Roscommon People - 28 February 2025 by RossiePeople

Rise in domestic abuse calls locally

< EMMETT CORCORAN

The number of emergency calls reporting domestic abuse in the Mayo-Roscommon-Longford Garda division increased again in 2024, reaching 2,612 reports, up from 1,819 in 2020.

This represents a 43 per cent increase over the past five years, reflecting a broader national trend in which domestic abuse reports have risen dramatically.

The figures, released in response to a parliamentary question by Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan), show that the total number of alleged domestic abuse incidents reported

across Ireland rose from 44,782 in 2020 to 65,224 in 2024 – a 45 per cent increase.

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan (Fianna Fáil) acknowledged the growing volume of reports but framed the rise as evidence of improved trust in Gardaí and a willingness of victims to come forward.

“One of the key objectives in the Zero Tolerance Strategy is to encourage victims of domestic violence to come forward and to report the crimes that are being committed against them.”

However, the data also highlights significant regional variations. The Sligo-Leitrim division, which

has a smaller population than Mayo-Roscommon-Longford division, recorded 1,133 reports in 2024, up from 905 in 2020. Meanwhile, Galway saw 2,955 calls, up from 1,768 in 2020.

Minister O’Callaghan stressed that the Government remains committed to tackling domestic abuse through legislation, specialist Garda training, and victim support services.

“I want to reassure anyone who is a victim, or at risk of, domestic or sexual abuse that help continues to be available,” he said, urging those in danger to contact Gardaí as soon as it is safe to do so.

PENALTY DRAMA IN JOHNSTOWN

Supporters attending Roscommon’s Ladies Football League Division Two game against Donegal in Johnstown last Sunday, which ended in a draw. Photo: Michael Finan

(090)

WATCHING People

With PAUL HEALY

Car Accident Injury

I was injured in a car accident recently, but I am nervous about bringing a claim as I do not know what to do. Please explain the procedure to me.

Claims involving personal injuries can be a lengthy but not necessarily complicated procedure. A good Solicitor will guide you through the process and help you secure the maximum award you can achieve.

Your solicitor will require details of all your injuries and symptoms (physical, psychological or emotional). Medical reports from your GP, medical consultants etc. will form an essential component in determining the extent and implications of your injuries. All out of pocket expenses must be calculated including loss of earnings if you were out of work as a result of your injuries, medical expenses, travelling expenses etc.

It is not enough to show that you were involved in an accident or to have suffered injury in order to obtain compensation. You must demonstrate that the party or parties you are suing were to blame for the accident and the injuries that you have suffered.

Under the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act anyone seeking compensation for a personal injury must make an application to a body called The Injuries Board before legal proceedings may be issued. However, the alleged negligent party must agree to have the matter assessed before the Injuries Board.

The Injuries Board does not determine liability (who is at fault) and will not make any ﬁnding regarding fault or negligence. Its role is limited to valuing claims and making awards. If the award is rejected by either party, then the injured party may issue legal proceedings. Your case will then proceed in the normal way. It may go to a full hearing before a Court, or it may settle prior to this stage.

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

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

FRIDAY NIGHT

8.55 pm: After a wide-ranging phone call, during which they discussed a number of key topics (later describing the talks as ‘constructive’), the boyos make a deﬁnitive call: they won’t be going to the pub tonight.

9 pm: Prior to the start of the RTE Nine O’Clock News, there’s a promo for the Late Late Show which – extraordinarily – seems to have a slightly familiar vibe to it: ‘COMING UP AFTER THE NEWS! KATHRYN

THOMAS, MARIO ROSENSTOCK, DOIREANN GARRIHY…’

9.35 pm: The boyos order two pints in the local…

SUNDAY NIGHT

The boyos are nursing two creamy pints, reﬂecting on a long day in Navan…

What a ﬁasco!

Huh?

You, in Navan, earlier today! You brought us bad luck!

Oh stop going on about it!

Seven minutes into the second half and you start shouting… ‘This game is over! We’re six up! I’m going to the clubhouse for a mineral!’

Okay, okay, so I took a brief break…

Yeah, you were away for two minutes, and by the time you came back, Roscommon had conceded two goals! I think when you got up to move, it might have distracted our players!

Endangered Species

Thebarstoolboyos

Really?

Next time, stay where you are! PLEASE!

EARLIER THIS WEEK… I see Elon Musk is still on the rampage! Huh?

We need an x-ray scanner that shows us what’s really going on!

Trump’s self-styled ﬁnancial sheriff is continuing his cost-cutting DOGE clampdown!

So what exactly does DOGE stand for? Department of Government Efﬁciency. Okay, but I’m not that interested… NOT INTERESTED? That’s exactly when we need here!

Huh?

At the moment, our version of DOGE is… Department of GROTESQUE expenditure! Or Department of GIGANTIC expenditure!

Huh?

Haven’t you heard… about the latest crazy spend by our masters?

Nope!

At the National Gallery, they only went and purchased an x-ray scanner for €124k… eight years ago… but it’s never been used, because they don’t have room for it!

Oh dear! When you add in the €322k for the bike shed at Leinster House, that’s almost half a million of our money for a shed that doesn’t necessarily keep bikes dry, and a scanner with no home!

Yes! So we need change! And we need accountability! And we need transparency! In fact, we need to see every detail of Government/State expenditure! Yeah, we need the ultimate x-ray scanner! A machine that shows us what’s really going on!

It’s been a GOOD week for…

Roscommon CBS footballers, who qualified for the All-Ireland Colleges ‘B’ Football Championship final after an excellent 2-14 to 1-11 win over St Peter’s College, Dunboyne in last Saturday’s semi-final

The Irish rugby team, with a hard-earned win over Wales in Cardiff landing Ireland’s 14th ever Triple Crown, our fourth in eight years

The Cummins family from Kilkenny, who won Season 12 of the RTE reality show, Ireland’s Fittest Family

It’s been a BAD week for…

The National Gallery, after it was revealed that a €124,000 x-ray scanner purchased eight years ago still hasn’t been used… because there’s no room for it.

PIC OF THE WEEK: One that got away! A scene at the nal whistle… Roscommon were magni cent against Donegal in their Ladies Football League Division Two encounter at Johnstown last Sunday, but a goal from a penalty 12 minutes into time added on denied the home side victory, the game ending in a draw.

Photo: Michael Finan

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‘Wonderful ambassadors’

led nation in televised Mass

On Sunday last, at 11 am, 40 representatives of the youth of the Sacred Heart Church parish, Roscommon town and Fr Kevin Fallon led the nation in celebrating televised Mass on RTE1 TV.

Over 43,000 people watched the broadcast, which is equivalent to a full Aviva stadium or every cathedral in the country being packed. The accomplished young participants are part of a youth group that regularly facilitate a monthly Youth

Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon in line with the school term. They attend the Mercy College, the CBS, and Roscommon Community College in Roscommon town.

The hugely popular Youth Mass is a long-running initiative which commenced in November 2018. A theme is chosen for every Mass that is relevant to all our lives, but especially young people’s lives. The theme chosen

for this Mass in RTE was ‘resilience’.

All participants put huge work, effort and practice into the Mass, as they always do.

Celebrant Fr Kevin Fallon acknowledged the huge input of Mass Coordinator, Marie Gillooly, and Musical Director, James Wallace in preparing for the Mass, in addition to acknowledging the invaluable help, support and assistance of the parents

and guardians of these young people.

He said of the group: “I was blown away by the young people, and their talent, commitment, competence and presence in front of television cameras that beamed them to the nation.

“I travelled up with them on the bus on Sunday to RTE and they are a credit to their parents/guardians. They are wonderful ambassadors for our parish and county.”

Some of the local youths who took part in the RTE Mass, pictured with Fr Kevin Fallon, parents/guardians, Mass coordinator Marie Gillooly, and Musical Director James Wallace.

Valerie Duffy co-opted to Council as colleagues remember deceased councillors

 EMMA HEALY

At a solemn meeting marked by respect and remembrance, Roscommon County Council welcomed Valerie Duffy as a new councillor on Monday.

Cllr Duffy succeeds the late Cllr John Naughten. Her co-option on to the Council was proposed by Cllr Domnick Connolly.

Monday’s meeting also heard warm tributes to the late Cllr Anthony Waldron, who passed away suddenly on the 9th of February, leaving a profound legacy in the community. All councillors present paid tribute to their former friend and colleague (RIP).

Described as a gentle and kind man, Anthony Waldron was deeply committed to improving the lives of those around him, championing both tourism and community development.

Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice said Anthony took the time to listen to the concerns of residents and was always ready to advocate for causes that addressed injustices.

Cllr Tony Ward remarked on the personal loss he felt, having known the late Cllr Waldron for over 40 years, while Cllr Liam Callaghan reﬂected on the emotional weight of the day, noting the challenges of

mourning a great colleague like Cllr Waldron alongside the impending co-option of a new member to ﬁll the vacancy left by the late and lamented Cllr John Naughten.

Cllr Waldron’s legacy as a community leader who believed in harnessing people’s spirit rather than relying solely on funding, resonated deeply with all present, marking a poignant moment of remembrance for a man

who dedicated his life to uplifting others.

A Day of remembrance

Cllr Domnick Connolly proposed Valerie Duffy to ﬁll the Council seat that has been vacant since the untimely passing of Cllr John Naughten last October. In so doing, Cllr Connolly expressed his deep sorrow while acknowledging the necessity of ful-

ﬁlling the late Cllr Naughten’s seat.

Cllr Connolly described Valerie Duffy as someone who has signiﬁcantly contributed to local community efforts, mentioning her extensive volunteer work with Moore Community Council and on the Moore Community Playground project. He highlighted her role in securing funding for various local initiatives, including the refurbishment of Moore Hall and the development of

the community playground. Cllr Duffy currently works as the Global Youth Work Programme Manager at the National Youth Council of Ireland.

Upon her ofﬁcial co-option, Cllr Duffy expressed her gratitude for the support she received throughout her nomination and selection process.

“It’s an absolute honour to be joining all of you today,” she said. “I am so thankful for the welcome and support from everyone attached to Roscommon County Council.”

Cllr Duffy acknowledged her friends and colleagues from Moore Community Council and Camcloon NS Board of Management, praising their contributions to local development. She expressed her intention to represent all citizens of Athlone Municipal District and the broader County Roscommon to the best of her ability over the next four years.

The new councillor also took a moment to honour John Naughten, reﬂecting on his remarkable service of over two decades.

“He worked closely with all of you to make Roscommon the best county it can be,” Cllr Duffy remarked, reinforcing her desire to continue his legacy of dedicated public service. She also remembered the late Cllr Naughten’s family, sending her condolences to his wife Breda, and their daughters Emma, Leah, and Orlaith, as well as to his mother, Mary, and his siblings.

Martin Shanagher, Shanagher Hearing, Harrison Centre, Roscommon

Cllr John Keogh (Cathaoirleach, Athlone Municipal District) pictured congratulating Cllr Valerie Du y on being co-opted to Roscommon County Council on Monday. Pictured, left to right, are Caitlin Connelly (Roscommon County Council), Cllr Laurence Fallon, Cllr John Keogh (Cathaoirleach, Athlone Municipal District), Cllr Valerie Du y, Cllr Domnick Connolly, Cllr Emer Kelly, and Cllr Tony Ward. Photo: Michael Finan

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Fergal Du y, Maura Du y, Cllr Valerie Du y, Frank Du y and Kieran Du y pictured at Monday’s council meeting, which saw Valerie Du y being formally co-opted to the council. She succeeds the late Cllr John Naughten.

Photo: Michael Finan

Senator Gareth Scahill, Roscommon County Council councillors, Chief Executive Shane Tiernan, and members of the Du y family pictured at Monday’s council meeting, which saw Cllr Valerie Du y (front row, centre) being formally co-opted on to the Council. Photo: Michael Finan

Roscommon councillors and members of sta pictured on Monday on the occasion of Cllr Valerie Du y being formally co-opted to the council. Photo: Michael Finan

Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice (Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council) pictured congratulating Cllr Valerie Du y on being formally co-opted to the council. Also in picture, on right, is Shane Tiernan (Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council). Photo: Michael Finan

WEDNESDAY

Careful what you vote for Catching up on last Sunday’s newspapers (now that our own publication is gone to bed), I see Jeremy Clarkson – a bit of a national treasure for millions of people – remains steadfastly gloomy about the UK’s decision to leave the EU.

Here’s Jeremy, writing in The Sunday Times of a recent trip abroad: “I have crossed many tricky borders over the years, and the paperwork always takes time. Iraq to Turkey took a moment, that’s for sure. And Rwanda into Tanzania was challenging as well. But nothing has ever taken as long as it took us to get from post-Brexit England into France.”

Lamenting that he and a film crew had to stand in a passport queue “behind three million Nigerians and a planeload of confused people from Japan”, he adds that this all unfolded while his partner was texting him “by the pool with a glass of wine because she’s Irish.”

Noting that Lord (Alan) Sugar has said if he was Prime Minister he’d crawl on his hands and knees over to EU HQ and “beg to be let back in”, Clarkson says he’d happily go with him – but is worried their knees mightn’t hold up well.

THURSDAY

EastEnders at 40

One night about nine or ten years ago, I had a few pints in Roscommon town in the company of a Londoner who worked as a scriptwriter on EastEnders. A very pleasant man, he was visiting Roscommon with a cousin of mine.

Some of you will be aware of the much-hyped 40th anniversary celebrations of the BBC’s famous ‘soap’. The storylines over the past week or so have been building up towards tonight’s special live episode. Now it would have been nice if the current residents of Albert Square had just gathered in ‘The Vic’ for a jolly knees-up tonight, but that’s not the EastEnders way. Instead, the pub was destroyed

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

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

by a gas explosion. Several patrons were trapped. They included pregnant Sonia, whose killer boyfriend caused the accident (by driving into some gas cylinders). As fate would have it, he died when a bathtub (loosened by the explosion) fell on top of him. Stoic Sonia, fresh out of jail herself (after being wrongly suspected of murder), overcame the trauma of the destruction of the pub – and witnessing her awful boyfriend’s death-by-bathtub – to give birth to her baby… all while surrounded by rubble, and her screeching, brandy-swigging halfsister (Bianca).

Meanwhile, Kathy Beale saves Cindy’s life, notwithstanding that Cindy was brandishing a gun at her hours earlier. While all this drama was unfolding, Grant Mitchell was back on Albert Square for the first time in nine years. Ross Kemp’s agent deserves a pay rise, because the actor did very little other than wander around his old Walford haunts while perfecting that ‘soap stare’ we are all familiar with.

The cast (and crews) were superb in tonight’s brilliantly delivered live episode, which sadly ended with the demise of one of the good guys, Albert Square veteran Martin Fowler, who died of kidney failure and cardiac arrest after being crushed under a girder (but not before proposing to his ex-wife Stacey). Looking back, given all the drama at the Queen Vic, I probably should have lowered expectations when I took that member of the EastEnders team of writers to a couple of pubs in Roscommon all those years ago!

FRIDAY

Chris, Graham… and Boyle

On the always entertaining Graham Norton Show (BBC One) Roscommon-born actor Chris O’Dowd once again provided a promotion of his native Boyle that would cost a fortune in a formal marketing campaign. Chris, long established as a terrific chat show guest, told the show’s mil-

lions of viewers – and guests including Ewan McGregor and Kate Hudson – of Boyle’s charm, highlighting the annual arts festival there, while adding that it’s the “UFO capital of the word”. That latter claim related to the interest in UFOs of a number of Boyle residents, largely inspired by the late Betty Meyler, a resident of the town who was President of the UFO Society of Ireland.

O’Dowd, currently promoting Small Town, Big Story – his new six-part series which will debut on Sky from this Thursday, February 27th – finished his unofficial Boyle promotion by telling Kate Hudson that her mother, the great Goldie Hawn, would be very welcome to the town any time!

SATURDAY

A French farce?

Sometimes, fact really is stranger than fiction…

It would have been an ideal sub-plot in a comedy caper on TV, but the

following is apparently a true story. According to multiple news sources today, thieves in France stole a man’s credit card. One of the geniuses in the gang then used said stolen credit card to buy lottery scratch cards. One of those cards yielded the top prize… a tasty €500,000.

The gang, still obviously on the run, vanished before cashing in. Unfortunately for them, the owner of the stolen credit card – now aware of the lotto win – contacted the media.

Imagine how quiet the gang member who bought the lotto ticket must have gone when one of his associates explained the dilemma they were now in. How do the French fugitives cash in their €500,000 windfall… without their identity being traced?

Very helpfully, the man (Jean-David) whose card was stolen, has made an offer to the criminals: if they come forward, he will split the €500,000 with them. Nice one.

As a fan of puns (bad and otherwise), I was delighted to read that Jean-David is from… Toulouse. Yes, form an orderly queue with your puns… he has much Toulouse, the criminal gang stand Toulouse half a million, etc. Perhaps they’ll work out a compromise.

As of today, the French lottery folks say no one has claimed the prize yet. Quelle surprise…

SATURDAY/SUNDAY

Weekend sport

It was a busy weekend on the sporting front for local teams. In ladies football, Roscommon came so close to a great win, but Donegal’s late, late goal (a penalty) earned the visitors a draw in Johnstown.

Our senior football and hurling teams both lost, but there were great wins for Roscommon CBS (football), and for the county camogie team. For more, see our sports section.

MONDAY

Missing Matt

So, I turned on the radio twice today and Sinn Féin’s Matt Carthy wasn’t talking on either occasion. I can only assume I need a new radio…

Abbey Hotel event raises €1,635 for Mayo-Roscommon Hospice

Mayo-Roscommon Hospice CEO Martina Jennings (second from left) pictured being presented with a cheque for €1635 by directors and sta from the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, following a recent afternoon tea fundraising event hosted by the hotel.

Gardaí seize €82k worth of drugs

Gardaí in Co Roscommon seized €82,000 worth of drugs following an operation in Ballybride last week. The haul included €62,000 worth of cocaine and €20,000 worth of cannabis. The substances were discovered in a vehicle last Thursday. A man in his 20s was arrested at the scene and was held at a Garda station in the North Western Region under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafﬁcking) Act 1996. The operation was carried out by the Divisional Drugs Unit and was highlighted on An Garda Síochána Roscommon’s social media page.

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Representatives of nominees representing Roscommon at last Saturday’s LAMA (Local Authority Members Association) Awards or the All-Ireland Community and Council awards, hosted in association in IPB (Irish Public Bodies) which were held in the Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork. Roscommon County Council was represented by six nominees at this year's awards. The nominees were - The Lough Funshinagh Rise and Thrive Project in the Best Mental Health category; The Roscommon Community Transport initiative in the Best Community Transport section; The Roscommon Public Realm Enhancement Programme as Best Town or Village Regeneration project; Bernie Kearney, Community Volunteer of the Year; An Chistin Food Hub in the Best Enterprise and Start-Up Hub category and the North-West Accessible Kayak Launch as Most Inclusive Project. Representatives of the nominated projects are pictured with members of the management, sta and elected representatives of Roscommon County Council at last weekend’s gala awards ceremony.

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Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Council Chamber: Wed, March 12th: 10am-12 noo King House, Boyle: Wed, March 26th: 10 30am-12 30pm

Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Council Chamber: Wed, March 12th: 10am-12 noon King House Boyle: Wed March 26th: 10 30am-12 30pm

Athlone Springs Hotel, Monksland: Tuesday, April 8th: 7 30pm-9 30pm

Athlone Springs Hotel, Monksland: Tuesday April 8th: 7 30pm-9 30pm

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

Roscommon County Council intends to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the periods and the reason speci ed.

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

Road Reference Townland Closure duration Section of Closure Proposed Diversion

L-66005 Moigh 31st March to 11th April 2025

L-66005 Moigh 14th April to 4th May 2025

From L-5554-45 (Hollywell to Tonregee Junction) to L-66710 (Cloonfad N 3rds/CoBy Mayo Junction

From L-6671-0 - Cloonfad N 3rds/Co By Mayo Junction to L-6600-0 (Cornabanny 3rds/Moigh Lwr Td)

L-6671 Cloonfad 6th May to 25th July 2025 L-66715-0 (Gorteenacammadil Td/Gorteen 3rd) to L-5554-45 (Hollywell to Tonregee Junction)

Via L-5554-45, L-667150 and L-6671-0

Via L-5554-45, L-667150, L-6671-0 and L66005-0

Reason for Closures: Watermain Replacement by Farrans Construction on behalf of Uisce Eireann

Objections in respect of the proposed closure may be made in writing to the Roads and Transportation Department or e-mailed to roads@roscommoncoco.ie to arrive not later than 5pm on Wednesday 5th March 2025.

Greg O’Donnell Acting Director of Services

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

‘You

served us well’

Roscommon Dear Editor, I would like, through your newspaper if possible, to wish Charlie O’Brien all the best on his retirement (as announced in Roscommon People dated 21/2/25), but mostly to thank him for his wonderful service to Roscommon town as a friendly, happy-tooblige, and out and out gentleman.

I ﬁrst met Charlie in Guerin’s Chemist many years ago as a young postman. We became friends then, and still are. We even danced together in the dome in Tralee!

I can only speak for myself, but I can assure you everybody in Roscommon wishes you well in your retirement Charlie. Enjoy every day. You served us well.

Yours sincerely, Jimmy Cooke

Charlie O’Brien retirement

How you can contact Charlie…

In last week’s Roscommon People (21/2/25) wellknown, popular pharmacist Charlie O’Brien conﬁrmed his retirement from his role at Rosmed Pharmacy, located at Golf Links Road, Ballypheasan, Roscommon. Charlie is still available for consultation. The mobile number we published last week was incorrect. Apologies to all, particularly as we know many people would like to contact Charlie! The correct number is 087 9683278.

We wish Charlie the very best in his retirement and with his health. Charlie’s announcement can be read in full on www.roscommonpeople.ie https://roscommonpeople.ie/charlie-obrien-announces-his-retirement/

The future is bright in Ballintleva NS!

Ballintleva National School is now accepting enrolment applications for September 2025. An information evening will be held at the school on Tuesday, March 11th, at 7.30 pm, and all prospective pupils and their parents are welcome.

Ballintleva NS is located in an idyllic setting in the parish of Dysart, bordering the parish of Curraghboy.

Ballintleva’s modern school building occupies an extensive site, with spacious classroom accommodation, an assembly hall, grass playingpitches, and cutting-edge digital resources. Ballintleva NS is also hugely excited to open their new astroturf playground soon!

The school came fourth in the Tidy Towns Schools’ section (ﬁrst in Connaught and the Northwest), a competition open to primary and secondary schools of all sizes. Ballintleva NS also hope to achieve their tenth Green Flag later this year.

A Catholic ethos permeates the school and every effort is made to accommodate children’s individual needs, to enable everyone to develop to their full potential. Well-being and social skills development are actively promoted.

Ballintleva NS are also in the process of introducing the Accelerated Reader Programme, which encourages children to read more using digital quizzes and person-

alised reading recommendations.

Sport plays a pivotal role in the lives of pupils at Ballintleva NS, and skilled coaches provide regular sessions in the skills of hurling, camogie, football and soccer. This year, school teams are actively competing in the sports named above, as well as in basketball, athletics, and quizzes. Children will also receive training in dance and gymnastics. In addition, swimming lessons are arranged annually. The school takes great pride in having secured a number of Active Flags.

Pupils have also secured a national title and many county titles for handwriting skills through the INTO Handwriting Awards and also Community Games.

In addition, this year a Summer Concert will be staged and every pupil from infant classes to sixth class is availing of in-school musical tuition.

The school is hugely thankful to retired principal Mary O’Brien-Healy for the rocksolid foundations which she has put in place in so many aspects of this school.

Enrolment application forms can be obtained at ballintlevans.com, by emailing info@ballintlevans.com, or by phoning the school at 090 6622491. All are welcome to the information evening on March 11th. Prospective students will also be invited to a taster day in May.

Parents, students and retired principal Mary O’Brien-Healy pictured collecting the Tidy Towns ‘Best School’ award in Croke Park.

Ballintleva NS’s Gaelic football team pictured at the Connacht Centre of Excellence Dome, which was since demolished by Storm Éowyn.

Ballaghaderreen PCC plans face major setback

LETTING OF LANDS

Tenders are invited for letting of lands, as detailed in the schedule below, for grazing for the EIGHT month period commencing 1st April 2025. The highest or any o er shall not necessarily be accepted. The persons whose o ers are accepted will be required to enter into an agreement with Roscommon County Council, and such persons shall be responsible for fencing work that may be required during the letting period. Horses/ponies/ donkeys will not be permitted on Council lands. If required, the Council may terminate any letting on one week’s notice with adjustment of rent. The Tender must be enclosed in a sealed envelope marked “Letting of Lands” and delivered either by hand or by post to Caitlín Conneely, Director of Services, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon F42 VR98 no later than 4.00 p.m. on Monday 10th March 2025.

Certi cates regarding disease free herd must be enclosed with the Tender.

SCHEDULE OF LANDS

Ballinagard, Roscommon 2

Ballyboughan, Roscommon 3

Bally nnegan, Ballintubber 6.5

Carrowiskeehan, Kilglass 0.7

Carrowmore, Roscommon 4

Clegna, Cootehall 4.4

Clooninisclin, Ballinlough 3.6

Cloonmaan, Carrick-on-Shannon 3

Demesne, Castlerea 14

Demesne, Castlerea 4.6

Derreenavoggy, Arigna 1

Drishaghaun East, Castleplunkett 2 Fairymount, Castlerea 1.56 Falledeen, Ballinlough 3.7 Kilcolman, Ballaghaderreen 3.5 Kilcolman, Ballaghaderreen 4

Lisnamult, Roscommon 4.65

Lugnamuddagh, Boyle 40

Monksland, Athlone 20

Monksland, (Lus Na Greine) 5

Portrunny 1

Portrunny 4

Stonepark, Roscommon 16.65

Caitlín Conneely, Director of Services

 EMMETT CORCORAN

Plans for the Primary Care Centre in Ballaghaderreen, ﬁrst proposed 13 years ago, have been delayed as the developer has withdrawn from the project.

The HSE conﬁrmed that while a lease was signed in late 2024, the developer failed to submit necessary documentation, making a new tender process necessary.

Fianna Fáil councillor Sean Moylan (Boyle MD), a member of the

Regional Health Forum, sought an update on the project, ﬁrst proposed in 2012. Senator Gareth Scahill called the delay disappointing, stressing that the town has been repeatedly let down. He, along with councillors Moylan and Emer Kelly, had pushed for progress, with Moylan leading due to the project’s location in his municipal district.

Scahill says he plans to raise the matter in the Seanad.

Moylan noted that Ballaghaderreen’s population has grown 60 per

cent in seven years, yet only two GPs serve the area. He pledged to continue working on the issue with Deputy Martin Daly, while Scahill will bring it to Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

The planned Convent Road development was set to replace the existing medical centre with a modern two-storey facility including a GP suite, pharmacy, and medical services over 13,300 square feet. Further delays now loom as a new tender process gets underway.

61st annual Glenamaddy Theatre Festival launched

The 61st annual Glenamaddy Theatre Festival was formally launched last Friday night (21st of February) in Raftery’s Oakland, Glenamaddy. The festival was launched by Marie Loftus, Secretary of The Connaught Council and Director of Ballina OneAct Festival, a great friend of Glenamaddy Theatre Festival. She was truly honoured to launch this 61st Festival and commended the local committee on a well-run event. She spoke of the great tradition of drama in Glenamaddy and friendships formed and wished all concerned the very best for the Festival in March.

The Glenamaddy Theatre Festival is widely regarded as one of the best nationally. This Festival showcases the very best of Irish Amateur Drama both in its open and conﬁned sections with groups from all over

Pictured at the launch of the

President of ADCI),

Martina Keaveny (Assistant

Patricia Keady (President).

Ireland competing for the coveted awards.

The 61st annual Glenamaddy Theatre Festival opens on Friday, 21st of March for nine nights, conclud-

ing on Saturday, 29th of March.

The shows will commence at 8 pm sharp each night, except the ﬁnal night where the show will

start at 7.30 pm sharp.

Nightly tickets priced at €15 (+ booking fee) will go on sale on Thursday, 6th of March via www. glenamaddydrama.ie/

booking (Eventbrite Link). Please keep an eye on our social media for updates – ‘Glenamaddy Theatre Festival’ on both Instagram and Facebook.

61st annual Glenamaddy Theatre Festival last Friday night were members of the Glenamaddy Theatre Festival Executive Committee (back row, left to right): Margaret McMahon-Keaveny (Treasurer), Coman Keaveny (Director,

Patricia Walsh (Joint Secretary), Tracey Comer-Burke (PRO), David Burke (Vice-chairperson), and

Treasurer). Front row, left to right: Ann Davis (Joint Secretary), Peter Keaveney (Chairperson) and

‘Good Samaritan’ hoping to reunite old photos with owner

Dozens of old photographs which were recently found scattered on a footpath in Longford Town may be the property of a Roscommon person.

The only identifying mark on the photographs, which appear to date from the 1950s era, was the name of the photographer, ‘M.A. Farrell in Roscommon’. However, no clear link to a specific family or location was evident. The black and white photographs were found scattered along the footpath in late December 2024 by a woman who was out for a walk when she made the discovery.

The Longford resident told the Roscommon People: “I found a photo on the footpath, but as I went along, there were many more photos scattered along the path, which was wet and muddy in places.

“I collected all the photos, brought them home, and spread them on a lard board to dry off.”

The woman who found the photos said she does not know anyone in Roscommon and thus decided to pass them to the Roscommon People in the hope that a reader might recognise them or be able to reunite them with their rightful owners.

“I would hate to think photos of my relatives would be thrown on the ground somewhere,” she said.

She continued: “I do not know if the photos were lost. They were scattered about as if they had been thrown from a passing car, or lost from a handbag.”

It remains unclear whether the subjects of the photographs are connected to Roscommon or if they were simply developed here, adding to the mystery.

Anyone who believes they may recognise the photos or be in a position to assist in reuniting them with their possible owner is encouraged to contact the Roscommon People at news@roscommonpeople.ie in the hopes of returning them to their rightful home.

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

Passing of showband stars a reminder of carnival days

Our columnist Frank Brandon on how weekend getaways to see multiple country music concerts compare to the showband culture of the past, the late David Hessayon (author of the Expert Guides gardening books), and how political tensions between the US and Canada have impacted in sports

There is no doubt that the internet and Google and all that kind of stuff has changed our lives, mostly for the better. For the princely sum of €6 a month, I can get the Irish Independent, along with nine or ten other national and provincial papers, sent straight to my phone (that’s if it has service, which recently has been pretty spasmodic) and I can keep up to date with all the happenings in the world without having to even leave the house.

Among the papers that come to me by phone is the Sunday World, but the truth is I much prefer the actual physical experience of having the paper in my hand and reading it that way, and so every week I buy the Sunday World, and I also buy a Daily Mail each day. The reason I buy the Mail is to do the crossword (the simple one, not the cryptic option) because everyone says that as we get older we need to try to keep the old brain cells active (that’s if we have any) – and the reason I buy the Sunday World is to read the entertainments page and see what is happening in the worlds of Mike Denver and Nathan Carter and the few others who are dominating the music scene in this country.

And while there are some venues holding Sunday night and weeknight dances on this week’s paper, it is hard not to conclude that foreign tours are the really lucrative areas for the top Irish artists. All the big names have their own week (or so) away in Portugal or Spain, where apparently the craic is 90 and there is non-stop dancing on sun-kissed beaches. Doesn’t sound too bad to me!

For a few years during and after Covid, there was very little activity on the country music scene. But thankfully things seem to have improved, with the other big attraction being country music weekends in hotels all around the place, where you can have two or three bands playing Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, with hotels offering packages

to guests to stay for the entire weekend.

All of this came into my head as I reflected on the recent deaths of Showband legends Dickie Rock and Paddy Cole. I thought to myself that no matter how nice it would be to go to some top hotel like the Shearwater in Ballinasloe to hear an artist (as it happens, Mike Denver was there last night, along with the supporting Jack Keogh, John Molloy and Sabrina Fallon), nothing could ever compare to the days of the local carnivals.

For two weeks in the summer, every village, hamlet, and crossroads had their own moment in the sun when the top showbands came to play in your own little town. The excitement of erecting the marquee and getting the whole place ready really was the highlight of the year.

Paddy Cole was one of the great survivors of the showband era, and even though he never got the adulation that the likes of Brendan Bowyer, Butch Moore, Joe Dolan, or Dickie Rock got, he had an outstanding career and had many years in Las Vegas with both the Capitol and the Big Eight bands. Having come back from Vegas because he wanted to raise his children in Ireland, he eventually formed his own band –the Paddy Cole Superstars – and a friend of Carol’s, Twink, was the singer with them.

Around that time, our neighbour Fr Brian Hanley, a priest with an entrepreneurial touch, was based in Ballinamore Bridge, and on a Friday night many years ago he had the Paddy Cole Band playing in the carnival that he was running for church funds. Myself and Carol went along, and after the dance was over we were invited, along with the band members, back to Fr Brian’s house for a cup of tea.

There must have been something in the tea, because before long the sing-song and the session started, and the local farmers were bringing in the cows to milk them as myself and Carol headed home. I can still hear Paddy playing the sax and Twink and the Hughes brothers singing their hearts out, and to think that it all happened in a house in the very small village of Ballinamore Bridge sums up to me what the showband era meant to rural Ireland.

Paddy Cole only passed away very recently after a hugely successful career, and he joins the long list of showband stars who have departed from life’s stage. There is a page on the internet detailing all those who have passed away, and it’s an education in itself to see the names of all the showbands that were playing around Ireland way back then.

Anyway, rest in peace Paddy. I will never forget the night of Ballinamore Bridge Carnival some time in the early 1980s or maybe even late 1970s.

Gardening by the book

For the last number of years my late wife Carol was very fond of her garden, and during that time she got her hands on quite a number of gardening books. Among her collection were several Expert Guides – and today I see that the author of all of those books and many more (there are more than 50 books in the Expert series about vegetables, flowers, trees, and shrubs), David Hessayon, has died at the age of 96.

Hessayon earned more that £31 million from his gardening books, and is listed as the best-selling non-fiction author of all time.

Nowadays, every second show on telly is either a cookery, home improvement, or gardening one (there wasn’t a Garden Rescue programme over the last few years that Carol didn’t watch), but I see that the Expert author was critical of that type of show. In his opinion, gardens were being constructed way too quickly, and he reckoned shows like Alan Titchmarsh’s Ground Force did “a bloody lot of harm”.

As the spring is here (although with the weather the way it is, you’d never think it), I think I had better start thinking about trying to keep the garden even close to the way Carol had it. So I’m going to do a bit of a search and see can I find any of her Expert books. Wish me luck!

Titchmarsh himself said that “David Hessayon was a mould-breaker and his work, which started in the 1950s, has stood the test of time”. May he too rest in peace.

And finally…

After President Trump’s recent comments that Canada should become a US State, and his threat of tariffs, an ice hockey game between the two countries on Saturday week last seems to show that the Canadians are very angry at his suggestions.

Apparently the crowd of more than 21,000 fans in Montreal booed the American National Anthem and the American players as they were introduced, and there were three fights among players in the first nine seconds.

We often see fights in games that amount to no more than ‘handbags’, but these fights would have graced any boxing

arena and were certainly full on – you can see them all on the internet.

As it happened, the US won the game by 3-1 (I’m not sure who won the fights) but as usual, Trump’s actions seem to have infuriated America’s nearest neighbours and there’s certainly currently no love lost between the two countries.

In the end, both teams qualified for the final of the 4 Nations Face-off tournament, and in that game (played on Thursday last in Boston) the Canadians won 3-2 after extra-time – this time it seems there was no outbreak of fisticuffs.

Cllr Laurence Fallon (right) congratulated Senator Gareth Scahill on being appointed to the Seanad when they met at Monday’s meeting of Roscommon County Council. Photo: Michael Finan

Pictured after their All-Ireland semi-final win in Abbotstown last Saturday were Roscommon CBS players Seamie and Eoghan Carty with their proud grandfather, Seamus.

Pictured at the launch of the 61st annual Glenamaddy Theatre Festival last Friday night were Coman Keaveney (Director, President of the ADCI), Kenneth Comer, and David Burke (Vice-chairperson).

‘Rainbows’ programmes: Supporting children dealing with bereavement and parental separation

South Roscommon Family Resource Centre’s ‘Rainbows’ programmes will begin in March 2025, depending on numbers.

The ‘Rainbows’ support group provide a nine-week listening and group support programme for children and young people dealing with bereavement and parental separation.

This includes individual children and young people of a similar age (from seven years). Separate groups are formed for bereavement and parental separation.

‘Rainbows’ provides a safe space to talk about difﬁcult feelings. Please note it is not coun-

selling, therapy, or one-toone support.

For further enquiries or to enrol your child, please contact Felicia Loughrey of the South Roscommon Family Resource Centre (17 Castle View, Castle Street, Roscommon, F42N971), email southrosfrc@vitahouse.org or phone 090 6628621.

Tampering with lifebuoys in Castlerea slammed by Trust

The chairperson of Castlerea Towns Trust, Liam Scahill, has branded as “disgraceful” the ongoing interference with lifebuoys along the river in the town’s Demesne. On Monday, a lifebuoy was taken from its housing near to one of the bridges in the Demesne and thrown directly into the river. This is the latest in a series of such incidents.

“This is an ongoing issue in the Demesne,” said Mr Scahill. “This is disgraceful behaviour, and the consequences of such actions are extremely serious.”

Mr Scahill went on to say that the people of Cas-

tlerea can’t “tolerate this behaviour” any longer as the removal of lifebuoys could have detrimental consequences.

The Towns Trust chairperson has now appealed to anybody who may have witnessed interference with lifebuoys to contact the local gardaí immediately.

“We must take immediate action on this issue. Whoever is doing this may think it’s just a harmless bit of fun, but I would like to remind them that such actions could ultimately lead to the loss of life. It is that serious and must be taken seriously,” he said.

Only four dental practices accepting medical card patients in Roscommon

Ann Cosgrove, Integrated Health Area Manager at the HSE for Galway-Roscommon, has conﬁrmed that there are only four dental practices in County Roscommon accepting medical card patients. She was responding to a question put forward at the Regional Health Forum by the then-councillor Gareth Scahill (Fine Gael).

Scahill was elevated to the Seanad as a Taoiseach’s appointee in recent weeks.

The four practices that are accepting medical card patients at present are located in Athlone, Boyle, Castlerea, and Roscommon Town. In her response to Scahill, Ms Cosgrove said: “Please note, some dental practices are advising that

they are at capacity at the moment and may not be able to take on new patients.”

The practices that are accepting medical card patients are Dr Daniel Harney of Westside Dental in Athlone; Dr Killian Vaughan & Dr Yasmin Ali in Boyle; Dr Adrian Boyle in Castlerea, and Dr Eleanor Keaveney in Roscommon Town.

CLOVERHILL NS OFFERS THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMMES & FACILITIES :

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• GREEN SCHOOL, ACTIVE SCHOOL, STEM, QUIZ TEAMS, MODERN LANGUAGE CLASSES AND MUCH MORE

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• INCLUSIVE CLASSROOM AND SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

• HOT LUNCHES DELIVERED EVERY DAY

BUS ÉIREANN SCHOOL TRANSPORT FROM ROSCOMMON TOWN AND SURROUNDING AREAS ** OPTIONAL INFANTS SUPERVISION FROM 2-3PM

Pictured at the Roscommon LGFA Minor Board Table Quiz on Saturday night at the Hyde Centre were Anna McGrath and Maebh Gavin. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Local Enterprise Week to showcase and support County Roscommon

Local Enterprise Week 2024, taking place from March 3rd to 7th, will see Roscommon join 30 other Local Enterprise Offices in delivering a diverse programme of events aimed at small businesses and entrepreneurs.

The initiative, backed by Enterprise Ireland and local authorities, offers workshops, expert panels, and networking opportunities to help businesses scale and innovate.

Head of Enterprise at Roscommon LEO, Louise Ward, described Local Enterprise Week as an invaluable opportunity for businesses to take stock and explore new avenues: “Local Enterprise Week is a fantastic marker in the road for any business. It’s an opportunity to take stock of where you are, see where you can grow, where you can innovate or maybe become more sustainable and see what resources are

available on your doorstep.”

Among the highlights is an AI-focused online session on March 4th, designed to explore how artificial intelligence can enhance marketing and customer engagement. A major regional event on AI, hosted by Roscommon, Mayo, and Galway LEOs, will also take place at the BIA Innovator Campus in Athenry.

For those considering launching their own business, the Remote Start Your

657 local businesses to benefit from Power Up Grant

< EMMETT CORCORAN

A total of 657 businesses in Roscommon are set to benefit from the Power Up Grant, a new financial support scheme announced as part of Budget 2025. Details of the grant, which will provide €4,000 to eligible businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors, were outlined in a parliamentary exchange between Fianna Fáil TD Jim O’Callaghan and Minister of State Emer Higgins. The scheme builds on the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) Scheme, which has already delivered €244m to 75,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs), including 38,000 in the retail and hospitality sectors. The Power Up Grant, backed by a €170m budget, will be available to businesses that previously

€275,000 in funding

received a second payment under the ICOB Scheme and continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

While Roscommon’s 657 approved businesses stand to gain from the initiative, the figure is lower than neighbouring counties such as Galway (1,022), Mayo (1,549), and Westmeath (926). Nationally, the highest number of eligible businesses is in Dublin City (4,093), followed by Cork County (2,819).

Minister Higgins stated that the grant aims to help businesses offset rising operational costs, particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors, which continue to experience financial pressure. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is currently finalising implementation details, with funds expected to be distributed later this year.

for Termonbarry project

Fáilte Ireland has announced the first 17 projects, worth almost €2.9m, that have been awarded funding under its Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private and Community SMEs.

Part of the EU Just Transition Fund programme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union, this marks the first announcement of successful projects under the Private and Community SME scheme, which closed on the 13th of January 2025 after receiving 170 applications.

One of the projects awarded funding is The Lodge in Termonbarry, Co Roscommon, which will receive €275,000 for the conversion of a 19th century schoolhouse into modern

guest accommodation.

The 17 projects represent the first to have signed Investment Grant Agreements with Fáilte Ireland, with more projects expected to be announced on a rolling basis in the coming weeks and months, as evaluations of applications are completed.

The purpose of the scheme is to deliver grant-aid to private and community-based micro-enterprises and SMEs to help them improve the quality of the visitor experience with the ambition of attracting more visitors, increasing their ‘dwell time’ and overnight stays in the region.

Own Business course begins on March 5th, offering a structured approach to entrepreneurship.

Additionally, a Pension AutoEnrolment Breakfast Briefing, cohosted with Westmeath LEO, will be held at the Athlone Springs Hotel on March 6th, providing insights into upcoming pension changes for employers.

Enterprise awards

The highlight of the week is the prestigious Roscommon Enterprise Awards, which take place on March 3rd at the Hodson Bay Hotel. The invite-only event will honour local businesses across multiple categories, with the overall winner set to represent Roscommon at the National Enterprise Awards later this year.

Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, Shane Tiernan, emphasised the significance of the awards and Local Enterprise Week as

a whole.

“Local Enterprise Week is a showcase event for local businesses. It is an opportunity to shine a bright light on our flourishing small to medium-sized local business sector.

“Events also support local businesses to fulfil their growth potential through a series of support initiatives and advice.”

Other noteworthy events include the Creative Heartlands Spring Makerthon, a hands-on workshop exploring digital fabrication in design, and the International Women’s Day event, which will be held on March 7th will celebrate the contribution of women entrepreneurs to the local economy. International Women’s Day is an annual global day of recognition held annually on March 8th. All events are free, though advance booking is advised. Full details and registration are available at www. LocalEnterprise.ie/Roscommon.

After more than a quarter century of serving the Castlerea community, local businessman and county councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice has announced the closure of his Market Fresh fruit and vegetable shop.

The business, which has been a fixture in the town for 26 years, will shut its doors for the final time on Saturday, March 1st, 2025.

Cllr Fitzmaurice, currently the Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, reflected on the difficult decision which he and his family had deliberated over for some time.

“After 26 wonderful years in business, I have made the choice to close Market Fresh. It’s been increasingly tough to survive as a small business in an overcrowded market”.

Fitzmaurice expressed his gratitude to those who have kept the shop thriving over the decades: “To my loyal customers and friends, your support, kindness, and loyalty have been the heart of this business. I’ll miss the daily chats most of all.” He also thanked his staff, wife Ann, and children Ella and

Sean for their unwavering support.

While the closure marks the end of an era, Fitzmaurice is far from stepping away from public life: “While it is bittersweet to say goodbye, I look forward to the next chapter in life.

“I want to assure you all that I will remain a very visible presence in our community and will continue to work tirelessly for you all as a public representative.”

Last year’s County Enterprise winner Kyle McLoughlin pictured with Enda Cannon and Head of Enterprise with Roscommon LEO, Louise Ward. This year’s event takes place in the Hodson Bay Hotel, Kiltoom on Monday, March 3rd. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin

Last year’s winners of the County Enterprise Awards pictured following the event which took place in Áras an Chontae. This year’s event takes place in the Hodson Bay Hotel, Kiltoom on Monday, March 3rd. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin

< EMMETT CORCORAN

Castlerea businessman and county councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice has announced the closure of his Market Fresh fruit and vegetable shop.

Roscommon’s first Filipino Christmas party!

Filipinos from Roscommon and surrounding counties recently gathered at The Quad Youth Centre in Roscommon town for Roscommon’s first ever Filipino Christmas Party event, which organisers described as having been a huge success.

Head of the organising committee Myra Joy Jegatheesan said: “It was a memorable fun day for each one of us. This event gave us the privilege to be as one and to celebrate the spirit of togetherness as Filipinos living in Ireland. Mass was celebrated by Fr Julian Lupot as part of the event, in usual Filipino tradition.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the supportive members of this group, along with their families, especially everyone who is so dedicated and who worked hard behind the scenes. This is only the beginning of building an amazing Filipino community in Roscommon!”

VEGETABLES

Just arrived - Early seed potatoes, onion sets, shallots, red onions, vegetable plants, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, leeks, and turnips. Vegetable seeds – loose – half the price of pre-packed seeds

POTATOES

EARLY SEED POTATOES

Earlies, British Queens, Kerr Pinks, Roosters, Records, Golden Wonders, etc. – all available at Flynns Castlerea

GARDEN

Flower seeds and wild flower seeds - Hayseed acres and ½ acres, lawn seed, sulphate iron, or lawn sand for moss in lawns, all available. Summer flowering bulbs, gladiolus lily, and dahlia available.

FIREARMS

Fully licenced firearms dealerNo longer want to licence your firearm? We can store or destroy it for a small fee. Shotgun cartridges, bullets, clay pigeons, and all accessories are available.

ANIMALS

2025 fishing season permitsLarge range of fishing tackle, rods, reels, spinners and spoons.

Weak or orphaned lambs? You need Frisky by the bag or by the pound. Bottle tops, biestings, infra-red lamps. Wild-bird care, wide selection of peanuts, wild-bird seed, robin and songbird mix.

Keycutting service available for all types of keys – cylinder, mortice, padlock, etc.

Watch battery and strap replacement service also offered, as well as a photocopying service.

Attendees pictured at Roscommon’s first Filipino Christmas Party event, held recently in The Quad Centre.

Allianah Jane Kilcoyne, Grabriella Abong and Abigail Chiu pictured at Roscommon’s first Filipino Christmas Party event, held recently in The Quad Centre.

Head of the organising committee Myra Joy Jegatheesan pictured giving a raffle prize to Ann Rarugal during Roscommon’s first Filipino Christmas Party event, held recently in The Quad Centre.

Aidan Kieran Jegatheesan and Rieu Nino Capacio pictured at Roscommon’s first Filipino Christmas Party event, held recently in The Quad Centre.

Santa Claus and Mrs Claus! Rajkumar Jegatheesan and Grace Hevehan pictured at Roscommon’s first Filipino Christmas Party event, held recently in The Quad Centre.

April Carty pictured with Fr Julian Lupot, enjoying the famous Filipino delicacy Lechon (roasted pork), during Roscommon’s first Filipino Christmas Party event, held recently in The Quad Centre.

Friday 28th February @ 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Heifers & Breeding Heifers

57 Pens on o er Also Dry Cows and Bullocks

Friday 7th March @ 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Bullocks

Also Dry Cows and Heifers

Bookings accepted until Monday 3rd March @ 5 p.m. Sale of Lambs and Cast Ewes

Each

Sheep Scanning Service

Continues

Tuesday 4th March @ 4

Bookings

ACRES delays undermine farmer conﬁdence in all schemes

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) has criticised ongoing delays in ACRES payments, warning that the hold-ups are undermining farmers’ conﬁdence in all agricultural schemes.

ICSA Rural Development Chair Edmond Phelan described the situation as unacceptable. Mr Phelan was elected ICSA Rural Development chair at the association’s recent AGM.

Mr Phelan highlighted that around 15,000 farmers are still waiting for payments they are entitled to: “The poor administration of this vital environmental scheme has left farmers exasperated”.

Mr Phelan added that the delays left farmers “questioning whether it is worth participating in these schemes at all.”

He said: “Farmers have done the work, and they deserve to be paid on time.”

According to the latest ﬁgures, more than 12,000 farmers have yet to receive their 2024 payments, while 2,764 are still awaiting balancing payments from 2023.

Mr Phelan stressed that such delays would not be tolerated in any other sector: “Payment delays wouldn’t wash in any other industry, yet farmers are expected to just accept them.

“We heard from Minister

Castlerea MART WATCH

Over 800 lots were presented for sale at Castlerea Mart on Thursday, February 20th. Trade and prices continue to drive on, with a large attendance of customers (both ringside and online) anxious to source stock.

Bullocks hit €2650, heifers reached €2760 while the dry cows topped out at €2990. The weanling rings recorded some excellent prices with bulls peaking at €5.07 a kilo, while the heifer weanlings hit €5.11 a kilo.

Calf numbers continue to grow with top prices obtained for the heavier, well presented lots. Breeding stock made up to €2490 while the runner ring with increased numbers on o er saw lots make up to €1390.

Bullocks, sample prices: Sim 490kgs €1970, Lm 455kgs €1870, Lm 475kgs €1890, Ch 545kgs €2360, BBx 540kgs €2280, Lm 515kgs €2150, Lm 533kgs €2110, Ch 575kgs €2320, Lm 550kgs €2300, Lm 620kgs €2650, AA 635kgs €2280, AA 605kgs €1970, AA 690kgs €2460, and AA 575kgs €2210.

Heifers, sample prices: Ch 420kgs €182,0 Sim 425kgs €1820, Lm 415kgs €1570,

There was a large attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.

Dry cows ranged from an average of €2.95 per kilo up to €3.67 per kilo. Sample prices: LMX -820KG -€3,010 -€3.67 per kg, CHX- 870KG- €3,140- €3.61 per kg, SIX -870KG- €2,860- €3.29 per kg, LMX -800KG -€2,740- €3.43 per kg, SAX-755KG- €2,660€3.52 per kg, and AAX- 830KG- €2,290€2.76 per kg.

Bullocks ranged from an average of €3.91 per kilo up to €4.87 per kilo. Sample prices: two CHX-572.5KG- €2,790- €4.87 per kg, four LMX- 628.8KG- €2,800 - €4.45 per kg, CH-710KG- €3,270- €4.61 per kg, LMX- 700KG- €3,140- €4.49 per kg, AAX735KG-€2,680-€3.65 per kg, BBX-630KG

Heydon at the recent ICSA AGM and Annual Conference that it will be months before all the issues are resolved. This is simply not acceptable.”

Mr Phelan also questioned the repeated reliance on the ‘excuse’ of IT issues as the primary cause of the delays, saying the ‘excuse’ is “wearing thin”. He said that if the system isn’t working, they (the Department) need to “get the chequebook out” and “pay manually”.

Payment delays, he added, cause severe cash ﬂow problems for farmers, particularly those in the low-income beef, sheep, and suckler sectors who are already

AA 403kgs €1500, Lm 495kgs €2130, Lm 470kgs €1990, Ch 480kgs €1920, Lm 660kgs €2760, Ch 625kgs €2410, Lm 610kgs €2310, Her 780kgs €2250, and Lm 570kgs €2230. Dry cows, sample prices: AA 895kgs €2990, AA 795kgs €2760, Lm 780kgs €2610, Lm 710kgs €2490, Lm 695kgs €2490, Her 680kgs €1950, Fr 675kgs €1680, and Fr 685kgs €1780.

Cows with calves at foot made up to €1720 and springers made from €1470 to €2490. Calves made from €4 to €550 for continental lots with runners making from €360 to €1390 for continental lots.

Weanling bulls, sample prices: BBx 290kgs €1460, Ch 290kgs €1460, Ch 270kgs €1370, Ch 275kgs €1350, Ch 455kgs €2120, Lmx 455kgs €2100, Ch 430kgs €1970, BBx 435kgs €1890, AA 235kgs €930, Ch 350kgs €1560, and Ch 300kgs €1520.

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart every Thursday with the weekly sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings, including a breeding heifer sale and some organic stock. All sales commence at 11 am, with three rings in operation.

- €2,320- €3.68 per kg, and AAX- 640KG€2,350- €3.67 per kg.

Sheep

There was a small number of sheep on o er at the weekly sale of hoggets and stag ewes on Wednesday, February 26th. Prices for hoggets made up to €218 while stag ewes topped out at €278. There was also a good entry of ewes in lamb, making up to €272, while ewes with lambs made €400. The next sheep sale takes place on Wednesday, March 5th. 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 .

Hoggets, sample prices: 57kgs - €218€3.82 per kg, 48.5kgs - €215 - €4.43 per kg, 56.3kgs - €214 - €3.80 per kg, 54.3kgs - €212 - €3.90 per kg, 55kgs - €211 - €3.84 per kg, and 52kgs - €210 - €4.04 per kg. Cast ewes, sample prices: 103kgs - €278€2.70 per kg, 104kgs - €260 - €2.50 per kg, 92kgs - €250 - €2.72 per kg, 118kgs - €242 - €2.05 per kg, 90kgs - €230 - €2.56 per kg, and 82kgs-€224- €2.73 per kg.

under signiﬁcant ﬁnancial strain.

Calling on Minister Heydon to prioritise resolving the issue, Mr

Phelan warned that delays of this nature erode trust in all farm support schemes: “Farmers need certainty, not excuses.”

Thinning licences approved for windblown forest clearing

Farmers can now use existing felling licences to clear windblown trees following Storm Éowyn, after a decision by Minister Michael Healy-Rae.

IFA Farm Forestry Chair Padraig Stapleton welcomed the move, describing it as a “signiﬁcant development” in salvaging timber from affected farm forests. Trained contractors can now proceed with clearances under existing licence conditions, where it is safe to do so. According to Mr Stapleton, forest owners holding thinning-only felling licences must notify the Department of Agriculture via email at felling.forestservice@agriculture. gov.ie, using the subject line ‘Notiﬁcation of storm utilisation of Thinning licence’.

A replanting obligation remains in place, with a sixmonth deadline for submitting replanting details to the same email address after works are completed.

IFA and ICOS urge EU

to retain nitrates derogation

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) have urged EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall to retain Ireland’s nitrates derogation, warning that its removal would have severe economic and environmental consequences for Irish agriculture.

In a meeting led by IFA Deputy President Alice Doyle and ICOS CEO TJ Flanagan, the delegation presented a ‘Joint Declaration’ signed by key stakeholders in the Irish agricultural sector, including Dairy Industry Ireland (DII), the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA), Macra na Feirme, and Meat Industry Ireland (MII).

The declaration underlined the sector’s commitment to protecting water quality while ensuring the viability of Ireland’s unique grass-based farming system.

The nitrates derogation is considered essential to sustaining Ireland’s €17bn agricultural industry, supporting 55,000 jobs and 17,500 dairy farms. Its removal, the delegation warned, would not only impact dairy farmers but also have a knock-on effect on the wider agricultural sector.

Speaking after the meeting, ICOS CEO TJ Flanagan said: “The Irish dairy sector is built on the foundation of a sustainable, grass-fed system with 96% of the dairy cow diet coming from grass.

“Retaining the nitrates derogation is critical in ensuring that Irish farmers can continue producing high-quality dairy and meat products while adhering to best environmental practices.”

The delegation highlighted key environmental initiatives such as the Teagasc Better Farming for Water Campaign, the Farming for Water EIP, the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP), and sustainability programmes run by dairy and meat processors.

ICMSA: ‘Diesel generators should be covered by TAMS 3 grants’

The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) has called for diesel generators to be made eligible for funding under TAMS 3 grants and for VAT to be reclaimable, arguing that the widespread power outages caused by Storm Éowyn have once again highlighted the need for stronger back-up solutions on Irish farms.

The storm left thousands of homes, businesses, and farms without power, causing severe disruption to dairy farmers, who rely on electricity for milking and refrigeration. Under TAMS 3’s Dairy Equipment and Women Farmer Capital Investment Schemes, only PTOdriven generators, which require a tractor to operate, are currently eligible for funding.

Pat O’Brien, Chairperson of the ICMSA Farm Business Committee, said this limitation excludes many farmers who would benefit from stand-alone diesel generators: “Under the current TAMS 3 Dairy Equipment and Women Farmer Capital Investment Schemes, only back-up PTO-driven generators are eligible for funding which, while welcome, is not suitable for every situation; it involves what might be the only tractor on the farm and they are also more expensive.”

O’Brien stressed that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, making electricity-dependent farming operations more vulnerable. He pointed out that farmers have once again been forced to share generators in the wake of Storm Éowyn, and more long-term solutions are needed.

“A generator is fast becoming an essential piece of equipment on most farms and – as well as the farmer’s peace of mind –there is the freeing up of the ESB network crews who could turn to other emergency work.”

also calling on the Revenue

Commissioners to revise VAT rules to allow farmers to reclaim VAT on all generators.

Auctioneers, Valuers & Livestock

071 9641116 / 7 Mobile: 086 839 2568 Email: drumshanbomart@gmail.com www.drumshanbomart.ie Auctioneers, Valuers & Livestock Salesmen

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Kerrane: ‘3,945 people in Galway/Roscommon waiting on driving test’

Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon/Galway Claire Kerrane has slammed the Government for presiding over yet another increase in the driving test backlog.

Deputy Kerrane was speaking ahead of Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport, Pa Daly TD, moving a Dáil motion calling on the Government to implement a suite of measures to address this crisis.

Deputy Kerrane said, “3,945 learner drivers are now languishing on waiting lists in Roscommon and Galway.

“The average waiting time to take a test is now well above the statutory maximum of ten weeks, with many people waiting six months to take the test and others over eight months.

“This is totally unacceptable. These delays cause great frustration in our

community. They push up the costs of learning to drive and trap learner drivers in expensive insurance policies. For some, learning to drive now costs over €3000.

“The backlog even leads to disruptions in other vital services, as students or workers who rely on their licence are waiting in limbo. For example, there have been delays to the recruitment of Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus drivers, as well as to paramedics since they require a licence to start their course.

“There are not enough permanent driving instructors and many areas are without a permanent, let alone temporary, test centre.”

Deputy Kerrane claimed that the Government has completely failed to keep pace with increasing demand.

“In our Dáil motion this week, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport, Pa Daly, is calling on government to match the increased demand for driving tests with appropriate resources. This means ending the over-reliance on temporary driving instructors and expediting the recruitment of permanent instructors.

“The unsatisfactory performance of the Road Safety Authority can’t be ignored in all of these. Therefore, we are calling for an urgent review of the mandate, resourcing and programme of work.

“Finally, the Government must once and for all identify all the gaps in driving test centre locations and mandate the RSA and the OPW to fill them. I have previously flagged Ballinasloe as a suitable location.”

Continental MEPs visit Midlands and West

A delegation of MEPs from the European Parliament’s Regional Development (REGI) Committee visited Ireland from February 24th to 26th to examine EU-funded projects in the North West and Midlands.

Led by REGI Vice-Chair L‘ubica Karvašová (Renew, Slovakia), the delegation included Raul De La Hoz Quintano (EPP, Spain), Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral (EPP, Portugal), Ciaran Mullooly (Independent Ireland), Maria Walsh (Fine Gael) and Barry Cowen (Fianna Fáil).

During their visit, the MEPs toured Galway Port, part of the TEN-T network, to discuss development plans and their regional impact. In Athenry, they explored potential EU funding for reopening a former railway line as part of the Western Rail Corridor. They also met academics at Atlantic Technological University Mountbellew, a beneficiary of European Regional Development Fund funding. On the final day, the group visited Kilcormac, Co Offaly, to assess the local impact of the Just Transition Fund.

the future of cohesion policy are underway,” Ms Karvašová stated ahead of the visit: “It will therefore be a great opportunity to visit projects funded by the EU’s cohesion policy and related programmes in several Irish counties and meet with local authorities and other stakeholders to understand their vision”.

“This mission comes at a crucial time when political discussions on

While in the Midlands, the delegation stayed at the Hodson Bay Hotel in Barrymore, Roscommon. Their visit concluded with a press conference on Wednesday at St Joseph’s Community Centre, Kilcormac, Co Offaly.

Over €17,000 raised for local Hospice

Two teenagers from Achill, Co Mayo, have raised an extraordinary €17,395.85 for the Mayo-Roscommon Hospice Foundation through a tractor run fundraiser.

Tiernan Moyles and Shane Gallagher, both aged 14 and students at Coláiste Pobail Acla, had originally set out with a modest fundraising goal of €500 but exceeded expectations by over 34 times.

The boys were inspired to raise funds in memory of their late relatives, Tiernan’s great-uncle John Toolis from Crumpaun and Shane’s grandfather Vincent Gallagher from The Valley, both of whom received palliative care at Mayo Hospice. Determined to give back, the duo combined their shared love of agriculture and tractors to organise the Achill

Agri Festive Run. The event, held on December 28th, saw almost 100 vehicles – including tractors, trucks, and cars – register for the run.

Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo-Roscommon Hospice Foundation, commended the boys for their efforts: “Tiernan and Shane are just fantastic. The enthusiasm, drive and passion from both of them has been exceptional.

“We are absolutely delighted they have chosen Mayo-Roscommon Hospice Foundation and we are thrilled with their hugely generous donation.

“This donation will go a long way in supporting our patients, who have life-limiting illnesses, ensuring we provide the best facilities possible to both them and their families.”

Pat O’Brien, Chairperson of the ICMSA Farm Business Committee.

Tiernan Moyles and Shane Gallagher with Marie McGuiness, Fundraising Coordinator, MayoRoscommon Hospice Foundation.

Based on a true(ish?) story: What should and shouldn’t be fictionalised in media… based on real-life events?

Let’s talk about ...

Media… ‘based on a

Each episode of Netflix’s ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ begins with the same disclaimer: “This is a true story based on a lie. Some names have been changed to protect the innocent. Belle Gibson has not been paid for the recreation of her story.”

The series, which has enjoyed alternate rankings on the platform’s Top 10 list over the past few weeks, follows the aforementioned Belle Gibson – who amassed millions of Instagram followers in the early 2010s with her inspirational account of how she’d beaten a terminal brain cancer diagnosis with healthy diet. Gibson went on to kickstart a hugely successful career off the back of this following, launching a recipe app called ‘The Whole Pantry’ (which saw her enter talks with Apple to make the app a privileged pre-installed default third-party inclusion in the Apple Watch) and signing a book deal with Penguin. All the while, Gibson continued to post content promoting the efficacy of her healthy eating methods in battling cancer, also sharing that much of her profits – then reportedly in excess of A$1m – was going to various charities, cancer-related and otherwise.

Then, in March 2015, investigative journalists who had noticed inconsistencies in Gibson’s cancer narrative and began researching the influencer, revealed there was no evidence of her purported donations. Under mounting pressure and public scrutiny, Gibson admitted in April 2015 that she had entirely fabricated both her cancer diagnosis and charitable contributions. She was fined A$410,000 for misleading consumers in 2017 – a penalty she has yet to pay as of 2025.

While the revelation shocked people around the world – particularly in Gibson’s native Australia – undoubtedly the most insidious consequence of this years-long con was the impact it had for those of her followers who did actually have cancer, who had been encouraged to shirk conventional medicine in favour of Gibson’s alternative ‘treatments’.

Now, a decade on from when this scandal first broke, comes Netflix’s ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’. And in many ways, given the shocking nature of Gibson’s story, it is unsurprising to see the platform release a series based on it. After all, the ‘based on a true story’ category of media has become a very reliable genre in modern entertainment in recent years.

These ‘based on a true story’ narratives add an additional point of interest to a piece of media, tapping into the very human fascination with real-life deception, scandal, and intrigue that causes the true stories they’re based on to gain such exposure in the first place. In fact, ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ appears to form part of a growing sub-genre within this niche itself –the rise and fall of real-life, high profile conwomen, with Hulu’s ‘The Dropout’ (based on infamous Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes) and Netflix’s ‘Inventing Anna’ (based on faux socialite Anna Sorokin) having enjoyed their own respective successes in recent years.

However, media ‘based on a true story’ can be murky business; with each new adaptation comes the familiar ethical dilemmas. When does the dramatisation of a true story become exploitative rather than informative? How much fictionalisation is too much? And perhaps most importantly – who gets to benefit from telling these stories?

For its part, ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ is quick to tack the line “Belle Gibson has not been paid for the recreation of her story” onto the end of its repeated disclaimer. Creator and writer Samantha Strauss has expressed she thought this an essential inclusion, after a friend, upon hearing she was doing the show, asked: “Why would you want to give this woman any more oxygen? Are they being paid for it?”

It goes without saying that any version of ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ that did reimburse Gibson would’ve been met with unquellable outrage (and rightly so). And given that the latest reports on Gibson have her claiming to be “adopted” into Melbourne’s Ethiopian community, calling herself Sabontu, and speaking in broken English, she looks unlikely to try and profit off the show

in other ways; to use it to re-ignite some sort of public attention or favour – as, for example, faux socialite Anna Sorokin has (in spite of her ongoing house arrest), appearing in interviews and on television, and building a substantial following since Netflix’s portrayal of her attempts to infiltrate New York’s elite social circles under false pretences in ‘Inventing Anna’ (due in no small part to Gen Z’s semi-ironic conclusion that her actions were more ‘iconic’ than insidious).

In this respect, ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ appears to have steered clear of a major problem similar shows have fallen into – that is, benefiting the figure they’re meant to be criticising. And in the absence of Gibson being able to profit (metaphorically or monetarily) from ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ comes the opportunity for the show’s impact to be more about its message than its inspiration, which is perhaps more aligned with what we should expect from media ‘based on a true story’.

After all, there is a distinction between a documentary and a show like this; a documentary should be about the facts, but when something

is ‘based on a true story’, there’s an inherent understanding that some aspects have been dramatised and/or completely fictionalised.

This understanding is made explicit in ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’s disclaimer: “Some names have been changed to protect the innocent”. Though of course, the show also takes creative liberties for less magnanimous reasons – that is, for the sake of a better/more cohesive narrative, with another disclaimer for the series to be found in its advertisement as a “true-ish story”.

The show gets a bit tongue-in-cheek with this description; ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ is a true-ish story in that aspects of the Belle Gibson scandal have been made up for the show, but also in that it is “a true story based on a lie”; Gibson’s lie. The irony is not lost on Strauss, who noted, “It’s an interesting thing when you’re dealing with someone who has lied and you’re creating a work that is, in some respects, fiction as well.”

This acknowledgement is important, not just for the sake of full disclosure, but also legally for Netflix – something they’ve been made particularly aware of in recent months with the aftermath of another of their real-life inspired shows, ‘Baby Reindeer’.

‘Baby Reindeer’ saw Scottish comedian Richard Gadd star in a retelling of his experience with a female stalker, and how it forced him to relive the past sexual trauma he had buried. The show became explosively popular for its effectiveness as a ‘comedy-thriller’, its cinematographic choices, and its enormous emotional impact, but amid the hype that greeted the show’s release, curiosity grew over the real identity of ‘Martha’ – the name given to Gadd’s stalker in the show. And because Netflix had changed very little in its depiction of this woman beyond her name, this growing curiosity eventually culminated in internet ‘sleuths’ exposing her actual identity. The woman went on to appear on a now infamous episode of Piers Morgan Uncensored, in which she denied much of what the show had depicted. And in September, she was given the green light to proceed with a US$170m defamation lawsuit against Netflix after a judge ruled the series was wrongly billed as “a true story”, not ‘based on a true story’. As a result, for many, the name ‘Baby Reindeer’ conjures up memories of this chaotic aftermath, as opposed to the messages the show attempted to put across regarding trauma, obsession, male victims of assault, and the longterm effects of abuse.

There is not just an appetite for media ‘based on a true story’, but a real place for it culturally, in terms of how it can reflect and comment meaningfully on societal issues. Similar to ‘Baby Reindeer’ being about more than Gadd, ‘Martha’, or anyone else, ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ is not just about Gibson; it explores the unchecked and pervasive influence of social media, the allure and false promises of modern ‘wellness’ culture, and most devastatingly, the true toll of a cancer diagnosis, and how those who feel unheard or let down by conventional medicine end up scrambling for alternative options.

Ultimately, the challenge with ‘true-ish’ storytelling lies in striking the right balance – between authenticity and entertainment, between creative license and ethical responsibility. When done well, these stories can illuminate cultural issues, spark conversations, and even offer some form of validation for those who’ve experienced hardships. But when handled more carelessly, they risk becoming exploitative or misleading, or, for the creators behind them, legally problematic – something Netflix has quickly learned the ‘truth’ of.

Alannah Ita Healy

true story’

newsbriefs

Bridge club results

The most recent results from the local bridge clubs are as follows:

Roscommon Bridge Club (Club Pairs Competition) –1st: Tresina and Tommie Murphy; 2nd: Kitty Dowd and Phyllis O’Shaughnessy; Gross: Mary and Terry O’Keeffe; 3rd: Chris and John McGrath. 1st Session: Marie McSharry and Ann Flynn; 2nd Session: Ann Kilduff and Celia Ansboro.

Happy ‘71 Bridge Club – 1st: Margaret Gillen and Joan Donnellan; 2nd: Chris and John McGrath; Gross: June Halliday and Tommie Murphy.

Ballymurry Bridge Club (Club Pairs Competition) – 1st: Maria Delaney and Anne Mooney; 2nd: Kate Walshe and Mary Doyle; Gross: Kathleen Corcoran and Ann Shine; 3rd: Frances Keane and Margaret Mullen. 1st Session: Kitty Blighe and Fiona Neilan; 2nd Session: James Walsh and Nuala Rogers.

Kilbride Bridge Club – (North/South) 1st: Margaret Scott and Sheila Macken; 2nd: Myra Farrell and Eileen Dowling. (East/West) 1st: Pauline Leonard and Margaret Mullen; 2nd: Jane Hunt and Annette Gaffney.

Coffee morning in aid of Daffodil Day

To launch Daffodil Day 2025 fundraising in Roscommon town, a coffee morning will take place in JJ Harlow’s, Roscommon Town, from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm on Friday, March 7th. Your support would be much appreciated.

ICA meeting

Roscommon Town ICA Guild will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, 4th of March at 8 pm in Hannon’s Hotel.

We are looking forward to seeing members there and new members are always welcome to join. Activities include book club, bowling, crafts, outings, line dancing, etc, and many interesting and informative guest speakers also attend.

Roscommon Macra soccer blitz

Roscommon Macra Club have organised a soccer blitz next month, which will see the lucky winning team take home €200!

This event will be taking place at Roscommon Community Sports Park in Lisnamult on Saturday, the 1st of March, with warm-up from 5.45 pm. 5-a-side mixed teams are invited to take part, and subs are welcome.

The cost of entry is €10 per person, and the blitz is open to all – both Macra and non-Macra members. If you’re interested in entering a team, message Roscommon Macra Club on Instagram (@ RoscommonMacra), or just come along on the evening. Changing rooms and facilities will be available on the evening, and a presentation for the winners and a party will take place afterwards in the town. This event has been kindly sponsored by Roscommon Sports Partnership.

Roscommon SPCA Church gate collections

The Roscommon society for the prevention of cruelty to animals (Roscommon SPCA) will be holding its annual Church gate collections at the following churches over the weekend of March 1st and 2nd 2025. Collections will take place at St Brigid’s Church in Drum on both Saturday, March 1st, and Sunday, March 2nd. A collection will also take place in St Cecelia’s Church in Curraghroe on Sunday, March 2nd.

This collection is a great opportunity for Roscommon SPCA to raise much-needed funds for animal welfare work and also to raise awareness of their mission and vision. If you would like to learn more about the organisation, please visit roscommonspca.ie or call Roscommon SPCA on 087 0505594. Your support would be greatly appreciated. All funds donated go directly towards animal welfare in the county.

Roscommon Hospital sees sharp decline in waiting list removals

< EMMETT CORCORAN

The number of patients removed from outpatient waiting lists at Roscommon University Hospital dropped significantly in 2024, falling to 982 from 1,782 in 2023 and 1,895 in 2022.

The figures, provided by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) in response to a parliamentary question by Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow), highlight a continued decline in waiting list removals at the hospital over the past three years.

Roscommon’s figures follow a broader national trend in which outpatient waiting list removals peaked in 2023 at 115,341 patients before seeing a slight decrease to 115,311 in 2024.

The validation process, conducted by the NTPF, ensures that waiting lists are regularly reviewed, with hospitals contacting patients to confirm whether they still require their scheduled appointments. If patients indicate they no longer need the appointment or fail to respond, they are removed from the list.

Regional comparison

In comparison to Roscommon University Hospital, both Sligo University Hospital and Midland Regional Hospital

also experienced de-

clines in waiting list removals, though their overall numbers remained higher.

Sligo recorded 3,620 removals in 2024, down from 4,619 in 2023 and 5,048 in 2022, showing a steady but less pronounced drop than Roscommon.

Mullingar, meanwhile, saw 2,032 patients removed in 2024, also down from 2,674 the previous year.

The figures indicate that while waiting list validation continues across all hospitals, the rate at which patients are being removed is decreasing in many areas. This could be due to improved list accuracy, meaning fewer duplicate or outdated entries, or a greater proportion of patients still requiring treatment.

National trends Nationally, the number of outpatient waiting list removals remained relatively stable in 2024 at 115,311, following a peak of 115,341 in 2023.

The largest hospital contributors to these removals included Galway University Hospital (14,665), Beaumont Hospital (4,930), and St Vincent’s University Hospital (5,805).

The validation process, which was first centralised under the NTPF in 2018, aims to reduce waiting times and improve efficiency in scheduling appointments. The practice, previously handled at individual hospital level, is now a nationally coordinated system designed to ensure that hospital resources are allocated as efficiently as possible.

Despite efforts to streamline waiting lists, the continued high numbers of removals indicate ongoing pressures on Ireland’s hospital system, particularly in outpatient care.

As waiting list management remains a key issue for the Department of Health, the focus will likely remain on reducing appointment backlogs and ensuring that those in need of care receive timely access to hospital services.

HSE move to ‘cull’ waiting list for children’s assessments ‘appalling’

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has criticised the HSE for contacting parents of children awaiting an Assessment of Need, requiring them to confirm their application or risk being removed from the waiting list.

Describing the move as “appalling,” the party’s spokesperson on Children, Disability and Equality said it appeared to be an attempt by the HSE to reduce waiting list figures rather than addressing delays in vital assessments.

“The HSE has communicated with parents who have applied for an Assessment of Need for their child, asking them to confirm whether they still want to remain on the waiting list.

“If they fail to respond, their application will be closed”, she continued: “This is an outrageous approach”.

Kerrane drew comparisons between this measure and the HSE’s previous use of Preliminary Team Assessments, a process that was found to be in breach of the 2005 Disability Act.

“This looks like another cynical attempt to quietly reduce the numbers waiting for an Assessment of Need, rather than ensuring that children receive the services”.

The Roscommon-Galway TD confirmed that she has written to the Minister for Health seeking assurances that no child will be removed from the waiting list as a result of this policy.

“The HSE appears to be doing everything except tackling these unacceptable waiting lists. Instead of creating administrative hurdles for parents, the focus must be on ensuring that children receive timely assessments and support.”

Waiting lists for children’s disability services have been a long-standing issue. Many families face delays of several years.

Mullingar

Pictured at the Roscommon LGFA Minor Board Table Quiz on Saturday night at the Hyde Centre were Sharon Ryan-Tarmey (Roscommon LGFA Development Officer), Karina Burke and Mary Garvey. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon LGFA Minor Board Table Quiz on Saturday night at the Hyde Centre were Natasha Munnelly, Laura Muldowney and Mikayla Keogh. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon LGFA Minor Board Table Quiz on Saturday night at the Hyde Centre were Owen and Jacinta Hoare, Gary Smyth and Mike Crean. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon LGFA Minor Board Table Quiz on Saturday night at the Hyde Centre were Colman and Liz Hanly and Gerry Morris. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

ENTERTAINMENT Culture&ARTS

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

Roscommon County Youth Theatre celebrates 25 years of creativity

Chris O’Dowd in video tribute

Last Friday, Roscommon Arts Centre played host to a gala evening celebrating 25 years of Roscommon County Youth Theatre (RCYT). The event reflected on the group’s remarkable journey, its achievements, and the profound impact it has had on young people in the county.

The evening featured a special video message from Boyle actor Chris O’Dowd, who praised RCYT’s contribution to the arts, remarking that “all the best stories come from small towns.” The event also saw screenings of past productions, including Alice in Wonderland, Romeo and Juliet, The Crucible, and The Snow Queen – the latter staged for Roscommon

Town’s inaugural Christmas Festival in 2021.

A highlight of the night was the premiere of Open Your Mouth, a documentary directed by Graham Cantwell, which explored last year’s original RCYT production of the same name, written by Catherine Sheridan. Cantwell encouraged members to “speak your truth. We need to hear what you say. Keep ‘opening your mouth’ – keep standing up and keep speaking out.”

RCYT Artistic Director Catherine Sheridan addressed the gathering, describing the youth theatre as “a flagship programme of Roscommon County Council where young people find advocacy, agency,

and empowerment.” She highlighted the lasting impact of RCYT, stating: “Young people have mastered their craft with us and have gone on to have successful careers, but it’s the values instilled –friendship and community – that matter most. We’re not just a theatre; we’re a family.”

Youth Theatre Leader Michael Foley, who has worked with the group for 13 years, shared his personal experience, saying: “Youth Theatre has shaped my entire career. We work to a professional standard – it’s not ‘little theatre for little people’.” His sentiments were echoed by past and current members, including Claire Muldoon, Emily Hough, Kiera Gardner, and Aaron Byrne, who spoke about how the theatre helped them develop leadership, teamwork, and confidence.

Leas-Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr Larry Brennan paid tribute to the theatre’s impact, saying: “Tonight celebrates what RCYT is all about – providing a platform for young people to express themselves and celebrate their lives and the lives of others.” He also acknowledged the unwavering support of the council and its Arts Office, led by Rhona McGrath, and Arts Centre Manager Catherine Lee and her team.

McGrath reflected on RCYT’s early days, noting: “Roscommon Arts Centre didn’t exist 25 years ago, nor did the office of Arts Officer. Who’d have thought we’d be here tonight celebrating this milestone?” She praised the group’s vision and dedication, crediting its continued success to the investment in young people and the arts.

Youth Theatre Ireland (YTI) Director Eoghan Doyle also commended RCYT’s work, stating: “Youth theatre is special; it’s about the holistic development of young people. Someone said to me recently, ‘young people aren’t the future – they are the now.’ Your success takes vision, passion, and belief.”

RCYT’s achievements extend beyond local productions. This year, the group has been selected as one of ten youth theatres to participate in the Youth Theatre Ireland National Festival of Youth Theatres in Kilkenny this June. Members will also take part in the Cruinniú na nÓg celebrations on June 7th.

The evening concluded with a standing ovation, a testament to RCYT’s influence over the past 25 years. With continued support from Roscommon County Council, Youth Theatre Ireland, and the Arts Council of Ireland, the group looks set to inspire future generations of young performers.

RCYT members pictured at the recent event.

Photo: Cian Flynn

RCYT members pictured at the recent event. Photo: Cian Flynn

Pictured are Youth Theatre Leader and Light and Sound Designer Michael Foley and Artistic Director of RCYT Catherine Sheridan. Photo: Cian Flynn

Supporters attending Roscommon’s Ladies Football League Division Two game against Donegal in Johnstown last Sunday, which ended in a draw. Photos: Michael Finan

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Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne has published the latest figures relating to the vacant property refurbishment grant, which show that over €2.6m has been paid out in Roscommon for the refurbishment of 44 homes, with over €77m having been paid out in relation to the refurbishment of 1,449 homes nationwide.

The figures – which outline applications, approvals and payments under the scheme up to the end of December 2024 – clearly show an exponential increase in the rate of grants issued to homeowners following completion of work.

Overall, since the launch of the grant in July 2022, in Roscommon there have been 374 applications, 206 approvals, and 44 grants issued up to December 31st 2024. As the scheme continues, more and more completions are coming on stream.

Under the vacant property refurbishment grant, you can receive a payment

of up to €70,000 to turn a vacant or derelict house or building into your permanent home or a rental property. The grants are paid upon the completion of the works and the submission of the required paperwork demonstrating the work approved has been delivered.

Reflecting on the latest data, Minister for Housing James Browne said, “The

Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is delivering real results, with over €77m already paid out to bring nearly 1,500 homes back into use in towns and villages across the country.

“The rapid increase in grant payments –€2,603,056 in Roscommon – shows the scheme is growing momentum, helping to tackle vacancy and

providing much-needed housing.

“With its ability to provide housing and revitalise communities, it is not surprising that the grant is so popular.

Indeed, with over 11,000 applications received and hundreds of applications being received monthly, this initiative is making a real difference in communities across the country.”

Morelli’s restaurant and takeaway – with residential accommodation – for sale with Remax Team Earley

Keith McLoughlin of Remax Team Earley is delighted to present an exceptional opportunity to acquire a well established and highly regarded restaurant and fast-food takeaway, ideally located in the bustling town of Ballaghaderreen. This commercial and residential property enjoys a prominent position with excellent visibility and yearround footfall, making it a prime choice for entrepreneurs or investors looking to step into a successful and thriving business.

The property is thoughtfully designed with three separate entrances, ensuring functionality and convenience for both customers and residents. One entrance serves the takeaway, another leads to the restaurant, and the third provides access to a spacious apartment located on the first floor.

The restaurant and takeaway span an impressive floor area of approximately 146 square metres and boast a BER rating of C2, highlighting energy efficiency. The business has a solid track record of turno-

ver, supported by its excellent location and reputation within the community.

The kitchen is a chef’s dream, fully equipped with premium stainless steel appliances, including fryers, ovens, pizza ovens, gas hobs, fridges, a prep area, sinks, and a high-quality coffee machine. It is immaculately maintained and designed to meet the demands of a high-volume food business. The restaurant area is bright, welcoming, and open-plan, creating a comfortable dining experience for customers. Toilets are conveniently located at the rear, with a storage area to the side for added functionality.

To the rear of the restaurant, the property benefits from a private backyard, providing valuable additional storage space and featuring an outbuilding for further utility. This backyard adds a practical advantage for managing supplies, deliveries, or expansion opportunities.

Above the commercial space, the first floor houses a beautifully presented and generously proportioned four-bedroomed apartment.

This residential space is ideal for an owner-occupier or as an additional rental income stream. The apartment features a bright, modern kitchen with ample storage and countertop space, which flows through an elegant archway into a large, inviting sitting room.

The layout also includes four well-sized bedrooms, each designed to maximise comfort and functionality, and a state-of-the-art bathroom that adds a touch of luxury.

This property represents outstanding value, combining a well established and profitable business with high-quality residential accommodation. Its strategic location in Ballaghaderreen, combined with its excellent facilities, including the backyard and outbuilding, and its strong business reputation, makes it a rare and highly attractive opportunity for investors or business owners ready to capitalise on its potential.

Don’t miss your chance

to secure this remarkable property. Contact Remax Team Earley today to arrange a viewing and take the first step toward owning this incredible investment!

For further details or to arrange an appointment to view, please contact Remax Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon on 090 6626579, email teamearley@remax.ie, log onto teamearley.ie or contact auctioneer Keith on 086 0848590.

Classifieds

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

ALCOHOLICS

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

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

CHIMNEY CLEANING

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

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods

CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS

• Can be cleaned from the bottom up

• Chimney cowls and crow guards tted Telephone: 087 2798704 Advertise with us to have your advert seen by over 80,000

Specialising in:

Telephone: 086 8433433

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

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

Stephen

● General Building

● Extensions & Roo ng

● Groundworks ● Renovations

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon 087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

FOR HIRE

 FOR HIRE: Tractor and Low Loader. Bales etc. Reasonable rates. Tel. 087 2929365.

FOR SALE/FARMING

 FOR SALE: – 20 bales of good silage. Kilrooskey area. Tel. 086 1263367.

 FOR SALE: Round bales of hay and silage. South Roscommon area. Tel. 086 8228485.

 FOR SALE: 140 round bales of silage. Kilmore/ Strokestown area. Tel. 087 4219596.

TRAILERS

• Certi ed Arborists

• Tree Surgery

• Dangerous Tree Removal

• Wood Chipping

COUNSELLING

& HYPNOTHERAPY

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

FENCING/GATES

Are you a ected byAnger Issues, Bullying, Bereavement, Con dence/self-esteem issues, OCD, Stress, Depression, Eating disorders Panic/Anxiety, Relationships, Exam pressure, Sexual Abuse Contact: Billy 094 96 59966 Mobile: 086 0675433 or visit www.billybrogan.com

TRAILER SERVICING & REPAIRS

to all makes & models

(LED Lights, Brakes, Re-Wiring, etc.)

Call TrailerFix on 086 4041875 Rooskey, Co. Roscommon

GARDENING

further information, please contact 087 7737063

• Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped

Comprehensive Insurance Cover. I.S.A. member. Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165 www.parklaw treeservices.com

FIONA HEALY

MARTIN Bridie

Gortfree, Curraghboy, Co. Roscommon. (1st Anniversary)

In this month of our national female patron, Saint Bridget or Naomh Bríde, we lovingly remember the derivation of her name in the form of Bridie, our mother’s name, whose birth and death occurred during the last week of February - born February 26th 1934 and departed this world on February 29th 2024. Bridie’s husband Barry, daughters Maria, Olivia, Trish and extended family wish to pause and remember Bridie’s life and sincerely acknowledge and thank those who were part of it in a variety of positive ways.

We acknowledge the wealth of kindness and support o ered to our mother by so many people over her six years of care at Oakwood Nursing Home, Roscommon. We wish to extend our immense gratitude to Mr. Declan McGarry and his dedicated sta in Oakwood including senior nurses Mary Geoghan and Olivia O’Toole who prepared the way for Mum on her rst evening as a resident there.

Many others facilitated her settling in including Anna, Susan, Patricia, Martina, Rachel and of course Rosie and her daughter Kim whose Art and Craft classes brought a creative dimension to the lives of so many.

We remember and acknowledge the many other sta who also o ered their kindness and assistance during Bridie’s time in Oakwood including the many residents of the nursing home.

Our nal memory of Oakwood relates to Mum’s death. We remember in particular the attention to detail during the palliative care period and the laying out of our mother surrounded by a scattering of oral petals.

This is a memory of lasting signi cance.

We also wish to pay tribute to the many kind carers involved in Mum’s life while living at home, particularly Mary and her long time carer, Estee. Mum’s love of music was echoed at the Funeral Mass in a most appropriate performance by Aileen O’Connor.

Our sincere gratitude to Aileen.

We appreciated your presence so much.

A special thank you to Una Feeley who took charge of preparing Mum’s Mass booklet. It was a most generous act. Thank you sincerely for this kind gesture.

A sincere ‘Thank you’ to the doctors of Castle St. surgery for their visits to mum and their constant reassurance over 6 years. For this we are immensely grateful. Our gratitude to the many kind neighbours and friends who visited Oakwood during Mum’s residence there. Thank you for the time you spent chatting or just sitting. A special thank you to Chrissie and Maura. Our appreciation to Funeral Directors Enda & Ita McHugh and Hamrocks Funeral Home, Brideswell for your professionalism, sensitivity and kindness in dealing with the Funeral logistics. You were so patient.

We also wish to acknowledge Brian O’Rourke and our most helpful neighbours who generously prepared and covered Bridie’s resting place on a very inclement March day.

Míle buíochas to Fr. Michael McManus and Deacon Willie Gacquin for your courtesy and empathy in organising all stages of the Funeral ceremony. Thank you to the eucharistic ministers and altar attendant.

We wish to express our appreciation to all who attended Bridie’s Funeral, some having to navigate their way through several oods.

We will always treasure the messages in all forms including RIP.ie, Mass cards, enrolment cards, texts, letters and oral arrangements.

Please accept the above piece as an expression of thanks and apologies to the many others that we have failed to mention.

The Holy Sacri ce of the Mass will be o ered for all connected with Bridie’s life.

Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas Sioraí Dí.

MENTON

Bridgetta

Curraghboy, Athlone. Co. Roscommon (5th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Bridgetta, who passed away on the 7th March 2020.

WHEN I GO

When I go, don’t learn to live without me, just learn to live with my love in a different way. And if you need to see me, close your eyes, or look in your shadow when the sun shines I’m there. Sit with me in the quiet and you will know that I did not leave.

There is no leaving when a soul is blended with another.

When I go, don’t learn to live without me, just learn to look for me in the moments. I will be there.

Loved and remembered by her parents Gerard and Caroline, her sister Edel, her brothers Thomas and Eoin, her brother-in-law Christopher, her extended family and loyal friends.

Anniversary Mass in St. Brigid’s Church, Curraghboy on Sunday, 2nd March at 10am.

CONNOLLY

Bea

Ballydooley and Runnabracken, Donamon (30th Anniversary)

Always remembered and sadly missed by your loving family.

30th Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Clooneycolgan Church on Sunday, 2nd March at 9.30 am

O’HARA

Eileen

Cloontuskert, Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon Left this world on 5th March 2022. R.I.P (3rd Anniversary)

Gone are the days we used to share but in our hearts you are always there. The gates of memory will never close, we miss you more than anyone knows. With tender love and deep regret, we who love you will never forget.

Loved and missed by her daughters Finola, Ciara and granddaughter Kelsey.

Friends are the family we get to choose, I thank God that Eileen and I chose each other. A truly beautiful soul, so loyal and so kind, you will live on forever, in my heart and in my mind. Our friendship was priceless and full of love, I would love to have one last chance, to laugh and chat with you again. Rest easy Eileen, my special friend, I will never let your memory end.

Love and hugs always Dee. xx

KEEGAN Bridie

Muﬀ, Castlecoote, Roscommon (27th Anniversary)

passed away on 6th March 1998

Our hearts are full of memories, with pride we speak your name. Although life goes on without you, it will never be the same. Those special days will not return, when we were all together, but with love and memories in our hearts, you will walk with us forever.

Sadly missed by her nephews Canon Joe, Kevin, niece Moria, niece-in-law Bernie, nephew-in-law Christy and grandnieces and grandnephews. Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday, 2nd March at 11.30 am in the Church of the Assumption, Castlecoote.

McMANUS

Evelyn

Athlone Road, Roscommon Town Who passed away on the 1st March 2014 (11th Anniversary)

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.

Always treasured with love by her husband, Noel, daughters Deirdre, Rebecca and Judith. Nonpareil. N.

JONES

Robert (Bobby) Raheny, Dublin Who died peacefully 24th February 2025 at Beaumont Hospital. Loved by everyone.

May he Rest in Peace. House private please.

Funeral Mass Monday 3rd March 2025 at 11am St. John The Evangelist Church, Kilbarrack, followed by burial in St Fintan’s Cemetery, Sutton. Family owers only please. Donations, if desired, to St Francis Hospice, Raheny.

GIBBONS

Tony Caggle, Strokestown Whose 19th Anniversary occurs on February 28th

Our hearts have been left broken since the day you had to go, and the memories we cherish dearly are in the tears that still ﬂow. You’re in our thoughts everyday and that’s how it will always be.

For you may be up in Heaven now, but you will always be with us.

Loved and sadly missed by Mom, Dad, Alan, David and families.

GANNON

Stephen Carnagh, Kiltoom Athlone, Co. Roscommon. (14th Anniversary)

Anniversary Mass for Stephen and deceased family members will be celebrated on Tuesday 4th March 2025 in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow at 7 pm.

Submit your Classiﬁed online

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

Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon

Third generation Monumental Sculptors specialising in:

• New Headstones

• New Inscriptions

• Restoration and Cleaning of Monuments

• Wall Plaques and Name Plates

• Grave Maintenance Service

Contact James on 087 3549574 or David on 087 6086723

E-mail: info@anthonymurrayandsons.com

www.anthonymurrayandsons.com

In loving memory of our dear Aunt Bridie who

TARPEY

Sean Sandﬁeld, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon. Who passed peacefully away on January 24th 2025.

Sean’s daughters Ethel, Helen and Jacqueline; sons-in-law Flav, Niall and Sean; his grandchildren, his brothers, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law and his nieces and nephews would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported and sympathised with us during our recent sad loss.

We would like to thank everyone who phoned us, sent cards, sent owers and o ered condolences on RIP.ie

We will be forever grateful to our kind and wonderful friends and neighbours who visited Dad during his nal years, o ering support and kindness.

A heartfelt thanks to those who travelled long distances, those who attended the Funeral Home, those who sat with us and those who attended the removal, the Funeral Mass and the burial.

A special thank you to Fr. Ray who guided and supported us with kindness and understanding in the preparation and throughout the Funeral.

Thank you to Aileen for the beautiful music and hymns; to Michelle for her beautiful song choice, and ful lling the di cult task of singing for us; and to those friends who contributed beautifully to the Mass.

A very special thank you to the wonderful men who under trying conditions, prepared Dad’s place of rest with a kind dignity be tting his place in the community.

Thank you Pat Smyth, of Smyth’s Funeral Home, Roscommon, for his priceless guidance and support through a process that could have been daunting in the given conditions. Pat, once again your kindness and professionalism to all duties is something we shall always remember.

A very sincere thank you to Adrian Grealy and his team at The Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. They provided a professional service, beautiful food and a warm welcome to all who attended.

Thank you to Anne Harlow, at Signature Flowers, Roscommon, for the many beautiful ower arrangements we received.

To the medical teams at Roscommon Primary Care Centre, the Palliative Care Services, and the doctors and nurses at Roscommon University Hospital and Portiuncula University Hospital, who attended to Dad’s medical needs, we thank you all. We express a very sincere thank you to Dr. Alex Robinson who was our champion throughout Dad’s medical care and needs. And we cannot nish our thank you’s, without mentioning the wonderful carers who cared for Dad during the past 2 years. Without your kindness and unwavering support, we could not have made Dad’s last months as comfortable and as manageable as you helped to do. You held a special place in Dad’s life and will continue to hold a special place in our hearts. Our thank you list is quite simply endless. We will be forever grateful to so many who did so much. Friends and family went above and beyond the call of duty to help us through this truly di cult time. To everyone, and to anyone we have overlooked, please know that we will be forever grateful, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

May Sean’s gentle soul rest in peace.

Month’s Mind Mass for Seanwill be held in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery, on Friday 28th February at 7 p.m.

SMYTH

Tom

Lanesboro Street, Roscommon Who sadly passed away unexpectedly on January 2nd, 2025

The family of the late Tom Smyth would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who o ered their condolences during this di cult time.

We are especially thankful to the numerous friends, neighbours, colleagues, and family members who visited us, attended the reposal and Funeral Mass, provided food, reached out with phone calls, sent messages, left tributes online, sent cards or letters of sympathy. Your kindnesses and support have brought us immense comfort.

Our sincere appreciation goes to those who were rst on the scene to assist Tom after his sudden collapse on January 2nd; Garda Eugene Kenny, Garda Denise Flood and Sergeant Ronan O’Meara, and the entire team of paramedics, as well as Tesco management and sta , and the Roscommon Fire Service.

We also want to acknowledge the compassionate passersby who were present that evening – your kindness will never ever be forgotten.

We extend our gratitude to Coroner Brian O’Connor, Dr. David Harrison, to Dr. Muslin for his swift response and to Fr. Eugene, who came so promptly to administer Last Rites. Thank you to Fr. Kevin Fallon P.P. for conducting a beautiful Funeral Mass and to Fr. Raul Cino, Fr. Eugene McLoughlin, Fr. Michael Kelly, Fr. Gerry Lanigan, Fr. George Agger and Fr. Michael O’Brien for concelebrating. We also very much appreciate all the other priests who visited the Funeral home or reached out to us via phone or text.

A special mention must be made for the late Very Rev. Donal Morris, a dear friend to our family and especially to Tom. May He too rest in peace.

We are deeply grateful to Miriam, Siofra and the choir for making Tom’s Funeral Mass an exceptionally beautiful and memorable occasion.

Thank you to Martha and Jimmy, the Sacristans who prepared the Church so thoughtfully, to Dermot for maintaining the Church grounds, and to Assumpta in the Parish o ce.

To Emmet, Linda, and the entire team at Keen Print, your e orts in producing the Mass booklet were remarkable – thank you.

We also wish to thank Mary, Kevin, Emmet, Orla Dooley, and their team for the lovely owers.

To Andrew Grayson who works alongside us, we appreciate the care and warmth you showed to Tom. Gratitude also goes to John Hoare at St. Coman’s and Brian O’Rourke for your meticulous preparation of the grave.

We are so thankful to John Smyth, a valued member of our team, for your sensitivity and support to Tom over the years, particularly during the Funeral days.

To Marisol, and others who helped at our home, thank you.

We also express our sincere gratitude to Inspector John Costello and Garda John Connor who escorted the Funeral cortege.

A special thank you to Declan Molloy for providing an abundance of food for the family, and to everyone else who brought sandwiches, cakes, scones, and other delicious treats.

We extend our thanks to the Grealy family and the sta of the Abbey Hotel for looking after us so well. We also acknowledge the great help that our colleague and friend, Michael Dempsey, gave us at this time.

We are sincerely grateful to Joey and Gary Finneran for your prompt response to a plumbing emergency at our home that weekend.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our heartfelt gratitude and an appreciation of the love and warmth shown to a truly remarkable man.

Tom‘s Month’s Mind Mass will be held at 11:30 am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

NEILAN

Paddy

Lough Ree Park, Ballyleague and Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon

In loving memory of Paddy, who passed away on the 6th of March 2020 (5th Anniversary)

It doesn’t take a special day, to bring you to our minds. For days without a thought of you, are very hard to ﬁnd. You always did your best, your heart was true and tender. You simply lived for those you loved, and those you loved remember.

Loved and very sadly missed by his wife Bernadette, sons Darren, Patrick and Michael; daughters Michelle and Sarah; daughters-in-law, grandchildren, brother, sisters and families.

Anniversary Mass will be held in Ballyleague Church on Sunday, 2nd March at 11.30am.

Send your Family Notices to advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633

www.brianmuraystone.com

HEGARTY

Johnnie

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

In loving memory of Johnnie who died on the 1st March 2016 R.I.P.

Time and years slip gently by, but love and memories never die. As each day dawns, we think of you. As each night falls, we pray for you. And throughout our lives, no matter where, in our hearts you are always there.

Loved, remembered and sadly missed by your wife Kathleen and family.

Johnnie’s Anniversary Mass in St. Michael’s Church, Glinsk on Sunday, 2nd March at 10 am.

O’ROURKE

Jim

In loving memory of Jim O’Rourke whose 4th anniversary occurs on 3rd March 2025.

but

loved, sadly missed and always remembered by

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard,

always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.

Deeply

his loving children Marina, Bobby and James, son-in-law Noel, James’s partner Katie and his grandchildren Arwen, Senan and Rían.

BRENDAN DOOLIN Also Wooden Venetians, Velux Window Blinds.

Mobile: 086 8115928

REPAIRS

Posts and Panels, Decorative Stone, Bark Mulch, Power Washing and Waste Removal.

CONCRETE: Kerbing, Paving, Patios, Concrete Slabs and Base, Stone Walls and Plastering

DIGGER: Foundations, Land Drainage, Ditch and Hedge

TURF

Excellent quality

Phone: 083 0684011 FUEL/ FIREWOOD

Bathroom planning and design to suit you All aspects of plumbing and maintenance

• Boiler Servicing

• Heating Installation

• Call for FREE QUOTATION Contact Luke on 085 7359120

Roscommon

Physical Therapy Clinic

Movement Matters

20 years experience treating babies to adults. Everyday aches & pains to sports injuries.

Physical Therapy

CranioSacral Therapy

Medical Dry Needling

Prescription Orthotics Pilates – Small Classes

Can we help you?

Call us today to enquire 090 663 0009

Like us on Facebook www.rosptc.com 1 Castleview, Roscommon F42 C902

PODIATRIST

Tullys

Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Sarah Fleming

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI

Sarah will be in Tullys Totalhealth Pharmacy, Castlerea on Monday and Friday and Boyle Totalhealth Pharmacy on Tuesdays.

● HSE Trained and Approved

● Home visits available

For any of your foot issues call: 094 9620009

PODIATRIST

For all foot ailments Corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, verruca, orthotics, diabetic assessments and treatmeny

Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I.

Department of Health Approved House Calls Available

Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea

For appointment, phone: (089) 4142233 • 20 years experience

COUNSELLING

• Addiction counselling for substance and behavioural addictions

• Online and in person therapy

• Abstinence and harm reduction approaches

• Relapse Prevention

• Mental Health assessment and rst aid

(Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle

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

Electrician Available

Safe Electric Registered. Domestic and Industrial, All work considered. No Job too small. Phone Paul 086 2553153 or email: p0862553153 @gmail.com

(Monday - Saturday) Tel: 087 2982214

Footpaths

• Anxiety and stress management

• Mental Health interventions and education

• Supportive psychotherapy Call John 087 2239095 Email - wynnejoh@gmail.com @reiteach_counselling

● Landscaping ● Paving & Kerbing

Foundations

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Jonathan and Catriona Quinn intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for alterations and extension to existing dwelling house at Knockcroghery, Roscommon.

The proposed alterations consist of

A. Erection of two storey extension to rear of the existing house

B. Close up window openings to side elevations of existing house

C. Demolition of existing rear extension

D. All ancillary development works.

Signed: Jonathan and Catriona Quinn. 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 ﬁve 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.

Design Consultation Planning Applications

New Build, Extend, Renovate

Bespoke Design Domestic, Commercial & Agricultural 086 3482387

info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, John Patrick Larkin, am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for proposed development located at Tearmon Beg, Tarmon, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of a 4 bay double, dry bed calf rearing shed together with associated site works. Total oor area of shed is 233.5m2

Signed: John Patrick Larkin.

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.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Signi cant Further Information

Signi cant Further Information has been submitted to Roscommon County Council, Planning p&d ref 24/100

Applicant Seamus Moran Cappagh, Curraghroe, Co. Roscommon. That signi cant information in relation to this application has been furnished to Planning Authority Roscommon County Council and is available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the o ces of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. That a submission or observation in relation to the further information may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 not later than 2 weeks after receipt of newspaper and site notice by the Planning Authority. That there will be no fee payable on a further information/observation if it is accompanied by a copy of the acknowledgement of a previous submission/observation.

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Dominic Bligh intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the development consisting of construction of a manure pit, equine shed with a loose area, stables, tack room, feed store and underground e uent storage tank along with all associated site works at Clooncoose South, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. The Planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the Reasonable cost of making a copy, at the oﬃces of the Planning Authority during its 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 submission 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 the application.

Signed: Carroll Consultancy, Bridge Street, Swinford, Co. Mayo. Telephone: 094 9253742.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Roslyn Fuller and Ake Braedt, are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for a change of house design that was previously granted under PD/23/133, along with all ancillary site development works at Aghacarra, Corrigeenroe, Boyle, Co Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €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 grand permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed:

Ph: 089 243 6908

Email: evan@henmandesign.com

Web: www.henmandesign.ie

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Michael Hanley, intend to apply for Retention Permission to retain an existing storage building, underground rainwater harvesting tank along with all other associated site works At: Ballyleague Townland, Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed:

Murtagh Engineering Chartered Consulting Engineers, Tarmonbarry, Co Roscommon. Ph: (086) 3490965 www.mbeprojects.com

ROSCOMMON COUNTY

COUNCIL

We, Viking Developments, intend to apply for full planning permission for the proposed demolition of an existing two-storey type dwelling house and the construction of a dormer bungalow type dwelling house, detached garage, including an entrance, boundary fence/wall, a suitable onsite treatment system with a polishing lter, and all ancillary site works at Ballylugnagon, Boyle, Co. Roscommon.

This 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 it’s Public Opening Hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Signed: Cunningham Design & Planning Limited, Block C, N4 Axis Centre, Longford, Co. Longford

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Andy Green, am applying for planning permission to construct 1. A New extension to the rear of an existing dwelling 2. Construct a new brick Gazebo. 3. To upgrade the existing on-site Septic tank system with a proposed new Wastewater treatment system with in ltration/Treatment Area and 4. Retention Planning permission for a Garden shed and roofed concrete area’s and all associated site development works at Derrynana Td, Carracastle, Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon F45 EW74.

Signed: Andy Green

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 opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of the receipt by the authority of the application, and such submission 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 the application.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Hazel Cooney and Paul Little intend to apply for Planning Permission for conservation and renovation work to Protected Structure RPS: 01000302 to include reinstatement of roof with addition of one roof light, provision of new rainwater goods, new windows and doors, new oors and internal partition walls, onsite waste water treatment system and all associated works, at Cavetown House Cavetown, Croghan, Boyle, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Hazel Cooney and Paul Little

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, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission 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 the application

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Mark Kenny intend to apply for planning permission for proposed dwelling house, domestic garage/store, proprietary treatment system, percolation area, and associated works at Thomastown Demesne, Ballydangan, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

This planning application may be inspected or purchased at the o ces of the planning authority during its opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application by the Planning Authority permission.

Signed: Stephen Blake, M.R.I.A.I., Registered Architect Trihill, Ballinmore Bridge, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway 087 635 8949 / 090 66 24681 / stephen@sbarchitect.ie

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Savoury Fare Ltd intend to apply for Permission for the following:

(i)The demolition of a dining area extension of 19.3 sqm to the western elevation and the lean-to covered external seating area to the southern elevation 20 sqm previously granted under PD2460241.

(ii) Change to southern elevation window of kitchen previously granted under PD2460241 and change of sloping roof to at roof of kitchen area.

(iii) The addition of a new dining space to the southern elevation of existing restaurant (Proposed Floor area: 110 sq. m.) with outdoor seating area and associated landscaping. (iv) along with internal changes to layout previously granted under PD2460241 along with connections to services and all associated site works.

At: SAVOURY FARE, BLOCK B DANESWELL BUSINESS CENTRE, MONKSLAND TD, ATHLONE, CO. ROSCOMMON, N37 W5K5.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such 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. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Collins Boyd Engineering Ltd. Engineers & Architects Galway Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. Ph (090)6634421

Email: info@collinsboydeng.com

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Declan Kelly and Kelly McCann, are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct new housing development consisting of 14 no. 3 Bed Two Storey Semi-Detached Units, 9 no. 3 Bed Two Storey Terraced Units, 6 no. 4 Bed Two Storey Detached Units, 10 no. 1 Bed One Storey Retirement homes, 4 no. 2 Bed One Storey Retirement homes, 1no. 4 Bed One Storey Respite centre, together with all boundary treatments, road services, site development works and all ancillary site development works and connection to public services at Lisroyne, 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 o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee, €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed:

Unit 6, Ballypheason House, Circular Road, Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 090 6634365. Mob: 085 1299470. E: james@jlce.ie & elaine@jlce.ie Web: www.jlce.ie

Planning & Design Consulting Engineers

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SEND YOUR CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENT TO advertising@roscommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, David and Orla Seifert, intend to apply for planning permission to Roscommon County Council for the following development:

1. Proposed extension and alterations to the existing dwelling house.

2. Demolition of the existing rear extension.

3. Construction of new two storey rear extension.

4. And all associated site works at Ballymagrine, Roosky, Co. Roscommon.

The Planning application may be

of the

Signed:

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THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. K.D.

NOVENA TO ST. RITA, SAINT OF THE IMPOSSIBLE

O powerful St. Rita, rightly called Saint of the Impossible, I come to you with con dence in my great need. You know well my trials, for you yourself were many times burdened in this life. Come to my help, speak for me, pray with me, intercede on my behalf before the Father. C.S.

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

PRAYER TO ST. EXPEDITE for urgent need...

Our dear martyr and protector, Saint Expedite, you who know what is necessary and what is urgently needed. I beg you to intercede before the Holy Trinity, that by your grace my request will be granted. (Clearly express what you want and ask him to nd a way to get it to you. May I receive your blessings and favours. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. If Saint Expedite grants your request, place fresh owers beside his statue in your home or in the church. Also place an ad in the newspaper thanking Saint Expedite, so that his name and fame will grow. M.H.

UNFAILING NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY

Oh Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Mira¬cles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (request). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the ‘Saint of Miracles’. O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sym¬pathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Publication promised for a great favour received. M.H.

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, ght 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 prayers. M.H.

Creggs RFC Report

THE GAIN LINE

Creggs storm the Castle(bar)

Creggs RFC played hosts to Castlebar RFC at Creggs last Sunday in the Connacht Junior 1A League Super 4s. This was one of the only games to take place in the province as a result of the heavy rainstorms of the past week or so.

As it happens, the game started in dry, sunny weather with a strong crosswind taking effect. Creggs started quickly and after a number of efforts scored five points in the corner with Mark Dowd collecting a chip ahead from Ronan Dowd and going on to score.

From the kick-off Castlebar won a penalty on the 10-metre line but the wind pulled it wide of the posts. From the drop-out Creggs pushed hard, getting to the right corner before a try-saving tackle from their No 9. Creggs won the following lineout and after four forward phases under the posts they went quickly left to Ronan Dowd who touched down in the corner again.

At 10-0 ahead Creggs were in hunting mode and were quickly back in the Castlebar 22. A high tackle gave the defenders a penalty break but they failed to make touch. The ball was palmed back into play to Mark Dowd by Shane Dowd. Mark hoisted a Garryowen to the Castlebar 10-metre line where the sharp Mark Purcell intercepted and raced home left of the posts for the third Creggs try. This was converted by his brother Shane, putting Creggs 17-0 ahead.

Creggs again pushed hard and on getting into the Castlebar 22 they ran the ball across the backline to the right. Then, in a quick break, Eoin Coyle broke three tackles to score the bonus point fourth try and put his side 22-0 up.

Almost immediately from the kick-off Creggs again kicked back into the opposition 22. Nato Kiripati threw into the lineout and on receiving a return pass he pounced to score from for the 5th try, making it 27-0.

As half-time approached Castlebar made their way into the 22 and a double tackle by Creggs led to their captain, James Brandon being pinged for a high tackle and receiving a yellow card. Castlebar took advantage and scored a seven-pointer with the final move of the half.

The second half saw a revived Castlebar dig in and score another seven points left of the post five minutes in. With the lead suddenly cut to 27-14, Creggs might have been rattled but they regrouped and their pack dominance resulted in a number of penalties being won in the scrum.

Within ten minutes James Brandon got in for another try. This was converted by Shane Purcell, putting Creggs 34-14 in front.

To their credit, Castlebar never gave up. However, when they went on the attack again into the Creggs 22 the ball was stripped and sub Cormac Dolan cleared 40 yards downfield. Shane Purcell got a boot to it, then Darren Gately appeared in full sprint mode, gathered the ball and scored an excellent try to push the score out to 39-14.

Castlebar again moved to within five metres in the dying minutes, but Creggs’ defence held strong.

U-15 BOYS: Creggs Boys U-15s took on Carrick-on-Shannon in the second round of the cup (at home). With this game played on the 4G pitch the wet weather conditions didn’t affect the surface.

The home side came out on top with a strong performance. Carrick were without some key players but battled hard throughout the game.

Creggs’ try scorers on the day were Darragh Connaughton, Aydin Odemis, Jack Lally (2), Tom Óg Reddington, Ciaran Cunnane, Tomás Lohan and Calum Ward. Calvin Beckett added five conversions.

Next up is a home game against Loughrea on the 22/23rd of March.

Creggs squad: Darragh Connaughton, Fionn Healy, Aydin Odemis, Cameron Clark, Maks Ciszyk, Tom Óg Reddington, Ryan Halligan, Austin Smith, Will O’Gara, Calvin Beckett, Ryan Lynch, Jack Lally, Ciaran Cunnane, Noah Feely, Calum Ward, Daniel Connolly, Cillian Fallon, Tomás Lohan, George Hoban, Daithí Kelly.

U-14 GIRLS: Creggs U-14 girls played their second cup group game last weekend. This was against Gort/Monivea under lights in Monivea’s

grounds on Friday evening.

The playing conditions weren’t great with a wet ball and mucky pitch. Creggs got the first try of the game after being held up over the line a few times.

Gort/Monivea never backed down and scored a try of their own to leave the score at 5-7 at halftime. A number of changes were made for the second half but it was the hosts who registered two tries to one leaving the score at 19-17 in their favour with ten minutes to go.

Creggs dug deep and showed great attitude, determination and team spirit. They never let their heads drop and played some lovely rugby in the last ten minutes to come away with a 3119 win. Well done, girls. It was great to see the support these girls showed each other even when up against it.

Try scorers on the day were Leah Connolly, Dearbhla Haugh, Muireann Mulry and Clodagh Finneran, with Sophie Dwyer kicking the conversions.

MINI-RUGBY: 40 of our U-12 boys and girls

Grey day for Buccaneers Firsts

Greystones moved up to second place in the Energia All-Ireland League Division 2A by virtue of a clearcut 48-10 victory over Buccaneers on Saturday. The visitors’ winning margin saw them leapfrog Cashel and Corinthians to move up to second place.

Our Firsts have their third successive home fixture in as many weeks when they entertain Banbridge in the Energia All-Ireland League at Dubarry Park on Saturday. Another tough test awaits the Shannonsiders when this Division 2A encounter commences at 2.30 pm.

SECONDS: Buccaneers Seconds went down 53-17 to Ballina in their Bank of Ireland Connacht Junior 1A Super Four pool game at windswept Heffernan Park on Sunday.

Ballina, who were playing in the AIL last season and would have been

expected to be in the higher section, built up a sizeable 33-3 lead by halftime.

Buccs fared much better in the second period and were rewarded with tries by Oisin O’Donoghue and Cormac McDonagh. Ewan Joyce-Whyte, who played well, converted both tries to add to his first-half penalty. Eoin Naughton and Jack Scouler competed bravely in the pack.

U-20s: Our U-20s face a crunch test when they take on Blackrock College in the JP Fanagan Leinster League Premier 2 Super Six group match at Dubarry Park on Sunday afternoon. With the Ray McLoughlin Cup also up for grabs, a highly competitive and entertaining battle looks likely when the action kicks off at 3 pm. This match deserves a big turnout of home support cheering on these young Buccs!

SECONDS: Our Seconds face another team that was disappointed not to qualify for the higher section when they travel to play Dunmore for a Bank of Ireland Connacht Junior 1A League Super Four pool game on Sunday. This league tie has a 2.30 pm start at Abbeylands South, Dunmore.

U-14s: Buccaneers U-14s put in a terrific away performance in Gort on Saturday when they enjoyed a convincing 48-0 Connacht Cup victory as they got back to winning ways. Next up for Buccaneers is a home match against Ballina next weekend.

VIRGIN MEDIA: Virgin Media recently broadcast sections of its flagship ‘Ireland AM’ show from Buccaneers RFC. Scores of young Buccs attended at Dubarry Park from the early hour of 7.30 am during schools’ mid-term break along with

headed for Dunmore RFC for a rugby festival last weekend. Lots of rugby was played and all had a great day out playing in the sunshine.

Meanwhile, back at base, our U-11s entertained Ballinasloe RFC in a number of matches where the benefit of great coaching showed in all the players.

Our U-10s did a swap and headed to Ballinasloe where again they played in good weather and had a great day out. Thanks to players, coaches and of course parents for making these days full of special memories for all at the club.

LOTTO: Last week’s lotto was not won and now heads for €4300. The lucky dip winner was Larraine Brennan. Please support the club by joining the lotto. If you are a member of the club you get a 30% discount when joining.

We are running a drive over the next few weeks to entice more members into joining the lotto with bonus prizes of a McKeever voucher and match tickets for Connacht v Cardiff and also versus Munster in Castlebar (which is a sell-out). Please join!

Creggs boys U-14s.

proud parents and club officials and volunteers. The exposure showed Buccaneers in a very positive light with our youngsters representing the club so well. Thanks to all who attended and helped out.

Buccaneers players pictured with club president Lorna Stuart Trainor and Virgin Media’s Deric Ó h’Artagáin.

The Creggs boys U-15 team, pictured last weekend.

The Creggs men’s team and replacements pictured prior to their win over Castlebar. Photo: Steve Fahey

Busy few days’ racing starts at Clonmel

Horses for Courses

Racing takes place this afternoon (Thursday) at Clonmel, with the first race at 1.40 pm. Tomorrow evening there is flat racing on the all-weather at Dundalk, away at 3.50 pm.

On Saturday, Irish racing takes place at Proudstown Park outside Navan featuring the Grade 3 Flyingbolt Novice Chase and Grade 2 Webster Cup Chase, with first race at 1 pm.

Sunday sees the close of national hunt racing at Leopardstown for this season, with the first of two days’ racing featuring the Listed QuinnBet Handicap Chase (off at 1.20 pm), and on Monday at 1 pm. The season ends on the 3rd of May at Punchestown.

Racing review

Punchestown held their postponed meeting from the 16th on this day week. The Grade 3 Quevega Mares Hurdle went to the WP Mullins trained Jade De Grugy, ridden by Paul Townend, who won easily from Mousey Brown and Gaoth Chuil by 6l and 3l.

The National Trial Chase was won by Gordon Elliott’s Fortunedefortunata

who, under Coen, was headed at the last by stablemate Will Do with Sam Ewing aboard, but rallied to win by 2½l. Another Elliott horse, Favori De Champdou, finished 3rd.

Friday’s meeting, postponed from Monday, was refixed for last Monday.

At Fairyhouse on Saturday Mullins made 14 wins in the Bobbyjo Chase as Nick Rockett ridden Townend won from Tom Gibney’s Intense Raffles by ¾l with Capodanno filling the minor places 6l back.

In the opening maiden hurdle, there was a gamble on debutant Great Attitude from 200/1 to 20/1 morning prices. Opening at 33/1 in the ring, he finished at 8/1. The gamble was well founded as the Athlone-based gelding, owned and trained by Tom Cleary, won by 5½l from Kish Bank.

At Naas on Sunday, after a morning inspection, the Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle was won by the Declan Queally trained Bacchanalian at 6/4f and the Michael Purcell Novice Hurdle went to the Elliott-trained and Ewing-ridden Jacob’s Ladder at 5/1. The final two races (chases) were abandoned.

Racing was lost in England this week with Plumpton on Monday and Wincanton yesterday falling to waterlogged tracks after heavy rain.

Racing news

Trainer John ‘Shark’ Hanlon, who had his licence restored after a threemonth suspension, can run horses from the 1st of March. His stable star Hewick will most likely miss the Gold Cup and run in the Grand National at Aintree, where he will have to carry 11st 7lbs.

Limerick trainer Michael Hourigan announced his retirement after 50 years earlier this week. Hourigan started training in 1973 with stable stars Doran’s Pride and Beef Or Salmon, the best known of his charges. He saddled his first winner, Ramrajya, at Limerick in 1979 and enjoyed his best season with 58 winners in the 2003-4 season. He also trained Hi Cloy who won 4 Grade 1 chases.

Starting on the 11th of March, Cheltenham Festival’s all-time leading owner JP McManus has over 70 horses entered, with fourteen of

All to play for in title races

Despite a terrible weekend weather-wise several games in the Roscommon & District League went ahead as planned.

In the only game played in the Norio’s Premier Division Boyle Celtic beat a struggling Ballymoe FC 9-2 at Boyle. The home side were 6-0 ahead at half-time and added three more after the break. Michael Corrigan and David Flanagan both netted hat-tricks and Adam Dwyer, David Callaghan and Shane Battles added one each for the winners. Damien Goggins scored both goals for Ballymoe FC.

As a result of that game, just three points separate the top four of St John’s Athletic, Moore United, Boyle Celtic and Castlerea Celtic in the Premier Division table.

The race for the Division 1 Championship is almost as close with just four points separating the top four of (in order) Ballinasloe Town, Moylough ‘79, Cloonfad United and Skyvalley Rovers. Cloonfad United have a game less played than the top two and Skyvalley Rovers have two less played.

Cloonfad United had some luck when they beat Ballinasloe Town 2-1 at home. Lucas Costa hit the Cloonfad United crossbar after two minutes and his side took a deserved lead through Shane Anthony with 20 minutes played. Ballinasloe Town lost their goalkeeper early in the second half when he was shown a straight red card and Cloonfad United also had a player sent off for retaliation in the same incident.

Cloonfad United levelled the game with 70 minutes played through James Brennan who headed the ball past the sub ‘keeper. Cloonfad scored the winner with four minutes remaining when a clearance by a Ballinasloe defender rebounded off Darragh Flynn. They held on to take all three points.

Kilkerrin United and Rahara Rovers continue to battle for the Division 2 Championship with Kilkerrin gaining a five-point advantage following last Sunday’s results. However, Rahara Rovers have a game less played. Kilkerrin United came away with all three

points from a very windy Dysart after beating a good Cam Celtic/Dysart side 3-0. Kilkerrin took the lead 25 minutes in when Darragh Nolan scored. Kilkerrin struck the post just before half-time and remained a goal ahead at the break. With 60 minutes played a fine passing move created an opening for Oisin Keane to add a second and with 15 left to play the ever-reliable Declan Murphy added a third for Kilkerrin.

Roscommon United and Rahara Rovers were involved in a real thriller at Clover Park, Rahara. It was the visitors who came out on top on a 3-2 scoreline. The heavy rain meant a change of venue as the pitch at Lisnamult was unplayable.

Darren Donnelly opened the scoring from the penalty spot for Rahara after Cian Gately was fouled in the visitors’ penalty area. Kavana Donlon equalised before the break with a tidy finish into the corner of the net following a neat through ball by Korey Keadin. Donlon volleyed to the Rahara net from outside the penalty area early in the second half to give the Roscommon Town side a 2-1 lead.

Cormac Lavin tucked away a well-taken goal to level the game with 25 minutes left to play. Lavin then had a goal ruled out for offside and with a few minutes remaining Kavana Donlon set up Marcel Gala to score the winner.

Women’s results

In the Connacht FA Women’s Shield Boyle Celtic beat Straide & Foxford United 6-1 at Boyle. Annie O’Connor scored two and Emer Callaghan, Andrea Hogan, Aoife Kiernan and Emma Duggan added one each for the winners.

In the only other game played Ballaghaderreen beat Ballinasloe Town 4-0 at Ballinasloe in the RDFL Women’s League.

Emma Kilkenny opened the scoring with 30 played and Rebecca Finan added a second just before half-time. The home side continued to play reasonably well but any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Finan completed her hat-trick near the end of the game.

them being ante post favourites.

WP Mullins, all-time leading trainer with 78, trains five of them – Majborough, Kopek De Mee (who only has one run in France), Sa Majeste, Dinoblue, and Fact To File. There are three more trained in Ireland: the Emmet Mullins trained It’s On The Line and McLaurey with Gordon Elliott, The Wallpark.

Jack Kennedy is in a race against

Shane Battles scored a goal in Boyle’s 9-2 win over Ballymoe, in a match which featured hat-tricks by Michael Corrigan and David Flanagan. File photo: Bernie O’Farrell

time to be fit to ride at the Cheltenham Festival and Gordon Elliott is hoping he makes it. The 25-year-old has been off the track since a fall at Fairyhouse in November. Elliott has called on Sam Ewing, Danny Gilligan, and Jordan Gainford to cover with Ewing riding Grade 1 wins aboard the Cheltenham entries Croke Park, Romeo Coolio, Brighterdaysahead, and The Yellow Clay.

RDL soccer fixtures

Friday, 28 February

Norio’s Premier Division

8 pm: Moore United v St John’s Athletic

8 pm: Shiven Rovers v Castlerea Celtic

Saturday, 1 March

Women’s League

8 pm: Boyle Celtic v Castlerea Celtic

RDFL Division One

8 pm: Glen Celtic v Ballinasloe Town

RDFL Division Two

11 am: Cloonfad United B v Cam Celtic/Dysart

Sunday, 2 March

Connacht FA Women’s Shield

2 pm: Shiven Rovers v Dunmore Town

2 pm: Manulla v Kilkerrin Utd

David Kelly Challenge Shield

11 am: St Cuan’s/Ahascragh Utd v Rahara Rovers

Norio’s Premier Division

2 pm: Ballaghaderreen FC v Boyle Celtic Division One

2 pm: Cloonfad United v Skyvalley Rovers Division Two

11 am: St John’s ‘B’ v Kilkerrin United 11 am: Moore ‘B’ v Roscommon United

Best wishes to Castlerea St. Kevin’s from

by Tom Red

Tom Cleary’s Great Attitude clears the last flight under Tiernan Power Roche.

Hurlers aiming to lift spirits with derby win over Mayo

< SEAMUS DUKE

A 12-point margin of defeat was very harsh on Roscommon as the home side maintained their unbeaten run in this Division Three game which was switched from Aughrim to Bray last Sunday.

In fact Roscommon actually led the match by a point with 20 minutes to go, but a late scoring burst from the home side yielded no less than three goals in injury-time. It meant that the final score was very unfair on Roscommon who had played well for most of the game.

Pádraig Doyle was the goalscorer for the home side in the opening half as they led by 1-12 to 0-7 at half-time having played with the elements.

Cian Murray, Brendan Mulry and Robbie Fallon were doing well for the visitors who were well in touch at the midway point.

Roscommon staged a superb comeback in the third quarter. Goals from Jack Dowling and Cian Murray helped Kevin Sammon’s charges into a one-point lead after 50 minutes.

The home side rallied and four points from Davy Maloney were crucial as they edged three ahead going into time added on. But late goals from Padraig Doyle (2) and sub Torna Mulconry gave the Garden County a handsome lead that flattered them at the final whistle.

This weekend Roscommon face Mayo in Tooreen, and Roscommon manager Kevin Sammon is looking forward to that clash on Sunday (2 pm).

Sammon told People Sport this week that last Sunday’s margin of defeat was unfair on Roscommon but that he is very happy with the progress of the side.

“I thought that we coped very well with everything last weekend, the late change of venue, etc and we played very well. We led in the middle of the second half and they scored three goals in stoppage time so we had done well for most of the game.

“The two games we have lost so far were against teams that are competing in the Christy Ring Cup. The three league games that we have left are all against teams from our own level so we will be hoping to do well in those now.”

Mayo on Sunday in Tooreen is a local derby to look forward to, he says.

“There is never much between Roscommon and Mayo and we will be going down there looking for a win. We are still trying different players and combinations and the aim is to have a settled team when it comes to the championship. We want to do well this weekend and we are looking forward to the meeting with Mayo” he concluded.

Roscommon: Enda Lawless; Ryan Conlon, James Dillon, Jimmy Hoey; Brendan Mulry (0-1), Conor Cosgrove, Michael Hussey; Darragh Finn, Jack Dowling (1-3); Connell Kennelly (0-1), Fionn Killion, Cian Murray (1-3); Cathal Kenny, Robbie Fallon (0-3, frees), Conor Mulry (0-1). Subs: Ben McGahon (0-1) for Killion, Adam Donnelly for Kenny (62), Eoin Fitzgerald for Conlon (66).

Success for local athletes at Connacht Indoor Championships

The Connacht Indoor Athletics Championships took place recently in the International Indoor Arena, TUS, Athlone. Held over two days, the event draws budding athletes from all over Connacht and Longford, in what makes for a very competitive event.

Roscommon athletes had a successful competition with the undoubted highlight on Day One coming from record-breaker Andrew Nolan of Lough Ree AC. The 12-year-old claimed gold in the U-14 Shot Putt with a throw of 14.01m, smashing the existing 18-year-old Connacht record!

One to watch, this exciting young athlete continues to exhibit great promise. Andrew proceeds to the Nationals next month. Clubmate Tadhg Shea came 4th in U-13 Long Jump and also qualifies for the Nationals.

Reeside AC’s Emily Clyne claimed gold as she glided into joint first in U-15 High Jump while Eva Lopez Fuertes took silver in the U-17 60m hurdles.

Noah Martin, Castlerea Crusaders AC, took 3rd place in U-15 Shot Putt with a PB throw that also takes him to the Nationals.

Suck Valley AC’s Emily Gately had a very successful day coming away with gold in U-15 High Jump and bronze in the 60m Hurdles, a super achievement for this versatile athlete.

Muireann Mulry ran a blistering 800m to claim bronze while Adam Kennedy claimed bronze in U-16 1500m. Clubmate Nicole Mulhearn also qualified for the Nationals with a 4th place finish in U-16 60m Hurdles.

Roscommon AC had a number of medals both individually and in team relays. Ciarra Keane took bronze in U-15 Long Jump, and also attained national qualification in both high jump and 60m Hurdles.

Juliette Fallon ran a confident race in U-15 800m, taking silver

Hollie stars for UCD

Roscommon star Hollie Kilroe produced a brilliant performance when representing UCD in the National Athletics Championships last weekend.

Her team took the 4x400 relay title in style, claiming a National and Championship record in a time of 3.46.66.

The 19-year-old Roscommon native is now running for her university (UCD) and is being coached by two-time Olympian James Nolan.

Hollie is now progressing to 800m, and is focussed on her 2025 U-20 European times and has also been selected for the 2025 U-20 4 x 400m Irish Relay squad.

with a PB. Saoirse McNamara took to the pit winning silver in U-16 Triple Jump. Greg McNeela (U-12) qualified for the Nationals in the Long Jump.

The final event of the competition was 4x 200m Relays. The Roscommon AC U-15 team of Juliette Fallon, Aimee Ttouuli, Ciarra Keane and Sarah Kelly ran out of their skins to claim silver in a very exciting battle.

The U-16 relay proved to be equally exciting, with the team of Saoirse McNamara, Ruth Dennigan, Sarah Kelly and Juliette Fallon The National Indoor Championships will take place over three days at the end of March/early April.

Camogie team set sights on Kildare after win in Tyrone

Roscommon made a winning start to their Very National League Division 3A campaign when they pipped Tyrone by 1-5 to 0-7 in Garvaghy last Saturday.

Roscommon were three points ahead at half-time (0-5 to 0-2) and they grabbed a crucial goal from Celine Gacquin early in the second half which proved a match-winner.

Tyrone replied with five unanswered points but Roscommon had done enough to secure this valuable win. It’s a great first outing for the team under their new manager Mary Grehan and her backroom team.

Roscommon will face Kildare at a Kildare venue this coming Saturday at 2 pm in round two of the league.

Roscommon: Andrea Fallon; Michelle Rogers, Shauna McDermott, Aideen O’Brien; Hannah Murray, Rachel Fitzmaurice, Erin McDermott; Sally Bolger, Sarah Dooley (0-2); Sinead Mannion, Tara Naughton, Celine Gacquin (1-0); Ciara Kilcommins (0-2), Oonagh Kelly, Orla Connolly (0-1). Subs: Michaela Fallon, Ava Mulry, Deborah Finneran, Charlotte Blackweir, Shona Hanly, Mairead Lohan.

Darts All-Irelands coming up

It’s now down to crunch time as our county darts teams face into their All-Ireland events over the coming weeks. This weekend our A Men’s and Ladies teams take to the Gleneagle in Killarney for their Inter-counties events.

Next up, our youths travel to the Shearwater Hotel in Ballinasloe for their All-Irelands on the weekend of the 8th of March. Finally, our B Men’s team will round off the Inter-county events with their finals on April 26th. We wish the very best of luck to all teams and their managements in their continued preparations.

DARTS LEAGUE: Round 15 of the Hannon’s Hotel sponsored Roscommon Darts League was played last Friday. Some rescheduled games from previous rounds were also facilitated.

The following were the results: Round 15: Holly Tree 7 Village Inn 2 (18 to 10 on legs); Tower Bar 1 Cosy Bar 8 (3 to 22 on legs); McDermott’s 6 Dalton’s 3 (19 to 9 on legs); Hollywood 4 Flanagan’s 5 (12 to 15 on legs); An Bothar Rua 7 Sportsman’s 2 (20 to 9 on legs). Rescheduled Round 8 game: Sportsman’s 3 McDermott’s 6 (12 to 20 on legs). Rescheduled Round 11 game: Flanagan’s 5 Dalton’s 4 (16 to 12 on legs). League darts will take a break this weekend as the Inter-counties series is beginning.

ROSCOMMON

Last week’s Ladies 9-hole re-entry winner (10-17 February) was Marina Cribbon with 17 points. Congratulations, Marina. We are continuing with the 9-hole re-entry competition this week, playing 1 to 4, 7 to 9, 10 and 11 (weather permitting). Our Spring League starts on the 1st of March and finishes in May.

OLIVIA: We wish the best of luck to Olivia Costello who plays in the Spanish Open Amateur Championship this week. The championships are at the Real Club de Golf El Prat outside Barcelona.

The practice day is on Monday with two 18-hole stroke play qualifying rounds on Tuesday and Wednesday. The top 64 then qualify for match play on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and the final is on Sunday.

COMPETITION: There will be a men’s 15-hole competition this weekend, weather permitting. Keep an eye on BRS and WhatsApp for details.

JUNIOR GOLFERS: Roscommon Golf Club is taking applications for membership from junior golfers for 2025. If your child is interested in taking up golf, the club will be hosting a registration event with representatives from the junior committee in attendance to answer any queries and assist with paperwork.

These events will be held in the clubhouse on the following dates: Friday, 7th of March (6 pm to 7.30 pm) and Saturday, 8th of March (10 am to 11.30 am). If you have any queries, you can contact one of the junior convenors: Laarni Beattie on 089 2069109 or Aidan Mulvihill on 087 9937176. NEW MEMBERS: New members are always welcome at Roscommon Golf Club. Call Paulie Hoare on 086-2986765 for details of reduced subscription rates for beginners, etc.

Roscommon AC’s U-15 & 16 Relay teams (Saoirse McNamara, Ruth Dennigan, Juliette Fallon, Ciarra Keane, Sarah Kelly, Aimee Ttouuli).

SportsPeople

SPORTS DESK

Paul Healy

Last weekend’s action reviewed

Last weekend was another fascinating one for sports fans, with some thrilling action in rugby, GAA and soccer (amongst other sports).

In the Six Nations, Ireland called on all their experience and self-belief to overcome a rejuvenated Wales in a nail-biter in Cardiff. Meanwhile, France’s devastating performance against Italy – they scored eleven tries in a 7324 win – will give interim Irish coach Simon Easterby much food for thought.

Scotland were unlucky to lose to England, scoring three tries to one against the ‘auld enemy’ and missing a conversion with the last kick of the game which, if on target, would have given them the win.

In the Premier League, Liverpool’s seemingly unstoppable march towards the title continued with a very comfortable 2-0 win away to a beleaguered Manchester City. Making the weekend all the more joyful for the Anfield Reds was the fact that Arsenal slipped up, losing

1-0 at home to West Ham.

Locally, it was a weekend of mixed fortunes on the GAA front. Roscommon CBS had a tremendous win in the All-Ireland Colleges semi-final on Saturday, while the Roscommon camogie team began their league campaign that day with an excellent win away to Tyrone. Sunday however was much less satisfying. Roscommon ladies were unfortunate not to beat Donegal in Johnstown, but the draw was still a positive result. Roscommon hurlers lost

Dylan Ruane (Roscommon) is a dejected figure after his side’s defeat in the Allianz Football League Division Two match against Meath at Páirc Tailteann in Navan, Meath. Pic: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile

Memo

to some in rugby circles: We won Triple Crown

in Cardiff…

I get that we were expecting a bonus point win, and that a Triple Crown these days doesn’t stir hearts like in the past, but the arrogance of sections of the media/ex-players/some supporters on Irish rugby matters remains unpleasant.

RTE held what amounted to an almost sulky post-mortem prior to live coverage of England v Scotland, with presenter Jacqui Hurley –complete with downcast expression – effectively asking her three studio guests what went wrong in Cardiff!

to Wicklow, while our senior footballers’ were surprisingly well beaten by a very fired up and impressive Meath team.

Meanwhile, our neighbours Galway and Mayo both impressed. Kevin McStay’s Mayo team came from nine points down to draw away to Armagh, while Shane Walsh scored 0-11 in Galway’s fine win over Donegal in a galehit Salthill. A mention too for Kerry’s David Clifford, who scored 3-3 in his team’s win over Tyrone. Truly a player to watch!

Of course Ireland’s performance was fair game for critical analysis, but the arrogant undertone – that we are all dejected because we didn’t hammer the Welsh – was annoyingly typical of the smugness and air of superiority that some people display around our national team. Might it be appropriate to make the point that winning in Cardiff is rarely easy? Might it be appropriate to suggest that Wales, rattled by criticism of their recent performances, and now under new management, were always likely to play out of their skins against Ireland? And did it strike Jacqui and her guests that Ireland had just beaten Wales by nine points away from home, despite being down to 14 men for 20 minutes? In doing so, we also won the Triple Crown, a feat that used to lead to wild celebrations a few decades ago. Just a touch more humility – and realism – wouldn’t go amiss.

Great sporting moments from 40 years ago

EastEnders can look back 40 years (as the TV soap, currently celebrating its 40th anniversary, has been doing), then we can do the same in this column…

In 1985, Kerry won the All-Ireland senior football title, Offaly were hurling champions, Ireland won what was then the Five Nations rugby, golfer Bernhard Langer secured his first Major, Martina Navratilova won her 100th singles title, Liverpool were crowned First Division champions, and Marvelous Marvin Hagler beat Thomas Hearns in a fight later billed as one of the best ever.

Unseeded German youth Boris Becker won Wimbledon at 17 years of age. 40 years on, Becker still holds the distinction of being the youngest ever men’s singles Wimbledon champion.

For star quality, there’s never been another Boris in London to rival him, including that Boris.

Meanwhile, 50-1 outsider Last Suspect won the Grand National, an outcome most punters never suspected.

There were many more sporting highlights that year. Here’s three that stand out for me…

1: Cup final drama

I get that we were expecting a bonus point win, In 1978, when the media reported that Kevin Moran had left the Dublin Gaelic football team to join… Manchester United… it was like someone had held the Roy of the Rovers’ writers at gunpoint and demanded that they produce a script to rival anything Hans Christian Andersen might have penned. Unable to check the details on X(Twitter)/the Internet/Sky Sports (none of which had been invented), we wandered into school the morning after the revelation, perplexed that the world as we knew it had changed. This,

to call on a phrase much loved by the now deceased BBC presenter David Coleman, was ‘quite remarkable’. Against all historical sporting norms, and at the relatively late age of 22, a Gaelic footballer (albeit a particularly Herculean one) had sensationally switched codes… and joined the most famous soccer club in the world.

Fast-forward to 1985, and Moran –a success in the United first team and for the Republic of Ireland – is lining out in the FA Cup final, at the time the undisputed glamour game of the year. Happily, he already had an FA Cup

winner’s medal from 1983, which is just as well, given what was to follow.

When Moran was red-carded for a tackle on Everton’s Peter Reid, he made unwelcome history, becoming the first player ever to be dismissed in an FA Cup final. At the time, it was very dramatic. It also seemed to signal the end of United’s chances in that game.

Then into this drama entered another Irish man. Norman Whiteside, a big, strong and gifted ‘boy wonder’ who had made his club debut in 1982 at the age of 16, scored a superb injury-time winner to put the broadest grin ever on

the face of Manchester United manager Ron Atkinson (and spare Kevin Moran’s blushes). United won the cup, and Moran was belatedly awarded his second cup winner’s medal some years later.

2: Black ball final

The sporting year of 1985 can never be reflected on without mention of the extraordinary drama that unfolded in a theatre in Sheffield in the early hours of the morning of Monday, 29th of April.

The ice-cool Steve Davis was overwhelming favourite to beat Northern Ireland’s Dennis Taylor in the world snooker final. Defending champion Davis was going for threein-a-row. No logical case could be made for Taylor. He was undoubtedly a quality player, but Davis was the sport’s dominant figure, and matches over a long number of frames suited him too. When he went 7-0 ahead on the Saturday of that weekend, humiliation for Taylor (and boredom for viewers) was becoming the narrative of a disappointingly one-sided final.

Then Taylor, with nothing to lose, produced a superb second session, closing the night just 9-7 behind. Had his obituary been penned prematurely?

Throughout Day 2, Taylor kept the maestro in his sights (make your own joke here about Taylor’s famously unusual glasses). Eventually, with millions of viewers utterly hooked by this drama, the world final went to 1717, with 18 frames being the ‘winning line’. Then, that tension-filled final frame reached stratospheric heights as the destination of the world title came down to one ball: the final black. Taylor won the nerve-racking battle on the black… that and a place in sport’s hall of fame.

3: Cyclone strikes

Over a quarter of a century before Katie Taylor rocked London (at the 2012 Olympics), Barry McGuigan electrified Loftus Road (home of football club Queens Park Rangers). For those present in the stadium (where the atmosphere was sensational), and for millions watching on TV, McGuigan’s world featherweight title bout against the brilliant defending champion Eusebio Pedroza was immediately filed under ‘Great sporting occasions of our lifetime’.

McGuigan, from Monaghan (‘The Clones Cyclone’) was a charismatic individual, his all-action boxing style endearing him to the public. Having emerged as a star at the height of the Troubles, he seemed to transcend politics and sectarianism, at least on some level uniting Northern Ireland’s fiercely divided communities.

Pedroza was a graceful fighter, and the unbeaten champion of the world for a remarkable seven years. This would be his 20th title defence. The fight was shown live in the UK, Ireland and America, the atmosphere raucous as 27,000 fans (almost all of them Irish) packed into Loftus Road.

When McGuigan dropped a backpeddling Pedroza to the canvass in the seventh round, Loftus Road erupted, as did my family’s bar in the Strokestown Arms, where I was serving drinks to a packed audience watching the fight on a small TV. After 15 spellbinding rounds, McGuigan was declared the new champion of the world by unanimous points verdict. The Barry McGuigan legend was born.

Kevin Moran

Barry McGuigan

Dennis Taylor

Super CBS power into final

Attention turns to All-Ireland date on Sunday week

Masita All-Ireland Colleges SF ‘B’ semi-final Roscommon CBS 2-14 St Peter’s, Dunboyne 1-11

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon CBS will meet Patrician High School, Carrickmacross in the 2025 AllIreland Colleges ‘B’ football final in Longford on Sunday, March 9th following a superb team performance against St Peter’s, Dunboyne in this very well contested All-Ireland semifinal played in Abbotstown in Dublin last Saturday.

Despite the game having been switched by the authorities at the 11th hour to a venue not 10 miles from Dunboyne, and the fact that it was played on an astro-turf pitch, the Roscommon lads made light of those factors to turn in a commanding display (particularly in the second quarter) to reach the decider.

The sides were evenly matched throughout the opening quarter and after 16 minutes it was 0-4 apiece. Eoghan Carthy was leading the charge for the CBS while John Harkin was doing really well for the Meath side. Carthy was inspirational for the CBS at centre-back, while the

decision by the selectors to pick Cian Duggan at full-forward paid handsome dividends for the Roscommon Town school. The big St Dominic’s man powered into the match, won almost every ball that came in his direction and kicked three longrange points (four in all) too.

Then on the stroke of half-time a quick Roscommon move saw Christopher Feerick send Colin Murray through on goal and he made no mistake, blasting to the St Peter’s net. CBS were more than good value for their 1-10 to 0-6 lead at the break.

The Roscommon side were not as sharp on the resumption. They missed a couple of goal chances that would have put the game to bed if availed of.

However they were keeping their opponents at arm’s length until the 42nd minute when Jack Harkin’s long ball was fumbled by the CBS defence before being knocked into the net by an alert James Lonergan. Now there were only three points between the teams. On the balance of play the

CBS were by far the better side but suddenly they were in a real battle. Colin Murray and St Peter’s sub Conor Murphy exchanged points to leave the margin at three. Then with eight minutes to go the CBS struck the decisive blow.

A sweeping move saw Sam Hannon send sub Freddie Kelly in on goal and he made no mistake, producing a critical three-pointer. There was no coming back for the Meath side after that.

It was a super team performance from Roscommon CBS. Eoghan Carthy and Cian Duggan stood out on the day, while Colin Murray, Michael Gillooly, Seamus Hussey and

Owen Rogers were also very prominent for the red and white.

For St Peter’s, Dunboyne, their captain Jack Harkin was arguably the best player on the field but he was a ‘one-man band’ for much of the match. His teammates Luke Faherty and Michael Padden had their moments for the Leinster champions.

Now the CBS can set their sights on the upcoming final against Carrickmacross and a chance to reprise the glory days of 2019 when the school last won the title in what was a memorable decider. These young men of 2025 now have a chance to make their own history.

Teams & scorers

Roscommon CBS: Gavin Staunton; Ivan Bikoi, Michael Gillooly, Martin Connaughton; Colin Murray (1-2), Eoghan Carthy (0-1), Colm Fitzgerald; Seamus Hussey (0-1), Sean McDermott; Owen Rogers (0-2, one free), Sam Hannon (0-2, frees), Aaron Dolan; Christopher Feerick, Cian Duggan (0-4), Tom Biesty (0-1). Subs used: Freddie Kelly (1-0) for Biesty (42 mins), Seamie Carthy (0-1) for Dolan (52 mins), Ciaran Mulry for Duggan (57 mins), John Farrell for Fitzgerald (60 mins).

St Peter’s, Dunboyne: Stephen Kiely; Cian Tobin, Brian Comiskey, Paul Dempsey; Ciaran McCormack, Michael Padden, Cian Rohan; Luke Faherty (0-2), John Harkin (0-6, two frees); Eoin McCrudden, Cian Duggan, Charlie Gallagher (0-1); Harry Healy, Sean Delaney, James Lonergan (1-1). Subs used: Conor Murphy (0-1) for Delaney (half-time), Jack Doyle for Rohan (39 mins), Cathal Farrelly for Dempsey (60 mins). Referee: Lar Murphy (Kildare).

Player of the Match: Cian Duggan (Roscommon CBS)

Joint managers thrilled with display

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon CBS joint managers

Noel Moran and Eoghan Coll were understandably thrilled with their side’s performance. Noel Moran agreed that the team really got going after initially making a slow start.

“I think the final scoreline suggests that we played as well as we’ve done all year. We had told the lads that when the chances were there, just take them. Maybe there was some dirty diesel in the tank early on but once the lads found their rhythm and broke lines, there were definitely scores in us.”

Moran said that the Roscommon players coped well with the circumstances surrounding the late change of venue.

“We were coming here today, 90 miles. The opposition probably only had to come ten. So we had to deal with all that. But we’ve great people around us to help us out. It’s a proud day for the school, a proud day for the

clubs involved and a proud day for all the people that have got us here, including sponsors and parents.

“We didn’t let it get into the players. We heard at 4 or 5 o’clock on Friday evening that the game was pulled from Kinnegad. We had to come here and be up for it. Sean Boylan is involved in the background with Dunboyne and we knew he’d have them well tutored. They were coming at us at the end, but our lads repelled it” he concluded.

Noel’s colleague, Eoghan Coll was in agreement that their charges had played well on the day.

“We were slow to get started but once we got going we dominated there around the centre and we got a lot of good scores. Colin Murray’s goal was excellent and Cian Duggan was very effective inside at full-forward.

“We had a lot of different lads from the Connacht final who showed up well today and that means we were getting scores

from a variety of players and it means we are sharing the load which is great from a team point of view.”

Coll says that it’s fantastic for the team and the school to be in an All-Ireland final.

“These are a great group of

lads. We are delighted to be in the final but we have to go and win it now. We will be concentrating on our team play and we know that

if we can get our intensity levels up we will be hard to stop. Today we couldn’t expect any more from them” he concluded.

Pictured after their All-Ireland semi-final win in Abbotstown last Saturday were Roscommon CBS players (from left) Michael Corcoran, Cian Duggan, Gavin Staunton, Cian Moran, Michael Gillooly, Aaron Bracken, John Farrell, Eoghan Carty, Jack Casey, Luke Staunton, and Freddie Kelly.

Pictured after their All-Ireland semi-final win in Abbotstown last Saturday were Roscommon Gaels players who are members of the Roscommon CBS squad (from left) Aaron Dolan, Jack Finn, Seamie Carty, Tom Biesty, Sam Hannon, Eoghan Carty, Michael Gillooly, Ciaran Mulry, and Michael Corcoran.

Burke to shuffle deck as Royal Flush beats Roscommon aces

Allianz Football League Division

< SEAMUS DUKE

Frustrated Roscommon manager Davy Burke is to ‘shuffle the deck’ and make changes to his team for this weekend’s crunch game against Cork after the Royals of Meath stopped Roscommon’s freescoring aces in their tracks.

Roscommon’s bid for promotion to Division One of the National Football League, a project that had started so well with three good wins, was blown off course by a very impressive Meath side in this ultracompetitive clash played before a big and noisy crowd at Páirc Tailteann last Sunday.

It was a day when very little went right for Davy Burke’s men. The Royals had their homework done. The home side won the toss but elected to play against the very strong wind in the opening half. They tackled ferociously and denied the highlyrated Roscommon attack space. Roscommon’s lead of four points at the break (0-12 to 0-8) didn’t look enough of a cushion, and so it proved.

Two very soft goals, conceded within a 40-second period early in the second half, were hammer blows that Roscommon could not recover from and Meath were always in control after that.

The Meath defence was outstanding. Veteran Donal Keogan kept Diarmuid Murtagh scoreless, while the rest of the Roscommon attack only played in fits and starts, with Enda Smith and sub Conor Hand the only ones to punch holes in the home rearguard during the course of the game.

A number of key refereeing decisions went against Roscommon on the day too, but having said that Meath thoroughly deserved to win the match on the balance of play and the result now throws the promotion race wide open. This coming weekend’s game against Cork is now a crucial one for Roscommon.

On a very blustery day, it became clear early on that Meath were up for it, and roared on by their huge crowd of supporters, they took the game to Roscommon against the elements. Ciáráin Murtagh scored an early two-pointer for the visitors, but impressive Meath goalkeeper Billy Hogan converted two ‘45s into the gale, and the home side led by 0-4 to 0-2 after nine minutes.

Roscommon’s best spell was to follow with Enda Smith, Conor Carroll (a two-pointer), Keith Doyle and Cian McKeon all on target to leave the visitors 0-7 to 0-4 ahead by the 16th minute. Meath were always dangerous on the break with Jordan Morris, Conor Duke and Eoghan Frayne constant threats in the home attack. Dylan Ruane kicked a point and then a two-pointer to give Roscommon some breathing space at the break, although the view of many at half-time was that Roscommon’s four-point lead wasn’t going to be sufficient.

In fact Davy Burke’s men began the new half well and Enda Smith and Ciáráin Murtagh pointed to leave Roscommon six points to the good after 40 minutes.

But disaster was to strike in a 40-second period in the 42nd minute. Enda Smith lost possession of the ball in the middle of the field and three passes later Sean Coffey was blasting the ball past Conor Carroll. Worse was to follow. The kick-out was poor, and Eoghan Frayne set up Ronan Jones who made no mistake for goal number two, and in the blink of an eye the sides were level.

Cian McKeon and Eoghan Frayne swopped points by the 47th minute but the momentum was now with the home team and they swept past Roscommon with a flurry of scores. Ciaran Caulfield (2), Conor Duke, Eoghan Frayne (2), and Duke again (2) were all on target as Meath opened up a seven-point lead.

The impressive Conor Hand (on as a sub) reduced the margin with a smart point in the 59th minute, and Roscommon could have been closer a minute later but home goalkeeper Billy Hogan made a

Eoghan Frayne (Meath) in action against Niall Higgins (Roscommon) during the Allianz Football League Division Two match at Páirc Tailteann in Navan, Meath. Pic: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile

Jack Flynn (Meath) in action against Shane Cunnane (Roscommon) during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match at Páirc Tailteann in Navan, Meath. Pic: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile

spectacular save from Diarmuid Murtagh.

Points from Frayne and Aaron Lynch and a late pointed free from Roscommon sub Conor Cox saw proceedings come to an end and the home crowd hailed their side with a standing ovation after the match.

There was a lot of loose chat about Roscommon – especially in the national media – over the past couple of weeks which certainly has not helped. While this was a disappointing result it is certainly

not a fatal blow, and the game against Cork on Saturday gives Roscommon a chance to revive their league campaign. But they will have to improve from this display.

One thing is very clear after last Sunday’s match. This is an ultra-competitive division and if a team is not firing on all cylinders they will be caught out, which is what happened to Roscommon last Sunday.

The full-back line of Pearse Frost, John McManus and Niall Higgins held their own but were under

pressure throughout. Further out the field only Enda Smith, Keith Doyle and sub Conor Hand were notably prominent on the day.

This is an improving Meath side. Their goalkeeper Billy Hogan was excellent, as were Donal Keogan and Ciaran Caulfield in defence. Jack Flynn and Bryan Menton won the midfield battle while up front Conor Duke, Jordan Morris and Eoghan Frayne were excellent.

Teams & scorers

Meath: Billy Hogan (0-2, 2 45s); Seamus Lavin, Sean Rafferty, Donal Keogan; Adam O’Neill, Sean Coffey (1-0), Ciaran Caulfield (0-1); Jack Flynn, Bryan Menton; Conor Duke (0-5, 2 tp), Jack Kinlough, Ronan Jones (1-0); Eoghan Frayne (0-6, 1tpf, 2 tp), Jordan Morris (0-2, 1 free), Shane Walsh (0-1). Subs: Brian O’Halloran for O’Neill (44), Aaron Lynch (0-1) for Walsh (51), Daithi McGowan for Jones (55), Michael Murphy for Caulfield (67).

Roscommon: Conor Carroll (0-2, tp); Niall Higgins, John McManus, Pearse Frost; Shane Cunnane, Dylan Ruane (0-3,1 tp), Ruaidhrí Fallon; Keith Doyle (0-2), Ultan Harney; Ronan Daly, Ciáráin Murtagh (0-3, 1tp,1 free), Enda Smith (0-3); Diarmuid Murtagh, Donie Smith, Cian McKeon (02). Subs: Shane Killoran for D Smith (28), Conor Hand (0-1) for Daly (44), David Murray for Fallon (44), Ben O’Carroll for Harney (51), Conor Cox (01, free) for Ciáráin Murtagh (58). Referee: Joe McQuillan (Cavan).

Stat Attack

Wides: Meath 8 (1, first half); Roscommon 5 (4, first half) Red cards: 0

Black cards: 0

Yellow cards: 0

Two-point scores: Meath 3 (all from play); Roscommon 3 (all from play)

Attendance: 7,000 (approx) Man of the Match: Donal Keogan (Meath)

Unimpressed Burke surveys the damage

< SEAMUS DUKE

It was a tetchy Roscommon manager Davy Burke who spoke to the local media after the match.

“It’s a very disappointing result. We were very poor today to be honest. Our appetite was not what it should have been. We had won three from three but we were second best today. But I knew that we would be up against it here today, I have been around watching Meath in recent weeks… and we just didn’t turn up.”

The Roscommon manager said that the concession of the two rapid-fire goals early in the second half was key to their defeat.

“I’d say Enda (Smith) won’t be happy about the first one and then a bad kick-out and the ball ended up in the net again. It was probably naïve not to slow the ball down, but in this new game (a reference to the recent rule changes) we know that a six-point lead is nothing.

“Look, Meath won a lot of the breaking ball and the kick-outs today. We have lads like Cathal Heneghan on the bench who can’t get into the team so maybe we need a bit of freshness this week (against Cork).

“I think people completely underestimated that Meath team. They are a big, strong physical team. The big crowd was a big help to them. Division Two is very competitive.”

Looking ahead to this weekend’s game against Cork, Burke predicted another close battle.

“I went to see Cork play Monaghan in Inniskeen over the weekend and if we play like we did today it could be a very long trip, but we will look at that during the week” he said.

“If we were going to Cork with eight points on the table we would be worried but now on six it’s an even bigger game for us. We hope to have a few more players back from injury and hopefully we will get a positive reaction from today.

“I think we will need five points from the last three games to ensure promotion so we will see how it goes” he concluded.

Ladies travel to Cork with confidence after Donegal drama

A goal scored from a very controversial penalty awarded in the 12th minute of injury-time saw Donegal snatch a draw and deny Roscommon what would have been a sensational win in this league encounter played in poor weather conditions at Johnstown on Sunday afternoon last. As it is, their performance augurs well for their trip to Cork this weekend to take on the home side.

It was a tense affair all through with Roscommon the better team for most of the proceedings. Aisling Hanly was superb up front, kicking four first-half points. At the break, Roscommon led by 0-8 to 0-6. The second half was a very hard-fought affair. Roscommon defended magnificently. Aisling Hanly and Laura Mannion pointed to extend the Roscommon lead to three.

Roscommon supporters, officials and players alike were perplexed as several key refereeing

decisions went against them late in the game.

First Ria Lennon and Laura Mannion were shown yellow cards for what looked very minor offences. Then referee Ger Canny played 12 minutes of injury-time and awarded Donegal a highly controversial spot-kick after it appeared that Saoirse Wynne had dispossessed a Donegal player and cleared without having committed a foul.

However, the penalty was awarded and Jodie McFadden converted it to give Donegal their third draw of this league campaign.

Roscommon played ever so well and while they will have been disappointed not to have won, it shows that they can compete at this level.

Aisling Hanly, Rachel Brady, Ellen Irwin, Saoirse Wynne and Laura Mannion were all very prominent for Roscommon who now travel to face Cork away this Saturday (3 pm).

Roscommon manager Finbar Egan, while understandably frustrated with a number of key decisions that have gone against his side in recent weeks, is very happy with the effort his players are putting in during the campaign.

“We are playing well and our work rate is top class. All the big decisions went against us in the game with Donegal. We got two yellow cards and we didn’t commit a bad foul in the entire game. Then we should have been given a free out but the referee gave them a penalty, but those things happen.

“I suppose you could say we should have closed out the game when we are ahead but we were unlucky. It was a very tough day to play in the conditions and I thought we did very well overall.”

Looking forward to the game in Cork this Saturday, Finbar says that these are the fixtures that

Roscommon will learn from.

“It’s a great game to have. Cork have a super senior team and would have ambitions to win AllIrelands every year. But if we can put in the work rate that we have shown so far we can do well.

“If we get a good performance out of our team and show what we can do we could surprise a few people on Saturday. It’s a huge test but one we are looking forward to” he concluded.

Roscommon: Caoimhe O’Reilly; Rachel Brady, Ellen Irwin, Megan Kelly; Orla O’Neill, Saoirse Wynne, Ria Lennon; Abby Curran, Niamh Watson; Shannon McGuinness (0-1), Laura Mannion (0-2), Caoimhe Cregg; Aisling Hanly (0-5, 1 free), Roise Lennon (0-1, free), Caoimhe Lennon (0-1). Subs: Ella Thompson for Cregg (46), Lisa O’Rourke for Curran (55), Megan McKeon for C Lennon (59), Rachel Fitzmaurice for McGuinness (62).

Caoimhe Cregg in action for Roscommon against Evelyn McGinley of Donegal in the LIDL Ladies Football League Division Two clash at Johnstown on Sunday. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

The scene in the 12th minute of time added on at Johnstown last Sunday when Donegal scored a controversial penalty to earn a draw against Roscommon in the Lidl Ladies Football League Division Two. Photo: Michael Finan

Jordan Morris (Meath) is tackled by John McManus (Roscommon) during the Allianz Football League Division Two match at Páirc Tailteann in Navan, Meath. Pic: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile

Sports PEOPLE

Burke to ring changes

Bid to get promotion drive back on track

Allianz Football League Division Two: Cork v Roscommon on Saturday at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh at 7 pm

 SEAMUS DUKE

What originally looked like a tricky trip to the banks of the River Lee on Saturday, March the 1st when the ﬁxtures were ﬁrst drawn up has now assumed critical importance for Roscommon footballers as the race for promotion to Division One has really heated up following last weekend’s results.

This time last week Roscommon were cruising along at the top of Division Two, with much praise being heaped on their style of play. However, one week and a substandard display later, the Rossies now ﬁnd themselves third on the table (on scoring difference) with a battle ahead of them. What makes this ﬁxture even more interesting is that Cork, who have been very inconsistent so far, can draw level on the table with Roscommon if they win this clash. So it’s a very big game for them too.

Roscommon were well off their best against Meath and they will have to rediscover the energy and appetite for hard work that we saw in the opening three rounds. It is hoped that at least some of their injured players like Niall Daly, Eddie Nolan and Brian Stack might be back, which would be very welcome.

Roscommon’s attacking threat was there for all to see in the opening three games but it is a worry that Meath were able to virtually shut that down last Sunday and Davy Burke and his selectors will have to ﬁnd a way to get Roscommon back on the front foot this Saturday. We cannot be depending on Diarmuid and Ciáráin Murtagh to win every game.

Cork are a very unpredictable side. Last weekend they were well beaten by Monaghan, conceding 3-16, and they have also lost to Down by a point (1-19 to 2-15). The Rebels have beaten Westmeath in a high-scoring encounter (3-18 to 3-17) and it is also interesting to note that they defeated Meath by 2-19 to 0-21 in round one. That result should be warning enough for Roscommon. We saw how good Meath were last Sunday.

One thing that’s clear from those results is that Cork are well able to rack up a big score. That said, they look vulnerable at the back and that is something that the Roscommon backroom team will be working on this week. But make no mistake Cork will not be easy to beat on their home turf.

Roscommon fans who are making the long trip south on Saturday can watch out for Daniel O’Mahony, Rory Maguire, top scorer Mark Cronin, Chris Óg Jones and Cathal O’Mahony.

Roscommon manager Davy Burke said after last Sunday’s loss to Meath that they would seek to ‘freshen up’ the team for this weekend, so players like Cathal Heneghan, Ben O’Carroll and Conor Cox might well feature on the starting 15.

Roscommon did not become a bad team overnight but they will have to work hard and play to their strengths if they are to get back on the winning trail. This is likely to be another high-scoring game. Roscommon are well capable of coming out on top by a few points.

Prediction: Roscommon.

Around the grounds in Division Two

Cavan v Down at Kingspan Breffni Park on Saturday (6 pm)

This is a hard game to predict. Cavan can get away from the relegation zone with a win while Down badly need to add to the two points they have accumulated so far. I have a feeling that Down will edge it.

Louth v Monaghan in Drogheda on Sunday (2 pm)

Monaghan recovered from their loss against Roscommon to ease past Cork last weekend. This will be another tight one against a Louth side who need a win to stay in the promotion picture. Monaghan to win.

Westmeath v Meath in

on Sunday

pm)

While Westmeath are bottom of the table, they have actually played well in all their games so far. Meath are on a high after last weekend and are an

side. They

Mullingar

improving

should be good enough to win here.

Roscommon manager Davy Burke pictured during the Allianz Football League Division Two match between Meath and Roscommon at Páirc Tailteann in Navan, Meath. Pic: Shauna Clinton/Sports le

Jack Kinlough (Meath) is tackled by Keith Doyle (Roscommon) during the Allianz Football League Division Two match at Páirc Tailteann in Navan, Meath. Pic: Shauna Clinton/Sports le