cup, New Zealand are the aristocrats of women’s rugby (as in the men’s game). They’ve won six of the last seven women’s world cups, were defending champions, and came into the semifinal against Canada on the back of a 17-game unbeaten run at the World Cup – a record that spanned eleven years. Going into Friday’s semifinal, not one of the New Zealand squad had ever lost a World Cup game.
Canada started with a real swagger in this captivating semi-final, going on to produce a masterful combination of attacking flair and defensive resilience. After their 34-19 win, they will fancy their chances of upsetting England in this weekend’s final. It will be well worth watching.
Ruben and the Pope…
Before last Saturday’s 2-1 win over Chelsea – a result that Ruben Amorim desperately needed – the Manchester United manager was typically defiant when asked if he would consider changing his tactical approach after a disappointing start to the season.
“No, no, no,” Amorim replied. “Not once. Not even the Pope, it will not change... this is my job, this is my responsibility, this is my life, so I will not change that…”
There was no comment from the Vatican on whether or not Pope Leo has been applying pressure on Amorim to change things around at Old Trafford.
In any event, United saw off Chelsea in torrential rain, a welcome win which eases the pressure on their manager, for now at least. Perhaps it was Divine intervention.
McGinley on Rory…
Former Ryder Cup-winning captain Paul McGinley gave an interesting assessment of Rory McIlroy ahead of this weekend’s Ryder Cup.
The Strategic Director for the European team, McGinley was – as ever – straight-talking and blunt. His assessment of the inconsistent, frustrating but compelling Northern Irish superstar is one that I wholeheartedly agree with.
“Rory has always been a volatile performer; his
career has never been a straight line, there have been loads of dips and then he comes roaring back.
“Rory is charismatic, dynamic in how he plays, a risk-taker and he draws people in because he plays in the Arnold Palmer style.
“That guy is more hit and miss than a Scottie Scheffler, who plays the percentages, is very detailed and conservative in his approach.
“It is no surprise Scheffler is leading the world rankings and will do. I don’t know if Rory will ever lead the world rankings again because he doesn’t have the consistency Scottie has.
“Rory’s personality is in and out. He gets a flourish, he’s unbeatable and then he looks like he’s going to miss the cut and then he comes back again.”
Mcllroy is certainly dogged by inconsistency, and prone to making errors. In reality, that’s probably a big part of why he’s so compelling, why the term ‘box office’ accompanies him now like a favourite club. As Scheffler methodically works his way around a course, playing ‘percentage golf’ that in fairness is often elevated by brilliance, Mcllroy does indeed play in the Arnold Palmer style… creative, courageous, gambling, unpredictable.
Some days, Rory takes golf fans on an emotional rollercoaster which is pure theatre. Other days (occasionally), he plays like a journeyman professional. On his day, he’s the most exciting player in the world, reminding us that he’s also probably the most gifted golfer of this era.
A ‘golden age’ for Irish athletics?
From reading and listening to the experts, it would seem that Ireland exceeded expectations at the World Athletics Championships, which came to an end last Sunday.
‘This is the golden age – Ireland has never had a World Championships like this’ was a headline in the Irish Examiner last Monday. And, one or two disappointing performances notwithstanding, that sense of positivity and excitement seems to be justified.
We sent a 28-strong team to Japan – and they were inspired. There were numerous personal bests recorded, and a number of strong placings.
Kate O’Connor’s historic silver medal in the heptathlon was of course the big highlight, while Longford’s Cian McPhillips came fourth –agonisingly close to a medal – in the 800m final.
If this rate of progress continues, the future for Irish athletics is extremely bright.
Persistence pays off for Masters
I was delighted to hear that the Roscommon team won the All-Ireland Masters Plate final in Kiltoom on Saturday. Northern teams have a good record at Masters level, so taking on Armagh wasn’t the most enticing prospect – but Roscommon won well, defeating their opponents by 1-15 to 0-10. Making this win all the more welcome is the fact that Roscommon suffered heartbreaking defeats in Masters finals in recent years. It’s a great tribute to the dedication of the players and management that they kept coming back.
Persistence has paid off. This was a richly deserved placing of the Rossie flag on the summit. Congratulations to everyone involved with the Roscommon Masters squad!
‘Voices of our sporting lives’ – reaction
Thanks to readers of this column who got in touch in response to my article on great sporting commentators (‘The voices of our sporting lives’, Roscommon People issue dated September 5th). My list – which included six personal favourites, and a round-up on other top commentators – seems to have met with widespread approval (the six I singled out were John Motson, Barry Davies, Sid Waddell, Bill McLaren, Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, and Peter Alliss).
My lack of interest in cricket was perhaps exposed, with a few people suggesting that Richie Benaud should have been included. Indeed one reader wrote: “No mention of John Arlott, Brian Johnston and Richie Benaud from the cricket!” There was a suggestion from another reader that Peter O’Sullevan, Ted Lowe, Dan Maskell and Benaud should perhaps have been in my top six – I did give them all a mention.
Another reader insisted that George Hamilton is Ireland’s most versatile ever commentator, and indeed George (whom I had also mentioned) has been superb, his verbal flourishes set to live on long into the future.
As with all such lists, it’s a subjective exercise! Many thanks for the feedback.
A disappointed Darragh Heneghan pictured at the final whistle after Michael Glaveys’ impressive Roscommon SFC campaign ended with a narrow defeat to St Faithleach’s (1-20 to 1-18) in Ballinameen last Sunday. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Strokestown march on, Fuerty shock Tulsk
< SEAMUS DUKE
In the Ward Brothers Roscommon IFC, title favourites Strokestown are through to the last four after a comprehensive win against Creggs in Knockcroghery last Saturday. Strokestown were in command all through and with Kevin Finn excellent in attack, they led by 1-12 to 0-6 at halftime, with Keith Murphy scoring the only goal of the game in the 22nd minute. Strokestown continued to dominate in the second half and with Diarmuid McGann landing three two-pointers, the ‘Town eased into the semifinals on a final scoreline of 1-24 to 0-12. There was a shock in O’Rourke Park in Castlerea with Fuerty, who were 5/1 outsiders, deservedly defeating Tulsk in what was a low-scoring affair.
Fuerty dominated the first-half exchanges with Eamon Bannon, Cian Ward, Ben McGahon and Gearoid Ennis all excellent.
Indeed Ennis scored a tremendous point from a sideline kick in first-half injury-time and it sent his side in leading by 0-8 to 0-2 at the break. Liam McNeill’s side were marginally better on the resumption and when Daniel Connolly bundled home a goal in the 38th minute it gave them hope. Fuerty responded with points from Jack McGahon and Cian Murray. Tulsk scored three points late on, but Fuerty had done enough to cause a major upset. Final score: Fuerty 0-12 Tulsk 1-6.
St Michael’s were impressive 1-18 to 1-11 winners against Kilmore in Croghan. The Cootehall men were excellent in the opening half
with Fiachra and Ruadhan Henry prominent. A Niall Sheerin goal before half-time saw them lead by 1-11 to 0-3 at the break.
At one stage in the second half St Michael’s led by 14 points, but Kilmore staged a late rally and aided by a goal from Aaron Cox, they closed the gap somewhat. However St Michael’s had done enough to secure a comfortable victory. Éire Óg coasted into the last four with an excellent 0-21 to 0-7 win against St Brigid’s at Mulhern Park, Fuerty on Sunday. Once again Conor Cox was the Éire Óg talisman with a personal tally of 0-15, which included no less than seven two-pointers. Éire Óg led by 0-11 to 0-3 at the break.
In the semi-finals Strokestown will play Fuerty and Éire Óg will face St Michael’s.
Masterful Rossies claim Plate
All-Ireland Masters Plate Final Roscommon 1-15 Armagh 0-10
A superb second-half display propelled the Roscommon Masters to the title in this AllIreland plate final which was played in Kiltoom last Saturday.
When the sides went in at half-time level at 0-6 apiece, it looked like it would be a battle to the finish, but Roscommon outscored their opponents by 1-9 to 0-4 in that second period. Senan Kilbride was the star of the show in attack for Anthony Carroll’s team as he scored seven points on the day, his three-point haul in the first half ensuring that Roscommon went in level at the break.
In the second half, a run of scoring that yielded 1-5 without reply was key to Roscommon’s
victory. The goal came in the third quarter from the boot of Paul Gilleran after an excellent pass from Kilbride.
Cathal Dineen, Garvan Dolan, Conor Beirne, Dermot Foley and Ger Heneghan were also prominent for Roscommon on the day.
Roscommon were defeated in the final of this competition twice in recent years so this win is due reward for the resilience of the squad and team management.
Roscommon panel: Aaron Sharkey, David Kelly, Mark O’Donoghue, Seamus Keane, Roch Hanmore, Garvan Dolan, Conor Beirne, Paddy O’Connor, Declan Woods, Ross Nolan, Niall Connolly, David Delaney, Ger Heneghan,
Dermot Foley, Gerry Nugent, Paul Foxe, Anthony McDermott, Sean Ryan, Alan Daly, Stuart Daly, Stephen McCormack, David Cryan, Declan Beirne, Paul Kelly, Seanie Fahy, Niall Finneran, John McHugh, Damien Caslin, Cathal Dineen, Michael McNama, David McTiernan, Adrian Freyne, Seanie McDermott, Paul Gilleran, Ronan Beirne, Robbie Kelly, Ronan Cox, Neil Cox, David Hussey, Gerry Leech, Joseph Towey, Cathal Finan, Ultan Kelly, David Scahill, Ian Kilbride, Senan Kilbride.
Team management: Anthony Carroll (manager); Damien Garvey, Declan Woods, Liam Butler (selectors).
Semi-final draws
The semi-final draws for the three main club football championships in the county have been made. They are as follows:
Hodson Bay Hotel Group SFC: St Faithleach’s v Pádraig Pearses on Saturday, October 4th at 5 pm in Kiltoom; St Brigid’s v Clann na nGael on Sunday, October 5th in Woodmount at 3 pm.
Ward Brothers IFC: Éire Óg v St Michael’s on Saturday, October 4th in Boyle at 3 pm; Strokestown v Fuerty on Sunday, October 5th in Lisnamult at 1 pm.
King & Moffatt JFC: Ballinameen v St Aidan’s on Saturday, October 4th in Strokestown at 4 pm; St Croan’s v Western Gaels on Sunday, October 5th in Castlerea at 2 pm.
Western Gaels survive as St Dominic’s drop
Western Gaels have staged another remarkable escape from relegation following a fully merited 1-10 to 0-9 win against St Dominic’s in the Roscommon SFC in Kilbride last Friday night. The result means that the Knockcroghery-based club will play in the Intermediate Football Championship in 2026. In a tense encounter, Western Gaels were the better side in the first half and went in at the break 0-6 to 0-4 in front.
St Dominic’s were improved on the resumption, and despite a red card for James Miley, they were within a point of their opponents with 10 minutes to go. But with Kevin Higgins outstanding in the middle of the field, the Frenchpark side kicked on again towards the finish and a late goal from Finbar Cregg saw them over the line by four points.
In the IFC, Padraig Pearses B defeated Kilbride by 2-10 to 0-5, meaning Kilbride will now face St Barry’s to determine who will be relegated to the junior ranks for the 2026 season.
King & Moffatt
Roscommon JFC round-up
St Aidan’s were impressive 0-17 to 0-11 winners against St Ronan’s in Saturday’s King & Moffatt Roscommon JFC quarter-final, played in Elphin. They had led by 0-7 to 0-4 at the break.
Western Gaels defeated Boyle by 1-14 to 0-8 in Cootehall. Matthew Drury scored the only goal of the game in the first half.
The game of the weekend was in Lisnamult when a twopoint free kicked by Dessie Carlos in the 5th minute of injury-time gave Ballinameen a dramatic win over Clann na nGael by that two-point margin (2-14 to 2-12).
In the final quarter-final on Sunday, played in Ballinameen, Kilglass Gaels made title favourites St Croan’s fight all the way before the Ballintubber men emerged with a 1-21 to 1-15 win. St Croan’s led by 1-18 to 1-7 at one stage of the second half, with a late Kilglass rally just coming up short. The semi-finals will see St Aidan’s meet Ballinameen while St Croan’s will face Western Gaels.
Dynamic Dunmore stun Boyle Celtic!
SOCCER: In the Roscommon & District Football League Premier Division last weekend, Dunmore Town had an impressive 4-2 win away to Boyle Celtic. Shane Battles netted twice for Boyle but Dunmore were deserved winners, crowning the victory with a Dan Burke volley.
Last season’s champions St John’s Athletic were 3-1 down at home to Moore United but the game was postponed with eleven minutes to go following an injury to a Moore player. Charles Nevin had scored two and Jay McPhilbin one for Moore with Cian Kelly replying for St John’s. In Division One, Ballinahown continued their good start, travelling to Tarmon and coming away with a 2-1 win over CP Ajax. Oisin O’Reilly and
Mauricio Cordeiro scored for the winners.
St John’s’ second side had a good 2-1 win away to Cloonfad United, MJ O’Connor scoring a late winner. Moylough hosted Ballaghaderreen on Sunday in a game that ended level.
Ballinasloe Town beat Kilkerrin United 4-2 at home. Christy Smith, Danny O’Brien, Darragh Concannon and Cameron O’Leary scored for the winners.
Having been a founding member of the Roscommon & District League back in 1971, the Ballyleague-Lanesboro side Ballyboro FC made a welcome return.
They beat Cam Celtic/Dysart 5-2 at Dysart. Jordan Donnellan scored four to secure all three
points for Ballyboro.
Glen Celtic hosted Ballinagare on Friday evening, the Glenamaddy side beginning the season with a 3-2 win.
St Cuan’s/Ahascragh United started the new season with a 5-0 win over Rahara Rovers at Ahascragh. The ever-reliable Simon Leonard scored three and Omar Dalton and Marcos Santos added one each for the winners. Lough Harps got off to a winning start away to Roscommon United (2-1).
Castlerea Celtic’s second side had an impressive 8-0 home win over Moore United B. Gerry Ward scored three and John Curran and Yani Chiforiuc added two each with Jack Woods also
on the scoresheet. New side Carrick Town beat Roscommon United B 7-0 at Carrick-on-Shannon.
Women’s League In the Women’s League, Dunmore had a comfortable 6-0 win over Shiven Rovers at Newbridge. Aoife Smyth scored four and Siobhan O’Grady two for the winners.
Ballaghaderreen FC and Castlerea Celtic drew 2-2 at Ballaghaderreen. Boyle Celtic beat new side
United 6-1 at Roscommon. Kilkerrin United beat Carrick Town 5-1 at Carrick-onShannon. Eleanor McDermott, Karla Cassidy, Kate McGann and Amy Boyle were on the scoresheet for the winners.
Roscommon
Roscommon Masters players, management and supporters celebrate their win in last Saturday’s All-Ireland Masters Plate final in Kiltoom, where they defeated Armagh by 1-15 to 0-10.
Murtagh hits nine as St Faithleach’s advance
Hodson Bay Group Roscommon SFC quarter-final
St Faithleach’s 1-20 Michael Glaveys 1-18
< KEVIN EGAN AT ROCKFIELD
St Faithleach’s will be the Cinderella at the all-south ball in the semi-finals of the senior championship, thanks to their ability to harness the breeze in Rockfield last Sunday.
Eight scores in the second half of an entertaining and open battle with Michael Glaveys isn’t a remarkable total, but six of those were sent sailing over Cormac Heneghan’s crossbar from outside the two-point arc, which gave them just enough cushion to withstand a late surge from their West Roscommon opponents – just about.
Daniel Hagney almost delivered a very different type of fairytale when he stood over a long-range free with what was the last kick of the game. There hadn’t been a two-pointer kicked into the wind all day, nor even a score from more than 30 metres out, so as he stood five metres goal-side of the 45-metre line but closer to the sideline than the centre of the pitch, the task facing the Roscommon U-20 player was daunting.
With adrenaline flowing through him, Hagney somehow found the range but the ball sailed a yard wide of the far post, confirming a repeat of last year’s semifinal pairing between Pádraig Pearses and St Faithleach’s.
Diarmuid Murtagh spoke afterwards, saying that he and his fellow players were “embarrassed” by that result,
Action from last Sunday’s Roscommon SFC quarter-final between St Faithleach’s and Michael Glaveys. St Faithleach’s won by 1-20 to 1-18.
Diarmuid Murtagh (St Faithleach’s) in full flow.
Bernie O’Farrell
adding that “we know the players they were missing for the first round game this year so they’ll be heavy favourites as county champions. Hopefully we can perform, and see where that takes us”.
On the basis of their concession of 3-22 and 1-18 in their last two games, there’s no doubt that their defensive vulnerability will be one of the main reasons for that underdog status against the county champions, but the Shannonside club also showed a little bit of insight into how they might manage that weakness in Kiltoom on Saturday week.
Pearses have plenty of attacking weapons, but without the ball, even the strongest cannon has nothing to fire.
Niall Heneghan was the game’s dominant fielder in Oran, and while St Faithleach’s fared marginally better than Glaveys in the battle for breaking ball, possession was relatively evenly shared over the hour of this fixture.
Where St Faithleach’s built their advantage over the opening 30 minutes, while playing into the breeze, is that with each possession they took chunks of time off the clock with each attack, usually getting some sort of shot away. That left Michael Glaveys with less than 20 total possessions in the opening half, out of which they converted seven into scores, two into wides and one into a Daniel Hagney goal effort that Martin Reynolds matched with a superb save.
After conceding the first four points,
Action from last Sunday’s Roscommon SFC quarter-final between St Faithleach’s and Michael Glaveys. St Faithleach’s won by 1-20 to 1-18. Cian Glennon of St Faithleach’s tries to escape the attention of Daniel Hagney and Niall Heneghan. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
including a Dylan Ruane two-pointer, Ciaráin Murtagh got his side off the mark. Almost immediately, Connell Kennelly tied up the scores as he took a pass from David Rooney on the run and finished inside Cormac Heneghan’s near post with the precision of a cornerforward.
Glaveys had their surge before halftime, Hagney and Ruane scoring doubles on successive attacks, to take a narrow 0-10 to 1-6 interval lead. That was stretched to five when Rob Heneghan earned and converted a penalty.
Now however, the long-range shooters from St Faithleach’s were in their element shooting towards Donamon and they displayed the full range of their kicking ability as Kennelly, Rooney and Diarmuid Murtagh all split the uprights from distance to take the lead.
Darragh Heneghan’s direct running, Conor Hussey’s marshalling of the halfback line and Niall Heneghan’s fielding kept Glaveys in the game and they briefly took another lead, only for a further wave of long-range bombs to leave them six
adrift going into the closing minutes.
For all their heroics against St Brigid’s, the last five minutes saw Glaveys play their best football of the year. Darragh Heneghan and Hussey were imperious, and had Hagney’s shot curled in a fraction more, they would have looked like the marginal favourites going into overtime.
Instead, it’s St Faithleach’s who will hope that their unique combination of patience and shooting power will be the key to dethroning the county champions on Saturday week.
St Faithleach’s: Martin Reynolds; Karl Nerney, Kevin Farrell, Paddy Farrell; Connell Kennelly (1-2, 1tp), Darren Nerney, Daniel McDermott; Colm Mangan, Cian Glennon; Brian Murtagh (0-1), Ciaráin Murtagh (0-4, 1tp), Jack Murray (0-1); Diarmuid Murtagh (09, 0-1f, 2tpf, 1tp), David Rooney (0-2, 1tp), Johnny Hussey. Subs used: Michael Dunne (0-1) for B Murtagh (43), James Browne for Murray (50).
Michael Glaveys: Cormac Heneghan; Conor Ruane, Conor Donnellan, Shane
O’Malley; Luke Ruane, Conor Hussey (0-1), David Frayne; Darragh Heneghan (0-1), Niall Heneghan (0-1); Daniel Hagney (0-4, 0-1 45, 1tp, 0-1f), Dylan Ruane (0-4, 1tpf, 1tp), Neil Morris (01); Cathal Heneghan (0-3f), Robert Heneghan (1-3, 1-0 pen, 0-1f), Tiernan Murphy. Subs used: 0. Referee: Ian Monaghan (St Brigid’s).
Stat Attack
Wides: St Faithleach’s 5; Michael Glaveys 5 Yellow cards: St Faithleach’s 2 (K Nerney, D Nerney); Michael Glaveys 2 (O’Malley, Hussey)
Black cards: St Faithleach’s 0; Michael Glaveys 0 Red cards: St Faithleach’s 0; Michael Glaveys 0 Man of the Match: Diarmuid Murtagh (St Faithleach’s)
Clann into last four with minimum of fuss
Hodson Bay Group
Roscommon SFC quarter-final Clann na nGael 0-16 Elphin 1-8
< SEAMUS DUKE IN STROKESTOWN
With drama and nail-biting excitement elsewhere around the county, there was little to get the pulses racing at Strokestown on Sunday as Clann na nGael eased their way into the semi-finals with a comfortable win against Elphin in what was a low-key encounter.
Clann manager Pat Fallon and his selectors will know that his team will have to raise their performance levels several notches if they are to be in contention against St Brigid’s in the last four.
On a sunny but breezy day, Elphin had the aid of the stiff breeze in the opening half. While Elphin had plenty of possession, they were found wanting up front. They probably needed to be at least five or six points ahead at half-time to have a chance of winning this game.
As it was, Elphin relied on a brace of two-pointers (from Aaron Brady and Shane Killoran) to see them ahead by 0-7 to 0-6 at the break. Clann were not playing well, but Josh Lennon was impressing up front, kicking three excellent points from play. With the wind in their favour, Clann were much better in the
second half. Paddy Gavin and Fergal Lennon were commanding in defence. Alan McManus and Oisin O’Flaherty were effective in the middle third, while top scorer Ciarán Lennon came strongly into the game, contributing five points, including a two-pointer. Elphin’s goal arrived in injury-time and was of consolation value only. Cathal Enright was fouled and referee Brendan Healy awarded a penalty. John Finnerty’s kick was well saved by Sean Kelly but Finnerty followed up to net the rebound and put a more respectable look on the scoreboard from their point of view. Clann na nGael: Sean Kelly; Paddy Gavin, Fergal Lennon, Tom Lennon; Shane Gavin, Kieran Connaughton, Michael Harrington; Dylan Sumner (0-1), Ultan Harney (0-2); Emmet Kenny (0-1), Alan McManus (0-1), Oisin O’Flaherty (0-1); David McManus (0-1, free), Ciarán Lennon (0-5, 1 2pf, 1 free), Josh Lennon (0-4). Subs used: Paul McManus for D McManus (46), Dara Pettit for Kenny (56), Feargus Lennon for Harney (59).
Elphin: Aaron Brady (0-2, 2pf); Gavin Murray, Shane Beirne, Jude O’Rourke; Martin McCaffrey, John Rattigan, Nessan Lenehan; Rossa Brennan Kelly, Shane Killoran (0-4, 2 tp); Aidan Murray, Cathal Enright, Sam O’Rourke; Evan Gunn (0-2, 1 free), Gerry Cregg, John Finnerty (1-0). Subs used: Fintan Cregg for G Cregg (41), Frankie Cregg for A Murray (46), Dillon Beirne for Brennan Kelly (57), Cillian Fox for Gunn (58).
Referee: Brendan Healy.
Man of the Match
Josh Lennon (Clann na nGael)
Photo:
Powerful Pearses reel Boyle in
Hodson Bay Group Roscommon SFC quarter-final Pádraig Pearses 1-23 Boyle 1-18 (aet)
< KEVIN EGAN AT ENFIELD
Whoever came through this heavyweight battle of perennial championship contenders was always going to be a force to be reckoned with at the semifinal stage, and quite possibly further down the line as well.
Worryingly for the players and supporters of St Faithleach’s, St Brigid’s and Clann na nGael however, Pádraig Pearses didn’t just find a way to overcome Boyle on Sunday in Enfield. They did so while burnishing their reputation as a side that cannot be broken, one which has married their pace and energy with the same bloody-mindedness and resolve that has seen them win three of the last six Fahey Cup finals.
Around the Abbey Park and the wider Boyle area, this one will sting. There was no denying that Pearses were the better team over 80 minutes, but neither could it be argued who was the superior side for the first 50, and they lost their focus from then on.
A contest that was finely poised at half-time with the North Roscommon club leading by 0-8 to 0-5 after playing with the aid of the breeze had been dominated by Eamonn O’Hara’s troops in the second period.
Out of the two, Pearses would have been the happier side at the break. Donie Smith and Niall O’Donnell used the breeze to raise orange flags at either end of the half, but in between, the half-back line of Pearses took complete control while Hubert Darcy had his best game for the club in quite some time, picking off two outstanding points from the right corner of the attack.
After half-time it was a completely different story. Enda Smith and Oisín Cregg took a firm grip of
Paul Whelan’s kickouts, Niall O’Donnell and Cathal Feely emerged as serious attacking threats to balance out the fact that Daire Cregg and Cian McKeon had been quite well marshalled by Mark Richardson and Conor Lohan, and a lead of 0-14 to 0-7 with less than ten minutes remaining seemed insurmountable.
The SOS signal was sent up and Niall Daly, without a single minute of competitive football played in 2025, answered. His presence was simultaneously calming and yet inspirational for the county champions, who began to turn the screw.
Boyle’s regret will stem from the fact that having established this position by virtue of their excellent play, they switched to game management mode. Paul Whelan made a stunning save to deny Daire Cregg a goal, while Donie Smith tripped up Seán Canning as the Pearses’ dual player tried to turn defence into attack, leading to the veteran attacker receiving a black card.
Boyle duly turned to killing the game’s momentum and eating up the clock in a bid to see out the closing minutes, and as the contest grew increasingly tetchy and disjointed, Pearses revelled in the chaos. And while Niall Daly was their spiritual leader, their Agamemnon, it fell to Paul Carey to play the role of Achilles. Carey had just missed a very scorable two-point free – and missed it spectacularly. But when it mattered, he couldn’t miss, hoisting over three incredible strikes from distance to set up a sensational finale.
Boyle could still have stumbled across the finish line, but a needless attempt on goal dropped short when another 30 seconds of ball retention would have done the job, and once Paul Whelan collected Donie Smith’s shot, the rest of the story was inevitable.
Pearses worked the ball up the pitch to enable Jack
Pearses came from behind to overcome a gallant Boyle in extra-time, the defending champions thus progressing to the semi-finals of the 2025 Roscommon SFC.
O’Farrell
Tumulty to score the equaliser with the last kick and as they bounced off the pitch into the dressing rooms like a shoal of piranhas who sensed blood in the water, Boyle had their heads in their chests, as if they knew that they were no longer the apex predators in this fight to the death.
Donie Smith kicked the first point of extra-time into the breeze but Hubert Darcy hit back with a clinically finished goal, and once he and Conor Ryan added two-pointers with the breeze at their backs, even Cian McKeon’s goal wasn’t enough to stem the rising red wave.
Pádraig Pearses: Paul Whelan; Mark Richardson, Caelim Keogh, Gavin Downey; Declan Kenny (0-2), David Murray (0-1), Conor Lohan; Conor Ryan (0-2, tp), Ronan Daly (0-1); Lorcán Daly, Seán Canning, Jack Tumulty (0-1); Eoin Colleran (0-1), Hubert Darcy (1-5, 1tp, 0-1f), Paul Carey (0-10, 3tp, 0-3f).
Subs used: Adam McGreal for L Daly (43), Niall Daly for Downey (50), Eoin McManus for R Daly (69), Jack Nevin for Canning (78). Boyle: Rob Kearney; Luke Glennon, Killian
Cox, Conor Kelly; David Flanagan (0-1), Tadhg McKenna, Daniel Casey; Enda Smith (0-1), Oisín Cregg; Cian McKeon (1-3, 0-3f), Cathal Feely (0-3, 0-1 45), Seán Purcell; Donie Smith (0-6, 2tp, 0-2f), Niall O’Donnell (0-2, tp), Daire Cregg (0-2). Subs used: David Duggan for Purcell (36), Luke McGrath for McKenna (59), Cathal McKeon for McGrath (69 mins), Daire McDonald for Feely (73). Referee: Shane Curley (Glinsk).
Red cards: Pádraig Pearses 0; Boyle 0 Man of the Match: Paul Carey (Pearses)
Ben stars as St Brigid’s ease past Gaels
< SEAMUS DUKE
IN BALLYFARNON
This eagerly-awaited clash under the lights in Ballyforan drew a big crowd last Friday night, but save for a short period in the second quarter there was precious little excitement for those spectators as St Brigid’s coasted into the championship semifinals following a commanding performance. Led by Ben O’Carroll and Bobby Nugent, Anthony Cunningham’s men won easily after pulling clear in a one-sided second half. Their poor
display against Michael Glaveys in the last round of group games was consigned to distant memory and now St Brigid’s are once again the hot favourites to land the Fahey Cup this year.
For Roscommon Gaels, it was another desperately disappointing end to a championship season. They struggled in attack, their only point from play in that second half coming in injury-time (from substitute, Michael Gillooly). In addition, they just couldn’t cope with the movement of O’Carroll, Nugent and Conor Hand for most of this contest.
On a perfect night for football, St Brigid’s started well. Ben O’Carroll was on fire, and points from him (2) and another brace from Bobby Nugent helped the Kiltoom team into a 0-4 to 0-1 lead after just seven minutes.
But strangely, St Brigid’s went out of the game after that. The Gaels got their hands on more ball and the Kiltoom side went 18 minutes without a score. In the 14th minute Conor Carroll’s kickout went straight to Gaels midfielder Mark Purcell, who found Ryan Dowling. The ex-Kilbride man played a superb pass over the top of the St Brigid’s defence and into the path of John McGuinness, the corner-forward flicking the ball over the onrushing Carroll for a welltaken goal.
A Peter Gillooly point from play four minutes later saw the town team into the lead – 1-2 to 0-4 – but that was as good as it got for them. St Brigid’s gradually regained control.
Eddie Nolan blazed wide with a great goal chance in the 22nd minute, then a couple of minutes later O’Carroll pointed a close-range free.
The Gaels were hit with another blow in the 27th minute when Mark Purcell was black-carded for a tackle on Sean Trundle. It looked a harsh call. Just before the break Nugent pointed another free to see St Brigid’s lead at the break, 0-6 to 1-2.
On the resumption St Brigid’s were revitalised, sweeping the 14-man Gaels’ side away. Six unanswered points in the opening 10 minutes saw them open up a seven-point lead.
The Gaels just couldn’t make any inroads in response, one point in a 34-minute period of play either side of half-time summing up their plight. When in injury-time Ben O’Carroll’s weak effort
slipped under the body of James Fetherstone for a St Brigid’s goal, the town club’s misery was complete.
St Brigid’s now sail on, in good stead too. They were outstanding at times here. While they may be concerned about that poor spell in the second quarter, it’s something they can address.
For the Gaels, it’s back to the drawing board again. After a two-year stint, Mark Dowd will leave as manager now to take over the Roscommon senior football team. The reality is that in 2026 it will have been 22 years since Roscommon Gaels last won a county senior title. On the evidence of last Friday night’s showing, they have a lot of ground to make up.
St Brigid’s: Conor Carroll; Ruairi Smith, Brian Stack, Sean Trundle; Ruaidhri Fallon, Robbie Dolan, Eoghan Derwin (0-1); Shane Cunanne (0-1), Eddie Nolan; Paul McGrath, Ciaran Sugrue, Conor Hand (0-2); Ben O’Carroll (1-8, 3 frees), Bobby Nugent (06, 2 frees), Brian Derwin. Subs: John Cunningham for Dolan (54), Eoin Sheehy for B Derwin (54), Mark Daly for Sugrue (58), Ronan Stack for Trundle (58), Niall McInerney for Smith (60).
Roscommon Gaels: James Fetherstone; Joey O’Malley, John McManus, Ethan O’Reilly; Conor Grogan, Tim Lambe, Senan Lambe; Mark Purcell, Eoghan Carthy; Scott Oates, Peter Gillooly (0-2), Ryan Dowling; Cian Connolly (0-1, free), Richard Walsh (0-2, frees), John McGuinness (1-0). Subs: Rory Carthy (0-1, free) for Dowling (50), Mike Gillooly (0-1) for Purcell (52), DJ Hession for Oates (54), Jack Donnelly for O’Malley
Referee: Paddy Neilan. Man of the Match Ben O’Carroll (St Brigid’s)
Hubert Darcy celebrates scoring a crucial goal for Pádraig Pearses in extra-time in their thriller with Boyle in Enfield last Sunday.
Photo: Bernie
(59).
Action from last Friday’s Roscommon SFC quarter-final between Roscommon Gaels and St Brigid’s in Ballyfarnon. St Brigid’s won by 1-18 to 1-7. Ben O’Carroll, who was very influential for St Brigid’s, is chased by Tim Lambe (Roscommon Gaels). Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
